The sound of HORSES’ HOOVES hitting the turf and muffled
shouts from their riders.
TITLE CARD: “In ancient Persia, warrior priests known as Magi
ruled their kingdoms with fear and respect for the
Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda, The Lord of Wisdom,’ with faith
in the ultimate conquest of evil by good. The Magi studied
the night sky and believed that God communicated his desires
and intentions through the signs, comets, and stars he placed
in the sky. Corrupted by greed and power, a few dark Magi
turned away from their god, seeking darkness and the Evil
One...”
TITLE CARD: “’I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold
him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and
a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.’ — Numbers 24:17”
EXT. PERSIA, WILDERNESS ROAD - DAY
SUPER: NORTHEASTERN PERSIA, THIRTY B.C.
A group of SIX CARTS and TWELVE MEN on HORSEBACK and THREE
BOYS in a cart move along a twisting dirt road through a
dense forest. TWO MEN, serving as scouts, ride ahead.
Suddenly, THUMP! An arrow sinks deep into a Scout’s chest.
He falls from his horse.
The tranquility of the mountain trail is quickly shattered
with the SCREAMS of TWELVE BANDITS ATTACKING the caravan with
BOWS and SWORDS.
The other scout turns his horse and gallops toward the
caravan.
SCOUT
Move! Now!
CARAVAN LEADER (50s) beard, yellow cap, rides a WHITE HORSE.
The Leader motions with his hands to direct the carts.
CARAVAN LEADER
Quickly! Into the trees!
The cart carrying the three boys tips over onto its side,
separating the boys from their caravan.
BALTHASAR (12) Persian, tall and slim: GASPAR (12) Persian, a
bit smaller than Balthasar; and MELCHOIR (12) dark-skinned
and quite fit for his age.
The boys tumble to the ground, then quickly take cover next
to their cart and ready their bows.
Just as the surviving Scout reaches the caravan, Thump!
An arrow pierces his back and he FALLS near the boy’s cart.
There is terror on the boy’s faces as they watch the attack
unfold around them.
SHOUTING and FIGHTING everywhere.
Several BANDITS SHOUT as they charge the boys with swords.
Balthasar calmly pulls an arrow from his quiver, places it in
his bow and draws back slowly. He focuses on the closest
bandit, then lets his arrow fly.
Thump! It pierces the bandit’s chest.
GASPAR
Great shot Balthasar!
Gaspar and Melchoir draw their bows and take aim at two
SCREAMING BANDITS who are nearly on top of them.
MELCHOIR
Gaspar, I’ve got the one on the
right!
THUMP! THUMP!
Three dead bandits wearing their arrows lay near the boys.
Then, an arrow grazes Balthasar’s arm. He winces and drops
his bow.
An arrow hits Gaspar in his leg. He groans, then pulls out
the arrow with a quick jerk and covers his bleeding wound
with his hands.
A bandit charges the boys with a sword.
BALTHASAR
Melchoir, look out!
Melchoir sees that his quiver is out of reach. He drops his
bow and lunges near a fallen bandit and grabs the sword from
his hand. Just as the charging bandit begins to swing his
sword, Melchoir thrusts his sword into the bandit’s chest.
Crunch!
As the Bandit falls, he hits Melchoir on the head with the
handle of his sword. Melchoir’s head bleeds as the dying
bandit collapses on top of him.
The remaining bandits flee and the fighting ends.
The men from the caravan gather around the boys. The caravan
Leader steps forward and is joined by two men, one of whom is
dark-skinned. All three wear yellow caps and have beards.
CARAVAN LEADER
Boys, come join your fathers!
The three men hold out their fists displaying a STAR-SHAPED
RUBY RING. They remove their rings and place them on the
fingers of the boys, their sons.
Wearing big smiles and large rings, the boys raise their
swords into the air. The men CHEER and raise their swords.
Genres:
["Adventure","Action","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
A Warrior's Dilemma
EXT. ASDIN, PERSIA - FIELD - DAY
SUPER: THIRTY YEARS LATER
Balthasar is a warrior and Magi, the religious leader of his
people. He sits on a WHITE HORSE with a padded-felt saddle
cloth with a mighty lion engraved on it. A large, STAR-SHAPED
RUBY RING shines on his hand as he raises his sword up high.
HUTAN (40s), average height, very muscular, is a fearless
warrior and Balthasar’s trusted servant, who sits next to him
on a black horse.
They are surrounded by lush, green fields and TWO DOZEN
HORSES. Several majestic WHITE Nisean HORSES graze in a
fenced area posted with guards.
In the distance, Balthasar’s majestic palace made from great
grey stones, sits near the top of a hill among tall trees.
Balthasar lowers his sword, signaling TWELVE MEN on HORSEBACK
to begin practicing their battle skills. The men ride though
a field, shooting arrows at scarecrows. None of the arrows
hit their mark.
The men then ride through rows of posts topped with gourds.
They try to slice the gourds with their swords but miss.
One rider falls from his horse. Another misses a gourd and
slices his leg.
BALTHASAR
(mumbling to himself)
We are doomed.
Balthasar looks to the sky.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Have mercy on us, Ahura Mazda.
Balthasar turns his horse toward the village.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
(to Hutan)
I’ve seen enough for today.
Hutan offers some encouragement.
HUTAN
Don’t worry, Magi, they’ll become
warriors soon enough.
BALTHASAR
Let us hope they are ready when the
dark Magi comes for our horses.
Our men are no match against Aeshma
and his murderous horde.
Balthasar abruptly turns his horse and gallops off, leaving
Hutan and his men behind.
Genres:
["Historical","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Chaos in the Village Square
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE, ASDIN - DAY
Balthasar stands on a platform and wears a purple robe. TWO
FARMERS stand before him as several VILLAGERS gather near to
watch the priest at work.
FARMER
Most holy Magi, this man took my
tools and won’t return them.
BALTHASAR
Our great prophet, Zoroaster,
taught us to do good and to hate
evil. You know that stealing angers
God and weakens our trust in each
other. Is life not hard enough
without inviting the Evil One,
Angra Mainyu, into our lives?
Balthasar points to the accused Farmer.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Return what doesn’t belong to you!
Next time, you lose your hand!
Balthasar appeals to the crowd.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Too many are falling away from the
light. There will be consequences
if we turn from God!
The Villagers nod in agreement as the Farmers leave and a MAN
(50s) and his TWO SONS (20s) take their place.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
What is your grievance?
MAN
We have only a question...
Travelers who follow Buddha told my
sons that men are reborn multiple
times, living many lives. Is this
teaching true?
BALTHASAR
God doesn’t put men through such
pain and frustration. One good life
of obedience is all He requires of
us. Don’t be persuaded by those who
follow Buddha, Confucius, and other
foreign prophets!
With a sharp clap of his hands, Balthasar dismisses the men.
Onto the next...
EXT. STABLE, ASDIN - CONTINUOUS
Meanwhile, behind the palace, a group of BANDITS from the
dark Magi Aeshma steal horses. To divert attention from the
villagers, one bandit tosses a lit torch onto a hut roof.
Fire spreads fast.
Shocked by the flames, the villagers who were watching
Balthasar hear grievances in the village square arrive with
their swords brandished.
Joined by his companions on horseback, the bandit flees with
two white horses in tow, leaving a blaze in their wake that
blends into one large flame as sparks shoot toward the sky.
The village BELL CLANGS the alarm.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Ambush in Asdin
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE, ASDIN - DAY
Balthasar and Hutan run into the crowded square just as a MAN
ON HORSEBACK arrives with blood-soaked clothes. The man leans
over in his saddle, gasping to catch his breath.
MAN ON HORSEBACK
We were ambushed. They took the
white Niseans.
As the man falls from his horse, Balthasar and Hutan catch
him, then lay him gently onto the ground and begin tending to
his wound.
HUTAN
This may be the work of the dark
Magi. His men are always trying to
steal our white stallions.
Hutan stands, puts two fingers in his mouth, whistles.
BALTHASAR
If Aeshma is responsible, he may
have laid a trap for you. Be
careful.
Hutan points to a group of TWELVE MEN; the men who had been
training in the field with Hutan and Balthasar.
HUTAN
Follow me!
Hutan runs, jumps onto the horse of the fallen rider as the
appointed men scramble to their horses tied nearby.
Within seconds, Hutan and his MEN race through the village
gates and into the woods. One rider falls from his horse.
Another’s horse pulls up lame.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
In a moment, Hutan leads his men out of the woods and onto
the road. They take positions and ready their bows. The
bandits are quickly upon them but without the white horses.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! Bandits fall. A lone bandit attempts to
retreat but is overcome by Hutan’s men.
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE, ASDIN - NIGHT
Hutan trots his horse into the square which is lit by
torches. He jumps from his horse when he reaches Balthasar.
HUTAN
No sign of our horses. But we took
a prisoner. The others are no
longer among the living. They wear
Aeshma’s sign.
BALTHASAR
Thieves will steal until their
leader pays too high a price.
Two of Hutan’s men lead a bandit whose hands are bound behind
his back. Hutan motions for them to approach.
BANDIT (30s), average size, face bruised and cut, clothes
torn, is dragged along by his captors. This is same bandit
who was setting the village huts on fire.
HUTAN
We’ll see what he knows...
Hutan holds his sword against the bandit’s neck, over an
image of a GREAT HORNED VIPER SNAKE burned onto his skin.
HUTAN (CONT'D)
Tell us Aeshma’s plan and you’ll
live!
The Bandit tries to break free from Hutan’s grip, but Hutan
presses his sword firmly against the Bandit’s neck and breaks
the skin, blood drips. The Bandit squirms and tries to pull
away from the razor sharp blade.
BANDIT
You fools. Lord Aeshma will take
your kingdom. You will be
destroyed!
The Bandit spits on Hutan in defiance.
Hutan draws back his sword to strike the Bandit’s neck.
Balthasar quickly raises his hand and Hutan lowers his sword.
BALTHASAR
Tell your leader that his Persian
brothers look forward to his visit.
Balthasar laughs.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Release him.
Hutan uses his sword to slice through the Bandit’s bindings
and the Bandit runs to freedom.
Hutan flips a gold coin to Balthasar.
HUTAN
It was in his pocket. King Herod’s
name on a Roman helmet.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
A Funeral and Fears
EXT. HILLSIDE, ASDIN - DAY
On a hillside on the outskirts of the village, three mounds
of rocks serve as graves.
Balthasar wears a blue robe and stands with three weeping
WOMEN next to three mounds of rocks, serving as graves. They
are joined by a dozen VILLAGERS. Balthasar raises his arms as
he looks to the sky.
BALTHASAR
Holy and great God, Ahura Mazda,
our friends now serve you in
Heaven. Comfort their families and
protect us from the evil which has
taken their lives.
Balthasar appeals to the crowd.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
These are difficult times and we
pray that God will spare us more
pain.
A tear falls as Balthasar says a final farewell.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Rest peacefully friends, serve God
well.
Balthasar puts an arm around one of the weeping women and
leads her away from the graves. Hutan and others join them.
HUTAN
Why does Aeshma make trouble for
Asdin?
BALTHASAR
His hate and greed have driven him
deep into dark magic and the power
of Angra Mainyu. He belongs to the
Evil One.
INT. BALTHASAR’S PALACE - NIGHT
Balthasar leans over a table in a large room, featuring a
blazing fire in a large stone fireplace. Windows overlooking
the village are covered with animal skins which serve as
curtains.
Balthasar studies a map of the night sky. On the floor next
to the table is a crate full of rolled-up parchments.
Balthasar’s beautiful wife DINBANU (40s), slender with long
black hair, enters and gently kisses him on his head.
DINBANU
Searching for answers in the stars?
BALTHASAR
I don't know what I fear most:
losing our kingdom to invaders or
losing our people to the Evil One.
Balthasar and Dinbanu are joined by sons NEKDEL (12) and
TIZRAN (6).
Balthasar takes a parchment from the crate and opens it on
the table.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Come here, boys...
Nekdel and Tizran sit down next to their father.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
My old friend, Gaspar, and I used
to study the stars with our
fathers. They used these charts to
explain prophecies and predict
troubles which came our way.
Balthasar displays his star-shaped ruby ring to his sons.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Our fathers gave us these rings as
a reminder of the knowledge God
reveals through His stars.
Balthasar stands and approaches Dinbanu.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
No Magi can interpret these charts
better than Gaspar. He may hold the
answer to why our people are
turning from God.
DINBANU
Don’t be discouraged, God is with
us.
BALTHASAR
Is He?
Balthasar walks to the window and pulls the curtain back,
revealing below, near the stables, TWO MEN fighting.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
A Star in the Clouds
EXT. ROOF - BALTHAZAR’S PALACE - DAY
Balthasar paces as the sun sets. A cold wind sweeps clouds
across the sky as Dinbanu joins her husband on the roof. Two
servants light torches.
BALTHASAR
The sky hasn’t been clear for many
weeks. I fear God has abandoned us.
Will His stars reveal disaster is
upon us?
Balthasar puts his arm around Dinbanu. They watch the sky as
the clouds suddenly clear and they catch a glimpse of a
BRILLIANT STAR low on the western horizon before it is hidden
by a passing cloud.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Did you see that?!?
DINBANU
Indeed.
Balthasar scans the sky again.
BALTHASAR
But where is it now?
Balthasar moves about the roof trying to locate the bright
light.
DINBANU
Be patient, the clouds will soon
clear.
BALTHASAR
If this star is a sign from God, I
must go the place where it rests.
TWO SERVANTS who were lighting torches overhear Balthasar.
SERVANT
(whispering)
He’s going to the place of the
star? That would be quite a
journey.
Balthasar hurries to the doorway on the roof and disappears.
INT. BALTHASAR’S PALACE - DAY
Balthasar stands over a table covered with a dozen parchment
scrolls. He studies one for a moment, then picks up another.
He scans it, turns it around, studies it some more.
Dinbanu arrives.
DINBANU
The clouds are clearing.
BALTHASAR
(focused on scroll)
I don’t see that a light such as
this has ever appeared.
DINBANU
Come along... The boys are waiting.
Balthasar kisses Dinbanu on the cheek, takes her hand, and
leads her to the roof.
EXT. ROOF - BALTHASAR’S PALACE - DAY
Balthasar drapes an arm around Dinbanu as they watch the
clouds clear and the boys run around the roof.
BALTHASAR
Boys! Over here!
Nekdel and Tizran run to their father.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Be still and watch with us.
In a moment, the last cloud passes and the incredible STAR
reappears.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Fantastic! Even in the midst of the
sun’s remnants it shines!
The two servants who were lighting torches approach Balthasar
as he points to the Star.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Unlike heaven's other lights, this
star shines bright and steady. See
how the others shimmer as rocks in
a creek? But this great star,
observe its light. It’s a mighty
torch, a piece of the sun has taken
its place in the night sky!
One servant points to the Star as he shares in Balthasar’s
excitement. But the other servant scans the sky. Frustrated
in search of a star he cannot see, he shrugs his shoulders as
he mumbles to himself.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
The Call of the Star
INT. BALTHASAR’S PALACE - NIGHT
Balthasar and Dinbanu sit next to the fireplace warming
themselves.
BALTHASAR
Did you hear a servant say he
couldn’t see the Star?
DINBANU
Our boys could see it, but a
servant could not.
BALTHASAR
How is that possible? Surely a star
this amazing doesn’t signal doom.
Something extraordinary must be
happening in Persia.
Balthasar picks up the poker and pokes a log, ruminating.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
There must be others struggling
with this mystery.
DINBANU
Others like your boyhood friend
perhaps?
The FIRE POPS and a spark flies by Balthasar’s face.
BALTHASAR
Of course! Gaspar! He knows the
prophecies attributed to such
wonders.
Balthasar runs over and gives Dinbanu a kiss with excitement.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
I’ll send for him at first light!
DINBANU
You’ll send men to Shahnaz this
time of year? If it snows while
they’re in the high passes, they’ll
be buried!
BALTHASAR
Don’t trouble yourself. I’ll send
Zinawar and his men. They can
survive anything.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
A Cold Morning's Anticipation
EXT. STABLES, ASDIN - DAY
Balthasar’s servants, ZINAWAR, NECKMARD, and PULAN (30s),
pack THREE HORSES in the cold near several crude, wooden
stables where several horses are gathered inside. Balthasar
inspects supplies.
BALTHASAR
Don’t put your men at risk. If the
weather turns, or if you see signs
of bandits, return home.
Zinawar smiles as he mounts his horse.
ZINAWAR
Don’t worry about us. What shall I
tell the Magi when we reach
Shahnaz?
BALTHASAR
He’ll know why I sent for him.
INT. BALTHASAR'S PALACE - DAY
Balthasar naps next to a fire as the village bell CLANGS
faintly in the valley below.
DINBANU (O.S.)
It could be Gaspar!
Balthasar sits up, stretches his arms.
BALTHASAR
(yawning)
Or a goat escaped from its pen.
Balthasar walks to the window and spots FOUR RIDERS in the
distance. One rides a WHITE HORSE. The brilliant Star still
holds its position in the sky behind the approaching riders.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Gaspar!
Balthasar grabs his coat, rushes down the stairs and throws
open the large wooden doors. He walks briskly toward the
village as the doors bang closed behind him.
Genres:
["Historical","Fantasy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
A Joyful Reunion
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE, ASDIN - DAY
GASPAR (40s), short, stocky and clean-shaven, walks with a
slight limp. As a Magi of a neighboring kingdom and childhood
friend of Balthasar, he also wears the same STAR-SHAPED RUBY
RING as Balthasar.
Balthasar hurries to his old friend with open arms.
GASPAR
Brother Balthasar, is life so hard
you can’t afford a horse?
BALTHASAR
(laughs)
I’d rather walk than sit upon a
shabby beast as you do. How did
such an old and broken animal
survive the trip? You must have
carried it on your back!
Balthasar greets Gaspar with a bear hug and the two friends
exchange kisses on the cheek. Zinawar and his men chuckle as
the two Magi tease each other.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Old friend, we have much to
discuss.
GASPAR
I would’ve come sooner but the
weather hasn’t been good,
especially with this old horse.
BALTHASAR
So you’ve seen it?
GASPAR
How could I miss it? There’s no
star its equal.
As the Magi walk toward the palace, Balthasar gives his old
friend a nudge and a smile.
BALTHASAR
I sent for you because I feared
you’d get lost, given your many
years.
GASPAR
My many years? I heard you left
this world a long time ago.
The is much laughter as they make their way to the palace.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Stars and Conflicts
INT. BALTHASAR’S PALACE - DAY
Balthasar and Gaspar relax on a bench beside the fire.
Gaspar licks his fingers as he eats a syrup-drenched cake
from a bowl. Gaspar’s leather bag is on the floor next to
him. Gaspar takes a sip from his cup.
GASPAR
(grinning)
This drink is quite good. What
gives it its flavor?
BALTHASAR
(laughs)
I throw whatever flavorful things I
can find into the pot. This time of
year, there’s not much to choose
from, but I always seem to find
something sweet near the stables.
They share a laugh for a moment. Gaspar clears his throat and
his voice takes a serious tone.
GASPAR
You realize where God hung His
Star?
BALTHASAR
Western Persia.
Gaspar shouts a Persian expression which means “My horse’s
ear.”
GASPAR
Ispaghol! No! It hangs over the
land of the Hebrews!
BALTHASAR
You are wrong! Zoroaster taught
that God will send Persians a
Deliverer, not the Hebrews!
GASPAR
Have you consulted the Hebrew
Scriptures? The Star is Balaam's
scepter!
BALTHASAR
(offended)
I’m following Zoroaster, not the
Hebrew God!
GASPAR
The Star’s location and the Hebrew
scriptures are compelling. Perhaps
you follow the wrong god. We must
go to Jerusalem.
BALTHASAR
Have you lost your mind? Why risk
our kingdoms and our lives on a
quest for a foreign god? What could
there be in Jerusalem worth such
sacrifice? Ahura Mazda has sent the
great warrior who will restore
Persia to greatness.
Village BELL CLANGS.
Gaspar glances out the window. In the distance, he sees a
GROUP OF MEN on horseback approaching, led by a man dressed
in black.
The Star shines low in the horizon behind them.
GASPAR
You have visitors. Quite a few.
Balthasar hurries to the window.
SEVERAL of Balthasar’s WARRIORS on horseback begin lining the
road and others on foot take positions in the village square.
BALTHASAR
Silk people? They’ve been making
their way into Persia to buy
horses.
GASPAR
I can’t be sure if they’re Seres,
but by their numbers, they mean to
show their strength.
BALTHASAR
I need to go to my men before heads
begin to roll. Make yourself
comfortable until I return.
Balthasar grabs his robe off a peg on the wall, throws it on
and picks his sword up from a table.
Gaspar laughs as he grabs his robe and reaches for his sword.
GASPAR
You run to battle while I watch
from the window? I’m not the only
old man in the room.
The Magi laugh as they run outside together. The palace DOORS
BANG behind them.
VILLAGERS armed with swords and bows fill the square as the
visitors on horseback approach the gates.
The leader dressed in black is AESHMA (70s), with a scarred,
pale face. His robe and hood make for a sinister appearance.
He is a dark Magi, conjurer of demons, and the leader of
thieves and murderers.
Aeshma leads his men into the square. His horse carries a
saddle cloth with the image of a GREAT HORNED VIPER SNAKE.
Aeshma’s FLAGBEARER carries a flag displaying the same snake
image.
Balthasar’s Villagers, weapons at their sides, are ready to
respond.
Balthasar and Gaspar maneuver their horses through the crowd.
As the two Magi approach Aeshma, the Villagers raise their
swords and begin to shout at Aeshma and his men.
Balthasar raises his arms and pushes downward with his hands.
The Villagers lower their swords and back away from Aeshma.
BALTHASAR
To what do we owe this pleasure?
Your men don’t usually enter
through the gates when they visit.
Aeshma pulls back his hood, revealing his scarred face.
VILLAGERS
Oooooooh.
AESHMA
Word has come to me from your
Villagers that you seek a Star that
has appeared in the sky. Ignore the
Star! It will bring death and
destruction to those who seek its
light.
BALTHASAR
Why are you certain of this?
AESHMA
Ahura Mazda has revealed it to me.
BALTHASAR
I’ve had no such revelation.
Balthasar glances at Gaspar with a smile.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Gaspar?
GASPAR
(shakes head)
I’ve had no word from above. I
can’t image God would send anything
to that snake, except possibly a
lightning bolt.
AESHMA
Pursue the Star, and all will be
lost.
BALTHASAR
Are you worried you’ll lose
control of the trade road?
Aeshma points his finger at Balthasar; his anger builds.
AESHMA
My concern is with Zoroaster’s
teaching and the way of the Magi. I
have a duty to protect Persia!
BALTHASAR
(guffaws)
And all this time I thought you
were only looking out for yourself.
Balthasar’s men laugh for a moment, then, silence. Aeshma
pulls his hood back over his head.
AESHMA
Mark my words. You will never
survive the journey. And your
horses, your families, and your
kingdoms will soon belong to me.
As Aeshma leads his men toward the gates, the Villagers hiss,
cheer, and CLANG their SWORDS against their SHIELDS. The
noise continues long after Aeshma and his men are out of
sight.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
The Star's Dilemma
INT. BALTHASAR’S PALACE - NIGHT
Balthasar and Gaspar stand next to the fireplace.
BALTHASAR
Can you believe that conjuring old
snake tried to convince us that God
leads him.
GASPAR
He’s trying to use our faith
against us. Pay no heed to the
words of that evil coward and liar.
BALTHASAR
How can he still be alive? Our
fathers struggled with him as we
do.
GASPAR
It’s the evil that keeps him alive.
He and the others who worship the
demons thrive on hate.
BALTHASAR
I worry there may be some truth in
his words. We could suffer at the
hands of the Evil One if we follow
the star of another god!
GASPAR
I trust that God will reveal the
truth to us if we make the journey.
But I doubt we’ll solve the mystery
of the Star if we stay home like a
couple of old men. We’ll be
miserable for the rest of our lives
if we don’t seek the source of this
light.
Balthasar gives an empty crate a kick across the room.
BALTHASAR
Why would God reject Persia and
send His Messiah to Jerusalem?
Zoroaster taught us that God would
send a messiah to restore Persia to
greatness.
Balthasar walks over to his chair and collapses on it. Gaspar
pulls back the curtain to gaze at the Star.
GASPAR
The other stars move across the
sky, but this great Star holds its
position. It’s always there, low in
the western horizon.
There is something else very
strange... Have you noticed?
Balthasar thinks, then realizes and looks up quickly.
BALTHASAR
Not everyone can see it! That’s it,
isn't it?
GASPAR
Suppose God did place his Star over
Jerusalem... Why has He chosen to
reveal it to two old Medes?
Balthasar considers Gaspar’s intriguing question. Before he
can respond, Gaspar continues.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
He wants us to see what awaits in
Jerusalem.
It’s hard to argue with Gaspar’s logic. Balthasar nods.
BALTHASAR
If I make the journey, it will be
only to prove you wrong about a
Hebrew messiah. God wouldn’t show
favor to another people. The Star
heralds a return to Persia’s glory.
Chuckling, Gaspar leaves the room as Balthasar bows to pray.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
The Weight of the Journey
INT. BALTHASAR’S PALACE - DAY
Gaspar sits at the table eating syrup-drenched cake from a
bowl and licks his fingers as he studies a parchment.
Balthasar paces and Dinbanu sits by the fire.
BALTHASAR
How long to Jerusalem?
GASPAR
Not quite sure. The route, the
weather, trouble on the road, there
are many things to consider.
Gaspar clears his throat and speaks softly, thinking somehow
his words may be less alarming to Dinbanu.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
Perhaps a year to get there.
DINBANU
Surely you won’t do this!
Balthasar kisses Dinbanu gently on her forehead, then takes
hold of her hand. Looking for help, he turns to Gaspar.
BALTHASAR
A year, you’re sure of this?
GASPAR
You might not see your village
again for a couple of years.
Balthasar walks to the small evergreen tree in the corner of
the room. Small scraps of parchment hang on its branches. He
removes a scrap of parchment, looks at it and smiles, then
returns it to the tree.
BALTHASAR
I’ll be back before the second
winter -- in time for us to place
our wishes on the cypress tree.
Dinbanu pushes Balthasar’s hand away, jumps from her chair.
DINBANU
Two years! Why is this Star so
important to you?
BALTHASAR
I must know whose god sent it and
for what purpose. If it isn’t the
work of Ahura Mazda, we’re doomed.
DINBANU
(desperate)
Perhaps there is only one god and
he calls upon all people...
BALTHASAR
Then Zoroaster and his words in the
holy Avesta hold no truth for us.
Balthasar consoles Dinbanu gently.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Persians are God’s favored people,
my love. The Hebrews don’t know our
god. I must see what the Star
reveals with my own eyes.
DINBANU
Is solving this mystery worth such
risk! Your village may fall into
the hands of your enemies and your
family slaughtered!
BALTHASAR
(softly)
My love, there is no need to
trouble yourself so. We will all be
safe.
Dinbanu hurries out of the room as tears fall down her face.
Balthasar turns to Gaspar.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
If she doesn’t come to understand,
I cannot make the journey.
Balthasar sits next to the fire with his head in his hands.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
I couldn’t bare leaving Dinbanu if
she opposed the journey.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
The Call to Adventure
EXT. STABLES, ASDIN - DAY
Balthasar approaches Hutan who loads carts with other MEN.
BALTHASAR
Good morning, friend. An urgent
matter to discuss... Gaspar and I
are undertaking a long and
dangerous journey--
HUTAN
Just as my father served your
father, there’s no place you could
go where I will not follow.
Hutan picks up a sack of grain and throws it into a cart.
HUTAN (CONT'D)
But some of us wonder why you would
risk so much for another people’s
messiah...
BALTHASAR
I believe the Star announces
Persia’s return to greatness. But
we cannot be certain what the Star
holds for us. If you can commit to
the journey, will you help me
persuade others to join us?
Hutan laughs and offers a wink.
HUTAN
That won’t be difficult if you’ve
brought your purse.
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE, ASDIN - DAY
Balthasar walks through the square until he sees ETHAN (30s),
thin, scholarly, and a bit intense.
BALTHASAR
Ethan my friend. No doubt you’ve
heard of the journey we
contemplate. You are under no
obligation, but it would mean a
great deal to me if you would
consider joining us.
ETHAN
Most certainly I will join you.
The Star speaks to me as it speaks
to you. As a Hebrew, I’ve always
dreamed of someday visiting the
home of my ancestors who were taken
captive by Persia so many years
ago.
Genres:
["Historical","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
The Star's Prophecy: A Divided Quest
INT. BALTHASAR’S PALACE - NIGHT
Gaspar and Balthasar relax next to the fire, sipping tea.
GASPAR
You’re rather quiet this evening.
Have you changed your mind about
our journey?
BALTHASAR
Much work remains to convince
others to join us. Hutan, Ethan,
and my son, Nekdel, are my only
volunteers. But we need warriors.
The value of our horses alone will
attract the attention of bandits
and militias. Perhaps the needs of
this journey are beyond our reach.
GASPAR
Every journey begins with a first
step. You will soon be turning away
fearless warriors.
Balthasar responds with a nod and looks to the shining Star
on the horizon as he contemplates Gaspar’s encouraging words.
BALTHASAR
If others understood why the
mystery of this Star is so
important, they may join us. If
not, we can’t make this journey
with a handful of men!
Gaspar nods in agreement.
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE, ASDIN - NIGHT
SEVERAL MEN take their seats around a campfire. Balthasar
stands with Ethan who’s carrying a leather bag containing
parchment scrolls.
Dinbanu stands at a distance with Nekdel so she can hear what
is said.
BALTHASAR
Many of you have questions about
the Star and the nature of our
quest. We asked Ethan to now share
what his scriptures have prophesied
about the Star...
Ethan sets his bag on the ground and climbs onto the back of
a cart, so that he can be seen and heard above the flames of
the CRACKLING FIRE.
ETHAN
Jews pray for a messiah -- a king
like our King David, who ruled with
power and strength -- a messiah who
can deliver the Jews from their
suffering. Many of us believe this
Star is a sign of the Messiah.
Hutan, sitting in the back, stands up.
HUTAN
(shouting)
What proof do you offer?
Ethan pulls a scroll from his bag and glances at it.
ETHAN
The Hebrew scriptures tell us that
many years ago, God spoke through a
priest named Balaam to foretell the
coming of the Star. Balaam tried to
resist God’s words and curse the
Israelites, but God took control of
his mouth so he could only bless
them.
One MAN chimes in, responding.
MAN
(shouting)
How marvelous! I wonder if that
would work on a woman I know.
Men laugh.
ETHAN
Through God, Balaam prophesied that
a star will come out of Jacob, and
a scepter shall rise out of Israel.
These words point to the Hebrew
Messiah. In our scriptures, scepter
and star are one in the same--
BALTHASAR
Is that your best argument for the
Star heralding a Hebrew messiah? I
would not risk a long journey based
on that. I trust that you have more
to share.
ETHAN
Balaam's prophecy tells of a
scepter, which is a symbol of
royalty, and of a star that would
come out of Jacob. The Jews believe
that this star is not one that will
hang in the sky, but instead is a
man who will rise up like a star
and become a great king. Our
prophet Isaiah said that God will
give a sign and then the virgin
will give birth to a son who will
be called Immanuel -- Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, and Prince of Peace.
Hutan laughs loudly.
HUTAN
A baby born to a virgin? That’s
impossible!
BALTHASAR
Many wait for a messiah. Confucius
told of a great one who will come
in the west, and Zoroaster speaks
of a prophet who will come from the
heavens. Are these prophecies not
true?
ETHAN
I don’t know, but my heart tells me
that God has given His Star as a
sign to the Jews.
BALTHASAR
What does it matter? He’s not our
messiah!
Several men shout their approval Balthasar’s words. Ethan
carefully rolls up his scroll and replies defiantly.
ETHAN
Ignore my God at your own peril!
More shouts of disapproval from some of the men to Ethan’s
retort until Gaspar intervenes with a clap of his hands to
get everyone's attention.
GASPAR
If there is a Hebrew messiah, he
may be a great leader who brings
peace -- or a warrior who wants to
add Persia to his kingdom.
(MORE)
GASPAR (CONT'D)
We must find out which it will be.
And that is why we must follow the
Star.
A few men grumble at Gaspar’s explanation and others nod
their approval. There are several conversations among the men
as they leave the village square. Dinbanu leads Nekdel toward
the palace.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Rituals and Farewells
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - ASDIN - DAY
Balthasar performs a ritual of washing his hands, arms, and
face. He puts on a sacred shirt and ties a thick white cord
around his waist. He ties and unties the cord three times.
Balthasar walks out of the temple holding the Avesta, the
religious book which contains the teachings of Zoroaster. He
joins TWO DOZEN MEN gathered around the sacred fire.
Holding a knife, Balthasar approaches a GOAT. He slits its
throat, then raises his arms as the animals blood drips from
the knife.
BALTHASAR
Great God in Heaven, we make this
sacrifice in your honor and pray
you’ll keep us safe on our journey
and spare our village from Aeshma’s
evil.
TWO MEN carry the goat away.
Several MEN men sing hymns accompanied by ancient musical
instruments. A skinned goat turns on a spit over a fire.
Balthasar holds up a piece of cooked goat.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Friends, come and take a piece. Eat
it as a reminder of this day and of
your pledge to defend Asdin.
EXT. BALTHASAR’S PALACE ROOF - DAY
Balthasar and his younger son, Tizran, walk across the roof.
Balthasar carries a crate covered with a blanket. He sets it
down, removes the blanket, and pulls out a live falcon.
Balthasar gives a loud whistle and tosses the falcon into the
air. The falcon soars high, then swoops down into the valley.
BALTHASAR
Tizran, the bird is now yours. Feed
him well and let him fly when the
weather’s fair. I expect to see you
both in good health when I return.
Tizran tries to call the bird with a whistle, but only the
sound of air passes through his missing front teeth.
TIZRAN
It’s no use, Father. The bird won’t
fly until my teeth return.
BALTHASAR
(laughing)
It’s your command the bird obeys.
Train him to your buffalo horn.
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE, ASDIN - DAY
Dressed for the long journey, Nekdel hugs Dinbanu and Tizran
goodbye, then runs to a cart in the back of the caravan.
Keeping it together, Balthasar kisses Dinbanu as tears well
in her eyes.
BALTHASAR
I’ll see you again, my love.
Balthasar then mounts his white horse which stands next to
Gaspar’s white horse and gives Tizran a long salute.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
You are in charge now. Take care of
your mother.
Tizran salutes his father.
DISSOLVE TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
The Fire's Wrath
EXT. FIELD, PERSIA – DAY
TWO SCOUTS riding ahead of the caravan investigate smoldering
embers of what must have been a large fire containing the
remains of animal carcasses. When Balthasar and his men
approach, the Scouts ride back towards them.
SCOUT
The white Niseans were offered in
sacrifice.
BALTHASAR
Why would Aeshma destroy such
beauty?
Gaspar shakes his head, fearing the worst.
GASPAR
The dark magic has consumed him.
BALTHASAR
We may be his next sacrifice.
GASPAR
That’s what he wants you to
believe.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Balthasar’s caravan rests as Balthasar and Gaspar kneel
quietly next to a fire.
BALTHASAR
Is seeking a foreign god really
worth all this risk? You have to
agree, a child born to a virgin is
hard to believe...
GASPAR
Is that anymore of a miracle than a
star which only some can see?
There’s much we don’t understand.
Balthasar and Gaspar begin to pray, but suddenly, the small
fire erupts into a giant, roaring flame. The men fall
backwards as the flame morphs into the image of a GREAT
HORNED VIPER SNAKE.
Just as suddenly, the fire is blown out by a burst of wind,
which gusts stronger, blowing sand into the men’s eyes.
BALTHASAR
Get the tents up! Quickly!
All the men quickly erect three large tents.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Nightmares and Storms
INT. TENT - ROAD - DAY
Gaspar enters a large tent where Balthasar and several men
are huddled together. He unwraps a blanket which was covering
his head.
BALTHASAR
Aeshma won’t rest until we’re dead!
GASPAR
His power draws on our fear. We
must resist, no matter what he
throws at us.
The wind grows stronger, shaking the tent. Hutan rushes in.
HUTAN
A tent is down!
Several men rush out of the tent with Hutan.
BALTHASAR
If we had waited much longer, we
would be huddled under the carts.
Gaspar removes his cap and boots, then shakes sand out.
GASPAR
This journey will be treacherous
and this storm is only the
beginning. It could be over in a
few minutes -- or it could be with
us for many days.
Gaspar leans back on a crate.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
Several years ago, I was returning
from Merv when we were overtaken by
a horrible storm...
Three days in a tent with our
horses! To this day, I remember our
fear and the smell. If the storm
lasted any longer, we may have
eaten one of our horses.
A HORSE WHINNIES (O.S.)
GASPAR (CONT'D)
I speak too loud!
INT. - TENTS, ROAD - NIGHT
The men are all asleep. Both Balthasar and Gaspar looked
pained as they dream.
(DREAM SEQUENCE)
Balthasar and Gaspar dream that they and their men are being
slaughtered by bandits as Roman soldiers swing large swords.
Then, Aeshma and a ROBED MAN (50s), wearing a crown, watch as
the last of Balthasar’s men falls to the ground.
(END OF DREAM SEQUENCE)
INT. TENTS, ROAD - DAY
Balthasar wakes from his dream, grabbing for his sword.
BALTHASAR
Aeshma! He invades my dreams.
Gaspar stirs awake, too.
GASPAR
I saw him as well. What waits for
us in Jerusalem must be powerful.
BALTHASAR
(hint of fear)
These dreams are not normal.
GASPAR
Nothing of this journey is normal.
We are dealing with a spiritual
realm.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Tensions at Merv Gates
EXT. GATES OF MERV - DAY
Balthasar’s caravan passes through the city gates. DOZENS OF
SERES MILITIA from Han China, carrying swords and crossbows,
line the streets.
As the caravan comes to rest, a few Seres MILITIA haggle
over horse prices with the owner. They all turn to gawk at
the horses which Balthasar and his men ride.
NEKDEL
Father, are we in Han China?
BALTHASAR
No son, the Seres come here to
trade their jade and spices for
horses.
NEKDEL
I see, Father, I suppose everyone
needs horses.
GASPAR
Either we strayed off course or
Persia’s been invaded...
BALTHASAR
There are too many of them to
count. Our men will be tested, but
I pray it’s not anywhere near here.
Let’s rest our horses and be on our
way.
Several Seres militia approach Balthasar’s caravan to inspect
the horses. Hutan ignores them and walks to Balthasar who is
sharing a snack with Nekdel.
HUTAN
Seres have been asking about our
horses. Our horses are far superior
to the ones they ride.
BALTHASAR
What was your response?
HUTAN
The right answer to a fool is
silence! I would like your
permission to drive them away.
BALTHASAR
They’re no concern to us. We’re
leaving this place.
As the men bring their horses and carts into a line, Hutan
hops onto his horse and places two fingers in his mouth, then
whistles. In a moment, the caravan is moving.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Confrontation on the Dusty Road
EXT. ROAD - PERSIA - DAY
As the caravan travels on a dusty road, Neckmard gallops to
the Balthasar from a position in the back of the caravan.
NECKMARD
Riders coming fast.
BALTHASAR
How many?
NECKMARD
From their dust, perhaps a dozen,
maybe more.
BALTHASAR
Why run their horses? The closest
village is several days from here.
Gaspar leans over his horse, pulls his sword from a cart and
holds it at his side. Trying to reduce the tension, Gaspar
jokes.
GASPAR
If they’ve come for ours, they
won’t mind losing theirs. But I
could be wrong -- maybe they’ve
come to say goodbye. After all, we
did leave Merv in a hurry!
Balthasar motions for Hutan’s attention.
BALTHASAR
Take some men, slow them down!
HUTAN
Neckmard! Zinawar! Pulan!
Gaspar directs the caravan into a grove of trees for
protection. Balthasar joins Nekdel who readies his bow.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Hutan and his men ride in the direction of the approaching
TWELVE RIDERS who were among the men in Merv interested in
Hutan’s horses. Hutan raises his arm for his companions to
stop.
As the riders get closer, Hutan looks to the sky, trying to
determine the angle of the sun.
HUTAN
We don’t want a fight, but if they
raise their bows, we’ll shoot. We
will have the advantage.
ZINAWAR
We needed a good fight to get our
blood flowing!
PULAN
Here they come! They must see us,
but they’re not slowing their pace.
The approaching riders shoot arrows that fall just short of
Hutan and his men.
HUTAN
We can’t match the range of their
crossbows. We’ll be cut to pieces.
Hutan and his men turn their horses.
HUTAN (CONT'D)
Let’s leave them with the parting
shot.
(to Pulan)
Pulan, you and me first.
Neckmard and Zinawar begin trotting back toward the caravan.
Hutan and Pulan follow behind.
HUTAN (CONT'D)
Ride!
All four riders break into a gallop as the bandits close in.
HUTAN (CONT'D)
Now!
Hutan and Pulan turn and shoot arrows at the lead bandits.
Hutan’s arrow hits one of them -- THUMP! The bandit falls.
HUTAN (CONT'D)
Switch!
Neckmard and Zinawar let Hutan and Pulan pass on the outside.
Neckmard and Zinawar now follow.
NECKMARD
Ready! Shoot!
Neckmard and Zinawar turn and let their arrows fly. THUMP!
Another bandit is hit with an arrow. The riders stop.
HUTAN
We’re out of range. Pulan, stay and
watch.
Hutan, Neckmard, and Zinawar come to a quick stop next to
Balthasar and Gaspar.
HUTAN (CONT'D)
Riders with crossbows attacked us!
If we strike back quickly, we’ll
catch them off guard.
BALTHASAR
No. But if they attack again,
they’ll certainly lose their lives.
Pulan returns to the caravan.
PULAN
They retreated towards Merv.
Hutan and Pulan return to their positions ahead of the
caravan. Hutan motions for the caravan to move along.
A bit shaken, Balthasar tries a couple of times to return his
sword to its sheath before succeeding.
BALTHASAR
There may be more trouble ahead of
us.
GASPAR
Our men must stay alert. Who knows
what lies beyond the next turn in
the road?
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Hutan rides ahead of the caravan at a leisurely pace, eating
berries out of his hat. Ahead of him in a clearing, he spots
TWELVE SERES MILITIA. These men were also among the Seres
that Balthasar’s caravan encountered in Merv.
Hutan stuffs the remaining berries into his mouth, puts his
hat on his head, and gives his horse a sharp kick of his heel
and turns around. He gallops back to Balthasar and Gaspar who
wear their yellow caps.
HUTAN
Seres militia camped ahead!
GASPAR
I’ll speak to them. I’m sure they
mean us no harm.
BALTHASAR
How can you be sure? Let’s show
them our strength.
GASPAR
Trained militia won’t strike down
an old man.
Hutan hands Gaspar four sheepskins full of water. Balthasar
retrieves Gaspar’s sword from a cart and offers it to him.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
I won’t be needing that. Have
faith, friend.
BALTHASAR
May God be with you! But if you
don’t return, can I have your cart?
Gaspar glances back and offers a slight smile as he rides
slowly toward the Seres.
Genres:
["Drama","Action","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A Dangerous Encounter
EXT. CLEARING - ROAD - DAY
Gaspar stops his horse a few yards from the Seres, bows his
head briefly to say a prayer, then walks up to the Seres with
the sheepskins.
GASPAR
Friends, who is your leader?
ZHENG (50s) steps forward. He’s a fit, disciplined warrior
who commands the respect of his men.
ZHENG
I am. What do you have to say?
GASPAR
I come to greet you with water.
Gaspar hands Zheng the sheepskins.
ZHENG
I’m Zheng. You’re brave to come
alone.
Zheng keeps a sheepskin and hands the others to his men. He
drinks, rinses his mouth, then spits the water on the ground.
ZHENG (CONT'D)
Yesterday, we found a dead man on
the road. He had an image of a
snake burned onto his neck.
(MORE)
ZHENG (CONT'D)
Then, this morning, we saw dozens
of men ahead of us. Just when we
thought we would be on them, they
disappeared. Did they pass you?
GASPAR
No one passed us. But two days ago,
we were attacked by bandits, but
they retreated to Merv.
Zheng takes another drink of water.
ZHENG
They didn’t return to Merv --
they’re stalking you. The Romans
hired bandits to bring them horses.
No doubt they’ll ambush you when
you’re further up the road where
there are large boulders.
Zheng drinks again, then wipes his mouth with his sleeve.
ZHENG (CONT'D)
Archers on those rocks can quickly
overtake a caravan of your size.
GASPAR
Thank you for the warning.
ZHENG
Where does your journey take you?
GASPAR
We are Magi on our way to
Jerusalem.
ZHENG
Magi? A man wearing a yellow cap
such as yours was bound and taken
off this road a week ago. Perhaps
he was a Magi...
GASPAR
What was his appearance and who
were his captors?
ZHENG
He was dark-skinned. This road is
swarming with bandits. Everyone
without protection is at their
mercy.
Zheng takes another drink of water from the sheepskin.
ZHENG (CONT'D)
I don’t know Jerusalem, but we’ve
been as far west as Ctesphion.
We’re going north of there now to
meet a Seres caravan.
GASPAR
Our caravan could use an escort. If
my men agree, will you join us?
ZHENG
It is said in my land that the lone
sheep is in danger of the wolf.
You’re wise to seek protection. If
we can agree on a price, we’ll keep
you safe.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Tension on the Road
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Gaspar rides to the caravan and stops next to Balthasar.
GASPAR
Well friend, I still have my head.
Gaspar dismounts, hands the reins to one of the men.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
They saw Aeshma’s men trailing us
and believe they’ll ambush us where
the land gives them an advantage. A
few days ago, he saw bandits take a
Magi captive -- a dark-skinned man.
BALTHASAR
Could it have been Melchoir? We
haven’t heard from him in years.
GASPAR
We may never know who was taken.
But as I was speaking with the
militia leader, I thought about
whether this is just the beginning
of trouble for us.
Balthasar smiles and gives his friend a wink.
BALTHASAR
Have you come to your senses and
decided to return home?
GASPAR
No, no, of course not. Let’s hire
the Seres to escort us. They’re
disciplined and trained.
When Hutan overhears Gaspar’s comments, he turns to Pulan and
shakes his head in disapproval.
The Magi walk out of hearing distance of the men.
BALTHASAR
Old friend, the brightness of the
Star has weakened your eyes. Aeshma
threatens and you want to trust
foreigners with our lives and
treasure?
GASPAR
If they can be trusted, their armor
and weapons would keep us safe.
BALTHASAR
Why would you trust them? I’m
opposed to seeking help from those
we don’t know.
Frustrated, Gaspar gives a rock a kick with his boot and
limps for a moment after he stings his toe.
GASPAR
You’re still as stubborn as ever!
Speak to the Seres before you close
your mind on this.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
A Pact of Caution
EXT. CLEARING - ROAD - DAY
The Magi ride to the Seres where Zheng rests in the shade of
a large tree.
ZHENG
What have you decided?
BALTHASAR
Our carts can’t keep your pace.
When do you meet your caravan?
ZHENG
If we are late by a week or two, it
won’t be a problem.
BALTHASAR
What assurance do we have that we
are not putting our men at risk?
Zheng points to a tree where a dead man hangs from a rope.
ZHENG
One of my men robbed a traveler
last night. I hanged him this
morning.
Zheng takes a long drink from a sheepskin, wipes his mouth
with his sleeve, and hands the sheepskin to Gaspar.
ZHENG (CONT'D)
Dogs have many friends because they
wag their tails, not their tongues.
All I can offer is my word and my
honor. If we cannot agree, my men
and I will be on our way.
GASPAR
Give us a moment friend.
The Magi walk to their horses for a moment to confer.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
Your thoughts?
BALTHASAR
Their leader appears to be
responsible and in control of his
men. But one never knows what lies
in their hearts. We will be taking
a risk. I hope that we do not
regret our decision to hire them.
GASPAR
There is also a risk for us in not
hiring them.
Balthasar bows his head for a moment to pray, then concedes
to his friend.
BALTHASAR
Let’s hire them but we must watch
them closely.
The Magi bow their heads in silent prayer for a moment and
then return to Zheng and his men. The Magi embrace Zheng.
Genres:
["Historical","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
The Rift Among Friends
EXT. TENTS - NIGHT
The Magi relax next to a fire when Hutan arrives and
interrupts their conversation.
HUTAN
We don’t need the Seres. They can’t
be trusted.
BALTHASAR
The Seres know this road and the
danger it holds.
HUTAN
It’s not worth the risk of having
our throats slit as we sleep. Some
of us will return to Asdin in the
morning.
Gaspar adds his plea.
GASPAR
The ability of you and your men to
protect us is not in question. But
we fear that our modest numbers
could put us at a disadvantage.
Hutan gives a brief shake of his head.
HUTAN
You have chosen others to protect
you. There is no longer a need for
me and my men.
A frustrated Balthasar gives a glance to Gaspar, then turns
to Hutan.
BALTHASAR
I hope you will reconsider for the
sake of the friends you will be
leaving behind. You’ll put us at
great risk.
HUTAN
You have made your choice, I have
made mine.
BALTHASAR
Hutan! How can you leave after we
have come so far?!? Is this how you
honor your friends and our
fathers?!?
HUTAN
I am not the one who is at fault!
Hutan stomps off, mumbling to himself.
Gaspar places his hand on Balthasar’s shoulder.
GASPAR
Pride can be a source of strength,
but often is at the root of many
great mistakes.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Departure and Doubt
EXT. TENTS - DAY
Hutan and twelve men prepare to depart the caravan. Hutan
calls to Neckmard who sits with the Magi next to the fire.
HUTAN
Neckmard! Are you coming?
NECKMARD
No! My duty is here!
Hutan nods, mounts his horse and takes a look around to make
sure Balthasar’s men are taking notice. Hutan gives his horse
a kick and rides east with the twelve men.
BALTHASAR
How long will it be before the
others abandon us?
GASPAR
Are those your words of doubt or is
it Angra Mainyu who speaks?
BALTHASAR
If it’s God who is drawing us to
Jerusalem, He’s not giving us much
help. Hutan and I grew up together.
My heart aches.
Gaspar kicks some dirt into the fire and dumps the tea in his
cup into the smothering flames.
GASPAR
I know how close you are to Hutan
and I’m sorry this has happened. I
suppose I’m to blame. I thought we
were doing Hutan a favor by getting
him some help.
Gaspar looks to the Star on the horizon for a moment before
turning to Balthasar.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
We will have trouble on this
journey and I’ll make my share of
mistakes. But we must be of good
faith, friend.
Balthasar walks among his men until he sees Ethan. The two
walk out of hearing distance from the other men.
BALTHASAR
Has the Hebrew God ever looked
favorably upon those who were not
Hebrew?
ETHAN
I suppose so, why do you ask?
BALTHASAR
If the Star heralds the Hebrew
messiah, why would your god reveal
it to Persians?
ETHAN
I cannot explain it and you should
not question it. He will provide
the answer in time.
A depressed Balthasar drops his head and turns to walk away.
Ethan smiles and responds.
ETHAN (CONT'D)
God hasn’t revealed the Star to all
Persians.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Surrounded by Flames
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The caravan is traveling along a road surrounded by fields of
tall, dry grass. Nekdel is riding in a cart near Balthasar.
NEKDEL
I smell smoke!
Pulan gives his horse a kick and rides swiftly to Balthasar
in front of the caravan.
As Pulan and the Magi survey their surroundings, scouts ride
fast toward the Magi.
SCOUTS
Fire! Fire!
Gaspar points to smoke behind them. Pulan points to smoke up
ahead. Smoke begins to surround them in the distance.
Zheng brings his horse to a stop near the Magi. He points to
an area of the field beyond the flames where SEVERAL MEN on
horses sit. One of the riders carries a flag displaying the
image of a GREAT HORNED VIPER SNAKE.
ZHENG
This isn't the work of bandits --
there won’t be anything left for
them. Someone wants you dead.
Flames encircle them, quickly threatening the caravan. The
horses rear up and the frightened men struggle to control
them.
Balthasar raises his arms and looks to the sky. His men
respond by lowering their heads.
BALTHASAR
Great Ahura Mazda, save us from
these flames of death.
ZHENG
I need your torches. Quickly!
Balthasar reaches down from his horse and lifts Nekdel out of
a cart and places him on his horse so they can ride together.
Zheng and his men use torches to set the grass ablaze. Their
fire absorbs the approaching flames, saving them from certain
death.
Out of danger, the caravan moves slowly up the road. The men
hold cloth over their mouths as the smoke hits them.
When the smoke subsides, the men stop to watch great walls of
flames in the middle of the fields on both sides of them.
Several of the men shake their heads in disbelief of the
danger which nearly cost them their lives.
ZHENG (CONT'D)
Perhaps we should reconsider my
wages!
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Awe at Ustunawand
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Nekdel points to a large fortress on a hill.
BALTHASAR
Ustunawand!
NEKDEL
It’s magnificent, Father.
BALTHASAR
Gaspar and I wanted to surprise you
with a visit. It was built more
than a thousand years ago to honor
Zoroaster.
(MORE)
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
At one time, it was the fortress of
the greatest of Magi leaders -- our
Masmoghan. Inside those walls, Magi
praise God several times each day
before a sacred fire.
NEKDEL
Have you been here?
BALTHASAR
It’s been many years.
NEKDEL
Why was it built so high?
BALTHASAR
To be closer to Ahura Mazda.
As the caravan comes to rest on the side of the road,
Balthasar stops his horse next to Zheng.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Let’s make our camp here. A few of
us will visit the fortress and join
you before evening.
Balthasar, Nekdel, Gaspar and several of their men approach
the fortress.
NEKDEL
Such great stones! I’ve never seen
such a place!
Genres:
["Historical","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
A Tense Encounter at the Fortress
EXT. FORTRESS - DAY
A large wooden door opens slowly. TWO SERVANTS inside the
fortress pull a large rope to operate the door. HUSVAK (60s)
stands in the doorway.
HUSVAK
I am Husvak, the High Priest. What
brings you to Ustunawand?
BALTHASAR
We have come to worship.
Husvak looks over Balthasar, Gaspar and their group.
HUSVAK
You may enter, but there are no
ceremonies today.
INT. FORTRESS, GREAT ROOM - DAY
The room has stone walls and a magnificent vaulted ceiling
supported by large timbers. There are several tables in the
great room where THREE MAGI toss bones from a jar.
Several zodiac charts hang on the walls. A cloth bearing the
image of Aeshma’s sign, a GREAT HORNED VIPER SNAKE, also
hangs on a wall. Balthasar and Gaspar scan the activity which
is abhorrent to them and other Magi obedient to Ahura Mazda.
GASPAR
(whispers, angry)
Dark Magi?!? How could they be in
control of this holy place?
Husvak joins Balthasar and his group in the center.
NEKDEL
We could fit all of Asdin in here!
Husvak’s eyes focus on Balthasar and Gaspar’s RUBY RINGS.
HUSVAK
I understand that north of the
great plain, it’s customary for
Magi to wear such rings.
BALTHASAR
Our kingdoms lie a month's ride
from Merv.
HUSVAK
You have traveled far. Is Rhagae
your destination?
BALTHASAR
We follow the Star that shines over
Jerusalem.
Husvak’s smile disappears.
HUSVAK
We know of the unusual Star.
GASPAR
Some of us believe it’s a sign of
the Hebrew Messiah.
HUSVAK
Jerusalem is a long and dangerous
journey. What is the number of your
men?
Caught off guard, Gaspar pauses, takes a confident tone.
GASPAR
Our men and our Seres companions
keep us safe.
HUSVAK
I see.
Husvak leans over to speak to Nekdel.
HUSVAK (CONT'D)
You must see the view from the
roof.
Husvak leads Balthasar and his men to narrow stairs rising
along the fortress wall. Husvak takes a torch from the wall,
and Balthasar and his men follow as they climb by torch
light.
Genres:
["Historical","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
The Star's Guidance
EXT. FORTRESS, ROOF - CONTINUOUS
Balthasar and his men enter the roof from a doorway. Nekdel
runs to the roof’s edge, pulls himself up on a large stone to
look below.
The large stone Nekdel is resting on falls. He slips and
slides toward the edge.
Balthasar quickly reaches over the wall, grabbing Nekdel's
arm -- just as he is disappearing over the edge. The STONE
falls, and seconds later, it hits with a CRACK below as
Balthasar pulls Nekdel to safety.
BALTHASAR
Your carelessness nearly cost you
your life!
Balthasar lifts up Nekdel to hug him and holds him tight.
HUSVAK
Ahura Mazda must be with you.
Gaspar glances at Balthasar.
GASPAR
Without God’s help, the Evil One
would have ended our journey long
ago.
Gaspar points to the Star.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
Even in the midst of the sun we see
God’s Star!
A frustrated Husvak squints as he tries to find the Star.
HUSVAK
I have no time to search the sky
for something that should be of no
concern to Magi!
Husvak hurries to the door and leaves the roof.
GASPAR
He cannot see it!
Balthasar responds confidently.
BALTHASAR
I’m coming to believe that unless
God ignites the fire within our
soul, the Star will neither be
revealed nor understood. Only those
with hearts true to Ahura Mazda can
see it.
Gaspar places a hand on Balthasar’s shoulder and responds in
a softer tone.
GASPAR
Are you certain that its Ahura
Mazda who is at work here?
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
The Urgent Quest for Melchoir
INT. GREAT ROOM, FORTRESS - DAY
Balthasar and his men return to the great room where a
SERVANT fills cups with water. The Servant is distracted by
Balthasar’s ring and overfills one of the cups.
SERVANT
I’m sorry -- how clumsy of me.
The Servant wipes up the water with a towel.
SERVANT (CONT'D)
I was surprised to see another one
of those rings.
BALTHASAR
You’ve seen another?
Balthasar raises his hand so the Servant can see the ring.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Was he here? Where can we find him?
The Servant looks to make sure none of the Ustunawand Magi
are nearby, then turns in the direction of a darkened area of
the fortress wall, nods, and hurries away.
Balthasar and Gaspar briefly study the dark opening in the
wall as they take another drink from their cups.
EXT. FORTRESS - DAY
Balthasar’s group climbs onto their horses and slowly make
their way down the hill.
BALTHASAR
Is it Melchoir they have? He’s the
only Magi we know with such a ring.
GASPAR
We haven’t seen him since we were
boys. But I agree with you -- who
else could it be? We must free
him... and soon.
BALTHASAR
If we fail, we will rot with him in
prison.
Genres:
["Historical","Adventure","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
The Covert Entry
EXT. CAMP - NIGHT
Neckmard and Pulan enter the area where Balthasar and Gaspar
sit next to a fire.
GASPAR
What did you learn?
NECKMARD
The torches in the great room are
out and they post no guards.
Neckmard uses a stick to draw in the dirt.
NECKMARD (CONT'D)
There’s an area -- here -- where we
can leave our horses. But the
windows are out of reach, and there
is no way to open that heavy door.
Gaspar takes Neckmard’s stick and places one end of the stick
under a rock, then pushes down on it to lift the rock.
GASPAR
Neckmard, it’s just a matter of
leverage and a little muscle.
EXT. ROAD - NIGHT
In the light of a full moon, Balthasar and Gaspar quietly
lead Neckmard, Pulan, and Zheng on horseback toward
Ustunawand. Zheng leads a riderless horse.
When they near the fortress, Zheng stays with the horses as
Balthasar leads his men quietly to the fortress doors.
Neckmard carries two, four-foot long, iron bars. Pulan
carries an unlit torch.
EXT. FORTRESS - NIGHT
When they reach the fortress door, the men position
themselves on their knees next to the door.
NECKMARD
(whispering)
Where are their guards? Who is to
protect them against the evil ones?
GASPAR
(whispering)
They are the evil ones.
Once in position, Neckmard and Pulan insert the end of their
iron bars under the door and push down hard. The large door
raises just enough for the other men to get their hands
underneath the bottom of it.
When the door is four feet off the ground, Balthasar places
an iron bar under the center of the door to hold it up.
One-by-one, the men remove their hands from the door until
the bar holds firm in place. The men slide under the door.
Neckmard brings the other iron bar.
Genres:
["Adventure","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
The Great Escape
INT. GREAT ROOM, FORTRESS - CONTINUOUS
Balthasar leads the men quietly through the great room.
Moonlight entering through narrow slots in the fortress walls
provides their only light. They move to the far side of the
great room and then huddle for a moment.
Balthasar takes the unlit torch from Pulan and leads his men
down the steps.
Once below the level of the great room, Balthasar stops to
remove a small bag from his waist. He takes out a piece of
cloth and a piece of flint stone.
He places the cloth on a step, strikes the flint next to it.
A spark ignites the cloth, which he uses to ignite the torch.
He leads the men down into the bowels of the fortress.
INT. DUNGEON, FORTRESS - CONTINUOUS
The steps end at a dirt floor. Balthasar holds the torch in
front as he looks through cell doors. He sees SOMETHING in
the corner of a cell, covered with a blanket.
BALTHASAR
Someone’s in there.
Men gather around the door as Balthasar takes the torch and
places it next to the door.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
(loud whisper)
Melchoir!
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
(louder whisper)
Melchoir! Are you in there?
A groan. Another groan.
MELCHOIR (40s), dark-skinned, tall, bald, and fit, offers a
groggy response.
MELCHOIR
What's for breakfast?
Men chuckle quietly.
BALTHASAR
It’s me, Balthasar, we've come to
free you. Quickly, we don't have
much time.
Melchoir appears on the other side of the torch.
MELCHOIR
How can this be?
Melchoir shields his eyes from the flame as he strains to see
the faces on the other side of the bars. He grabs the bars of
the cell to move closer to his visitors, exposing his STAR-
SHAPED RUBY RING.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
No, it can’t be. Balthasar? Is that
really you?
BALTHASAR
Stand back while we pry the bars.
Neckmard places his bar between two bars in the cell door,
then he and Pulan men push the bar. They put their weight
into it, bending it.
Neckmard places the bar against another bar and bends it in
the opposite direction. A large space opens between the bars.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Can you squeeze through?
MELCHOIR
Two weeks ago I could not. But
tonight, I believe I can.
Melchoir sticks his head through the hole, then his
shoulders. Neckmard and Pulan grab him, pulling him through.
Melchoir gets to his feet, rubs his eyes, then focuses on
Balthasar’s face. Melchoir smiles, kisses Balthasar on the
cheeks, then turns to a smiling Gaspar.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
I can’t believe my own eyes.
Melchoir kisses Gaspar’s cheeks.
Balthasar holds the torch in front and leads the men up the
steps. He extinguishes the torch as they reach the Great
Room. They hurry to the door and quietly slip under it.
The men steady the door with their hands as Neckmard removes
the iron bar holding the door up. The men slowly lower the
door and hurry to their horses.
Zheng helps Melchoir onto the extra horse.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Campfire Conflicts
EXT. CAMPFIRE - DAY
The Magi relax as they eat next to a fire with their men.
Melchoir’s time in prison is evidenced by bruises and whip
marks.
GASPAR
How did you find your way into the
bowels of Ustunawand?
MELCHOIR
The priest in Rhagae must have told
those vipers I was on my way to
Jerusalem. Friends, there are very
powerful forces at work. Aeshma’s
reign of terror is threatened by
the power which comes from this
light.
GASPAR
Yes, I agree. And Every bandit and
Roman between here and Jerusalem is
more than willing to do Aeshma’s
bidding. He pays them quite well
from what he has stolen from
others.
BALTHASAR
Why should we put our men at risk
against these odds? There’s nothing
in Jerusalem worth the lives of our
men.
MELCHOIR
I see a financial opportunity in
Jerusalem -- that's why I'm willing
to go.
GASPAR
Melchoir, how do you plan to
prosper from this journey?
MELCHOIR
If there’s a messiah, perhaps his
power holds the key to my success.
If he has ambitions for Persia,
then an alliance with him could be
quite lucrative. We’ll either have
him or the Romans to contend with --
and the Romans can’t be trusted.
GASPAR
But this is a quest of the heart,
not of the purse.
MELCHOIR
For you perhaps. But he isn’t my
messiah -- and the god who sent him
isn’t my god.
BALTHASAR
If you believe a messiah has come
to the Hebrews, does the Avesta
still hold meaning for you?
MELCHOIR
Ah, that is the great question, is
it not? Why are the two of you
making this journey?
GASPAR
God calls us with His Star.
Gaspar glances at Balthasar until their eyes meet.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
What kind of men would we be if we
ignored God’s call?
MELCHOIR
Well, I too am curious about the
possibility of a messiah, but I see
nothing wrong with making a profit.
But there’s no doubt you’re more
honorable men than me. We should
agree we need to be on our way.
Aeshma will use all of his power to
stop us.
Balthasar forces a smile and changes the subject.
BALTHASAR
Is Ethiopia still your home?
MELCHOIR
I haven’t been there in twelve
years.
BALTHASAR
What have you been doing?
MELCHOIR
The weeks drift into months, and
before long, tomorrow has become
yesterday. For much of this time, I
was an emissary in Persia's western
province. Then about two years ago,
I began trading again.
BALTHASAR
Did you ever marry?
MELCHOIR
(laughs)
A woman can’t spend her life being
dragged over mountains and deserts!
Why -- do you have someone in mind?
BALTHASAR
If Ahura Mazda wills it, you’ll
find the right woman.
GASPAR
He’ll be kept busy finding a woman
who can tame you!
MELCHOIR
We have more important things to
discuss... Let’s stop in Rhagae for
supplies and a few camels.
BALTHASAR
Ahura Mazda didn’t intend for men
to ride those beasts!
Genres:
["Historical","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
A Nightly Scare
EXT. BALTHASAR’S TENT - NIGHT
Zheng paces quietly as he guards the horses. Pulan sits
asleep on the ground with his back against a cart. His sword
lies on the ground several feet away.
A large tiger nimbly enters the camp and brushes by the
sleeping guard and growls, waking him.
PULAN
AHAAAAA!
The Magi and their men stumble out of their tents, barefoot,
bumping into each other, with swords raised.
BALTHASAR
What is it?!?
PULAN
We were attacked by a beast -- and
I screamed to scare it off.
BALTHASAR
What?
PULAN
I woke up to see an enormous beast
at my feet, so I screamed at it.
ZHENG
I got a good look at him -- a
Caspian Tiger -- a big one. He was
making his way to the horses.
Balthasar points at Pulan.
BALTHASAR
Had the tiger been given a nudge by
Angra Mainyu, you’d be dead! If
bandits had attacked, we might all
be dead. Let this be a lesson for
us all. Stand guard as if our lives
depend on it. Our lives are in your
hands.
Balthasar looks over his half-naked, groggy group with swords
in hand and laughs. All the men share a good laugh before
returning to their tents.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
A Day in Rhagae: Laughter and Camaraderie
EXT. TENTS - DAY
At dawn, the men pack carts as Pulan walks near.
BALTHASAR
Meow!
Balthasar and the men laugh, then a few more “meows” and
laughs until Balthasar gives Pulan a hug.
EXT. RHAGAE - DAY
The Magi and Zheng lead the caravan into the city as
MUSCICIANS play and drums keep a lively rhythm.
Carts line the road full of fruit, eggs, breads, and cakes.
MERCHANTS walk alongside, showing the men gold chains, pieces
of polished jade, and silk.
JUGGLERS and MAGICIANS perform. Zodiac signs are on display.
There are shouts from an area where SEVERAL MEN gamble. They
shout as they toss stones from a cup.
As the caravan enters the city center, SEVERAL scantly clad
WOMEN dance wildly to music, twirling, jumping, and snapping
their long hair back and forth.
Balthasar’s men stop to watch the women. When Gaspar glances
back to see the men trailing far behind, he gives a shrill
whistle. But the men are mesmerized until Gaspar gives
another, louder whistle.
EXT. FIRE - NIGHT
Balthasar and his men relax around a campfire. Gaspar eats a
syrup-drenched cake from a bowl and wears a big smile.
BALTHASAR
Neckmard, in your walk through
Rhagae today, what caught your eye?
Was it the food? The music?
NECKMARD
The women, of course!
The men laugh.
BALTHASAR
You’ve seen women before...
NECKMARD
I’ve never seen women dance like
that! Their stomachs rolled to the
music like waves on the water!
The men laugh, Balthasar interrupts.
BALTHASAR
Pulan, what about you?
PULAN
Oh, how those dancers threw their
hair to the beat of the music!
Balthasar joins the men in laughter as some clap and whistle.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Camels, Stars, and Roman Intrusions
EXT. CAMEL PENS - DAY
The three Magi visit a fenced area holding TWO DOZEN CAMELS.
MELCHOIR
Incredible animals! They do well
with little, and the owner gets a
good price for them and their milk.
Still wobbly from his imprisonment, Melchoir slowly climbs
into the pen and pets a large camel.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
When water is in short supply,
there’s no better animal. They can
go for a week without food or water
and can carry twice as much as your
best horse.
Melchoir examines the camel’s mouth.
BALTHASAR
No rein in his mouth?
MELCHOIR
No, the peg is placed in the nose.
If you pull the reins like a horse,
you’ll hurt him.
The camel groans loudly.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
Hello, sweetheart.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The men struggle to pack their camels. One camel kicks a man.
Another camel bites a man trying to put reins on him.
Melchoir approaches on a camel as one of Balthasar’s camels
runs away. Neckmard chases it but slips on dung and falls.
NECKMARD
These stubborn beasts!
BALTHASAR
I’m afraid we’re not ready.
Watching from a cart, Nekdel laughs. Melchoir also laughs,
then Balthasar and his men join in. Neckmard looks up with
mud on his face and joins the chorus of laughter.
MELCHOIR
Your camels have spirit! You’ll
appreciate them when we’re boiling
under the desert sun.
Melchoir climbs down from his horse and steps between two
camels, putting an arm on each camel.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
These gentle giants are like
women... A kiss and a sweet treat
will win them over.
Melchoir pets a camel and feeds it a piece of dried fruit.
The camel gives Melchoir a lick, and Melchoir makes a kiss
sound. The men laugh at this tender moment.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROAD BACK TO ASDIN - DAY
Meanwhile, Hutan and his men share a meal around a fire.
Hutan picks up a piece of wood and drops it into the fire.
Sparks and smoke are kicked up and blown into Hutan’s face.
As he wipes the smoke from his eyes, his eyes become fixed on
the BRILLIANT STAR, shining on the horizon.
HUTAN
(astonished; softly)
Great God in Heaven, you have
revealed your Star.
Hutan’s men set down their cups and bowls, mesmerized.
The men nonchalantly resume their meal as SEVERAL ROMAN
SOLDIERS on horseback emerge from the forest and surround
them. Hutan and his men are startled and some reach for their
weapons.
HUTAN (CONT'D)
No need for weapons. They have not
raised theirs.
As the leader of the Romans quietly speaks to Hutan, he takes
a bag of coins and offers it to Hutan. Hutan shakes his head,
so the Roman takes a second bag of coins from his coat and
offers both to Hutan.
CUT TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
A Cold Encounter
EXT. ROAD TO JERUSALEM - DAY
Balthasar and Zheng lead the caravan.
ZHENG
It seems there’s never enough coats
to warm the body on mornings such
as this. My coat is not of good
quality, but it was cheap. As we
say in my land, “Cheap things are
never good and good things are
never cheap.” Your wool is thick,
does it keep you warm?
BALTHASAR
It holds the warmth well. But it’s
hard to keep my feet warm while
riding. Sometimes I walk to get the
blood flowing.
ZHENG
We jump up and down and shout
loudly. The jumping gets us warm
quickly.
BALTHASAR
What about the shouting, does that
warm you?
ZHENG
No, we shout to keep the bandits
away. Even bandits avoid wild men!
A PERSIAN COMMANDER and SIX MEN approach on horseback.
ZHENG (CONT'D)
Magi, tell him that we are your
escort. I don’t want to surprise
him.
BALTHASAR
Don’t worry, there won’t be any
trouble.
Balthasar greets the militia leader when he arrives.
MARZBAN (40s), fit, serious, and strictly military, looks
down the road, sizing up Balthasar and his caravan.
MARZBAN
I am Marzban. You’re heading into
dangerous territory. Can you defend
yourselves?
BALTHASAR
Our men are well trained and we’re
escorted by a few Seres militia.
MARZBAN
Seres?
BALTHASAR
They’ve been riding with us for
several weeks. They know this
territory better than we do.
MARZBAN
We’ll see about your Seres friends.
Comply with my requests and it will
not be necessary for me to summon
my militia.
Marzban’s six men take positions around the Magi and their
men.
GASPAR
All of a sudden, this road is
becoming a crowded place.
Marzban inspects Zheng and his men.
MARZBAN
Hand over your weapons!
ZHENG
What crime have we committed?
BALTHASAR
These men are friends! We’ll be at
great risk without them.
One of Marzban's archers takes a position on the hillside.
ZHENG
I trust he is hunting game.
MARZBAN
There’s been much trouble, caravans
attacked, travelers killed. We
check everyone we don’t know.
Zheng nods to his men and then drops his sword. His men drop
their cross bows and swords to the ground.
BALTHASAR
Let’s talk this through, friend.
Balthasar follows Marzban to Marzban’s cart. Gaspar and
Melchoir offer sheepskins to the Persian soldiers who gladly
accept the gift of water.
MARZBAN
Where did you meet your Seres
friends?
BALTHASAR
We met them several days after we
left Merv. They were coming from
the south.
MARZBAN
What’s your destination?
BALTHASAR
Jerusalem.
MARZBAN
Jerusalem? What could be there for
you?
Balthasar glances into Marzban's cart and sees SOMETHING move
under a blanket.
BALTHASAR
Is one of your men injured?
Balthasar leans over the cart, pulls back the blanket to
reveal a sleeping BOY (12).
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
(softly)
He’s just a boy. What happened to
him?
Gaspar and Zheng approach. Gaspar feels the Boy’s head.
GASPAR
How long has he been sick?
MARZBAN
Four days. We tried everything, but
he only gets weaker. He’s hot one
moment, cold the next. He can’t eat
and now can’t even hold his water.
GASPAR
Why does he travel with militia?
MARZBAN
He’s my son, my only family. Until
now, he has never been sick.
ZHENG
Perhaps my medicine man can help.
Marzban realizes he has lost control of his interrogation. He
stands at attention, then snaps back.
MARZBAN
We need no help!
GASPAR
(softly)
His time may be short.
Marzban lowers his head and relaxes his posture.
MARZBAN
Very well... Do what you can.
Zheng motions for Marzban’s men to move out of his way.
In a few moments, Zheng returns with his MEDICINE MAN (50s),
a bit wild looking. He carries a canvas bag, several pouches,
and a large wooden spoon is tied to his waist.
He feels the boy’s forehead with the back of his hand, then
holds the boy’s hands for a moment, gently rubbing his thumbs
across the top of the boy’s hands. He gently places the boy’s
hands at his side and studies him briefly, before listening
closely to his breathing.
MEDICINE MAN
(to Zheng; in Chinese)
I need to know when this began and
how... Find out as much as you can.
Zheng nods, then turns to Marzban.
ZHENG
Tell me everything you can about
the boy’s condition.
MARZBAN
It started four nights ago -- as I
said -- shortly after supper. We
all ate the same food, drank the
same water. No one else got sick.
ZHENG
Did he complain of any pain?
MARZBAN
In his stomach.
As Zheng's men boil water, the Medicine Man removes a pouch
from his waist, pulls out a few leaves and drops them into
the pot of water. He unties the wooden spoon from his waist
and stirs the pot.
In a moment, the Medicine Man removes his spoon from the
potion and hands Zheng the pot.
MEDICINE MAN
(in Chinese)
I suspect the boy ate poisonous
berries. Instruct them to feed him
a cup of this, three times.
Nekdel joins Zheng in walking back to the Boy, where Gaspar
is tending to him.
ZHENG
He must drink three cups of potion.
Start with one.
Nekdel stands on the cart’s wheel and tries his best to
reassure the boy.
NEKDEL
My friends will help you, don’t be
afraid.
Gaspar holds the Boy's head and pours the thick syrup into
his mouth. The Boy chokes and then swallows.
MARZBAN
What does your man say?
ZHENG
Your boy probably ate poison
berries. It may be too late to save
him, but his heart might respond to
the medicine.
Zheng hands the remaining potion to Marzban.
ZHENG (CONT'D)
Add more water tonight and have him
drink again. If he survives
tonight, there’s a good chance
he’ll recover.
MARZBAN
I was wrong about you. Take your
weapons. You’re free to go.
Balthasar, Gaspar, and Zheng walk toward their caravan.
ZHENG
I can’t leave this place quickly
enough.
GASPAR
What if the boy needs our help?
ZHENG
What if he dies? You saw how those
men were grinning when they had us
surrounded...
The Magi smile at Zheng’s response, but they’re not budging.
Zheng concedes with a shrug.
ZHENG (CONT'D)
I’ll tell my men to set up camp.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
A Morning of Healing and Reflection
EXT. MARZBAN’S TENT - DAY
As the sun rises to a beautiful morning sky, Marzban and his
son sit next to a smoldering fire while the Boy eats
breakfast.
When the three Magi and Zheng arrive, their faces light up at
the sight of the much improved Boy.
BALTHASAR
He’s better!
A smiling Marzban hugs his son with one arm, thrilled.
MARZBAN
His fever has broken. He’s weak but
much better.
ZHENG
He should drink another pot of
potion.
Marzban hands the pot to Zheng.
MARZBAN
Would you fill it with more?
ZHENG
It’s my pleasure to serve my
Persian friends.
MARZBAN
We sat by the fire all night. When
his fever broke, he opened his eyes
and pointed to that strange Star --
it’s as if it spoke to us.
Marzban glances at the Star, then smiles and shakes his head
in near disbelief of what he experienced.
BALTHASAR
Not everyone sees the Star, but
Ahura Mazda has revealed it to you.
Melchoir turns to Gaspar.
MELCHOIR
Is it the Star that holds the power
to heal the boy -- or was it the
potion?
GASPAR
You must search your heart for that
answer. As for me, there’s no
question God is at work here.
Melchoir looks at the Star and then turns his eyes to the
recovered Boy, before walking toward the caravan.
EXT. BALTHASAR’S CARAVAN - DAY
As Balthasar’s caravan departs, Marzban honors them with a
long salute.
MARZBAN
May the god of the Star be with
you.
Balthasar rides alongside Nekdel.
BALTHASAR
Son, keep close to me today.
NEKDEL
Do you miss mother?
BALTHASAR
I miss her and your brother, every
moment of every day.
NEKDEL
Me, too. I wonder if Tizran got his
new teeth.
Zheng joins Balthasar and Nekdel.
BALTHASAR
Zheng, we experienced something
extraordinary in this desolate
place!
Zheng smiles with a nod.
ZHENG
Yes, we Seres are greatly relieved
to be among the living. It didn’t
look good for us yesterday.
Balthasar laughs.
BALTHASAR
I was referring to the boy’s
healing and God leading us through
our trouble.
Zheng responds with a shrug of his shoulders and a smile.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
A Night of Reflection and Rising Threats
EXT. ROAD TO JERUSALEM - NIGHT
Zheng walks up to the fire, just as the three Magi complete
their evening prayers.
ZHENG
Why do you praise the fire?
Melchoir glares at Zheng. Balthasar laughs as he stands to
brush the dirt off his pants.
BALTHASAR
We don’t worship the fire. It
reminds us to purify our minds when
we call upon God.
Zheng pours himself some tea, then takes a sip from his cup.
ZHENG
Once along this road I saw a group
of Persians sacrificing a bull...
They said killing it had to do with
the struggle between good and evil.
I’m not sure who won that struggle,
but we ate bull for many days --
and it was quite tasty.
BALTHASAR
People have many ideas about God.
ZHENG
We worship many gods in my land.
It’s most confusing. Some of our
leaders worship their own fathers.
BALTHASAR
To forget one's ancestors is to be
a brook without a source -- a tree
without a root.
ZHENG
Seres believe that we will be
reborn. Because we don’t want to
come back to this world poor and
naked, we are buried with our
treasure...
(shakes head)
I’ll never understand why anyone
would put something of value in the
dirt -- yet we have a custom that
is even stranger... Seres kings are
buried with men who are not yet
dead!
BALTHASAR
Buried alive with their dead king?
That is most strange and
frightening! It must be hard for
your kings to make friends!
ZHENG
No -- it’s a great honor to be
buried with the king. But I’ve
never been terribly excited about
such an opportunity.
Balthasar and Zheng share a brief laugh. Zheng takes another
sip from his cup, then pours the remainder onto the ground.
ZHENG (CONT'D)
If we make good time tomorrow, we
should be out of the hills and onto
level land. Don’t leave your guard
down. We’ll be entering a dangerous
area.
GASPAR
Who presents a threat?
ZHENG
Well-trained murderers frequent
these hills. If there is a bounty
on Magi, this is where we should
expect trouble.
BALTHASAR
So what’s your plan for defending
us -- Aeshma may be closing in for
the kill.
Zheng taps the sword at his side.
ZHENG
I do not need a plan.
BALTHASAR
Perhaps a few suggestions about
strategy if we are attacked...
Balthasar picks up a stick and begins drawing circles in the
dirt.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Hutan and Pulan ride ahead of the caravan where they find
several carts overturned. Vultures circle above. The bodies
of THREE MEN men lie on the road.
Pulan jumps from his horse and briefly places his hand on the
neck of a MAN, then closes the man’s eyes.
Hutan and Pulan gallop to the caravan.
PULAN
Three dead men! Their bodies are
still warm.
GASPAR
What is Zheng’s plan?
PULAN
He’s looking for a clearing.
Balthasar leads the caravan to a field where Zheng has
positioned his carts into a tight circle. Zheng stands on a
cart, waving for Balthasar to join him.
Balthasar leads his carts in a circle around Zheng's carts.
ZHENG
Take cover! If we need to move
quickly, at least some of the carts
will be pointed in the right
direction.
Balthasar nods approval and then surveys the area.
BALTHASAR
We can't sit here forever.
ZHENG
I was following your advice. Do you
have a better plan?
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
The Turning Tide
EXT. ROAD TO JERUSALEM - DAY
Several of Zheng’s MEN ride ahead pulling one cart. Balthasar
and his MEN trail several minutes behind.
Suddenly, several BANDITS on horseback and on foot emerge
from behind boulders and attack the carts.
Zheng and his MEN jump out from under blankets in Balthasar’s
carts and shoot arrows. Balthasar and his MEN join the fight.
Several bandits are hit with arrows -- THUMP! THUMP!
Up ahead, Aeshma appears with MORE BANDITS on horseback.
Three of Balthasar’s men are hit with arrows and fall.
BALTHASAR
The odds have quickly changed.
Zheng runs to the Magi.
ZHENG
My men will try to hold them long
enough for you to flee.
GASPAR
Our men will never retreat.
Balthasar rides quickly to Nekdel’s cart. He is ready with
his bow. Balthasar and Nekdel turn the cart on its side.
BALTHASAR
Stay next to it for protection! If
we lose the fight, flee to the
hills and save yourself!
Nekdel hands a plate-sized shield to Balthasar, who is
puzzled by the object.
NEKDEL
It’s a shield, Father. I made it
from reeds and deer skin. Place
your hand in the strap.
BALTHASAR
Very well -- keep you head down!
Balthasar joins Gaspar and they ride to join the fight.
Gaspar smiles as he looks at the shield in Balthasar’s hand.
GASPAR
What are you going to do with that,
protect your knee?
As Balthasar and Gaspar join the fight, the number of bandits
has grown. Balthasar’s men are outnumbered. Fighting
approaches the area near Nekdel. Balthasar looks to the sky
and prays silently.
Then, Balthasar turns around when he hears shouting on the
road behind him. TWELVE RIDERS with raised swords approach --
it’s Hutan and the men who abandoned their caravan prior.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
Hutan!
Balthasar looks to the sky.
BALTHASAR
(mumbles)
Thank you.
Overjoyed, Balthasar waves for Hutan to join them. Then,
together, they charge the bandits.
Hutan swings his sword at charging bandits while his men
shoot arrows.
Aeshma and many bandits retreat, fleeing over the hillside.
A bandit jumps from behind a boulder, shoots an arrow at
Balthasar, who raises Nekdel’s shield. The arrow pierces the
shield, cutting Balthasar's finger.
Balthasar drops the shield, shoots an arrow into the arm of
the bandit -- THUMP!
The injured bandit and his companion see they are outnumbered
and surrender.
Hutan quickly grabs the bandits and throws them against a
huge boulder.
Hutan places his sword on an UNINJURED BANDIT’s neck, which
bears the brand of AESHMA’S VIPER.
HUTAN
Call on your friends to surrender
or you’ll lose your head!
The Uninjured Bandit waves his arms, getting the attention of
his cohorts.
UNINJURED BANDIT
Surrender! There are too many.
We’ll all be killed!
The bandits drop their weapons and surrender.
ZHENG
We have most of them!
Zheng leads a group of prisoners to Balthasar. They pass the
Medicine Man who tends to a bandit’s stomach wound. Several
of Balthasar’s wounded men wait for medical attention.
Gaspar notices that Balthasar’s hand is bleeding.
GASPAR
Are you hurt badly?
BALTHASAR
The wound will heal. If not for
Nekdel’s shield, the arrow would be
deep into my chest!
GASPAR
And you question whether God is
with us.
One of Zheng’s men runs up to Zheng and Balthasar.
MAN
A bandit has died. His friends want
him buried in the earth -- not by
the Magi’s way.
ZHENG
It makes no difference to me. What
is your way?
BALTHASAR
We allow the birds to make use of
the flesh, then we cover the bones
with wax, and bury them with rocks
above the ground -- to keep the
earth pure.
Zheng holds his hand on his stomach, as if he is about to be
sick. He looks up, scans the sky and then turns to his men.
ZHENG
Bury him with dirt! Quickly, before
the buzzards arrive!
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
A Night of Reckoning
EXT. NEXT TO FIRE - NIGHT
The three Magi and Hutan stand next to a cart, scooping food
out of pots and placing it into their bowls.
BALTHASAR
Hutan, why did you return?
HUTAN
God revealed the Star to us. It now
pulls on me as it pulls on you. I’m
sorry to have put you at risk, old
friend.
Hutan walks toward the fire with his food and a piece of
bread in hand. He turns toward the Magi.
HUTAN (CONT'D)
Roman soldiers are looking for you.
Several men greet Hutan with hugs and kisses to the cheeks.
MELCHOIR
If we have drawn the attention of
the Romans, then Aeshma must have a
generous bounty on us.
EXT. ROAD TO JERUSALEM - DAY
As the caravan moves along, two of Balthasar’s scouts turn
their horses into a field to inspect an untended fire.
BANDITS hiding in the brush jump to their feet and quickly
surround the unsuspecting scouts.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
A BANDIT holds a pole with a flag displaying the image of a
GREAT HORNED VIPER SNAKE. He flees as the caravan arrives.
Hutan rides to inspect the fire. The pole displaying Aeshma’s
flag is planted in the ground. Hutan catches a glimpse of two
charred bodies through the flames. He quickly returns to the
Magi. His eyes well with tears and his voice quivers.
HUTAN
That evil snake murdered our men.
The Magi climb down from their horses and walk towards the
fire as their men stand solemnly with their swords drawn.
A tear runs down Balthasar’s cheek.
BALTHASAR
Aeshma is making human sacrifices.
There may be no limit to his power.
It’s time to go home. We can’t risk
losing more lives.
Gaspar wipes the tears from his eyes with his sleeve.
GASPAR
Losing our friends also tears at my
heart. Do we run home or do we
avenge the death of our friends and
fight this evil snake!
BALTHASAR
How do we fight evil that surprises
us at every turn? Is this journey
worth the lives of our men?
GASPAR
Is it Aeshma who concerns you or do
you fear what awaits us in
Jerusalem? The light we seek is far
greater than the darkness which
confronts us now. Have faith.
Genres:
["Historical","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Narrow Escape
EXT. ROAD TO JERUSALEM - DAY
The caravan reaches a mountaintop and comes to a stop. It’s a
magnificent sight -- the clouds cover the valley below.
Balthasar and Nekdel take in the view.
NEKDEL
We’re above the clouds -- getting
closer to Ahura Mazda with each
step.
Balthasar nods with a smile.
Zheng stands on a cart to be heard.
ZHENG
If your horse stumbles on the
narrow ridges ahead, you’ll be lost
forever!
The men grumble as look ahead to see the road narrow with a
steep, rocky hill to one side and a deep ravine off the
other.
Zheng begins to lead the carts through the passage one-by-
one. One cart remains, and it’s pulled by Hutan’s horse.
Zheng leads Hutan slowly through the narrow passage.
BALTHASAR
Look out! Rocks!
Zheng and Hutan look up to see rocks tumbling down.
Zheng turns around to see Hutan’s cart sliding toward the
Ravine. Hutan swings his sword -- SWISH! He severs the rope
tying his horse to the cart. Tumbling rocks just miss Hutan’s
horse.
Hutan’s cart is smashed by a boulder and debris tumble into
the ravine, disappearing from view. Hutan and Zheng ride to
safety as Balthasar and his men cheer.
HUTAN
Whoa!
Zheng and Hutan bring their horses to a stop. Zheng slaps
Hutan on his back.
ZHENG
We are lucky men!
HUTAN
Thank you for staying with me.
Zheng gives a wink and a smile, then rides off to his men.
Hutan is greeted with claps and cheers as he reaches the
Magi. Balthasar gives him a kiss on both cheeks.
BALTHASAR
Well done!
HUTAN
It’s not all good news. The lost
cart carried Gaspar’s tent.
BALTHASAR
(laughs)
That old tent needed to go.
GASPAR
(smiles)
Old? It was improving with age!
BALTHASAR
(laughs)
That explains the smell!
Relieved that they have safely navigated the dangerous pass,
there is much laughter and chatter among the men as they
continue on their journey.
DISSOLVE TO:
Genres:
["Adventure","Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Faith Amidst the Storm
EXT. DESERT ROAD TO JERUSALEM - DAY
The men ride through the desert -- and their heavy wool coats
have given way to much lighter clothing. Hutan leads the
caravan and covers his eyes as he squints ahead.
Hutan raises his hand to stop the caravan, then points to a
great wall of sand on the horizon.
Melchoir stands on his camel and uses his hands to shield his
eyes from the sun. He turns to Balthasar and Melchoir.
MELCHOIR
Have you been through a storm in
the desert?
Melchoir studies the horizon.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
Is it Angra Mainyu himself? See how
the dark cloud in front doesn’t
rise as high as the lighter clouds
behind it?
Melchoir jumps down to the sand.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
A great wall of sand leads the
storm. I’ve never seen anything
like it!
Melchoir picks up a handful of sand, then slowly releases it
as the breeze slightly blows the sand away.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
It’ll be on us soon.
The tall black wall of sand moves quickly in their direction.
GASPAR
Can we outrun it?
MELCHOIR
No time! Ride to the larger dunes
and take our position with the wind
-- the sand will collect on the
other side. Hurry!
EXT. DESERT, LARGE DUNE - DAY
The wind blows strong as the camels bleat. The men quickly
tie strips of cloth around their heads to protect their eyes.
Zinawar loses control of his camel and struggles to stay on
it. Melchoir kicks his camel and intercepts Zinawar.
MELCHOIR
Stop pulling the reins! You’ll tear
out his nose!
Melchoir rides next to Zinawar and grabs his reins.
When they reach the caravan, Melchoir quickly ties the two
camels to the other camels.
Balthasar hands Zinawar and Melchoir pieces of wet canvas,
which they wrap around their necks to cover their faces.
Gaspar and Zinawar crawl under a cart. Balthasar joins Nekdel
under a cart.
WIND HOWLS.
With arms linked, the men lie face down under the carts. Some
fold their hands and pray. Balthasar has Nekdel under his
arm.
As the sand piles up around them, Balthasar squeezes Nekdel
to make sure he can breathe.
Using one hand to keep their piece of canvas over their
faces, men under the carts use their other hand to move away
the sand collecting near their heads so they can breathe.
Much coughing can be heard as the men struggle to breathe.
CRACK! A cart breaks in half. Men scream.
The wind slows and some men lift their heads and lower their
piece of canvas to get a glimpse of their surroundings. Some
men weep as they help each other to their feet.
Several men frantically dig out two comrades, pinned under
the collapsed cart.
The MEN rinse their mouths with water to soothe their
throats, then brush sand off each other and their Camels.
HUTAN
The men are quite shaken. Some
broken bones, but they’ll live. I
doubt they will ever recover from
the terror of the storm.
Balthasar nods in agreement.
BALTHASAR
How will any of us forget?
Balthasar turns to Melchoir.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Melchoir, you picked a good spot.
We wouldn’t be alive if we tried to
outrun the storm.
Melchoir stands on a cart to surveys the ripples of new sand
dunes that extend as far as he can see.
MELCHOIR
Great waves on a lake! The Evil One
had us by the throats, but we
slipped from his grip!
Balthasar joins Melchoir on the cart in awe of the new sand
dunes.
BALTHASAR
This must be the work of Aeshma.
MELCHOIR
Unless he has conjured up the Evil
One, this is beyond Aeshma’s dark
magic.
Silence as the Magi consider these words.
BALTHASAR
His sacrifice of our innocent men
may have increased his power to
unleash this terrible evil.
MELCHOIR
One day rocks, another day
suffocating sand. What is next for
us?
Another moment of silent contemplation until Gaspar chuckles.
GASPAR
Perhaps Melchoir led Angra Mainyu
to us? We didn’t have as much
trouble until he joined us.
The Magi share a laugh for a moment. Hutan arrives.
HUTAN
The men have had enough. They want
to return home before they lose
their lives.
GASPAR
We have come too far to retreat.
Gaspar finds Ethan and the two stand before all the MEN in a
cart.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
Men, this has been a difficult
journey, but a gem is not polished
without rubbing, nor a man
perfected without trials. We are
not the first men to be tested
while heeding God’s call.
ETHAN
The Hebrew scriptures record that
many years ago, the prophet Daniel
was a loyal servant to the great
Persian King Darius. The King had
such great respect for Daniel that
he planned to give him his kingdom.
But enemies of Daniel laid a trap --
and the law required the King to
throw Daniel into the lions’ den.
Ethan pauses and the men give him their undivided attention.
ETHAN (CONT'D)
A stone was placed over the
entrance of the den -- and the King
sealed it with his ring, so that
Daniel’s situation could not be
changed. But God sent His angel to
shut the mouths of the lions and
kept Daniel unharmed because he was
innocent in God’s sight. The King
was quite happy to learn Daniel was
safe and had him released. Daniel
was free from any wounds because he
had trusted in God.
NECKMARD
Why would a great and powerful god
go to such trouble for one man?
ETHAN
Each one of us is loved by my God
just as he loved Daniel. You may
not know my God, but He knows you.
Gaspar takes the hand of Nekdel and pulls him onto the cart.
Men smile at the sight of Nekdel who wears a big smile and
has never showed signs of fear.
GASPAR
Let me put your fears to rest --
God wants us to seek the truth. As
to Aeshma and the Evil One, I have
no doubt they want to end our
quest. But dear friends, do not
drink the fear they pour out for
us. We must have faith that God
will deliver us safely to
Jerusalem.
Nekdel claps in approval of Gaspar’s words, reassuring the
men. Melchoir raises his hands and prays.
MELCHOIR
Great God in the heavens, be you
Ahura Mazda or Yahweh, we thank you
for saving us. Continue to protect
us, for we know that Aeshma and the
Evil One desire to end our journey.
Melchoir turns to Balthasar and Gaspar.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
Forgive me for calling on the
Hebrew God. I’m no longer certain
which god leads us.
GASPAR
The true God knows what’s in our
hearts.
Balthasar picks up Nekdel and kisses him on the forehead.
Balthasar clears his throat as he wipes a tear from his eye.
BALTHASAR
I could have lost him in the sand.
How much more must we endure? It’s
only a matter of time before our
good fortune runs out.
Consoling his old friend, Gaspar puts his arms around both
Balthasar and Nekdel.
GASPAR
Good fortune is fleeting -- God’s
power enduring. Have faith, our
destination is within reach.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Dawn of Caution and Hope
EXT. PRAIRE - DAY
At dawn, Balthasar and Gaspar greet Zheng who is inspecting
carts.
ZHENG
Why aren’t you sleeping? My men and
I can find our way to our next
assignment. It’s just north of
here.
BALTHASAR
We wanted to point you in the right
direction.
ZHENG
As we say in my land, if there’s a
strong general, there will be no
weak soldiers. You’ve trained your
men well. It would’ve been good to
ride with you to Jerusalem -- but
now I can only wish you well.
Balthasar removes his coat, then hands it to Zheng, who
hesitates.
ZHENG (CONT'D)
This is the coat of a king. It
shouldn’t be worn by a beast like
me.
BALTHASAR
Take it, please. It will remind you
of our time together.
Zheng humbly accepts the coat as Balthasar and his men say
goodbye to Zheng and his men.
EXT. ROAD - DAY
The caravan is camped near a village.
The three Magi stand with their men next to their tents.
Ethan approaches with SIMCHA (60s), a rabbi. Simcha is frail
and weak of body, but he has a booming voice.
ETHAN
I visited a Jewish temple where I
met Rabbi Simcha -- hear what he
has to say.
Simcha climbs onto a cart and stands so he can be seen.
SIMCHA
Good evening, friends!
Men are puzzled by this elderly guest.
SIMCHA (CONT'D)
I’ve come to warn you of the
Romans. They’ve broken the will of
many. Their ruler, King Herod, is a
murderer who distrusts everyone.
GASPAR
We pose no threat to Herod.
SIMCHA
Be careful or you will be dealt
with harshly. Herod has already
killed one of his wives and had his
sons starved to death. His taxes
have forced many Jews to give up
their land and become bandits in
order to survive. These bandits
also pose a threat to you and all
who cross their path.
The faces of the men grow worried.
SIMCHA (CONT'D)
(softly)
I know the Star has brought you
here. Many of us see it and hope
it’s a sign of the Messiah. We
don’t discuss it -- because we’re
afraid of Herod’s anger -- for he
fears a messiah will steal his
throne.
(loudly)
But he should be afraid! We Jews
have prayed a long time for the
great warrior who will return our
land to us.
GASPAR
Simcha! You must join us and see
the messiah for yourself.
SIMCHA
It’s not possible for me, but I
will pray that God delivers you
safely. Do not draw attention to
yourselves -- and avoid Herod!
Stop here on your return and tell
me what you found in Jerusalem.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
The Clash by the Stream
EXT. GROVE OF TREES, ROAD TO JERUSALEM - DAY
The caravan rests near a stream under a grove of trees.
Nekdel sits on a limb of a pomegranate tree. While steadying
himself with one hand, he carefully picks a fruit with the
other and drops it to Balthasar. Balthasar adds it to a
basket full of the crimson fruit.
Nekdel climbs down, jumps to the ground, and helps Balthasar
carry the basket to a cart.
BALTHASAR
Well done, Nekdel! We’ll save a few
for ointment and use the rest in
stew.
Using a crate as a cutting surface, Nekdel takes a
pomegranate out, sets it on the crate, and slices it in half.
He scoops the seeds out with his hand and places them in a
small red clay jar.
Nearby, Melchoir wears a yellow cap and a red ceremonial robe
as he prepares a fire.
SEVERAL ROMAN SOLDIERS approach on horseback.
The leader of the Romans stops his horse abruptly, just short
of Melchoir’s fire, sending sand flying into it,
extinguishing the flames.
ROMAN SOLDIER
Fire worshippers! Animals! What is
your business in this place?
Melchoir picks up his sacramental knife and charges the
Roman, but another Roman jumps from his horse and tackles
Melchoir.
Balthasar's men approach the Romans with drawn swords.
Immediately, Roman soldiers surround them.
At a serious disadvantage, Balthasar sticks the point of his
sword into the sand. His men do the same.
A moment later, Melchoir's hands are bound with rope -- and
he is placed on a Roman soldier's horse and led away.
BALTHASAR
Release the priest -- he hasn’t
harmed anyone!
ROMAN SOLDIER
Your friend will be charged as an
enemy of Rome. Unless you want to
join him, you should return home!
Romans ride with Melchoir as their prisoner.
The men pull their swords out of the sand.
GASPAR
Our old friend has trouble holding
onto his freedom.
BALTHASAR
What can be done with him? Perhaps
it’s time to let him go.
Gaspar cleans the blade edge of his sword by running it
lightly through his fingers.
GASPAR
If he survives this ordeal, he’ll
either change his ways or travel
alone. We don’t want to provoke the
Romans but we should make inquiry.
Balthasar and Gaspar ride toward an oasis where there are
pools of water and lots of birds. They spot a Persian
COMMANDER resting in the shade of a tree.
BALTHASAR
Commander, the Romans hold our
companion. Will you help with his
release?
COMMANDER
What has he done?
BALTHASAR
The Romans interrupted our worship.
Our friend lost his temper and
threatened their leader with a
knife.
COMMANDER
(laughs)
Your friend is either quite brave
or the desert sun got the best of
him. Either way, I can’t help you.
I don’t control the Romans.
Balthasar pleads to his countryman.
BALTHASAR
Brother, we’re not a threat to
Rome.
COMMANDER
There are some Roman soldiers
nearby. I’ll see what I can find
out, but it’s doubtful you’ll see
him again.
EXT. OASIS - DAY
The Commander approaches TWO ROMAN SOLDIERS resting nearby.
A few minutes later, the Commander returns to the Magi.
COMMANDER
Your friend was taken to Damascus.
BALTHASAR
How can this be?!? He hasn’t harmed
anyone.
COMMANDER
Attempting to kill a Roman soldier
is punishable by death. Be glad he
wasn’t executed on the spot.
Commander walks away.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
A Chance Encounter in Damascus
EXT. OUTSIDE DAMASCUS - DAY
As Balthasar’s caravan approaches Damascus, the men notice
several crucifixion crosses on a hillside -- one holds a
body. The men do not speak, stunned.
Balthasar leaves the caravan for a moment to get a closer
look at the body. When he returns to Gaspar, he shakes his
head.
BALTHASAR
It wasn’t Melchoir. Such a horrible
way to die.
EXT. DAMASCUS - STREET - DAY
As the caravan enters the city, there is shouting as SEVERAL
MEN gamble by choosing lots and throwing bones from a jar.
Balthasar’s somber men dismount from their camels and unpack
as Balthasar and Gaspar walk into the city.
Just as Balthasar and Gaspar are about to cross a street...
DESTA (O.S.)
Out of the Way!
DESTA (30s), a beautiful, fit woman, leads a team of horses,
which brush by the Magi at full speed. Balthasar is knocked
down and is quickly helped to his feet by Gaspar.
Desta brings the horses under control, slows them down, and
brings them to a stop with her soothing voice.
BALTHASAR
(upset)
Were you trying to kill us?
DESTA
(laughing)
No, no, I saved you. They were
runaways. I jumped from my cart and
was bringing them under control
when you got in the way.
The OWNER of the horses comes running. He shouts at the
horses, then slaps one of them in the rear. Desta hands over
the reins to the owner, then jumps to the ground.
Balthasar and Gaspar laugh, clap their approval of Desta’s
bravery and mastery over the runaways.
DESTA (CONT'D)
I haven't seen you before, are you
passing through?
GASPAR
We’ve come to retrieve our friend
from the Romans.
DESTA
Oh! What has he done?
BALTHASAR
He threatened a soldier.
DESTA
Sounds like your friend needs help
-- the Romans are ruthless. What is
your friend’s name?
GASPAR
Melchoir -- he’s an Ethiopian with
a loud voice and a big heart.
DESTA
I, too, am Ethiopian. I’m willing
to help a man of my own heritage. I
supply the Romans with horses --
maybe I can persuade them.
Desta begins to walk away, then turns to the Magi.
DESTA (CONT'D)
I'll find you when I have some
news.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Reflections by the Fire
EXT. DAMASCUS - NIGHT
Balthasar and Gaspar and several of their men relax around a
fire when Pulan arrives.
GASPAR
I trust you satisfied your
curiosity with the gambling in
Damascus today?
PULAN
It wasn’t for us.
GASPAR
I hope it wasn’t expensive.
PULAN
Oh, no -- we didn’t wager.
NEKDEL
We saw men casting lots today, and
Gaspar said it was evil. But we
cast lots in Asdin.
BALTHASAR
We only do that when we need
someone for a task -- to keep the
choosing fair. The men you saw
today were wagering on the lots.
GASPAR
And they use bones to tell the
future and their women dance wildly
-- foreign customs we do not need.
NEKDEL
But we dance -- we look for signs
in the heavens.
Men laugh quietly until Balthasar looks in their direction.
GASPAR
Yes, but our intentions are what is
important. We should never use our
knowledge for evil. Unfortunately,
the shameful things you witnessed
today are becoming popular
throughout Persia.
BALTHASAR
You’ve seen how our Greek friends
try to persuade that your futures
are connected to the stars.
(MORE)
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
And they want you to pay to hear
this rubbish! The Romans and
Egyptians have also fallen to
worshipping the stars.
GASPAR
Ethan, what does your scripture
teach about the stars?
ETHAN
We are to worship God, not his
creation.
NEKDEL
What about Ethan's god? We learn
his teachings -- do we anger Ahura
Mazda?
Balthasar glances at Gaspar for a moment, then clears his
throat.
BALTHASAR
(softly)
What does your heart say?
NEKDEL
That Ahura Mazda is pleased with
Ethan's god.
Balthasar puts his arm around Nekdel and whispers.
BALTHASAR
Son, I believe you are right.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
A Bribe for Melchoir
EXT. TENTS - DAY
Desta walks into Balthasar’s camp where Balthasar and Gaspar
relax under a tree, sipping a colored fruit drink from cups.
DESTA
I found the Romans who have him.
Seems that someone has promised to
pay them generously for seizing
Magi.
GASPAR
Aeshma!
BALTHASAR
So why didn’t they take us?
GASPAR
(realizing)
Melchoir wore the royal robe -- and
we weren’t wearing our caps.
Gaspar bows his head, offers a prayer.
GASPAR (CONT'D)
Dear God whose Star leads us, free
Melchoir so he can rejoin us.
Balthasar pours some of the colored liquid into a cup and
hands it to Desta.
DESTA
Do you believe your Persian god has
power over the Romans?
GASPAR
We pray to the god whose incredible
Star we seek. Nothing is beyond the
power of a god who can create such
wonder.
Desta turns to the west and points to the Star shining near
the horizon.
DESTA
Why do you seek a star which is
beyond your reach?
GASPAR
God has given the Star as His sign.
Desta takes a seat on a crate and sips from her cup as she
contemplates Gaspar’s words.
DESTA
I have no doubt that your hearts
are true. But convincing corrupt
and murderous Romans to release
your friend may be beyond your
god’s power.
GASPAR
We have encountered many great
dangers on our quest -- and God has
led us through them all.
BALTHASAR
Perhaps God has put us in your path
so you can help our dear friend.
Desta laughs as she takes another sip from her cup.
DESTA
I’m just a horse trader. I have no
power over the Romans -- and your
god doesn’t have time for me.
GASPAR
Desta, you see the Star because God
has revealed it to you... Not
everyone can see it.
Desta sets down her cup and glances at the Star.
DESTA
If what you say is true, why would
your god show his star to me?
Balthasar and Gaspar laugh for a moment.
GASPAR
We have been asking ourselves that
same question for months. We have
come to believe its part of God’s
plan for us -- all of us --
including you.
Desta holds her head, staring at the ground for a moment.
She looks up with a smile and gives the Magi a quick wink.
DESTA
If you’re willing to make them a
better offer, perhaps we can
persuade the Romans. A few horses,
some gold or other valuables might
change their minds.
GASPAR
It’s worth a try.
BALTHASAR
If our bribe fails, we may all end
up in chains... or dead.
DESTA
One of you should join me but I
will talk to the Romans. We don’t
want them finding out who you are.
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Release and Reconciliation
EXT. FIELD - DAY
A ROMAN SOLDIER sits next to a small fire in front of a large
tent as Balthasar and Desta approach.
Balthasar wears old, tattered garments and leads TWO
beautiful HORSES. One horse carries a pack.
DESTA
We seek the release of your Magi
prisoner.
SOLDIER
Why do you want the priest?
DESTA
He is a friend of ours. We are
willing to pay for the trouble he
has caused you.
The soldier inspects the horses. Balthasar hands the soldier
the pack. The soldier looks inside briefly, nods his
approval, and returns to his tent. He soon emerges with
Melchoir in his grasp. Melchoir's hands are bound.
Balthasar hands the pack and the reins of the horses to the
soldier. Desta takes Melchoir by the arm in exchange.
Grateful, Melchoir gives Balthasar a wink as the three walk
briskly from the camp.
EXT. TENTS - NIGHT
Gaspar sits next to a fire when Balthasar and Melchoir
arrive.
One of the men hands Balthasar and Melchoir a bowl of stew.
MELCHOIR
I’m famished!
GASPAR
Only by God’s mercy are you still
alive.
BALTHASAR
All of us could have been killed.
Melchoir hangs his head.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Why did you attack that soldier in
the first place?
MELCHOIR
He called us animals and fire
worshippers!
Realizing he had put his friends through an ordeal, Melchoir
softens his tome.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
Friends, I’m deeply sorry. If it
weren’t for the two of you, I
wouldn’t be alive. Will you forgive
me?
GASPAR
You have our forgiveness but you
cannot put us at risk again.
BALTHASAR
We came close to leaving you
behind.
MELCHOIR
I would have done the same.
GASPAR
You’re fortunate Desta ran into us.
MELCHOIR
Isn’t she amazing?!? And an
Ethiopian! She has quite a
profitable arrangement here. And I
have a feeling she may be willing
to take on a partner...
BALTHASAR
(laughs)
Perhaps you have found the one who
can tame you.
Melchoir chuckles and Gaspar laughs.
GASPAR
Such a match could only be made in
Heaven!
The three Magi share a laugh as Balthasar hands Melchoir a
small loaf of bread. Melchoir spoons stew into his mouth,
then rips off a chunk of bread as Balthasar notices his empty
hand.
BALTHASAR
Your ring -- it’s gone!
Melchoir slyly removes one of his sandals, turns it upside
down, and removes part of the heel, exposing his ring.
MELCHOIR
I wasn’t going to let those Roman
buzzards have it.
DISSOLVE TO:
Genres:
["Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
The Vanishing Star
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Hutan sees Jerusalem in the distance.
HUTAN
Jerusalem! I can see it!
BALTHASAR
We can reach the city before the
sunset!
Men toss their caps and cheer.
GASPAR
Ethan, what does it mean --
Jerusalem?
ETHAN
It means “House of Shalem.” In
ancient times, Shalem was the
Canaanite god of twilight.
GASPAR
The very time we come to her.
EXT. JERUSALEM - DAY
The caravan draws attention as it enters the city. The Magi’s
yellow caps, blue robes, and the clothing of their men signal
they are foreigners.
The three Magi talk with MERCHANTS and OTHERS in the streets.
GASPAR
Where is He who has been born King
of the Jews?
The people shake their heads, ignoring them.
MELCHOIR
How can this be? They look at us as
if we’ve lost our minds.
BALTHASAR
Are you sure we’re in Jerusalem?
Melchoir glances up upward, then points in confusion.
MELCHOIR
The Star is gone!
The Magi scan the sky in disbelief.
GASPAR
How can the Star be with us night
and day and then vanish the moment
we step foot in this place?
BALTHASAR
Incredible! Our journey is a
failure.
MELCHOIR
Perhaps there is too much evil in
this place for anyone to see the
star.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
The Tension of Prophecy
INT. KING’S PALACE - DAY
KING HEROD (50s) sits in his royal chair, surrounded by
SEVERAL PRIESTS and SCRIBES. The scribes are reading pieces
of parchment stretched out on the table. Several
conversations are taking place until the King stands.
HEROD
The Persians have come looking for
a messiah -- and you tell me this
is a fulfillment of prophesy! Why
am I just now hearing about this?
The room falls silent.
HEROD (CONT'D)
Where is this messiah to be born?
A SCRIBE picks a parchment from the table.
SCRIBE
In Bethlehem of Judea; these are
the words of the prophet: "For out
of you shall come forth a ruler who
will shepherd my people, Israel."
HEROD
Guards! Bring me the Persians!
THREE ROMAN GUARDS salute Herod by bringing their right hands
to their left chests. The guards turn to leave the room.
HEROD (CONT'D)
And be quiet about it so we don't
stir up the people by drawing
attention to these Persians asking
about a messiah.
EXT. JERUSALEM - NIGHT
Herod’s THREE ROMAN GUARDS on horseback lead three riderless
horses. They come to an abrupt stop in front of the three
Magi.
ROMAN GURAD
Identify yourselves.
BALTHASAR
We are Magi from Persia.
ROMAN GUARD
King Herod would like to welcome
you personally to Jerusalem.
BALTHASAR
Such a generous invitation, but
there is no need to trouble the
King.
ROMAN GUARD
The King insists!
Balthasar huddles with Gaspar, Melchoir, and Hutan.
BALTHASAR
Looks as if our journey might end
here. Do we risk seeing the King?
MELCHOIR
We have no choice.
GASPAR
We’ll tell the King why we’re here.
We’re no threat to him.
BALTHASAR
Hutan, if you don’t hear from us in
an hour, take the caravan out of
the city to a safe place. If we
haven’t returned by morning, the
caravan is in your command.
Balthasar gives Nekdel a hug before returning to the Roman
guards.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
A Deceptive Encounter
EXT. KING’S PALACE - NIGHT
As the Roman guards lead them on horseback, Melchoir points
to a large building with ROMAN GUARDS in front of it.
MELCHOIR
Isn’t that the King’s palace?
ROMAN SOLDIER
Yes, but we take a different route.
EXT. KING’S PALACE - REAR ENTRANCE - CONTINUOUS
Melchoir and Balthasar share observations as they ride.
MELCHOIR
Must be the servants' entrance.
BALTHASAR
No one will question why we never
came out of the palace if no one
sees us enter.
INT. KING’S PALACE - NIGHT
The same three Roman guards escort the MAGI to the entrance
of a great room. One of the guards gives the door two gentle
knocks. Waiting for the door to open, the Magi whisper.
MELCHOIR
Let’s not offend Herod or we may
find ourselves nailed to a tree!
Balthasar swallows nervously.
BALTHASAR
It’s an honor to be seen by the
King. Let’s just hope Aeshma hasn’t
bribed him.
A Roman guard opens the door and the Magi enter.
ROMAN GUARD
The King will see you now!
INT. GREAT ROOM, KING’S PALACE - CONTINUOUS
As the Magi walk into the room, King Herod greets them with a
kiss on the cheeks. Servants enter and serve wine in silver
cups.
KING HEROD
Tell me, Magi, where is your home?
BALTHASAR
Near the Caspian Sea. Melchoir's
home is every place between
Ecbatana and Egypt.
KING HEROD
You have traveled a great distance.
What brings you to Jerusalem?
GASPAR
We follow the Star of the Messiah
and seek the King of the Jews.
Herod’s face tightens as he forces a smile.
KING HEROD
When did the Star first appear?
BALTHASAR
A year ago perhaps.
KING HEROD
That long? Fascinating! My priests
tell me the Messiah was to be born
in Bethlehem. Do you know that
place? It’s not far from here. If
the child was born when the Star
first appeared, he may be more than
a year old by now. I suggest you go
and search carefully for him. And
when you’ve found him, report back
to me, so that I may worship him.
BALTHASAR
A search may take some time. But
when we find him, we’ll send word.
The sinister King studies Balthasar’s face, then glances at
Melchoir and Gaspar for any hint of deception.
KING HEROD
Very well, friends.
King Herod raises his glass, then holds it until the Magi
raise their glasses.
KING HEROD (CONT'D)
To a successful search!
The men drink, then lower their glasses. Herod gives a nod to
the guards and they escort the Magi out of the room.
Herod walks to the window and scans the sky.
HEROD
What star are they talking about?
Genres:
["Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
The Magi's Dilemma
EXT. KING’S PALACE - NIGHT
The same three Roman guards deliver the Magi back to their
caravan on horseback before departing.
MELCHOIR
Why were we taken to the palace,
out of the sight of the people?
GASPAR
Did you see his face turn red when
we told him we search for the King
of the Jews?
MELCHOIR
If he knew where the Messiah was to
be born, why doesn’t he conduct his
own search? That murderer cannot be
trusted.
BALTHASAR
We have no choice but to honor his
request.
MELCHOIR
He means nothing -- ignore him!
BALTHASAR
What if he learns we didn’t honor
his request? Murdering us isn’t a
problem for someone who murdered
his own family!
Balthasar scans the sky quickly -- no Star in sight.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
We won’t find the child without the
Star! I think it’s best we leave
this place and return home.
Hutan, Ethan and the other men meet up with the Magi.
HUTAN
We have spoken with many people and
no one knows anything about the
Star -- or the Messiah.
(MORE)
HUTAN (CONT'D)
And the people here are afraid
Herod will be angered by our
questions about a messiah.
ETHAN
We were told the Pharisees
predicted God would end Herod's
government. Our arrival may have
him believing the prophecy is being
fulfilled!
People passing by stare and point at the Magi huddled in the
middle of the street.
BALTHASAR
They want us out of their city. We
haven’t found a messiah, we lost
our Star, and Herod is breathing
down our necks. Surely, Ahura Mazda
has turned away from us!
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Herod's Desperation
INT. KING’S PALACE - NIGHT
Herod stands at the window, still scanning the sky for the
Magi’s Star. He turns from the window with a worried look.
HEROD
Guard!
A GUARD quickly opens the door and enters the room.
HEROD (CONT'D)
Summon my guards!
Herod paces about the room. When he nears the window, he
scans the sky until he is interrupted by a knock at the door.
HEROD (CONT'D)
Enter!
The guard opens the door and the same three Roman guards
enter the room. The guards stand at attention, not making eye
contact with Herod.
HEROD (CONT'D)
I require your services on an
urgent matter!
Herod paces.
HEROD (CONT'D)
My Kingdom is under threat.
Herod turns to the guards.
HEROD (CONT'D)
Rome is under threat! Caesar is
under threat!
Herod's face shows red as his anger grows.
HEROD (CONT'D)
I just had a visit from Persian
priests. They travelled for more
than a year to worship the King of
the Jews. They say the Jewish
Messiah has arrived.
Herod notices the guards are not looking at him. He pokes one
of them in the chest with his finger.
HEROD (CONT'D)
Are you listening?!? I’m the King
of the Jews! Me, Herod! Appointed
by Caesar himself!
Herod shakes his head in frustration and continues.
HEROD (CONT'D)
These savages travelled a thousand
miles to worship a Jewish baby? I
won't stand for it! We’ll stop this
Messiah talk -- and we’ll stop it
now! If I lose my throne, you’ll
lose your heads!
Herod realizes he has lost his temper and has spooked his
guards. He forces a slight smile.
HEROD (CONT'D)
But with your help, we can stop
this blasphemy against Caesar. In
the morning, I want the Persians
followed. If you learn they have
disobeyed my orders, off with their
heads. Am I understood?
Genres:
["Historical","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
A Night of Decision
EXT. OUTSIDE THE GATES - JERUSALEM - NIGHT
Men are gathered around carts and Gaspar’s hands are raised
as he offers a prayer.
GASPAR
God of the Jews, hear our plea. You
led us with your Star, and we
followed.
(MORE)
GASPAR (CONT'D)
What would you have us do now?
Reveal your purpose, before our
time is no more.
BALTHASAR
In this time of trouble you call
upon the Hebrew god?
GASPAR
There have been many times on this
journey when we have been in great
peril and the God of the Star did
not abandon us. Let’s make the most
of our situation. Herod told us the
Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem.
Ethan, what does your scripture say
about that place?
Neckmard groans at the mention of Ethan.
NECKMARD
His people want us out of here --
how can he help us now?
Ethan ignores the comment and speaks loudly.
ETHAN
Micah the prophet said that, “Out
of Bethlehem of Judah shall come a
ruler, and he shall rule my people
Israel.”
MELCHOIR
Should we spend the night outside
the gates and make our way to
Bethlehem tomorrow?
BALTHASAR
No, it’s time to leave. Hutan, give
the order to move.
Hutan sticks two fingers in his mouth and makes a short,
shrill, whistle.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
How will we find the Messiah --
search Bethlehem?
GASPAR
Let’s get beyond the city and then
worry about that problem.
HUTAN
We were told that Bethlehem is five
or six miles from here. We’ll be
climbing hills into the mountains --
Bethlehem sits at the summit.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
The Star of Bethlehem
EXT. ROAD TO BETHLEHEM - NIGHT
It is very dark. Hutan lights several torches and hands them
out to a few of the men.
Nekdel rides on a camel near the front of the caravan.
Suddenly, Nekdel points to the sky ahead...
Finally, the STAR reappears ahead of them. It is brighter
than before and burns lower in the sky. It seems to be just
above the tree tops.
The men cheer wildly for a moment, then become silent as the
Star grows even brighter.
MEN
AAAAAHHHH.
The men are in awe as they climb down from their camels.
GASPAR
Amazing!
MELCHOIR
It’s as if we can reach out and
touch it!
Balthasar wipes tears from his eyes.
BALTHASAR
It moved! It no longer rests over
Jerusalem -- it’s leading us south
to Bethlehem!
Balthasar points to Jerusalem. He moves his hand across the
sky to the Star to make his point.
The men fall to their knees to pray as the Star moves slowly
in front of them.
MELCHOIR
How is this possible?
ETHAN
It’s the Shechinah Glory Cloud!
God's glory light which filled the
tabernacle and temple. The
fantastic pillar of fire that led
the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt.
Balthasar sobs, then regains his composure.
BALTHASAR
Is it the Hebrew god who leads us?
Is He here with us now? How can
this be?
Still on their knees, a weeping Balthasar hugs Gaspar tightly
while Melchoir sobs.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
Brother, I have doubted you and
your God from the beginning. A
moment ago I was convinced our
journey was a failure. Now I know
that the Messiah is real and the
God of the Hebrews is my God.
GASPAR
None of us is worthy of God’s
glory. We all had doubts, but we
had faith and we trusted in God.
That’s all He requires of anyone.
Now He leads and we must follow.
BALTHASAR
Dinbanu was right when she told us
there was one God for all people.
After a moment, Gaspar stands and reaches for Melchoir and
Balthasar’s arms and helps them to their feet. All of the men
stand close as they watch the Star -- tears streaming down
their faces.
The men walk as they lead their camels slowly toward
Bethlehem. They are quiet, mesmerized by the light.
MELCHOIR
Our Messiah lies just ahead.
Balthasar lifts up Nekdel and holds him as the Magi walk with
their eyes fixed on the Star.
BALTHASAR
Son, do you understand what is
happening?
NEKDEL
I know it’s something wonderful.
Has God joined us?
Balthasar smiles as he hugs Nekdel a little tighter.
BALTHASAR
Yes, God is with us and leads us to
the Messiah with His Star.
Nekdel looks into his father’s eyes before giving him another
hug. Balthasar turns to Gaspar and Melchoir.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
How do we properly honor Him?
MELCHOIR
We offer Him what we have.
BALTHASAR
Of our treasure, the most precious
are gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
(to Ethan)
Are these suitable gifts?
Without taking his eyes off the Star, Ethan replies.
ETHAN
Indeed. Gold is a symbol of
royalty. Frankincense is burned at
our holy altar. And myrrh reminds
us of God’s immortality.
The Magi remove chests from a cart and take out wooden boxes
for each of them to carry.
Hutan extinguishes the torches as the men leave their camels
and carts. They walk toward the Star which rests above a
small house. The men walk silently with smiles and tears.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
The Arrival of the Magi
EXT. SMALL HOUSE - NIGHT
A symbol above the doorway -- a carpenter’s square.
GASPAR
The house of a carpenter?
MELCHOIR
Can this be the place?
As they are about to knock on the door, it opens. JOSEPH (20)
stands in the doorway.
JOSEPH
Who do you seek?
BALTHASAR
We’ve come to worship the Messiah.
Joseph motions for them to enter.
MARY (20) holds the baby. The room glows with light, but the
light has no source.
The three Magi fall to their knees and, in a moment, lie flat
on their stomachs before returning to their knees. Their
faces carry the glow of God’s presence.
Balthasar’s men crowd around the doorway, taking turns to get
a glimpse of the baby. Nekdel is permitted to enter.
Ethan gets a glimpse of the baby.
ETHAN
Immanuel!
The Magi kneel next to Mary and baby Jesus to present their
gifts.
Balthasar gently sets a bag of gold on the floor, Gaspar a
jar of frankincense, and Melchoir a jar of myrrh. They bow
their heads before taking their place with their men.
MELCHOIR
(weeping)
My God, my God. I have been seeking
riches and ignoring you. How could
I be so blind?
Nekdel reaches into a small sack he carries and removes his
red clay jar. He opens the lid slightly to confirm that the
pomegranate seeds are still inside.
He closes the lid and presents Mary with the jar.
Mary smiles as she accepts the jar with one hand as she holds
the baby with her other arm.
The jar’s lid moves and immediately, the jar is full of
sprouting seeds. It quickly overflows onto the floor.
Nekdel is amazed, eyes big, mouth open. He looks at Mary for
an explanation. She merely smiles and hugs Nekdel, then
gently kisses him on the forehead.
Nekdel turns to see the men wearing big smiles as tears
stream down their faces.
It’s a quiet and tender moment as the object of their quest
falls asleep on Mary’s lap to the comforting sound of her
soft humming.
Genres:
["Drama","Spiritual"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
The Warning of the Magi
EXT. - OUTSIDE JOSEPH’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Balthasar, Gaspar, and Melchoir lay on blankets. Nekdel is
asleep next to Balthasar.
GASPAR
Perhaps we can serve the Messiah
here in some way?
BALTHASAR
We’ll need to let Herod know we
have found Him.
MELCHOIR
Let’s not share our news with
Herod.
BALTHASAR
But God is here! The Messiah has
been sent for everyone. If Herod
sees him, perhaps he’ll worship him
as we do?
MELCHOIR
Perhaps not. That murderer can’t be
trusted.
CUT TO:
DREAM SEQUENCE
An ANGEL appears before the Magi.
ANGEL
Your lives are in great danger. At
this moment, King Herod has sent
soldiers to kill you and all the
small children in Bethlehem. Flee
with haste and go home by another
road.
END OF DREAM SEQUENCE
CUT TO:
DAY
The sun rises as the Magi wake from their dream.
MELCHOIR
Wake up!
Startled, Gaspar reaches for his sword.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
I had a terrible dream.
GASPAR
I also had a dream. God wants us to
avoid Herod and leave Bethlehem
quickly!
BALTHASAR
We must warn Joseph!
Balthasar quickly walks the few steps to Joseph’s house and
is greeted by Joseph. They speak briefly, then Balthasar hugs
Joesph before returning to the Gaspar and Melchoir.
BALTHASAR (CONT'D)
I told him that death is coming --
and we are to return home by
another road. But he says they must
wait for God to speak to them.
MELCHOIR
God delivered us here -- he’ll have
no trouble protecting the Messiah.
Our presence will only draw
attention.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
A Night of Praise and Celebration
EXT. ROAD - JERICHO - NIGHT
The men are gathered around a fire with smiles and laughter.
Ethan leads prayers and songs praising God. Some men play
instruments. Nekdel beats a drum. The Magi stand together
taking in the joy.
GASPAR
Melchoir, I thought you would be
returning to Egypt?
MELCHOIR
That was my plan, but everything
has changed.
Melchoir smiles and looks toward Heaven.
MELCHOIR (CONT'D)
Perhaps God intends for me to see
Desta again... We’re heading in her
direction.
Balthasar walks near the fire, holds his hands in the air,
and the singing stops. Only the sound of the CRACKLING FIRE
can be heard.
BALTHASAR
Men, all of us have witnessed with
our eyes and our hearts that there
is only one, true God who seeks the
hearts of all men.
HUTAN
The Lord lives! Praise be!
Hutan extends his hand to Ethan who sits next to him -- the
two raise their arms toward the sky.
ETHAN
Exalted be my God, my Rock, my
Savior!
The men stand to join Hutan and Ethan in singing the
remainder of “David’s Song of Praise” from the Bible’s “2
Samuel.”
As the men sing, Balthasar lifts up Nekdel and joins Gaspar
and and Melchoir. Overcome with joy, tears stream down their
faces.
BALTHASAR
Last night, we met the Messiah and
we were in the presence of God
Himself. Tonight, God’s glorious
presence continues on with us.
Melchoir shakes his head and smiles.
MELCHOIR
I never imagined we would reach our
destination only to flee for our
lives -- but with great joy in our
hearts and a satisfaction that
comes to few men.
Gaspar nods, wipes his tears, and clears his throat.
GASPAR
God has given us an incredible
gift. And He doesn’t intend for us
to keep it to ourselves.
Melchoir places one arm around Balthasar and the other around
Gaspar. Melchoir bellows a hearty laugh.
MELCHOIR
Our journey isn’t over! It’s just
beginning!
BALTHASAR
I can’t imagine a better way to
spend our days than sharing the
Good News of God coming to live
among us!
The men toss their caps and cheer, then play their
instruments and sing songs, praising God under the night sky
full of shimmering stars.