INT. AVIGNON TENEMENT BASEMENT
The closing of the door jolted Samantha briefly awake.
By now, the dripping had left her head and clothing sopped,
having hung for days in wearied defeat. Dreary, she could
make out Pasquier's red cardinal robes as he returned from
the door. Like before, he sat opposite her, without any
sign of fatigue.
PASQUIER
No sleep. No clarity of thought.
All despairingly wet. These things
can change.
He held the top of the book again and moved it closer.
PASQUIER
Just tell me ... Samantha ... what
it says.
Samantha leaned forward, taking a closer look at his fingers.
She spied an unobtrusive, thin black line on one of the nails
... A thin line anyone might have ... Nevertheless, a line
that wasn't there before.
SAMANTHA
You don't like to dirty your hands.
PASQUIER
If it is God's will.
Samantha noted: the response was not what he should have
given, considering their last exchange. A few more water
drops hit, but -- surprisingly -- she didn't register them,
too drawn in by her assumptions. She forced a smile and
leaned back ... refusing to read.
(Pasquier sighs, disappointed).
PASQUIER
At least I have hands to dirty.
Samantha knew he was making a point of her ruined limbs. It
stung ... if only for a moment. She refused to give him the
satisfaction. Pasquier returned to his seat by the fire.
PASQUIER
Perhaps I should let the blaze die
out and let you shiver in the dampness
of your garments?
(Samantha manages a wry laugh).
PASQUIER
No, that is right. You are used to
a cold climate.
(This shuts Samantha up).
PASQUIER
In one fashion or another, young
lady, you will tell me what I wish
to know.
Samantha cast a half-open eye his direction ... examining
him.
EXT. AVIGNON STREET
Meanwhile, it appeared Pasquier was also walking with a YOUNG
MONK down one of the city's less populated streets.
PASQUIER
Your interpretation of the passage
was brilliant, black friar.
YOUNG MONK
I am most humbled by your
appreciation, Excellency.
PASQUIER
I think you are going to be such a
bright light in an otherwise bleak
world of temptations and sin.
(Yawns).
YOUNG MONK
Long night in study?
PASQUIER
Yes. Let me share with you a bit.
Pasquier stopped at a narrow alley, motioning the young friar
to take a turn into the shadows of the lane. The monk
hesitated.
PASQUIER
It is a quicker pass-through.
The monk paused ... knowing of the stories plaguing all the
young acolytes ... of possibly being targeted ... Turning
mad ... But still, Pasquier was a Cardinal -- how could he
deny him? So he nodded and they sauntered down the passage.
PASQUIER
I know you can appreciate the idea
of God talking through us to our
flock rather than us simply being a
vessel of recitation.
YOUNG MONK
Yes. Though God's word is clearly
spoken in the Bible and it is for us
to teach and guide others in its
instruction, I know He still commands
us even this day, and not what was
only written hundreds of years ago.
(Pasquier yawns again)
PASQUIER
Indeed ... Let me show you.
He suddenly took the young monk's ear. The friar was stunned
... then could feel Pasquier's mental intrusion. (Bursts
into rapid exhalations).
PASQUIER
Do not be frightened. It is God's
word coming into you. You hear it?
Startled, the monk nodded.
PASQUIER
Then you know you must obey it.
(The monk gasps in a series of grunts).
PASQUIER
Shhhh. You are fine. God's power
is almighty and you are just realizing
your insignificance before it.
The monk buckled. Pasquier checked himself, clearly trying
to control the onslaught.
PASQUIER
Do not fall. Do not dare ask Him to
stop.
Though caught in the mental fire storm, the monk did his
best to remain strong. Within a moment, a strange relaxation
took hold ... then Pasquier felt something he never had
before.
PASQUIER (STARTLED)
God knows your thoughts.
YOUNG MONK
(frightened)
No ... No.
PASQUIER
Yes. Oooohhh ... You forcefully
choked up your bread this morning
because of its foul taste.
YOUNG MONK
No!
PASQUIER
Yes!
Pasquier smiled ... wide ... probing the deepest recesses of
a mind for the first time.
YOUNG MONK
(begging)
No! Please ...
PASQUIER
You hate the feel of your robes
against your skin but choose to accept
it as God's will. Oh, but you prefer
the feel of something else. Something
...
YOUNG MONK
No ... No!
PASQUIER
Supple. Young.
YOUNG MONK
No, God, no! I beg you! Forgive
me!
PASQUIER
Your vows ... You took ... because
of your sister!
YOUNG MONK
NO!
Pasquier let go and the monk collapsed to the ground
(WEEPING). Pasquier watched, taking in what he had just
experienced ... then knelt and placed a comforting hand on
the boy.
PASQUIER
Such sin, I have no doubt, can be
washed away if you follow the
commandments God has spoken through
you. Do what he demands and all of
this will be between you, Him, and,
of course, I can keep a secret.
(He stands)
PASQUIER
Here. Take my hand.
Ruined, the friar took it, kissing it over and over as
Pasquier raised him to his feet.
PASQUIER
As I said before, you can be a
promising light in a dark world.
You are wise because you have tasted
... you know -- that darkness.
YOUNG MONK
Yes, Excellency. Yes!
PASQUIER
A true warrior for God.
YOUNG MONK
Whatever he desires of me!
Pasquier put a nurturing arm around him.
PASQUIER
Very good, my son. Now let us both
... sleep on it.
EXT. TOWN LIVERY
Friar James bartered for a horse at the ransacked town's
livery. The owner humbly shook his hand and allowed him to
take saddle. James steered the animal out of the stall onto
the street, stopping at a home where Aaron was assisting the
occupants with placing a structural beam. Aaron appeared
quite baffled, approaching him.
FRIAR JAMES
We have already let three days pass,
with probably three more to go.
AARON
You're sure you are ready?
James nodded, though his countenance appeared to betray him.
Aaron looked back to the family, who give him a nod of
appreciation and release. James offered a hand and helped
Aaron to sit behind him. (They trot onward).
AARON
How did you get such a fine horse?
FRIAR JAMES
For returning the Rector.
EXT. ROADWAY LATER
They rode for a long while in silence. Aaron could sense
the persistent struggle within James of his unwanted killing
of the English squire ... and how it contrasted with his
spirit reading of LaBrie to Louis.
AARON
You wonder about God's condemnation
of killing when no such death exists.
FRIAR JAMES
No. God gives us life. It is not
up to us in determining when it's
meant to end for another.
AARON
But does not the person who was killed
also bear some responsibility? The
father's son made apologies for how
he brought himself into the world of
spirit.
(James lets out a heavy sigh).
FRIAR JAMES
I only know ... I pray ... that if I
can keep the life of one of my
brothers in Avignon from leaving
this world, in however this darkness
poisons them, then perhaps God will
take leniency on me.
INT. AVIGNON PALACE VARIOUS SHOTS
Meanwhile, the young monk Pasquier assaulted made his way to
various clergy: Two friars and a PRIEST. He queried them
all for assistance, to which they agreed to provide.
INT. AVIGNON PALACE CARDINAL'S OFFICE
The PRIEST eventually paid visit to one of the palace's
offices.
PRIEST
I received request you wished to see
me, Excellency.
The Cardinal behind the desk turned around ... it was
Pasquier.
PASQUIER
Yes, yes.
He motioned and the priest closed the door behind him. (Steps
in).
PRIEST
I must admit, I am rather confounded --
PASQUIER
Oh, I only have a simple request.
He stepped around the desk and offered the priest to take a
seat.
PRIEST
How may I be of service?
As he lowered himself to the chair, Pasquier took him by the
ear. At first, the priest was rightly confused, but allowed
the strange contact to remain as his rear touched the seat
cushion. Pasquier closed his eyes to concentrate. It was
then ... that the priest felt it.
PASQUIER
You can hear God's voice, and God
can hear yours.
INT. AVIGNON TENEMENT BASEMENT
The darkness of night had already fallen when Pasquier stepped
down the ladder after refilling the water bowl again.
(Samantha moans) Samantha still hung over the desk, delirious
... barely conscious.
Pasquier set the pitcher down, then: (KNOCK. He answers).
Samantha did her best to focus on the undecipherable WHISPERS
with whoever he was talking to behind the door. (A beat.
Then the door closes). Pasquier returned to the desk, again
sitting opposite her and lifting the book.
PASQUIER
One. Last. Time.
Samantha struggled to lean forward, barely opening her eyes
... focusing on his fingernails.
SAMANTHA
You're the meaner one.
PASQUIER
What are you talking? Read the page
or ...
SAMANTHA
There's ... two of you. Clever.
Fool people ... Twins.
Pissed, Pasquier lowered the book and stood.
SAMANTHA
Your hands gave you away.
(She giggles). Sneering, Pasquier grabbed her by the ear!
PASQUIER
And it is by my hand you will now
tell me everything I wish to know!
(Samantha starts to scream but doesn't have the strength).
PASQUIER
That is right. You are so weak, so
pathetic, you cannot resist. You
wouldn't tell me, but I learned.
(Samantha strains against the binds. He is clearly ripping
into her).
PASQUIER
I now steal your thoughts ... And
know what you know. Stop resisting!
Pasquier was frustrated ... clearly not getting everything
he was hoping for.
PASQUIER
Show me how to read the texts. Show
me!
(Samantha screams -- loud and fierce).
PASQUIER
Give me what I demand to know!
(Samantha screams long losing to his power) Pasquier
gasped, taking it all in ... He let go and Samantha fell
forward, landing onto the desktop ... limp. Even the water
torture didn't revive her.
Slowly ... curiously ... Pasquier took the book and gazed at
the page. His eyes lit up ... His lips widening in an
incredulous smile. (He flips to random pages)
PASQUIER
Yes ... Yes!
He gently closed the book, astounded and satisfied. He stared
at Samantha, considering the ramifications of his newly
acquired ability. He checked her mouth ... She wasn't
breathing.
PASQUIER
This library will now tell me
everything you no longer can.
With that, he hurried out of the room, taking the Muein tome
with him.
Samantha GASPED back to life. Still, she was beaten. Unable
to free herself. A tear welled in her eye, then rolled off
her cheek, blending with another drop from the torture bowl.
INT. VILLA ROOM NIGHT
Elsewhere, Pasquier -- like so many other higher ranking
clergy -- had his own private villa just outside Avignon ...
across the Holy City's stone bridge over the Rhone river, in
the suburb of Villeneuve-les-Avignon. It was in the villa's
library where Pierre had met up with his master, Renier, and
kneeled before him, head down, guilty in losing his former
Muein prey.
RENIER
Get on your feet. You should be
commended, not condemned, for the
two who got away.
Pierre stood, quite reticent. Renier poured himself a drink.
RENIER
They quickly hurried back to their
temple in the Alps, where we killed
the man and took possession of the
girl ... and who, just hours ago I
am told, gave us what we were looking
for.
(He downs the drink).
PIERRE
My Lord, when we first set out, there
were two men and the girl. When
they arrived at the Western caves,
one of the men had gone and was
replaced by another woman, who we
burned. Was this man you found older
or younger?
RENIER
Older. (then) So, there is another
one out there?
PIERRE
And when I first saw the girl, she
claimed he was her husband.
A spark lit in Renier's eyes, knowing that Aaron would soon
come looking for Samantha ... That he would be coming to
Avignon. He slammed the goblet down and hurried into a dining
hall, where the bulk of his commanders were celebrating.
RENIER
Round up. We take a squad back to
the Holy City.
EXT. MONASTERY NIGHT ESTABLISHING
By the time night fell, James and Aaron had taken refuge at
another monastery along the way.
INT. MONASTERY CHURCH
It was a midnight Mass, and Aaron had convinced James to
take part in the service. As the monks progressed in a line
to receive the Eucharist, James waited ... Nervous ... Feeling
undeserving.
PRIEST
Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi custodiat
animam tuam in vitam ternam. Amen
Aaron watched from the shadows, sitting in a pew far in the
back of the chamber. A sensation suddenly wrapped around
him ... He closed his eyes. When he peered out again, Rachel
was sitting beside him, dressed in a white robe.
RACHEL
Samantha needs you. You must not
stay here.
He was only two people away from accepting the Eucharist
when James looked Aaron's direction ... noting that he was
leaving the chapel.
INT. MONASTERY CHAPEL HALL
(Aaron walks).
RACHEL
She fell briefly into Golda and
Wimarc's arms, but they helped her
back.
AARON
How do I find her in the city if it
is cloaked by the darkness?
RACHEL
When they held her, they were able
to see glimpses of where she was
before returning her spirit.
All of a sudden, Golda and Wimarc stepped in on Aaron's right,
seemingly coming out of the wall. They, too, were dressed
in white robes, looking ready to show him what they knew.
EXT. MONASTERY LIVERY
Moments later, Aaron mounted the horse, stealing a lit torch
perched on the stall post. As he maneuvered the steed out
of the enclosure, James rushed to intercept.
FRIAR JAMES
Aaron! Wait.
AARON
I must go. My companion is in grave
danger.
FRIAR JAMES
And I cannot remain here. My soul
will not accept the eucharist until
I have atoned for my sin. (beat) I
must save my companions as you would
save yours.
Aaron paused, then offered his arm and helped James onto the
horse.
FRIAR JAMES
I have prayed for our deliverance.
With that, they rode out of the monastery and galloped into
the night ...
EXT. AVIGNON BRIDGE INTO CITY
... while Renier crossed the large bridge that spanned the
Rhone river leading back to Avignon ... a company of troops
following behind him.
INT. AVIGNON TENEMENT BASEMENT
Samantha didn't know how long she had been there .... still
shackled ... but it had been long enough that the water bowl
had at last gone dry.
SAMANTHA
Father ... Mother ...
Still too beaten, she couldn't see them ... But Golda and
Wimarc were beside her -- and she could hear them.
GOLDA
You must let go, like you never have
before.
WIMARC
They must believe you no longer live,
or they really will kill you.
GOLDA
Aaron is coming.
The mention of Aaron's name filled her with sudden
inspiration. She lifted her head, then worked toward focusing
into meditation. (Balances her breathing)
INT. AVIGNON TENEMENT STAIRCASE TO BASEMENT
It wasn't long before Pasquier was hurrying back down the
steps toward the basement room, with Renier, Pierre, and two
lieutenants.
PASQUIER
We shall remove the chests and take
them to my villa.
INT. AVIGNON TENEMENT BASEMENT CONTINUOUS
When they burst in, it appeared Samantha was still slumped
dead over the table. Pasquier pointed to the Muein chests.
PASQUIER
There.
(Renier and lieutenants lift the trunks).
PIERRE
Wait.
He examined Samantha ... seeing her skin had turned pale.
Nonetheless, he clenched her mouth and listened for her
breath. Then checked her pulse. He yanked a dagger.
PIERRE
Only one way to be sure.
He thrust ... but Pasquier stopped him, only centimeters
from staking her.
PASQUIER
Stop it. If he finds her mutilated,
will he grieve or will he seek
revenge?
PIERRE
May be revenge either way.
RENIER
He's right. Put it away. Revenge
is not their means, but if you mark
her, it may be different.
(Pierre hesitates).
RENIER
Look at her. She is already gone.
Now get over here and help with these.
Pierre sheathed his blade and helped with the chests.
RENIER
He will come looking. Then we will
take him.
Pasquier stood aside as the others removed the prized chests
from the room.
EXT. FIELD DAY
Aaron and Friar James stopped at a crest in the hill
overlooking the suburb of Villeneuve-les-Avignon. It came
with an imposing fortress, with the holy city of Avignon and
the Pope's palace even further in the distance ... with the
narrow bridge over the Rhone still to cross. What's more,
the air now surrounding them felt thick ... Dark.
AARON
You feel it, too, don't you?
FRIAR JAMES
It is ... heavy. Like walking through
deep mud.
He crossed himself, then lifted rosary beads dangling around
his chest and kissed them. Aaron nodded ... Then they
continued. (Horses hooves)
EXT. AVIGNON ENTRANCE
They passed through the suburb with relative ease ... Then
across the bridge into the metropolis that was Avignon.
They spied all kinds of clergy walking about, along with
merchants and peasants. They also bore witness to the dirt
and grime that naturally built up in areas of high density
living. James scrunched his nose, impacted by the city's
smell of cesspools and other rotting debris.
FRIAR JAMES
I need make way to the palace.
AARON
You can set me in an alley.
EXT. AVIGNON ALLEY CONTINUOUS
They stopped in an extremely narrow backstreet, just wide
enough for Aaron to slide off the horse.
FRIAR JAMES
Do you think we'll chance to see
each other again?
AARON
Yes ... God wills it.
They clasped forearms.
FRIAR JAMES
I'll pray for you and your companion.
AARON
And I for your brothers.
FRIAR JAMES
God bless, my friend.
They paused, affirming their friendship. Then James gingerly
walked the horse back into the open road.
EXT. AVIGNON MAIN CORNER CONTINUOUS
He failed to notice Philippe, Pierre, and other members of
Renier's team standing inconspicuously on a corner. They
had found him ... Watching him. Pierre licked the blade of
his dagger.
PIERRE
That's the one.
PHILIPPE
Pass the word.
One of the other warriors nodded and casually stepped away.
Philippe motioned to a trio of plain-clothes knights across
the street, who surreptitiously followed James.
Then Philippe and Pierre parted ... Crossing the roadway to
follow Aaron.
EXT. AVIGNON STREETS VARIOUS SHOTS
Meanwhile, Aaron casually turned down several streets. During
his journey, he took note of a particularly busy market row,
but chose to avoid it. In the background of the din, his
consciousness sensed the many pairs of eyes following him.
At first he sensed two ... Then around another block there
were three others. After feeling he had gathered them all
together, he turned back and calmly entered the chaos of the
market street. He was willing to gamble that with so many
people crowding to-and-fro, he could lose them.
Philippe drew his team together.
PHILIPPE
You see him? Anywhere?
Everyone shook their heads, unable to make Aaron out within
the crowd.
PHILIPPE
Shit. Break out, but do not give
yourself away. We take him only in
number.
The group split ... One-by-one into the crowd.
Philippe thought he saw him. He followed through several
people ... Down another alley ... and across a street into a
park.
EXT. AVIGNON PARK CONTINUOUS
It was a small field outlined with trees that stretched into
a tiny courtyard beside a row of tightly packed apartments,
next to a medium-sized cathedral.
Philippe stopped, looking all around ... Aaron was nowhere
to be seen. He hesitated, trying to anticipate where he
might have moved next. After several considerations, he
left the field and crossed another street.
Nonetheless, Aaron was in the park ... hiding cleverly within
the trees, outside Philippe's angle of perception. After
seeing Philippe disappear down another backstreet, he double-
backed through the trees ... Keeping eyes on Philippe's
direction ... turning the tables ... Him, now hunting
Philippe.
EXT. AVIGNON STREETS VARIOUS
He remained hidden behind people, carts, and horses as he
watched Philippe getting frustrated at having lost him.
Aaron momentarily closed his eyes to feel out the knight's
next move. After landing on a probability, he hurried along
a string of buildings.
EXT. AVIGNON STREET ALLEY CONTINUOUS
Within a few minutes, Philippe was passing down another narrow
alleyway. When he reached the end, he walked by what appeared
to be a homeless peasant sitting with his head between his
legs. He gave the man no thought and moved briskly passed
him. The peasant rose to his feet.
AARON
Alms, good sir? Alms?
Philippe turned ... only to see Aaron's hands clamoring down
toward his ears. The impact was like an explosion inside
his skull ... sending him to the ground. Delirium took over,
the hit creating an instant mental fog and consequent upset
over his nervous system. It left him unable to avoid Aaron
taking hold of his ear ...
The Muein Guardian closed his eyes and dived in ... searching
Philippe's mind. The link coalesced with Philippe's
consciousness, bringing the knight back into equilibrium ...
and utter astonishment at what was happening. Aaron was not
only gathering information ... he was implanting information,
suggestion -- Truth. Philippe's eyes widened ... Awed at
this spectacle that was blowing open his soul.
EXT. AVIGNON STREETS VARIOUS SUNSET
Throughout the rest of the day, Aaron remained hidden in
groups of people and other outcroppings as he made his way
across the city. Thankfully, his link with Philippe's
consciousness had given him what he had hoped: the location
of Samantha's whereabouts. As the sun began is descent for
the arrival of night, Aaron spotted a pair of spies keeping
watch on the tenant house ... He was willing to wait a bit
longer.
EXT. AVIGNON STREETS NIGHT
Within a few hours, the veil of night covered the city. And
with the arrival of rain, the combination of darkness and
drizzle made his sudden attack on the spies that much easier.
Satisfied, he clothed himself in one of their outfits, keeping
the dagger and sword of the fallen assailants for himself.
He casually crossed the street, acting as if he were one of
them ... Disappearing into the building.
INT. AVIGNON TENANT BASEMENT
Aaron swiftly found his way to the basement, cutting through
the darkness with a lit oil lamp he chanced upon upstairs.
By now, the hearth was dark; the room cold. He rushed to
Samantha ... She was still slumped over the table, her skin
pale. He caressed her cheek ... noting how his breath carried
in the chill of the room.
AARON
Sam ... Samantha.
He looked over her bonded arms ... seeing the loss of her
hand.
AARON
Sam, it's me. Come back.
(A beat, then Samantha suddenly gasps).
AARON
I'm here. I'm going to get you out.
SAMANTHA
Blessed your light be.
Relieved, Aaron kissed her.
AARON
Blessed your light ... What have
they done to you?
SAMANTHA
(cough; summoning
strength)
A little torture ... Nothing I wasn't
able to handle.
Aaron frantically searched the room for whatever he could
find to break her locks. It was on the bookshelf with all
the herb potions where he came across a key ... It was the
right one. He undid her feet, then her arms ... and gently
lifted her from the chair.
SAMANTHA
Those look like new clothes.
They held each other. Forehead to forehead.
AARON
Oh, Sam.
SAMANTHA
They have some skill, Aaron. They
have learned how to blend mind.
Twin brothers.
AARON
What did they take?
SAMANTHA
I tried ... I tried to resist.
AARON
I know.
SAMANTHA
They ... they had me poisoned.
Couldn't fight ...
AARON
It is all right ... All right. What
did they get?
SAMANTHA
How to read the library.
AARON
Let's go. Let's go.
He cradled her toward the chair, draping her in a blanket
hanging there, then escorted her to the door.
SAMANTHA
I ... can't fight.
AARON
You won't need to.
EXT. AVIGNON TENEMANT
Aaron double-checked the street before leaving the tenement
doorway ... Satisfied, he helped Samantha outside. They
stayed to the edge of the building as they made their escape.
SAMANTHA
I really hate the rain.
EXT. AVIGNON STREET
They made it to a string of horses parked outside an inn.
AARON
Do you think you can ride?
SAMANTHA
Yes.
Aaron helped her onto one of the horses, then climbed up and
took the reins. They proceeded casually into the street;
Samantha holding tightly against him and laying her head on
his shoulders.
EXT. AVIGNON ENTRANCE BRIDGE
Aaron kept the horse at a simple trot ... Nothing to draw
too much attention ... Taking them across the bridge, leading
out of the city. When they were finally free, he kicked the
horse into a gallop and away into the darkness of night.
EXT. ABANDONED HOMESTEAD NIGHT
He took them into the rural lands, beyond the suburbs, ending
at an abandoned homestead that was barely standing ... The
fields surrounding it all grown over. He helped Samantha
off the horse and led her through the tall grass.
SAMANTHA
Where are we?
AARON
Abandoned homestead. Left behind
from the time of the Great Mortality,
I imagine.
INT. ABANDONED HOMESTEAD
Within a few minutes, they were inside the derelict home;
out of the rain. Aaron built a small fire in the hearth,
then laid Samantha gently down before its warmth and light.
She was shivering from the wetness, the cold, and the shock.
AARON
You will be fine here.
Samantha nodded, looking forward to finally sleeping.
AARON
Sam ... I have to stop them from
reading the library. If they already
have skill --
SAMANTHA
I know ... Guardian.
AARON
And there's something else. I have
to check on a friend.
SAMANTHA
You? A friend? Back there? I must
be dreaming.
Aaron kissed her.
AARON
I got from one of their minds where
they are hiding the library. I mean
to burn it.
SAMANTHA
Do it ... Do it.
AARON
(kissing her)
Don't go anywhere.
SAMANTHA
I make no promises.
Aaron stood, centered himself, then returned outside.