INT. MONASTERY INFIRMARY AARON'S CUBE
The monastery's infirmary was made of small cubicles -- half-
walls constructed from stone. In one of these tiny
compartments, Aaron lied on a pallet bed. He was, at last,
semi-conscious. (MOAN). A Dominican FRIAR peeked in from
the doorway curtain, having heard him. He motioned to
another, and the pair rushed in. FRIAR JAMES gently looked
Aaron over, then motioned to his partner.
The partner stepped out, then quickly returned with a cup.
James took it, then assisted with propping Aaron up for the
drink.
FRIAR JAMES
Easy… Here, here.
Aaron took only a sip, then fell back asleep. The friars
gently lowered him back to the bed.
INT. MONASTERY INFIRMARY AARON'S CUBE LATER
Hours later, Aaron came-to again. With half-open eyes, he
attempted to sit up, but the sheering pain at the back of
his neck stopped him. (AARON MOAN). A friar peered in from
the entry curtain. Startled, he motioned to another, hidden
just beyond him. Within seconds, Friar James returned and
assisted Aaron to find equilibrium.
FRIAR JAMES
You have to move slowly. Relax and
breathe.
He motioned to his partner, who again came back with a cup.
James helped Aaron to drink from it.
AARON
Where am I?
FRIAR JAMES
You are in the infirmary of St.
Dominic in Santa Pau, where you've
been since one of our brothers brought
you and your companion four days
ago.
AARON
Four ... days?
FRIAR JAMES
By God's grace, yes. Found on the
side of the road with your companion.
She was quite concerned, and rightly
so.
A searing volley of pain coursed through Aaron's head. He
squinted and instinctively reached for the back of his neck.
James stopped him.
FRIAR JAMES
Uh-uh. You took quite a fall. Had
to call in the local barber surgeon
to clean and sew you up back there.
It's what's kept you out all these
days. (looks) Seems the swelling has
gone down -- so that now you can see
and speak again.
AARON
Where's my ... companion?
Remembering something, James had the partner keep Aaron
upright while he quickly left, then returned carrying a piece
of parchment.
FRIAR JAMES
She stayed for a day, but insisted
urgent matters forced her leave.
I think she saw the good Lord's work
coming through, for she didn't ask
to remit you with her custody.
A very peculiar lady, I must say.
She asked that I give you this when
you awoke.
Aaron glanced over the parchment. It was a note, written in
the same mysterious language as the Muein texts.
FRIAR JAMES
What odd gibberish that looks to me.
My apologies. What language is it,
if you don't mind me asking?
AARON
Home.
FRIAR JAMES
Where's that?
Aaron slowly fell back. James helped him to recline, taking
Aaron's hand, and made sure the back of his head remained
protected. Aaron held the parchment to his chest.
FRIAR JAMES
Yes, you must need more rest. You
can take your time here.
Aaron tightened the grip on James's hand.
AARON
Thank you.
FRIAR JAMES
Praise be to God for your deliverance.
Aaron closed his eyes and faded into sleep. James stood,
looking compassionately at him, then slowly stepped out.
EXT. FOREST DAY
Meanwhile, Samantha galloped between the trees of a dense
forest at top speed ...
EXT. FOREST ROADWAY
... just like Renier and his garrison, as they hurried along
a forest roadway on return to the Alps ...
EXT. VALLEY
... where Wimarc had finally found his way, thanks to his
link with Theia's mind as she guided him.
EXT. FIELD (BASE OF EASTERN SLOPES)
She led him around the valley at the base of the Muein peaks
... ending on the Eastern slope. Wimarc leapt off his horse
and rushed to where the burnt bodies had crumpled upon the
pyres. He waved carrion away already plucking at the corpses.
The devastation was so stunning, he couldn't weep. He looked
over every member ... collapsing to his knees when discovering
his beloved wife.
Wimarc felt waves of agony pierce the armor of his
consciousness. Golda's burnt body on the stake before him
was far more than he could ever handle. Though the Muein
knew life was everlasting, it never diminished the grief at
the loss of a loved one ... especially passing in a way such
as this. (WIMARC WEEPING)
GOLDA (V.O.)
My beloved. I am all right.
He looked about, captured by Golda's voice. He suddenly saw
her standing with Master Ishraq at the base of a hill,
smiling. She turned away, as if beckoning him to follow.
Wimarc chased. When he reached the hilltop, she and Master
Ishraq had vanished. Nevertheless, he could feel deep within
his nervous system that her spirit was subtly blending with
him, thereby leading him in a somewhat subconscious manner.
He passed desecrated Muein bodies ... coursing along until
at last finding the entrance to the eastern passage. Without
torchlight, he had to rely upon his heightened senses and
inner intuition to navigate the tunnels. (WALKING IN)
INT. MONASTERY CHAPEL
Most friars prayed eight times a day, not counting personal
devotions. These prayers were central to the monastic
lifestyle, reflecting one's commitment to spiritual discipline
and separation from worldly concerns. Friar James took this
responsibility seriously; he inwardly desired an absolute
union with the divine ... To touch what he knew was far more
than what most people considered when it came to the nature
of God and Life. On one hand, he overly esteemed the Bible
and its gospels; on the other, he felt God's hand and the
nature of supernatural miracle-working were just as
significant and possible today as it had been 1300 years ago --
it's just that most people placed their focus so much on the
Bible as past history that they missed it. He hoped that
through his sense of openness and reflecting the kindness
and compassion of Jesus, he may be privy to experience such
miracles in the modern day.
EXT. MONASTERY GROUNDS
After the midday service, he walked with a trio of other
friars outside in the main courtyard. His brothers were
vexed, after hearing a disturbing story about a young priest
in Avignon ... A story that was becoming all too common.
DOMINICAN 1
God tests us all, brothers. Perhaps
those of us who desire to save souls,
he tests the most.
DOMINICAN 2
I most politely disagree. Such rumors
only push people away and does not
invite them to communion with the
Savior in our brotherhood. Rather,
I fear the unfortunate possibility
the younger monks are being targeted.
FRIAR JAMES
By very strong witchery, if the rumors
are to be believed.
DOMINICAN 3 (SKYWARD)
Pray He does not ask us to Avignon.
The group nodded together in affirmation. They then bowed
to each other and parted to go their separate ways. James
proceeded across the hallowed grounds to the infirmary.
INT. MONASTERY INFIRMARY
He acknowledged his fellow working brethren as he passed
through the main foyer, where a central hearth kept the place
cozy warm. With the usual calmness in his step, he moved
between the half-walls of secluded compartments, stopping at
Aaron's cell. He pulled the curtain to see Aaron sitting in
meditation position on the bed, wiping away tears.
INT. MONASTERY INFIRMARY AARON'S CELL (CONTINUOUS)
Aaron opened his eyes then dried the streams burning his
cheeks. Cupping the back of his head, he slowly placed his
feet on the floor and stood to meet James.
FRIAR JAMES
Oh, you are able to rise again, as
the Lord himself had done.
AARON
Yes. Thank you.
FRIAR JAMES
Let me have a look at this.
(footsteps)
Such fall from a horse has been known
to kill a man, but thankfully,
providence favors you. Yes. Looking
much better. How are the headaches?
AARON
They, too, shall pass.
James smiled.
FRIAR JAMES
Yes. Yes, they will. (beat) Would
you like some air? And some water?
Aaron nodded gratefully, then placed a hand on the back of
his neck from a sting of the wound. James put a comforting
hand on his back and led him from the compartment.
FRIAR JAMES
We will tread lightly, to keep you
balanced. Your companion said your
name was Aaron. I am Friar James.
EXT. MONASTERY GARDEN
James led him outside into the expanse of the main courtyard.
The air was perfect -- not too warm and with a slight
fragrance of flowers blooming. Aaron closed his eyes to
absorb it all ... The ineffable quality of life's radiance.
(INHALE). A fellow monk handed James a cup of water, to
which he then handed to Aaron when he opened his eyes.
FRIAR JAMES
Here you go.
Aaron slowly drank, then scanned the grounds, seeing a small
herb garden connected to the infirmary, along with other
monks wandering to-and-fro.
AARON
What do you do here?
FRIAR JAMES
Prayer. Devotion to God. A
brotherhood to deliver His word
wherever we can to save others.
Aaron's memory suddenly fractured -- remembering Elouan's
torture. James noticed the shift in his countenance, affected
by the recall.
FRIAR JAMES
It is out of His love for us that we
are here. Come.
(They walk).
FRIAR JAMES
We often travel from town to town,
preaching the truth of the Gospel,
with only the dust on our feet and
cloaks on our backs. The Church may
survive on tithes, perhaps even
selling some indulgences … (clearly
he doesn't like it). But for us,
only what God gives. What about
you? What did you do before you fell
onto the road out there?
AARON
In my own way, hoping to protect
souls.
EXT. MUEIN COURTYARD
When he had made it into the main courtyard, Wimarc stood in
awe at the destruction of the Muein grounds and temples ...
and the corpses left behind. Renier and his crew had burned
everything ... and left bodies where they fell. Wimarc closed
his eyes and tried his best to clear his mind and body, to
make that link again with the spirit of his beloved, Golda.
WIMARC
Please ... Are you there?
GOLDA (V.O.)
We have all survived. Conditions do
not allow us to reveal much.
WIMARC
Why?
GOLDA (V.O.)
Samantha is returning ... to you.
WIMARC
Why can you not tell me things?
GOLDA (V.O.)
We cannot enter such darkness. It
evades us.
WIMARC
There has to be a way.
GOLDA (V.O.)
It is on your side of the veil and
not ours.
All of a sudden, Wimarc opened his eyes, as if the
transmission had been cut. He tried making the link again
... but it didn't work.
WIMARC
Samantha ...
He raced into the tunnels ... coming out to an aperture
looking over the mountainside. He was hoping to see his
daughter ascending to meet him, but alas, all that laid before
him was the barren hillsides of snow. He turned back in
(TAKING A BREATH) ...
EXT. MUEIN COURTYARD - LATER
It took a few hours, but Wimarc would not let his brethren's
bodies be abandoned in the cold of the ruined temples and
outer pavilions. He managed to gather them all together,
piling them into a heap in the main courtyard, then committed
them to the flames of eternity. He then retreated into one
of the underground caverns ... Seating himself in meditation
and dissolving his awareness into the sanctuary of his inner
spirit.
INT. MONASTERY INFIRMARY AARON'S CELL
Aaron opened his eyes and gently twisted his still tender
head … His meditation had been another failure. He was trying
to make a mental link with Samantha, but unfortunately the
continued throbbing of his injury kept him from maintaining
the correct focus and manipulation of internal magnetism to
make it happen. After a brief pause, he collected himself
and insisted on doing what must be done ... He stood, then
grabbed his knapsack left against a wall. He squinted from
momentary pain as he draped it over his head onto his
shoulders.
INT. MONASTERY INFIRMARY
As he strode from his cubicle, a trio of monks stopped
working, surprised to see him up and about. One of them
rushed to intercept.
DOMINICAN 4
Good sir --
AARON
Please give my thanks to Friar James,
but it is time for me to rejoin my
companion.
With that, he left the monk dumbfounded as he stepped outside.
EXT. MONASTERY GROUNDS (CONTINUOUS)
Aaron made sure his steps were casual, though inwardly he
was screaming to break free of the monastery's grounds. He
slowly circled, looking to find the clearest route to escape.
He noticed Friar James standing with two other monks. Like
before, the friars appeared stressed and worried. James had
a comforting hand on one of his comrades, who clearly was
grieving.
FRIAR JAMES
Each of us will pray for him, at
every opportunity. I promise.
He suddenly noticed Aaron, then quickly excused himself from
the group to join him.
FRIAR JAMES
Friend Aaron. Where do you wish to
go?
AARON
I must reunite with my companion.
FRIAR JAMES
Most assuredly in time, indeed. But
are you certain that is now? I mean,
it was only earlier today that you
first rose and walked.
AARON
And I am much stronger and capable
now, thanks to your tending.
FRIAR JAMES
Please, I am in no need of your
praises; I am simply doing what the
Lord calls of me.
James could see Aaron's uneasiness as he looked across the
grounds for his departure.
FRIAR JAMES
I don't know what your prior
experience was with our Church, but
clearly it was not very good.
Aaron slowly looked into his eyes ... somewhat surprised at
his perceptiveness.
FRIAR JAMES
We are not a perfect institution.
Man is flawed, and those imperfections
follow us wherever we go, even when
we endeavor to represent He who is
beyond us in these hallowed
dormitories.
His words helped ease some of the fear echoing through Aaron's
nerves. James put a hand on his shoulder and walked with
him.
FRIAR JAMES
If you wish to leave, I cannot stop
you. But I do wonder of your timing
and would hope you to be better.
They stopped, as Aaron paused to consider his advice. He
took note of the sorrow still lasting on the other friar's
face who James had been talking with, some distance away.
With a push of his consciousness, he could sense the other
man's grief. It was heavy. Dark.
AARON
Your brother over there, he is in
incredible anguish. Even here, such
pain finds you.
FRIAR JAMES
(deflated)
We are only human ... to the point
that one of our brothers took his
own life. So you see, even we are
not without sin.
AARON
Would it not be more unlikely for
one of your order to do such a thing,
than it would be for someone living
commonly in the world?
FRIAR JAMES
The Devil does whatever he can to
upset God's plan.
Aaron paused, then squinted slightly, feeling a throbbing at
the back of his head.
FRIAR JAMES
At least consume a meal before you
go. You might also still see some
value in another night's rest.
(WALKING)
FRIAR JAMES
Earlier you said you were trying to
protect souls but didn't necessarily
agree with my understanding of your
caring. I would love to hear more
about that.
AARON
I care as any man for others. Are
we not all brothers and sisters?
FRIAR JAMES
Ah, yes. As our Lord stated in
Matthew, "Whatever you did for one
of the least of these brothers and
sisters of mine, you did for me."
AARON
Matthew. (in memory) Yes.
INT. MONASTERY INFIRMARY DINING HALL
James returned him to the infirmary's dining hall, where a
large fire was warming four other patients sitting at a small
banquet table -- three monks and a villager. James offered
Aaron to sit while a pair of friars brought in a platter of
food.
FRIAR JAMES
Welcome here. (to a monk-patient)
Brother Martin, feeling much better
are we? I have prayed many times
for you the last two days.
MONK-MARTIN
Hardly. Satan's horns gored our
brother. Was responsible for the
death of our Holy Papa Urban, too.
No doubt.
MONK-PRIEST 2
No doubt taking up residence in
Avignon, that serpent. Dark times,
indeed.
Aaron kept a curious eye on the conversation as he ate,
knowing that it somehow connected to what he saw with the
friar outside moments ago. He could also sense the tales
having been layered with time ... suggesting an ongoing
crisis.
FRIAR JAMES
To dwell on such things will only
slow your recovery. Please. Lift
your thoughts to Christ, so that his
spirit may heal yours and all of
those who may be confronting darkness
in Avignon. Let his light shine in.
The monks at the table turned tight-lipped ... willing to
remain quiet, but still riled up within.
FRIAR JAMES
Enjoy your meal and take respite.
Pray in our chapel.
With that, James patted Aaron's shoulder and left.
AARON
If I may ... What makes you think
the 'serpent' has taken up residence
in Avignon?
The monks remained silent. The fourth patient -- a middle-
aged peasant from the village -- saddled up closer to the
table.
COMMON MAN
They won't tell you, but I will.
I have a cousin who works there.
Word travels fast that young monks
are being possessed. They change
from being pious into raving beasts.
MONK-PATIENT
Shut up.
COMMON MAN
They scream. Weep uncontrollably.
Say things no one can make any sense
of. A sickness of raging madness.
MONK-PATIENT
I said shut up.
COMMON MAN
Then they commit ... the most mortal
of sins.
Friar Martin leapt to his feet, slamming his food tray.
MONK-MARTIN
They were good boys! Good boys.
James and a companion raced back in. They swiftly tended to
their disconsolate friend.
FRIAR JAMES
Come, come. Let us get you to your
bed.
INFIRMARY MONK
More rest will do you good.
They escorted the elder back into the compartments, leaving
Aaron to wonder about the story.
COMMON MAN
No one can get any real answers out
of them ... the ones who turn mad.
MONK-PATIENT 2
Four that we know of.
MONK-PATIENT 3
Six.
Aaron pondered the story ... He knew there was no such thing
as coincidence. Somebody was targeting the young acolytes
... but why? And how did the attacker twist their minds to
convince them to take their own lives?
EXT. MONASTERY HERB GARDEN
The full moon offered just the right amount of luminance for
Aaron to enjoy a brief refreshment in the adjoining herb
garden. At first, he was delighted to gaze up at the glowing
orb, but the sudden twinge at the back of his head forced
him to gaze back down at the ground. He placed a gentle
hand on the sore and closed his eyes to focus healing energy
to the location. (OWL HOOT). The owl song captured him ...
a pleasant and welcoming call. (OWL HOOT)
INT. MONASTERY INFIRMARY
Meanwhile, Friar James arrived back inside the infirmary,
having just come from evening Mass. He checked in with an
attendant, who informed him that Aaron had stepped out.
FRIAR JAMES
Did he say he had gone for his
companion?
The monk shook his head and pointed to the garden. (James
walks). As he neared, he spied Aaron through the open door
lifting his arm ... and the owl landing on it. James stopped --
wide-eyed. Aaron failed to notice him ... The owl returned
to the wind.
James paused ... arrested ... then stepped out.
FRIAR JAMES
You have decided to stay?
AARON
For one night.
FRIAR JAMES
Good.
James lead him back inside, all the while trying to hide his
discomfort at what he had just witnessed.
INT. MUEIN CAVE NIGHT
Though darkness had fallen and left the Muein grounds in
total blackness, Wimarc still sat in meditation. He had
moved into one of the larger caves, the typical spot Samantha
would enter after spending time outside the compound. He
lit a few torches -- more for light than for heat -- and
kept his consciousness as calm and ready as he could, stepping
outside the bounds of time in order to surpass the hours.
Theia flew in. (SQUAWK) Wimarc opened his eyes to see
Samantha standing in the cave entryway, dressed in winter
furs. (She rushes to embrace him).
SAMANTHA
Father!
WIMARC
Blessed be that you are safe.
SAMANTHA
I'm sorry about Rachel, father. I'm
so --
WIMARC
It's not your fault.
(Samantha buckles with tears).
SAMANTHA
And I had to leave Aaron…
WIMARC
I know. I know.
Wimarc took her wet cheeks into his hands ... looking deeply
at her.
WIMARC
They've taken the master texts from
the library.
The dreaded importance of this nearly drowned Samantha's
spirit.
SAMANTHA
The others? ... Mother! Mother --
WIMARC
She's all right. Their spirits ...
are all ... all right.
SAMANTHA
Where have they taken ... the library?
WIMARC
I don't know. It felt like they had
originally sent them north, but now?
SAMANTHA
They ... can't ... be seen?
WIMARC
Whoever they are, whoever has done
this, they shroud it all in darkness.
EXT. MUEIN COURTYARD
Samantha stepped up into the main courtyard from the
subterranean passage of the personal apartments. The light
of the torch dimmed as snowflakes fell. Even so, she could
make out the desolation of the grounds as the burning of the
mass funeral pyre glowed across the courtyards and surrounding
temples.
Her gaze fell upon the lunar platform ... recalling the last
moments of delight there with Aaron ... now forever gone.
Her soul sank with the sense of death. Wimarc emerged from
the stairs behind her, securing his own furs. He put a hand
on her shoulder, then escorted her across the courtyard to
another passage.
INT. MUEIN PASSAGE
They stopped outside a heavily locked door. Samantha handed
Wimarc the torch while she worked the locks.
WIMARC
Doesn't look like they made it down
here.
SAMANTHA
How much time do you think we have?
WIMARC
If they have already opened the books,
not much. Hey will come looking for
survivors ... Anyone who can decipher
the letterings.
SAMANTHA
Good.
Samantha stole the torch from him and stepped into the
chamber. She lit torches throughout the room ... revealing
the walls full of WEAPONS. Swords. Bows. Knives. Arrows.
It was an armory.
SAMANTHA
Then we won't have to go looking for
them ourselves.
EXT. MUEIN
As dawn drove away the darkness and the flames of the burning
dead sizzled into oblivion, Samantha and Wimarc perched
themselves onto parapet walkways on either side of the main
courtyard. Seated in meditation behind the overpass railings,
they let the snow pile onto them, practically burying them.
Normal people would have frozen to death ... But their ability
to regulate their minds and bodies kept them safe, warm, and
energies pooled for action.
INT. MONASTERY INFIRMARY AARON'S CUBICLE DAY
As the sun rose higher, its brilliance broke through the
infirmary's windows and passed over Aaron, as he sat sitting
up in the usual sleeping-meditation position practiced by
the Muein devotees. When his eyes slowly opened, he was
surprised to see Friar James sitting in a chair beside him,
the Bible open upon his lap.
AARON
Friar … ?
FRIAR JAMES
Good morning, Aaron.
Aaron hesitated ... worried that James was about ready to
bemoan him, and perhaps condemn him for some unknown reason.
FRIAR JAMES
I was wondering if you would allow
me to read you a passage from a part
of God's word? It is from
Corinthians, Chapter 12.
Aaron paused, concerned ... wondering what it might accuse
him of. Cautiously, he nodded anyway.
FRIAR JAMES
It concerns spiritual gifts, as given
by God. Paul says, "There are
different kinds of gifts, but the
same Spirit distributes them. There
are different kinds of service, but
the same Lord. There are different
kinds of working, but in all of them
and in everyone it is the same God
at work. To one there is given
through the Spirit a message of
wisdom, to another a message of
knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
to another faith by the same Spirit,
to another gifts of healing by that
one Spirit, to another miraculous
powers, to another prophecy, to
another distinguishing between
spirits, to another speaking in
different kinds of tongues, and to
still another the interpretation of
tongues. All these are the work of
one and the same Spirit, and he
distributes them to each one, just
as he determines."
He closed the book, yet continued to keep his eyes from
meeting Aaron's.
FRIAR JAMES
I must admit, when I saw you with
the owl last night, and then the
strange language of the parchment,
and your survival from such a horrible
accident ... You and your companion
have had a bit of the peculiar about
you. But then I remembered this
chapter.
He finally looked at Aaron.
FRIAR JAMES
Some people might fear the workings
of witchcraft with you, but I think
it not. However, I do have concern
for your soul.
AARON
I only wish to be the brightest light
that can be -- as a flower wishes to
glorify the nature of its creation
in the blooming of its petals.
Friar James listened intently to Aaron's message ... A sparkle
of appreciation in his eyes.
AARON
And to protect that light from those
who would wish to bury it in cold
darkness.
EXT. MUEIN COURTYARD DAY
Meanwhile, the Muein courtyard laid in stark silence, thanks
to the dampening effect of the snow. All that could be heard
was the passing breeze ... Samantha and Wimarc were still in
their seated positions upon the ramparts, their hair and
eyebrows white from the frost.
RENIER (O.S.)
I know where you both are!
WIMARC
Why then -- you must know you will
have to come out into the open to
meet us.
SAMANTHA
And that we will cut you down until
only one remains.
RENIER (O.S.)
I thought killing for revenge wasn't
your way!
SAMANTHA
Who said anything about killing?
Your men only need not get back up.
(A PAUSE, THEN:)
RENIER (O.S.)
Challenge accepted.