EXT. WESTERN SCHOOL OPEN COURT SLOPE
Aaron, Samantha, and Rachel had spent a few days gathering
the Muein dead in the corridors and chambers of the Western
school along the rocky coast of northern Spain. They piled
the corpses into a massive heap outside on a natural flat
rock outgrowth the school used as a courtyard overlooking
the sea. After they had lit the stack afire, the trio sat,
held hands, and hummed a requiem. The smoke billowed away
from the hillside ... Twisting and widening across the
breaking waves of the ocean rolling in from the infinity of
the Atlantic.
EXT. MUEIN COURTYARD TWILIGHT
Back at the school in the Alps, another column of smoke
spiraled into the skies, fortunately blending seamlessly
with the clouds. On closer look, the blaze creating the
awesome vapor was a huge bonfire being fed by the elimination
of the school's knowledge recorded in its books, scrolls,
and other writings. Muein Guardians, at the behest of the
Master Guides, had collected all but the essential tomes and
were tossing them into the inferno. They didn't weep. They
didn't fret. They looked on knowing that their actions were
a safe-guard against the appropriation of their knowledge
and skill being stolen by an approaching evil. Besides, the
foundational texts were still safe.
INT. MUEIN EVACUATION TUNNEL
While the fire of burned books ascended higher into the sky,
below, in the catacombs, master copies of the most sacred
texts were locked into gilded chests and carried away, being
escorted by Master Ishraq.
At the same time, students and families calmly made their
way into the Eastern tunnels. It seemed like a never-ending
group of humanity. Wearing furs and carrying rucksacks,
they were indeed abandoning their sacred mountain home.
EXT. WESTERN SCHOOL OPEN COURT SLOPE - TWILIGHT
Twilight settled on the Western School, as Aaron, Samantha,
and Rachel continued to sit in solemn occasion before the
cremation bonfire of the Muein dead. They each had their
eyes closed in respectful prayer.
AARON
We will endure, as all life endures.
(STRETCHING OF WOOD) Samantha heard the pull of wood, coming
from the cave entrance back into the compound, off to her
far right. Within a half-second, she TWISTED and CAUGHT the
arrow before it could staple her!
INT. MUEIN CAVE/1ST TUNNEL - NIGHT
Back in the Alps, three French knights stealthily made
entrance into one of the Muein tunnels. The path was lit
with torches, per usual temple practices. They turned into
another corridor ... And were met by a Muein Guardian.
The Guardian advanced. With lightning speed, he kicked and
punched, evading every swipe of their swords ... handling
all three with a rather calm repose -- as if the fight were
somewhat like child's play. Two of the three knights fell
in short order, unable to best him. The Guardian quickly
disarmed the third, then grabbed the warrior in a head-lock.
He shoved the knight against the wall and reached for his
ear ... (SWOOSH! SCREAM!) An unexpected sword came down
and chopped off the Guardian's arm before he could connect!
The Muein acolyte hunkered over, wracked with pain and shock,
revealing Renier wielding the bloody blade. (SWISH!) The
Guardian fell -- mortally defeated.
EXT. WESTERN SCHOOL OPEN COURT SLOPE DARKENING TWILIGHT
Amidst the darkening twilight of the Spanish coast, Samantha,
Aaron and Rachel tumbled and rolled to avoid the swords and
arrows darting all about them.
After Samantha caught the initial dart, the trio dove in to
take on the contingent of Gascons and knights being led by
Pierre.
Fast kicks -- some low, some high -- hand-to-hand maneuvers
never before seen by Europeans ... But now somewhat recognized
by the intruders and more easily defensible. Samantha and
Aaron recognized this group from the forest camp ... Rachel,
from the initial invasion that murdered her Muein community.
PIERRE
Don't let them touch you! Their
devilry!
INT. MUEIN TUNNEL
Back in the Alps, the fight here was also in full-swing.
Two Muein Guardians kicked and disarmed another string of
invaders. Just went it seemed they had prevailed (THWIP!
THWIP!) arrows shot from the darkness. One of the guardians
fell ... while the other still managed to catch the dart ...
then hurled it back to impale one of the advancing raiders.
EXT. WESTERN SCHOOL OPEN COURT SLOPE
At the Western School, Aaron, Samantha, and Rachel had already
sustained bloody gashes ... but thanks to their focus and
detachment during the battle, nothing yet marked a sign of
their own impending deaths.
While disarming a particularly nasty Gascon, Rachel caught
sight of what appeared to be a lone figure wearing a glowing
white robe standing just inside the entrance back into the
caves. When the individual realized he had been noticed, he
turned in ... as if beckoning ... disappearing into the
shadows of the interior rocks.
RACHEL
Follow me! This way!
Samantha took out the warrior before her. Aaron expertly
avoided his attacker ... and they joined Rachel ... continuing
to fight while she guided them back inside.
INT. MUEIN TUNNEL
In the Alps, a lone Guardian repelled a French warlord. As
he raised his leg to deliver the final blow, Renier
interrupted ... (SWISH! AAAHHH!) Removing the Muein's leg,
then taking the rest of his life (SWISH!).
INT. WESTERN SCHOOL GRAND GALLERY
Arrows darted around Samantha, Aaron, and Rachel as they
raced into the Grand Gallery. They had managed to break
free of the attacking group ... rushing in full retreat.
Rachel, again, spotted a stranger dressed in a white robe
... this time standing at the entrance to another tunnel.
The figure turned inside.
RACHEL
This way.
She led them into the corridor.
EXT. MUEIN COURTYARD
In the Alps, Renier and his squad flooded out of the catacombs
and filled the main courtyard. Muein Guardians atop platforms
and ramparts immediately showered them with flame-tipped
arrows. Shields and armor protected most ...
Then a SECOND FRENCH INVASION TEAM emerged from another
corridor ... A mixture of infantry and archers ... returning
fire against the Muein acolytes.
Renier caught sight of the massive bonfire ... and knew what
it meant.
RENIER
Shit ...
A series of men-at-arms appeared beside him, having brought
a battering ram with them.
RENIER
This way!
While ducking and avoiding the volley of arrows, he led the
troupe up a flight of steps toward the library temple.
INT. MUEIN TUNNEL
Meanwhile, in the Eastern tunnels of the Alpine colony,
evacuees rushed calmly to escape, being led by one of the
Guardian Masters. Master Ishraq turned off into another
corridor, leading those carrying the treasure chests of the
master texts after her.
INT. WESTERN SCHOOL TUNNEL
Back in Spain, Rachel led Aaron and Samantha through the
large tunnel ... running at a sprint.
RACHEL
They'll have more waiting outside.
SAMANTHA
We'll take the lead!
Rachel slowed, allowing Samantha and Aaron to move ahead
while she kept the rear.
EXT. MUEIN LIBRARY
In the Alps, Renier and his squad bust down the library door
with the battering ram. (SMASH!)
INT. MUEIN LIBRARY (CONTINUOUS)
Renier raced in to see the shelves had already been emptied.
He seethed with rage.
INT. WESTERN SCHOOL TUNNEL
Samantha, Aaron, and Rachel continued through the passage.
As they passed an adjoining tunnel, Rachel saw once again
someone standing in the shadows ... wearing a white robe.
She stopped ... Stepped closer ... And was gob-smacked to
see it was ELOUAN ... looking warmly at her.
INT. MUEIN LIBRARY
Though the library was empty, Renier still wasn't ready to
concede. He knelt, placed his hands on the floor, then closed
his eyes to concentrate. The troops watched this strange
behavior with wonderment.
INT. WESTERN SCHOOL - TUNNEL
Meanwhile ... Rachel stepped ever closer to her former love.
ELOUAN
Yes, it is I. Do not be afraid.
EXT. MUEIN
Renier and his team flew down the steps ... returning to the
main courtyard ... where the battle still raged. Avoiding
impacts, he found the entrance to the eastern evacuation
tunnels ...
RENIER
Onward! HERE!
Several knights broke off from the Muein assault to join
him, while others remained behind to supply cover.
EXT. MUEIN MOUNTAIN SLOPE
Meanwhile, on the mountain range's eastern slope, the evacuees
emerged onto a snowy hillside and began their descent to the
safety of the valleys below.
INT. WESTERN SCHOOL TUNNEL
Back at the Western school, Aaron looked back to see his
mother standing still, looking into another cave ... yards
behind him and Samantha. He stopped.
AARON
Mother! Mother, what are you doing?
SAMANTHA
Rachel!
INT. MUEIN TUNNEL
At that same moment, Renier didn't stop to consider where to
run when he and his team encountered the fork in the tunnels
... he led them confidently into the corridor where Ishraq
had spirited the texts.
INT. WESTERN SCHOOL - TUNNEL
Meanwhile, Rachel continued staring, galvanized by Elouan's
presence. Aaron and Samantha rushed back to her.
SAMANTHA
Rachel, they will be here any moment.
AARON
Mother?
RACHEL
No. I must stay.
Aaron and Samantha were flabbergasted.
RACHEL
I have lost every man I have ever
loved. I shall not lose you, too.
AARON
You won't. Now we must go!
He tugged her arm, but she was unmovable. (The sounds of
incoming knights filter in. Shouts of vengeance).
AARON
They are coming!
INT. MUEIN WIDER CORRIDOR
Ishraq was confounded ... Startled ... She halted, along
with those carrying the chests of Muein texts.
ORDONIO-INDIGO ROBE
How did they find us?
ISHRAQ-MASTER
Protectors
A dozen Muein moved into attack position as Renier and his
team swarmed in. Master Ordonio and Ishraq joined in on the
defense. Their moves were lightning fast, simultaneously
fluid ... Still, it was clear Renier's team had learned from
their earlier assault of the Western School. Renier himself
was relentless.
INT. WESTERN SCHOOL TUNNEL
... And it was that same sense of unabated blood lust that
kept Rachel from giving in to Aaron's pleas.
RACHEL
If you are swarmed from the front
and also from the back, you will not
survive.
SAMANTHA
The hell we won't.
AARON
Mother ...
RACHEL
I promise I will always be with you.
The remark hit Aaron like a ton of bricks. He remembered
saying the exact same thing to her in his other life as Elouan
... He also knew ... it meant that her death was near. He
hesitated, then looked at Samantha.
AARON (TO SAMANTHA)
We go
SAMANTHA
What?
Aaron suddenly gave Rachel a bear hug.
RACHEL
He is already here.
AARON
I know.
He pulled away, then took off ahead.
AARON
We go!
Though unsure of why they were leaving her behind, Samantha
hurriedly hugged Rachel. Rachel kissed her, then Samantha
abandoned her to rejoin Aaron.
Rachel turned her gaze back down the tunnel ... awaiting the
attackers.
EXT. WESTERN SCHOOL NIGHT
Within minutes, Aaron and Samantha had emerged from the cave
and onto the hilltop grounds. They were instantly met with
more knights ... Nonetheless, they remained determined ...
Aaron fought with a focused fury.
INT. MUEIN TUNNEL
In the Alps, Renier's team had learned from the previous
skirmishes ... The arms and legs of the Muein protectors
became prizes to be removed during the course of the
engagement. They no longer fought like brutes ... but
dexterous assassins.
INT. WESTERN SCHOOL TUNNEL
Rachel, too, could see the same happening with the warriors
swarming her. She fought peacefully ... knowing she only
need delay them to give Aaron and Samantha time to escape
... The skirmish didn't at all overwhelm her ... Instead,
she smiled, her mind clearly turned toward the future ...
With each block or hit, she let herself go ... Her attachments
to material life being mentally and spiritually cut away ...
Allowing Pierre's team to collapse her onto her knees ...
INT. MUEIN TUNNEL
... like many of the Muein protectors around the prized
chests. Except these warriors were now missing hands and
feet, in addition to their lives. Only Ishraq remained
standing, her white robes stained with the remains of her
Muein brethren ... Standing as a lone sentry over the boxes.
ISHRAQ-MASTER
This knowledge cannot be fully
understood without the proper
foundations. It will do you no good.
Renier and his knights advanced ... (SWISH! BOOM!)
EXT. WESTERN SCHOOL UPPER GROUNDS
For poor Ishraq, there was no escape. But for Samantha and
Aaron ... after removing a couple of knights from their
horses, they stole the stallions and hurried away.
EXT. WESTERN SCHOOL OPEN COURT SLOPE
Pierre and his soldiers dragged Rachel back out into the
open air, where the flames of the Muein cremation still raged.
Several knights kept their sword tips at her head, making
sure she didn't make a move against those dragging her.
PIERRE
Now you get what all witches deserve.
Rachel suddenly planted her feet, stopping them. (She HUMS
ELOUAN'S TUNE).
EXT. MUEIN EASTERN SLOPE
Perhaps it was a hope the tune not only would help herself,
but also her family left behind in the Alps ... As the
evacuees ran into a contingent of Papal soldiers waiting for
them as soon as they reached the valley. The Muein were
easily outnumbered ...
EXT. WESTERN SCHOOL OPEN COURTYARD SLOPE
Pierre could see Rachel was giving up, yet why she hummed
the song, he couldn't fathom. Still, he allowed those holding
her to let go. When they did, Rachel looked toward the fire
and smiled ...
EXT. MUEIN EASTERN SLOPE
Back at the base of the Alps, Golda watched in horror as
several Muein were butchered by the Papal army ... while
others were taken prisoner. She fell into the writhing grasp
of three warriors.
PAPAL WARRIOR 1
Take her! Bind her!
Just as she was about to fight ... she saw two Master
Guardians slaughtered by sword and bow. She fell without
resistance into the arms of her captors.
EXT. WESTERN SCHOOL OPEN COURTYARD SLOPE
At the same time, beyond the Pyrenees mountains, Rachel had
placed her back to the roaring fire of burning Muein brethren.
The flames were already licking at her shoulders and spine.
She raised her arms, then closed her eyes, to which she then
gave way ... falling backward into the flames ... Fully
engulfed by the inferno. Pierre and his men gawked in awe.
EXT. ALPS WESTERN SLOPE
Though the night was as black as sackcloth, with a good ten
torches held by fellow invaders, Renier was able to haul the
half-dozen Muein chests out of the compound and begin the
descent down the slope of the mountain. He and his squad
were bloody, bruised, but by the grit of their determination
and unyielding fortitude in the fierceness of battle, they
were the victors against the Muein fortress.
EXT. PREVIOUS TOWN DAY
By daybreak, Wimarc still hadn't reached the valley forest --
though he raced through every town as fast as his steed could
carry him.
EXT. HILLSIDE
-- As did Samantha and Aaron. The duo sped through fields
... into deep forests ... across creeks and rivers ... Losing
their venomous pursuers.
EXT. FIELD (BASE OF EASTERN SLOPES)
For the captured Muein on the Eastern slopes of the Alps,
the Papal Army had them rounded up -- if they weren't
immediately killed during a bout of resistance. By early
sunrise, twenty of the monks were tied to stakes ... including
Golda. Many brethren already had their eyes closed in
peaceful meditation ... No one seemed marred by fear of what
was surely to come. It was something the Papal Commander
and his team had never before witnessed ... making them quite
uneasy.
PAPAL COMMANDER
(to the group)
At even this very moment, your kind
makes prayer to your heathen devils.
This makes the conducting of a trial
not necessary, your bond with Satan
purely evident as is the snow covering
these mountains.
GOLDA
You mistake their appearance.
(Footsteps).
PAPAL COMMANDER
I mistake nothing. You spit in the
face of holy Christ and deny the
authority of his almighty Church.
GOLDA
Because the Church has no authority,
other than what the people give it.
Your buildings crumble and fall with
age, while the force of Life forever
rises up, eternal. That is God. And
that is what these people blend with.
PAPAL COMMANDER
Blend? Even your words condemn you,
witch. You either fall under God's
grace
He lifted a blazing torch to her face.
PAPAL COMMANDER
or you don't.
Golda grinned.
GOLDA
Grace of Life begets more life. Yet
here you are, hoping to end ours.
She flashed him a challenging glance. Who -- she was
confronting -- was on the right side of history here?
GOLDA
A burned forest always returns.
PAPAL COMMANDER
Only if God wills it.
With that, he threw the torch onto the kindling at Golda's
feet! The other soldiers stepped forward and lit afire the
remaining trees and shrubs beneath the Muein.
The acolytes at first resisted. But they were ... only human.
(SCREAMS). While some screamed, others calmly let go ...
seeing their already deceased brethren coming to rescue their
departing spirits.
As the blaze ascended to Golda's cheeks, she spied through
the flames the spirit of Master Ishraq ... Looking as real
and solid as anyone, with a faint glow emanating from her
back. She was approaching, smiling ... coming to remove
Golda's soul from her burning body.
EXT. FIELD
Aaron's stomach suddenly twisted and churned. His mind felt
struck by a massive burst of lightning. He bucked and puked
from atop his horse, then careened off ...
SAMANTHA
Aaron!
(She double-backs. Jumps down to aid him). She swiftly tended
to him, finding him knocked out cold. Upon fast inspection,
she discovered the back of his head bloodied from hitting a
rock ... making the injury possibly a grave one.
SAMANTHA
No!
A sinister feeling washed over her ... as if coming on the
wind. She stood ... And the world began to spin. Faster,
faster ... until she, too, collapsed into unconsciousness.
EXT. RIVER
At nearly the same moment, Wimarc was guiding his horse
halfway across a river. Like Samantha, a sinister force
invaded his spirit from upon the breeze. It instantly sent
him spiraling ... falling off the stallion and landing face-
down in the water.
The coolness of the river kept him from blacking out.
Frantic, he swam to the shore and crawled upon his hands and
knees. The air continued to thicken. He recognized it as
the demise of the Alpine school ... and his beloved wife.
WIMARC
No no no no.
EXT. AVIGNON PALACE DAY
But in the bustling city of Avignon, the streets near the
Palace of the Popes were choked with cheering citizens. All
heads were turned to the Cathedral Noter Dame Des Doms.
INT. CATHEDRAL NOTRE DAME DES DOMS
Pierre Roger deBeaufort, the cardinal previously sequestered
by Pasquier -- now sat as the newly elected Pope Gregory the
Eleventh at the front of the nave in the cathedral. He held
a long scepter, mainly for the purpose of the ceremony. A
protodeacon placed the papal crown on his head, while other
cardinals and archbishops surrounded him, DeBoulogne and
Pasquier among them. Pope Gregory shot a quick glance
Pasquier's way, knowing this election was his doing.
DeBoulogne tried not to acknowledge Pasquier and made good
on keeping a safe distance from him.
EXT. AVIGNON PALACE BALCONY
Later, Pope Gregory stood from atop a high open balcony and
waved at the throngs of cheering crowds on the streets below.
He turned back into the antichamber ...
INT. AVIGNON PALACE POPE'S ROOM (CONTINUOUS)
... to see Pasquier waiting. The Pope was startled by his
presence ... He shouldn't be in here.
PASQUIER
You will pen a letter to the King of
France stating that 'Today they named
me '
INT. LOUVRE PALACE THRONE ROOM
KING CHARLES
' by the method of the Holy Spirit.'
King Charles read the note aloud while sitting in the main
throne room of the Louvre palace ... Pasquier standing before
him.
PASQUIER
And so the Lord still favors the
French to rule his temporal kingdom.
KING CHARLES
I am blessed by my Lord's grace.
PASQUIER
With the routing of the English at
Limoges, and the arresting of their
treachery in trying to invade from
the Alps, it won't be long 'til He
has restored all your lands and your
wealth, in accordance with your power
as granted by Him.
Charles stared deeply at Pasquier. It was clear, Pasquier
had supreme confidence in his prophecy.
PASQUIER
You are no doubt ready for when God
gives his word.
Charles slowly nodded. Pasquier bowed, then turned on his
heel and strutted away. As he left the chamber, he passed
deGuesclin as he was strutting in. Their eyes met -- a
message passing between them. DeGuesclin gave the cardinal
a wry smile.
EXT. PARIS VILLA
Servants unloaded the Muein chests from transport carriages
and hauled them into Pasquier's palatial Paris villa. Renier
and his lieutenants hovered over their arrival, following
the chests inside.
RENIER
Place them in the library.
INT. PARIS VILLA LIBRARY
Moments later, the servants dropped the chests in the center
of the great room, then quickly left. PHILIPPE edged close
to one of the containers.
PHILIPPE
Let's see what was so difficult to
take.
He reached for the lid, but Renier arrested him.
RENIER
Only upon his arrival. Not before.
Philippe saw the intensity in his gaze ... so nodded and
backed away, joining the other five knights alongside him.
EXT. PARIS VILLA
Outside, Pasquier stepped down from the coach, having just
arrived. The butler whispered into his ear. Upon hearing
the news, Pasquier rushed inside.
INT. PARIS VILLA OUTSIDE HALL/LIBRARY
Pasquier hurried down the hall, then threw the doors open
and entered the library. He held his arms wide and accepted
Renier in embrace, kissing his cheeks.
PASQUIER
The Lord has blessed you as always.
RENIER
Yes, your Eminence.
Pasquier examined the chests, then eyed the remaining
warriors.
PASQUIER
Thank you, gentlemen. Your
contribution to this crusade will be
greatly rewarded.
LIEUTENANTS
Eminence
PASQUIER
Stall your horses and enjoy some
wine in the drawing room. I'll have
the servants bring cakes for your
bellies.
Renier nodded in approval toward his men and they quickly
departed. Pasquier and Renier circled their newly acquired
treasure.
RENIER
Considering the steps they took to
protect them, the very keys of God's
knowledge must exist in those boxes.
PASQUIER
Yes.
RENIER
Too bad Angelin isn't here for this.
PASQUIER
And it is good that he isn't, with
all your other men walking around.
Pasquier knelt to open the first chest.
PASQUIER
The answers inside these trunks will
give us all we have looked for, so
that we may fulfill God's wishes for
our family.
He threw the top open, reached in, and pulled out a thick
book. He fumbled with the locking mechanism, but finally
succeeded in opening it. His lips spread in a wide smile,
anticipating the revelations he was about to uncover. He
opened the tome wide, then suddenly looked baffled.
PASQUIER
What is this?
Confused, Renier came up behind, looking at the writing over
his shoulder. Pasquier flipped through several pages, seeming
more distraught with each glance.
PASQUIER
It is written in some language we
cannot read.
Renier turned away, recalling what Ishraq said about not
having the foundation to understand the material.
RENIER
Shit.
Pasquier dropped the book, then rustled through a few others
in the chest. They were all written the same.
PASQUIER
Without somebody who knows this
this is useless.
He stood, drilling into his brother with a fiery stare.
RENIER
I will go back there. Find somebody
who can read this and return them
here.
PASQUIER
Not here.
(He wanders the room).
PASQUIER
How can you be sure anybody is left?
RENIER
Oh, there aren't, thanks to the
support you provided. But there might
be others who come looking.
Pasquier paused, considering the proposal. It was ... sound.
PASQUIER
Bring them to me in Avignon. I'll
have a special place for them there.
He stepped toward his brother ... stopping only inches from
Renier's face.
PASQUIER
They only need be kept breathing
until they arrive.