Chapter 3 of Part 1 Exterminators

<body> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <a href="#mountainman">Man of Mountain</a><br> <a href="#marked">Marked</a><br> <a href="#oldhorror">An Old Horror</a><br> <a href="#reality">In Reality</a><br> <a href="#plane">A Plane, My Lord! A plane!</a> <br></br> <br></br> </td> <td> <a href="#duel">Duel</a><br> <a href="#crashed">Crashed</a><br> <a href="#orcs">Orcs</a><br> <a href="#bastard">You Relentless Bastard</a><br> <a href="#romance">Ah... Romance</a> <br></br> <br></br> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="730"> <tr> <td> <a name="mountainman"></a> <h2>EXT- WOODS- DAY</h2> <p>Teething on bone, WASPS still pick at the horse's fresh carcass. Snatching one, ALDRIC squats, almost seeing if it holds an answer.</p> <p>Behind him, SARGOS brings HELGA on a steed, the girl held tight - the man/beast's captive.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> There are no other bodies.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He looks to Helga.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Confirm?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A nudge from Sargos makes her respond.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Yes.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> No one has ever escaped the swarm.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Aldric smiles.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Magwitch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Coming over to Helga, he lays his head on her leg.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> You found Magwitch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She merely turns up her nose. Doesn't matter. Turning to the mountains, he's still proud.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Oh, Agatha, if only you knew.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> He has the key now.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> He won't use it. Christmas has come early.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> My lord?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Aldric smiles back to him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> It's a good day.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>INT- CAVE</h2> <p>In the dim glow of a stove, AGATHA lays limp on a wood slab. Withered, blistered hands are exploring her. They spread her lips. Display her silver fangs.</p> <p>Tickling her soft belly, the fingers pull her pink flesh.</p> <p>It rips.</p> <p>The hands stop.</p> <p>But soon they peel the skin up, revealing a patch of glistening white hide. Flicking the shedding away, those hands go to a table - go to the knives set there.</p> <p>The slim blades cut. They cut peppers.</p> <p>Into a bowl the veggies are dumped. MAGWITCH, now ignoring Agatha, is making soup.</p> <h2>INT- CAVE</h2> <p>JOHN's eyes drift awake in the firelight, finding the rotting face of MAGWITCH before him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Gaah!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Told you, you come.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You again.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>In the half dark, John can glimpse the pit he is in. The stalagmite decor, the ragged tapestries, the grimy pots and tables: it's truly a hermit's hovel.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Always me. And, lucky for you, I was there to stop those fairies.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You mean what were fairies.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Streaked by the raw glow, Magwitch pours some soup from the stove.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> "Were" is right. Many things have changed: majestic Wryfries now dragons, simians now orcs, and fairies now monsters. Not to mention Aldric's own, personal triumphs.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <a name="marked"></a> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> So, who is this Aldric guy, anyway?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Magwitch smiles.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> The devil himself. Soup?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What's in it?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Some herbs, spices, and a great deal of your girl companion.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>And John jumps. Magwitch has made him slip, fault into a puppy's gawk. Coy eyes observing John, Magwitch lurches to BOB, giving him a bowl.</p> <p>Bob sniffs, disregards and eats.</p> <p>But, seeing more soup coming his way, John moves out.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I'll pass.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He ducks into the shadows, being marked by Magwitch. And when a smooth hand touches him, causing John's body to skip, it's marked.</p> <p>For from those shadows, complete but dreary, is AGATHA, holding John for balance.</p> <p>Yet, instead of relief, John's eyes roll. He's been had.</p> <p>She leaves John to hide in the corner, the man a little too naked and exposed. Limping to a seat, Agatha groans, seeming hung over for days.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Ah, dear, you spoil my joke.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I doubt I'd care for your humor, old man.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He gives her a bowl.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> What is it?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> It's you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She raises a dull look to Magwitch, but she drinks and continues in her aching tone.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> How long has it been?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Sun just rose.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Then Aldric's already here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Don't worry about him. In fact, I figure, right now, he's nipping his nails over me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Dittoing Magwitch's smile with a nod, John is up.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Well, you guys have fun.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Don't start.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> We're at the mountains. I'm gone.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> And they'll rip you to shreds before you even get to the foot.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> I'll take my chances. Bob?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He says nothing.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Fine, be a martyr.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>So John leaves.</p> <h2>INT- CAVE ENTRANCE- DAY</h2> <p>JOHN heads right for the opening, stopping as he sees ALDRIC casually walking in with PRIESTS and BLACK BEASTS. Meeting eyes with him, John points and guesses.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Aldric, right?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Right?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John nods and runs back into the cave.</p> <h2>INT- CAVE</h2> <p>And now JOHN comes back.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> He's here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>AGATHA snaps to MAGWITCH, finding her straps and arms gone.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> My weapons.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But her searching hands have found something else - her patch of white real skin. Seeing his wink, Agatha is pulled deeper into the cave, Magwitch waving JOHN and BOB to follow.</p> <p>He closes the steel door just before the PRIESTS, BEASTS and ALDRIC enter.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Sixteen thermal grenades: centuries to prepare and sixteen grenades. What did you do, get addicted to reruns?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH (on intercom)<br> You don't even know what I have in store for you. Hah!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Blow the door.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He marches out.</p> <h2>INT- TUNNEL- DAY</h2> <p>AGATHA looks to MAGWITCH.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You better have a way out of here.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Oh, but I do.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He leads her into a dark mouth. JOHN and BOB stopping to peer down the gapping hole they've entered.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Where's he taking us?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Down there.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>And so they go.</p> <a name="oldhorror"></a> <h2>INT- PIT</h2> <p>Barely able to see as he climbs down the long, imbedded ladder, JOHN keeps his pace with BOB. AGATHA and MAGWITCH are already way down.</p> <h2>EXT- MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>ALDRIC marches to ISAGOTH, SARGOS keeping HELGA trapped to its saddle.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Disappointed?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> It wouldn't be the first time.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He lifts Helga from him and cuts her bonds, pushing her away. She's dumbfounded, so is Sargos.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> No worries, Sargos, I know where she's going.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> One of these days, you're going to be wrong.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> The day I'm wrong is the day you fail. Now go do what you have to.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She mounts his horse and races away as Aldric waves a goodbye.</p> <h2>INT- TUNNEL</h2> <p>JOHN snaps up, hearing the explosion above. BOB pulls him along. At the hatch, AGATHA and MAGWITCH work the wrench.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Four hundred years and you don't have anything?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I was retired.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Wait, so you are an immortal?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He smiles to John.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> I'm the immortal.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The hatch opens. Magwitch invites them in.</p> <h2>INT- CAVARN- DAY</h2> <p>Stepping in, even AGATHA is awe struck. JOHN and BOB tiptoe behind her as if in the grace of a temple. What they are in presence of is a cavern: a great cavern lined floor to ceiling with smooth concrete.</p> <p>Sealing them in, MAGWITCH limps down the long passage of columns. Sunlight, reflected from a slit above, marks his way, shedding a dim glow on all else.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Cute.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> What's that?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He's pointing at the rejuvenation chamber, now beaten and mangled by nothing less than a pick ax.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> A rejuvenation chamber.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Looks like someone had a falling out with it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Somebody just got tired of the concept.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John gazes to a series of pools and gardens beyond, all arranged in the strongest streams of light.</p> <a name="reality"></a> <p>They follow Magwitch to the great opposing wall. But, when John looks back, he finds that Agatha has froze in her tracks.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Hey?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She knows the grim reality.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> This is a fallout shelter.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> A what?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Hold on.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Like having a map in her head, Agatha locates the landmarks she seems to vaguely know of, the points leading her to a gaping black mouth in the wall. It's what she wanted to find.</p> <p>A quick search, John gets a lamp, using the stove to light it. Together, they go in.</p> <p>What they discover is an old, dust encrusted console. She spies a locker loaded with broken plastic tabs. They use to contain paper, but now it dribbles from it in decayed flakes. She lets it smudge her fingers.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Interlock codes.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Frantically searching, Agatha starts clawing the scum from the console. John peers over the encrusted monitors, a perplexed scrunch to his brow.</p> <p>Stopping, Agatha has found it: a product stamp. Leaning next to her, John reads it. RSML.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Re...Ris...Rismli.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He looks to her for an answer, her eyes locked on the rows of firing switches - all flipped.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Remote Silo Missile Launch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Practically stunned, the sight is almost too impossible for her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> The idiots let him have it.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She storms out, John right behind her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> (cont'd)<br> Know how the last age ended?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Heard lots of stories: gods, demons, monsters. Nothing I believe in.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>They spot Magwitch at the wall, scaling the long staircase up.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> You aren't following me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> How did the world end?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His eyes roll.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Man fell face to face with his own evil.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> In reality, Magwitch!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He leans down to her from the railing, maniacal lips curling.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Thermonuclear Holocaust: what else would it have been?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The withering man is back to climbing.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> Now come along. Nothing I have will hold forever.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> So whose story's true?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She answers in lament.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Aldric's.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>INT- TUNNEL</h2> <p>PRIESTS and BLACK BEASTS ease down the tunnel to the second door.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>PRIEST<br> Blow it too?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The other priest halts him, finding a keypad. They get out their tools.</p> <h2>INT- SLIT- DAY</h2> <p>The slit is a large crack carved out of the shelter to open air. There, MAGWITCH reveals to JOHN and AGATHA a biplane.</p> <p>Crudely built, it's almost a primitive caricature. But still, Magwitch beams with pride.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> See, I didn't just watch re-runs.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> That's how we're getting out of here?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Yes, now move.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He yanks John along, a mute Agatha following. BOB, however, is peering down the mountain.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Come on, Bob.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Where's Lucy?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Magwitch looks at him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> (cont'd)<br> My horse.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> West: at the foot.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Bob nods and goes to the ledge.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Bob? Dammit, if you love her, set her free!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But he's already gone.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Why does he get to run away?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Peeling hands at him, Magwitch prods John up the ladder and into the gutted cockpit. But Agatha isn't so rushed. So, Magwitch takes a moment for her inevitable question.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> They gave you the button?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> And that's not just a figure of speech.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But sighing, he surrenders what she's after.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> No matter the age, there's but one true truth: people love to have their gods.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He takes her hand.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> But we know where that ends. Don't we? Come. Come. I need someone to work the throttle.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha climbs in, Magwitch watching her as he goes to the propeller.</p> <p>With her nursing the throttle, he whips the blades - nothing.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You ever test this thing?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Just keep pumping.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The door opens a crack. A BLACK BEAST is already trying to squeeze through.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Guys?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>With one hard huff, Magwitch flings the propeller and it finally hacks into a spin. Agatha pulls him in and he gets behind the controls.</p> <p>Almost breaking their bones, the BEASTS squeeze through.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Whatever it is, now's the time.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To that Magwitch just smiles and pulls the dangling latch. The plane is released and slides out into the air.</p> <p>And falls.</p> <a name="plane"></a> <h2>EXT- MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>The plane dives straight for the rocks. Holding each other, JOHN and AGATHA scream, MAGWITCH pulling the control stick.</p> <p>To its doom, the biplane passes the tree line. But then, miraculously, it soars over them and into flight.</p> <h2>EXT- MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>SARGOS spots the plane, pointing it out to ALDRIC with stunned wonder.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> A plane, my lord, a plane!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Dragons - knock it down.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Shit! Gotta add.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> No killing!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Hands up, Sargos quickly complies.</p> <h2>EXT- PLANE- DAY</h2> <p>AGATHA sees the DRAGONS swerving in, yelling past JOHN to MAGWITCH.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Guns?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Over there.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She pulls out a heavy machine gun, but an old one - WWII.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> (cont'd)<br> Cleaned and ready: all for you.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha secures herself and aims. She fires. Click. So she racks another round. Click.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> How old is this thing?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Two thousand years.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Chucking the cannon, she rummages through his supplies. A flare gun falls out.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What can I do?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Sit.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha loads the single chamber as the three dragons close around them. She fires. They dodge and return flames to their wings.</p> <p>Magwitch twists the plane, trying to out maneuver them over the trees. But they keep up. Ducking the fireballs, Agatha drops in another round and fires. The dragon falls. The flare passes over.</p> <p>It pops back and launches the fire.</p> <h2>EXT- FOOT OF MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>Skulking up the mountain, a BLACK BEAST spies BOB trekking down. It aims.</p> <p>But, to its shocked howl, hooves send it flying in a flash - LUCY. Bob runs to her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> There you are. Anybody hurt you?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Down the way he sees the curled black beast.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> (cont'd)<br> Guess not.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Hearing the engine, the gunfire, and the blasts, Bob spots the biplane passing with fireballs following. He mounts Lucy.</p> <p>Pulling his bow, snapping the reins, Bob rides out to the action.</p> <h2>EXT- RIVER- DAY</h2> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="blwa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Bob and Lucy"> </td> <td> <p>LUCY charges through the waters as BOB watches the plane pass overhead. The DRAGONS float in right behind.</p> <p>One arrow, he takes aim and shoots at the last.</p> <h2>EXT- DRAGON- DAY</h2> <p>The RIDER gets an arrow through his belly and the DRAGON flies off course.</p> <h2>EXT- MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>ALDRIC witnesses this with SARGOS.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Again: professionalism.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Already on ISAGOTH, the man/beast adorns his helmet. With one mighty thrust, she's airborne.</p> <p>Feeling the wind, Aldric turns from her pass and faces the horde of awaiting BLACK BEASTS.</p> <a name="duel"></a> <h2>EXT- STREAM- DAY</h2> <p>LUCY races to keep up as BOB strings another arrow.</p> <p>But, from above, ISAGOTH's shadow drops on them. It lands in the river, blocking their path.</p> <p>On her is SARGOS. He reaches for his rifle but stops. Instead, he draws his sword. Seeing that, Bob slings his bow.</p> <p>With the hiss of iron, Bob's blade is out.</p> <p>Sargos bows. Taking his challenge, Bob kicks Lucy. And she charges, leading him straight for the roaring monsters.</p> <p>Sword held high, Sargos prods Isagoth's head back and uses her to swing him and his blade to Bob.</p> <p>They clash.</p> <h2>EXT- PLANE- DAY</h2> <p>DRAGONS just at the tailfin, the wings are already burning around JOHN. AGATHA looks to MAGWITCH as she loads another round into the flare gun.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Just get us to the shore!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> We're going where I want.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>More flames flank them.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Magwitch!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He whips around, shooting her in the belly with a tranquilizer dart. John catches her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> No Aldric spy tells me what to do.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Get the controls.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Don't worry exterminator. I saw your look. You're next.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Magwitch has loaded another dart and aims. John, seeing this, instinctively shields himself with Agatha. She gets hit in the chest.</p> <p>Her face, snarling, twists back to him. She'll remember this. And, so he drops her, ramming Magwitch as he loads again.</p> <p>He throws the gun away and shoves the old man aside. Now he sits at the controls, just staring at the stick.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> How do I do this?!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Magwitch crosses his arms.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Okay.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He pushes it. The plane dives, they all hold on. John pulls it hard and misses the trees.</p> <p>Surprised by the sudden stupidity, the RIDERS glare to one another, but then chase as before.</p> <p>The plane whirls frantically as John tries and tries. Agatha struggles to aim the flare, but keeps getting tossed across the plane.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Can't you fly?!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> No!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John screams again, narrowly dodging a tall pine. He's back, staring at his path.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Okay. Okay.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Focusing, he gets control and steadies the plane.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You're not swerving!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You said stop!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Two fireballs, either side, take out both wings, leaving only enough to steady the plummet. Left to crash, John turns to Magwitch who humbly pulls him down.</p> <p>Everyone braces up as the plane cuts into the trees, jamming itself in the branches.</p> <h2>EXT- MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>ALDRIC hears the plane: the branches breaking against it. Way down, he sees it vanish into forest.</p> <p>To SIX BLACK BEASTS, he extends a handful of cloth, letting each get a good whiff. Petting their grimy manes, he stretches his command, allowing the word to sink in.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Keep. Keep.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Then he too gets in a filling sniff, grinning to their shark eyes.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> (cont'd)<br> Yeah, she does have a good smell, doesn't she.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Passing his chosen six, Aldric pulls that awful horn and lets it ring long and loud. Before him, that BLACK BEAST HORDE screams, seizing into their trademark frenzy.</p> <p>Thunder rampaging by, the stampede flows around him and to the trees.</p> <p>As cool as he always is, Aldric gets out his radio.</p> <h2>EXT- STREAM- DAY</h2> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="isg1wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Sargos and Isagoth"> </td> <td> <p>BOB and LUCY dodge, block, slash and stab ISAGOTH and SARGOS at every quickening turn.</p> <p>Isagoth rams Lucy into the water and leaps back.</p> <p>From the water, locking Sargos in his gaze, petting her muscular neck, Bob whispers in Lucy's ear.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Okay. Light your fight, girl.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He holds on, riding the snapping horse back to her feet. Bob tosses the reins, letting Lucy focus and flare. A whirl of his sword and he kicks her to go.</p> <p>Sargos snarls and both he and Isagoth roar, meeting them with bone and steel. At the same rapid pace, they duel, Bob getting in a final and deep pierce in the dragon's mouth.</p> <p>Isagoth throws itself in the air, landing far down the stream. There it waits.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Lucy, as crazed as Bob, jumps to her hindquarters and dives for the dragon.</p> <p>Sargos grins, now hungrier than ever for this fight. And that's when he gets the call.</p> <h2>EXT- MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>It's ALDRIC looking to the trees.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC (into radio)<br> Sargos, they crashed, get back here - now.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <h2>EXT- STREAM- DAY</h2> <p>SARGOS scowls at the order, being denied his prize. But, still, he draws his rifle. And aiming down ISAGOTH, he fires.</p> <p>No. Not BOB. LUCY.</p> <p>The bullet hits her, dead center chest.</p> <p>Leaping high, she shrieks, throwing Bob and crashing into the water. Shaking himself back, he finds her, splashes to her side.</p> <p>But it's done. Hand on her panting neck, he knows. His girl is dying.</p> <p>Sargos raises his rifle and salutes, capturing Bob's trembling eyes.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> Another time, friend.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Isagoth then thrusts herself to the wind, casting a dark cloud upon them.</p> <p>And he is left alone. Even as HELGA stumbles her mare behind him, he's alone. It is only he and Lucy.</p> <p>Her gurgles the only sound, now fading with his caress.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Bob?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His face falls, cringing his pain tight as he suddenly punches his dagger deep into Lucy's heart. Her scream is short, her death true in a merciful second.</p> <p>But Bob's silent agony remains.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> (cont'd)<br> Bob?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Tears cutting his cheek, he finds Helga and, though it's raw on his throat, says it anyway.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>BOB<br> Where's the battle?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>HELGA<br> Way down there.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He touches Lucy's face - a touch he can't take away. But, feeling his soul sting, Bob does, leaving her.</p> <p>For now there's payback.</p> <p>Leaping behind Helga, he mounts her steed and steals the reins.</p> <p>They ride. They ride hard.</p> <a name="crashed"></a> <h2>EXT- WOODS- DAY</h2> <p>Listening to the plane creak on the branches, AGATHA lies, her stupor making her get lost in the sky. Past her, MAGWITCH and JOHN fumble and bump.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Come on, let's find away down.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But John breaks away from him, crawling over to Agatha, entering her gaze.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> We need to go.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Why did I let you fly?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He fumes.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Are we alive? Huh? Are we okay?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> I guess.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Screw it. He kisses her.</p> <p>And, against his lips, she laughs. Now embarrassed, he stops and waits as her musical cackle booms. Still, Agatha laughs, lovingly slapping his chest. More grimacing, John does smile back.</p> <p>But then the plane falls, taking them down on her joyous scream.</p> <p>Landing on its nose, the plane dumps them on the ground. In her fog, Agatha's still smiling, eyeing John with girlish zeal.</p> <p>And there is a moment between them, silent and engrossing. Her smile/his scowl fade; and that spark, however invisible, is seen clear by both. But it's only a moment.</p> <p>The howls are coming.</p> <p>Both look: BLACK BEASTS. Distant as they are, their forest trampling flood is undeniable.</p> <p>Hands going for her belt, Magwitch takes his chance and seizes the KEY. And he runs.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Get him!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha jumps ahead and shoots a flare to the beasts. Magwitch breaks from John but doesn't escape. Instead, he ducks behind the nearest tree.</p> <p>John sees this and yanks Agatha into cover. She pushes. He holds.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> He ducks. We duck.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The beasts rush in, one stopping at the sight of a rising thermo charge. With a spit and a roar, it explodes, striping the bark from their tree shields.</p> <p>Suddenly, roars circle the two, John shielding Agatha from great red-hot blasts.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>MAGWITCH<br> Twenty grenades, you jackass!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>It stops.</p> <p>Agatha looks to John. He looks to her. She sees Magwitch running away.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Moron!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Throwing John off, she's after him. John follows as more explosions wail around them. He sees Magwitch run only the large roots lacing the ground.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Roots! Run the roots!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha skips that and leaps up into the trees, racing across the branches. Moving like he has constipation, he can't out run her. She drops on Magwitch, blocking his punch and decking him.</p> <p>She takes back the key.</p> <p>John shows and ducks. The beasts are still coming. Backing with John to a tree, they stand, swords drawn and ready for an inevitable mauling.</p> <p>On a whim, she kisses him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> We could die today.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> As long as it's that.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <a name="orcs"></a> <p>Back against him, blade tipped, she closes her eyes.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Ready?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> What the hell.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Then, a salvation, gunfire sounds - dozens of shots. But the bullets aren't for them. They hit the black beasts.</p> <p>From cover, John and Agatha look up.</p> <p>Surging from the brush, heavy irons flaring, hitting the beasts head on are the ORCS. Just passing them, they pound into the horde, slamming it dead in its tracks, making a wall protecting John and Agatha.</p> <p>And feet weigh on earth before them.</p> <p>Agatha looks high, gazing into rugged orc features. She then glows with joy and reverence, saying his name.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Greygen.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>GREYGEN greets her with sword aimed at her chin.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> For your sake, you best have a god in your pocket.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She almost laughs.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You're just in time.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Then take sword and join me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A beast is coming, Greygen, with that flamberge, sends it screaming to the trees. Like tossing a babe, it shoots high and far, smashing into wood.</p> <p>Another has shown. He cleaves it in half. And Greygen roars, unstoppable as he marches into battle.</p> <p>Doing as asked, she grabs sword, slaps John and rises.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You heard him.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>She's already off, John taking his sword and catching up.</p> <p>Swords digging, necks breaking, carcasses crashing, the beasts are match by their giant opponents. But still those black beasts swarm, teeth spearing flesh, claws stealing blood. They are both are matched in this howling, shrieking rumble.</p> <p>In the center of it is John, trying to keep with Agatha. But she has leapt over the orc wall, descending out of sight. Now John is trapped, pressed between towering monsters, having to cut and carve the endless stream of deadlier ones.</p> <br></br> <p>At battle's edge, a steed has shown, almost charging with the beasts' descent on the orcs.</p> <p>But it is no ally.</p> <p>Swords ringing out, BOB and HELGA dive head long into the chaos. Steel and iron flash, tips dragging blood from each beast passed.</p> <p>It has alerted the horde, the mass surging upon them. The horse crashes, being devoured. But Helga is pouncing, escaping into the safety of the orc wall.</p> <p>That leaves Bob... too bad for the beasts.</p> <p>Broadsword knocking heads, Bob rages against their monstrous kind. Limbs fly, heads roll, his force cleaving off chunks of foe like never before. He has no direction. Back and forth, he buries his blade in all flesh around.</p> <p>From the dead, he takes a second blade and into every side his steel sticks, Bob howling this one-man massacre. Beasts ram and leap to, each absorbing his sharp flashes.</p> <p>His vengeance reins.</p> <p>But then, into bodies racing by, his swords disappear. Bob has been left unarmed. And the beasts are coming.</p> <p>Then, witnessing their necks burst and spray, he's not alone. Greygen is there, hands tight on his gnarled flamberge.</p> <p>Kicking a new blade to Bob, the orc smiles.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>GREYGEN<br> Let's see some more.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Back in business, he, orc, and Greygen scream as warriors, slashing the attacking meat with bloody metal.</p> <br></br> <a name="bastard"></a> <p>Agatha lands on the beasts, slashing one, throwing a dagger in another. That one marks her and goes for the kill. Hitting a tree, she climbs, just missing its claws.</p> <p>Then it happens. Another BEAST shows, attacking not her, but the beast below. With crazed slaps, it beats that one away, making room for three more to gather.</p> <p>With a pounding thud, the tree rustles, the branches shake.</p> <p>From above, slime splashes her cheek. For inching down to her is a BEAST. Yet another is scaling the other side.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="730" cellspacing="20"> <tr> <td> <img src="bb6wa1.jpg" width="400" alt="Black Beast prowling"> </td> <td> <p>The SIX BEASTS have assembled, all wanting her.</p> <p>Knowing what this is, Agatha stumbles, feeling the dread sink in.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Aldric: you relentless bastard.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>So she leaps, soaring over them, landing into a sprint. Their dripping jowls spreading, they go for her.</p> <p>Facing six at once, Agatha runs.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>A BEAST leaps to Agatha. She dodges. But one of the six takes it for her. Another has cut her off. Having no choice, she charges in, blade streaking high.</p> <p>But jaws capture her at the wrist, yanks her down. Now on the ground, she's easy prey. Past their armor pick teeth, gummy jaws grab her legs, her other hand.</p> <p>Being trapped, the last slips its drooling mouth around her neck... and squeezes.</p> <p>Seizing, Agatha is being strangled.</p> <p>Body writhing against the pinning, she goes wild. But it's no use. The beasts are too strong. Agatha's trapped, being steadily ebbed into blackness.</p> <h2>EXT- MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>On ISAGOTH, SARGOS watches the battle with ALDRIC through monoculars. And Sargos is shocked.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> The orcs are rebelling.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>But again, Aldric is quietly admiring.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Long time ago, I once told Agatha she would one day rule. Never knew I would be cursing myself. Oh well, she didn't plan for everything.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Smiling, he finds AGATHA with the lens. Those SIX BEASTS mauling her with care.</p> <h2>EXT- FOREST- DAY</h2> <p>From the fray, JOHN finds AGATHA too. Inspired, he's cutting and squirming towards her, trying to beat through the waves of the battle.</p> <p>Chest heaving, hands clenching, Agatha's stiffening against unconsciousness. Fangs locked, she's going blue, helpless in those wet jaws.</p> <p>John grabs an ORC, almost being carved for it.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> You're saving us, right?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The question perplexes him.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Look!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He throws his face to Agatha, showing the SIX BEAST horde subduing her. Getting it, the orc barks behind and, with John, many ORCS race in.</p> <br></br> <p>Eyes fluttering, Agatha's fainting. But the orcs are there, slashing the beasts on the fly.</p> <p>Those beasts leave her. For the moment, they must defend their quarry. Jumping the orcs, the beasts are thrown and slashed.</p> <p>Still they fight, already swarming and taking some down.</p> <p>John gets one, it charging him. But the orcs snatch and fling it back, punching in steel. Picks and swords flailing, they're consuming most of the six.</p> <p>Determined not to lose, the last beast grabs Agatha by the neck again and drags her off.</p> <p>Coming to enough, hands now free, Agatha pulls a dagger and, with a couple attempted nicks, manages to stick it in the beast's eye. Though it howls through full mouth, the pain only makes it squeeze tighter.</p> <p>But John is there.</p> <p>Ramming his blade in deep, John grabs one of Agatha's knives and stabs. He draws and digs in another.</p> <p>He gets it to let go... but only to have it lunge on him. Hands grabbing those boney picks, he holds them from his neck, the beast this time aiming to bite through.</p> <p>Though it wobbles on its hindquarters, blood spraying from it in long weakening streams, those teeth are still reaching his flesh.</p> <p>But from behind, stabbing daggers rescue him, chopping the beast's neck again and again. Agatha, though barely, is still conscious.</p> <p>Finally, enough blood gone, its neck a gaping whole to spine, the beast drops. With one splattering cough, it's dead.</p> <a name="romance"></a> <p>John kicks it from him, relieved to catch a collapsing Agatha. In his arms, she's fading: eyes and body falling asleep against him.</p> <p>He smacks her.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Look at me!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Her gaze is bobbing, rolling with delirium. Still, she manages to stumble into focus.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> You're tough, right?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Head teetering, Agatha makes a move one could pretend is a nod.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Show me.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Like a zealous coach, he yanks her to her feet, shaking her back. To help her more, he kisses her.</p> <p>It could work.</p> <p>The embrace lingers, Agatha almost getting lost in it.</p> <h2>EXT- MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>Through the glass, ALDRIC sees that JOHN and AGATHA kiss. His cool smile fades.</p> <h2>EXT- FOREST- DAY</h2> <p>AGATHA has to push JOHN from her. But, to his passion, those wolf eyes are whispering to. They find him, making John stutter and shrug.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> For luck.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>To that, a snarl sparks on her, and she kisses him back. It's shaking up her strength.</p> <h2>EXT- MOUNTAIN- DAY</h2> <p>Meekly gripping ISAGOTH's mane, SARGOS inquires to ALDRIC.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>SARGOS<br> My lord?</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>The monocular lowers and, though his composure remains, Aldric seethes.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>ALDRIC<br> Right... this was expected.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>His sharp eyes keep focus on the two, on JOHN, not needing the lenses anymore.</p> <h2>EXT- FOREST- DAY</h2> <p>Now a touch better, AGATHA has enough to order JOHN around.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> Magwitch.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>John nods, eyeing for more ORCS.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> Hey!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Hard simian glares snap to him, John being their boss regardless.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Get us down there!</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>With a steady advance, those orcs start carving a hole, sending beasts up, down and across in zipping arches.</p> <p>A soft smile to her still dreary stare, John reassures.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>JOHN<br> (cont'd)<br> Don't worry, your majesty. We'll get there.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>Agatha hanging from his shoulder, John races after them: his and her swords swinging.</p> <h2>EXT- WOODS- DAY</h2> <p>Within the dreamy mist of pollen, MAGWITCH drifts awake, feeling something press against his chest - a foot.</p> <p>AGATHA.</p> <p>She stabs down, punching her sword tip in deep.</p> <p>His eyes open. The blade has pinned his cloak to the tree, trapping him. But his eyes find something new, urging her to look back.</p> <p>The BLACK BEASTS are stalking to them, moving in slow but tense to strike - dozens of them.</p> <p>She stands, blades drawn. Though hunched, her fiery focus is there, ready to take on forces beyond her.</p> <p>Because she's not alone, for JOHN is beside her, ready to fight as her. Just showing, flinging blood from his sword, BOB too will share.</p> <p>And all around: plenty of ORCS.</p> <p>But she's soft though. Willing, for a moment, to honor John with a choice.</p> <center> <table border="0" width="230" cellspacing="10"> <tr> <td></td> <td> <p>AGATHA<br> You can run now.</p> </td> <td></td> </tr> </table> </center> <p>He meets that stare and swallows, giving that choice a very deep thought. Then he runs... right to the beasts.</p> <p>Together they charge: John, Bob, orcs. Swords in the air, they greet awaiting destruction with steel.</p> <p>And Agatha leaps high, joining them, streaking the sun before crashing with a sudden final strike.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </center> </td> </tr> </table> </center> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="760" height="60"> <tr> <td body align="center"> <br></br> <p><a href="brhmpg.htm">Home</a>|<a href="cntctpg.htm">Contact</a>|<a href="aboutit/abtit1.htm">About it</a>|<a href="gallerygatepg/gllrygt.htm">Gallery</a>|<a href="extermgatepg/extgt.htm"> Exterminators</a>|<a href="gdgatepg/gdgt.htm">God Dog</a>|<a href="../index.htm">Gate</a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"> <p>© all rights reserved, artwork and screenplays, E Felter 2003. This website was posted on 2/10/05</p> </td> </tr> </table> </body>