EXT. STREET THROUGH TOWN
(Weeping and shouts of despair). Aaron and Friar James
gingerly walked into a ruined town, trailing their horses
behind them. They were at first confused, then fearful for
the townspeople, as it appeared the village had clearly been
ravaged. Buildings burned; bodies littering the ground.
Even tree limbs were broken and charred.
Friar James tethered his horse and hurried to help. He knelt
to an older lady holding her teenage daughter, both coiled
on the ground. The youth was covered with large patches of
bruised and beaten skin.
FRIAR JAMES
Mademoiselle ...
OLDER WOMAN
They took everything! My poor
daughter.
James carefully tried lifting them from the ground onto their
knees, then noticed the blood on the young girl's smock,
near the groin.
Meanwhile, Aaron examined the cadaver of a dead soldier.
The armor covering the sentry wasn't French ... but English.
Aaron stood, taking in the fullness of the destruction.
(James approaches)
FRIAR JAMES
Routiers Mercenaries, working with
the English. When they're not being
paid by the crown, they take their
payment from the land ... in rather
unholy ways. (beat) I must see to
the Church here.
AARON
I will come with you.
FRIAR JAMES
No. No. They will only talk to who
they see as one of their own.
AARON
Then I will do what I can here.
James nodded, then mounted his steed and rode in the direction
of the cathedral steeple.
Aaron paused ... The destruction around him confirmed his
worst fears of modern of civilization. As he walked, he saw
villagers trying to help one another with cleaning wounds
... taking stock of what they had left ... and looting the
corpses of the dead soldiers.
Here and there, pockets of families huddled together and
bawled at the destruction of their homes.
In a few cases, wives were attending to the wounds of their
husbands who did their best to protect their livelihood from
the bandits. It was a bloody mess. With his five children
surrounding him, a villager named Louis shoved his wife away
while she tried cleaning his wounds. He bolted to grab a
hatchet, then raced to a dead soldier and proceeded to chop
him into bits.
Aaron rushed over and arrested him.
AARON
Stop! Stop. He is dead. There is
nothing more you can do to him.
Louis paused, checking the ferocity of his own madness. He
dropped the hatch, allowing Aaron to gently pull him from
the corpse.
LOUIS
Our home. Everything. Gone. All
because of them bastards!
Aaron held him back as his anger flared again.
LOUIS
We have nothing left!
AARON
But you and your family live?
Louis stared at him ... still in shock ... finally nodding
in the affirmative.
AARON
Then you still have everything of
value.
Aaron returned him to his family. The littlest children
were terrified to come near, their father covered with the
splattering of the soldier's blood. Aaron held Louis'
forearm, hoping to inspire him that all was not lost.
AARON
What you built here, you can build
again, perhaps even better.
LOUIS
They will just come again and take
it. And there is no money to rebuild.
AARON
You pay with your skill. With your
spirit. Come together as a village.
(Louis laughs)
PIERRE
You are surely daft. Who are you
anyway?
AARON
My name is Aaron.
Louis wobbled, still overcome with the intensity of it all.
Aaron helped him to remain standing.
LOUIS
I am Louis ... and like many in this
town, my family and I are now
homeless.
AARON
Not 'homeless.'
Another disheveled townsman named WILLOUGHBY limped over and
put a comforting arm around Louis.
WILLOUGHBY
You all right? Half our home is
gone, my friend, but with some help,
we can make due.
Willoughby's wife and two children melted in to Louis' family
to offer assistance. Louis gave Aaron a look.
AARON
You see, 'home' is a not a building
that takes up space on land.
WILLOUGHBY
The hell it isn't. Only to a wanderer
like yourself
AARON
I only meant --
WILLOUGHBY
We know what you meant. You want to
help? Get some food for soon-to-be
starving bellies. Come on, Louis.
You and the rest.
Aaron watched as the two families wandered away. Then he
stepped to an overturned barrel outside one of the burnt
buildings and took it up. With a calm breath to center his
mind, he trekked into the nearby woods.
INT. WILLOUGHBY'S HOME LATER
Later, Louis and his family were staring longingly at the
fire with Willoughby and his clan. The shock was still too
overwhelming. Indeed, half the house laid in shambles ...
having been partially burnt during the invasion. Aaron
suddenly appeared, heaving the barrel he had taken into the
woods.
LOUIS
What do you want?
Aaron dumped a huge mound of fruits and vegetables from the
barrel. Stunned, the wives hurried over and examined the
stash.
LOUIS WIFE
There's enough here to last a week.
WILLOUGHBY'S WIFE
With some cleaning and chopping ...
Soups. And maybe with others, stews.
The ladies gazed at Aaron in wonder.
WILLOUGHBY'S WIFE
Thank you.
AARON
You're welcome.
Louis and Willoughby came over ... They couldn't believe
what they were seeing.
LOUIS
We are in your debt for this.
AARON
No. No debt. Just making you feel
'at home'.
With that, Aaron stepped back outside.
EXT. WILLOUGHBY'S HOME TWILIGHT
Twilight had settled over the burg ... It appeared
Willoughby's home was not too far from the center of town,
as Aaron could make out villagers dragging corpses to the
townsquare and setting them afire in a mass funeral pyre.
Willoughby and Louis emerged from the ramshackle home and
watched the blaze alongside Aaron.
WILLOUGHBY
Don't know if the city will ever
recover from this.
AARON
Why do you say such things?
LOUIS
Look at us. We are not nobility.
We have no wealth to demand obedience.
WILLOUGHBY
And what little we got, those bastard
English just took.
AARON
Wealth is much more than possessions
and coins.
WILLOUGHBY
Really? Then what is it?
AARON
Your mind. Your talents. Your
skills. And how you perceive them
within yourself and unfold them to
your advantage.
He suddenly spotted Friar James on his horse, looking around
for him. He waved him down. Meanwhile, Willoughby and Louis
glanced at one another, understanding Aaron's logic, but
unable to accept it, considering the circumstances.
James dismounted his stallion as he recognized Aaron's
approach.
FRIAR JAMES
They've completely sacked the
cathedral. Kidnapped the rector and
are holding him for ransom. The
mayor will soon be asking everyone
for whatever valuables they have
left to get him back.
AARON
And if they cannot pay?
FRIAR JAMES
Oh, they will. (sadly) They will.
LOUIS (O.S.)
Come back!
Aaron and James stepped aside just as one of Louis' children --
seventeen-year-old LaBrie -- galloped by on Aaron's horse.
LOUIS
He said he was going after the
English. To get back what they stole.
He grabbed James by the lapels of his robes.
PIERRE
They will kill him, black friar!
FRIAR JAMES
We will stop him.
James and Aaron took to James's stallion and gave chase.
Louis peered about, frantic. Other folks nearby watched
curiously ...
PIERRE
Help me! Help me!
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE
James pushed his horse to close the gap to LaBrie.
FRIAR JAMES
Son! Stop! You are making a grave
mistake!
LaBrie looked back, then darted for an outcropping of trees.
James and Aaron followed, but were beginning to lose sight
of him in the darkness of the branches and looming nightfall.
LaBrie rushed through a stream, over a hill, and into more
trees. He came out of the woods onto a path, confident he
had lost them.
James stopped at the stream.
FRIAR JAMES
I have no idea where he has gone.
Aaron closed his eyes and felt the air.
AARON
He would first cross the water hoping
the current would cut his tracks.
James nodded at the soundness of his prediction and moved
them through the stream.
AARON
Then up the hill so he could have
the higher advantage.
FRIAR JAMES
You track animals, too?
AARON
(amused) No.
(They emerge from the stream).
FRIAR JAMES
We are going to lose him in the dark.
AARON
Yes. But not the horse.
EXT. FOREST NIGHT
The canopy of forest trees made the darkness of night even
blacker ... forcing LaBrie to slow. Then finally stop. (He
dismounts), He looked about for where to turn next. (Laughter
and talking on the breeze). The voices caught him. Had he
found them? Those that attacked his village? (Footsteps)
He saw a faint light deeper in the woods. (Walking in)
EXT. STREAM
(Sound of stream; horse riding). Louis rode to the stream,
trying desperately to find his son with only the glow of a
torch to guide him.
PIERRE
LaBrie!
EXT. FOREST
Meanwhile, James slowed as he and Aaron spied some distance
ahead: two English knights brandishing torches ... taking
Aaron's stolen horse into the woods.
FRIAR JAMES
That does not look good.
AARON
We know we are near their camp.
FRIAR JAMES
How can we hope to get him back if
he has been taken?
(Pause. The horse chortles, feeling anxious). A TRIO OF
ENGLISH KNIGHTS on horseback suddenly appeared behind them,
lighting up the shadows with torches. (The sound of pulling
swords). Two more FOOT SOLDIERS emerged from the shrubbery,
boxing them in.
FRIAR JAMES
We've come only for the boy. We have
no quarrel --
A foot soldier hurriedly grabbed him and threw him off the
horse. A rider came up alongside and pelted Aaron, also
felling him to the ground.
Aaron rolled, then stood, as if the impact were negligible.
He quickly checked on James, then helped the friar to his
feet. The knights encircled them ...
AARON
We will not fight you.
ENGLISH 1
Good. Wouldn't want you and the
black friar here to see God sooner
than needed.
ENGLISH 2
Unless, of course, that is your wish.
FRIAR JAMES
No, but God already sees us all.
A knight twirled his sword, angry at the provocation. Aaron
stepped between him and James.
AARON
I said, we will not fight you.
The commanding knight motioned for his comrade to cease the
sword, then motioned with his finger for the company to round
them up.
EXT. ENGLISH CAMP
A squad of knights, squires, and pages -- about fifty men --
kept the six bonfires burning while they continued to set up
the large pavilion tents. The sight of Aaron and James being
escorted into the campground forced the English noble leading
the band to sit up and take notice.
ENGLISH 1
Came looking for the boy.
ENGLISH NOBLE
That so?
(Walking) He scrutinized James.
ENGLISH NOBLE
How come we didn't see you at the
church?
FRIAR JAMES
Not my diocese. We came after you --
ENGLISH NOBLE
Left it smoldering? Like Sodom and
Gamorrah?
(English Noble laughs).
FRIAR JAMES
Our valuables are meager. But if it
spares the child --
ENGLISH NOBLE
Oh, but then we would not be following
the good Word, humble black friar.
Does it not say that whoever spares
the rod hates their children?
AARON
Surely, such a boy offers no value
to you.
ENGLISH NOBLE
He's brought us you two, hasn't he?
He motioned for the entourage to take them away. The knights
forced Aaron and James through the camp ... revealing many
warriors counting booty ... hauling beaten and bloodied
prisoners. Finally, they were thrown into a tent ...
INT. ENGLISH CAMP TENT CONTINUOUS
... where they found LaBrie: bound, gagged, and badly beaten;
tied to a post. The swelling of his face made it nearly
impossible for him to look at Aaron and James. They looked
at the sentries, wondering if they would be next. The guards
quickly began tying their wrists.
FRIAR JAMES
Like him ... are we going to be
treated?
TENT SENTRY 1
Vex us and you most certainly will.
The sentries shoved him and Aaron to posts, tying them to
the stakes.
EXT. FIELD
At the same moment, Louis was riding into a field ... looking
lost.
LOUIS
LaBrie!
Four knights emerged from behind trees, almost blinding him
with the intensity of their torches. Louis halted, terrified
... then relaxed as they approached.
LOUIS
Thank the good Lord, you are not
English.
No -- it was Pierre and his men!
PIERRE
You were expecting English scum?
LOUIS
They ... ravaged our town.
PIERRE (SPARK)
They are near?
LOUIS
My ... foolish son.
Pierre addressed one of his men.
PIERRE
Deliver word to the camp. We will
find your son and clear away the
Anglo roaches.
INT. AVIGNON BASEMENT
The only light within the Avignon basement came from the
hearth and a few candles ... while Samantha remained limp in
the chair, the Muein book still open before her. The sudden
chill of a water drop jerked her back to the moment. Again
and again. Yet she refused to look at the text ... refused
to even open her eyes. She was exhausted ... but unwilling
to give in.
Pasquier stared from his perch at the hearth. Even he had
grown fatigued in the falling of night. (KNOCK)
Samantha opened a weary eye and watched as he answered the
knock. The door opened inward, blocking her from seeing who
was on the other side. (Faint whisperings) Pasquier returned
in (closing the door). Samantha closed her eyes.
Pasquier sat in the plush leisure chair, watching her --
seeming more alert than he had been the last hour. Samantha
could feel the shift in his energy -- as if he were suddenly
and strangely rejuvenated. It left her ... intrigued.
INT. ENGLISH CAMP TENT
Back at the English camp, Aaron and James were tied to posts
inside the tent. Aaron did his best to meditate, eyes closed,
so as to remain centered and pool his energies, while two
guards stood watch. James couldn't get over how badly LaBrie
had been mauled.
FRIAR JAMES
He suffers hanging there. Please
let the boy lay on the ground.
(Steps) A sentry cut the rope tying LaBrie to the post, then
PUMMELED him to the ground. There was no way the young boy
was going to be getting back up.
FRIAR JAMES (WHISPERING)
Bless him.
Aaron opened his eyes, suddenly looking worried.
AARON
I have a must-need to speak with
your master.
TENT SENTRY 2
You can speak to me.
AARON
A dark cloud comes. It will rumble
like a great thunder over this camp.
FRIAR JAMES
Listen to him. God has gifted him
with prophecy.
AARON
If you do not uproot everyone now
and leave, you will all be
slaughtered.
TENT SENTRY 2
Prophecy, eh?
He threw a punch, but Aaron skillfully moved aside,
milliseconds before he could connect. This caught everyone's
attention. The sentry tried again. And again. How Aaron
moved, anticipating where the thrust was coming from ... the
speed of the attack. It was eerie.
TENT SENTRY 2
(to the others)
Fetch him! (to Aaron) What is this
'cloud'?
He circled behind Aaron -- then threw another punch. No
matter. Aaron still moved aside, as if he had eyes in the
back of his head. The sentry threw more swings ... treating
the whole thing as if it were an amusing game.
AARON
I only see the darkness but can feel
its intent.
His words caught James's curiosity.
TENT SENTRY 3
Not altogether knowing on the details.
AARON
But it is enough to help save you.
Another sentry returned with the English noble.
ENGLISH NOBLE
Now what is this you speak of? If
you don't want to end up like the
boy there.
AARON
Your camp is in grave danger.
The main sentry threw a trio of quick punches. Like always,
Aaron easily maneuvered aside. Intrigued, the noble edged
close.
ENGLISH NOBLE
(to his men)
Pack it up. Ready the forward guard.
With that, two of the sentries cut Aaron loose, but continued
holding him prisoner.
ENGLISH NOBLE
You remain with me.
AARON
What of my friend, the black friar?
ENGLISH NOBLE
He stays.
(They step out)
EXT. ENGLISH CAMP CONTINUOUS
(Outside the tent. Night ambiance).
ENGLISH NOBLE
From which direction does this fear
come, oh great seer?
(Aaron steadies his breath)
AARON
South.
ENGLISH NOBLE
You tell me everything before it
happens.
(pause)
This way.
INT. TENT
Meanwhile, though still tied to the post, James focused on
the pair of sentries keeping watch on him. They seemed
jittery ... as the camp outside moved into high gear.
FRIAR JAMES
I am here for the good of your souls,
should you need me.
One of the sentries stopped inches from his face, glaring at
him.
FRIAR JAMES
God will not abandon us.
INT. ENGLISH CAMP - TENT
The nobleman had Aaron brought into another tent. His
soldiers kept him arrested while the Englishman pulled weapons
from an armory chest.
ENGLISH NOBLE
You know how to fight?
AARON
I will not kill another.
ENGLISH NOBLE
Good.
He handed weapons to the two guards holding Aaron.
ENGLISH NOBLE
That's to my advantage ... How long
do you predict we have?
AARON
Not. Long.
EXT. ENGLISH CAMP
Indeed. Pierre and his company slammed into the English
frontal guard, out near the main roadway. Bolts and swords
blurred in the darkness. Tree branches were chopped onto
English guards while Pierre and his team slowly advanced.
INT. ENGLISH CAMP TENT
(Sounds of battle) The English Nobleman grit his teeth and
his muscles tensed ... ready to join the fight.
AARON
Wait. The measure of a man is not
based on who he beats. You do not
have to fight.
ENGLISH NOBLE
As a warrior, that's all you have
got.
AARON
Only in your thoughts do you imprison
yourself as being a warrior. In
nature, you are a living, breathing,
dynamic life.
EXT. ENGLISH CAMP
(Ridiculous carnage, showing the stupidity of holding on to
such limiting ideas in the self).
INT. ENGLISH CAMP TENT
Still, the Englishman seethed, rocking on his heels.
ENGLISH NOBLE
And I shall spread our seed!
With that, he charged to join the battle.
The two guards shoved Aaron forward. Without warning, Aaron
somersaulted, knocking both to the floor. With fancy footwork
and he disarmed one, knocking him cold. The other came at
him with his sword. Aaron anticipated the blow, using it to
cut the rope tying his wrists. Hands freed, he incapacitated
the foe, then raced outside.
EXT. ENGLISH CAMP CONTINUOUS
The English Noble hustled by on his horse as Aaron left the
tent. Aaron hurried along the perimeter, hoping to return
and rescue Friar James. Instead, he spied the clergyman and
other prisoners being prodded into a prison wagon. He looked
up at the trees, then ran in the opposite direction of the
fight -- moving between knights and squires bolting to engage.
ENGLISH KNIGHT 1
Move the prisoners!
ENGLISH KNIGHT 2
Secure the bounty!
Meanwhile, at the front, the English Noble engaged Pierre's
men.
ENGLISH NOBLE
Show me your leader! Where's your
leader?
Pierre (SCREAMS) came for him. They locked weapons.
PIERRE
You wish to provide terms?
ENGLISH NOBLE
I have prisoners. Pay their ransom
and we will be on our way.
PIERRE
Anglo shit!
He pummeled the Noble. Pierre knocked him from his horse
... then yanked a dagger and stapled it between the
Englishman's eyes.
PIERRE
Rescue our prisoners!
EXT. ENGLISH CAMP FOREST
At the same moment, carriages carrying bounty and prisoners
were hustling to leave the camp, guided by other knights on
horseback. Aaron leapt down from a tree onto the prison
wagon. He rolled to the front, taking out the two squires
driving.
Parading knights attempted to converge on him. Aaron knocked
one off his horse while simultaneously trying to steer in
the dark! The other swung his sword, keeping Aaron off-
balance ...
Another knight jumped onto the wagon at the rear and scurried
toward the front. Aaron turned the cart off the road, using
tree limbs to swipe the intruder from reaching him. A few
knights and squires continuing pursuing as they went deeper
into the woods.
No longer on the main path, the ride became bumpy. And in
the darkness, Aaron couldn't see where to steer. Plus ...
his head wound was once again stinging.
A wagon wheel struck something and immediately halted the
escape.
Aaron jumped down and disappeared into the darkness.
A trio of two knights and one squire rode in ... They
hesitated, knowing Aaron was lurking.
The squire leapt down and moved toward the wagon.
Aaron suddenly soared over the first knight, pulling him
from the horse. The squire raced to help, but Aaron easily
knocked him out cold. (Groans from the head wound).
The second knight rushed forward (on his horse), but Aaron
quickly disappeared into the darkness.
Aaron suddenly jumped. The knight instinctively swung his
sword, but Aaron clasped the blade in-between his hands,
stopping it inches from his face. He twisted the weapon,
forcing the warrior off the horse and onto the ground.
Broadsword in hand, Aaron rushed to the wagon and cut the
lock away. He tossed the blade aside as he threw open the
door.
Friar James, the church Rector, and a handful of others
clamored out.
AARON (TO JAMES)
Are you all right?
Still in shock, James simply nodded.
AARON
Where's the boy?
James shook his head ... meaning he had been left behind.
(A SCREAM) The squire burst from the darkness, racing to
stake Aaron in the spine. On instinct, Friar James grabbed
the dropped broadsword and intercepted. But instead of
swinging, he pointed the blade straight out and the squire
RAN INTO IT, impaling himself on the blade.
Friar James stared, wide-eyed, as the boy collapsed dead
onto his side.
Aaron saw the sudden terror in James's face. He had just
killed a man ... Aaron took him by the shoulders and pulled
him back.
AARON
James. Black friar.
James gazed in terror at the other prisoners. He raced to
the Rector and fell on his knees before them. (Shriek/Weeping)
The Rector hesitated ... He, too, was caught in shock himself
... then he knelt and placed a hand on James.
Aaron felt the unimaginable heaviness now drowning his friend.
INT. AVIGNON TENEMENT BASEMENT
In the dank basement in Avignon, Pasquier stood atop a ladder
to refill the bowl dripping onto Samantha. She was still
delirious ... hoping to find sleep ... but the torture kept
interrupting. Pasquier climbed down and sat opposite her at
the table.
PASQUIER
Tell me what is on this first page
and I may let you sleep.
SAMANTHA
How you -- ?
PASQUIER
Rest ... is not something I require.
Now ...
He clasped the top of the book and angled it toward her.
Samantha half-opened her eyes. When another drop hit, it
gave her a short burst of intensity to look more closely ...
She focused on Pasquier's fingers at the top of the page.
SAMANTHA
You don't like ... to dirty your
hands.
She smirked. Pasquier frowned. Then dropped the book and
stood.
PASQUIER
On the contrary. To get what I
want ...
He turned away, pausing to think while taking a look at his
fingers.
PASQUIER
What is your name again?
SAMANTHA
You never asked.
Pasquier suddenly pounced on her. He cupped her ear in his
hand and closed his eyes. (Samantha raises her voice to
scream, but the fullness doesn't come).
PASQUIER
Because I don't need to.
(A moment, while it's clear he's probing and she is
resisting).
PASQUIER
You will give it up to me.
(Samantha struggles Voice quivering )
PASQUIER
Samantha!
He let go. Samantha slumped, having lost the battle.
PASQUIER
You see. 'Tis only a matter of time
before I learn what you refuse to
give.
He went to the shelf and took another vial. He noted the
first light of dawn cracking through the small window slits
near the ceiling.
PASQUIER
And it is time again to give you
more of this.
He advanced on her.
EXT. ENGLISH CAMP DAWN
Back at the desolated English camp, Louis bawled over the
ruined body of his deceased son, LaBrie.
Pierre and his men wandered through fallen soldiers, killing
Englishmen who showed any signs of life.
PIERRE
After the last gasp of vermin, we
resume the ride to my Lord.
From the edge of the woods, Aaron spied. Recognizing Pierre,
he turned away and sneaked off.
EXT. FOREST CLEARING
Later, he entered the forest clearing where the former
prisoners had found to take their refuge. James lied sprawled
on his back within the reeds and foliage, staring up at the
stars ... his spirit in ruin over his killing of the squire.
Aaron briefly questioned the Rector, then sat beside James
and gently helped him to sit up.
EXT. FORMER TOWN
By daybreak, Aaron, James, and the others returned to the
town, guided by the Rector. A few relieved townsfolk hurried
to hug the clergyman, while those who had been taken during
the raid peered about to find their families. Everyone looked
stunned at the village's devastation.
The Rector nestled close to James and Aaron.
RECTOR
Come. Where we may ask for peace.
He lead them into the cathedral.
INT. CATHEDRAL
A handful of people hurried to assist the Rector. The holy
father instead had them tend to Aaron and James. The two
were led to the front of the nave. The Rector followed.
Aaron struggled with his inner terrors as he drew closer to
the large effigy of Christ hanging above the pulpit, recalling
a similar image with Elouan when he was interrogated before
being tortured. When they reached the front pew, James
slumped into it. Slowly, Aaron sat beside him, while the
Rector stood alongside.
FRIAR JAMES
I should be cast afire before sitting
well in here.
RECTOR
The night obscured all our vision.
As I keep telling you, we all know
it was an accident. Especially our
lord.
James refused to acknowledge his words; instead, choosing to
remain silent.
RECTOR
What little we have left, you may
use for respite, until you can travel.
AARON
Thank you.
One of the helpers noticed some blood on the back of Aaron's
neck.
HELPER
I will get something for that.
RECTOR
My own needs, I must now ...
He suddenly appeared overwhelmed -- the gravity of it all at
last taking its toll. The helpers assisted him away.
James slid off the pew, planting his butt on the cold floor
... Distraught. Aaron knelt beside him.
AARON
Black friar ... James.
FRIAR JAMES
Please.
Aaron hesitated, then sat beside him on the floor, moving
his legs into lotus position. (Aaron measures his breathing).
FRIAR JAMES
It was not an accident. He was going
to kill you. My mind could only
think 'An eye for an eye.' He ran
through the blade ... in my hand, as
I wanted vengeance.
AARON
That you grieve shows you have not
considered his life less than sacred.
(beat) Is this not the lesson Christ
would have you learn?
James shook his head, still doubting himself.
A helper returned and cleaned Aaron's wound.
HELPER
Here. Whatever dressing this was
before, a part of it has been torn.
Fortunately, looks like the bleeding
has stopped. (offering) You may hold
on to this.
Aaron took the rag and nodded in gratitude. (Helper departs)
He closed his eyes to meditate.
Hours later ... the helpers were still refusing people at
the main doors, telling them the Rector was still recovering
from his ordeal. At the same time, James simply stared ahead
of himself ... clearly too numb to comprehend a thing --
even Aaron beside him in deep meditation.
James suddenly stood ... then strode down the center aisle
toward the doors. His departure awoke Aaron. With a sense
of peaceful rejuvenation, the Muein guardian lifted himself
up and gracefully followed.
EXT. TOWN CATHEDRAL
James stopped outside on the church steps, staring at the
village before him. He saw townspeople helping one another
to rebuild, their faces still full of sadness ... some still
grappling with unimaginable sorrow. Aaron came up behind
him. They both saw Louis being met by his wife in the street.
Their sudden tears revealed the news of LaBrie's death.
FRIAR JAMES
I couldn't even save their boy.
Now, they will be lost without him.
AARON
No. Come with me.
He led him to Louis and his wife. When the elder man saw
them, he fell toward James.
LOUIS
My son, black friar. They took my
son!
James held him, unsure of how to really respond, burdened in
himself with the specter of death.
AARON
No. He still stands here with you.
Louis and his wife looked at him.
AARON
He says he knows you went looking
for him, after we took chase. And
that you had gone off the path before
you reached the creek.
Louis and his wife stared, astounded. They looked to James
for affirmation.
FRIAR JAMES
Listen to him. It is acceptable.
Corinthians, Chapter 12.
Aaron addressed Louis' wife.
AARON (TO WIFE)
He says he saw you pray all night
for his return. And how you had to
be strong in keeping the faith with
his brothers and sisters. And that
he is sorry. So deeply sorry that
his anger, his want of returning
those possessions which bring for
material life, led him off the path
of goodness.
James looked over at him. Stunned. Then Aaron looked at
Louis.
AARON
He is grateful you were not harmed.
And followed you from the camp back
to here ... and felt your tears when
you collapsed in the golden field
just yonder. And now, he comes to
remain with all of you.
LOUIS
I did ... in the gold field.
AARON
He was there with you, just as he is
here, right now.
WIFE
Is he not with God?
AARON
He has always been, just as you are.
He lives in both places, here and
there ... just now in a body that
you cannot see.
James stared at him, captured by his spirit reading.
AARON
He says he loves you both, and his
brothers and sisters as well. He
will never leave and would hope you
continue to speak with him ... and
forget the time he left the odor in
church.
LOUIS
My boy lives. His spirit lives?!
WIFE
Will he be able to return at the
resurrection?
FRIAR JAMES
(interrupting)
With all of you.
Louis and his wife gave both Aaron and James enthusiastic
hugs; then they embraced each other.
LOUIS
He's alive. He's alive! My son!
All of a sudden, rose petals blew in on the wind, encircling
them. They were all astounded. For James, this was a miracle
... Momentarily stealing away his depression and transmuting
it to wonder. Aaron smiled, warmly acknowledging the spirit's
efforts.
He took James by the arm, leading him away ... Leaving behind
the family and bewildered townsfolk to the rain of flowers.
AARON
You have ended the life of no one.
Friar James looked back, still enthralled by the falling
petals.
AARON
When you left the building, why then?
FRIAR JAMES
I just felt I had to go.
AARON
At the very moment our father returns.
(beat) A part of you was guided by
the spirit.
James gazed over at him, captivated by the possibility. Was
he ... really inspired ... by the power of spirit? The whole
event left him spellbound.