INT. SARAH'S ROOM - 2ND STORY - DAY
DOCTOR MASCI applied a cloth on Sarah's arm where he had
just finished the bloodletting. The young lady lied on a
thatched bed, delirious, near unconsciousness, and covered
with sweat. Sarah's mother, MARIE, and father, OUDIN, stood
over her, looking worried.
Clarice SQUINTED from a migraine as she knelt beside her
sister.
Rachel bolted in with Jehan. Marie and Oudin bowed to the
noble son, then all attention returned to Sarah.
RACHEL
How is she? Barber?
DOCTOR MASCI
I have taken blood. Hopefully that
will drain out the infection and
return her humors to balance.
JEHAN
What is this? How did she get it?
DOCTOR MASCI
She had been breathing corrupted
air. Miasma.
RACHEL
From where?
DOCTOR MASCI
The butcher's quarters. Maybe the
tanners. The stench of death and
the careless tossing of entrails has
never been good for one's health and
hygiene.
MARIE
Were you near that part of town?
CLARICE
Not really.
Clarice recoiled from the headache, then gently massaged a
spot on her inner thigh. She winced.
DOCTOR MASCI
It can travel in the gutters on way
to the bay. It seems to have affected
many of late.
OUDIN
What do we do to protect the rest of
my family?
Clarice wandered to another part of the room. Rachel noticed
how uncomfortable she seemed.
DOCTOR MASCI
Carry a bouquet of fragrant flowers
next to your nose. A flask of spices
also does well. As long as you keep
the infected atmosphere from lodging
in your lungs, you'll be fine. I've
done all I can here. Pray and trust
in the Lord and His good graces.
God bless.
OUDIN
Thank you, Barber.
MARIE
Thank you.
(The doctor grabbed his tool bag and hastily exits).
Rachel couldn't get over how ruined her friend looked: all
the color drained from the face; hair matted from sweat.
She reached for Sarah, then froze when seeing her head tilt
to reveal a large bubo on her neck. Rachel also noticed a
strange rash on Sarah's chest, looking as if small red-ringed
coins had been splattered upon her skin.
MARIE
He called the rash "rosies." The
lump, "bubo."
Rachel glanced at Clarice, wondering if she would be next.
EXT. TENEMENT BUILDING - DAY
Elouan marched down the road, his senses on high alert. He
struggled to keep from going into complete tunnel vision,
now that the poison was unquestionably here and spreading.
Doctor Masci stood at the sidewalk with a second surgeon.
DOCTOR MASCI
There's another one.
(then; footsteps for
hiding)
I received a letter just days ago
from a colleague in Messina speaking
of pestilence. Many were dying,
covered with the bubos and rosies,
he said.
DOCTOR GERVASE
A few of mine already have. I have
advised those with a southern exposure
to close their shutters from the
winds. Perchance we should initiate
the new ideas of quarantine -- close
the town gate?
DOCTOR MASCI
If it is in the wind, closing the
gate would do nothing.
Their words hung on Elouan as he crossed the cobblestone
street. Indeed, it did feel like the air had grown thicker.
Like them, he had no idea how the disease propagated; all he
had was a major lesson instilled in all the students from
his monastery school: there aren't any coincidences. That
is, he understood on a certain level of one's spirit, a person
made a choice to either "play the game" or "become absent"
during a crisis as a way of avoiding the damage. Of course,
most people in the world were not in tune with the deeper
portion of themselves to know what choice they had chosen,
so they had to rely on "coincidences" or "mysterious
interventions" to get them through if they were to survive.
Rest assured, Elouan reminded himself, such things did happen -
a sudden call to leave town, or a weather event that stalled
arrival and spared the recipient from a harrowing ordeal.
Again, Master Euric taught that everything was interconnected,
so there was no separation between humankind and the
environment, making such "coincidences" just as much a part
of one's biological experience as a scab forming to seal a
wound. Unfortunately, because so many were oblivious to not
only their own inner biological reality but also their greater
environmental organism, it also meant that those who chose
to stay had no idea the impending events might most likely
end their experiences on the earthly playground.
This bothered Elouan as he found Giovanni gathering with his
family near the livery to begin the ride home. How would the
coming events affect them? What path were they destined to
take in the wake of the contagion?
EXT. ROAD TO COUNTRYSIDE - DAY - MOVING
Elouan sat close to Giovanni in the wagon, both of them
hanging their legs over the back as the wheels sputtered
dust into the early afternoon sun. Leticia, Guillaume, and
Sanson kept mainly to the front, nestling close to Amiria
and Heraut, while Fina sat with her back against the rear of
the rider's bench so she could keep an eye on Elouan.
ELOUAN
Promise me you'll stay out of the
town. Everyone's life here may depend
on it.
GIOVANNI
That might be a bit of a problem.
My parents have been invited to the
duke's manor later in the week. He
has a big home, at the edge of town.
Why?
Fina saw the look on her brother's face as he asked. Though
she couldn't hear what they were talking about, she knew
what the squaring of his jaw and intensity of the eyes spoke
to. It seemed Elouan followed by returning his own question,
to which Giovanni nodded. Elouan said only a few more words,
then Giovanni looked silently away and lowered his head.
Whatever the conversation, it clearly wasn't pleasant.
EXT. GIOVANNI'S WHEAT FIELD - SHEEP BARN - DAY
Elouan emerged from the sheep barn with the sack of belongings
dangling over his shoulder. He paused and watched Giovanni
and his family pulling weeds in the field. In some ways,
their ignorance made a return to doing the day's regular
chores an easy transition, whereas Elouan's awareness brought
a heaviness he couldn't shake.
It had already been a few days since dumping the port watchmen
into the sea, but nevertheless, the significance of the
passing along with what he saw during Mass haunted him. He
was grateful Giovanni and his family didn't know about the
terror of the East; they weren't privy to another's despair
of dying under such suffering. And if his parents did go
back into town for the duke's gathering He could only hope
his warning to Giovanni would be inspiration enough to avoid
the devastating illness as best they could.
Giovanni raised himself from the muddy earth to catch Elouan's
gaze. He nodded, feeling somewhat burdened himself with the
request to keep clear of the city. He knew he couldn't stop
the festivities, no matter how much he pleaded with his
parents.
ELOUAN
I promise to return for my due.
FINA
Where does he go every day? ... So
what did he tell you -- on the ride
back?
GIOVANNI
What? He asked if I trusted him.
FINA
And?
GIOVANNI
There were a lot of people coughing
at Mass. He was worried about us.
He wanted to make sure we did our
best to keep from getting sick. It
could be bad, he said.
FINA
So, he is a doctor?
GIOVANNI
I don't know what he is.
FINA
I'm going to fetch some more water.
She nabbed two large pitchers and headed toward the mill.
Giovanni recognized the path leading to the mill tread close
to where Elouan was heading -- she was hoping to follow him.
GIOVANNI
Stay near!
EXT. RIVER FALLS - DAY
MEROVECH (V.O.)
(memory; coughing)
Forgive ...
Elouan couldn't suppress the memory of Merovech's death.
Perhaps that was the idea: he wasn't meant to. Perhaps they
pointed in a specific direction - not only for safety, but
also to find his father. At the very least, the dynamics of
the world around him were shifting rapidly and he needed to
break clear of his own confusion. The only way to do that
was to release the tension along with the endless chatter of
the egoic mind. Thank goodness he found the waterfall with
the meditation rock, where he could let its isolation within
the rushing river provide a sense of separation from the
chaos. It took him several minutes to settle in, after first
letting the river wash away any contaminants upon his skin.
Before taking the dip, he had washed his clothes using a
combination of herbs from the small sacks in his pouch, then
shaved using a small dagger. Being scrubbed, clean, and
shaven, he alighted on the boulder feeling his naked body
was synonymous with the pristine physique one is gifted at
birth; honoring the forces of life in their native expression
instead of hiding or augmenting them in false clothing. His
communion with Nature took longer than usual to achieve. He
had to dissolve his anxiety; to silence the questions whirling
about him. Once harmony had brought equilibrium to his
spirit, he dropped an impression within the central ocean
which he hoped would reach Golda and Wimarc, updating them
on what he had witnessed. He did this by subtle "pushing" of
emotion. Within that burst would be imges and words, but it
required the emotion to give it energetic "thrust." He
trusted that during a moment of their own meditation, they
would sense it, bring it in, and unpack it. Next, he moved
his awareness to expand into a greater field of open inquiry,
particularly about his father, Ranulf. The only impression
he could discern was that Ranulf was still alive, and that
circumstances would definitely bring him into his sphere -
though what kind of circumstances remained presently
unknowable. For Elouan, this meant such events may be beyond
any current point of reference in his own being; nothing
could be shown to him because he wouldn't understand the
information -- whether it be symbolic or literal. He had to
accept that his inner being would unfold his egoic self in
perfect harmony with all the particulars, and that such
unfoldment would also happen with Ranulf -- all within the
context of a horrible outbreak of disease. For now, just
knowing that his father was still alive was enough. As soon
as he accepted this, he felt compelled to open his eyes.
A delightful rainbow perched from the boulder and suspended
beyond the cliff of the waterfall. Elouan understood it was
a play on the light made by the spray of the water, but that
didn't negate the power of its symbology, and that something
(or someone) swept through the universal energy of his
meditation to alert him to notice it. It provided another
layer of confirmation that he would be successful in finding
his lost parent.
EXT. ROAD OUTSIDE GIOVANNI'S HOME - DUSK
The time at the falls achieved everything Elouan hoped. His
clothes were cleaned along with his body; his mind was
soothed; he felt back in tune in contrast to the day's earlier
tribulations. (HUMMING) Per usual, he had lost all track of
the hours -- the sun already sat halfway buried on the horizon
with a moon swiftly rising to chase after it. Giovanni ran
out from the cottage to fetch him.
GIOVANNI
Good Heavens, boy, where do you go?
ELOUAN
Catching the rain.
GIOVANNI
Come with me. We can keep watch on
my parents at the duke's party --
for their safety. You agree?
ELOUAN
Who is this 'duke'?
GIOVANNI
Hm? Oh - he is the one who owns our
fields here ... the one with the
great manor house back across the
way. He also has a home in town.
ELOUAN
And he dines with your parents?
GIOVANNI
He is a very generous man. He hired
my father to make a fine saddle for
his horse last year. He loves that
horse. Good thing he also loved
that saddle.
ELOUAN
Have your parents already gone?
FINA
This is not fair, Giovanni.
GIOVANNI
What can I say? Somebody has to
watch the children.
FINA (O.S.)
Leticia, get that away from there!
ELOUAN
And you think I should come? Would
I be not welcome? I hope you do not
wish me to be there for
'entertainment.'
GIOVANNI
I have a reputation to keep.
Giovanni pursed his lips as they made their way inside the
stable. Though it may be true he had a reputation, he was
also thinking it might offer some revelation about
understanding who Elouan really was. He mounted the horse
and motioned for Elouan to join him.
ELOUAN
No wagon?
GIOVANNI
We'll ride together. Your stuff
will be safe here.
Elouan liked the idea, as it would allow him to stay
especially close. He left his belongings to dangle on the
post of the stall, then took Giovanni's hand as he helped
lift him onto the horse's back.
GIOVANNI
It will be fun. Hang on.
Elouan held tightly to Giovanni's shoulders. He noticed a
tenseness in his friend's muscles; an unusual stiffness that
ran up the spine into the neck. He knew, Giovanni's
insistence he come was more than simply keeping up a
reputation. It was a test.
EXT. DUKE'S TOWN MANOR - DUSK
Duke Areles's grand villa rose three stories high into the
indigo sky of the coming evening, with tall windows, parapets
at each end, and a pitched rooftop of wooden shingles,
stretched out to create a semicircle of master masonry. A
large balcony extended from one of its upper floors,
overlooking manicured grounds. For some, it resembled a
miniature castle for a much grander noble. The whole domain
abutted a canal that ran along the back wall of the city,
creating an even greater sense of security and wealth.
The horse bearing Giovanni and Elouan trotted down the long
path leading to the visitor's livery stable, where a couple
of servants waited. As they neared, Elouan saw one of the
young men looking fatigued and wiping sweat from his forehead.
It would have been unusual, as the night air had a coolness
that would not lend itself to making one feverish while
working with equestrians. Fortunately at the dismount,
Giovanni handed the reins to the other gentleman.
GIOVANNI
There you are.
The helper bowed courteously, while Elouan noted the other
taking another swipe at his forehead and slightly squinting
from an apparent headache. Giovanni led Elouan from the
stables onto an ornate stone pathway leading through berry
bushes and blooming flowers.
GIOVANNI
The Duke recently returned from the
East, fighting in the Pope's army.
Over a thousand men he's killed,
they say.
ELOUAN
And for a thousand men, he gets a
house such as this -- as well as the
manor in the countryside?
GIOVANNI
No, he most likely will get one or
two more.
INT. DUKE'S TOWN MANOR - DINING HALL - DUSK
Great chandeliers of burning candles created a warm glow
over the darkness seeping in through the bay windows. The
radiance illuminated the magnificent table topped with
vegetables and cooked fowl placed in the center for a communal
meal. No one had their own seat; rather, fanciful benches
adorned either side of the festive slab. Already seated
were a number of honored city dignitaries -- the deputy mayor,
Doctor Masci, the town notary, a chamberlain, Jehan with
Rachel alongside, Umfrey, Heraut, Amiria, and a handful of
lesser nobles and villeins. At the head sat Duke Areles.
Stately, bearded, and though weathered with the storms of
war, his eyes still sparkled. He gently held the hand of
his most beloved wife, Beatrix, a regal lady of warmth and
dignity, whose disarming smile made her easy to be with. The
couple offered an authentic embrace of two hearts -- and
were happy to share such love with their guests. Servants
continued bringing platters of food while everyone waited
for the formal prayer. In the meantime, the duke welcomed
some meaningful pre-dinner conversation as he addressed the
deputy mayor.
DUKE
I regret to hear his Honor was not
able to attend this evening, but you
are most welcome to enjoy what he
will be missing.
DEPUTY MAYOR
The unexpected joys of being the
deputy mayor when his Honor is not
feeling at his best.
BEATRIX
Yes. It seems there is some strange
new illness in town. We already
have a couple of our servants confined
to quarters, which is why our personal
barber isn't here with us tonight.
It is very... dreadful.
DUKE
The completion of that new hospital
came just at the right moment. His
Honor was right to champion that
cause.
A servant girl pulled away from the table and suddenly coughed
into the crook of her arm. The outburst caught everyone's
attention. She shielded her face in shame, then curtsied
apologetically and hurried from the hall.
DEPUTY MAYOR
It is only a minor bout of illness,
from what I understand. Though it
does at times take on a dreadful
appearance, I hear. Thanks be to
God city services have not at all
been affected by whatever it is.
Nothing will get in the way of order
and law in this town under our watch,
believe me.
(Friendly chuckles circle the bench for the Mayor's bravado.)
DUKE
Barber?
DOCTOR MASCI
Yes, this sickness is minor only.
It does come with a bump or two on
the skin ... which usually disappears
after a few days. I am sure your
servants will be up and about again
in no time.
Rachel clenched her jaw, inwardly disagreeing with his
sentiments, especially in light of how he reacted to Sarah's
condition earlier.
DOCTOR MASCI
Thankfully ...
(SIGH)
Once prayers have been spoken, all
become well by the hand of our most
Heavenly Father.
Masci wondered if they already knew more, as Beatrix tightened
her grip on Areles's hand and gave him a surreptitious glance.
A servant admitted Giovanni and Elouan. They were drying
their hands from a dunk in a water bowl, which was customary
before eating. The corner of Areles's mouth lifted in a
sardonic smile.
DUKE
Giovanni, fashionably late as always,
I see. And with a guest. You never
change.
GIOVANNI
As always, my lord. Please allow me
to introduce --
JEHAN
That's him! That's the one I told
you of. He took the money right out
of the good Father's hands. How
dare you bring him here to our --
Areles stood and motioned for his son to retake his seat.
Jehan paused, then lowered himself to the bench, glowering
in Elouan's direction.
HERAUT
Forgive me, my lord. My son --
DUKE
Remain seated, Heraut. Your name,
sir?
ELOUAN
My name is Elouan.
DUKE
Elouan. Tell me, Elouan, are the
words of my son true? Did you take
money from a servant of the Lord
doing the Lord's work?
Elouan knew, this was Giovanni's test. It made sense. If
Giovanni believed the duke had a special connection to God
because of his association with the Pope, such connection
could ferret out whether or not he was himself a person of
unusual worth or of Satanic meddling.
ELOUAN
From no servant did I take any money;
rather, I kept a wolf masquerading
as a servant from preying on the
Lord's flock.
Areles lowered his hand to the empty scabbard hanging from
his hip. Several of the guests wondered if he thought his
blade was there and hoping to draw it. Perhaps that's what
the duke wanted them to think, as he held steady for a few
seconds longer, then unexpectedly smirked.
DUKE
Sit. You may dine with us.
The invitation flabbergasted everyone. Beatrix smiled and
reached for her husband's hand. He reclaimed his seat in a
measured, regal fashion as Giovanni bowed.
GIOVANNI
Always a pleasure, your grace.
DUKE
Always.
Giovanni winked at Elouan, then led him toward the table.
Elouan noticed a heaviness dissipate from Giovanni as they
coursed along the outer edge of the bench to find a place
setting. He took the newfound lightness as an indication he
had passed the test.
HERAUT
I will deal with you when we get
home, son.
AMIRIA
Heraut, control yourself.
Jehan tossed an awed look at his father as Elouan and Giovanni
sat. (The table quickly came back to life, with the guests
chatting and food being delivered.)
Rachel couldn't stop staring. In fact, she had spent the
last several days wondering about what Elouan had told her.
It was a combination of what he said and how he said it. It
pierced her and left her with questions she pledged would
not go unanswered. Besides, how was he able to do what he
did to Father Jacque? It was as if he had been able to see
into the priest's mind, yet also something more, as clearly
the connection transformed Jacque's behavior. She knew by
the way Giovanni was watching the duke's reaction that he
didn't know much about Elouan either.
JEHAN
Father...
The duke squinted and waved a hand for him to let it go.
Frustrated, Jehan gaped at him, then shot a surprised look
Elouan's direction. He couldn't fathom it. Did Elouan
perform some type of wicked magic against his father no one
saw? Before he could rebut, the servants backed away in a
practiced gesture of revealing the completion of the first
course's delivery. (One of them chimed a bell.)
CHAMBERLAIN
For what we are about to receive,
may the Lord make us truly thankful.
Amen.
Everyone dived in, reaching for communal plates and bowls,
taking small bits of food. Except Elouan. He remained bowed,
his prayer overly extended. It wasn't long before everyone
felt awkward starting the meal without honoring -- or
wondering -- what he was doing. They sat and waited, watching
with unbounded curiosity.
JEHAN
What are you doing?
Elouan opened his eyes and straightened himself. He
acknowledged everyone's gaze plastered on him, and he knew
they were demanding an explanation. Giovanni also gave him
a quizzical look, as he had never witnessed this kind of
prayer from him before. Yes, he had seen Elouan give thanks
for his food over the past few days, but not to this dramatic
extent.
ELOUAN
If I may?
DUKE
You may.
ELOUAN
There is always a balance in the
seeming delicate threads of nature.
A lion only kills when such food is
needed, and he honors the life of
the prey when it is not. If this
were not so, he would run out of
prey and also affect the other species
that feed from the same herd -- in
turn, upsetting an even greater
balance. And the prey, once in the
teeth of the mighty hunter, does not
struggle, but succumbs to the outcome,
aware that his life proceeds in the
ongoing existence of the hunter, his
deeds, his clan, and the whole world
that they both inhabit. So, I honor
the hunter, the prey, and the good
Duke's cooking staff, for continuing
our existence and how that will go
on in this world.
(Giovanni erupts with mock laughter).
GIOVANNI
I should have mentioned this one
needed to be a court jester. His
humor -- divine.
Everyone around the table joined in with the cheer. That
is, except Rachel. Elouan still mystified her.
GIOVANNI
Even when you are not trying, you
are still entertaining.
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - DINING HALL - NIGHT
After the last bite of food was washed down, the guests were
given a few minutes to relax and enjoy the scenery while the
enormous dining table was shoved away to create a dance floor.
Elouan remained close with Giovanni, and most guests seemed
oddly intimidated by him. Rachel wanted to get near, but it
was impossible to separate from Jehan. Fortunately, the
interval was short, and the guests were pleasantly surprised
by the arrival of minstrels.
Elouan thoroughly enjoyed himself. Dancing was one of the
great festivities he engaged in with fellow acolytes at the
mystery school. It was the one way guaranteed to let go of
all the pressures of monastic learning and adhering to self,
and always it promoted the interconnectivity with the larger
group. To his surprise, he recognized the dance movements
the duke's guests were doing, with only a slight variation
from what he practiced in the Alps. Everyone moved in a
circle, alternating between men and women. They spun
clockwise, stepping to the left and the right, moving back
and forth. No one touched each other, but they came close
enough to elicit some brief conversation, if wanted. Such
was the case when Elouan pirouetted around Giovanni's mother,
Amiria.
AMIRIA
Oh, how my age is showing.
ELOUAN
Nonsense.
Meanwhile, Giovanni bowed toward Rachel amid the dance.
GIOVANNI
Love the colors of your dress. A
shame they don't let men normally
wear that shade.
RACHEL
Yes. A shame... Where did you find
him?
GIOVANNI
Just passing through, he said.
Interesting fellow, wouldn't you
say? Helping us in the fields right
now.
Rachel kept her gaze on Elouan, noting it would only be a
few more rotations before she would connect with him. She
couldn't wait to be near him; to prod him about what he had
said to her. Giovanni could see her interest. He hid a
smirk, then double-checked his footing -- more to cover for
something else rather than revealing it to Rachel.
Just when it seemed Elouan would only be one rotation away,
a male servant unceremoniously pulled him from the dance.
He whispered in Elouan's ear. Elouan nodded, then followed
him up a flight of stairs. Giovanni noticed, looking curious.
So did Jehan, with a scowl.
EXT. DUKE'S MANOR - BALCONY - NIGHT
Duke Areles stood within the warm radiance of torches lining
the balcony overlooking his fantastic garden. The servant
arrived, delivering Elouan.
DUKE
Thank you. You may leave us. In my
travels, I have met another like
yourself from atop the mountains.
His name was Perrin.
ELOUAN
Yes, I know him. He must have loved
you very much to tell you where we
come from.
DUKE
Only generally. I wouldn't be here
without him. Nor would my horse.
ELOUAN
You honor him.
DUKE
You know that some people think riding
into a city and slaughtering a
thousand men makes one noble; that
wading through blood up to your knees
for God puts you above the level of
a normal human being.
ELOUAN
Does not slaughtering a thousand
people get you an honored place with
God?
DUKE
What do you think?
ELOUAN
I think there is not one place in
this large home, one servant who
does your bidding, that can relieve
you of the burden of which you now
carry. Is it not noble to ask --
for this earth, for the great creative
force of this universe -- what is
the value of a man's shed blood for
the sole rights to a piece of ground?
To that, you have been answered.
DUKE
And what do I do with that answer?
ELOUAN
Next time you see the bloated clouds,
ask them how they get over the
mountaintops.
DUKE
Who are you here for?
ELOUAN
My father. Perhaps you know of a
man named Ranulf?
DUKE
Not in this town or in our
countryside. But if I know your
kind, you always find your way.
ELOUAN
Rest well, my noble lord.
They bowed to each other. Then Elouan returned inside,
leaving the Duke to ponder his lesson.
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - UPPER WALKWAY - NIGHT
The inner corridor glittered amid scattered waves of darkness,
partially lit by sconces. Still preoccupied with the
vibrations from the duke's conversation, Elouan ignored
everything, passing through the shadows cast by statues
perched along a wall opposite to the estate's main bedrooms.
The distraction gave the spy their chance. A lithe figure
leapt from the darkness and tackled him, forcing him inside
a chamber.
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - PRIVATE CHAMBER - NIGHT
Elouan staggered from the attack, but quickly gathered his
footing and twirled around to see Rachel locking the door
with a crossbeam.
ELOUAN
Your suitor would not approve.
RACHEL
He thinks I have gone to the privy
chamber.
She shoved him toward a canopied bed, keeping him from
escaping.
RACHEL
You told me my mother would not
approve on her special day. You
meant her birthday, didn't you?
Are you a sorcerer?
ELOUAN
No.
(FOOTSTEPS)
RACHEL
You shall not leave. Not until you
give me some answers.
ELOUAN
You would not understand.
RACHEL
Do not think me daft.
ELOUAN
Oh, I would never --
RACHEL
You are such a humble -- egotist.
You spoke to me as if my mother had
somehow whispered into your ear.
ELOUAN
If she had, would that then make me
a "sorcerer"?
RACHEL
Maybe.
ELOUAN
Do we not know that the ocean turns
into mist, that turns into rain,
that comes down the rivers and back
out into the oceans again? It is
all the same thing, just in a
different form that you separate --
He put a finger on Rachel's forehead.
ELOUAN
-- here.
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - UPPER WALKWAY - NIGHT
Jehan had waited long enough. He couldn't fathom any reason
why Rachel could be held in the privy for so long. He
alighted the hallway from the staircase and started swiftly
toward the garderobe chamber.
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - PRIVATE CHAMBER - NIGHT
Resigned to Rachel's doggedness, Elouan took a seat on the
bed.
ELOUAN
At one time, you were seven-years-
old, were you not?
RACHEL
Of course I was.
ELOUAN
Let's say you had a friend who moved
from your village when you were this
tall, seven-years-old. Twenty years
pass. You are now this tall. The
friend returns. Now, if your friend
recognized you at this height as
being the same person he knew at
this height -- he would be able to
talk to you, for he would remember
who you are. But, if he did not
recognize you, for your outer
appearance does not match his memory,
but to your own you are still that
person he once knew -- he would ignore
you, not realizing you were even
beside him.
Rachel studied him, fascinated. Was he suggesting that her
mother was present in the street when she gave the coins to
Father Jacque, she just was in a form she couldn't see?
Like a ghost? But the message was so striking. A ghost
that could speak of her own birthday? She had never heard
of such a thing. Stories of spooks were simply that --
stories. And they only did things that scared people, not
talk about birthdays or the nature of their relationship
with the living.
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - LATRINE ENCLAVE - NIGHT
Meanwhile, Jehan banged on the garderobe door.
JEHAN
You well in there, my love? Rachel?
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - PRIVATE CHAMBER - NIGHT
(Footsteps)
ELOUAN
So, as you can see, I am not a
sorcerer -- just a person like you.
RACHEL
But if what you speak is truth, then
there must be more for my mother to
say.
(beat)
Speak to her for me.
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - LATRINE ENCLAVE - NIGHT
JEHAN
Rachel, let us not go through this
again. I said I apologize. Now I'm
coming in.
(Jehan throws the door open).
JEHAN
Phew!
(WALKING)
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - UPPER WALKWAY - NIGHT
Jehan noticed Elouan was heading back downstairs. Then he
spied the open door to the private chamber.
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - PRIVATE CHAMBER - NIGHT
Jehan peeked in. (He hears Rachel WEEPING.)
JEHAN
Rachel?
Rachel stood at the window, backed turned to him. What he
couldn't see was that her tears were of joy. She swiftly
wiped them clean.
JEHAN
Are you all right?
RACHEL
Fine. I am fine. Yes -- I'm well.
JEHAN
What are you doing in here?
RACHEL
Please forgive me. When I left the
garderobe, I couldn't help myself.
I have never been in a home of such
beauty.
JEHAN
I thought I heard you crying. Was
that madman in here? I thought I
saw --
RACHEL
I have been alone.
JEHAN
(pause)
Let's go.
EXT. DUKE'S MANOR - BALCONY - NIGHT
Duke Areles stayed at the edge of the balcony, looking out
on the city beyond his gates. The town appeared so innocent
and beautiful through the hanging torchlights glowing along
its canals and cobblestone paths. Here, at last, he could
soak in a sense of tranquility and try to let go of the
horrors of battle, as Elouan had inspired.
The moment fell short. He saw someone on the lower courtyard
stumbling toward the manor.
MAYOR
I must see him!
Servants rushed to intervene, but for whatever reason, refused
to physically connect with the trespasser. The darkness
cloaked the face of the intruder.
MAYOR
Absolution! He refused to open his
doors to me! Vile clergyman!
The duke suddenly recognized the timber of the voice.
Worried, he rushed inside.
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - STAIRWELL - NIGHT
Giovanni dashed up the flight of steps to intercept Elouan
on his way down.
GIOVANNI
We go now.
ELOUAN
What is wrong?
GIOVANNI
You were right. We should never
have come back into town.
INT. DUKE'S MANOR - DINING HALL - NIGHT
Elouan and Giovanni landed into the dining hall. A few of
the guests were already in a hasty escape, while several
others stared in dread toward the open walkway leading to
the servants' quarters.
One of the young male workers stood there, hugging the
archway, his skin jaundiced and body buckling (from a
grotesque cough). His half-open shirt -- torn to grasp cool
air against a devastating fever -- revealed a hideous rash
of dark speckles upon his chest, as if branded by red and
black coins. He looked down at the body of a female servant,
already expired upon the floor. She apparently broke out of
her quarters, and in her delirium came upstairs and died in
front of the guests. Her blackened fingertips curled with
gangrene, head tilted to reveal a bubo the size of an onion
split open upon her neck, oozing darkened blood.
ELOUAN
Where are your mother and father?
GIOVANNI
They have already left.
He crossed himself.
The duke alighted from the stairwell, followed by Rachel and
Jehan. They halted in astonishment.
RACHEL
Poppa!
UMFREY
We must leave now.
(to the Duke)
Forgive us, my lord, but we have to
go. It seems people are ... not
well.
DUKE
Indeed.
BEATRIX
I went to gather our personal barber,
but he refuses to be near anyone who
might have this pestilence.
The Duke was surprised by her report.
MAYOR
I want to see him! I must see him!
Let me through here!
The stranger stumbled in.
DEPUTY MAYOR
Mister Mayor!
The town's leader looked like a madman -- black hair matted
from sweat, eyes bulging, clothes soaked with fevered
perspiration, chest splattered with blood he had at one time
vomited (some of it still outlining his lips).
When he spotted Duke Areles, he gathered all his strength to
limp his direction. Clearly something impeded his gate, as
if stabbed in the right thigh.
MAYOR
Your lord!
(COUGHS)
Doctor Masci hesitated. He knew what he was looking at.
But also knew nobody else in the room would help. The mayor
wobbled and began falling to his knees. Masci couldn't let
him be so debased, so quickly rescued him from hitting the
floor.
DOCTOR MASCI
I've got you -- I've got you.
Elouan joined, assisting Masci to lower the mayor on his
back. He placed a hand firmly on the leader's spine, helping
to stem the ravaging of the cough. The duke hurried to stand
watch over his sickened friend.
MAYOR
Please. I beg to almighty God!
He stared up at the ceiling. It looked as if he saw something
nobody else could, and it terrified him. (HEAVY BREATHING)
Elouan put a calming hand on the mayor's billowing breast,
catching his attention.
MAYOR
What is happening to me?
ELOUAN
Very soon you are going to be walking
down a long a tunnel with a bright
light at the end, brighter than the
sun. When you come out on the other
side of it, you will be in no more
pain and the sickness will be gone.
MAYOR
(laughing)
How do you know that?
ELOUAN
Faith.
DUKE
We will nurse him from here.
At that moment, the ill servant, on his knees, quaked with
the rasping cough. He jostled violently in its throes, then
belched a horrid gurgle and suddenly painted the floor with
blood from his lungs.
Elouan raced to a table adorned with drinking pitchers. He
sopped himself from head to toe with the carafes, hoping to
clean away any contaminants acquired from the mayor. Then
he rushed to Giovanni, who bounced anxiously on the balls of
his feet. Beside him, Rachel stared, astonished again by
Elouan's actions. Jehan kept a tight grip on her shoulders,
as if using her as his own personal shield.
ELOUAN
Watch yourself.
RACHEL
I - I will.
JEHAN
We both will.
GIOVANNI
Let's go!
Elouan nodded and Giovanni hustled him through the crowd.
As they passed Masci and the duke, the mayor fell silent.
His eyes turned blank. Dead.
DEPUTY MAYOR
(weeping)
Oh, God!
EXT. MAIN ROAD - NIGHT
The light of street lanterns played on Giovanni and Elouan's
faces as they sprinted through the town on Giovanni's horse.
(Every few seconds, screams and sobs shattered the calmness
of night.)
FIRST WOMAN
No-o-o-o!
She barreled into the middle of the street and collapsed in
agony. Giovanni quickly swung the horse to avoid trampling
her.
FIRST WOMAN
My poor son!
As Giovanni pivoted, he and Elouan had a view through the
woman's open door. They spied her teenage son propped against
an interior wall -- dead and covered with the plague rash.
A pair of neighbors arrived, curious to check on the
commotion. When they witnessed the corpse, they hurried
into the street, avoiding any proximity to the house of death.
FIRST WOMAN
Eydis! Eydis!
PERSON
It's the rosies! They've got the
rosies!
Elouan shuttered his eyes in remorse.
GIOVANNI
Dear God in Heaven, what is happening?