The Snow Storm Throne akljdfasdf fffffffff

alaskan valley - day FADE IN The camera sits just above a patch of Tundra Rose flowers, the entire world seems to be in clear view. Forest forever, only broken up by lakes, like rain puddles. And beyond it all, the implausibility that the pattern might be broken, a mountain standing in the distance, indifferent. A cloud crosses the sun, and the valley goes dark. A light snow fall. CUT TO EXT. FOREST - NIGHT A fox scurries past a tree in this vast, feather-snow forest. Its a scene fit for a Yuletide sleigh to come dashing across, exceptThe fox approaches a MARCHING BAND OF MEN, garbed in pelts and wool blankets, armed then lanterns and torches, three hundred strong. They are the men of the JU-AY TRIBE, far from home; cooks, carpenters, soldiers and generals. ANGLE ON their faces as they march past the camera; not a one looks less than miserable. CUT TO Two mitten hands enveloping a handful of finely carved sticks and polished stones known as PREDICTION TOTEMS (more on them later), rising up and then coming apart, letting drop the totems upon a soft and fine yarn afghan. These hands belong to ADLARTOK, CHIEF OF THE JU-AY TRIBE. FOUR BURLY MEN carry up atop a litter on which the chief sits. Adlartok looks over the totems, gripping his chin. ADLARTOK I see, I see. The BURLY MEN give each looks of dis-ease. BURLY SOLDIER 1 (soft whisper)What is he doing? His friend replies-

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: BURLY SOLDIER 2 (harsh whisper)Hes toying with prediction totems! Sacred ornaments! Does he want us further cursed? BURLY SOLDIER 3 (soft whisper) Ssssh!

2.

Adlartok rolls the totems like dice, as if he hears none of the chatter, humming to himself. BURLY SOLDIER 2 (soft whisper)Is he attempting to make sense of their predictions? The boy hasnt even learned to read signs of failure, let alone the totems. BURLY SOLDIER 4 (whisper) He isnt even using them correctly, hes not generating predictions to read, only yet his gestures mean grave insult, grave insult to the One Spirit. The Burly Soldiers grip their necklaces, embroidered with an X made from turquoise. They hold it in faith the same way a catholic would hold their cross, paranoid. BURLY SOLIDER 4. (cont.) Toying with the totems at a time like this. Pray that our families will at least be spared his punishment. ADLARTOK If you want to pretend like I cant hear you, then so will I. Not until you speak to me directly. IS there something you wish to say? His men say nothing, and remain carrying his litter. Adlartok sighs heavily. He rolls his totems again. His men go WEAK, and whine like school children. Adlartoks litter goes lop sided as a BURLY SOLDIER slumps over, Adlartok nearly rolls off the edge. ADLARTOK Steady! The men straighten up, though how ever weak willed. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: From the crowdRANDOM SOLDIER 1 Please, Adlartok. No more! Someone elseRANDOM SOLIDER 2 As our prince Chieftan, please respect the wishes of your men. Not here in the darkness, this is no place to be angering the One SpiAm eagle cries, it makes the men jump, and clutch one another. RANDOM SOLDIER 3 Why must this retribution befall us!? What have we done!?

3.

The men chatter and whimper as the CAMERA SLOW ZOOMS on Adlartoks disdained expression. His eyes shut, reliving memory. FADE TO EXT. TEEPEE VILLAGE - NIGHT Under the stars, around a camp fire, an aging woman sits before a group of children. She is AWN, AN ELDER of her village. Her voice is warm, calming. She raises her hands up in front of the children, and they follow suite. AWN Without an eye to watch the clouds, and without a hand to the touch the ground, the world without men was silent, and dark. She covers her ears, and the children follow, plugging their ears. She moves her hands over her eyes, and the children follow, covering their eyes. A YOUNG Adlartok follows suite, but peeks through his fingers and looks around. He catches the elderly woman spreading her fingers and peeking out, she gives him a wink. AWN And time simply stayed frozen, with no one to mark it. A beat. She CLAPS her hands. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

4.

AWN But from another realm, where no ground there is to sit on, and no sky above to watch, there came a Spirit. From her satchel she pulls out a green and dust and tosses it into the flames, they spark and crackle. The children Ooo and Aaah. AWN A Spirit that said, there will be no silence here. There will be no darkness. And there will be no STILLNESS! This time she throws a whole handful of the sand in the fire, laughing. The children gasp. AWN The Spirit lit his torch, and left it in the sky. He called it the Sun. The Spirit bent down and blew a gust of wind upon the earth, and from that wind came birds and crickets, and the earth was given song. Adlartok hears the sound of a far off CAW of some night bird. AWN And finally, The Spirit broke apart into so many pieces, and descended upon the earth in a snow storm. Each piece of the spirits very being upon reaching the ground, conjoined with the soil of our earth, and planted the seeds of a different human life. And from her satchel she pulls out a doll made from wicker and straw, and hands it to a young girl. AWN Born out of the ground, the people began to move, and speak, and build, and love. And they gave birth, making way for new children, and new language, and new buildings and new love.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: The Children sit enraptured by the story. Adlartoks expression still reads hesitation. Awn turns her head towards the sky. AWN And above our heads always we can find The Spirits parting gift. With the stars themselves, arranged with sublime precision, he mapped out each of our lives.

5.

Awn tosses the stones and sticks from her pocket onto the rug. Takes a look at it, reading it, then nods her head and smiles, as if what she was quite agreeable. AWN The universe lay open, exposed of its pieces and parts for all to see. Our people learned to read the sky, unlike any other tribe. For we used a compass which always pointed straight to our hearts. Awn reaches down and taps on the prediction totems. The children all lean over each and have a look. Awn changes now, from kind and serene, to deathly serious. She lurches forward on her seat, drawing her vulnerable audience away. AGA And to deny the truths the prediction tombs wrought, no matter how terrible, would mean to fight against fate itself...And ANGER the Spirit! She reaches for her satchel and turns it over on the fire, dumping the sand in, pluming smoke and sparks billowing into the night sky... CUT TO INT. TEEPEE, NIGHT A JU-AY family gathers around a dying man, the FATHER OF ADLARTOK, lying asleep near a fire, a fur pelt blanketing his fragile form. Adlartok, now back to being AGED 19, kneels before his father in frustration, and defeat. Tears well up in his eyes. He turns to face an AGED AWN, brittle haired and blind. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

6.

ADLARTOK Cant we administer some medicine? Any? Im the the the AWN sorry, Adlartok. I have seen truths, and we cannot the abuse blessing of foresight. Accept fate, do not change.

ADLARTOK Awn...Why cant you just roll again? He knows what he said is very taboo. AWN Dont be foolish. Adlartok turns back to his father, who wheezes on every breath. ADLARTOK Father...how? A man BURSTS into this solemn scene. His name is AIPA, THE ADVISOR, and he speaks while trying to catch his breath. AIPA There...has been...an act of... treason. ADLARTOK What? Were being attacked? AIPA No...Theyre...attacking...each other. CUT TO EXT. TIPI VILLAGE - NIGHT EXTREME CLOSE UP on a gorgeous tapestry which sits on the winter ground, illuminated by torch light. We see the patterns and stitching in fine detail. EXTREME CLOSE UP of AWNs hands rolling a new set of prediction totems. She rubs her hand across the pebbles and twigs laid out on the ground, reading them like braille. She nods, understanding, her eyes peering off into blindness. She lifts them up again, and rolls them.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

7.

Adlartok sits on one knee, biting his thumb, blinking hard. Aipa watches him, an expression like a worried mother. Awn finishes reading yet another toss of the stones, and now nods to herself, as if shes heard enough. She lifts herself up by cane, surrounded by guards and advisers adorning fine felts and leather straps, knives and spears. AWN Adlartok. You will take with you two hundred men, and you will march to this war zone, in an attempt to mediate a peace between the two warring tribes. Adlartok looks stunned. ADLARTOK (to himself) I was only consideringAWN But, you will see battle. And catapults, while mighty in power, will fail, and leave you defenseless. This event...will bring about the end of our tribe. The entire village bursts into an uproar of terrified cries and angry bickering. AWN So it is read, and so it is. She again takes her seat, calmly. Adlartoks frustration bowls him over. He hangs his head in defeat. CUT TO EXT. VALLEY - DAY "Present" Day, once again. Prince Adlartok, asleep on his litter, blinks awake. He sits up, nodding and welcoming those men at the front of the line to a good morning. They nod back, nervously, unenthusiastic. They watch him, curiously, and tensely. Now that hes awake, how long will it take him to pull out the prediction totems? Adlartok looks straight ahead again, seemingly thinking to himself, nodding, within himself... (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

8.

Almost immediately he draws from his pocket the PREDICTION TOTEMS. His men cry out, again like a class of children being shown a pop quiz. BURLY SOLDIER 2 Adlarok, I must ask...Why do you continue to toy with the prediction totems? Surely you arent trying to re-cast Awns predictions. ADLARTOK Surely. He rolls them again, the soldiers flinch. BURLY SOLDIER 2 Then why toss them about like that? These are meant to be sacred. Not toys. The stars arent even out, whats the point? Our prince slowly peers up from his hands. His eyes go dead, staring off. The sticks and stones lay on the mat in front of him. BURLY SOLDIER 2 ...Adlartok? SWIPE. He nonchalantly knocked the materials off of his litter and into the snow, like trash. BURLY SOLDIER 1 (to B.S 2) Ah, look what youve made him do! The men surrounding him flinch and wince, even a few leave the line to pick up and clean off the prediction totems. Almost everyone grips their necklace. ADLARTOK Fine, then Im going back to sleep. He curls up on his side. BURLY SOLDIER 3 (whispering) Well if Awn hadnt given us the bad news, wed know were in deep shit by now. Our Prince is met with his pleasant, yet anxious, confidant and royal adviser, AIPA, who jogs up to the front of the line. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

9.

AIPA Good morning, Adlartok. PRINCE ADLARTOK Ill need my abacus, Aipa. Aipa reaches into a satchel and pulls out a counting frame. The Prince appreciatively takes it and begins clacking away on it. PRINCE ADLARTOK Im going to run the numbers again, and this time, I WONT be factoring in Awns prediction. AIPA Is there not enough excitement for you already? PRINCE ADLARTOK They need to know Ill do whatever it takes. Ill do whatever it takes to make sure, we go off without a hitch. AIPA Oh, I see...Anything it takes...Does that include sending our men off to die? Aipa speaks affectionately, but also desperately. He lays his paw on Adlartoks leg. AIPA What is the point in all this busy work? Sliding the calculator, fumbling around with sticks and stones? What are you questioning, my friend? As Adlartok reads his abacus, Aipa reads Adlartok. AIPA Youre being selfish. You can keep your abacus for as long as you want. Dont prepare any prediction tomes again. Aipa fixes his pelt over his shoulders and turns to leave, but Adlartok reaches out abruptly, catching Aipa on the shoulder. Whatever act of "cool" he had going has ended, its now HE who looks desperate for Aipas acceptance.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

10.

PRINCE ADLARTOK The future was laid out for us...It cant be undone. Awn told it straight. Great catapults meant for defense will fail. And this will follow with the end of our tribe...She foretold of my plans to take this army and seek out this supposed blood bath between our would be brothers, she knew even before I had said the words. Once it has been predicted, it would mean such great insult to the One Spirit. Directly acting in opposition of fate, I shutter to think. That is the Ju-Ay tradition, is it not? To watch loved ones dying, knowing that you mustnt help, because, who knows, it might ANGER the very same that brought us life, that supposedly, is still a part of our souls. AIPA Watch yourself, Adlartok. ADLARTOK That is not why the Spirit gave us the stars, to abuse our foresight and avoid conflict. No, he gave it to us so that we may feel confident in our actions, to know they were fully destined to be. The situation is what it is, but at the same time, it cannot be made any worse, can it? And as for playing with the prediction tomes... He looks down, thinking. PRINCE ADLARTOK It just makes me feel better. Aipas face is muddled with doubt. PRINCE ADLARTOK And as for my calculations, Aipa, you have nothing to fear. Im just preparing, nothing more. When our catapults fail us, well know what to do...But, if by some small chance-

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: AIPA What? Aipa just shakes his head, melancholy. AIPA Thats not how it works. You want to prepare for your people? All youre preparing for them is a curse. After all this explaining Aipa STILL doesnt get what Adlartok is trying to say. The prince wretches. PRINCE ADLARTOK Listen to me. I need to know what kind of liberties that I can take I imagine an excursion with pre-ordained failure frees us up from limits on certain resources. Rations, weapons, those sorts of things, you know. Since we just know well fail. Aipa sneers. AIPA And limbs, lives, human trauma? No limits to those either, too, I guess. ADLARTOK (KINDLY) Aipa, she said our tribe is coming to an end.

11.

Adlartok looks up from under his brow, his eyes speak: Just say it. AIPA ...It only seems to me, that even by questioning Awn, our one star readerHe completely loses his cool. ADLARTOK Im not QUESTIONING! Im running NUMBERS! Theres no insult to the Spirit in banging out numbers on an ABACUS! The disdain in the Ju-Ay ranks reaches further back into the crowd. His people rumble with unease, seeing their Chief display such disgraceful attitude. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

12.

RANDOM SOLDIER What is the prince doing!? Is he insulting the Spirit!? Adlartok turns away with a grunt. AIPA Like a child whos simply heard the same phrase too many times, these rules are just getting on your nerves. But theyre rules for a reason. Its like lately, you dont even believe in the readingsPRINCE ADLARTOK SUPERSTITIOUS! Thats ALL that you ARE, Aipa! I cant even do some multiplication without you running your sweaty palms down my back? AIPA What are you talking about? Were already marching to our death. ADLARTOK Thats what you think. But what did she say, Aipa? What is it that she said? She said catapults will fail bringing us to the end of our tribe...I mean, that could mean ANYTHING! RANDOM SOLDIER Oh, no, just STOP! Youre going to curse us for life! ADLARTOK Why do you people have no faith in me? The surrounding military men moan and groan, some even sound as if they are crying. Adlartok sighs with contempt. AIPA You damn us, Adlartok. Give me back the abacus, before The One Spirit turns its back on us. Or do you really think it will make excuses just for a king ? A beat.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: PRINCE ADLARTOK (somber)...For a prince, Aipa. My father is still King Chief, and he will be buried in his crown. As soon as we return home.

13.

ADLARTOK hops off of the carrying mat, and pats one of the men on the shoulder as they put away the royal carpet ride. The svelte young curmudgeon trots off. Aipa follows behind, his contemptuous stare burning holes in his princes neck... FADE TO The two over tasked tribesmen find themselves a quarter mile out, outside the hearing range of the marching men, who carry on in the BACKGROUND. They speak to each other as friends in dire circumstance, sharing a smoking pipe. AIPA Do you believe he was murdered? Maybe by a Loovik assassin? Maybe a man of the Tuserk, some brute? No one can really say which tribe it was, but it had to have been a poisoning. PRINCE ADLARTOK No. No one could have poisoned him. And remember it is not why we are marching, Aipa. So put it out of mind. Fathers death was not timely for us, but it was timely for him. He was old. And ready. AIPA But it was like he was poisoned. He..he went so fast. ADLARTOK I know... AIPA ...Uuuuch! Aipa moans as if he has a bad stomach ache, his hands roll down his face, stretching down his eyes and mouth. Stressed. AIPA Everything has been going fast since then. I cant believe that was only, what, thirty hours ago? (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: ADLARTOK Mmmhm.

14.

Adlartok kicks at the ground, his hands behind his back. AIPA All the deliberation and conversation, preparation, I dont think Ive hardly slept. Only momentary moments of rest, shutting my eyes for a few seconds, a few minutes? I could never be sure. ADLARTOK Id rather not dream right now. AIPA I wish I could have known what hed have to say about this...The Eastern tribe at ends with The West. And us, stuck in the south, not knowing a thing about it, and without a king. Without a leader. What if Loovik sees us upon his battlefield? Huh? Will that wily coot not lunge into us at first sight? ADLARTOK He wouldnt. Because we wont be on the battlefield. AIPA Ah, so the Tuserk and his Western men, then. Well wait for one of their arrows to fly off their handle and lop off your neck, accidentally of course. As you wave your hands about, suing for peace. PRINCE ADLARTOK Im going to do run my numbers in the back, for a little bit of privacy. AIPA Fine, as long as you have a dozen guards enjoying the privacy with you. Adlartok mushes through the snow, his shoulders up to his ears, turning his back on Aipa. Aipa looks to his army, the men hes in charge of.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: AIPA Cmon! Lets pick up the pace! You in front make a better example, lets go!

15.

FADE TO EXT. CAMP GROUND. NIGHT PAN across the camp ground where the JU-AY tribe has settled down for the night. Fires, yurts, the three hundred or so men asleep under the stars, or zoning out as they toss pebbles into bonfires. Sounds of snoring and late night chatting. CUT TO INT. YURT. SAME NIGHT Holding a torch, Adlartok squarts in the dirt, drawing with a stick what looks almost like a FOOTBALL PLAY, but in fact he is drawing out a BATTLEFIELD MAP. Aipa is here as well, and a general named GAMA, and another general named KOME posed complacently against the yurt wall. There is little to no sound. The map itself is basically an OVAL, with a set of PURPLE and GREEN stones on either end. Coming in right in the middle, is a set of NON-COLORED STONES, representing our Ju-Ay Tribe. GAMA The Tribe of the Tuserk, in purple, have set up camp in the northern clearing, accompainied by the mighty Tuserk himself. They may very attack their opposing force in the morning once again, while the Aluet tribe sit to the south of the valley, here in green, bidding their time and constructing defensive blockades. Their prince, Loovik, has joined them. Scouts tell us, theyre using the forest and its lumber to house themselves in. Apparently theyve built some kind of fortress. PRINCE ADLARTOK Hmph, it would be a first. Im sure whatever it is, its no fortress, The Aluet have a hard enough time just constructing a healthy marriage. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: This gets a titter from his men. PRINCE ADLARTOK No, they were always ones to live and fight like lonely wolves, with no common sense in them, never ones to simply hide from the hawkKOME Theyre capable of learning, Adlartok. The prince hovers over the map for a better view. ADLARTOK The Tuserk archers on the north end, and the Aluet swordsmen to the south. And Ill be...Ill be...

16.

His finger darts around the map, looking for something. Kome jumps in, knowing the problem. KOME Im afraid weve misplaced the yellow stone. Youll have to find something else to represent the yourself. Adlartok sits back, not making eye contact, hiding something from his men. ADLARTOK Right...misplaced. Well, then Ill just be this one (picks up plain rock) After all, the yellow stone was always meant to symbolize my father. Adlartok points to the center of the map. PRINCE ADLARTOK So we enter into the fray here, from the east? KOME Tomorrow morning, we enter in from the east into the surrounding forest and set up camp there, then make our call for a treaty. Perhaps the soldiers should...(spoken with regret) Fortify themselves here, in the middle. Blocking the two sides off from fighting again. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

17.

PRINCE ADLARTOK That depends. Do you believe they will listen to reason, my friends? No one says anything. How are they supposed to know? AIPA That depends. What was their reason for going to war in the first place? Again, no one has answers. Adlartok grips himself. PRINCE ADLARTOK Spirit, help me. The prince stands up, facing the outside, his hands on his back, stretching. He stares out through the flap of the yurt opening. PRINCE ADLARTOK Well press ourselves between the wolf and the hawk... A fox runs up to the entrance of the yurt. Only the prince sees his likeness. PRINCE ADLARTOK For now, I must go for a walk. AIPA Be safe. He exits the yurt. The men talk in confidence. GAMA Is it really going to happen? AIPA I dont know. GAMA I dont think I can lead my men like the Tuserk leads his. Theyre like stone warriors. And he is a stone general. They think of nothing but killing. AIPA Dont worry.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: GAMA Ive never fought in a real battle my whole life but Ive heard that the Loovik tribes, they wrestle bears. Kome slams his hand against his palm.. KOME Damnit! Awn told us! "The catapults will fail. It will bring about the end of the tribes," the spirit chief is never wrong. GAMA I respect the Spirit, and the carrying out of what must be. But this mad prince...He is just making it worse!

18.

CUT TO JUST OUTSIDE THE YURT Adlartok stands just outside the yurts opening, off to the side, clenching himself for warmth, his ear to the yurt. Spying on his own men. GAMA (O.S) And when you go against fate, you know that happens? Huh? Do ya? AIPA (O.S) No, Gama. KOME (O.S) You get smacked down. GAMA(O.S) Exactly. INT. YURT - NIGHT Aipa lays down on a series of pillows. AIPA She didnt say well die for sure. GAMA Dont be blasphemous. Does she need to say well die? Adlartok throws open the yurt flap and steps inside, his eyes alive with energy and purpose. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: PRINCE ADLARTOK The whale?

19.

Aipa and his men dont really know how to respond to that. PRINCE ADLARTOK Were a whale. The Tuserk are the hawks, the Loovik men are wolves, but well be the damn whale! AIPA ...How so? PRINCE ADLARTOK Well plop ourselves right in the middle of the battlefield, hold up shields, and not let them pass, like a giant weight between them! He balls a fist up, smiling, ready to run a mile, exuberant. No one else is even nearly as energetic. GAMA Do you forget so fast how idealistic you are? KOME Renewed energy does not an accomplished plan make. What are you barking about? His energy dies, and he flops to the ground. From the floor, Adlartok looks up at the pebbles and scoops them into their satchel, depressingly. ADLARTOK Its time for bed. Well need our energy for tomorrow. Kome and Gama bow. INT. YURT. NIGHT All are asleep inside this royal yurt besides Adlartok, who lies awake, the sounds of the night playing on outside. Between his fingers appears to be a nugget of gold. It is the yellow painted pebble, used to represent A KING. He rolls it around in his fingers, staring at it, and then tucks it into a pocket on his leathery vest. He lays back and shuts his eyes... But they cannot stay shut for long. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

20.

He reaches into his pocket and again toys with the yellow-painted stone. SOUND EFFECT: MARCHING ARMY. CUT TO EXT. ARCTIC FOREST. DAY The next day, the platoon carries on. ADLARTOK vigorously power walks ahead of his men, no carrying litter. The wind nips at him, he pulls his coat over. His gaze is focused, his mouth mutters whispered words, his mind a buzz. AIPA Adlartok. The Prince is startled, not seeing him there. PRINCE ADLARTOK Aipa? AIPA No sleep?We are eastbound a half mile from the valley, which it seems has been branded with a nick name. We are eastbound a half mile from the valley, which it seems has been branded with a nick name. PRINCE ADLARTOK (to himself) Only a half mile...The men are prepared to begin cutting wood for lumber. AIPA Oh yes sir, theyre prepared. Theyre prepared to do whatever you think is best. Happy? Refreshed? Oh, I dont know about those things. PRINCE ADLARTOK That is neither here nor there, I only wished to know if all is according to plan.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

21.

AIPA Yes, Adlartok. PRINCE ADLARTOK And Aipa? AIPA Yes? PRINCE ADLARTOK When we are conferencing with the other tribes and their leaders...Refer to me as sire. And never by name. I need to appear powerful. Aipa is understanding but non-enthusiastic. AIPA Yes sir. PRINCE ADLARTOK Good, good. Alright, yes, good good. ADLARTOK rubs his hand together, thinking obsessively, and heads back into his mind, muttering away. He spins around on his heels to face his men. Apprehensively, he watches all the soldiers passing by, inspecting them like products coming down a conveyor belt. They nod back, nervously smiling. CUT TO EXT. The journey finally reaches its zenith. Upon a hill, they look down on the densely populated forest, (shaped in something of an oval, with the center being cleared out.) Adlortok steps ahead of the crowd, and courageously takes a knee. He points out the clearing in the forest. PRINCE ADLARTOK There. Thats the valley. AIPA If I may? PRINCE ADLARTOK Mmm?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

22.

AIPA This valley, it has two nick names. The Eastern tribes have come to call it Victory passage. PRINCE ADLARTOK Victory. A beat. A boisterous soldier pipes in. SOLDIER But, The Western name does not bode as well! PRINCE ADLARTOK And whats that? SOLDIER They have been calling it, The Blood Letting Valley. Adlartok grows nervous, but remains reasonanle. PRINCE ADLARTOK Well, we certainly know who the losing team is now, dont we. AIPA Perhaps. The Aluet seem to name everything after blood clots and sores. PRINCE ADLARTOK Well lets find out for ourselves. CUT TO EXT. FOREST HILL The hauling of heavy gear and heavy men, sliding and balancing themselves off of trees as they tread down a snowy hill. The ground levels out, and the trees become slightly less dense. Theres enough space now that one could stretch his legs and begin smoking his pipe, resting for a moment. Carpenters and woodsmen begin chopping down trees and setting up camp, never ones to take a break. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

23.

Adlartok, holding his arms out and keeping his balance on the branches. He reaches the ground floor and begins making his way around. ADLARTOK Yes, this will be a fine spot to make camp. Were guarded by trees, so we wont be out in the open, and theres really no telling where we are. I think it will make a fine camp. Two lean and swift SCOUTS race up and stand attentive to Adlartok, saluting. He nods back, and points north. They follow the order with quickness. CUT TO EXT. VALLEY - DAY The scouts are miles down at the SOUTH end of the valley, near the Aluet tribes encampment. The trees have PLANKS AND BOARDS nailed straight across them. Its a large, make-shift WALL, and no sound comes from behind in, in stark contrast to... CUT TO EXT. VALLEY - DAY The TUSERK TRIBE at the NORTH end of this two mile long valley, in which SMOKING YURTS catch the eye and the sound of MEN WORKING echo from. The scouts watch, and then head back to report what theyve seen. ADLARTOKS CAMP - DAY The scouts rush into camp. SCOUT Advisor Aipa! Advisor Aipa! AIPA The tribes, are still present? SCOUT The Tuserks men are still here, but the Aluet tribe...They may or may not be. No sign of any life, no camps. Only a wall. Maybe they built it to slow down the Tuserk as they make an escape.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: AIPA Ill inform the prince. Go find something to eat.

24.

CUT TO AIPA reaches ADLARTOK, sitting by the fire, with bustling work all around him, he seems focused on the drawing in the dirt. His advisor approaches him with kid gloves on. AIPA The scouts have returned with strange news. ADLARTOK Mmm? AIPA Its the Eastern tribe, they remain unseen and unheard. As if their camp is abandoned. Without a trace. ADLARTOK ...Then the wall is gone? AIPA No, the wall still stands. ADLARTOK Well, thats a trace. AIPA Yessir. And youll be ready to venture to the Eastern tribes soon, to make counsel with The Tuserk? ADLARTOK Well...Id like to have spoken with the more rational of men first...But I suppose the fates have tossed us a spoiled egg again. He stands up, brushing off the dirt. ADLARTOK Let us fertilize with it. You and I will go see this wall for ourselves. Well bring with us a defense force. ADLARTOK But-! There may be an ambush, or a terrible accident-!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

25.

ADLARTOK Thats why the defense force is coming along. If you wish to stay, my friend, I wouldnt blame you. But if you do come, remember... The prince stands up and begins to walk off. He turns his head back to AIPA and looks at him out of the corner of his eye. ADLARTOK ...Im your sire, nothing more. OUTSIDE THE WALL - DAYLIGHT A group of men, lead by the silent yet thoughtful Adlartok, approach the boarded off and eerily quiet walled up forest, from about a quarter mile off. A hawk flies above them and caws as it soars over the wall. Two soldiers peer up at this bird, guarding their face from the sun. Another solider runs up along the crowd and shakes Aipa on the shoulder. He turns around and hears what the man says, whipsering in his ear. Aipa responds solemnly. AIPA No, Im afraid we cannot stop marching, but hurry now behind some bush and be quick with your business. A group of about fifty men march on their way, some laughing and smoking pipes, some struggling to carry their weight, and in the front is Adlartok, marching forward, head below his shoulders. In his pocket he holds the prediciton tombs, tossing them around and playing with them unconsciously. A soldier approaches the entranced Adlartok. HEFTY SOLIDER Are you in need of more warmth? ADLARTOK Aye. And are you ever not? HEFTY SOLIDER Haha...Take this, sir. With this much meat on my bones I wont need this fox pelt.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

26.

ADLARTOK Then you are lucky to have both. No thank you. He denies the solder again. Adlartok prefers to go on cold. CUT TO EXT. ALUET WALLS - DAY Adlartok and company arrive before the WALLS BORDERS, a series of wooden planks and boards nailed against the trees, crudely, but effectively. The army comes to a halt and falls at ease, chatting and smoking. ADLARTOK touches the wall, trailing his fingers across it...and then its time to face his men. The Princes demeanor changes from benign and kind to forceful and demanding of respect; he doesnt quite have the act down, though. ADLARTOK Before we so rudely intrude on our brothers, lets see if their home, aye? Call and response. He turns to face the barricade and begins screaming a chant ADLARTOK COUN-SEL! COUN-SEL! COUN-SEL! People begin joining in and screaming at the tops of their voices at the wall. EVERYONE COUNSEL! COUNSEL! COUNSEL! ALA Okay, okay enough now! The crowd dies down, and they wait for some response. Anything...And yet, nothing. ADLARTOK looks down in intense thought for a moment, and comes up with something. ADLARTOK Let us hoist one man on another mans shoulders and have him climb that tree, there! And he can look beyond the wall and tell us what he sees.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

27.

Two men do so, who climb the tree and take a look around. ADLARTOK watches anxiously, but the man calls to him from the treeSCOUT IN TREE Nothing! There is nothing there! Just forest! No trace of anyone! Adlartok is at a stand still. SOLIDER So what now, Prince? ADLARTOK does not respond, lost in his thoughts. SCOUT IN TREE ADLARTOK! ADLARTOK! He looks down the way at the scout. SCOUT IN TREE I think I see a, a, I dont know what! Something looks funny in the wall down there! Its go time. ADLARTOK Lets march! The men wind up a square hole in the wooden wall, indented. and another board behind it, suggesting it may be a sliding door. ADLARTOK Hmm... NAMELESS SOLIDER Do you wish for someone to knock on it? ADLARTOK ...Im still thinking. the Nameless soldier backs away like a lowly dog, but is then ushered forward by a signal from Adlartoks finger. ADLARTOK Yes. Knock on the door, would you? He gets on his knees and knocks on the door. Nothing happens. Still on his hands and knees, he looks up at the army behind him. He gives an expression of "I dunno"

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

28.

ADLARTOK Go on. See if it slides open. He slides it open a little bit. The group gasps and mutters, ADLARTOK looks on. The NAMELESS SOLIDER looks behind him again, and then back to the door. He finishes sliding the door open, then sits back, nervous. NAMELESS SOLIDER A door. He stands up and brushes himself off. ADLARTOK cocks his head. ADLARTOK (SARCASTICALLY) Hmm? You arent going in? He gets a couple of laughs as the NAMELESS SOLIDER passes by ADLARTOK who pats him on the back. ADLARTOK Vexing...What to do now? NAMELESS SOLIDER 2 Perhaps you send someone to search for the encampment? ADLARTOK Alone? Wandering into who knows what? I wonder why I would do that... NAMELESS SOLIDER 2 S-Sir, dont we want to, maybe, reach the encampment? Speak to the people there? Isnt that...urgent? The crowd grunts and mumbles in agreement. ADLARTOK (CRYPTICALLY) Hmmm...Isnt it? He stares at the soldier, who only stares back, perplexed. He shrugs, and returns to stroking his chin and starring at the hole. The men all together let out a disperate sigh. AIPA approaches the prince, weary. AIPA Adlartok, You must consider your men and their sense of honor they have towards you and following you...You frighten them, theyve seen you like this before and know (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

29.

AIPA (contd) what happens when you fall too deep into thought. ADLARTOK Aye. AIPA Weve marched here, followed you here, and now it may appear as though...your the one clenching up now. ADLARTOK looks up at AIPA, raising an eye brow. He then shuts his eyes affirmitively. ADLARTOK I only require a bit more time to think. AIPA sighs and returns to the soldiers. Taking a seat on the ground next to a soldier. AIPA Yes, the Prince only needs a little more time to think. ADLARTOK Ive made my decision. Aipa SPRINGS up. ADLARTOK I want twenty men beyond this border, carrying a message of peace and counsel to the camp beyond. If they cant be reached or nothing is found before sun down, you return here and meet with an away camp that will lead you home. Understood? The Soldiers affirmatively grunt. ADLARTOK Good. Nothing is happening. ADLARTOK Well?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: AIPA Who is it to go? ADLARTOK Oh..well...You there. HEFTY SOLDIER Who, me? ADLARTOK Yes. You decide the other 19 that goes with you. HEFTY SOLIDER Aaah...?

30.

He rubs the back of his neck, and picks out the nineteen men. No one seems happy to be picked, but hey what can the hefty soldier do about it? ADLARTOK (WEAKLY) Very good, thank you, thank you. HEFTY SOLDER Youre welcome. The twenty men then mobilize around the hole. A nameless soldier hesitantly drops to his knees and slowly pokes his head beyond the hole. Everyone is silent, and still, and the soldier doesnt move or speak. He very slowly continues in. Adlartok motions for another to go in. with much less hesitation the next man drops to his knees and crawls in, but as his head makes it past the wall, he suddenly stops. ADLARTOKs eyes twitch at the sight of this. The SOLIDER pauses, then continues in. The Next soldier drops to his knees. ADLARTOK Ey ey ey ey. AIPA Hmmm? ADLARTOK Do you two see anything? Any sign of life? Do you see anything at all? A beat.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

31.

BEHIND THE WALL No. Nothing here at all. Another beat. Silence. A third soldier without thinking drops to his knees, but Adlartok GRASPS his shoulder. No. ADLARTOK Ill have a look. ADLARTOK approaches the hole and drops to the ground, crawling forward. His head slowly pokes past the wall. AIPA What do you see? Sire? SIRE WHAT DO YOU SEE? ADLARTOK says nothing, and simply, continues to crawl through. Hes on the other side. The wooden door closes. Aipa rushes in afterAIPA PRINCE!? And in a panicAIPA PRINCE!? PRI-! He very nearly stabs himself in the eye with a spear. Three are pointed at his head He can see a hundred men on eiter side of him, JUST BEYOND the wall, all their bodies pressed against it to stay hidden. His fellow Southern Tribesmen sitting on the ground, scratching their beards and hanging their heads, with a couple spears limply pointed at them, and Adlartok being held with his arms behind his back, scowling. Aipa crosses through, a spear is gestured at his face, and he sits down, looking beaten. The next soldier crawls through, gasps at the spears, but the SPEARMEN gestures with his finger to his lips: SSSSH. CUT TO (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

32.

a bustling little make shift town, with people working about; carrying lumber, hammering and sawing, yurts being erected, and even some children and women cooking and playing with animals. Its a jubilant scene, though our PRISONERS are uncomfortable. AIPA Who know the Eastern tribesmen were so... ADLARTOK Pleasant. ADLARTOK mostly looks pissed. When a SOUTERN TRIBE SOLIDER looks him in the eye, ADLARTOK scowls back - the soldier grins stupidly, exposing his rotting teeth. A VOICE shouts out, loud, MASCULINE. The crowd of people make way for this BOISTEROUS MAN, as he steps out from a yurt. "HOOOO!" Before we catch sight of his faceCUT TO ADLARTOK extreme close up. As this man speaks, Adlartoks face melts from utter contempt to enjoyment. BOISTEROUS MAN (O.S) Ah, I see youve finally brought us back our lunch! Good job, men. Though they do look a little too scrawny to eat. Im not feeling peckish, anyway. Though, Perhaps we are more in need of some light entertainment...You! Musician! Ill carve you up some flutes from their bones! With laughter in his heart, we see this royal warrior, lean and strapping, come to step before ADLARTOK, his white teeth gleaming, he looks as though he is both warm and joyful but VERY intense. Like Santa Claus on speed. He wraps his arms around ADLARTOK, and embraces him, who is taken aback.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

33.

The SOUTHERN TRIBE people cheer and clap hands. THE BOISTEROUS MAN releases ADLARTOK, and takes a step back, breathing him all in. Our prince has but one word to say. ADLARTOK Loovik. LOOVIK Look at them. Look at them, these familiar specters! These are the benign Southern Tribesmen. It has been TWO generations since last the royals of our tribes met in person, but, aaah, here we are again! Our brothers! Here again, ahahaha! The entirity of the Adlartoks men are confused and maybe even frightened at the celebration going on around them, and leaves them on edge. AIPA in particular, who is being bounced around by Eastern tribe soldiers. ADLARTOK Loovik, your men captured us very swiftly and effectively. Was that little plan your idea? LOOVIK Hmm? Oh, yes! You liked that, didnt you? "Beheading the Curious Fox." I invented it! Just for the occasion! It captured you; and soon those dogs of The TUSERK! The bastards will come one by one, and one by one well slit their throats. ADLARTOK Is the plan fool proof? LOOVIK It worked on you, didnt it? And youre no fool. The all fore-seeing and mystical Southern tribe predicted nothing, now those curious little foxes shouldnt stand a chance! The Crowd roars in agreement. A hawk flies above, caws. Adlartok watches it.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: ADLARTOK The Tuserk is no fox. He finds cunning to be a childish trait. LOOVIK Of course of course. He likes to think of himself as a hawk! Phooie. Ive never been maimed by a hawk. Whats so forceful and direct about a bird? The two kings begin to walk together. ADLARTOK Were the curious little foxes, Loovik; We snooped and poked around, getting caught in traps. But the Western Tribesmen, they arent ones to do that. Theyll find another way. LOOVIK And what exactly does that mean? ADLARTOK That earthly properties dont inhibit them. LOOVIK Earthly properties!? Oh, like walls of sturdy oak!? And swarms of wily assassins and killers!?

34.

Loovik raises his arm to the air, his men go crazy for it. LOOVIK (TO ADLARTOK) Lets see them spread their wings, already. ADLARTOK I wouldnt put it past them. Something becomes SOURED for Loovik. LOOVIK (IRRITATED) Hmm? What was that? ADLARTOK I just saidLOOVIK That they can FLY? Who told you they can FLY?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

35.

ADLARTOK ...I simply meant that they are an inventive people. LOOVIK (INTIMIDATION) Oh, I see. And what makes you say that? I mean, what have you, as the prince of the Southern tribes, heard about this INVENTIVENESS imbued of the Tuserk? ADLARTOK ...I think I may have said the wrong thing. LOOVIK No, no no! Youve said nothing out of line! Youve just walked all the way here, to MY battle grounds, disrupted MY trap, to deliver ME the message that MY preparations and fighting spirit are IDLE action...Because the Tuserks men will trample me, thanks to their assured "inventivness," Is that about right? Loovik stares deep into Adlartok. The party commences beyond them, music being played with crude drums and rattle makers. LOOVIK (DARK) ...What do you know? ADLARTOK chokes. He lashes out. ADLARTOK (FLUSTERED) NOTHING! I-I really know NOTHING! I came here only to find out WHY you and the Tuserk are fighting! That is ALL! I-I SWEAR TO YOU. Our prince stands attentive. He cant look Loovik in the ye now. LOOVIK Hmph. So you could then, what, start the repairing process? ADLARTOK Perhaps.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: LOOVIK You wish to solve a problem you did not create. You want to look like the innocent little Southerner, peering into the battle grounds, waving around a feather for peace. But youre prepared to pick a side in order to solve this problem, hmm? You just need to know WHICH side, first. Thats why youre here...Which side are you on? ADLARTOK (BACKED INTO A CORNER) ...GrrrRR- WE DONT KNOW WHY YOU ARE FIGHTING IN THE FIRST PLACE! WE CAME HERE SEEKING COUNSEL! NOT TO BE DRAGGED INTO A WAR! I SWEAR, IHe catches himself. ADLARTOK (DESPERATE) I swear to you, Loovik, we are here to learn. Only, to learn.

36.

The Southern tribes men are taken back, while the Eastern tribes men act like highschoolers OOOHing and laughing at his eruption. Looviks demanour twists around again, light on his feet. LOOVIK OOooo, very hot stuff! Shooting fire from the mouth! Though maybe a little rain, too, YUCH! LOOVIK wipes something off his chest as if he was spit upon, and then with the same hand wraps his hand around an annoyed looking ADLARTOK. LOOVIK I believe you, I believe you! Who ever said I didnt!? ADLARTOK (SHAKEN) You did. I-I-I, I told you that I didnt know anything and-but you just kept going! AndLOOVIK laughs into the sky, and ADLARTOK wipes his brow and composes himself. Loovik steps out, arms crossed. He faces our prince, his back to his men, his camp, whordes of women, and even Adlartoks imprisoned soldiers. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

37.

The only thing that has Adlartoks back are the mountains and forest. ADLARTOK Allow me some counsel. We will sit down and drink tea and discuss everything. LOOVIK Let us talk now! Go on. Talk. ADLARTOK With tea. Formally. Around a counsel fire. Loovik thinks for a second... He JERKS his hand out. Adlartok jumps. Then shakes Looviks hand. LOOVIK Fine, as long as you know, that I know, that youre full of it. Youre not just here to discuss the fighting. ADLARTOK (LYING) ...But, I am. LOOVIK Youll take a stand of some sort. Im sure of it. It might be with me, and it might be with the Tuserk, depending on if you believe his lies. And as we say here in the East, dont trust anyone, even an old woman - its an old saying, but you catch the gist. ADLARTOK Right...right. LOOVIK Come with me come with me! Let us eat and drink by the fire, ayeee? EXT. LOOVIKS CAMP FIRE LOOVIK leads ADLARTOK and his men to a bon fire. Everyone sits on the ground, except for LOOVIK has a log chair.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

38.

ADLARTOK sits across from him. He looks around his men, as if a mother inspecting her children; he looks deathly, but still nurturing. LOOVIK snaps his fingers, and he is draped with a blanket and given an ottoman. He relaxes. But heres Adlartok still just sitting on the ground. Its embarrasing his men. Adlartok shoots up to his feet. ADLARTOK (NERVOUSLY BUT URGENTLY) Aah, tribe leader Loovik, per-perhaps you have something for me to sit upon? LOOVIK (SPEAKING WITH HIS HANDS) No, no, I understand who you are, Adlartok. Your men look to you to match my royal attire, but they misunderstand that your humble equality with them is far more regale. It is refreshing to see, please, keep your seat. Adlartok bows; Though Aipa eyes him as if confused. Was that real appreciation or reverse psychology? LOOVIK So! You have travelled far. Can I get you something to drink? ADLARTOK Please. LOOVIK Greedy little thing. He snaps his fingers again and Adlartok is given tea. ADLARTOK When did the fighting begin? LOOVIK Not long ago. About...thirty days back. The Tuserk was up to something and we knew it. ADLARTOK Do tell. LOOVIK Theyre developing a weapon, something special. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

39.

A beat. LOOVIK Perhaps something that could fly. ADLARTOK Fly!? LOOVIK (MOCKINGLY) Well, its just their obsession, isnt it? Soaring with the eagles? Its all they talk about in the west. "The kingdom of the sky!" Oooo. Maybe if we werent entrenched by the fiercest wild lands known to man we could think to watch the clouds for a moment. LOOVIK proverbially pokes Adlartok in the ribs. ADLARTOK Mhmmm. LOOVIK Im not saying thats a good enough reason to go in and attack the man! I had my spies find out that they have plans to rule ALL the kingdoms. ADLARTOK ... LOOVIK Its not so strange. Their whole culture is based on conquering and back stabbing. Remember, they werent always a united people. Their region was once a series of tribes, but now, its all rulled by The Tuserk. I wouldnt expect you to know this. And thats fine. The Southern tribesmen have always been naive to the ways of the war mongers. And thats just the way I like you! ADLARTOK Why is that? LOOVIK Its as if youre the ray of sunshine. We hear stories about (MORE) (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

40.

LOOVIK (contd) your summer time solstice festival, oh yes. It sounds as if you people do nothing but prance around in the forest and casting spells. Hahaha. Its good to know someone out there isnt taking things so seriously. ADLARTOK Really? Its not because wed also be naive of your war mongering, as well, is it? LOOVIK No? ADLARTOK You spy on the Westerners, living among them, creeping past their borders unlawfully, and then, you admit you made the first attack. LOOVIK Yes. Quite like a straight shooting arrow, then, arent I? Non-wavering, attacking my only target head on- trust me, you wouldnt get the same treatment from that monster. ADLARTOK Come now. LOOVIK That slippery devil. Id only have him beat over the head with a rock if I could. Have him sitting right here, over the fire, first. ADLARTOK What kind of talk is that!? What has he done!? LOOVIK He has betrayed the trust HE installed in me! I may have been spying on him but it is only because I sensed it was necessary. You see, little Adlartok...My father, he...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: ADLARTOK He died? LOOVIK ...Yes. And I am now to be Kinged. Isnt it ironic that he, too, and YOU, await to be crowned king of their respective people? At the same time? ADLARTOK ...What? LOOVIK Your people have not crowned you, yet, correct? Your father only died a week ago? ADLARTOK Yes. LOOVIK You are still in mourning? ADLARTOK There is no time for mourning. LOOVIK Exactly my feelings. Not when I recieve news that BOTH your father AND the former Tuserk expired at nearly the same time. And my Father, as well. Died in his sleep. ADLARTOK Was he poisoned? LOOVIK HA! Loovik claps his hands. LOOVIK Youre asking me? ADLARTOK bows his head. LOOVIK Not only is all this clearly disconcerting...but the simple fact remains that I know they plan to rule all of the known world and sit on it like fat kings, not soaring eagles.

41.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

42.

ADLARTOK ... LOOVIK ...Anything else you wish to ask? ADLARTOK ...I suppose I would like something to drink. LOOVIK (TO HIS SERVANTS) A milk! ADLARTOK And something for my men. LOOVIK (TO HIS SERVANTS) Lots of milk! ADLARTOK We should drink up and leave soon. Very soon. LOOVIK ...What do you mean? ADLARTOK Excuse me? LOOVIK (STANDING) Your feet arent more tired? Youre arms, they arent needing of more rest from all this heavy lifting, eh? We have much to discuss! Still so much for you to learn about the West. ADLARTOK But, I...ILOOVIK No, no! Youre not wearing out your welcome! I promise, I enjoy your company! Plus, your hastiness to leave...it makes me think you are in a hurry to get somewhere... ADLARTOK No...Of course not. LOOVIK Good, I truly believe it to be so...And a milk for me, as well!

43.

CUT TO HOURS LATER It seems the entire encampment is drinking milk. Men slack off from work, standing around the fire, along with their Southern Tribe captives, listening to one of LOOVIKs hunt stories. LOOVIK And then, as I crept over the bush and held aloft my arrow, I thought to myself, if I only my arrow was on FIRE. SO! I sat down as quickly as I could, and I rubbed the sticks together as harshly as I could, with vigor and vigor and firey vigor! And something sparked, and an ember...I quickly used it to light the arrow, I reached up, the beast was still there, and...I LET GO! The beast took it in the eye! A steamed meal inside his furry head, all ready to eat! This got a laugh out of the people, and some of them even clapped. Loovik takes the applause magnanimously, and takes his seat. Adlartok sits down near by, like jabba the hut and princess leia. ADLARTOK You really began a fire with two sticks as a bear charged you? LOOVIK Yes and absolutely. ADLARTOK Well thats...impressive. LOOVIK Haha, thank you! ADLARTOK Far more exciting that the uses weve found for shrubbery back home. LOOVIK (INTERESTED) ...Oh and whats that?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

44.

ADLARTOK Oh you know... Our heroic prince looks over the distressed and beaten expressions on the faces of his men, and AIPA, who sheds a tear. He goes on with his lusterless babble. ADLARTOK Prophecies. Ancient traditions used to tell the future...sometimes I think the mystics and spirit chiefs are just toying with sticks and stones, but then again... LOOVIK So then, what do they say? ADLARTOK What do who say? LOOVIK The mystics? Wha-what do they say? Adlartok stops to read Looviks face. The man looks anxious, and jumpy. Superstitious. Adlartok gets an idea. ADLARTOK Theyve said many things. LOOVIK Did you ask for their input on your ventruring out into the wild or not? ADLARTOK Yes, yes we asked for their input. LOOVIKs people begin to mutter amongst themselves, a tense hushness. LOOVIK And? ADLARTOK Well...The prophecy...It did not bode well.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

45.

LOOVIK What!? ADLARTOK It is nothing to worry about! The prochicies are just old play rituals, nothing more! Loovik rises from his seat and steps back from Adlartok. LOOVIK What did she say! ADLARTOK She said...she said I and my men would be cursed. LOOVIK And you bring these evil spirits HERE? TO MY GROUNDS? ADLARTOK Sir, you musnt worry! These are old women making these prophecies! Old, decrepped things, probably close to death, themselves. LOOVIK (UNDER BREATH) Good god. LOOVIK Get out! GET OUT ALL OF YOU! OUT NOW! ADLARTOK and his men rush out from the way they came, chased out by flying rocks and bowls of milk. LOOVIK No! No! DONT THROW ANYTHING! DONT EVEN TOUCH THEM! ITS EVIL! EVIL! Looviks men and women run away, screaming. Adlartok and his men and sprinting back into the darkness of the forest. His face reads cunning delight. EXT. FOREST WALL ADLARTOK himself reaches down and helps up the last man to come out from the walls small hole.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: AIPA So, what do we do now?

46.

Adlartok only gestures at the other end of the valley. The Tuserks end. ADLARTOK We know Loovik will attack the Tuserk sometime tonight. But all things considered, they may have some rituals to conduct before they feel right enough to attack. To drive out whatever bad energy was left there by our curse. Cmon men. They begin their tread back. AIPA You see, then?! You see?! ADLARTOK Yes I DO see, Aipa. I saw that our supposed curse just saved our lives. The men began to mutter amongst themselves, even cowering from Adlartok a little. ADLARTOK What? Oh, you people are doing this again!? He stops walking and turns around to scold his men. ADLARTOK Aipa, do you see? Im supposed to lead these men, care for these men, treat them with respect, and yet they cower from my every thought! From every waggle of my finger! He gives AIPA an example, and indeed the men do cower from his waggling finger. ADLARTOK I just FREED us, DAMNIT! Adlartok spins around and plants himself in the snow, his arms and legs crossed. A beat. The wind blows.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

47.

AIPA What hell. Your job is to feel empathy for those who you share no likeness. ADLARTOK Thats right, Aipa. AIPA Then perhaps we are exactly alike. ADLARTOKs eyes come alive. He rises and faces AIPA. AIPA Were in this together, Adlartok. Are your men running off in fear? We fear for our lives, yes, but...we wont leave your side. Aipa steps out in front and bows. ADLARTOK (EMPOWERED) Alright then. We have infiltrated the Eastern tribes encampment and come out of it alive, thanks to all of us. We return to camp, and then its off again. To meet the Tuserk! ADLARTOKS ENCAMPMENT The Prince and his men return, taking their pelts and heavy gear off. ADLARTOK himself makes his way to the fire, and sits down by it, alone, as his men refresh themselves. He rubs his eyes and yawns. He gets lost in the LICKING, DANCING flames. He dozes off... Blackness. AIPA Sir? Sir? ADLARTOK jumps awake. ADLARTOK What?! What!? How long have I been asleep? AIPA Only, maybe a minute sir.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

48.

ADLARTOK Oh. He takes a look around, making sure everything is as it was. ADLARTOK Yes, yes. Well, sit with me. AIPA Sir, the men will need maybe an hour to ready for march. ADLARTOK digests this, and then stands up, brimming with his certain kind of O.C.D energy. ADLARTOK Men of the Southern triibes! You have fifteen minutes to make proper preparations! Then, we are on our way! The men moan and groan and move about slowly, instead of rushing to the finish. ADLARTOK Go on! Go! Get a move on! AIPA You really feel we dont have an hour to waste? ADLARTOK I dont, Aipa. My body is rest to sleep, but if I rest now, Ill be groggy by the time I speak to the Tuserk. And Ill need my wits about me. Tea, please, Aipa. He ignores the request. AIPA None of us slept either, you know. ADLARTOK And they can rest when we return from the Tuserk. Until then, it is their duty to do what I say. AIPA They arent your playthings.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: ADLARTOK And Im not theirs! Go, now, tea! AIPA stands still, angry tears in his eyes. AIPA No. Adlartok steadies himself. ADLARTOK ...Please Aipa. I do not mean to mistreat you. But I need this, now. I need your allegiance. AIPA Mpff. Right away, "sire"

49.

He walks off, shouting at men to pick up the pace along the way. "Go on! Hurry up! The King wont be taking any rest! Go on!" Adlartok watches this with a pain in his heart, but its not for thinking about now. He goes to drawing in the dirt, and discussing the plan with himself. EXT THE TUSERKS ENCAMPMENT Adlartok and his men, in the dead of night, reach the Tuserks deathly encampment. This time, there is no great gate, or anyone to lead them to camp, they simply walk in, surrounded by dark fellows, drinking quiety, over camp fires, some drink from iron cups and flasks, alone. It is a grave and serious scene. One yurt towers over all. It is more like a circus tent. Every eye seems to be on our hero, glowing in the darkness. Not one of these glaring eyes stands up to greet Adlartok. ADLARTOK Hello... No response. ADLARTOK We are men of the southern tribes. We mean you all no harm. I am the king and I brought with me protection, nothing more. No response. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

50.

ADLARTOK T-the Tuserk, that must be his tent there, is it not? Or maybe not? Some people mutter among themselves, but none of them from Adlartoks troupe. They are all deathly still. WESTERN WARRIOR The great yurt. Go. No one will follow you. ADLARTOK Thank you. Why would they...follow me? The warrior is solemn as a stone solider. The great yurt LOOMS over ADLARTOK, and its guards greet our prince with little admiration. They move their spears for him, and him only. AIPA and the rest are left outside. INT. GREAT YURT He passes through the yurts beads, and is hit with the smell of roasting meat. All around him are women eating and drinking, sitting on pillows, near small stone pits with fires brewing in them. A large silk curtain cuts the yurt in half, a small slit at its bottom catches Adlartoks eye. He walks through this room, the women giggling and whispering as he crosses by. Before crossing over, he turns around. ADLARTOK Is the Tuserk beyond here? He takes one look around at the women lounging about in the room. ADLARTOK Or are you one of you supposed to be him? They SNICKER and whisper under their BREATH. Adlartok makes no sense of this, and walks through the drape. INT. TUSERKS ROOM The room is dark, and the shadows loom large. The scent of incense thick.Chests treasures line the walls, the finest rugs lines the floor. The light from the cooking pits illuminate the red silk, and a blood color rinses over this royal space. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

51.

The Tuserk sits upon throne of pillows, his Genghis Khan-esque appearance is recognizable even in silhouette. He puffs on a long, long pipe. THE TUSERK Adlartok...It is a pleasure...and a shame, to see you. ADLARTOK You know my name? THE TUSERK Is it not your fathers name, and his fathers, as well? ADLARTOK Yes. THE TUSERK Another young man, come to sell me on the ways of the spirit world, and how it mirrors and effects our own? ADLARTOK The only world I worry about is the one I can see. THE TUSERK Ah. And something does worry you now. ADLARTOK It does. THE TUSERK And it concerns the placement of my army, adjacent the fiery Loovik? ADLARTOK Firey? THE TUSERK Yes. You expect me to call him a dog? I have only the up most respect for my peers. As do you. ADLARTOK Loovik claims to have spied on you. The Tuserk lets out of a puff of twirling smoke.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

52.

THE TUSERK Really. ADLARTOK You didnt know? THE TUSERK No. And I always know. He must be lying. ADLARTOK He says he spied on you, and that it was obvious from the intel...You were planning a massive take over. THE TUSERK Youve betray the Looviks trust in your loyalty quickly. If I wasnt going to trust you beforeADLARTOK But you were going to, werent you? Trust me? THE TUSERK Mmmm. Loovik will have your head, now. ADLARTOK Not if you protect me. As I have come to protect you. THE TUSERK I can kill you, and it would be so easy. ADLARTOK What!? THE TUSERK Is that why you prefer me to him? Because Im a more ruthless killer? ADLARTOK is shaken, and doesnt speak. THE TUSERK Because its not true. THE TUSERK transcendent from his pillowy throne and approaches ADLARTOK, still smoking his pipe.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

53.

THE TUSERK I could never kill you. THE TUSERK places a hand on ADLARTOKs shoulder, and smiles warmly; he has has decidedly KIND EYES. THE TUSERK Thank you. ADLARTOK The kings of our tribes, they have had mutual respect towards each other for generations and generations. THE TUSERK I know. It is an important bond. And now, once again, the Tuserk and Adlartok are to be brothers for another age. Strength has brought you here, Adlartok. Now be strong enough to rest. The Tuserk leads Adlartok to a chest. He hunches down and opens the chest up and shows adlartok a scroll. WE THE AUDIENCE DO NOT SEE WHAT IS ON THE SCROLL. Adlartok is marvelling at what he sees. ADLARTOK These are plans to construct...Some type for flying? THE TUSERK My best engineers, my best scientists, and even my most imaginative children, all came together and may finally met the hawk on its own territory. ADLARTOK But, this seems so implausible. THE TUSERK Oh? The Tuserk STANDS UP to meet Adlartok at EYE LEVEL. THE TUSERK What if I told you that its complete?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

54.

ADLARTOK Id hope it was well put together. THE TUSERK The design looks flimsy to you? ADLARTOK It looks...innovative. THE TUSERK But it could never work? ADLARTOK Its not that its just, the whole thing seems to be over my head. THE TUSERK Ah. Maybe youll get to see it in action soon. ADLARTOK When I visited Loovik, he seemed very active with his people, leading them, constructing with them. I dont want to criticize, but I wonder why when I come here, you are alone and secluded. THE TUSERK Because my people live by the virtues of solemnity. They dont need to be herded, or whipped. And at the same time, theyre most efficient, and much more intelligent than the Eastern man. ADLARTOK I thought you said you wouldnt call them dogs. THE TUSERK Oh, no, they are most decidedly men. I mean no disrespect when I state the facts! Only great pride. We educate ourselves, and educate each other. The Western tribes of course, they just want to keep playing with their sticks. He taps out his pipe, pockets it, and breaths a heavy sigh.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: THE TUSERK And youve solidified my belief! Loovik says there are spies amidst my coven? Impossible. We know every man, and we guard every treasure. ADLARTOK You never know. He didnt fill me in on the details, he could have done it quick, really quick! THE TUSERK Quick or slow, no ear could have listened in to my private discussions without being cut off. There were no reported thefts, no reported oddities, no reports of ANYONE of this nature. ADLARTOK Then maybe theres no spy. And Looviks liar, is that any reason to kill him? THE TUSERK No. ADLARTOK Then why are you locked in combat? That is all, all I want to know. What is this all about? THE TUSERK ...He lacks compliance. I could beg for peace, but what would that solve? The man attacked me. So I suppose waiting until he does it again, while preaching love, is that the better option? ADLARTOK It could be done. He only hurts you because he thinks youre hurting him. THE TUSERK Lies. He has nothing on me. He attacked without warning. He says to you that Im a killer, that Im planning something. It makes no sense.

55.

ADLARTOK is lost for words. Hed like to test something on him. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: ADLARTOK You know...my people have for tolled of a dark energy surrounding this valley. A bad omen for all who are here. THE TUSERK And? ADLARTOK The spirit chief, the eldest mystic our tribe has seen in ages, asked the order to tell her, What will happen in the Blood Soaked Valley? THE TUSERK And what did she say? Adlartok SCREAMS horrifically. THE TUSERK WHATS WRONG? ADLARTOK She became a banshee! It was unlike anything weve seen before! She howled and cried! So we marched here. To tell you. The hairs on The Tuserks neck are standing up. THE TUSERK Quite chilling. ADLARTOK So you see, you mustnt hurt Loovik. You need to pack up and leave this place as soon as possible. It only spells danger. THE TUSERK Are you through with this ghost story yet? ADLARTOK What? THE TUSERK Its a trick that wont work, Adlartok. Why do you lie to me? You want to look more like a Easterner to me? Dont soil our brotherhood so soon.

56.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

57.

ADLARTOK I-Im sorry, you must imagine, though, the stress of the situation. Everyone calls each others liars. THE TUSERK You have better make your choice soon before its too late to choose either...Boy. ADLARTOK Please, sir He drops to one knee. ADLARTOK ...If you wont put an end to your fighting...Then at least let me help. THE TUSERK Whats that? ADLARTOK Its true. I dont believe in the prophecies. But there is no doubt in my mind your battle with the Eastern tribes will be a bloody one. If I can do anything for you...Please, I just want to help your people. Any people. THE TUSERK You would lay your men down for me? ADLARTOK No. I would do so, for your men. THE TUSERK Fine. You may join me. But you must be quick about it. ADLARTOK (STARTLED) Why? When did you plan to attack? THE TUSERK Soon. Very soon. COMMOTION. Screaming and running coming from outside. The two kings trade glances and run outside.

58.

EXT. THE TUSERKS CAMP ADLARTOK Whats going on here!? Adlartoks men run and race around, screaming and swatting at their backs. They look as crazed loons, running from ghosts. The Tuserks men chase after them, as if trying to catch a greased and wailing pig. Two guards come OUT from a PARTICULAR TENT and rush out to help. Not long after, one of ADLARTOKS MEN come out from behind the tent and SNEAKS IN. No one sees. The Tuserk whistles and shuts everyone up, except for a few wimpering and crying men of Adlartok. THE TUSERK Why are we all so upset? SOUTHERN TRIBE SOLDIER H-he said he could see the evil spirits! They were everywhere! WESTERN TRIBE SOLIDER Sir, one buffoon started screaming about the order, and it upset the others. THE TUSERK Well have we all calmed down now? The Tuserk gives Adlartok another glance over. THE TUSERK What was that? Some other clever ruse? Was that supposed to have frightened my men into cowardice? ADLARTOK I promise youTHE TUSERK Theres no need, Adlartok. Weve seen Looviks little fence. I could think twice about luring myself into their death trap. Taking the back door would be more appropriate.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

59.

ADLARTOK Oh, oh god. THE TUSERK What? ADLARTOK Theyre on their way already, arent they? THE TUSERK It seems I should have begun the attack even earlier, yes - Ive made the order. ADLARTOK (PANIC) I- I have still have men stationed with the Yupik people. I still have men there! THE TUSERK Why would you do a thing like that? ADLARTOK It was necessary - in order for me to be allowed out! I must retrieve them! Theyll be killed in your raid, they wont know whose side to be on! THE TUSERK Oh, they wont? ADLARTOK Please, I-I-Ill return! Ill return here, I promise! I must get my men to safety! Please! THE TUSERK (JUDGING) Hmmmm. ADLARTOK waits for no answer, and starts to leave. He can feel The Tuserks gaze on his back. He rushes to his entourage and points forward; the mass of them make way with their king. The Tuserks men do nothing to stop them, but stare at them all the way out.

60.

EXT. VALLEY - MIDDLE POINT Theyre at a joggers pace back, heading home, ADLARTOK at the fore front in a mad hustle. AIPA catches up with him. AIPA Sir, whats happened! Inform, inform! ADLARTOK Its not good, Aipa. Theyre attacking Looviks camp from the rear, and in none too long. The whole camp will be annihilated! Cmon! Run faster! AIPA But how did you get out? ADLARTOK I told them we still have men stationed at the other camp. AIPA So you lied your way out. ADLARTOK I did what I had to. INT FOREST WALL The soldiers stand ever vigilante against the wall, and become more alert with fear as the sound of an army approaches. They ready themselves, the stampeding feet of the Western soldiers coming closer and closer, just beyond the wall, now. The little sliding door SLAMS open, and the spears ready their pointat ADLARTOKs face. ADLARTOK Take us to Loovik! Now!

61.

INT YUPIK CAMP Spear exercises, with Loovik leading them like an aerobics class. His mood is self-assured and larger than life, but it changes to a white dread as he catches glimpse of ADLARTOK and his following army. LOOVIK What is this, a joke!? I told you to LEAVE. NEVER COME BACK HERE. ADLARTOK Loovik, you must listen to meLOOVIK And pay you more mind than you, me? Where is your respect? LOOVIK is finally close enough to ADLARTOK to hit him, and he does, upside the head. LOOVIK WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, YOU CURSED RATS? ADLARTOK (ON THE GROUND) I SPOKE TO THE TUSERK! The Loovik and his men break fall silent in gasp.

ADLARTOK He wont fall for your plan, h-he is deliberately moving all of his troops far around the valley, and hit you from the behind! LOOVIK What!? WHEN!? ADLARTOK I dont know, it could be, it could be soon, or it could be right now! Youve got to listen to me! LOOVIK swings around and raises his arms to his men. LOOVIK Soldiers of the Wolves paw. Load up your supplies and ready the armaments. It is now time for war! The men break out in a frenzy of preparation, and LOOVIK marches sternly to his private yurt.

62.

ADLARTOK cant help but follow. INT. LOOVIKS PRIVATE YURT Inside Looviks yurt, the mood is much more humble than at The Tuserks. There is nothing but a fire, a few swords, and an older woman roasting fish. ADLARTOK So then, youre just going to head them off, huh? Thats the plan? LOOVIK And you have a better one!? ADLARTOK Speak to him! LOOVIK stops, and is still, as if Adlartok is inside the eye of the storm that is Loovik. ADLARTOK Come with me, well go together and speak The Tuserk, personally. LOOVIK Hell slit my throat. ADLARTOK Hed trust you if I was there! And you need to trust me. LOOVIK Why? ADLARTOK Because Im here. LOOVIK Ha! ADLARTOK Hmm? LOOVIK Im thinking then, its more pertinent, that you trust me. Adlartok CHOKES back a bit. ADLARTOK And sh-should I!?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

63.

LOOVIK Yes! What are you so nervey for! Youre the one who came here, telling me, its time to go, the Tuserk are attacking! ADLARTOK I DID, but I didnt order you to attack! I ordered you to listen to reason! LOOVIK Bah! LOOVIK turns and leaves the yurt, Our prince FOLLOWS. EXT CAMP ADLARTOK He is willing to make peace! He only attacks because he believes YOU are the war monger! He promises your information is wrong! Whatever information you think you heard, its WRONG! Lightning strikes. A moment after thunder claps, followed by rain. Loovik howls in laughter against the rain. LOOVIK Hahaha! Really, he really says THAT? Wow, what a sneaky little devil. Id like to spit in his lying mouth. ADLARTOK I just need proof. LOOVIK Of what? ADLARTOK Of what youre claming! Of this war hes starting! LOOVIK Why? ADLARTOK so I can... Loovik stops in his tracks again.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

64.

LOOVIK So what then, so you can run back to your precious TUSERK and tell him ALL about it? ADLARTOK If you tell me what you know, it can only help your case. LOOVIK ...I dont think so. LOOVIK takes off again, and ADLARTOK after him. ADLARTOK You cant be serious! LOOVIK I suppose he claimed to have nothing to do with the deaths our fathers, then. ADLARTOK ...Of course. LOOVIK And Im sure youre just so convinced of that. ADLARTOK No. But Im not convinced that YOURE an innocent, either. Or that it was all fates hand. Its all up in the air. LOOVIK Hahaha. Stick by me, stick by me, youll excel quicker that way. LOOVIK playfull, but forcefully, grabs hold of Adlartok and PUSHES him forward, and forward. ADLARTOK Stop! Stop! LOOVIK Youre coming with me, kid!

65.

INT. MILITARY YURT Loovik swings open the FLAPS of another yurt and quickly starts equipping his armor, surrounded by men doing the same. Adlartok rushes in after him. ADLARTOK This is suicide! Killing your fellow man, that is suicide! He is a part of you, isnt he? LOOVIK What? Stand back! Loovik comes marching out of the yurt and looking proudly over his slowly self-preparing army. ADLARTOK comes out behind him, looking deathly serious. ADLARTOK Youll meet his men on the battlefield...even considering the circumstances of the prophecies? Looviks pride diminishes. He turns around. LOOVIK You dont know much about OUR old ways, do you? You people may get by with tossing stones and rocks, but we fear that sometimes a SACRIFICE may be in order. Adlartok turns pale. LOOVIK But lets be honest. The only ones who need to be sacrificed are the Tuserk and his enablers. But you, you are not enabler, are you? Adlartok cannot stand it any long. He simply shakes his head. LOOVIK Pray for me, that I am lucky in battle. LOOVIK takes off. Adlartok composes himself, and then looks up, calling out.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

66.

ADLARTOK Aipa! Aipa! DENSE FOREST - DAY BREAK Adlartok and Aipa jog along with swafts of their men, who surrounded by all sides by Looviks army. They duck, weave and push off of trees to keep themselves moving. ADLRATOK Watch out, watch out! AIPA I can keep up, sir. You just need to focus on yourself! He doesnt respond - too focused and nervous. One of his soldiers begins running along side him with a report. SOLIDER Sir! Some of the men are too weak to go on, sir! Theyre reporting illness, a-and weak joints, sir! ADLARTOK How many? SOLIDER About 5, sir. ADLARTOK Let them go, but make it known that all others must stay, NO MATTER WHAT... unless they want to leave. Adlartok nods at the solider. CUT TO The "sick" and weak soldiers lagging behind, chatting amongst themselves. Theyre all faking. WEAK SOLIDER (TALKING TO HIMSELF) I dont want to fight I dont want to fight I dont want to fight . WEAK SOLIDER I swear, if this doesnt work, Im just making a break for it.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: WEAK SOLIDER What if they dont let you? WEAK SOLIDER What! Ill scream out, this is slavery! Hes marching us to our doom! We wouldnt fight in a war under NORMAL circumstances. But under a curse!? WEAK SOLIDER Sssh!

67.

AIPA appraoches them. They all stand still, AIPA looking at them judgmentally, not unlike Snape. The armies run past them like a river. AIPA So. Youre all allowed to go. BUT Adlartok is only allowing five people out of the entire legion to go leave. For each of you who leave AIPA points. AIPA One more of your brothers must stay. The soliders look amongst themselves. They feel ashamed for how theyve acted, but also very angry that theyve been duped into staying. They begin the march again, begrudgingly. Aipa Returns to his kings side. AIPA Sir, I dealt with the soliders, and good knews, theyve all decided toAIPA cuts himself off. To their left, a series of men rushing to the fore front, carrying loads of cut lumber, as if to assemble something. Something large AIPA and ADLARTOK give each other a look, and then begin sprinting. They catch up to the marching Loovik, who appears triumphant already. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

68.

LOOVIK Ach! He rings his arm around Aipas neck. LOOVIK Maybe a little assassin? Going to prick me in the back and watch me pop like a bubble? ADLARTOK Let him go! He releases Aipa, who brushes himself, cowardly like. Adlartok approaches the Loovik prince. ADLARTOK We saw men carrying loads of wood. What is that youre going to do with those, wield them yourself? LOOVIK No. Friend, Im going to build catapults. ADLARTOK Catapults!? Catapaults...Loovik theres something you should know. LOOVIK Mobile catapults, designed to be constructed on the fly. We invented the technology ourselves, and kept it a dear secret. I doubt their kind has ever even heard of it. ADLARTOK Loovik...The catapults. LOOVIKS prideful GRIN BENDS into a SNEER. LOOVIK If you want to speak, then speak. ALDARTOK ...Its just that...Im impressed with them. Looviks lips twtch uncomfortably, as he attends a cheeky expression. They lock eyes.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: LOOVIK As I am.

69.

Loovik looks ahead, Aipa taps Adlartok on the shoulder. ADLARTOK Not now. Our prince comes up shoulder to shoulder with Loovik. . ADLARTOK I think its only your duty, to uphold enough respectability, to take part in a few conversations about peace once this whole bloody affair is done, dont you think? LOOVIK Peace, thats more like it, lets talk about peace. Thats what were aiming for today. Some peace. ADLARTOK But you just wont have it with the Tuserk alive? LOOVIK Haha, if I really wanted him dead I should send you back to him. Maybe youll bite his head off like you do mine. Youre feisty, you know? ADLARTOK When this battle is over, will you sue for peace? Loovik is looking triumphant again, and vital. LOOVIK Well, I suppose it is only right. Sure. It is a mans world, but women and children are the currency. ADLARTOK Then try and spend as little as you can. LOOVIK Oh Adlartok. You are king, and yet you do not bask in the riches of your own empire.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

70.

ADLARTOK Empire? LOOVIK Yes! Empire! You think the Southern tribe was always led by a king of your bloodline? That no one ever attacked anyone, or burned anything, in your heritage? That certainly would be a wonderful joke. A prosperous culture who never harmed a fly. ADLARTOK You seem to know my history better than I. LOOVIK No I suppose you have your detailed records, but those only can only tell you so much. Im sure there was a time when blood was spilled, so that yours may be royal. Its the truth we all kings must live with. ADLARTOK And whats the point of this little speech, Loovik? LOOVIK Simply to respect an empire. Yours. They come out of the forest and into a clearing, larger than the Stand Off Valley, with very little trees. The men are assembling the catapults. LOOVIK Its so...white. Loovik is upon the clearing, basking in it. ADLARTOK Really. I can only see red. Time passes...

71. EXT. LARGE CLEARING The Tuserk and his army hustles across this tundra, as the man himself leads, traveling by throne. His archers look fierce. Dressed in black, sharp armor, as if smoke were rising off their shoulders and then frozen there. Hundreds of them. One is able to pluck off a bird with his bow at a distance. Like it was nothing. They come around the bend of trees, and there they see waiting for them...Loovik. The Tuserk squints his eyes. What is he doing here? And as they continue on, they see them: THE TUSERKS ASSISTANT Catapaults? This dark army comes to a hault. The Tuserk is fixated on the wooden contraptions, looking on in disbelief. They stay out of range of the catapaults, and continue along, circling around Loovik like cowboys in a gun fight. Very slowly. LOOVIK Wait until theyre in range, boys. Then we fire on them, reload the catapults, fire again. The trees are enough protection for us. But the walking dead men out there, they cant hide from a rock barrage. ADLARTOK Im feeling sick now, Loovik. Im feeling very sick. LOOVIK (FOCUED) Sssh. Just look, look. Theyre scared. The Tuserk dismounts his chair. He comes out in front of his legion. He draws his own bow and arrow, and shoots an arrow right into the ground, in the front of his foot. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

72.

ADLARTOK Whats he doing that for? LOOVIK I dont know...At least hes doing something. The Tuserk army is still, and unmoving. The Tuserk himself standing just behind his arrow, seemingly cool. LOOVIK Hes not going to move past that spot. ADLARTOK Is he? LOOVIK No, hed be smashed. Loovik finally turns around. LOOVIK Now listen up everyone...When I count to three...I want us all to, as QUICKLY as possible; push the catapults to the left, so that theyre aiming just beyond that arrow. Ready men...One...Two...THREE! They dash out from the woods and push the catapaults to face The Tuserk. LOOVIK And FIRE, ON ONE...TWO... The archers still stand. Loovik clenches his fist. The Tuserk readies his bow at the ground once more...then points it towards the sky. His army follows suite. LOOVIK THREE! The men LAUNCH THE CATAPAULTSWHICH BARELY FLING the ROCKS. The catapults FALL APART AT THEIR SEAMS. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

73.

The Tuserk begins laughing heartily. His army begin laughing. Its a rare sight indeed. Looviks tosses his hat on the floor and stomps it out. His men are ranting and raving, collecting the pieces of shattered wood and rope, pissed off. Adlartok and his men are shocked. It is as the prophecy said. The catapults wont work. Loovik wanted so badly to crush them in that moment. He was nipping at the bud, tasting sweet victory, his finger at the finish line. He uses all his energy to contain himself. And then he cant stand any more. Loovik launches out from beyond the trees, into the clearing, throwing his fists into the air and screaming. He steps out past the ex-catapults. THE TUSERK YAH! The dark army launch their arrows, and Loovik scurries back behind the trees as fast as he can. The arrows fall and plug into or wizz past the trees. Adlartok sits himself on the ground, feetle position, just behind an old oak. Loovik stands, his back pressed against a tree, steaming. Adlartok, next to him on the ground,s, watching Loovik, as arrows briefly obscure his vision. Loovik turns to face him. LOOVIK Fine. Well have your grand conference. The last arrow lands, and Loovik starts his march back immediately.

74.

INUPIAT CAMP - DAY The Tuserk and his men march solemnly into camp, and as they do, they arrive in conjunction with Adlartok coming in, looking absolutely beat. He just about collapses on his return to the Western tribess encampment. THE TUSERK How death defying it is that you stand here before me with no guards. ADLARTOK But the facHe tries to catch his breath ADLARTOK The fact that Im even hereTHE TUSERK It shows great courage, and it exemplifies your great trust in me, yes yes. Is that all you have to barter? ADLARTOK finally collapses, still catching his breath. THE TUSERK It doesnt even matter to you, does it? ADLARTOK Water. THE TUSERK Get him something to drink. And bring him to my room. INT. THE GREAT YURT - DUSK Adlartok sits in the great tent at dusk. He sips his water, and to his right are women, waving at him, which he ignores. To his left is a man pointing a spear at his neck. THE TUSERK Lets just get something straight. I dont trust you. ADLARTOK I see.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

75.

THE TUSERK But not because I think you made the wrong decision. Adlartok has to touch and go. ADLARTOK Ok? THE TUSERK Its because you made the right decision, for you. ADLARTOK I couldnt let my men die. And once I was there, Loovik, he wouldnt let me leave. THE TUSERK So why are you back here, Adlartok. Before I tear off your head. The spear pokes at Adlartoks skull. Adlartok chokes out his words. ADLARTOK Loovik, he promises, he wants a conference. He says, he wants to just talk. THE TUSERK What? ADLARTOK Yes. The King has agreed to a peace meeting. After YOU showed him earlier today, fighting would be pointless. THE TUSERK You fool. I didnt best him any more than he bested me. He agrees to a peace meeting? ADLARTOK Absolutely. THE TUSERK What a disgrace. Let me guess, at his place? Just beyond that little wall?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

76.

ADLARTOK No, of course not. THE TUSERK The fact that he calls for a peace treaty now...It doesnt seem fishy to you, Adlartok? The spear taps his forehead. ADLARTOK (LOSING IT) No! No it does not seem FISHY! No more so fishy than you, steeped tyrant! Huh!? Probably planning on having my whole tribe killed! Huh? For what! Because I want to help you in between all this MADNESS!? The Tuserk lurches forward. ADLARTOK Now, I didnt mean anything by it. You know that I respect you, and I-I-I The Tuserk raises out his fist, and gently lays it on Adlartoks shoulder. He is sweet. Yet the spear remains. He speaks gently, and sternly. Patiently. THE TUSERK I dont want to hurt anyone. But I know, if I were to begin accommodating Loovik in this so called "meeting of peace," I promise you, I would come out a very, sore loser. Now return home to camp. ADLARTOK You wont keep me here, to be sure I dont speak to-? THE TUSERK Why not? Youre harmless. Now off you go. Finally, the spear backs off, after one last jab.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: (COND) And dont come back.

77.

Adlartok leaves the tent, and is handed a lit torch by a soldier. He looks out upon the darkness, and then marches on, alone. SOUTHERN TRIBE CAMP - NIGHT AIPA You are never leaving my side again. Aipa throws a blanket over his heros back and pats it down. ADLARTOK It was necessary. AIPA Whatever. Adlartok is smacking his food in his mouth. AIPA Must you chew so much, like a yak! Youll hurt your jaw. ADLARTOK (NEARLY PASSING OUT/CHEWING HIS FOOD) I think thats a rather cynical view. Might I just be working on my jaw muscles? Making them stronger and such. AIPA Oh, maybe, might you, you MIGHT be doing anything. ADLARTOK What are you talking about? Im exasperated. Spit it out. AIPA Youre just as bad as them! Eh? Theyre more honest than you! You do whatever you like, under the guise of some jittery contradiction! ADLARTOK Aipa. If your words carry water, dont let them freeze like ice. Aipa leans his head into his hands, sobbing. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

78.

AIPA We were lead into battle, arrows flown at us! ADLARTOK I know. I know. Adlartok makes to rub the sleep from his eyes. To no avail. AIPA Some of us dont even see the point anymore. Why not just go home? We live so far from these people, what does it even matter, man! Whos battle is this? Adlartok swallows his food and falls over onto Aipas shoulder, his eyes shut. Looks about ready to pass out cold. ADLARTOK Aaah, god. Aipa, shut up. AIPA Why dont we return home, and get another prophecy! We need to know what might happen next! ADLARTOK I know whatll happen next. AIPA Yeah, and whats that? ADLARTOK (TRAILING OFF INTO SLEEP) Im gonna make my dad proud. Aipa shuts up for a second. He nods his affirtmatively, like "hell yeah" in his own like pleasant Aipa way. He bites his lip. And sobs some more. CUT TO ext. eastern tribes camp - night The men drink and chat. The women sleep or clean. Loovik himself, his spirits are not high. He sits underneath a tree, away from any bonfire, toying with an arrow head. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

79.

Adlartock, aipa, his two generals and a gaggle of soliders find themselves at this hallowed camp once again. Loovik peers up at Adlartoks face, lit dimly by the torch. LOOVIK So, what did he say? ADLARTOK He said youd be welcome, anytime. LOOVIK Did he, now? Looviks thumb runs across the sharp end of his little keep sake. THE TUSERKS CAMP - EARLY DAY A bright day, the camps men are training. Wrestling, firing arrows, clashing swords. The Tuserk steps out from his yurt. Angry, but reserved. He greets his unwelcome guests. One of them wearing Aipas robe, hiding his face. THE TUSERK Oh my. Have I not threatened you enough. ADLARTOK You must listen to what I say, sir. AIPA (?) Hello. ADLARTOK (TO "AIPA") Pipe down. THE TUSERK Perhaps blood must be drawn before you get the picture. The Tuserks soldiers take "Aipa" in their grasp with their knives to his neck. ADLARTOK No! You musnt! THE TUSERK I dont want to kill your advisor. But he may be the one giving you all these stupid ideas. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

80.

"AIPA" eyes Adlartok from under his cloak. Hes furious (get me OUT of here, would YOU?) Adlartok holds his arms out, trying to steady everyone (just hang on, ill get us through) ADLARTOK Please, dont hurt him. Hes the one that saw. THE TUSERK Saw what? ADLARTOK The machine! They have one of your machines! Th-th-the flying machine! Theyve built one! Adlartok gives "AIPA" a knowing nod, who only looks on in despair. "Uh oh." THE TUSERK Really? They built one, aye? ADLARTOK They built it and they plan to use it. Now, you cant have that, I cant have that. THE TUSERK Lets take a look. The Tuserk turns his back and makes for a yurt. The very same yurt we saw a sneaky soldier enter into during the commotion. Everyone is budged along by soliders and follows The Tuserk. They stand outside the yurt, with the tuserk coming back out of it, holding an empty chest. For the first time, he is truly angry. THE TUSERK You see THIS? Eh? THIS is where MY invention sits. In this chest, now tell me Adlartok, if they have invented a "FLYING" machine, you tell me, huh? WHERE do you think MINE is now, huh? Where is it? He tosses the chest into the snow, his hand shaking. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

81.

ADLARTOK I-....I didnt know it was stolen, Loovik. LOOVIK No. You thought it was MAGICALLY recreated. Poof! "Look you simpleton, I have a miracle device. Go run and tell the tuserk and leave me to BURN it" And I dont make mistakes, I guess besides helping YOU. I wonder how they got into my camp? Could it be they came in with YOU? Like some unwanted parasite, like a flea on a dogs back? You brought a spy into my camp, and they STOLE my instrument. What do you think now, Adlartok? ADLARTOK (SOBBING) Im sorry, I only thought...I didnt know it was stolen I just thought...I thought if I told you he had one youd, youdTHE TUSERK Wait...What are you saying? Did you seen Loovik with my device? Or have you just been making up stories again? ADLARTOK I-...I-.. AIPA? Youll never see it again. THE TUSERK ...What? Speak up! Loovik rips his hood off his head. LOOVIK I AM speaking up, you-!...You... Looviks sudden burst of rage goes up in a puff of smoke. THE TUSERK Loovik. In the flesh. What a foolish move.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

82.

LOOVIK Damn right. But HE told ME...You were happy to receive my likeness. THE TUSERK What!? ADLARTOK Its true! But, thats only because I needed you two both here...To make peace. The Tuserk walks before our prince, and then TACKLES him. They lay on the ground, Loovik watching, enjoying. The guards pull the Tuserk off. Adlartok is left with a bloody lip. THE TUSERK What have you done? Do you have any idea what youve done? LOOVIK If I may? THE TUSERK WHAT!? LOOVIK I had a scout steal your wonderful device. And Ive hidden it. Somewhere in the forest. Somewhere youll never find it. But the truth is, I dont want it. I just want you to not kill me. ADLARTOK You see! Its all good! The Tuserk wipes his face. Are these guys for real? THE TUSERK ...He just told you hes a damn thief. LOOVIK Cmon Serk. His captor tightens his grip on Looviks neck.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

83.

LOOVIK Hey, hey, okay. Lets all get our stories straight, is all Im saying. The kids right. Seems like theres a real big truth thats just waiting to be revealed. Something happens between Loovik and The Tuserk. He stares at the Western King with piercing eyes, and Tuserk returns it with one of desolation. They know something that theyre not saying. Adlartok is unaware of this exchange. ADLARTOK Exactly! If we all come together we can piece what we know and find out there has just been some misunderstanding. No use tearing apart our kingdom without a simple, man to man discussion. And Ill be there to moderate. Does that sound good? THE TUSERK ... ADLARTOK You said that if he could prove to you that this was about peace, and not war, then wed be welcome. THE TUSERK For the sake of peace I will do anything, Adlartok. Anything...So then...Shall we proceed? LOOVIK Yes, Adle, lets begin. Let us find some peace... He eyes the guard behind him, he finally lets go and grip and steps off. Loovik brushes himself off, chuckles. ADLARTOK ...No. THE TUSERK Oh what is it?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

84.

ADLARTOK This is simply an innappropiate location for this, most, historical meeting. THE TUSERK Then where do you want us to go? LOOVIK To MY campfire? ADLARTOK No. I want to set up camp far from here. West, adjacent to my camp. Well be all alone. We will sleep there, and without any other faction to influence the discussion...It will be only us three, with no entourage what so ever. We will each be allowed one blade,all misconceptions are turned over, and we can all see eye to eye, not until then. But when were done, we walk to the river, and we all throw our blades in. The two enemies read each other. THE TUSERK I do find it agreeable. LOOVIK And so do I! Adlartok is MORE than a little relieved. EXT. THE TUSERKS CAMP The three men asleep by that camp fire. the Tuserk wakes up first. He sits up. Looking supremely uncomfortable. He stands up and walks away. LOOVIK Where you going? Loovik rolls over, as if rocked away. His groggy eyes watching The Tuserk, who can only sigh; I cant believe Im stuck with this guy.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

85.

The tuserk keeps walking away. Loovik scratches and scurries his way out of the sleeping big like a caught in a plastic bag. He jolts after The Tuserk LOOVIK EY! the kicking of dirt and knocking of boots wakes Adlartok. He sits up, breathing in his through his nose, stretching. ADLARTOK Aipa? No aipa. But there is Loovik and The Tuserk together, talking. ADLARTOK h-hEY! Adlartok gets the sleeping bad off of him like a pear of pants there are just too tight. He trips on his way over. ADLARTOK What were you two talking about? LOOVIK My neck HURTS. I told him I needed proper support but this guys too cheap. Wont dirty his pillows on the dirt. ADLARTOK Is that really it? THE TUSERK ...Yes. ADLARTOK Okay. So, shall we get ready? CUT TO The Three Kings standing about with carrying packs on their back, men and women running about filling all its pockets with necessities and luxuries; clothes, tent making, food, smoke, drink. The Tuserk looks over and worked and tired from just holding the pack already. A guard approaches him and speaks. The Tuserk retorts, Loovik cant make out what theyre saying.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

86.

LOOVIK What is he SAYING? ADLARTOK Hes just asking about the food. What kind of food he wants, the guard wanted to know. LOOVIK Oh I see. Well he can keep that information to himself, then. THE TUSERK Oh, is it that hard to veer away from envy? LOOVIK Its not envy as much as a compassion for goats. Go on, tell us, how much goat cheese is coming along for this trip? Are we expected to get full on goat cheese? THe Tuserk just stares. LOOVIK Uh huh. THE TUSERK (TO HIS GUARD) Does he not know we drink blood? A Western tribesman,without any trepidation, swings a waist pouch around Adlartok and ties it snug, and starts shoving thing its pockets, some in the front. ADLARTOK Oh my. LOOVIK Ah come on dont make the Southern tribesman carry anything, give to me, cmon, I can handle it. He takes the back pack off of Adlartoks with confidence and stride. LOOVIK See? Ill just carry double my share.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

87.

THE TUSERK I think that might be a little too much for you, and a bit too little for him. LOOVIK Really? I mean to offense, but I dont want his tiny body to give out half way, and then Ill just be stuck with the bears, and you. THE TUSERK He can carry the damn satchel. Youre not going to show off. This is about equality. ADLARTOK Ill take the satchel. LOOVIK Fine. Try and do something nice for someone. ADLARTOK Lets all calm down now. No one is calm. Its a bit awkward. EXT VALLEY - DAY The three of them march through the snow, with the Tuserks encampemnt slowly closing out of view behind them. The Tuserk reaches into his pocket and takes out some grains of some sort, and eats them. Loovik sneers at this, disgusted, but not "grossed out" disgusted. Adlartok marches on, shaking his head. Clearly something is rattling around inside his brain. He gives into it. Adlartok reaches over to the tree and breaks off a small limb, and then breaks that in two. He then brushes the snow off the ground and picks up a few pebbles. LOOVIK What are you doing? ADLARTOK Comforting myself. THE TUSERK As we are all right to do so.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: LOOVIK I dont like you doing that. ADLARTOK I dont believe in magic or prophecies, Im not a mystic. Im just rolling the grass. LOOVIK Then WHY even tempt it!? ADLARTOK Fine! He drops the shit. LOOVIK Better. You know when we get there the first thing Im gonna do is take a nap. Boy am I tired. Woo. THE TUSERK Is that so. LOOVIK ...What kind of a response is that? What do I do with that? ADLARTOK Hey. We all gotta sacrifice something. How about you drop the attitude? The Tuserk chuckles. LOOVIK What about him, whats he got to sacrifice? ADLARTOK He already did. Cmon, act civilized.

88.

The Tuserk is visibly annoyed. If you have to tell them to act civilized, its a lost cause, kid. EXT. WEST END OF FOREST They reach a small clearing, its bright, like a fresh spring day. The light comes through the trees in a way not seen since the sky cleared up.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: ADLARTOK Look how it shines. A sign of hope. Weve found our camp. ADLARTOK nearly collapses. LOOVIK You SEE!? He couldnt bear the weight! THE TUSERK Hes fine.

89.

ADLARTOK slides his arms out the backpack and lifts it off himself. He catches his breath in the snow, and starts to get the chills. He hoists himself back up. Hes gasping for air. ADLARTOK Please, unpack, for, me. LOOVIK It would be my pleasure. The Tuserk takes his bag off. My baaack. Loovik is riffling around in Adlartoks bag. LOOVIK Here we go! The yurt! A nice big, spacey one, too. Real Western style. Ill have it up in no time. The Tuserk, like a reclusive Persian cat, stays back. As Loovik, an excited kanine, ravages the materials. Ill down take want LOOVIK build the camp fire. You lay and relax for now, and Ill care of everything. Food, I food, thats for sure.

ADLARTOK Haha, I thought, I thuoght you were, you were gonna sleep. LOOVIK I cant sleep when theres things to do, Tok! We gotta get set up first- Ah no but you need a sleeping bag first and fore most. HERE we go, get snug in that and Ill get everything else ready.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: THE TUSERK

90.

He steps away, as Adlartok lays, staring at the trees and the sunlight coming through, still heaving air into his chest. LATER LOOVIK is pounding away, vicoriouly enjoying hammering a stake into the ground. Adlartok, wrapped in a blanket, approaches sheepishly. ADLARTOK Vim and vigor in everything. LOOVIK I cant help it, with every raise of my arm I feel a jolt! He laughs and giggles in some sort of restrained extreme energy high. LOOVIK I can feel the energy and it almost tickles when I raise my hand UP! He raises his hand up and his legs clench together and toes squirm, and then he throws the rock as hard as he can, on top of the stake, and then reacting to the energy. LOOVIK OOOH! Hahahaaha! Its the moveMENT and the OOOH I can just feel the energy and AACH I cant explain! I just cant put the beauty of it into the woooords, ACH! The body! The human body! THE TUSERK Hes insane. ADLARTOK Hes enraptured. Hes pure feeling, this one. LOOVIK How can I NOT feel so DAMN ALIIIIIIVE! Loovik displays such incredible outrageous displays of energy at the top of his voice, and at the breaking point of his body, he ends up on the ground again, in some sort of ecstacy, tired, but still squirming violently every now and again. (CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

91.

The Tuserk simply cant believe it. THE TUSERK The mind boggles. ADLARTOK Hahaha, you dont understand his joy. Dont make a problem out of it. THE TUSERK You arranged this civil meeting. Why are we not to be civil? ADLARTOK As a matter of fact I think civility was left back at your camp. Here, we can relax. Adlatok appreciates his own statement, nodding to it. THE TUSERK Was it, now? ADLARTOK You need to think that way now. Your type of life isnt the point here, it is all of our types of lives. Agree to disagree, but most importantly, be agreeable. THE TUSERK You do have a way with words. ADLARTOK The fire wont ready itself. INT YURT The Tuserk and Adlartok sit togther, bent over, rattling together two sticks, until they catch fire. They stoke the flames, and give each other a subtle nod of the head. It is their congratulations to each other. Loovik throws open the yurts flap and struts inside, biting into an apple, which bites into The Tuserks nerves, killing his buzz. LOOVIK (WITH MOUTH FULL OF APPLE) Look at that! You two got a fire going! I guess you didnt need me for that after all.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

92.

THE TUSERK No, I believe if we asked you to help stoke these flames, you may fall in from excitement. Loovik CHUCKLES. LOOVIK Oh thats real sweet of you. Tok, why dont you dismiss this mans words for me. THE TUSERK Yes. Please. Dismiss my words. ADLARTOK (NERVOUS) Well, I think maybe, uh. Maybe The Tuserk had a point. It might be best to remain calm and civil as long asLOOVIK Oh, cmon! I AM acting civil! THE TUSERK While yelling. LOOVIK What! ADLARTOK Please stop! Allow me to clarify something; You two have made tremendous strikes towards peace today. Here we are, together, preparing a meal, as one unit. How increadible! Loovik and Tuserk make no such agreement. ADLARTOK And if you dont agree, then youll just have to take part and hold your resentments, but mind you, I will not stand for war. If you two swing a punch at each other or even go so far as to purposely sneeze in anothers food, IllTHE TUSERK Youll what?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

93.

LOOVIK Are you threatening him? THE TUSERK I would never. Im merely curious, what could he possibly do if you and I decided to kill each other, right now. LOOVIK Theres NOTHING he could do to stop me from killing you. THE TUSERK Ha. LOOVIK So Id take his advice and not sneeze in my food. THE TUSERK What is it that you would do? LOOVIK Hed get me to beat your ass! THE TUSERK In the middle of the night? When youre asleep, and wont see the rock I use to smash your head. I certainly wouldnt sneeze in your food but I would poison it. That would end you fast, too. Once you knew Id poisoned you, theres not a chance youd have the strength to take me out with you. ADLARTOK Thats enough! THE TUSERK