Muein Mystery School Adventures
Muein Mystery School Adventures is a one-of-a-kind audio experience that blends mystery, adventure, and deep spiritual wisdom into a compelling journey.
Following the path of seekers who enter the enigmatic Muein Mystery School, the series unravels ancient teachings, esoteric lessons, and personal transformations — all wrapped in immersive storytelling.
Like The Mandalorian, and the early 1970’s breakout hit show, Kung Fu, Muein Mystery School Adventures follows characters who wander through landscapes both physical and metaphysical, encountering challenges that test their wisdom, courage, and inner mastery. Each episode is rich with cinematic atmosphere, reflective moments of insight, and thrilling encounters that reveal hidden truths.
If you love stories of lone seekers and secret knowledge — tales that entertain while inviting you to reflect on your own journey — then Muein Mystery School Adventures is a must-listen. It’s more than an audio drama; it’s an initiation into a world of mystery and meaning.
"Surrender Not the Flame" is the first chronicle in the Muein Mystery School adventure series, set amid the backdrop of humanity's worst recorded pandemic, the Black Death. Cinematic in presentation. Bold in storytelling. Captivating in consciousness.
Season 2 "Eye of the Beholders" continues with an all-new adventure, where the very life and knowledge of the Muein is at risk to be used in controlling all of Europe.
NOTE: No A.I. has been used in writing or developing these stories -- these are original, organic, and carefully scripted. However, A.I. is used to bring the character voices to life, though each line is read by a real human!
Muein Mystery School Adventures
EPISODE 1: The Shadow Threat
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
It's 1366. Rachel leaves behind her 18-year old son, Aaron, to join the Western branch of the Muein Mystery School hidden along the coast of Spain. Aaron struggles with her departure, but refuses to leave the safety of the Eastern school's walls, as he carries the memories of Elouan's death within the recesses of his being. Fortunately, he is cared for and supported by Wimarc and Golda's daughter, Samantha, who clearly has remnants of a previous life as a Roman soldier -- as well as some hidden romantic feelings.
Meanwhile, a French knight with mysterious talents similar to the Muein seeks out one of the school's traveling monks and relays the information to a church Cardinal, who is clearly not the pious man he appears to be.
MUSIC ACCREDITATION TO:
Sid Acharya - You Killed Her
Sid Acharya - Beside You
Adrián Berenguer - Class Act
Diffie Bosman - The Motions Reprise
Jeremy Chontow - Down the Rabbit Hole
Kadir Demir - Apple Seedx
FableForte - Chase Velocity
Adi Goldstein - Snowfall
Kevin Graham - From Nothing Everything
G-Yerro - Asian Dreams
Piotr Hummel - Postcard
Andreas Kübler - Glory Days
Josh Leake - Jovie
Henrik Lindstrom - Tree of Light
Dor Ben Lulu - Mist
Marco Martini - Panta Rhei
Matooma - Darkness Within
Max H. - The Body
Max H. - Horror Master
Moment of Now - The Leave
Shahead Mostafafar - Visible
Shahead Mostafafar - A Thousand Years
Zac Nelson - Glory Faded
Out of Flux - Surrendered
Kyle Preston - Foreboding
Kyle Preston - Eternal Recluse
Kyle Preston - Alpha Theme IV
Martin Puehringer - Won the Battle but Lost the War
Frank Schlimbach - Dark Dimensions
Frank Schlimbach - Tortured Minds of Evil
Roie Shpigler - Peace
Tilman Sillescu - Elven Song
Tilman Sillescu - Step Into a New World
Marshall Usinger - Understanding a Loss
Michael Vignola - Too Much
Ruiqi Zhao - The Beauty of Nature
WEBSITE: https://www.muein-adventures.com/
SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://buymeacoffee.com/mueinadventures
AFFILIATE LINKS:
A.I. Voice Change:
ELEVEN LABS: https://try.elevenlabs.io/jm3moztq36nz
Music & Sound Effects:
ARTLIST: https://artlist.io/referral/acade46e-b6d8-4747-8b0c-2615cd6ee3a3
EXT. ALPS MUEIN TEMPLE ESTABLISHING DAY
The French Alps rose up in the Spring sun like a feast for
the eyes. Its soaring snow-capped pinnacles pierced the
sky, contrasting sharply with the lush green valleys of the
forest lands below. The afternoon sun cast long shadows
across its spiked turrets, presenting a mountain range that
was at once breathtaking in its beauty, but also unforgiving
and quite uninhabitable upon its ascent towards the heavens.
Or so it seemed. If one could have the flight of a bird and
alight above and between the sharp angular peaks, a tightly
packed community unseen from below would unexpectedly startle
the vision. Colorful stupas, temples, and courtyards were
mysteriously mixed in with the rugged terrain, insulated
within a circle of majestic stone spires. The snow had
receded in the late spring sun, clearing the courtyards and
pitched rooftops of the temples, where the eaves curled
upward, tiered, looking more like something one would see in
the Far East, but still uniquely balanced with ornaments
reminiscent of Western influence. Clearly, no particular
culture laid claim here; rather, it was a fusion far beyond
what one would normally see in the world of 1366.
This was the Muein Mystery School -- or at least one of its
branches. A mystery in two senses of the word: One, being
its hidden location from the awareness of mass civilization;
and two, its depth of hidden knowledge about the force of
Life itself, and how humanity was integrated within the
unfoldment of such life in harmony with that of the larger
universe, as all things were known to be interconnected and
thus One.
EXT. MUEIN TEMPLE CLOSER
Again, if one were a bird and able to bank lower into one of
the compound's courtyards, it would see that training into
these mysteries began at a very early age, perhaps even from
the point of birth.
On one particular platform, youngsters between 5 and 10 years
old -- both male and female -- were knelt before potted plants
and bushels, while a teen-ager guided them on how to connect
to the greenery as if they were reaching out to another form
of intelligent consciousness.
TEACHER 1
Feel their energy blend with yours.
Try to think not of yourself. Just
become aware of the plant's force of
life coming into you.
And again, if one were a bird that were continuing its glide,
it would then soar over an open-air temple, where a mass of
teen-agers were sitting in lotus position with eyes closed
in meditation. Here, an adult teacher was guiding them
through a particular contemplation process.
TEACHER 2
You are, at your core, awareness.
Your physical senses serve you as
such, but you are more than the
garment of flesh your soul wears.
(SWISH!) In another courtyard, twenty students wearing
blindfolds were somehow sparring in hand-to-hand combat.
Though their eyes were covered, they moved with grace, as if
they could fully see. One of the instructors helping them
through this exercise was a young lady of 19 years, with
long dark hair and eyes of rich hazel that bespoke a kind of
wisdom and experience far beyond her years. She walked
casually among the students, checking their poses and making
sure all were in good rapport.
SAMANTHA
When properly blended with your
opponent, the two of you are not
separate, but one. They are equally
a part of you as your own toe.
At that moment, a student faltered and -- ironically -- had
his toe scrunched by his competitor. The teacher smiled.
SAMANTHA
Which can still get injured from
time-to-time.
Following behind her was the other teacher -- much older and
more advanced -- her father, WIMARC. When last we saw him,
he was about 20 years younger, with unstoppable courage as
he and his Muein partner, Golda, had descended into the heart
of plague-ravaged Europe to attempt the rescue of their
Guardian brother, Elouan.
WIMARC
What my daughter Samantha is saying,
is that such injuries are another
path of learning.
(beat)
Use that oneness to disarm and teach
your opponents harmony instead of
division, regardless of what fighting
may seem on the surface.
Speaking of Golda, she was in a smaller chapel, bearing watch
over a group of eight Guardian Priests sitting in a circle.
The air had a sense of reverence about it. Candles flickered
while a young female spoke to one of the boys in the ensemble.
It appeared the flames were mysteriously reacting to her
statements.
FEMALE
He says all week you have been putting
your robe on backwards first, then
turning it around.
The candles flickered. She looked to Golda for confirmation.
GOLDA
(to the YOUNG MAN)
Is that true, Matteo?
The young man's poker face broke into a smile and he nodded.
The lady Guardian suddenly looked quizzical, as if hearing
something odd that nobody else could.
FEMALE
He also says he heard you curse while
putting on your leggings. You
couldn't find the wrap.
YOUNG MALE
(sheepish)
This morning.
GOLDA
(to the female)
Very good, Auda. Not only has his
deceased father passed the evidential
tests for your level of spirit
awareness, but also given your sitter
something of incredible value.
MATTEO
What's that, master?
GOLDA
Patience while getting dressed.
INT. TEMPLE LIBRARY
Elsewhere, across the compound, perched the school's library.
Considered the temple's most sacred space -- here was housed
the kaleidoscope of the Muein society's secret knowledge
about consciousness and the Universe as recorded over
centuries. So vital was this great catalog that the books
were chained to the shelves so they could never be removed
from the temple.
The interior of the library was designed with a circular
radiance -- the bookshelves positioned to create an effect
of sun rays emerging from a central point. Each shaft created
by the shelves contained a single table and bench, allowing
students to at least pull a tome from a mantel and read it
by shielded candlelight -- though the angle of the sun through
the temple's windows gave just enough glow to abscond with
the flame at the present moment.
It was at one of these niches where the Muein Guardian, Aaron,
was closing a book. There was a thick latch on the volume,
which he locked to keep its pages bound and secured. Then
he gently slid it back onto an upper shelf. He ruffled aside
the chains of several books to read their spines. One caught
his eye, to which he pulled and switched with another onto a
lower shelf. He scanned several more volumes, placing three
more to different locations.
RACHEL (O.S.)
You'd think they'd put them back
from where they pulled them.
Aaron smiled, but didn't look at her. It was his mother,
Rachel.
AARON
If they had, then my purpose here
would be finished and where would I
be?
RACHEL
Somehow, I know you'd still be doing
exactly this.
She came closer. Her hair was long, with gray filtering
through. Nonetheless, her eyes still sparkled with vigor
despite her age. Aaron was a head taller than her, and knelt
so that she could kiss him on the brow.
AARON
It is a most sacred duty, mother.
If anything, THE most sacred. Am I
not (beat) a Guardian of the
Knowledge?
RACHEL
Ever since you put your eyes to the
symbols of language.
With a grin, Rachel tossed a book off the reading bench.
Without looking, Aaron kicked it into the air by his left
heel before it could hit the floor, caught it, checked the
spine, then put it onto a shelf. He bowed, back still to
her.
AARON
Thank you.
(Rachel turned serious SIGH).
RACHEL
Your position would not change. You
would still have the Guardianship.
Matthew says the collection is even
larger, with more insights and
practices.
AARON
Are not such things already present
in the air around us? They are not
to be discovered like buried treasure,
mother, but rather simply uncovered
from where our awareness has yet to
look. And that can be had from any
space we physically stand. You taught
me that, remember?
RACHEL
Yes. But if they have already been
uncovered and charted, why not examine
the findings for yourself instead of
reinventing the proverbial wheel?
AARON
You know the light of the sun always
reflects on the peaks of the
mountains, but gets swallowed whole
in the darkness of the valleys.
Rachel grabbed his wrist, stopping him from positioning
another book.
RACHEL
The light of life is not a reflection;
it is a glow from inside itself.
That is 'junior' knowledge, Guardian
magistrum.
Aaron finally faced her, taking her hands into his.
AARON
But they in that world out there
cast such a cloak over it, mother.
They smother the flame, before it
even has a chance to guide. They
they fear what they do not understand,
even if it is the very foundation of
their lives. And in their terror,
all chains
He yanked the chain on the nearest book. A weak link broke,
sending the text crashing to the floor, splaying itself at
the binding.
AARON
they break, with no care of the
injury to that which they are
eternally bound.
Rachel looked at the fallen manuscript, astonished. What
had he just done?
AARON
It's not the only copy we have.
RACHEL
(with depth)
No. It's not.
EXT. TEMPLE TERRACE
Within minutes, they were outside. Rachel hurried after
Aaron, as they weaved between other passing monks.
AARON
Why can you not remember that I am
not my father?
RACHEL
You are a leaf off the same branch
he came.
AARON
I may have blossomed from the same
root, but I do not have to sway in
the wind as he did.
RACHEL
It could never be the same. Elouan
was looking for his father. The
circumstances are completely
different.
AARON
(stopping) Circumstances, yes.
A bird suddenly landed on Aaron's forearm.
RACHEL
Hello, Theia. (BIRD CAWS RESPONSE)
AARON
But the darkness of society, and
those that killed him, the memories
and feelings of which I carry they
still grow, like thorns in the briers.
(The hawk CAWS in confirmation).
EXT. VILLA
A regiment of ten knights on horseback advanced up a long
pathway to the entrance of a sprawling stone estate. The
noble manor was surrounded by manicured gardens with several
sheds and a large stable house, with a forest of trees lining
the perimeter. They approached casually, looking oddly about
as it seemed the place had been abandoned.
The lead knight stopped. He dismounted, lifting his helmet.
Renier Gautier, bearded, scar across the bridge of his nose,
another along his left cheek, scanned the grounds with his
fiery eyes. His lieutenant, PHILIPPE, pulled off his helmet
and also looked across the estate. His hair was dark, with
a thin mustache, cheeks covered in a film of sweat and dirt.
RENIER
Stay.
PHILIPPE
Yes, milord.
Renier casually walked to the door, his broadsword swaying
widely with his strutting gate. He paused at the entry, then
gently pulled the door and entered.
INT. ESTATE - ENTRY
Long shadows cut out the afternoon sun. An eerie silence
greeted Renier as he slowly moved down the passage, looking
for any sign of the home's inhabitants.
INT. ESTATE DINING HALL
DU GABRIELLE slumped back in the chair at the head of a large
table. He was wearing loose clothes, like sleepwear. A
huge goblet sat before him, with a carafe of grog beside.
His sword was on the tabletop, as if dropped there without a
care. (He filled his cup, drinks it down in one gulp).
(The shuffling of feet alerts him that Renier has found him).
Renier entered, having found him. (Slam of the goblet onto
the table).
DU GABRIELLE
Whether quickly or slow (chuckles)
Makes no difference to me.
He rose from the seat, but kept his back to Renier.
DU GABRIELLE
Do as you will.
RENIER
You think I've come here to kill
you?
DU GABRIELLE
Why else?
(Sword pull; pause)
RENIER
Perhaps I want to hear your story.
Renier tossed his sword on the table, next to du Gabrielle's.
He straddled the bench as he sat to look at the warrior,
taking note of the hearth. There, a large fire crackled,
but it was the mantle that caught him. Many of the articles
such as candlesticks, decorative figurines, were fallen over
with several broken on the floor clearly the remains of a
domestic argument.
Du Gabrielle sat. He uprighted a fallen goblet and filled
it from the carafe. Handed the cup to Renier.
DU GABRIELLE
You wouldn't believe me.
RENIER
Appears Annette did not. (sips)
DU GABRIELLE
She left me taking the children
and servants.
RENIER
How does the Butcher of Savoy return
without a drop of English blood on
his blade and abandons his loyalty
to the King? You wouldn't turn favor
to the Anglos.
DU GABRIELLE
(chuckling)
No. Never.
RENIER
Even more, you are followed
DU GABRIELLE
by my Paige, Squire, and a couple
other nobles not known for the
restraint of their irons.
(A pause).
DU GABRIELLE
(drinks) We went to route a garrison
of English at Geneva. When we
arrived, they were already gone, but
had left the place as if they had
never stepped foot in it. No
thievery, no debasing of anyone's
daughters or wives. Not a single
rock overturned.
(Mysterious music).
DU GABRIELLE
We were making due to catch up to
them and keep them from crossing the
channel.
(Downs a large gulp).
DU GABRIELLE
(almost a whisper) But he convinced
us not to.
RENIER
Who?
DU GABRIELLE
A stranger who had come into town
week, two weeks earlier. He was the
reason the English left.
He stood up. (FOOTSTEPS) Then gazed out the window at the
forest.
DU GABRIELLE
You see those trees out there?
Renier joined him, but remained an inch or two behind.
DU GABRIELLE
You see them only because of the
background of the sky. Without the
background, you can see nothing in
front of you; the trees would not
exist. (whispering to himself) One
cannot exist without the other.
(He laughs. Sounds almost like he's lost his mind).
DU GABRIELLE
He showed us the folly of kings.
He turned back to the table and poured himself another drink.
DU GABRIELLE
Would the English be English without
the French? (pointed) Would we be
French without the English?
RENIER
What else did this person do?
Du Gabrielle hesitated, almost thinking what he was
considering foolish. Willing to go for it, he reached for
Renier's head. Not the least bit fazed, Renier allowed him
to gently grasp his ear.
DU GABRIELLE
He opened our eyes.
He let go and turned away. Renier retook his sword and
examined the blade at eye level. Du Gabrielle looked to the
ceiling, smiling, accepting his fate.
RENIER
Did he also have you commune with
the beasts and the trees and the
dead?
Du Gabrielle spun around, shocked that Renier seemed to know
who he had been speaking of. (SWISH!) Du Gabrielle's severed
head tumbled from his body.
EXT. VILLA
Moments later, Renier was climbing back onto his horse.
RENIER
We move west. To Geneva.
(Riding away).
EXT. MUEIN - ALPINE CAVE
Outside one of the caves below the Muein temple walls, a
trio of Alpine goats were being loaded with packs for
traveling. Rachel and another Muein Master named MATTHEW
were equipping the animals for a long journey. For
themselves, they were dressed in light furs and carrying
shoulder packs. When it seemed all preparations were
complete, Golda, Wimarc, and Aaron approached. Golda hugged
Rachel.
GOLDA
Once you've settled in and learned
all the potency of the roots, you'll
be ready to begin your Pilgrimage of
Service.
RACHEL
Thank you. You are my dearest friend.
They kissed each other on the cheek. Meanwhile, WIMARC bowed
before Matthew, then kissed his cheeks.
WIMARC
To the young souls of the Western
School, we leave you. They are truly
blessed to have your guidance
Master.
MATTHEW
Oh, I am the one who's blessed.
Their youth will hopefully keep my
aging bones from becoming too brittle.
RACHEL
I thought that was my task.
(Matthew laughs). Aaron broke the two apart to embrace
Matthew.
AARON
Don't let her break you, if you do
become brittle.
MATTHEW
I promise, we can get you there
without any confrontations with the
locals.
AARON
An overland route of six to seven
weeks Not likely.
MATTHEW
You and your mother need not part.
AARON (BEAT)
There is no parting where hearts are
already joined.
He turned and hugged Rachel.
RACHEL
I will send the blossoms to you often.
WIMARC
(breaking in)
Send them to me, too.
RACHEL
(laughing)
I will.
GOLDA
But more so than that --
SAMANTHA (O.S.)
Please visit us!
Samantha rushed in and embraced Rachel. (Laughter)
RACHEL
We promise.
MATTHEW
(embracing Sam)
Yes, we promise.
Samantha slapped Aaron's arm.
SAMANTHA
And I promise to keep at this one
until he confirms Master.
RACHEL/MATTHEW
Good luck.
GOLDA
Oh, Sam Beyond these walls he
refuses to travel, you know that.
(It's as if everyone is teasing Aaron).
WIMARC
Cannot become Master until a true
Pilgrimage of Service.
AARON
(smiling)
You know my service is to our
brethren, in which case my soul goes
with them when they embark on their
sacred journey. That is when I leave
these walls.
As he spoke, Samantha scooped up a mound of earth.
SAMANTHA
You just don't like to get dirty.
She smeared his cheek with the soil. (Laughs. Grinning) *
AARON
I don't care for bullies.
He snapped an arm and quickly moved into a practiced combat
stance. (HITTING GROUND) Samantha easily landed him onto
his back, then offered him a hand to help him up.
SAMANTHA
Maybe it is a better idea that you
stay here.
(Everyone laughs).
AARON
At last, someone agrees with me.
He wiped himself clean, then everyone took one last loving
look at Rachel and Matthew. Rachel blew a kiss to her son,
then turned away with Matthew to begin the trek.
A chorus of voices stopped them. They looked back and were
charmed to see a mass of acolytes and Masters emerging from
the other caves, singing a sacred tune in honor of their
journey. Rachel and Matthew bowed in reverence, then took
each other's arms and resumed the journey.
Aaron hesitated staring at his mother then joined in
with the chorus. Within moments, they disappeared beneath
the slope of the hillside.
INT. TEMPLE LIBRARY SUNSET
Aaron looked longingly at the pink clouds of sunset from the
window aperture of the temple library His first night
without Rachel. (SIGH... Elouan's tune ... sliding feet
...). He slid to a lone library table glowing under
candlelight ... and collapsed into the chair (WEEPING).
EXT. ALEHOUSE NIGHT
Renier, PHILIPPE, and a third knight, rode up to an alehouse
and dismounted. They were no longer dressed in armor, but
wore cloaks over thick leather coverings. (They marched
into the alehouse).
EXT. FOREST PERIMETER CONTINUOUS
PIERRE TROYES, one of Renier's infantry, watched from the
darkness of trees, seeing his leader enter the alehouse with
his two lieutenants. Behind, the remainder of Renier's troops
waited ... About 20 men. Pierre slowly licked the blade of
his dagger. (SPIT). Another knight winced at the sight.
KNIGHT 2
You ever cut your tongue doing that?
PIERRE
Once or twice. But I prefer a clean
blade before a good stab.
He flipped the weapon and licked the other side. (SPIT).
KNIGHT 2
May not be tonight.
PIERRE
We'll see.
INT. ALEHOUSE
(Crowded). The alehouse was packed. Nevertheless, Renier
and his companions took a booth and scoped out the scene.
(A BARMAID greets them).
BARMAID
Can I start you boys with something?
PHILIPPE
Ale, for all three of us.
RENIER
No. Only pure water for me.
(beat)
And the voice of any man here who
wanted to spill English blood but
were denied the pleasure.
The barmaid lifted her eyebrows, with a slight curl on her
lips. She mingled to the bar, whispered into a BRUTE's ear,
then proceeded behind the counter to fill the drinks.
(Heavy walking) The Brute casually took a seat next to Renier.
BRUTE
Who you boys with?
RENIER
We are Mar chaux to the newly elected
French Constable, duGuesclin.
BRUTE
Well, you arrived too late.
PHILIPPE
We know the English have already
left.
RENIER
We want to know about the person, in
rumor, who made them leave.
The barmaid returned with the drinks. The Brute stole one
of the ales (GULP).
BRUTE
It's no rumor. But again, you're
too late.
EXT. FOREST PERIMETER (MOMENTS LATER)
Not long after, Renier was atop his horse, gazing at Pierre
and his squad.
RENIER
We ride to where he camped.
(Riding off).
EXT. SMALL CLEARING NIGHT
(CREEK RUNNING) Renier and his men searched a small forest
clearing using only torchlight. Renier ran his hand along
the ground where the twigs and weeds had been cleared ...
and suddenly found a discarded NUT. He brought it close,
examining it within the dimming of the torch. He was
surprised to find an indentation of teeth in it.
RENIER
Make camp. We rest here for tonight.
(The knights spring into action at the command).
EXT. KNIGHT CAMP LATER
After the camp was made, a few of the knights were already
fast asleep in the open air. Others ate rations by the glow
of bonfires. Pierre ate a piece of meat from the tip of his
dagger, then licked the blade clean. He looked toward the
creek.
PIERRE
He should be careful doing that.
PHILIPPE
It is no worry of yours.
PIERRE
No. But to the pious
PHILIPPE
Would quickly learn of the hand of
God that has touched him.
EXT. CREEK CONTINUOUS
(The rushing of the water over the rocks creates a beautiful
white noise). Renier sat on his knees along the shore of
the creek. He removed his gloves and imprisoned the nut
inside his hand, then closed his eyes (steadied breathing).
He angled his head skyward, as if seeing something through
his drawn eyelids.
INSERT PSYCHIC FLASH SEQUENCE
In his mind, it was if he had left his body. His awareness
glided over treetops. Dipped down into an open field ...
Turned corners around trees in the glow of the moonlight ...
Then halted before a lone man seated in lotus position beneath
a tree. The stranger's eyes suddenly opened, as if knowing
he were being watched.
BACK TO SCENE
Renier snapped his consciousness back to creek shore.
RENIER
Found you.
(Sword pull).
EXT. FOREST
The LONE Muein acolyte Renier had seen looked about ...
Concerned ... Then shook his head and closed his eyes again
to meditate.
EXT. KNIGHT CAMP
Renier entered the camp of his squad, gleaming within the
haze of the bonfires. (Thrusts his sword into the ground to
grab everyone's attention).
RENIER
God again grants me His vision.
EXT. AVIGNON - DAY
The city of Avignon was a bustling hub of religion, art, and
intellect. The sights and sounds included several vibrant
marketplaces, the smell of fresh bread from bakeries, and
the clamor of craftsmen and traders. But most of all -- it
was the seat of the Papacy. It was dominated by the
formidable Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), an immense
and austere fortress-like structure that served as the papal
residence. Its massive stone walls, turrets, and
crenellations imparted a sense of miraculous power and
fortification.
INT. HOLY OFFICE
It was in one of this palace's holy offices that GUY DE
BOULOGNE -- the Cardinal-Bishop -- stared coolly out a window
into a grand courtyard two stories below. It was as if he
was contemplating a serious decision; looking for the answer
outside instead of among the beautifully frescoed walls,
painted floors, and exquisitely carved furniture all around
him.
Cardinal Pasquier casually entered. He was bald. Stoic.
His demeanor being that of a dispassionate and stalwart
representative of the Holy See. He bowed his head slightly
when deBoulogne acknowledged him.
PASQUIER
You wished to see me, eminence.
DE BOULOGNE
Yes. The times are turbulent now
that Pope Urban, our holy papa, has
taken ill.
PASQUIER
God knows His path, and our humble
papa has done what our Lord has asked.
(looking skyward) His hand will guide
us through this mist.
DE BOULOGNE
A shame the Eastern Orthodox slipped
through Urban's fingers, and our
Italian vassals still rage with the
scent of rebellion.
PASQUIER
They will be brought to kneel.
DE BOULOGNE
So it would seem, by your continued
declaration.
(He steps away).
DE BOULOGNE
It distresses me, Pasquier, and also
that of our blessed papa -- which is
not good in his current state --
that you cavort so much with our
French sovereign. You know that I
have already done everything necessary
for the King's place in our Church.
PASQUIER
I pray to only do my part in God's
plan to bring peace for all His
nations.
DE BOULOGNE
As if you have any idea of God's
plan.
He turned away from Pasquier, failing to notice a priest
pass through and disappear into an antechamber. Pasquier
noticed the Father, but too no care, as if it seemed like a
standard occurrence.
DE BOULOGNE
I am aware, of course, of the gifts
the King has given you. The villas,
and no doubt the concubines that
come with them; the precious jewelry.
You have far overstepped your bounds.
PASQUIER
I am called to God's will.
DE BOULOGNE
Then you are called to Pope Urban's
will! And to MY WILL as Bishop-
Cardinal! Not your own! You are
prohibited from returning to the
French King's court, is that
understood?
PASQUIER
Do you speak on behalf of the Holy
Father on this, your eminence?
DE BOULOGNE
Yes, I do. (turns away) Your French
gifts are now my French gifts. You
are to make no step beyond these
walls without my express permission.
(beat)
Have I made myself clear?
Pasquier slowly nodded.
DE BOULOGNE
Then be gone from this room.
Pasquier turned away ... and entered the hall outside the
chamber. De Boulogne watched him, then shook his head to
ward off the intensity of the conflict. He shuffled into
the antechamber connected to the office.
INT. AVIGNON PALACE ANTECHAMBER
De Boulogne suddenly stopped, shocked at seeing another
Cardinal standing in the room with his back turned to him.
DE BOULOGNE
Hello? How did you ...
The cardinal turned ... It was Pasquier!
PASQUIER
I told you. I am God's will.
DE BOULOGNE
How did you ? Remove yourself from
this office at once, or I'll --
PASQUIER
Why? I am everywhere you are. There
is nowhere you can go that I am not.
DE BOULOGNE
You
DEBOULOGNE SWIFTLY RETURNED TO THE MAIN CHAMBER ....
INT. AVIGNON PALACE HOLY CHAMBER (CONTINUOUS)
to see Pasquier also there! How did he do it? How was
able to be in the antechamber and now back out in this office?
The cardinal-bishop couldn't hide his sudden flash of alarm.
DE BOULOGNE
What --
PASQUIER
As the light of God's sun shines
upon the whole of this earth, there
I shall be.
DE BOULOGNE
What is this trick?
Without warning, Pasquier advanced and shoved him to the
floor.
PASQUIER
I put you and Urban here to do my
will and my bidding And like the
disciples at the last supper, you
deny me.
Terrified, deBoulogne leapt to his feet and hurried back
into the antechamber
INT. AVIGNON PALACE ANTECHAMBER (CONTINUOUS)
Only to find Pasquier still there!
PASQUIER
My eyes are everywhere, you sot.
Such as last night, when you gained
carnal knowledge of a visiting priest
from the Sorgues parish in your
private chamber.
De Boulogne's face turned white, having been discovered.
PASQUIER
Or after Mass last Sunday, with one
of the visiting monks in the chapter
house.
The door to the antechamber inched closed, locking deBoulogne
in.
PASQUIER
I am certain ... as you well know
... the ailing health of our great
papa, Pope Urban, would suffer most
egregiously -- would he not? -- If
he were to gain news of your sinful
dalliances.
DE BOULOGNE
What do you want?
PASQUIER
(approaching slowly)
Every knee shall bow.
Looking horrified, DeBoulogne knelt. Pasquier offered the
back of his hand.
PASQUIER
Now, kiss it.
DeBoulogne took it with both his hands ... and did the deed.
PASQUIER
And be thankful, cardinal-bishop, it
is not my ass. Deny me again and I
shall turn your soul to ashes.
(beat)
Now, go and sin no more.
DeBoulogne hastily raced to the door, flung it open, and
fled.
EXT. AVIGNON PALACE HOLY CHAMBER (CONTINUOUS)
He was nearly out of the Holy Office when Pasquier stepped
in again from the outer hallway! DeBoulogne looked like he
was going to have a heart attack. (GASP)
PASQUIER
Remember, I am everywhere, including
your own inmost thoughts.
DeBoulogne (pants), raced down the hall. Pasquier smiled.
EXT. AVIGNON PALACE WALKWAY
Later, Pasquier bowed courteously as he moved around passing
priests and cardinals, walking along one of the palace's
many corridors ...
INT. AVIGNON PALACE PASQUIER'S CHAMBER
... making it to his small, but well decorated, private
chamber. It was dark. Pasquier removed his hat and outer
vestment. Then lit a new tapered candle and sat stiffly
into a chair. He closed his eyes and measured his breath,
as if he were ... meditating.
By the time the candle had burned halfway, his eyes were
darting beneath his eyelids ... Clearly he was in some kind
of altered state. It was a ritual he did over the course of
many days ... resulting in the ability for him to hear
Renier's voice inside his mind.
RENIER (V.O.)
Found him. (NEXT TIME) Following
him. (NEXT TIME) He has led us to
the nest.
EXT. MUEIN SCHOOL OPEN COURTYARD DAY
Fall colors transformed the leaves of the trees in the valleys
below the Muein Mystery School. In fact, many of the trees
had lost much of their foliage as the season was marching
toward the first snows of the coming winter.
In one of the Muein courtyards, Samantha and Wimarc were
tutoring pre-adolescents in their combat stance.
SAMANTHA
Keep your knees slightly bent, so
you can feel the earth hold you in
balance at your core.
WIMARC
Be neither too rigid nor too relaxed.
With one foot slightly forward and
the other back, which allows for
both stability and quick movement.
(A pause, then BELL RING).
SAMANTHA
O-o-h. You are now captive to
unstructured freedom.
The children swarmed her. (She laughs heartily).
SAMANTHA
Very well! Very well! Go! Go!
(The children start to run off).
SAMANTHA
Wait! Come back, come back. (another
swarm). Now go. Wait! Come back.
The children at last dispersed. Wimarc looked askance at his
daughter.
WIMARC
I see you still have yet to learn
humility.
SAMANTHA
I have a hundred more lifetimes for
that.
They spied Aaron peering out the window of the library temple,
looking lonesome. Wimarc put a hand on Samantha's shoulder,
sharing the view.
INT. MUEIN LIBRARY (CONTINUOUS)
Aaron kept at the library's window, staring out at the
horizon.
STUDENT (O.S.)
Shall we leave, magistrum?
Aaron turned. There was a trio of students, looking
expectantly at him.
AARON
What did you learn from today's
lesson?
STUDENT 1
To deny any possibility is also to
deny the very core of ourselves.
STUDENT 2
Not to remain fixed in our thoughts
about who we think we are, for we
are more than just our thoughts.
STUDENT 3
Don't be all mental.
AARON
Yes. You may depart, with my
gratitude.
(The students quickly leave). Aaron tended to the books
they left open on the bench, though his mind was clearly
elsewhere.
INT. MUEIN LIBRARY NIGHT
He never left the library, staying there well into the arrival
of night. He sat at a reading table absorbing himself with
one of the study's many volumes, the pages lit only by a
single candlestick.
He refused to look up as he could sense someone's approach.
They were silent. Stealthy. Bookshelf after bookshelf.
AARON
I know you're there. Three shelves
back.
(Pause) Samantha eventually peeked around the nearest
bookcase, frowning.
AARON
To your credit, you have mastered
the silence of the air. I heard
nothing.
SAMANTHA
And you have mastered the silence of
being a hermit. Aaron, it's been
months. Some of us would be very
happy to see you more.
Aaron wondered if her message spoke about something besides
just his absence.
SAMANTHA
I wager you haven't even fed Theia
this evening.
Aaron grinned she was right.
SAMANTHA
Let's go. It's beautiful out there.
Aaron extinguished the candle and let her lead him from the
room.
EXT. MUEIN WALKWAY (CONTINUOUS)
Aaron locked the library doors. They were big locks.
Multiple locks. Then he and Samantha stared up at the stars
as they walked, the galactic river in full bloom above them.
SAMANTHA
Look at that. (sigh) Always amazes
me.
AARON
And such a wonder that we are a part
of it.
(They descend steps).
SAMANTHA
Won't be long before the first snow
brings in the new season. Even with
this, it could still be tonight.
AARON
Then I suggest you'd best prepare
for it.
SAMANTHA
Me?
There was a look of challenge in Aaron's eyes.
SAMANTHA
You're on.
AARON
Moon temple. After I take care of
Theia.
SAMANTHA
Hopefully you've learned how to accept
defeat gracefully.
AARON
You can't let go of having been a
Roman soldier, can you?
SAMANTHA
It still serves.
Aaron jumped down into a walkway leading into the catacombs.
AARON
It won't tonight, you'll see!
SAMANTHA
Ha!
INT. CATACOMB HALL (CONTINUOUS)
SAMANTHA (O.S.)
I am going to pounce on you!
Aaron hurried down the hollowed passage, smiling. Torches
lit the way, as he passed small doors lining both sides of
the corridor. Down some steps Deeper following the glow
of torches He entered a room.
INT. MUEIN AARON'S ROOM
It was a small chamber, complete with a meditation bed and a
shelf with a few books. He lit a torch from the wall outside
the door, then brought it back inside. It was just enough
to see by. He then put his head into a shaft carved into
the wall.
AARON
Theia!
He turned in and dumped some small seeds into his palm.
Theia flew in from the conduit and landed on a perch.
(Squawks). The bird ate from Aaron's hand.
AARON
There you go. So, what wonders did
you see today?
Aaron closed his eyes. Whenever Theia touched his palm, an
image flashed into his mind. Zooming over forests. Going
down the mountains. Fields. Then darting toward a rodent.
AARON
Oh, Theia, you didn't. (Grimaces)
You did.
EXT. MUEIN MOON PLATFORM
Later, Aaron stepped out onto the lunar meditation platform --
given that name because of how the moon's light always found
its way to brighten the deck. About a dozen brethren were
already seated in quiet repose. He passed Wimarc and Golda,
their eyes closed. Golda smiled, then stole a peek as he
crossed before Samantha and sat beside her.
SAMANTHA (WHISPER)
You're late.
AARON
You just got excited and arrived
early.
Samantha smiled, then they both closed their eyes.
Over time, all the Muein acolytes left -- Wimarc and Golda
exiting together -- leaving only Aaron and Samantha behind.
Aaron peeked at Samantha. Though she didn't look at him,
she knew he was watching.
SAMANTHA
Don't concede so easily.
AARON
What makes you think I am?
SAMANTHA
You've returned your focus here.
Why else?
AARON
Maybe I wanted to see if you were
still sitting there. And if you've
noticed me, then you're obviously
not in the blend either.
SAMANTHA
Let's increase the wager.
She pulled her top off, her upper body naked in the moonlight.
Aaron tried to hide his surprise -- and attraction -- as
this was the first time he had ever seen her this way.
Samantha acted like it was nothing.
SAMANTHA
Let's see how well can you manage
with the cold directly on your skin.
Aaron paused, then pulled his own shirt off. The sight of
him seized Samantha's breath and ignited her affinities toward
him.
AARON
Very well. Yes. I'll take your
wager.
They settled down and resumed their positions. (A moment)
Aaron stole a glance her direction ... captivated by the
allure of her. Nevertheless, the heat rising within him
could not stave off the chill permeating the air. (Stifle a
laugh).
AARON
It's cold.
SAMANTHA
Don't concede
Aaron continued staring. He could see she, too, was battling
to remain still instead of shivering.
AARON
Sam, we don't --
He reached for her. With lightning speed, Samantha grabbed
his hand.
SAMANTHA
I said --
And shoved him to the ground.
SAMANTHA
Don't concede
She laid on top of him, bare chest-on-chest.
SAMANTHA
so easily.
Without warning, her lips passionately met his. It was clear,
she had waited a long time for this. Likewise, Aaron's
acceptance revealed he, too, had also been longing. When
they broke, he looked stunned, but also thankful.
(Samantha sighs, then laughs).
SAMANTHA
It's cold.
AARON
It's cold.
They stood and put their shirts back on. Samantha headed
toward the edge of the platform, leaving for the night.
SAMANTHA
See you tomorrow, magistrum.
Aaron paused, unsure of what the kiss meant next for their
relationship. Samantha doubled-back. She kissed him again,
then pulled at his arm before finally letting go and
pirouetting away, almost in a dance.
SAMANTHA
And I win!
She (laughs and) disappeared into the catacombs.
Aaron stood at the edge of the platform and looked out at
the courtyard ... the firelight, the surrounding temples,
the blossoming of love.
His countenance suddenly darkened, sensing something ...
Something sinister.
(SCREAMS roil out from the catacombs)
MONK1 (O.S.)
No!
MONK2 (O.S.)
They're dead! So many all dead!
Startled pupils and teachers flooded the temple's grounds,
(crying to the sky). Many collapsed to their knees. Aaron
couldn't make sense of it.
Within the chaos, he spotted Golda and Wimarc, their faces
contorted in sheer disbelief. Samantha followed with them,
also looking startled.
AARON
Sam!
(He pushed through the crowd to reach her).
AARON
Sam. What's happening?
SAMANTHA
Aaron the Western School
Aaron froze ... The Western School ... where Rachel had left
with Matthew. Golda took Aaron's arms, then shook her head
to clear her anguish.
GOLDA
They were discovered Attacked.
WIMARC
We don't know how many have survived.
The shock of the news stole the life from Aaron's legs and
he collapsed to the ground. Samantha was instantly at his
side.
SAMANTHA
We'll connect We'll find what
happened. They'll be safe.
She and Aaron looked up, just as the first snowflakes of the
season began falling. It was a stark intrusion ... The moon
was now gone. Thick clouds obscured the sky. Did the
newfound snow herald the gloom of Rachel and Matthew's demise?
Did it signify not only their death, but the destruction of
the entire Western Muein compound?