The Snow Storm Throne

8/13/2019 The Snow Storm Throne

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The Snow Storm Throne

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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 itall, the implausibility that the pattern might be broken, amountain 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 comedashing across, except-

The fox approaches a MARCHING BAND OF MEN, garbed in peltsand wool blankets, armed then lanterns and torches, threehundred strong. They are the men of the JU-AY TRIBE, farfrom home; cooks, carpenters, soldiers and generals.

ANGLE ON their faces as they march past the camera; not aone looks less than miserable.

CUT TO

Two mitten hands enveloping a handful of finely carvedsticks 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-AYTRIBE. FOUR BURLY MEN carry up atop a litter on which thechief sits.

Adlartok looks over the totems, gripping his chin.

ADLARTOKI 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)


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CONTINUED: 2.

BURLY SOLDIER 2(harsh whisper)Hes toying withprediction totems! Sacredornaments! Does he want us furthercursed?

BURLY SOLDIER 3

(soft whisper) Ssssh!

Adlartok rolls the totems like dice, as if he hears none ofthe chatter, humming to himself.

BURLY SOLDIER 2(soft whisper)Is he attempting tomake sense of their predictions?The boy hasnt even learned to readsigns of failure, let alone thetotems.

BURLY SOLDIER 4

(whisper) He isnt even using themcorrectly, hes not generatingpredictions to read, only yet hisgestures mean grave insult, graveinsult to the One Spirit.

The Burly Soldiers grip their necklaces, embroidered with anX made from turquoise. They hold it in faith the same way acatholic would hold their cross, paranoid.

BURLY SOLIDER 4.(cont.) Toying with the totems at atime like this. Pray that ourfamilies will at least be sparedhis punishment.

ADLARTOKIf you want to pretend like I canthear you, then so will I. Not untilyou speak to me directly. IS theresomething 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. Adlartokslitter goes lop sided as a BURLY SOLDIER slumps over,Adlartok nearly rolls off the edge.

ADLARTOKSteady!

The men straighten up, though how ever weak willed.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 3.

From the crowd-

RANDOM SOLDIER 1Please, Adlartok. No more!

Someone else-

RANDOM SOLIDER 2As our prince Chieftan, pleaserespect the wishes of your men. Nothere in the darkness, this is noplace to be angering the One Spi-

Am eagle cries, it makes the men jump, and clutch oneanother.

RANDOM SOLDIER 3Why must this retribution befallus!? What have we done!?

The men chatter and whimper as the CAMERA SLOW ZOOMS onAdlartoks disdained expression. His eyes shut, relivingmemory.

FADE TO

EXT. TEEPEE VILLAGE - NIGHT

Under the stars, around a camp fire, an aging woman sitsbefore a group of children. She is AWN, AN ELDER of hervillage. Her voice is warm, calming. She raises her hands upin front of the children, and they follow suite.

AWNWithout an eye to watch the clouds,and without a hand to the touch theground, the world without men wassilent, and dark.

She covers her ears, and the children follow, plugging theirears. She moves her hands over her eyes, and the childrenfollow, covering their eyes.

A YOUNG Adlartok follows suite, but peeks through hisfingers and looks around. He catches the elderly woman

spreading her fingers and peeking out, she gives him a wink.

AWNAnd time simply stayed frozen, withno one to mark it.

A beat.

She CLAPS her hands.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 4.

AWNBut from another realm, where noground there is to sit on, and nosky above to watch, there came aSpirit.

From her satchel she pulls out a green and dust and tossesit into the flames, they spark and crackle. The children Oooand Aaah.

AWNA Spirit that said, there will beno silence here. There will be nodarkness. And there will be noSTILLNESS!

This time she throws a whole handful of the sand in thefire, laughing. The children gasp.

AWNThe Spirit lit his torch, and leftit in the sky. He called it theSun. The Spirit bent down and blewa gust of wind upon the earth, andfrom that wind came birds andcrickets, and the earth was givensong.

Adlartok hears the sound of a far off CAW of some nightbird.

AWN

And finally, The Spirit broke apartinto so many pieces, and descendedupon the earth in a snow storm.Each piece of the spirits verybeing upon reaching the ground,conjoined with the soil of ourearth, and planted the seeds of adifferent human life.

And from her satchel she pulls out a doll made from wickerand straw, and hands it to a young girl.

AWNBorn out of the ground, the peoplebegan to move, and speak, andbuild, and love. And they gavebirth, making way for new children,and new language, and new buildingsand new love.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 5.

The Children sit enraptured by the story. Adlartoksexpression still reads hesitation. Awn turns her headtowards the sky.

AWNAnd above our heads always we canfind The Spirits parting gift.

With the stars themselves, arrangedwith sublime precision, he mappedout each of our lives.

Awn tosses the stones and sticks from her pocket onto therug. Takes a look at it, reading it, then nods her head andsmiles, as if what she was quite agreeable.

AWNThe universe lay open, exposed ofits pieces and parts for all tosee. Our people learned to read thesky, unlike any other tribe. For we

used a compass which always pointedstraight to our hearts.

Awn reaches down and taps on the prediction totems. Thechildren 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 vulnerableaudience away.

AGAAnd to deny the truths theprediction tombs wrought, no matterhow terrible, would mean to fightagainst fate itself...And ANGER theSpirit!

She reaches for her satchel and turns it over on the fire,dumping the sand in, pluming smoke and sparks billowing intothe night sky...

CUT TO

INT. TEEPEE, NIGHT

A JU-AY family gathers around a dying man, the FATHER OFADLARTOK, lying asleep near a fire, a fur pelt blanketinghis fragile form.

Adlartok, now back to being AGED 19, kneels before hisfather in frustration, and defeat.

Tears well up in his eyes. He turns to face an AGED AWN,brittle haired and blind.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 6.

ADLARTOKCant we administer some medicine?Any?

AWNIm sorry, Adlartok. I have seen

the truths, and we cannot the abusethe blessing of foresight. Acceptthe fate, do not change.

ADLARTOKAwn...Why cant you just rollagain?

He knows what he said is very taboo.

AWNDont be foolish.

Adlartok turns back to his father, who wheezes on everybreath.

ADLARTOKFather...how?

A man BURSTS into this solemn scene. His name is AIPA, THEADVISOR, and he speaks while trying to catch his breath.

AIPAThere...has been...an act of...treason.

ADLARTOKWhat? Were being attacked?

AIPANo...Theyre...attacking...eachother.

CUT TO

EXT. TIPI VILLAGE - NIGHT

EXTREME CLOSE UP on a gorgeous tapestry which sits on thewinter ground, illuminated by torch light. We see thepatterns and stitching in fine detail.

EXTREME CLOSE UP of AWNs hands rolling a new set ofprediction totems. She rubs her hand across the pebbles andtwigs laid out on the ground, reading them like braille. Shenods, understanding, her eyes peering off into blindness.She lifts them up again, and rolls them.

(CONTINUED)


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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 nownods to herself, as if shes heard enough. She lifts herselfup by cane, surrounded by guards and advisers adorning fine

felts and leather straps, knives and spears.

AWNAdlartok. You will take with youtwo hundred men, and you will marchto this war zone, in an attempt tomediate a peace between the twowarring tribes.

Adlartok looks stunned.

ADLARTOK(to himself) I was only

considering-

AWNBut, you will see battle. Andcatapults, while mighty in power,will fail, and leave youdefenseless. This event...willbring about the end of our tribe.

The entire village bursts into an uproar of terrified criesand angry bickering.

AWN

So it is read, and so it is.

She again takes her seat, calmly. Adlartoks frustrationbowls 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 sitsup, nodding and welcoming those men at the front of the lineto a good morning.

They nod back, nervously, unenthusiastic. They watch him,curiously, and tensely. Now that hes awake, how long willit take him to pull out the prediction totems?

Adlartok looks straight ahead again, seemingly thinking tohimself, nodding, within himself...

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 8.

Almost immediately he draws from his pocket the PREDICTIONTOTEMS. His men cry out, again like a class of childrenbeing shown a pop quiz.

BURLY SOLDIER 2Adlarok, I must ask...Why do youcontinue to toy with the prediction

totems? Surely you arent trying tore-cast Awns predictions.

ADLARTOKSurely.

He rolls them again, the soldiers flinch.

BURLY SOLDIER 2Then why toss them about like that?These are meant to be sacred. Nottoys. 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 frontof him.

BURLY SOLDIER 2...Adlartok?

SWIPE.

He nonchalantly knocked the materials off of his litter andinto the snow, like trash.

BURLY SOLDIER 1(to B.S 2) Ah, look whatyouve made him do!

The men surrounding him flinch and wince, even a few leavethe line to pick up and clean off the prediction totems.Almost everyone grips their necklace.

ADLARTOKFine, then Im going back to sleep.

He curls up on his side.

BURLY SOLDIER 3(whispering) Well if Awn hadntgiven us the bad news, wed knowwere in deep shit by now.

Our Prince is met with his pleasant, yet anxious, confidantand royal adviser, AIPA, who jogs up to the front of theline.

(CONTINUED)


10/94

CONTINUED: 9.

AIPAGood morning, Adlartok.

PRINCE ADLARTOKIll need my abacus, Aipa.

Aipa reaches into a satchel and pulls out a counting frame.The Prince appreciatively takes it and begins clacking awayon it.

PRINCE ADLARTOKIm going to run the numbers again,and this time, I WONT be factoringin Awns prediction.

AIPAIs there not enough excitement foryou already?

PRINCE ADLARTOKThey need to know Ill do whateverit takes. Ill do whatever it takesto make sure, we go off without ahitch.

AIPAOh, I see...Anything ittakes...Does that include sendingour men off to die?

Aipa speaks affectionately, but also desperately. He layshis paw on Adlartoks leg.

AIPAWhat is the point in all this busywork? Sliding the calculator,fumbling around with sticks andstones? What are you questioning,my friend?

As Adlartok reads his abacus, Aipa reads Adlartok.

AIPAYoure being selfish. You can keepyour abacus for as long as youwant. Dont prepare any predictiontomes again.

Aipa fixes his pelt over his shoulders and turns to leave,but Adlartok reaches out abruptly, catching Aipa on theshoulder. Whatever act of "cool" he had going has ended,its now HE who looks desperate for Aipas acceptance.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 10.

PRINCE ADLARTOKThe future was laid out for us...Itcant be undone. Awn told itstraight. Great catapults meant fordefense will fail. And this willfollow with the end of our

tribe...She foretold of my plans totake this army and seek out thissupposed blood bath between ourwould be brothers, she knew evenbefore I had said the words. Onceit has been predicted, it wouldmean such great insult to the OneSpirit. Directly acting inopposition of fate, I shutter tothink. That is the Ju-Ay tradition,is it not? To watch loved onesdying, knowing that you mustnthelp, because, who knows, it might

ANGER the very same that brought uslife, that supposedly, is still apart of our souls.

AIPAWatch yourself, Adlartok.

ADLARTOKThat is not why the Spirit gave usthe stars, to abuse our foresightand avoid conflict. No, he gave itto us so that we may feel confidentin our actions, to know they were

fully destined to be. The situationis what it is, but at the sametime, it cannot be made any worse,can it? And as for playing with theprediction tomes...

He looks down, thinking.

PRINCE ADLARTOKIt just makes me feel better.

Aipas face is muddled with doubt.

PRINCE ADLARTOKAnd as for my calculations, Aipa,you have nothing to fear. Im justpreparing, nothing more. When ourcatapults fail us, well know whatto do...But, if by some smallchance-

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 11.

AIPAWhat?

Aipa just shakes his head, melancholy.

AIPAThats not how it works. You want

to prepare for your people? Allyoure preparing for them is acurse.

After all this explaining Aipa STILL doesnt get whatAdlartok is trying to say. The prince wretches.

PRINCE ADLARTOKListen to me. I need to know whatkind of liberties that I can take Iimagine an excursion withpre-ordained failure frees us upfrom limits on certain resources.

Rations, weapons, those sorts ofthings, you know. Since wejust know well fail.

Aipa sneers.

AIPAAnd limbs, lives, human trauma? Nolimits to those either, too, Iguess.

ADLARTOK (KINDLY)Aipa, she said our tribe is comingto an end.

Adlartok looks up from under his brow, his eyes speak: Justsay it.

AIPA...It only seems to me, that evenby questioning Awn, our one starreader-

He completely loses his cool.

ADLARTOKIm not QUESTIONING! Im runningNUMBERS! Theres no insult to theSpirit in banging out numbers on anABACUS!

The disdain in the Ju-Ay ranks reaches further back into thecrowd. His people rumble with unease, seeing their Chiefdisplay such disgraceful attitude.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 12.

RANDOM SOLDIERWhat is the prince doing!? Is heinsulting the Spirit!?

Adlartok turns away with a grunt.

AIPALike a child whos simply heard thesame phrase too many times, theserules are just getting on yournerves. But theyre rules for areason. Its like lately, you donteven believe in the readings-

PRINCE ADLARTOKSUPERSTITIOUS! Thats ALL that youARE, Aipa! I cant even do somemultiplication without you runningyour sweaty palms down my back?

AIPAWhat are you talking about? Werealready marching to our death.

ADLARTOKThats what you think. But what didshe say, Aipa? What is it that shesaid? She said catapults will failbringing us to the end of ourtribe...I mean, that could meanANYTHING!

RANDOM SOLDIEROh, no, just STOP! Youre going tocurse us for life!

ADLARTOKWhy do you people have no faith inme?

The surrounding military men moan and groan, some even soundas if they are crying. Adlartok sighs with contempt.

AIPAYou damn us, Adlartok. Give me backthe abacus, before The One Spiritturns its back on us. Or do youreally think it will make excusesjust for a king?

A beat.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 13.

PRINCE ADLARTOK(somber)...For a prince, Aipa. Myfather is still King Chief, and hewill be buried in his crown. Assoon as we return home.

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 followsbehind, his contemptuous stare burning holes in hisprinces neck...

FADE TO

The two over tasked tribesmen find themselves a quarter mileout, outside the hearing range of the marching men, whocarry on in the BACKGROUND.

They speak to each other as friends in dire circumstance,sharing a smoking pipe.

AIPADo you believe he was murdered?Maybe by a Loovik assassin? Maybe aman of the Tuserk, some brute? Noone can really say which tribe itwas, but it had to have been apoisoning.

PRINCE ADLARTOKNo. No one could have poisoned him.And remember it is not why we aremarching, Aipa. So put it out ofmind. Fathers death was not timelyfor us, but it was timely for him.He was old. And ready.

AIPABut it was like he was poisoned.He..he went so fast.

ADLARTOKI know...

AIPA

...Uuuuch!

Aipa moans as if he has a bad stomach ache, his hands rolldown his face, stretching down his eyes and mouth. Stressed.

AIPAEverything has been going fastsince then. I cant believe thatwas only, what, thirty hours ago?

(CONTINUED)


15/94

CONTINUED: 14.

ADLARTOKMmmhm.

Adlartok kicks at the ground, his hands behind his back.

AIPAAll the deliberation and

conversation, preparation, I dontthink Ive hardly slept. Onlymomentary moments of rest, shuttingmy eyes for a few seconds, a fewminutes? I could never be sure.

ADLARTOKId rather not dream right now.

AIPAI wish I could have known what hedhave to say about this...TheEastern tribe at ends with The

West. And us, stuck in the south,not knowing a thing about it, andwithout a king. Without a leader.What if Loovik sees us upon hisbattlefield? Huh? Will that wilycoot not lunge into us at firstsight?

ADLARTOKHe wouldnt. Because we wont be onthe battlefield.

AIPA

Ah, so the Tuserk and his Westernmen, then. Well wait for one oftheir arrows to fly off theirhandle and lop off your neck,accidentally of course. As you waveyour hands about, suing for peace.

PRINCE ADLARTOKIm going to do run my numbers inthe back, for a little bit ofprivacy.

AIPAFine, as long as you have a dozenguards enjoying the privacy withyou.

Adlartok mushes through the snow, his shoulders up to hisears, turning his back on Aipa. Aipa looks to his army, themen hes in charge of.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 15.

AIPACmon! Lets pick up the pace! Youin front make a better example,lets go!

FADE TO

EXT. CAMP GROUND. NIGHT

PAN across the camp ground where the JU-AY tribe has settleddown for the night. Fires, yurts, the three hundred or somen asleep under the stars, or zoning out as they tosspebbles into bonfires. Sounds of snoring and late nightchatting.

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 facthe is drawing out a BATTLEFIELD MAP. Aipa is here as well,and a general named GAMA, and another general named KOMEposed complacently against the yurt wall. There is little tono sound.

The map itself is basically an OVAL, with a set of PURPLEand GREEN stones on either end. Coming in right in themiddle, is a set of NON-COLORED STONES, representing ourJu-Ay Tribe.

GAMAThe Tribe of the Tuserk, inpurple, have set up camp in thenorthern clearing, accompainied bythe mighty Tuserk himself. They mayvery attack their opposing force inthe morning once again, while theAluet tribe sit to the south of thevalley, here in green, biddingtheir time and constructingdefensive blockades. Their prince,Loovik, has joined them. Scoutstell us, theyre using the forestand its lumber to house themselves

in. Apparently theyve built somekind of fortress.

PRINCE ADLARTOKHmph, it would be a first. Im surewhatever it is, its no fortress,The Aluet have a hard enough timejust constructing a healthymarriage.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 16.

This gets a titter from his men.

PRINCE ADLARTOKNo, they were always ones to liveand fight like lonely wolves, withno common sense in them, never onesto simply hide from the hawk-

KOMETheyre capable of learning,Adlartok.

The prince hovers over the map for a better view.

ADLARTOKThe Tuserk archers on the northend, and the Aluet swordsmen to thesouth. And Ill be...Ill be...

His finger darts around the map, looking for something.

Kome jumps in, knowing the problem.

KOMEIm afraid weve misplaced theyellow stone. Youll have to findsomething else to represent theyourself.

Adlartok sits back, not making eye contact, hiding somethingfrom his men.

ADLARTOKRight...misplaced. Well, then Illjust be this one (picks up plainrock) After all, the yellow stonewas always meant to symbolize myfather.

Adlartok points to the center of the map.

PRINCE ADLARTOKSo we enter into the fray here,from the east?

KOMETomorrow morning, we enter in fromthe east into the surroundingforest and set up camp there, thenmake our call for a treaty. Perhapsthe soldiers should...(spoken withregret) Fortify themselves here, inthe middle. Blocking the two sidesoff from fighting again.

(CONTINUED)


18/94

CONTINUED: 17.

PRINCE ADLARTOKThat depends. Do you believe theywill listen to reason, my friends?

No one says anything. How are they supposed to know?

AIPAThat depends. What was their reasonfor going to war in the firstplace?

Again, no one has answers. Adlartok grips himself.

PRINCE ADLARTOKSpirit, help me.

The prince stands up, facing the outside, his hands on hisback, stretching. He stares out through the flap of the yurtopening.

PRINCE ADLARTOKWell press ourselves between thewolf and the hawk...

A fox runs up to the entrance of the yurt. Only the princesees his likeness.

PRINCE ADLARTOKFor now, I must go for a walk.

AIPABe safe.

He exits the yurt.

The men talk in confidence.

GAMAIs it really going to happen?

AIPAI dont know.

GAMAI dont think I can lead my menlike the Tuserk leads his. Theyrelike stone warriors. And he is astone general. They think ofnothing but killing.

AIPADont worry.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 18.

GAMAIve never fought in a real battlemy whole life but Ive heard thatthe Loovik tribes, they wrestlebears.

Kome slams his hand against his palm..

KOMEDamnit! Awn told us! "The catapultswill fail. It will bring about theend of the tribes," the spiritchief is never wrong.

GAMAI respect the Spirit, and thecarrying out of what must be. Butthis mad prince...He is just makingit worse!

CUT TO

JUST OUTSIDE THE YURT

Adlartok stands just outside the yurts opening, off to theside, clenching himself for warmth, his ear to the yurt.Spying on his own men.

GAMA (O.S)And when you go against fate, youknow 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.

AIPAShe didnt say well die for sure.

GAMADont be blasphemous. Does she needto say well die?

Adlartok throws open the yurt flap and steps inside, hiseyes alive with energy and purpose.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 19.

PRINCE ADLARTOKThe whale?

Aipa and his men dont really know how to respond to that.

PRINCE ADLARTOKWere a whale. The Tuserk are the

hawks, the Loovik men are wolves,but well be the damn whale!

AIPA...How so?

PRINCE ADLARTOKWell plop ourselves right in themiddle of the battlefield, hold upshields, 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.

GAMADo you forget so fast howidealistic you are?

KOMERenewed energy does not anaccomplished plan make. What areyou barking about?

His energy dies, and he flops to the ground. From the floor,Adlartok looks up at the pebbles and scoops them into theirsatchel, depressingly.

ADLARTOKIts time for bed. Well need ourenergy 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 isthe yellow painted pebble, used to represent A KING. Herolls it around in his fingers, staring at it, and thentucks it into a pocket on his leathery vest. He lays backand shuts his eyes...

But they cannot stay shut for long.

(CONTINUED)


21/94

CONTINUED: 20.

He reaches into his pocket and again toys with theyellow-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, nocarrying litter. The wind nips at him, he pulls his coatover. His gaze is focused, his mouth mutters whisperedwords, his mind a buzz.

AIPAAdlartok.

The Prince is startled, not seeing him there.

PRINCE ADLARTOKAipa?

AIPANo sleep?We are eastbound a halfmile from the valley, which itseems has been branded with a nickname.

We are eastbound a half mile fromthe valley, which it seems has been

branded with a nick name.

PRINCE ADLARTOK(to himself) Only a half mile...Themen are prepared to begin cuttingwood for lumber.

AIPAOh yes sir, theyre prepared.Theyre prepared to do whatever youthink is best. Happy? Refreshed?Oh, I dont know about thosethings.

PRINCE ADLARTOKThat is neither here nor there, Ionly wished to know if all isaccording to plan.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 21.

AIPAYes, Adlartok.

PRINCE ADLARTOKAnd Aipa?

AIPAYes?

PRINCE ADLARTOKWhen we are conferencing with theother tribes and theirleaders...Refer to me as sire. Andnever by name. I need to appearpowerful.

Aipa is understanding but non-enthusiastic.

AIPA

Yes sir.

PRINCE ADLARTOKGood, good. Alright, yes, goodgood.

ADLARTOK rubs his hand together, thinking obsessively, andheads back into his mind, muttering away. He spins around onhis 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, theylook down on the densely populated forest, (shaped insomething of an oval, with the center being cleared out.)

Adlortok steps ahead of the crowd, and courageously takes aknee. He points out the clearing in the forest.

PRINCE ADLARTOKThere. Thats the valley.

AIPAIf I may?

PRINCE ADLARTOKMmm?

(CONTINUED)


23/94

CONTINUED: 22.

AIPAThis valley, it has two nick names.The Eastern tribes have come tocall it Victory passage.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Victory.

A beat.

A boisterous soldier pipes in.

SOLDIERBut, The Western name does not bodeas well!

PRINCE ADLARTOKAnd whats that?

SOLDIERThey have been calling it, TheBlood Letting Valley.

Adlartok grows nervous, but remains reasonanle.

PRINCE ADLARTOKWell, we certainly know who thelosing team is now, dont we.

AIPAPerhaps. The Aluet seem to nameeverything after blood clots and

sores.

PRINCE ADLARTOKWell lets find out for ourselves.

CUT TO

EXT. FOREST HILL

The hauling of heavy gear and heavy men, sliding andbalancing themselves off of trees as they tread down asnowy hill.

The ground levels out, and the trees become slightly lessdense.

Theres enough space now that one could stretch his legs andbegin smoking his pipe, resting for a moment.

Carpenters and woodsmen begin chopping down trees andsetting up camp, never ones to take a break.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 23.

Adlartok, holding his arms out and keeping his balance onthe branches. He reaches the ground floor and begins makinghis way around.

ADLARTOKYes, this will be a fine spot tomake camp. Were guarded by trees,

so we wont be out in the open, andtheres really no telling where weare. I think it will make a finecamp.

Two lean and swift SCOUTS race up and stand attentive toAdlartok, saluting. He nods back, and points north. Theyfollow 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 acrossthem. Its a large, make-shift WALL, and no sound comes frombehind in, in stark contrast to...

CUT TO

EXT. VALLEY - DAY

The TUSERK TRIBE at the NORTH end of this two mile longvalley, in which SMOKING YURTS catch the eye and the sound

of MEN WORKING echo from. The scouts watch, and then headback to report what theyve seen.

ADLARTOKS CAMP - DAY

The scouts rush into camp.

SCOUTAdvisor Aipa! Advisor Aipa!

AIPAThe tribes, are still present?

SCOUTThe Tuserks men are still here,but the Aluet tribe...They may ormay not be. No sign of any life, nocamps. Only a wall. Maybe theybuilt it to slow down the Tuserk asthey make an escape.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 24.

AIPAIll inform the prince. Go findsomething to eat.

CUT TO

AIPA reaches ADLARTOK, sitting by the fire, with bustling

work all around him, he seems focused on the drawing in thedirt. His advisor approaches him with kid gloves on.

AIPAThe scouts have returned withstrange news.

ADLARTOKMmm?

AIPAIts the Eastern tribe, they remainunseen and unheard. As if their

camp is abandoned. Without a trace.

ADLARTOK...Then the wall is gone?

AIPANo, the wall still stands.

ADLARTOKWell, thats a trace.

AIPAYessir. And youll be ready toventure to the Eastern tribes soon,to make counsel with The Tuserk?

ADLARTOKWell...Id like to have spoken withthe more rational of menfirst...But I suppose the fateshave tossed us a spoiled egg again.

He stands up, brushing off the dirt.

ADLARTOK

Let us fertilize with it. You and Iwill go see this wall forourselves. Well bring with us adefense force.

ADLARTOKBut-! There may be an ambush, or aterrible accident-!

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 25.

ADLARTOKThats why the defense force iscoming 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 hishead back to AIPA and looks at him out of the corner of hiseye.

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 fromthe sun. Another solider runs up along the crowd and shakesAipa on the shoulder. He turns around and hears what the mansays, whipsering in his ear. Aipa responds solemnly.

AIPANo, Im afraid we cannot stopmarching, but hurry now behind somebush and be quick with yourbusiness.

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 belowhis shoulders.

In his pocket he holds the prediciton tombs, tossing themaround and playing with them unconsciously. A soldierapproaches the entranced Adlartok.

HEFTY SOLIDERAre you in need of more warmth?

ADLARTOKAye. And are you ever not?

HEFTY SOLIDERHaha...Take this, sir. With thismuch meat on my bones I wont needthis fox pelt.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 26.

ADLARTOKThen you are lucky to have both. Nothank 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, aseries of wooden planks and boards nailed against the trees,crudely, but effectively. The army comes to a halt and fallsat ease, chatting and smoking. ADLARTOK touches the wall,trailing his fingers across it...and then its time to facehis men.

The Princes demeanor changes from benign and kind toforceful and demanding of respect; he doesnt quite have the

act down, though.

ADLARTOKBefore we so rudely intrude on ourbrothers, lets see if their home,aye? Call and response.

He turns to face the barricade and begins screaming a chant

ADLARTOKCOUN-SEL! COUN-SEL! COUN-SEL!

People begin joining in and screaming at the tops of their

voices at the wall.

EVERYONECOUNSEL! COUNSEL! COUNSEL!

ALAOkay, 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, andcomes up with something.

ADLARTOKLet us hoist one man on anothermans shoulders and have him climbthat tree, there! And he can lookbeyond the wall and tell us what hesees.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 27.

Two men do so, who climb the tree and take a look around.ADLARTOK watches anxiously, but the man calls to him fromthe tree-

SCOUT IN TREENothing! There is nothing there!Just forest! No trace of anyone!

Adlartok is at a stand still.

SOLIDERSo what now, Prince?

ADLARTOK does not respond, lost in his thoughts.

SCOUT IN TREEADLARTOK! ADLARTOK!

He looks down the way at the scout.

SCOUT IN TREEI think I see a, a, I dont knowwhat! Something looks funny in thewall down there!

Its go time.

ADLARTOKLets march!

The men wind up a square hole in the wooden wall, indented.and another board behind it, suggesting it may be a slidingdoor.

ADLARTOKHmm...

NAMELESS SOLIDERDo you wish for someone to knock onit?

ADLARTOK...Im still thinking.

the Nameless soldier backs away like a lowly dog, but isthen ushered forward by a signal from Adlartoks finger.

ADLARTOKYes. Knock on the door, would you?

He gets on his knees and knocks on the door. Nothinghappens. Still on his hands and knees, he looks up at thearmy behind him. He gives an expression of "I dunno"

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 28.

ADLARTOKGo 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 himagain, and then back to the door. He finishes sliding the

door open, then sits back, nervous.

NAMELESS SOLIDERA door.

He stands up and brushes himself off. ADLARTOK cocks hishead.

ADLARTOK (SARCASTICALLY)Hmm? You arent going in?

He gets a couple of laughs as the NAMELESS SOLIDER passes byADLARTOK who pats him on the back.

ADLARTOKVexing...What to do now?

NAMELESS SOLIDER 2Perhaps you send someone to searchfor the encampment?

ADLARTOKAlone? Wandering into who knowswhat? I wonder why I would dothat...

NAMELESS SOLIDER 2S-Sir, dont we want to, maybe,reach the encampment? Speak to thepeople 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 atthe hole. The men all together let out a disperate sigh.AIPA approaches the prince, weary.

AIPAAdlartok, You must consider yourmen and their sense of honor theyhave towards you and followingyou...You frighten them, theyveseen you like this before and know

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 29.

AIPA (contd)what happens when you fall too deepinto thought.

ADLARTOKAye.

AIPAWeve marched here, followed youhere, and now it may appear asthough...your the one clenching upnow.

ADLARTOK looks up at AIPA, raising an eye brow. He thenshuts his eyes affirmitively.

ADLARTOKI only require a bit more time tothink.

AIPA sighs and returns to the soldiers. Taking a seat on theground next to a soldier.

AIPAYes, the Prince only needs a littlemore time to think.

ADLARTOKIve made my decision.

Aipa SPRINGS up.

ADLARTOKI want twenty men beyond thisborder, carrying a message of peaceand counsel to the camp beyond. Ifthey cant be reached or nothing isfound before sun down, you returnhere and meet with an away campthat will lead you home.Understood?

The Soldiers affirmatively grunt.

ADLARTOKGood.

Nothing is happening.

ADLARTOKWell?

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 30.

AIPAWho is it to go?

ADLARTOKOh..well...You there.

HEFTY SOLDIER

Who, me?

ADLARTOKYes. You decide the other 19 thatgoes with you.

HEFTY SOLIDERAaah...?

He rubs the back of his neck, and picks out the nineteenmen. No one seems happy to be picked, but hey what can thehefty soldier do about it?

ADLARTOK (WEAKLY)Very good, thank you, thank you.

HEFTY SOLDERYoure welcome.

The twenty men then mobilize around the hole. A namelesssoldier hesitantly drops to his knees and slowly pokes hishead beyond the hole.

Everyone is silent, and still, and the soldier doesnt moveor speak. He very slowly continues in.

Adlartok motions for another to go in.

with much less hesitation the next man drops to his kneesand crawls in, but as his head makes it past the wall, hesuddenly stops. ADLARTOKs eyes twitch at the sight of this.The SOLIDER pauses, then continues in. The Next soldierdrops to his knees.

ADLARTOKEy ey ey ey.

AIPA

Hmmm?

ADLARTOKDo you two see anything? Any signof life? Do you see anything atall?

A beat.

(CONTINUED)


32/94

CONTINUED: 31.

BEHIND THE WALLNo. Nothing here at all.

Another beat.

Silence.

A third soldier without thinking drops to his knees, butAdlartok GRASPS his shoulder. No.

ADLARTOKIll have a look.

ADLARTOK approaches the hole and drops to the ground,crawling forward. His head slowly pokes past the wall.

AIPAWhat do you see? Sire? SIRE WHAT DOYOU SEE?

ADLARTOK says nothing, and simply, continues to crawlthrough. Hes on the other side.

The wooden door closes.

Aipa rushes in after-

AIPAPRINCE!?

And in a panic-

AIPAPRINCE!? 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 BEYONDthe wall, all their bodies pressed against it to stayhidden. His fellow Southern Tribesmen sitting on the ground,scratching their beards and hanging their heads, with acouple spears limply pointed at them, and Adlartok beingheld with his arms behind his back, scowling.

Aipa crosses through, a spear is gestured at his face, andhe sits down, looking beaten.

The next soldier crawls through, gasps at the spears, butthe SPEARMEN gestures with his finger to his lips: SSSSH.

CUT TO

(CONTINUED)


33/94

CONTINUED: 32.

a bustling little make shift town, with people workingabout; carrying lumber, hammering and sawing, yurts beingerected, and even some children and women cooking andplaying with animals.

Its a jubilant scene, though our PRISONERS are

uncomfortable.

AIPAWho know the Eastern tribesmen wereso...

ADLARTOKPleasant.

ADLARTOK mostly looks pissed. When a SOUTERN TRIBE SOLIDERlooks him in the eye, ADLARTOK scowls back - the soldiergrins stupidly, exposing his rotting teeth.

A VOICE shouts out, loud, MASCULINE. The crowd of peoplemake way for this BOISTEROUS MAN, as he steps out from ayurt.

"HOOOO!"Before we catch sight of his face-

CUT TO

ADLARTOK extreme close up.

As this man speaks, Adlartoks face melts from uttercontempt to enjoyment.

BOISTEROUS MAN (O.S)Ah, I see youve finally brought usback our lunch! Good job, men.Though they do look a little tooscrawny to eat. Im not feelingpeckish, anyway. Though, Perhaps weare more in need of some lightentertainment...You! Musician! Illcarve you up some flutes from theirbones!

With laughter in his heart, we see this royal warrior, leanand strapping, come to step before ADLARTOK, his white teethgleaming, he looks as though he is both warm and joyful butVERY intense. Like Santa Claus on speed.

He wraps his arms around ADLARTOK, and embraces him, who istaken aback.

(CONTINUED)


34/94

CONTINUED: 33.

The SOUTHERN TRIBE people cheer and clap hands. THEBOISTEROUS MAN releases ADLARTOK, and takes a step back,breathing him all in. Our prince has but one word to say.

ADLARTOKLoovik.

LOOVIKLook at them. Look at them, thesefamiliar specters! These are thebenign Southern Tribesmen. It hasbeen TWO generations since last theroyals of our tribes met in person,but, aaah, here we are again! Ourbrothers! Here again, ahahaha!

The entirity of the Adlartoks men are confused and maybeeven frightened at the celebration going on around them, andleaves them on edge. AIPA in particular, who is being

bounced around by Eastern tribe soldiers.

ADLARTOKLoovik, your men captured us veryswiftly and effectively. Was thatlittle plan your idea?

LOOVIKHmm? Oh, yes! You liked that,didnt you? "Beheading the CuriousFox." I invented it! Just for theoccasion! It captured you; and soonthose dogs of The TUSERK! The

bastards will come one by one, andone by one well slit theirthroats.

ADLARTOKIs the plan fool proof?

LOOVIKIt worked on you, didnt it? Andyoure no fool. The all fore-seeingand mystical Southern tribepredicted nothing, now thosecurious little foxes shouldntstand a chance!

The Crowd roars in agreement.

A hawk flies above, caws. Adlartok watches it.

(CONTINUED)


35/94

CONTINUED: 34.

ADLARTOKThe Tuserk is no fox. He findscunning to be a childish trait.

LOOVIKOf course of course. He likes tothink of himself as a hawk! Phooie.

Ive never been maimed by a hawk.Whats so forceful and direct abouta bird?

The two kings begin to walk together.

ADLARTOKWere the curious little foxes,Loovik; We snooped and pokedaround, getting caught in traps.But the Western Tribesmen, theyarent ones to do that. Theyllfind another way.

LOOVIKAnd what exactly does that mean?

ADLARTOKThat earthly properties dontinhibit them.

LOOVIKEarthly properties!? Oh, like wallsof sturdy oak!? And swarms of wilyassassins and killers!?

Loovik raises his arm to the air, his men go crazy for it.

LOOVIK (TO ADLARTOK)Lets see them spread their wings,already.

ADLARTOKI wouldnt put it past them.

Something becomes SOURED for Loovik.

LOOVIK (IRRITATED)Hmm? What was that?

ADLARTOKI just said-

LOOVIKThat they can FLY? Who told youthey can FLY?

(CONTINUED)


36/94

CONTINUED: 35.

ADLARTOK...I simply meant that they are aninventive people.

LOOVIK (INTIMIDATION)Oh, I see. And what makes you say

that? I mean, what have you, as theprince of the Southern tribes,heard about this INVENTIVENESSimbued of the Tuserk?

ADLARTOK...I think I may have said thewrong thing.

LOOVIKNo, no no! Youve said nothing outof line! Youve just walked all theway here, to MY battle grounds,

disrupted MY trap, to deliver MEthe message that MY preparationsand fighting spirit are IDLEaction...Because the Tuserks menwill trample me, thanks to theirassured "inventivness," Is thatabout right?

Loovik stares deep into Adlartok. The party commences beyondthem, 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! Icame here only to find out WHY youand the Tuserk are fighting! Thatis ALL! I-I SWEAR TO YOU.

Our prince stands attentive. He cant look Loovik in the yenow.

LOOVIKHmph. So you could then, what,start the repairing process?

ADLARTOKPerhaps.

(CONTINUED)


37/94

CONTINUED: 36.

LOOVIKYou wish to solve a problem you didnot create. You want to look likethe 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 WHICHside, first. Thats why yourehere...Which side are you on?

ADLARTOK (BACKED INTO A CORNER)...GrrrRR- WE DONT KNOW WHY YOUARE FIGHTING IN THE FIRST PLACE! WECAME HERE SEEKING COUNSEL! NOT TOBE DRAGGED INTO A WAR! I SWEAR, I-

He catches himself.

ADLARTOK (DESPERATE)I swear to you, Loovik, we are hereto learn. Only, to learn.

The Southern tribes men are taken back, while the Easterntribes men act like highschoolers OOOHing and laughing athis eruption.

Looviks demanour twists around again, light on his feet.

LOOVIKOOooo, very hot stuff! Shootingfire from the mouth! Though maybe alittle 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 annoyedlooking ADLARTOK.

LOOVIKI believe you, I believe you! Whoever said I didnt!?

ADLARTOK (SHAKEN)You did. I-I-I, I told you that I

didnt know anything and-but youjust kept going! And-

LOOVIK laughs into the sky, and ADLARTOK wipes his brow andcomposes himself.

Loovik steps out, arms crossed. He faces our prince, hisback to his men, his camp, whordes of women, and evenAdlartoks imprisoned soldiers.

(CONTINUED)


38/94

CONTINUED: 37.

The only thing that has Adlartoks back are the mountainsand forest.

ADLARTOKAllow me some counsel. We will sitdown and drink tea and discuss

everything.

LOOVIKLet us talk now! Go on. Talk.

ADLARTOKWith tea. Formally. Around acounsel fire.

Loovik thinks for a second...

He JERKS his hand out. Adlartok jumps. Then shakes Loovikshand.

LOOVIKFine, as long as you know, that Iknow, that youre full of it.Youre not just here to discuss thefighting.

ADLARTOK (LYING)...But, I am.

LOOVIKYoull take a stand of some sort.Im sure of it. It might be with

me, and it might be with theTuserk, depending on if you believehis lies. And as we say here in theEast, dont trust anyone, even anold woman - its an old saying, butyou catch the gist.

ADLARTOKRight...right.

LOOVIKCome with me come with me! Let useat 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 logchair.

(CONTINUED)


39/94

CONTINUED: 38.

ADLARTOK sits across from him. He looks around his men, asif a mother inspecting her children; he looks deathly, butstill nurturing.

LOOVIK snaps his fingers, and he is draped with a blanketand given an ottoman. He relaxes.

But heres Adlartok still just sitting on the ground. Itsembarrasing his men. Adlartok shoots up to his feet.

ADLARTOK (NERVOUSLY BUT URGENTLY)Aah, tribe leader Loovik,per-perhaps you have something forme to sit upon?

LOOVIK (SPEAKING WITH HIS HANDS)No, no, I understand who you are,Adlartok. Your men look to you tomatch my royal attire, but they

misunderstand that your humbleequality with them is far moreregale. It is refreshing to see,please, keep your seat.

Adlartok bows; Though Aipa eyes him as if confused. Was thatreal appreciation or reverse psychology?

LOOVIKSo! You have travelled far. Can Iget you something to drink?

ADLARTOK

Please.

LOOVIKGreedy little thing.

He snaps his fingers again and Adlartok is given tea.

ADLARTOKWhen did the fighting begin?

LOOVIKNot long ago. About...thirty daysback. The Tuserk was up tosomething and we knew it.

ADLARTOKDo tell.

LOOVIKTheyre developing a weapon,something special.

(CONTINUED)


40/94

CONTINUED: 39.

A beat.

LOOVIKPerhaps 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 thewest. "The kingdom of the sky!"Oooo. Maybe if we werententrenched by the fiercest wildlands known to man we could thinkto watch the clouds for a moment.

LOOVIK proverbially pokes Adlartok in the ribs.

ADLARTOKMhmmm.

LOOVIKIm not saying thats a good enoughreason to go in and attack the man!I had my spies find out that theyhave plans to rule ALL thekingdoms.

ADLARTOK...

LOOVIKIts not so strange. Their wholeculture is based on conquering andback stabbing. Remember, theywerent always a united people.Their region was once a series oftribes, but now, its all rulled byThe Tuserk. I wouldnt expect youto know this. And thats fine. TheSouthern tribesmen have always beennaive to the ways of the warmongers. And thats just the way Ilike you!

ADLARTOKWhy is that?

LOOVIKIts as if youre the ray ofsunshine. We hear stories about

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


41/94

CONTINUED: 40.

LOOVIK (contd)

your summer time solstice festival,oh yes. It sounds as if you peopledo nothing but prance around in theforest and casting spells. Hahaha.Its good to know someone out there

isnt taking things so seriously.

ADLARTOKReally? Its not because wed alsobe naive of your war mongering, aswell, is it?

LOOVIKNo?

ADLARTOKYou spy on the Westerners, livingamong them, creeping past their

borders unlawfully, and then, youadmit you made the first attack.

LOOVIKYes. Quite like a straight shootingarrow, then, arent I?Non-wavering, attacking my onlytarget head on- trust me, youwouldnt get the same treatmentfrom that monster.

ADLARTOKCome now.

LOOVIKThat slippery devil. Id only havehim beat over the head with a rockif I could. Have him sitting righthere, over the fire, first.

ADLARTOKWhat kind of talk is that!? Whathas he done!?

LOOVIK

He has betrayed the trust HEinstalled in me! I may have beenspying on him but it is onlybecause I sensed it was necessary.You see, little Adlartok...Myfather, he...

(CONTINUED)


42/94

CONTINUED: 41.

ADLARTOKHe died?

LOOVIK...Yes. And I am now to be Kinged.Isnt it ironic that he, too, andYOU, await to be crowned king of

their respective people? At thesame time?

ADLARTOK...What?

LOOVIKYour people have not crowned you,yet, correct? Your father only dieda week ago?

ADLARTOKYes.

LOOVIKYou are still in mourning?

ADLARTOKThere is no time for mourning.

LOOVIKExactly my feelings. Not when Irecieve news that BOTH your fatherAND the former Tuserk expired atnearly the same time. And myFather, as well. Died in his sleep.

ADLARTOKWas he poisoned?

LOOVIKHA!

Loovik claps his hands.

LOOVIKYoure asking me?

ADLARTOK bows his head.

LOOVIKNot only is all this clearlydisconcerting...but the simple factremains that I know they plan torule all of the known world and siton it like fat kings, not soaringeagles.

(CONTINUED)


43/94

CONTINUED: 42.

ADLARTOK...

LOOVIK...Anything else you wish to ask?

ADLARTOK...I suppose I would like somethingto drink.

LOOVIK (TO HIS SERVANTS)A milk!

ADLARTOKAnd something for my men.

LOOVIK (TO HIS SERVANTS)Lots of milk!

ADLARTOKWe should drink up and leave soon.Very soon.

LOOVIK...What do you mean?

ADLARTOKExcuse me?

LOOVIK (STANDING)Your feet arent more tired? Yourearms, they arent needing of more

rest from all this heavy lifting,eh? We have much to discuss! Stillso much for you to learn about theWest.

ADLARTOKBut, I...I-

LOOVIKNo, no! Youre not wearing out yourwelcome! I promise, I enjoy yourcompany! Plus, your hastiness toleave...it makes me think you arein a hurry to get somewhere...

ADLARTOKNo...Of course not.

LOOVIKGood, I truly believe it to beso...And a milk for me, as well!


44/94

43.

CUT TO

HOURS LATER

It seems the entire encampment is drinking milk. Men slackoff from work, standing around the fire, along with their

Southern Tribe captives, listening to one of LOOVIKs huntstories.

LOOVIKAnd then, as I crept over the bushand held aloft my arrow, I thoughtto myself, if I only my arrow wason FIRE. SO! I sat down as quicklyas I could, and I rubbed the stickstogether as harshly as I could,with vigor and vigor and fireyvigor! And something sparked, andan ember...I quickly used it to

light the arrow, I reached up, thebeast was still there, and...I LETGO! The beast took it in the eye! Asteamed meal inside his furry head,all ready to eat!

This got a laugh out of the people, and some of them evenclapped. Loovik takes the applause magnanimously, and takeshis seat. Adlartok sits down near by, like jabba the hut andprincess leia.

ADLARTOKYou really began a fire with two

sticks as a bear charged you?

LOOVIKYes and absolutely.

ADLARTOKWell thats...impressive.

LOOVIKHaha, thank you!

ADLARTOKFar more exciting that the usesweve found for shrubbery backhome.

LOOVIK (INTERESTED)...Oh and whats that?

(CONTINUED)


45/94

CONTINUED: 44.

ADLARTOKOh you know...

Our heroic prince looks over the distressed and beatenexpressions on the faces of his men, and AIPA, who sheds atear.

He goes on with his lusterless babble.

ADLARTOKProphecies. Ancient traditions usedto tell the future...sometimes Ithink the mystics and spirit chiefsare just toying with sticks andstones, but then again...

LOOVIKSo then, what do they say?

ADLARTOKWhat do who say?

LOOVIKThe mystics? Wha-what do they say?

Adlartok stops to read Looviks face. The man looks anxious,and jumpy.

Superstitious.

Adlartok gets an idea.

ADLARTOKTheyve said many things.

LOOVIKDid you ask for their input on yourventruring out into the wild ornot?

ADLARTOKYes, yes we asked for their input.

LOOVIKs people begin to mutter amongst themselves, a tensehushness.

LOOVIKAnd?

ADLARTOKWell...The prophecy...It did notbode well.

(CONTINUED)


46/94

CONTINUED: 45.

LOOVIKWhat!?

ADLARTOKIt is nothing to worry about! Theprochicies are just old play

rituals, nothing more!

Loovik rises from his seat and steps back from Adlartok.

LOOVIKWhat did she say!

ADLARTOKShe said...she said I and my menwould be cursed.

LOOVIKAnd you bring these evil spirits

HERE? TO MY GROUNDS?

ADLARTOKSir, you musnt worry! These areold women making these prophecies!Old, decrepped things, probablyclose to death, themselves.

LOOVIK (UNDER BREATH)Good god.

LOOVIKGet out! GET OUT ALL OF YOU! OUT

NOW!

ADLARTOK and his men rush out from the way they came, chasedout by flying rocks and bowls of milk.

LOOVIKNo! No! DONT THROW ANYTHING! DONTEVEN TOUCH THEM! ITS EVIL! EVIL!

Looviks men and women run away, screaming.

Adlartok and his men and sprinting back into the darkness ofthe forest. His face reads cunning delight.

EXT. FOREST WALL

ADLARTOK himself reaches down and helps up the last man tocome out from the walls small hole.

(CONTINUED)


47/94

CONTINUED: 46.

AIPASo, what do we do now?

Adlartok only gestures at the other end of the valley. TheTuserks end.

ADLARTOK

We know Loovik will attack theTuserk sometime tonight. But allthings considered, they may havesome rituals to conduct before theyfeel right enough to attack. Todrive out whatever bad energy wasleft there by our curse. Cmon men.

They begin their tread back.

AIPAYou see, then?! You see?!

ADLARTOKYes I DO see, Aipa. I saw thatour supposed curse just saved ourlives.

The men began to mutter amongst themselves, even coweringfrom Adlartok a little.

ADLARTOKWhat? Oh, you people are doing thisagain!?

He stops walking and turns around to scold his men.

ADLARTOKAipa, do you see? Im supposed tolead these men, care for these men,treat them with respect, and yetthey cower from my every thought!From every waggle of my finger!

He gives AIPA an example, and indeed the men do cower fromhis waggling finger.

ADLARTOK

I just FREED us, DAMNIT!

Adlartok spins around and plants himself in the snow, hisarms and legs crossed.

A beat.

The wind blows.

(CONTINUED)


48/94

CONTINUED: 47.

AIPAWhat hell. Your job is to feelempathy for those who you share nolikeness.

ADLARTOK

Thats right, Aipa.

AIPAThen perhaps we are exactly alike.

ADLARTOKs eyes come alive. He rises and faces AIPA.

AIPAWere 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 infiltratedthe Eastern tribes encampment andcome out of it alive, thanks to allof us. We return to camp, and thenits off again. To meet the Tuserk!

ADLARTOKS ENCAMPMENT

The Prince and his men return, taking their pelts and heavygear off.

ADLARTOK himself makes his way to the fire, and sits down byit, alone, as his men refresh themselves.

He rubs his eyes and yawns. He gets lost in the LICKING,DANCING flames. He dozes off...

Blackness.

AIPASir? Sir?

ADLARTOK jumps awake.

ADLARTOKWhat?! What!? How long have I beenasleep?

AIPAOnly, maybe a minute sir.

(CONTINUED)


49/94

CONTINUED: 48.

ADLARTOKOh.

He takes a look around, making sure everything is as it was.

ADLARTOK

Yes, yes. Well, sit with me.

AIPASir, the men will need maybe anhour to ready for march.

ADLARTOK digests this, and then stands up, brimming with hiscertain kind of O.C.D energy.

ADLARTOKMen of the Southern triibes! Youhave fifteen minutes to make properpreparations! Then, we are on our

way!

The men moan and groan and move about slowly, instead ofrushing to the finish.

ADLARTOKGo on! Go! Get a move on!

AIPAYou really feel we dont have anhour to waste?

ADLARTOK

I dont, Aipa. My body is rest tosleep, but if I rest now, Ill begroggy by the time I speak to theTuserk. And Ill need my wits aboutme. Tea, please, Aipa.

He ignores the request.

AIPANone of us slept either, you know.

ADLARTOKAnd they can rest when we returnfrom the Tuserk. Until then, it istheir duty to do what I say.

AIPAThey arent your playthings.

(CONTINUED)


50/94

CONTINUED: 49.

ADLARTOKAnd Im not theirs! Go, now, tea!

AIPA stands still, angry tears in his eyes.

AIPANo.

Adlartok steadies himself.

ADLARTOK...Please Aipa. I do not mean tomistreat you. But I need this, now.I need your allegiance.

AIPAMpff. Right away, "sire"

He walks off, shouting at men to pick up the pace along theway. "Go on! Hurry up! The King wont be taking any rest! Go

on!"

Adlartok watches this with a pain in his heart, but its notfor thinking about now. He goes to drawing in the dirt, anddiscussing the plan with himself.

EXT THE TUSERKS ENCAMPMENT

Adlartok and his men, in the dead of night, reach theTuserks deathly encampment.

This time, there is no great gate, or anyone to lead them tocamp, they simply walk in, surrounded by dark fellows,drinking quiety, over camp fires, some drink from iron cupsand 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.

ADLARTOKHello...

No response.

ADLARTOKWe are men of the southern tribes.We mean you all no harm. I am theking and I brought with meprotection, nothing more.

No response.

(CONTINUED)


51/94

CONTINUED: 50.

ADLARTOKT-the Tuserk, that must be his tentthere, is it not? Or maybe not?

Some people mutter among themselves, but none of them fromAdlartoks troupe. They are all deathly still.

WESTERN WARRIORThe great yurt. Go. No one willfollow you.

ADLARTOKThank you. Why would they...followme?

The warrior is solemn as a stone solider.

The great yurt LOOMS over ADLARTOK, and its guards greetour 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 thesmell of roasting meat. All around him are women eating anddrinking, sitting on pillows, near small stone pits withfires brewing in them.

A large silk curtain cuts the yurt in half, a small slit atits bottom catches Adlartoks eye. He walks through thisroom, the women giggling and whispering as he crosses by.Before crossing over, he turns around.

ADLARTOKIs the Tuserk beyond here?

He takes one look around at the women lounging about in theroom.

ADLARTOKOr are you one of you supposed tobe him?

They SNICKER and whisper under their BREATH. Adlartok makesno sense of this, and walks through the drape.

INT. TUSERKS ROOM

The room is dark, and the shadows loom large. The scent ofincense thick.Chests treasures line the walls, the finestrugs lines the floor. The light from the cooking pitsilluminate the red silk, and a blood color rinses over thisroyal space.

(CONTINUED)


52/94

CONTINUED: 51.

The Tuserk sits upon throne of pillows, his GenghisKhan-esque appearance is recognizable even in silhouette. Hepuffs on a long, long pipe.

THE TUSERKAdlartok...It is a pleasure...and a

shame, to see you.

ADLARTOKYou know my name?

THE TUSERKIs it not your fathers name, andhis fathers, as well?

ADLARTOKYes.

THE TUSERK

Another young man, come to sell meon the ways of the spirit world,and how it mirrors and effects ourown?

ADLARTOKThe only world I worry about is theone I can see.

THE TUSERKAh. And something does worry younow.

ADLARTOKIt does.

THE TUSERKAnd it concerns the placement of myarmy, adjacent the fiery Loovik?

ADLARTOKFirey?

THE TUSERKYes. You expect me to call him adog? I have only the up mostrespect for my peers. As do you.

ADLARTOKLoovik claims to have spied on you.

The Tuserk lets out of a puff of twirling smoke.

(CONTINUED)


53/94

CONTINUED: 52.

THE TUSERKReally.

ADLARTOKYou didnt know?

THE TUSERKNo. And I always know. He must belying.

ADLARTOKHe says he spied on you, and thatit was obvious from the intel...Youwere planning a massive take over.

THE TUSERKYouve betray the Looviks trust inyour loyalty quickly. If I wasntgoing to trust you before-

ADLARTOKBut you were going to, werent you?Trust me?

THE TUSERKMmmm. Loovik will have your head,now.

ADLARTOKNot if you protect me. As I havecome to protect you.

THE TUSERKI can kill you, and it would be soeasy.

ADLARTOKWhat!?

THE TUSERKIs that why you prefer me to him?Because Im a more ruthless killer?

ADLARTOK is shaken, and doesnt speak.

THE TUSERKBecause its not true.

THE TUSERK transcendent from his pillowy throne andapproaches ADLARTOK, still smoking his pipe.

(CONTINUED)


54/94

CONTINUED: 53.

THE TUSERKI could never kill you.

THE TUSERK places a hand on ADLARTOKs shoulder, and smileswarmly; he has has decidedly KIND EYES.

THE TUSERKThank you.

ADLARTOKThe kings of our tribes, they havehad mutual respect towards eachother for generations andgenerations.

THE TUSERKI know. It is an important bond.And now, once again, the Tuserk andAdlartok are to be brothers for

another age. Strength has broughtyou here, Adlartok. Now be strongenough to rest.

The Tuserk leads Adlartok to a chest. He hunches down andopens 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.

ADLARTOKThese are plans to construct...Some

type for flying?

THE TUSERKMy best engineers, my bestscientists, and even my mostimaginative children, all cametogether and may finally met thehawk on its own territory.

ADLARTOKBut, this seems so implausible.

THE TUSERKOh?

The Tuserk STANDS UP to meet Adlartok at EYE LEVEL.

THE TUSERKWhat if I told you that itscomplete?

(CONTINUED)


55/94

CONTINUED: 54.

ADLARTOKId hope it was well put together.

THE TUSERKThe design looks flimsy to you?

ADLARTOKIt looks...innovative.

THE TUSERKBut it could never work?

ADLARTOKIts not that its just, the wholething seems to be over my head.

THE TUSERKAh. Maybe youll get to see it inaction soon.

ADLARTOKWhen I visited Loovik, he seemedvery active with his people,leading them, constructing withthem. I dont want to criticize,but I wonder why when I come here,you are alone and secluded.

THE TUSERKBecause my people live by thevirtues of solemnity. They dontneed to be herded, or whipped. And

at the same time, theyre mostefficient, and much moreintelligent than the Eastern man.

ADLARTOKI thought you said you wouldntcall them dogs.

THE TUSERKOh, no, they are most decidedlymen. I mean no disrespect when Istate the facts! Only great pride.We educate ourselves, and educateeach other. The Western tribes ofcourse, they just want to keepplaying with their sticks.

He taps out his pipe, pockets it, and breaths a heavy sigh.

(CONTINUED)


56/94

CONTINUED: 55.

THE TUSERKAnd youve solidified my belief!Loovik says there are spies amidstmy coven? Impossible. We know everyman, and we guard every treasure.

ADLARTOK

You never know. He didnt fill mein on the details, he could havedone it quick, really quick!

THE TUSERKQuick or slow, no ear could havelistened in to my privatediscussions without being cut off.There were no reported thefts, noreported oddities, no reports ofANYONE of this nature.

ADLARTOK

Then maybe theres no spy. AndLooviks liar, is that any reasonto kill him?

THE TUSERKNo.

ADLARTOKThen 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 begfor peace, but what would thatsolve? The man attacked me. So Isuppose waiting until he does itagain, while preaching love, isthat the better option?

ADLARTOKIt could be done. He only hurts youbecause he thinks youre hurtinghim.

THE TUSERKLies. He has nothing on me. Heattacked without warning. He saysto you that Im a killer, that Implanning something. It makes nosense.

ADLARTOK is lost for words. Hed like to test something onhim.

(CONTINUED)


57/94

CONTINUED: 56.

ADLARTOKYou know...my people have fortolled of a dark energy surroundingthis valley. A bad omen for all whoare here.

THE TUSERK

And?

ADLARTOKThe spirit chief, the eldest mysticour tribe has seen in ages, askedthe order to tell her, What willhappen in the Blood Soaked Valley?

THE TUSERKAnd what did she say?

Adlartok SCREAMS horrifically.

THE TUSERKWHATS WRONG?

ADLARTOKShe became a banshee! It was unlikeanything weve seen before! Shehowled and cried! So we marchedhere. To tell you.

The hairs on The Tuserks neck are standing up.

THE TUSERKQuite chilling.

ADLARTOKSo you see, you mustnt hurtLoovik. You need to pack up andleave this place as soon aspossible. It only spells danger.

THE TUSERKAre you through with this ghoststory yet?

ADLARTOK

What?

THE TUSERKIts a trick that wont work,Adlartok. Why do you lie to me? Youwant to look more like a Easternerto me? Dont soil our brotherhoodso soon.

(CONTINUED)


58/94

CONTINUED: 57.

ADLARTOKI-Im sorry, you must imagine,though, the stress of thesituation. Everyone calls eachothers liars.

THE TUSERKYou have better make your choicesoon before its too late to chooseeither...Boy.

ADLARTOKPlease, sir

He drops to one knee.

ADLARTOK...If you wont put an end to yourfighting...Then at least let me

help.

THE TUSERKWhats that?

ADLARTOKIts true. I dont believe in theprophecies. But there is no doubtin my mind your battle with theEastern tribes will be a bloodyone. If I can do anything foryou...Please, I just want to helpyour people. Any people.

THE TUSERKYou would lay your men down for me?

ADLARTOKNo. I would do so, for your men.

THE TUSERKFine. You may join me. But you mustbe quick about it.

ADLARTOK (STARTLED)Why? When did you plan to attack?

THE TUSERKSoon. Very soon.

COMMOTION.

Screaming and running coming from outside. The two kingstrade glances and run outside.


59/94

58.

EXT. THE TUSERKS CAMP

ADLARTOKWhats going on here!?

Adlartoks men run and race around, screaming and swatting

at their backs. They look as crazed loons, running fromghosts.

The Tuserks men chase after them, as if trying to catch agreased and wailing pig.

Two guards come OUT from a PARTICULAR TENT and rush out tohelp. Not long after, one of ADLARTOKS MEN come out frombehind the tent and SNEAKS IN. No one sees.

The Tuserk whistles and shuts everyone up, except for a fewwimpering and crying men of Adlartok.

THE TUSERKWhy are we all so upset?

SOUTHERN TRIBE SOLDIERH-he said he could see the evilspirits! They were everywhere!

WESTERN TRIBE SOLIDERSir, one buffoon started screamingabout the order, and it upset theothers.

THE TUSERK

Well have we all calmed down now?

The Tuserk gives Adlartok another glance over.

THE TUSERKWhat was that? Some other cleverruse? Was that supposed to havefrightened my men into cowardice?

ADLARTOKI promise you-

THE TUSERKTheres no need, Adlartok. Weveseen Looviks little fence. I couldthink twice about luring myselfinto their death trap. Taking theback door would be moreappropriate.

(CONTINUED)


60/94

CONTINUED: 59.

ADLARTOKOh, oh god.

THE TUSERKWhat?

ADLARTOKTheyre on their way already,arent they?

THE TUSERKIt seems I should have begun theattack even earlier, yes - Ivemade the order.

ADLARTOK (PANIC)I- I have still have men stationedwith the Yupik people. I still havemen there!

THE TUSERKWhy would you do a thing like that?

ADLARTOKIt was necessary - in order for meto be allowed out! I must retrievethem! Theyll be killed in yourraid, they wont know whose side tobe on!

THE TUSERKOh, they wont?

ADLARTOKPlease, I-I-Ill return! Illreturn here, I promise! I must getmy 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 ofthem make way with their king.

The Tuserks men do nothing to stop them, but stare at themall the way out.


61/94

60.

EXT. VALLEY - MIDDLE POINT

Theyre at a joggers pace back, heading home, ADLARTOK atthe fore front in a mad hustle. AIPA catches up with him.

AIPA

Sir, whats happened! Inform,inform!

ADLARTOKIts not good, Aipa. Theyreattacking Looviks camp from therear, and in none too long. Thewhole camp will be annihilated!Cmon! Run faster!

AIPABut how did you get out?

ADLARTOKI told them we still have menstationed at the other camp.

AIPASo you lied your way out.

ADLARTOKI 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 armyapproaches.

They ready themselves, the stampeding feet of the Westernsoldiers coming closer and closer, just beyond the wall,now.

The little sliding door SLAMS open, and the spears readytheir point-

at ADLARTOKs face.

ADLARTOKTake us to Loovik! Now!


62/94

61.

INT YUPIK CAMP

Spear exercises, with Loovik leading them like an aerobicsclass. His mood is self-assured and larger than life, but itchanges to a white dread as he catches glimpse of ADLARTOKand his following army.

LOOVIKWhat is this, a joke!? I told youto LEAVE. NEVER COME BACK HERE.

ADLARTOKLoovik, you must listen to me-

LOOVIKAnd 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.

LOOVIKWHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, YOU CURSEDRATS?

ADLARTOK (ON THE GROUND)I SPOKE TO THE TUSERK!

The Loovik and his men break fall silent in gasp.

ADLARTOKHe wont fall for your plan, h-he

is deliberately moving all of histroops far around the valley, andhit you from the behind!

LOOVIKWhat!? WHEN!?

ADLARTOKI dont know, it could be, it couldbe soon, or it could be right now!Youve got to listen to me!

LOOVIK swings around and raises his arms to his men.

LOOVIKSoldiers of the Wolves paw. Loadup your supplies and ready thearmaments. It is now time for war!

The men break out in a frenzy of preparation, and LOOVIKmarches sternly to his private yurt.


63/94

62.

ADLARTOK cant help but follow.

INT. LOOVIKS PRIVATE YURT

Inside Looviks yurt, the mood is much more humble than atThe Tuserks. There is nothing but a fire, a few swords, and

an older woman roasting fish.

ADLARTOKSo then, youre just going to headthem off, huh? Thats the plan?

LOOVIKAnd you have a better one!?

ADLARTOKSpeak to him!

LOOVIK stops, and is still, as if Adlartok is inside the eye

of the storm that is Loovik.

ADLARTOKCome with me, well go together andspeak The Tuserk, personally.

LOOVIKHell slit my throat.

ADLARTOKHed trust you if I was there! Andyou need to trust me.

LOOVIKWhy?

ADLARTOKBecause Im here.

LOOVIKHa!

ADLARTOKHmm?

LOOVIKIm thinking then, its morepertinent, that you trust me.

Adlartok CHOKES back a bit.

ADLARTOKAnd sh-should I!?

(CONTINUED)


64/94

CONTINUED: 63.

LOOVIKYes! What are you so nervey for!Youre the one who came here,telling me, its time to go, theTuserk are attacking!

ADLARTOKI DID, but I didnt order you toattack! I ordered you to listen toreason!

LOOVIKBah!

LOOVIK turns and leaves the yurt, Our prince FOLLOWS.

EXT CAMP

ADLARTOK

He is willing to make peace! Heonly attacks because he believesYOU are the war monger! He promisesyour information is wrong! Whateverinformation you think you heard,its WRONG!

Lightning strikes. A moment after thunder claps, followed byrain. Loovik howls in laughter against the rain.

LOOVIKHahaha! Really, he really saysTHAT? Wow, what a sneaky little

devil. Id like to spit in hislying mouth.

ADLARTOKI just need proof.

LOOVIKOf what?

ADLARTOKOf what youre claming! Of this warhes starting!

LOOVIKWhy?

ADLARTOKso I can...

Loovik stops in his tracks again.

(CONTINUED)


65/94

CONTINUED: 64.

LOOVIKSo what then, so you can run backto your precious TUSERK and tellhim ALL about it?

ADLARTOK

If you tell me what you know, itcan only help your case.

LOOVIK...I dont think so.

LOOVIK takes off again, and ADLARTOK after him.

ADLARTOKYou cant be serious!

LOOVIKI suppose he claimed to have

nothing to do with the deaths ourfathers, then.

ADLARTOK...Of course.

LOOVIKAnd Im sure youre just soconvinced of that.

ADLARTOKNo. But Im not convinced thatYOURE an innocent, either. Or that

it was all fates hand. Its all upin the air.

LOOVIKHahaha. Stick by me, stick by me,youll excel quicker that way.

LOOVIK playfull, but forcefully, grabs hold of Adlartok andPUSHES him forward, and forward.

ADLARTOKStop! Stop!

LOOVIKYoure coming with me, kid!


66/94

65.

INT. MILITARY YURT

Loovik swings open the FLAPS of another yurt and quicklystarts equipping his armor, surrounded by men doing thesame.

Adlartok rushes in after him.

ADLARTOKThis is suicide! Killing yourfellow man, that is suicide! He isa part of you, isnt he?

LOOVIKWhat? Stand back!

Loovik comes marching out of the yurt and looking proudlyover his slowly self-preparing army. ADLARTOK comes outbehind him, looking deathly serious.

ADLARTOKYoull meet his men on thebattlefield...even considering thecircumstances of the prophecies?

Looviks pride diminishes. He turns around.

LOOVIKYou dont know much about OUR oldways, do you? You people may get bywith tossing stones and rocks, butwe fear that sometimes a SACRIFICE

may be in order.

Adlartok turns pale.

LOOVIKBut lets be honest. The only oneswho need to be sacrificed are theTuserk and his enablers. But you,you are not enabler, are you?

Adlartok cannot stand it any long. He simply shakes hishead.

LOOVIKPray for me, that I am lucky inbattle.

LOOVIK takes off. Adlartok composes himself, and then looksup, calling out.

(CONTINUED)


67/94

CONTINUED: 66.

ADLARTOKAipa! 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, weaveand push off of trees to keep themselves moving.

ADLRATOKWatch out, watch out!

AIPAI can keep up, sir. You just needto focus on yourself!

He doesnt respond - too focused and nervous.

One of his soldiers begins running along side him with a

report.

SOLIDERSir! Some of the men are too weakto go on, sir! Theyre reportingillness, a-and weak joints, sir!

ADLARTOKHow many?

SOLIDERAbout 5, sir.

ADLARTOKLet them go, but make it known thatall others must stay, NO MATTERWHAT... unless they want to leave.

Adlartok nods at the solider.

CUT TO

The "sick" and weak soldiers lagging behind, chattingamongst themselves. Theyre all faking.

WEAK SOLIDER (TALKING TO HIMSELF)I dont want to fight I dont wantto fight I dont want to fight .

WEAK SOLIDERI swear, if this doesnt work, Imjust making a break for it.

(CONTINUED)


68/94

CONTINUED: 67.

WEAK SOLIDERWhat if they dont let you?

WEAK SOLIDERWhat! Ill scream out, this isslavery! Hes marching us to ourdoom! We wouldnt fight in a war

under NORMAL circumstances. Butunder a curse!?

WEAK SOLIDERSssh!

AIPA appraoches them. They all stand still, AIPA looking atthem judgmentally, not unlike Snape.

The armies run past them like a river.

AIPASo. Youre all allowed to go. BUT -

Adlartok is only allowing fivepeople out of the entire legion togo leave. For each of you who leave-

AIPA points.

AIPAOne more of your brothers muststay.

The soliders look amongst themselves. They feel ashamed forhow theyve acted, but also very angry that theyve beenduped into staying. They begin the march again,begrudgingly.

Aipa Returns to his kings side.

AIPASir, I dealt with the soliders, andgood knews, theyve all decided to-

AIPA 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 beginsprinting.

They catch up to the marching Loovik, who appears triumphantalready.

(CONTINUED)


69/94

CONTINUED: 68.

LOOVIKAch!

He rings his arm around Aipas neck.

LOOVIK

Maybe a little assassin? Going toprick me in the back and watch mepop like a bubble?

ADLARTOKLet him go!

He releases Aipa, who brushes himself, cowardly like.Adlartok approaches the Loovik prince.

ADLARTOKWe saw men carrying loads of wood.What is that youre going to do

with those, wield them yourself?

LOOVIKNo. Friend, Im going to buildcatapults.

ADLARTOKCatapults!? Catapaults...Looviktheres something you should know.

LOOVIKMobile catapults, designed to beconstructed on the fly. We invented

the technology ourselves, and keptit a dear secret. I doubt theirkind has ever even heard of it.

ADLARTOKLoovik...The catapults.

LOOVIKS prideful GRIN BENDS into a SNEER.

LOOVIKIf you want to speak, then speak.

ALDARTOK...Its just that...Im impressedwith them.

Looviks lips twtch uncomfortably, as he attends a cheekyexpression.

They lock eyes.

(CONTINUED)


70/94

CONTINUED: 69.

LOOVIKAs I am.

Loovik looks ahead, Aipa taps Adlartok on the shoulder.

ADLARTOKNot now.

Our prince comes up shoulder to shoulder with Loovik..

ADLARTOKI think its only your duty, touphold enough respectability, totake part in a few conversationsabout peace once this whole bloodyaffair is done, dont you think?

LOOVIKPeace, thats more like it, lets

talk about peace. Thats what wereaiming for today. Some peace.

ADLARTOKBut you just wont have it with theTuserk alive?

LOOVIKHaha, if I really wanted him dead Ishould send you back to him. Maybeyoull bite his head off like youdo mine. Youre feisty, you know?

ADLARTOKWhen this battle is over, will yousue for peace?

Loovik is looking triumphant again, and vital.

LOOVIKWell, I suppose it is only right.Sure. It is a mans world, butwomen and children are thecurrency.

ADLARTOKThen try and spend as little as youcan.

LOOVIKOh Adlartok. You are king, and yetyou do not bask in the riches ofyour own empire.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 70.

ADLARTOKEmpire?

LOOVIKYes! Empire! You think the Southerntribe was always led by a king of

your bloodline? That no one everattacked anyone, or burnedanything, in your heritage? Thatcertainly would be a wonderfuljoke. A prosperous culture whonever harmed a fly.

ADLARTOKYou seem to know my history betterthan I.

LOOVIKNo I suppose you have your detailed

records, but those only can onlytell you so much. Im sure therewas a time when blood was spilled,so that yours may be royal. Itsthe truth we all kings must livewith.

ADLARTOKAnd whats the point of this littlespeech, Loovik?

LOOVIKSimply to respect an empire. Yours.

They come out of the forest and into a clearing, larger thanthe Stand Off Valley, with very little trees. The men areassembling the catapults.

LOOVIKIts so...white.

Loovik is upon the clearing, basking in it.

ADLARTOKReally. I can only see red.

Time passes...


72/94

71.

EXT. LARGE CLEARING

The Tuserk and his army hustles across this tundra, as theman himself leads, traveling by throne.

His archers look fierce. Dressed in black, sharp armor, asif 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 seewaiting for them...Loovik.

The Tuserk squints his eyes. What is he doing here? And asthey continue on, they see them:

THE TUSERKS ASSISTANTCatapaults?

This dark army comes to a hault.

The Tuserk is fixated on the wooden contraptions, looking onin disbelief.

They stay out of range of the catapaults, and continuealong, circling around Loovik like cowboys in a gun fight.

Very slowly.

LOOVIKWait until theyre in range, boys.Then we fire on them, reload thecatapults, fire again. The treesare enough protection for us.But the walking dead men out there,they cant hide from a rockbarrage.

ADLARTOKIm feeling sick now, Loovik. Imfeeling very sick.

LOOVIK (FOCUED)

Sssh. Just look, look. Theyrescared.

The Tuserk dismounts his chair.

He comes out in front of his legion.

He draws his own bow and arrow, and shoots an arrow rightinto the ground, in the front of his foot.

(CONTINUED)


73/94

CONTINUED: 72.

ADLARTOKWhats he doing that for?

LOOVIKI dont know...At least hes doingsomething.

The Tuserk army is still, and unmoving. The Tuserk himselfstanding just behind his arrow, seemingly cool.

LOOVIKHes not going to move past thatspot.

ADLA

Documents

The Snow Storm Throne