INT. COURTYARD LATER
The shock surrounding the untold deaths at the Western School
never dissipated from the brethren in the Alps. Instead, it
moved everyone into trying to find answers: How? Why? Within
minutes, the High Masters were already searching, seated in
deep meditation to cross the chasm of time and space ... to
connect with those members who were now no longer in their
physical bodies. Before the hour had past, the seven leaders
had convened with the entirety of the school in one of the
outer courtyards. Bright torches lit expanse, as they stood
upon a raised platform to inform the audience of their
findings. The Head High Master, ISHRAQ, took to the fore.
Her dark black skin was a beautiful contrast to the sheer
satiny whiteness of her role's dress. Behind her, the other
masters flanked, each wearing the colors of their station:
one red, another orange, another yellow, then green, blue,
and the last, purple. The audience watched, their stares
begging for what they had already uncovered
ISHRAQ-MASTER
The souls of those that perished
have told us the attackers came in
the obsidian of night's darkness.
For weeks there were stirrings upon
the breezes, but they could not
determine the source nor the intent.
Many died fighting. Others for
some reason took their own lives.
(Unsettled chatter erupts at the news).
High Master Gundlach stepped beside her. His red robe glowed
a rich crimson in the brightness of the torches.
GUNDLACH-RED ROBE
The air is still very heavy. Our
own emotions are clouding our ability
to make a deeper blend with their
spirit minds.
ISHRAQ-MASTER
We will all learn more once we
traverse our emotional veils. Know
this: our loved ones, our brethren
from the Western School who have
this midnight transitioned from this
earth, now exist in the bright white
sun of the Universal Creator. They
are still bonded to us through the
timeless realms of eternity. They
have not disappeared from our lives.
Aaron listened, transfixed ... stunned ... distressed.
EXT. MUEIN OUTER WALL WALKWAY(?) DAY
Over the following days, the school moved into high gear to
uncover the mystery. While many went into various meditative
states in order to pierce the realms of the unseen, Aaron --
along with several dozen others -- released scouting birds
to fan out across the continent and gain direct visual sight
of the Western School and its populace.
The birds' flight took several days. Nevertheless, each
handler sat in meditative position along an upper gantry
wall. They remained clothed in heavy fur, warmed by small
bonfires perched alongside the perimeter of the stone fence.
Their eyes were closed and minds absent from the flesh.
Instead, they were blended with the consciousness of their
flying companions. Once the birds arrived at the Western
compound, their handlers in the Alps could see the high rocky
cliffs along the Spanish-Atlantic coast where the school had
burrowed and hidden its monastery ... Columns of smoke
billowed out from the high caves overlooking the beaches
lying several hundred feet below. Gliding overland, charred
fields of debris littered the emerald grass slopes that fell
away from the cliff edges ... Amidst several of the scattered
and burnt belongings were the unmistakable bodies of slain
Muein disciples.
(BACK TO SCENE)
Samantha gently knelt before Aaron, as he was still seated
with eyes closed in meditation. His beard stubble now
shadowed his face -- he hadn't left this position for four
days. Her presence suddenly brought him back. Her eyes
were piercing; a message suggesting that something important
had been discovered.
INT. MUEIN GOLDA & WIMARC'S CHAMBER
Samantha led Aaron into the catacombs of the personal
chambers, bringing him to the compartment of her parents -
Wimarc and Golda. When they entered, Golda was seated in
deep meditation on the floor, her eyes closed. Wimarc met
them as soon as they entered.
WIMARC
It is only a glimpse But your mother
is alive. We don't know about
Matthew.
AARON
The blend is strong?
WIMARC
It comes in and out. Still too much
emotion.
Everyone surrounded Golda. Waiting. Begging for more
information. Golda (exhaled) stretched her awareness to
return a portion of it to the room, to announce what she was
finding.
GOLDA
Darkness. She's in hiding.
AARON
Where?
GOLDA
Still inside the grounds.
SAMANTHA
What part -- if we could know?
GOLDA
She's having a hard time getting it
through.
AARON
Tell her Theia is near. Tell her to
give it to her.
GOLDA
I'm trying, but the link is weak
She will call out for her. Wait...
Golda's eyes suddenly burst open, the link broken. Wimarc
caught her as the breach slammed her back to the moment.
WIMARC
I have you.
GOLDA
Something startled her.
Everyone looked panicked. Had Rachel been discovered? Will
she survive?
INT. MUEIN MASTERS' HALL
Aaron raced down the granite hallway of the Muein High
Masters' Temple. The Seven superiors were sitting in deep
meditation behind an ornately carved and decorated wooden
fence-like barrier when he found them. An ATTENDANT guard
intercepted him, keeping him behind the palisade.
ATTENDANT
Apologies, magistrum, but they are
not seeing anyone, considering the
circumstances.
AARON
We have made a blend with a survivor.
INT. MUEIN PRAYER HALL
It was this sudden news that broke the Masters' meditative
reconnaissance. They knew other members besides themselves
were also reaching out to the Western branch, and -- due to
the strength of individual bonds -- could possibly connect
in a more unique fashion than themselves. Master Ishraq
took it upon herself to hear what Aaron had to report about
his mother. She let him explain what Golda had seen as she
led him back down the hall and outside ... to let the
freshness of the air calm the turbulence of their spirits.
Naturally, Aaron had pleaded to send a rescue party, knowing
that if Rachel had survived, there could still be other
brethren ... along with the possibility that the danger had
still not yet subsided.
ISHRAQ-MASTER
You know we feel as passionately as
you. But until we can ascertain how
the invaders were able to do this,
none of us may be safe. We have
blended with the other masters from
our remaining schools, North and
South, and agree that as of now, no
member is to leave the compounds,
nor are those already on the outside
currently allowed to return.
She placed a hand on Aaron's shoulder, hoping to comfort
him.
ISHRAQ-MASTER
As a Guardian, you know the virtue
of patience.
AARON
Yes, Master.
Ishraq bowed to him, then looked deeply into his eyes. It
was clear, she felt his pain viscerally, as it seemed a thin
welling of tears brimmed the outline of her pupils, though
her inner strength kept them from overflowing onto her cheeks.
She turned back inside, leaving him with only the ability of
remote observation and keeping his physical being chained to
the temples' walls ... like one of his library books.
INT. MUEIN AARON'S CHAMBER
The frustration burned every fiber of Aaron's body. It was
so much that he could no longer settle into a meditative
state ... He returned to his private compartment and paced
back-and-forth within the small room. His mind raced ...
His consciousness billowing and twisting within, like a
whirlwind. He suddenly stopped ... A decision made. Moving
now with assured purpose, he reached into a closet carved
into the wall ... A yanked an outfit of winter furs.
EXT. SMALL CAVE NIGHT
A short time later, Aaron emerged from a small cave, carrying
a torch and climbing over large boulders positioned in front
of the aperture. Though he was dressed in the thickness of
the furs, it seemed he was well versed in how to maneuver
despite their density ... as well as the darkness of night.
Once he clamored over the summit of the final boulder, he
threw his torch top-down, allowing it to be extinguished in
the landscape of snow. (JUMPING INTO SNOW). He positioned
his knapsack over his chest, then paused while his eyes
adjusted to the pale glow of the white hillside.
He slithered around the rocky outcrop, occasionally looking
up and around ... making sure he wasn't being seen.
He turned a corner. A pair of gloved hands shoved him against
the rock! In the next second, warm lips pressed against
his. It was Samantha, also dressed in fur.
SAMANTHA
I think ... you could use the help
of a Roman soldier right about now.
AARON
Yes, I could, but, Sam --
(Plodding footsteps interrupt). Wimarc stepped out of the
shadows, also warmly dressed and guiding a trio of pack goats.
WIMARC
But nothing. I helped bring your
mother back here after your father's
death. I will do it again.
AARON
What about Golda?
WIMARC
She is willing to remain behind, as
our link.
SAMANTHA
And hopefully keep us from being
permanently expelled.
Wimarc offered a goat to each of them.
WIMARC
We travel only at night, even once
we reach the valley forests, until
we come to the first village. Then
we head overland.
AARON
Six to seven weeks.
WIMARC
As quickly as we can. And we will
work to re-connect with Rachel on
the way.
SAMANTHA
And you can tune in to Theia as well.
AARON
And Matthew?
WIMARC (GRAVE)
Still nothing. It seems your mother
doesn't know.
Aaron held Samantha's hand as she straddled herself onto the
goat. She looked at him with compassion, feeling the rawness
of his emotions, and knowing the drive that was coming with
them.
AARON
(whispering)
Thank you.
Samantha nodded, then Aaron mounted his steed. Together,
the trio cantered down the snowy slope.
They leaned over the goats, holding their hands on the beasts'
necks, connected to them as one. Seeing what they saw, but
also offering direction for where they wished to head.
EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE CAVE DAY
As the light of dawn blossomed, they hid inside a crevasse,
shielded from sight. Throughout the whole of day, they sat
in meditation ... Trying to reach out to Rachel, to anyone
of the Western school ... They took turns between sleeping
and spiritually searching ... Beside them, the goats remained
nestled in a deep slumber.
EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE NIGHT
Only after the curtain of night had fallen, did they resume
the trek. Without torchlight. With only the guidance of
their senses combined with those of the goats.
EXT. VALLEY NIGHT
Fortunately, with a few hours before dawn's arrival, they
were able to make it into the forest at the base of the
mountains. They cautiously meandered through the trees and
bushes, keeping senses on high alert. Aaron especially.
This was the first time he had ever been in the world beyond
the monastery's fortress-like walls ... Though he did come
with an uncanny sense of familiarity and occasional flash-
backs. These remembrances were like an invasion within his
soul ... From what Elouan had experienced when he descended
during the time of the Great Mortality. It made Aaron want
to jump out of his skin.
EXT. (NAME) VILLAGE DAY
Confident that the route to and from the mystery school was
safe, Wimarc led them out of the forest and into the light
of the coming day. They stopped briefly in a secluded area
to rid themselves of their furs and get dressed in what would
be considered "normal" attire. Tunics. Trousers. A dress
for Samantha. Leggings. Low-cut flat leather shoes.
Samantha coiled back her hair and hid it within a wimple
veil hood.
When they strolled into the small village trailing their
goats beside them, their feet sank into the mud of the main
thoroughfare. Only a small scattering of buildings lined
the roadway ... A town barely eking out its existence near
the edges of the dark forest lands.
Aaron kept his head down, choosing not the make eye contact
with anyone who might witness them. Samantha noticed.
EXT. (NAME) VILLAGE LATER
Later that afternoon, Wimarc found someone willing to barter
the goats and some other supplies for horses at a livery.
WIMARC
This should help you do the work
exactly as you need it.
BARTER
Ah, indeed. Yes. A fair trade, if
I do say. My thanks.
Meanwhile, Samantha and Aaron were walking back down the
road, returning from a market stall. Samantha tore off a
piece of newly purchased bread and handed it to Aaron, noting
he was refusing to look at anyone.
SAMANTHA
You know, my father said we need to
blend in ... But you look like a
guilty thief. Eyes unblinking, chin
down. You want to look invisible,
but you are anything but that.
Aaron slowly lifted his gaze, taking in the faces of the
strangers passing by. It seemed many didn't even notice
him. Or care. Maybe a glance or two from a few of them, as
he and Samantha were strangers, but nothing that suggested a
hint of prejudice.
AARON
Perhaps it is their darkness that
shrouds the souls of those who we
would be hearing from in the west.
SAMANTHA
You and my mother were always the
better in that task. It would not be
for me to say. (then) But it is
unusual.
Indeed. It was turning out that those priests and acolytes
from the Western school that had perished were not getting
through to the High Masters and other members back home. It
was as if their spirits were somehow being held captive in
darkness, unable to connect to their living brethren ...
Including those who were at "High Master" status when it
came to spirit communication. Golda, though not a high
master, was one of the compound's lead instructors; Aaron
himself was also incredibly proficient ... The true high
master was Master Morrigan, who wore the blue robe out of
the seven of the high leaders. That none of them were making
adequate connection with the Muein deceased was like nothing
any of them had experienced before.
Aaron remained quiet, perplexed, praying for some voice to
mingle with his own during those times of meditation.
He and Samantha met Wimarc, who was now towing three horses,
their packs already saddled.
WIMARC
You have the provisions?
SAMANTHA
Yes. Right here.
WIMARC
Then we continue on our way.
They mounted the steeds and trundled through the town.
EXT. LONELY ROAD
Aaron spent much of the afternoon on the lonely road through
the advancing countryside attempting to meditate and make
mind-to-mind contact with Rachel. Wimarc gave Samantha a
compassionate look, feeling for him. Aaron came out of the
trance, shaking his head in resignation.
AARON
Nothing still. (to Wimarc) Has this
ever happened before?
WIMARC
At times, the veil can become very
thick to where it seems all the stars
have been snuffed out. But like all
storms, the clouds eventually do
part and the sun again shines through.
AARON
I have experienced this in the hours
of a day, but not so many days turning
into weeks.
WIMARC
Who's to say? We must have faith.
SAMANTHA
Has Theia shown you anything more?
AARON
Only the rooftops of small villages
and castle towers.
EXT. PARIS ESTABLISHING
Speaking of castle towers ... The Louvre Palace was the
epitome of the French king, Charles V. Stone walls, towers,
and battlements conveyed both strength and security. It was
adorned with intricate Gothic elements, including pointed
arches and detailed carvings. Large, narrow windows with
decorative tracery allowed light to filter into the interior
while maintaining a sense of fortification. Surrounding the
palace was a fortified courtyard and gardens, creating a
blend of utility and beauty in the royal residence.
INT. LOUVRE PALACE - ROYAL ANTECHAMBER
It was in one of the king's private rooms that Pasquier was
in audience with the sovereign (despite that pesky Cardinal-
Bishop's demand). Charles was only 28 years-old ... His
eyes sharp, with a long pointy nose ... He stood quite
reserved looking out a slit-window to the sky beyond.
PASQUIER
It is an assurance with the Lord's
graces that you must continue in the
siege.
KING CHARLES
Your excellency such assurance has
not been granted in previous
skirmishes.
PASQUIER
No, of course not. But that is only
because the lessons the English have
yet to learn require for them a
bit more sacrifice. Being a father,
you know some children need scrapes
and bruises in order to morally and
spiritually advance. For God, you
are the only king capable of schooling
the English from their ways.
KING CHARLES
They have even refused to listen to
God, and turned their backs on Him,
haven't they?
Pasquier nodded. (Charles pauses, thinks, then sighs with
heaviness).
KING CHARLES
I will have to raise more taxes.
PASQUIER
No, no, no. Allow your constable --
du Guesclin -- to do what he does
best. Just keep him from doing it
to the towns loyal to you.
Charles stared at him, understanding his meaning. He knew
de Guesclin had a way of gathering money from the citizens
... sometimes in a bit of an overbearing manner. Nonetheless,
he never returned empty-handed.
INT. LOUVRE PALACE THRONE ROOM
King Charles and Pasquier entered the throne room from the
small door of the antechamber. COURTIERS and GUARDS snapped
to attention as Charles took his seat. Meanwhile, Pasquier
strode past the entourage and disappeared out of the high
chamber.
COURTIER 1
(whispering to 2)
He even waddles like a pig.
EXT. LOUVRE PALACE DRIVEWAY(?)
Pasquier left the walls of the Louvre palace, climbing into
an enclosed carriage. Soon, he was whisked away through the
streets of Paris ... moving out of the city and into the
magnificent, glorious and beautiful countryside.
At the end of a long private road, he found himself at the
entry to his princely villa, given to him by the King. It
was an extravagant blend of Gothic and Romanesque
architectural styles. There were carved stone facades, ornate
window tracery, along with a couple decorative gargoyles.
Tall, steeply pitched roofs were embellished with finials
shaped like leaves.
Servants stood at attention while one helped Pasquier out of
the carriage. (PLOP - STEPS). He stopped just outside the
main door, where a butler waited.
BUTLER
Your eminence. Your guest has already
arrived.
Pasquier smiled, nodded, then strutted inside.
INT. PARIS VILLA DRAWING ROOM
Renier admired the artwork plastering the walls of the massive
drawing room. The paintings were stunning. The finest he
had ever seen. Plus, they all appeared to be framed in pure
gold. He leaned forward to scratch one of the borders to
find out, but pulled back as Pasquier hurried in. Renier
faced him, smiled, then glanced at him sideways, as if sizing
him up, with a look that suggested he was asking the question
"Is it really him?" They met in embrace and kissed each
other on the cheek.
RENIER
Where's Angelin?
PASQUIER
Occupied at the palace. Pierre Roger
de Beaufort will succeed over Urban,
whether he wishes to or not.
He moved to a small table and poured a drink.
PASQUIER
He'll make right what the old geezer
failed.
Renier took the drink and downed it while Pasquier poured
one for himself.
PASQUIER
As I'm sure you will make right,
little brother.
Pasquier eyed him, expecting perhaps a wince at the slight
sting he just gave him. It didn't happen.
RENIER
They aren't like normal people, as
you know. I mean, we always thought
father's stories about the one he
had encountered during the crusade
with Duke Areles were fantastic, but
how much of it did we really believe?
PASQUIER
Did you not believe all of it? After
yours and our own experiences? For
shame.
RENIER
They. Are. Not. Normal. People.
PASQUIER
And neither are we.
RENIER
You're right.
He strutted to a fancy jewelry box sitting prominently on a
table.
RENIER
I have brought you a gift. Open it.
A finger to help point the way.
Pasquier's eyes burst wide as he opened the container.
PASQUIER
Or rather many, it seems.
Indeed. The box was filled to the brim ... with CHOPPED
FINGERS. It was at once ghastly, yet also echoed the power
at which Renier commanded over his men.
Renier closed the lid, his gaze afire with excitement.
RENIER
I can hold on to any one of those
and learn things about the person it
belonged to. For instance, what
other pagan mystery schools they
might have attended.
He led his Cardinal brother to a large map already splayed
open on a massive table. He pointed to northern Spain, along
the coast ... the top of Scandinavia ... Southern Africa ...
then the French Alps.
RENIER
Here. Here. Here. And Here. Now
these two are far too remote. But
this one been at our gate the whole
time.
Pasquier planted a wet kiss on Renier's forehead.
PASQUIER
God graces you once more.
RENIER
It's far different terrain. Our
assault would have to be much
different than the last. And with
our lessons learned.
PASQUIER
I've convinced the King to keep most
forces occupied in the west. I will
tell du Guesclin that there's rumor
of an English march through the
mountain passes here, and make sure
you command the attack.
RENIER
Companies have already been dispatched
in that direction. (beat) But we
could use additional help on the
eastern flank.
Pasquier paused, considering the options, then smiled.
PASQUIER
Heathens have a way of igniting a
soldier's fury.
He returned to the box. (Opening the box).
PASQUIER
A most wonderful gift. Thank you
for the many directions they may
point.
EXT. MEDIUM-SIZED TOWN
Wimarc guided Aaron and Samantha into the heart of a village
square. It wasn't a small town, but also not a gigantic
capital city either. The buildings were timber frame, some
with thatched roofs while others were tiled. Narrow cobble-
stone streets winded through the municipality, with shops
selling textiles, pottery, and food along the route.
WIMARC
Many during the start of their
Pilgrimage of Service stay here. It
will be good for the night.
They hitched their horses at the rear of an inn and
dismounted. As they rounded the street to the establishment's
entrance, Aaron spotted a couple sitting on a public bench
outside another business. The female looked distressed as
her male companion buckled from a cough. It erupted a
sinister flashback to the plague of Elouan's experience.
Aaron immediately positioned himself in front of Samantha,
shielding her against the possibility of contagion. She
grinned, admiring his chivalry. Aaron then noticed the tavern
across the street, already accepting a flood of patrons in
and out. It left him with a deep sense of unease ...
INT. COACH-INN (CONTINUOUS)
(ENTERING - DOOR OPENING, FOOTSTEPS IN). The foyer of the
inn was already hosting several visitors. Food and drink
was freely passed around. Aaron noted how many wore clothes
that were thread-bare, hair grimy and unkempt, and with a
sense of mental blinders on behind their eyes. Samantha,
too, gave everyone a glance, though it did not worry her in
the slightest of how poorly the others were. For Aaron, it
was like a rock in the gut. He knew it connected back to
what his incarnation as Eluoan had to endure. Fortunately,
Wimarc's sudden interruption severed the obsession drowning
his spirit.
WIMARC (INTERRUPTING)
They have a room.
He led them through a small gathering of folk ... down a
narrow hallway toward the rear of the building.
EXT. MEDIUM-SIZED TOWN ESTABLISHING
The town grew LOUDER as day turned to dusk, then completely
BOISTEROUS as night fell and revelry spilled into the street.
INT. COACH-INN ROOM - NIGHT
Aaron opened his eyes, seated in meditation-sleep. The room
was dark, with shades of warm orange coming in from the
outside street lanterns, giving him the ability to see Wimarc
seated silently in meditation-sleep across from him. It
also revealed Samantha was gone. Aaron felt the space beside
him where she had sat. He hesitated ... looking at Wimarc
... then gingerly escaped the room.
INT. COACH-INN MAIN ROOM
Aaron proceeded to the inn's main room. He saw people eating,
drinking, socializing, but no sign of Samantha.
The cheers roiling in from the tavern across the street
captured him... telling him: that's where she had gone. It
made his blood course quicker, feverish, his heart starting
to pound. Despite the fear, his Muein training suddenly
took over and he hurried to rescue her.
INT. TAVERN
A drunken (and cheering) crowd stood behind Samantha, watching
with rapture as she was seated at a table playing thimblerig
with one of the tavern's usual con artists. The game was
simple: A single peppercorn was placed underneath one of
three thimbles, which the game-keeper then slid the thimbles
around, hoping you would lose track of where the peppercorn
landed. It seemed Samantha had outdone him again as she
handed off coins to the patrons behind her.
SAMANTHA
Here. Here. Go buy more drinks for
yourself.
The GAME-KEEPER was old, grisly, with deep lines etched into
his skin. His hair, a mix of gray and unkempt black, hung
in disheveled strands, framing a face marked by both laughter
and hardship. He wore a leather apron that was stained from
spills and food remnants. His eyes -- sharp and keen --
quickly met with a few of the people standing behind her.
Samantha didn't notice the glance; instead, she was focused
on keeping the game going.
SAMANTHA
Your part of the bet is that you
hope your talking and the other noise
of this place distracts the player
enough that his eyes lose track of
where it goes.
When Aaron entered, he recognized the sound of her voice, as
she declared:
SAMANTHA
Even better if the player is drunk.
(Laughs)
(Lots of laughter from the audience. Even the GAMER joins
in).
Aaron shuffled into the crowd, gently pushing a larger
gentlemen dressed in a cloak aside. That stranger ... was
Pierre, this time keeping his dagger hidden within his cape.
AARON
My pardon.
Pierre glared at him, side-eyed.
GAMER (LAUGHING)
Get this wench the deepest mug of
mead we've got! (laughs)
SAMANTHA
Let's do this better than if I was
drunk.
GAMER
And just what in Heaven's name would
that be, little lady?
SAMANTHA
(staring back)
WHO HERE HAS A BLINDFOLD?
(Audience erupts). Several in the audience nearly fell over
each other to find one. Aaron suddenly knelt at Samantha's
ear.
AARON
Ahem. Uh
SAMANTHA
Oh! Husband! How wonderful you found
me!
She planted a kiss on his cheek. (Several people shout in
astonishment "Husband?" They were hoping she was single
Some obviously don't care. "Bet she knows where he keeps his
balls!")
AARON
(softly)
I don't think this is a good idea.
SAMANTHA
I'm just having some fun.
(beat)
Besides, I'm not keeping any of the
winnings. It's going to all these
good people!
(Cheers from the audience). Aaron took her by the shoulder,
as if he were going to pull her from the seat.
AARON
(to the Gamer)
My apologies, good sir. I am afraid
my wife has already had too much to
drink.
GAMER
Not a sip of mead she taken yet,
buddy. Step back.
A publican offered a blindfold. Samantha grinned and allowed
the person to put it over her eyes.
AARON
But I'm afraid we have nothing to
offer if she loses.
GAMER
Should have thought of that before
you lost sight of her. Now her arse
is in that chair and she's making
the bets.
SAMANTHA
It's not lady-like, I know.
GAMER
I'm sure we can come to some sort of
compensation if she loses.
Even blindfolded (and without anyone noticing) Samantha took
Aaron's hand as if she were looking right at it. He noticed,
then remembered how she was the teacher of combat arts ...
while being blinded.
SAMANTHA
I can do this. I promise. Then we
can go home.
Aaron reluctantly retreated. (Audience roars in delight).
SAMANTHA
Before you start, let me hold the
peppercorn for a moment.
The gamer put the small nugget in her palm. She cradled it
briefly, feeling its texture, its energies. Then handed it
back.
SAMANTHA
Here. Now you put it under your
thimble.
The whole challenge captured Pierre's attention. He elbowed
a fellow warrior standing beside him.
The gamer put the peppercorn under a thimble. He smiled at
the audience, showing a few teeth broken off at the gums,
then slid the trio of thimbles all around. Even he wasn't
paying attention to where they were going -- he was clearly
fascinated in watching Samantha ... She just sat there.
Peaceful. Her breathing calm and measured.
GAMER
Round and round it goes. Where it
stops, nobody knows. Round and round
it goes. Where it stops, nobody
knows.
(The audience joins in. It's a CHORUS of the stanza.)
GAMER
Even I'm not paying attention to
where it is!
Samantha smiled, then joined into the chorus herself. Aaron
nervously participated, hoping not to look too out of place.
The gamer stopped the shuffle.
SAMANTHA
Where it stops, nobody knows.
Everyone watched with bated breath. Samantha placed her
hand on the edge of the table and slowly slid it along the
track before the thimbles. Pierre and his comrade grew even
more curious at this display. Aaron, too. Samantha stopped
... The thimble on the far left.
SAMANTHA
There.
The gamer slowly lifted the thimble. (CHEERS). Samantha
removed the blindfold, grinning ear-to-ear.
GAMER
Marry a poppet!
Money quickly exchanged hands. Aaron pulled Samantha from
the seat.
AARON
Very well done. Very --
The gamer motioned to a few men in the crowd -- the ones he
had glanced at earlier. They suddenly arrested Aaron and
nabbed Samantha. The rest of the crowd shrank to their
tables. Pierre and his comrade fell back into a corner booth,
disappearing in the shadows.
GAMER (STANDING)
She can't leave just yet. I demand
some sort of restitution for the
money she's lost me.
AARON (CALM)
Is that not the risk you take with
games of chance?
SAMANTHA (AT EASE)
With your slight of hand, you'll
earn it all back tomorrow.
The gamer nestled close to her. His goons held her steady
as he ran his leathery hand over her cheek, and then INTO
her head veil.
GAMER
Mmmm. But I have better plans for
tonight, darling.
He gave Aaron a piercing look.
GAMER
It's a risk you take with games of
chance, my friend.
A goon slid the blindfold back over Samantha's eyes. She
didn't resist.
The gamer headed for the back rooms, motioning for his men
to bring Samantha along. Unfortunately, they couldn't move
her. They tugged at her arms, yet it seemed she was rooted
securely to the floor.
Aaron recognized her poise ... Then took stock of the tavern
... Counting heads and sizing up audience members. He didn't
like combat -- it wasn't his thing -- but nevertheless, he
was trained.
AARON
Yes. Unfortunately, such games are
a risk.
With that, Samantha's legs darted forward and pushed off the
game table, sending the goons holding her backward onto the
floor.
At the same time, Aaron back-headed the brute holding him
from behind, sending him reeling ("AHHHH!). Then quickly
KICKED OFF an assailant hoping to tackle him.
Samantha -- still blindfolded -- back-flipped from the duo
who had held her. The men were back on their feet ...
throwing punches and trying to nab her ... But she easily
out-maneuvered them every time. It was positively amazing
to witness. She ducked. Parried. Then jumped in a round-
house kick, all while wearing a black cloth over her eyes.
(CRASH!)
Pierre kept his companion in the shadows. He wanted to keep
watching ... to learn more.
Meanwhile, a patron tried hitting Aaron with a plate. Aaron
blocked, then hit the attacker in a sensitive abdominal point,
sending him colliding with the floor ("OOHH!"). He then
leapt up ... His feet easily clearing the height of the bar
... and snatched the bat the bartender had procured to fend
off the fight.
Without looking, he swung ... missing an attacker's hand,
but precisely knocking away the dagger he had ready to stab
him with. Then Aaron tossed the bat into the air, where it
twirled, came back down ... to which he caught and then
slammed the butt end into the goon's gut. ("AHHH!")
Another patron nabbed a pike spear from a dual display on
the wall and advanced toward Samantha. Still blindfolded,
she blocked ... then managed to take the spear for herself!
Another publican came at her, brandishing the other pike
lance. It didn't matter. She expertly blocked and parried
each of his moves.
Meanwhile, Aaron slid between another man's legs, coming up
behind him, and knocking him out cold to the floor.
At the same time, the attacker with the spear stapled the
javelin into the floor, hoping to have stabbed Samantha's
foot with it. She expertly moved it aside at the last
possible second (unlike her student from months earlier).
Then she back-flipped ... landing onto a table, surprising
the patrons sitting there. She quickly grabbed their mugs
and hurled them at the assailant's head ... knocking him
cold.
Another man yanked a dagger and rushed for her. Samantha
leapt from the table ... slid across the floor to meet him
... and crushed the man's groin with her fist. (SHRIEK -
CRUMBLED TO THE FLOOR).
Aaron ran up beside her. She recognized the sound of his
steps, giving him a grin.
AARON
I think it's time to go.
SAMANTHA
Way too much of a good time.
A dagger zipped through the air for the back of her head.
Samantha instinctively turned and caught it! (GASP!) She
ripped off the blindfold to see it came from Pierre, who was
now standing from the edge of his booth. The look in his
eyes, the feeling of his energy ... Samantha hurled the weapon
back at him, stapling the floor centimeters from his toe.
Her own eyes burned with the challenge one might see ... in
a Roman warrior.
Aaron grabbed her hand and yanked her from the tavern. Pierre
and his companion watched after them ... while the rest of
the crowd stared in dumb-founded astonishment.
EXT. MEDIUM-SIZED TOWN TAVERN
(RUNNING)
AARON
This way!
They hurried around several buildings ... coming to hide in
a narrow alley. Pumped with adrenaline, Samantha tackled
Aaron against the wall.
SAMANTHA
We make a good team.
She smothered him in a passionate kiss.
EXT. MANOR FIELD
Pierre and his FOUR COMPANIONS galloped onto the grounds of
a manor's field. Here, several tents were perched ... the
temporary camp for Renier's field operatives. Pierre
dismounted and marched with purpose, entering one of the
larger pavilions.
INT. MANOR FIELD TENT
There, he met Philippe -- Renier's second in command. After
telling him what he had witnessed in the tavern --
PHILIPPE
Scout every path in and out of the
village with haste. Follow, but do
not engage. Learn what you can.
Orders will come from our Lord once
he arrives in from Paris.
PIERRE
If all roads are to have eyes, then
I will need a few more men.
(Philippe sharpens the blade of his broadsword).
PHILIPPE
Take the Gascons. Just keep them
under heel. At least temporarily.
PIERRE
With pleasure.
(Hurrying out).
EXT. MEDIUM-SIZED TOWN ALLEY
Perhaps it was the adrenaline; perhaps it was the fact they
were completely free from the Muein compound ... At any rate,
Aaron and Samantha discarded their clothes and made love on
a stack of discarded wooded pallets within the scattered
moonlight streaming into the narrow alley.
EXT. MEDIUM-SIZED TOWN BACK STREETS
Later, they kept themselves to the edges of the buildings,
sneaking back toward to the coach inn.
As they rounded a corner to the next edifice, they found
Wimarc casually leaning against the wall, waiting for them.
Aaron and Samantha stopped, hand-in-hand. Lost for words.
WIMARC
What do you think your mother would
say? Both of your mothers?
(sigh)
Well, I for one am grateful you
finally went through with it.
(He walked past them, leading them on).
WIMARC
But we need have talk about this
fight in the tavern. The inn will
be the first place they come looking.
A bit stupefied, they both followed him. (Aaron and Samantha
follow, circling cautiously around another building).
They stopped at another alley, where Wimarc handed them their
knapsacks, already packed and ready to go.
WIMARC
Like I said, you have yet to learn
humility, daughter.
SAMANTHA
What makes you think I started it?
Wimarc and Aaron gave her a sardonic look.
SAMANTHA
Men.
EXT. MEDIUM-SIZED TOWN COACH INN
Wearing hooded cloaks, the trio gingerly routed their horses
away from the inn. They sneaked through fields, moving toward
another segment of thick, dark forest.
They failed to see a rider stop his steed and watch from a
distance.