The Three Chiefs

7/27/2019 The Three Chiefs

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EXT. WEAK BLIZZARD

A fox scurries past a tree in this vast, snowy valley, searching for food

but to no avail. It's a scene fit for a Yuletime sleigh to come dashing

across, but-

The fox appraoches a marching band of men, garbed in pelts and wool

blankets. They are soldiers of the SOUTHERN TRIBE, far from home, marching

in a line together, cooks, carpenters, soldiers and generals.

The fox is frozen, peering up at the line of marching men. It doesn't evensee one of them kick it in the back.

At the head of this string of marching men is ADLARTOK, the prince of the

Southern tribe.

He sits atop a leather hide tied tightly around four branches, held up by

four other men, carrying it like a casket on their shoulders.

ADLARTOK holds two pebbles, a leaf, and a broken stick in his palm. He

rolls them around in his hand LIKE DICE and lets them fall onto the mat. He

inspects the results.

He picks it all up again and does it once more, but it seems to tell himnothing. One of the men carrying him, AGUTA, speaks up, however sheepishly.

AGUTA

What are you doing?

PRINCE ADLARTOK (MELANCHOLY)

I promise I am not toying with you, merely these

rocks.

AGUTA

Can you read them?

PRINCE ADLARTOK

No.

AGUTA

...Then why are you even tempt what comes along

with them?

He peers up from his sticks. His eyes go dead, peering off. The sticks and

stones lay on the mat in front of him.

AGUTA

...Adlartok?

SWIPE.

He non-chalantly knocks the materials off his riding pad and into the grass

and snow.

The men surrounding him flinch, wince and moan.

Prince Adlartok turns around and gives them a look. Don't you dare whine.

It does no good.

The men go on marching; unnerved by their own king's treatment of what

could be considered sacred items.

Our Prince turns to our pleasant, yet anxious, confidont and royal advisor,

Aipa.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

My good friend Aipa, please hand me my ruler.

Aipa reaches into a satchel and pulls out a slide calculator. The Prince

appreciatively takes it and begins clacking away on it.


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PRINCE ADLARTOK

I'm going to run the numbers again, and this time,

I won't be factoring in Aga's warnings.

Aipa is DISMAYED.

AIPA

I don't wish to repeat the words already spoken,

but why?

PRINCE ADLARTOKAnd I don't mind repeating myself. Because it is

simply necessary.

AIPA

Oh, I see...So you won't be factoring in what

exactly?

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Rations, man hours, that sort of thing.

AIPA

As opposed to weapons and lives.

Adlartok falls sullen again.

AIPA

What is the point in all this busy work? Sliding

the calculator, fumbling around with sticks and

stones? What is it you are questioning?

Adlartok tacks away at the calculator.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

I am not questioning, I am preparing; if things go

as bad as Aga propheized, then we'll know what todo. But if all goes to plan, we need to know our

limits.

AIPA (APPREHENSIVE)

Fine, fine...though it is said that even

questioning the...

ADLARTOK stares at AIPA.

AIPA

...That even by questioning the Order-

PRINCE ADLARTOK (FINALLY PUSHED OVER)Superstitious! You're being superstitious! I can't

even do some multiplication without you running

your scaling hand down my back?

AIPA

We're already angering the spirits by even

marching. Aga told us, Adlartok. She told us there

is only great misfortune on this trip. The signs,

the order said it all in the prediction tombs.

They beg us to retire, now. But you pray, then,

that fate will just make an accommodation for a

King.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

...For a prince, Aipa. My father is still king,

and he will be burried in his crown.

ADLARTOK hops off of the carrying mat, and pats one of the men on the

shoulder as they fold up the royal carpet ride.


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Our two over tasked tribesmen take a walk and speak privately outside the

hearing range of the marching men.

AIPA

Do you believe he was murdered? Maybe by a YUPIK

assasin? Maybe one of the men of the TUSERK?

PRINCE ADLARTOK

No. And it is not why we are marching, Aipa. So

put it out of mind. Father's death was not timely

for us, but it was timely for him. He was old. And

ready.

AIPA (CONCERNED)

But it was so fast, Adlartok. It was like he was

poisioned.

A look of deep understanding from Adlartok.

Close up, and a beat.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

I know.

AIPA

I wish I could have known what he'd have to say

about this...The East tribe at ends with The West.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

I'm going to do run my numbers in the back, for a

little bit of privacy.

He mushes through the snow and Aipa looks on.

They travel on until night fall...

ROYALE YURT

...and then sleep under the stars, dozing off as the camp fires die.

Sounds of snoring and late night chatting.

The PRINCE is slumped over pawing at the sand floor inside his royale YURT,

mapping out a battle field on the ground with stones and sticks. AIPA, and

two other HIGH RANKING OFFICIALS are there. A dim fire lights the yurt, and

the mood is quite serious.

HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL ONE

The West tribe, accompanied by their leader, the

mighty Tuserk, have set up camp in the northern

clearing, and may attack their opposing force in

the morning once again, while the Eastern tribesit to the south of the valley, bidding their own

time and constructing defensive blockades. Scouts

tell us, they're using the forest and it's lumber

to house themselves in.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Hmph, it would be a first. The Eastern tribes

fight like rabbid dogs with no common sense in

them, never one to learn to just hide from the

hawk -

Adlartok creeps over the map, hovering over it for a better view.

ADLARTOK

these red pebbles here, do those represent the

Tuserk's archers?

To the north west of this ice age football game strategy map, we see red

pebbles, on the north end.


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GENERAL ONE

I'm afraid that there were not enough red pebbles

at hand- For now, you must imagine the neutral

pebbles and the enemy pebbles. Specificity, the

Eastern tribe's long range attack force. Imagine a

lot of those.

The mood is again grave.

PRINCE ADLARTOKI see...Then learning is eventual. Even for the

rabid dog, hmm hmm. And we enter here, in the

east?

GENERAL ONE

Tomorrow morning, we enter and take center stage,

and make our call for a treaty.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Do you believe they will listen to reason, my

friends?

They hang their heads in unknowing.

AIPA

That depends. What was their reason for going to

war in the first place?

PRINCE ADLARTOK

...God help me. Why is it under my rule that the

kingdoms go to war...After hundreds of years of

peace?

AIPA

You are not cursed, sire.

PRINCE ADLARTOKHa! I know it. If I'm cursed than so is the world,

and if I'm blessed, I'm still no better than the

poorest man.

GENERAL TWO

...But you are to be a king.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

...Yes, and I'm sure the western tribe no doubt

have a spear fit for one.

The fire crackles on, though only embers now. The prince stands up and lays

another log in the fire, and tends to it.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

We'll meet ourselves between the wolf and the

hawk...

A fox runs up to the entrance of the yert, his silouhette appears alert and

oddly proud. Only the prince see's his likeness.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

And I suppose that makes us the f-

GENERAL TWOThe whale.

Adlartok looks questionably at General Two.

PRINCE ADLARTOK


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The whale?

Aipa and the generals laugh at this, Prince Adlartok sneers warmly.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Yes...I suppose so, are we not called by others as

the bloated kingdom?

AIGA

We'll plop our selves down right in the middle of

the valley and waddle about hoping it puts an endto their fighting.

The Prince and Aipa share a chuckle.

the prince looks off to a corner of the room, smacking his lips, and

twirling his fingers, in thought.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Mmmm.

He looks on, SPACING OUT on the FOX licking his paw.

AIGA

Adlartok. You're drifting again.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Do you feel that our catapults will hold? Or would

you rather believe the medium? Will their ropes

snap like hair, and fall apart where they stand?

Just as my brother predicted?

His cabinet is a tad perplexed.

GENERAL ONE

My, it seems your pride is faltering-

PRINCE ADLARTOKI wasn't asking you. I want to know what you

think, Aipa. You haven't said a word about it all

night. Tell me, as a friend, what you really

believe. Will our catapults hold? Or will they

crumble to dust?

AIpa is still, and then begins to search for his words. He lets out a sigh.

COUNSELER ANGG

...They will break.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Then I'll be the optimist.

The Prince cordially rounds up the pebbles and drops them into a satchel,

the rattling of the stones drives off the fox.

THE ARCTIC FOREST

The army marches on, wheeling the catapaults as everyone heaves and hos

together. The king is walking, and quite vigariously. The wind nips at him

and he pulls his coat over him again. His gaze is focused, his mouth speaks

whispered words constantly, his mind a buzz.

AIPA

Adlartok.

The Prince is startled.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Y-Yes Aipa?

AIPA


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We are eastbound a half mile from the valley,

which it seems has been branded with a nick name.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Really? Only a half mile...The men are prepared to

begin cutting wood for lumber, are they not?

AIPA (HUMORED BY WHAT ADLARTOK HAS SAID)

Oh yes sir, they're prepared. They're prepared to

do whatever you think is best. Happy? Refreshed?

Oh, I don't know.

PRINCE ADLARTOK (OBSESSIVE)

That is neither here nor there, I only wished to

know if all is according to plan.

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.

Aipa is understanding but non-enthusiastic.

Yes sir.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Good, good. Alright,yes, good good.

ADLARTOK turns around and stands still, as the army marches past him.

He apprehensively watches all the soldiers passing by, perhaps a little

crazed in his intenviness, nodding to each one. THey nod back, sometimes

nervousl smiling. AGUTA, hauling heavy loads on his back, instead has a

snarl on his face for his king as he walks past. Adlartok doesn't notice.

AIPA, though, gets offended and calls out AGUTA, angrily.

AIPA (SARCASTICALY)

You there! The Prince's lift.

AUGTA

Yes, couselour? My name is Aguta.

AIPA

You're so often the spunky one, aren't you. Wy are

you looking so down, huh? Is it because the prince

seems to be in a dark place. Well your low spirits

will not be helping anyone!

AGUTA

Hmpth. We'll be sleeping in between flying arrows

tonight. Perhaps my son would have preferred that

I stay at home where my arteries would be safe,

but the Prince insisted I be here with him. Ever

since the fighting began the prince grows more and

more irrational...and pushy. And I'm simply in nomood to smile either.

AIPA

You surprise me, Aguta...With your naivety. The

man is going to exercise his muscle when there is


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blood being shed! Imagine for a moment that you

have any responsibilities in the world, at all.

Maybe a smile could help HIS disposition. He's

doing what he can to help and maybe you should,

too.

AGUTA

The man denies his people's religion...what kind

of man does that?

AIPAYou...you have no idea what you're talking about.

AGUTA

Oh, I do. The king never goes against a prophecy's

fortelling. And we've always been happy, we've

always been safe! Why stop now?

AIPA raises an eye brow, he does not seem happy.

AIPA

I heard the prince last night. Even he fears his

death will come by nightfall. He said it himself,

he'll find himself upon a spear. So don't go

thinking this is some kind of trip to pick

berries, and the order tells us the trip won't be

fruitful. He needs to do this. What choice does he

have?

AIPA takes his depression else where.

CUT TO

The journey finally reaches it's zenith. Upon a hill, they look down upon

the densely populated forest.

Adlortok takes a step ahead of the crowd, and courageously takes a knee. He

points out a clearing in the forest.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

There. That's the valley.

AIPA

If I may?

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Let's hear it.

AIPA

This valley, it has two nick names. The Eastern

tribes have come to call it Stand off passage.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

Stand off...

A beat. The wind blowing Adlartok's hair about

A boisterous soldier pipes in.

SOLDIER

The Western name does not bode as well!

PRINCE ADLARTOK

What?

SOLDIER

They have been calling it, The Blood Spark Valley.

Adlartok looks over the valley, a cold sweat brewing in him, though he

remains reasonable.


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PRINCE ADLARTOK

Blood spark, eh? Isn't that concerning? Oh but the

Western tribes, everything is bruises and welts to

me. Isn't that right, Aipa?

AIPA

Wha-oh, yes. Of course.

PRINCE ADLARTOK

No slacking. Pick up your feet gentlemen.

CUT TO

EXT. FOREST HILL

The hauling of heavy gear and heavy men, sliding and balancing themselves

off of tree's as they tread down the hill.

The ground levels out, and the tree's lessen up.

There's enough space now that one could stretch his legs and begin smoking

his pipe, resting for a moment.

Gatherers and woodsmen begin chopping down trees and picking berries near

by, never ones to take a break.

Adlartok makes his way down the hill, holding his arms out and keeping his

balance on the branches. He reaches the leveled out ground and begins

making his way around.

ADLARTOK

Yes, this will be a fine spot to make camp. We're

guarded by trees, so we won't be out in the open,

and there's really no telling where we are. Yes, I

think it will be good.

A couple of lean and fast looking men race up and stand attentive to

Adlartok, they wear brown leather over their mouths and carry small knives

in their sheaths. Our prince thinks over what he's going to do with these

scouts.

CUT TO

the SCOUTS miles down at the SOUTH end of the valley, near the Eastern

Tribe's empament, (or so they say).

The TREES here have been BOARDED up. Planks nailed straight across the

trees, making for a WALL. It seems oddly quiet compared to...

CUT TO

The WESTERN TRIBE at the north end of this small valley, in which SMOKING

YURTS catch the eye and the sound of MEN WORKING echo from.

The scouts rush back to their camp to report what they've seen.

CUT TO

SCOUT

Cousnleor Aipa! Counslouelr Aipa!

AIPA

The tribes, are still present?

SCOUT

The Tuserk's men are still here, but the Eastern


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tribe...They may or may not be. Their camp was

quiet and boarded off completely. As if someone

wanted to seal in the bad spirits.

All three of them share a moment of eerie chills.

AIPA

I'll inform the prince. Go find something to eat.

AIPA reaches ADLARTOK, sitting by the fire, with bustling work all around

him, he seems focused on the drawing in the dirt and muttering to himself.Aipa approaches him with caution; he's like a mad man working out an

equation.

AIPA

The scouts have returned with strange news.

ADLARTOK

Mmm?

AIPA

It's the Eastern tribe, they remain unseen and

unheard. As if their camp is abandoned. Without a

trace.

ADLARTOK

...Then the scouts are ready to investigate

further?

AIPA

Yessir. And meanwhile you'll be making counsel

with the Tuserk?

ADLARTOK

Well...I'd like to have spoken with the more

rational of men first..But I suppose the fates

have tossed us a spoiled egg already.

He stands up, brushing off his clothes.\

ADLARTOK

Let us fertilize with it. You and I will go see

this wall for ourselves and bring with us a

defense force.

ADLARTOK

But-! There may be an ambush, or a terrible

accident-!

AIPA is mortified. ADLARTOK solemnly registers this and nods his head.

ADLARTOK

That's why the defense force is here. If you wish

to stay, my friend, I wouldn't 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

...I'm 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.


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A hawk flies above them and caws as it soars above and 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, I'm afraid we cannot stop marching, but hurry

now behind some bush and be quick with your

business.

A group of five soldiers with bow and arrows and little ways up are

laughing and clapping hands behind each other's backs. They smoke on pipes.

A little ways up is a man with a heavy load of water barrels falling over

and spilling it, then being helped up. At the front of this group of fifty

men is Adlartok, who is as thoughtful as ever. He pulls out a stick from

his pocket, and then from his other pocket, a couple of rocks. He roles the

rocks around in his hands briefly and then puts it all away again, nestling

his hands in his pockets. A HEFTY SOLIDER, wearing little clothes though

sporting much hair growth all over his body, speaks to the Prince.

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 won't need this fox pelt.

ADLARTOK (KINDLY)

Then you are lucky to have both.

The hefty solider laughs again.

ADLARTOK

You like that, huh?

HEFTY SOLIDER

Are you sure you don't need the extra-

Adlartok raises his hand.

ADLARTOK

Go bring me something to drink instead and I'll

play with you some more.

He is off. Adlartok marches on, a little cold, but he must appear tough for

his people now.

CUT TO

Adlartok and co. arrive before the WALL'S BORDERS. There is 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, studying it, and the HEFTY SOLIDER

approaches him again, now with a cup of steaming tea.

ADLATOK

Thank you.

He takes a sip and breathes it in, deep...Then its time to face his men.

The Prince's demeanor changes from benign and kind to forceful anddemanding of respect; he doesn't quite have the act down, though.

ADLARTOK

I want the entirety of you to send the Eastern

tribe a message. Before we so rudely intrude on


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our brothers, we will call on them. In our most

earth shattering voice!

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. Time skips ahead as we see that they have been yelling for maybe

fifteen minutes to no avail. ADLARTOK's voice becomes very hoarse, and hebecomes quite irritated.

ADLARTOK

Quiet, quiet now. I don't think it's going to

work.

The crowd dies down. They catch their breath and clear their voices, some

fall over in exhaust. ADLARTOK looks down in intense thought, crosses his

arms, and mutters to himself without thinking about it, then COMES OUT OF

IT.

ADLARTOK

Let us hoist one man on another man's shoulders

and have him climb that tree, there. And he can

look beyond the wall and tell us what he sees.

Two men do so, who climb the tree and take a look around. ADLARTOK watches

anxiously, but the man calls to him from the tree with benign news,

gesturing at the ground beyond the wooden wall.

SCOUT IN TREE

Nothing! There is nothing there! Just forest!

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 don't know what! Something

looks funny in the wall down there!

It's go time.

ADLARTOK

Let's 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...I'm still thinking.

the Nameless soldier backs away like a lowly dog, but is then ushered

forward by a signal from Adlartok's finger.

ADLARTOK


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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"

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 aren't going in?

He gets a couple of laughs as the NAMELESS SOLIDER passes by ADLARTOK who

pats him on the back.

ADLARTOKVexing...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, don't we want to, maybe, reach the

encampment? Speak to the people there? Isn'tthat...urgent?

The crowd grunts and mumbles in agreement.

ADLARTOK (CRYPTICALLY)

Hmmm...Isn't 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, they've seen you like

this before and know what happens when you fall

too deep into thought.

ADLARTOK

Aye.

AIPA

We've 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 eyesaffirmitively.

ADLARTOK

I only require a bit more time to think.


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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

I've 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 can't 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?

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...?

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

You're 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 doesn't 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. ADLARTOK's 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?


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ADLARTOK

Do you two see anything? Any sign of life? Do you

see anything at all?

A beat.

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

I'll 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. He's on the

other side.

The wooden door closes.

Aipa rushes in after-

AIPA

PRINCE!?

And in a panic-

AIPA

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

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.

It's a jubilant scene, though our PRISONERS are uncomfortable.

AIPA

Who know the Eastern tribesmen were so...

ADLARTOK


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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 face-

CUT TO

ADLARTOK extreme close up.

As this man speaks, Adlartok's face melts from utter contempt to enjoyment.

BOISTEROUS MAN (O.S)

Ah, I see you've finally brought us back our

lunch! Good job, men. Though they do look a little

too scrawny to eat. I'm not feeling peckish,

anyway. Though, Perhaps we are more in need of

some light entertainment...You! Musician! I'll

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.

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 Adlartok's 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, didn't 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 we'll slit their throats.

ADLARTOK

Is the plan fool proof?

LOOVIK

It worked on you, didn't it? And you're no fool.

The all fore-seeing and mystical Southern tribe

predicted nothing, now those curious little foxes

shouldn't stand a chance!


16/28

The Crowd roars in agreement.

A hawk flies above, caws. Adlartok watches it.

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. I've never been maimed by ahawk. What's so forceful and direct about a bird?

The two kings begin to walk together.

ADLARTOK

We're the curious little foxes, Loovik; We snooped

and poked around, getting caught in traps. But the

Western Tribesmen, they aren't ones to do that.

They'll find another way.

LOOVIK

And what exactly does that mean?

ADLARTOK

That earthly properties don't inhibit them.

LOOVIK

Earthly properties!? Oh, like walls of sturdy

oak!? And swarms of wily assassins and killers!?

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

LOOVIK (TO ADLARTOK)

Let's see them spread their wings, already.

ADLARTOK

I wouldn't put it past them.

Something becomes SOURED for Loovik.

LOOVIK (IRRITATED)

Hmm? What was that?

ADLARTOK

I just said-

LOOVIK

That they can FLY? Who told you they can FLY?

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! You've said nothing out of line! You've

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 Tuserk's men will

trample me, thanks to their assured


17/28

"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 can't look Loovik in the ye now.

LOOVIK

Hmph. So you could then, what, start the repairing

process?

ADLARTOK

Perhaps.

LOOVIKYou 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 you're

prepared to pick a side in order to solve this

problem, hmm? You just need to know WHICH side,

first. That's why you're here...Which side are you

on?

ADLARTOK (BACKED INTO A CORNER)

...GrrrRR- WE DON'T KNOW WHY YOU ARE FIGHTING IN

THE FIRST PLACE! WE CAME HERE SEEKING COUNSEL! NOT

TO BE DRAGGED INTO A WAR! I SWEAR, I-

He catches himself.

ADLARTOK (DESPERATE)

I swear to you, Loovik, we are here to learn.

Only, to learn.

The Southern tribes men are taken back, while the Eastern tribes men act

like highschoolers OOOHing and laughing at his eruption.

Loovik's 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

didn't!?

ADLARTOK (SHAKEN)

You did. I-I-I, I told you that I didn't know

anything and-but you just kept going! And-

LOOVIK 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 Adlartok's imprisoned soldiers.


18/28

The only thing that has Adlartok's 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 Loovik's hand.

LOOVIK

Fine, as long as you know, that I know, that

you're full of it. You're not just here to discuss

the fighting.

ADLARTOK (LYING)

...But, I am.

LOOVIKYou'll take a stand of some sort. I'm 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, don't trust anyone,

even an old woman - it's 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. LOOVIK'S CAMP FIRE

LOOVIK leads ADLARTOK and his men to a bon fire.

Everyone sits on the ground, except for LOOVIK has a log chair.

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 here's Adlartok still just sitting on the ground. It's 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


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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

They're developing a weapon, something special.

A beat.

LOOVIK

Perhaps something that could fly.

ADLARTOK

Fly!?

LOOVIK (MOCKINGLY)

Well, its just their obsession, isn't it? Soaring

with the eagles? Its all they talk about in the

west. "The kingdom of the sky!" Oooo. Maybe if we

weren't 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

I'm not saying that's 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

It's not so strange. Their whole culture is based

on conquering and back stabbing. Remember, they

weren't always a united people. Their region was

once a series of tribes, but now, it's all rulled

by The Tuserk. I wouldn't expect you to know this.

And that's fine. The Southern tribesmen have

always been naive to the ways of the war mongers.

And that's just the way I like you!

ADLARTOK

Why is that?

LOOVIK

It's as if you're the ray of sunshine. We hear

stories about your summer time solstice festival,

oh yes. It sounds as if you people do nothing but

prance around in the forest and casting spells.


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Hahaha. It's good to know someone out there isn't

taking things so seriously.

ADLARTOK

Really? It's not because we'd also be naive of

your war mongering, as well, is it?

LOOVIK

No?

ADLARTOKYou 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,

aren't I? Non-wavering, attacking my only target

head on- trust me, you wouldn't get the same

treatment from that monster.

ADLARTOK

Come now.

LOOVIK

That slippery devil. I'd 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...

ADLARTOK

He died?

LOOVIK

...Yes. And I am now to be Kinged. Isn't 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?


21/28

LOOVIK

HA!

Loovik claps his hands.

LOOVIK

You're asking me?

ADLARTOK bows his head.

LOOVIKNot 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.

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 aren't more tired? You're arms, they

aren't 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...I-

LOOVIK

No, no! You're 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!

CUT TO

HOURS LATER

It seems the entire encampment is drinking milk. Men slack off from work,


22/28

standing around the fire, along with their Southern Tribe captives,

listening to one of LOOVIK's 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 wasstill 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?

LOOVIKYes and absolutely.

ADLARTOK

Well thats...impressive.

LOOVIK

Haha, thank you!

ADLARTOK

Far more exciting that the uses we've found for

shrubbery back home.

LOOVIK (INTERESTED)

...Oh and what's that?

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, butthen 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 Loovik's face. The man looks anxious, and jumpy.

Superstitious.

Adlartok gets an idea.

ADLARTOK

They've said many things.


23/28

LOOVIK

Did you ask for their input on your ventruring out

into the wild or not?

ADLARTOK

Yes, yes we asked for their input.

LOOVIK's people begin to mutter amongst themselves, a tense hushness.

LOOVIK

And?

ADLARTOK

Well...The prophecy...It did not bode well.

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.

LOOVIKWhat 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 musn't 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! DON'T THROW ANYTHING! DON'T EVEN TOUCH

THEM! IT'S EVIL! EVIL!

Loovik's 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 wall's small hole.

AIPASo, what do we do now?

Adlartok only gestures at the other end of the valley. The Tuserk's end.

ADLARTOK

We know Loovik will attack the Tuserk sometime


24/28

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. C'mon men.

They begin their tread back.

AIPA

You see, then?! You see?!

ADLARTOKYes 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? I'm supposed to lead these men,

care for these men, treat them with respect, andyet 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.

AIPA

What hell. Your job is to feel empathy for those

who you share no likeness.

ADLARTOK

That's right, Aipa.

AIPA

Then perhaps we are exactly alike.

ADLARTOK's eyes come alive. He rises and faces AIPA.

AIPA

We're in this together, Adlartok. Are your men

running off in fear? We fear for our lives, yes,

but...we won't leave your side.

Aipa steps out in front and bows.

ADLARTOK (EMPOWERED)

Alright then. We have infiltrated the Eastern

tribe's encampment and come out of it alive,

thanks to all of us. We return to camp, and then

it's off again. To meet the Tuserk!

ADLARTOK'S 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


25/28

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.

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 don't have an hour to waste?

ADLARTOK

I don't, Aipa. My body is rest to sleep, but if I

rest now, I'll be groggy by the time I speak to

the Tuserk. And I'll 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 aren't your playthings.

ADLARTOK

And I'm not theirs! Go, now, tea!

AIPA stands still, angry tears in his eyes.

AIPA


26/28

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"

He walks off, shouting at men to pick up the pace along the way. "Go on!

Hurry up! The King won't be taking any rest! Go on!"

Adlartok watches this with a pain in his heart, but it's not for thinking

about now. He goes to drawing in the dirt, and discussing the plan with

himself.

EXT THE TUSERK'S ENCAMPMENT

Adlartok and his men, in the dead of night, reach the Tuserk's 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 campfires, 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.

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 Adlartok's

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 it's 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 yurt's beads, and is hit with the smell of roasting

meat. All around him are women eating and drinking, sitting on pillows,


27/28

near small stone pits with fires brewing in them.

A large silk curtain cuts the yurt in half, a small slit at it's bottom

catches Adlartok's 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. TUSERK'S 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.

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 father's name, and his father's, aswell?

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 TUSERKAh. 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 TUSERKYes. 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.


28/28

The Tuserk lets out of a puff of twirling smoke.

THE TUSERK

Really.

ADLARTOK

You didn't 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

You've betray the Loovik's trust in your loyalty

quickly. If I wasn't going to trust you before-

ADLARTOK

But you were going to, weren't you? Trust me?

THE TUSERK

Mmmm. Loovik will have your head,

Documents

The Three Chiefs