The Three Chiefs
Transcript of 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!
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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
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"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.
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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?
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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,
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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.
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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,