APOKALYPSIS
By
Anthony Hayes
August 2025
(c) Rogue Star Pictures Pty Ltd
Anthony Hayes 2025
ii.
Setting...
Medieval England. Final days of the thirteenth century. Darkest of days.
Note to Reader: APOKALYPSIS adopts a gritty, naturalistic approach and is
authentic to the Book of Revelation.
The film immerses the viewer in the weight of medieval superstitions,
reflecting the religious beliefs of the time.
Deus vobiscum...
OVER BLACK:
Enebrae non cum tonitruo venerunt, sed cum silentio.
(Darkness came not with thunder, but with silence.)
1 EXT. BOGGY FIELDS/ PRESENT – PRE-DAWN 1
An abandoned scarecrow stands eerily amidst the fog,
presiding over endless blackened muddy fields. Arms
outstretched, rotten burlap clinging to its wooden crucifix.
A crow perches on its arm, pecks at the head, it falls
forward.
Hold.
TEXT ON SCREEN: Final days of the thirteenth century. Darkest
of days.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
A P O K A L Y P S I S
2 EXT. BLACKMIRE LAKE – PRE-DAWN 2
A heavy mist curls across the lifeless waters of Blackmire, its
surface like black glass, reflecting twisted, skeletal trees.
The land sucked of life. Dead.
A SICK BIRD lies near the water’s edge, wings splayed
unnaturally. A filthy, SICKLY CHILD pokes it with a black stick.
SICKLY CHILD
(mimicking a parent)
Broth shall heal thee wholly,
child...
The bird barely flaps a wing.
CLOSE: A ripple then -
Two pale corpses rise from the depths. Both children - they
bubble to the surface.
The half-dead bird cocks its head, wide eye toward the water.
The child, still as a cup, terrified, fixed on the bloated
corpses, unable to move...
As the lake settles, last remaining ripples form the...
TITLE: A P O K A L Y P S I S
3 EXT. BLACKMIRE FOREST – DAWN 3
The sickly child flees through forest mud, ducking under a
fallen tree before stopping abruptly.
His eyes fill with fear, he gasps.
We see it. Set in the mist of the forest, atop a muscular,
white stallion - A lithe white humanoid figure in a long
cloak made of shimmering serpents scales, a crown atop its
head, a pale serpent-like face beneath it.
The sickly child trembles.
The figure raises its bow, points at the boy, sharp fangs
protrude from its scaly mouth, eyes set cold as ice on the
child.
It lowers its bow, opening its hideous mouth and lets out a
scream that pierces the forest as flocks of black crows
scatter in the sky.
BLACK.
Genres:
["Horror","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Descent into Despair
4 EXT. A STARVING VILLAGE – DAY 4
Hooves pounding into black earth...
A MESSENGER rides with haste towards a desolate village, its
fields barren, its livestock withered to the bone.
Villagers, gaunt and hollow-eyed, huddle in ragged clothes, some
eye the Messenger darkly as he nears.
5 EXT. CASTLE GATES – DAY 5
Bells toll, echoing through the outskirts of the castle walls.
A mottled goat with a single, milky eye sniffs for food by a
decrepit dwelling.
It looks up suddenly - its eye wide.
The iron gates of the castle are closed shut.
MESSENGER
(Calling to the guards)
Unbar the gates! Tidings for the
King!
The gates open and the Messenger rides through. A guard shoves
beggars back with a spear shaft.
Beyond the gates, the castle, a monolithic structure of cold
stone and faded banners.
6 INT. CASTLE – PRIVATE CHAPEL – DAY 6
The bells fade:
PRINCE CEDRIC, 30’s, a weary face, anguished and restless, looks
down from the window of the chapel to the grounds below.
PEASANTS have gathered in the courtyard, throwing stones at
guards who shove them.
ANGRY MAN
Curse this forsaken realm!
A PEASANT (Whom we will later come to know more as NHOJ
ELTSOPA) stands eerily still in the chaos, draped in rags,
staring up at Cedric -
A guard beats her with a stick, dragging her away.
Cedric looks away from her back inside to a faded statue of a
saint holding a chalice. Dim candlelight flickers across the
Saint’s fearful, wide eyes - cast towards the heavens.
PRINCE CEDRIC
(eyes locked on the
chalice)
What tolls the bell now, Mother?
ISOLDE (O.S.)
Two more wee ones, lost to the
mire...
At the far end of the room, ISOLDE, Cedric’s mother and Queen,
prays by candlelight.
ISOLDE (CONT’D)
Drowned.
PRINCE CEDRIC
(not believing it)
Drowned?
Cedric turns to face her.
PRINCE CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Deaths mount to thousands... It
hath no end...
She holds his gaze for a moment, doesn’t answer, casts her
eyes back to the Saint.
ISOLDE
If the Lord turns his face from us,
mayhap we turned first...
This answer frustrates Cedric.
A slight wind passes through the chapel, it unnerves him.
SOUND OF FLAPPING WINGS as a black crow flies through the
window past Cedric and SMASHES against the Saint statue
holding the chalice, the candle flickers out.
It flaps, mangled on the floor - close on its beady eyes,
darting, before landing on Cedric. Eyeballing him.
7 EXT. CASTLE BLACKMIRE – NIGHT 7
Castle Blackmire looms. The tower’s peak shrouded in mist.
A soft wind whispers through the empty battlements. The
portcullis creaks, swaying ever so slightly.
A torch flickers on the outer wall. The light reveals a thin
trail of black water seeping through the cracks of the stone,
like veins on a dead man’s skin.
From a distance, Cedric walks along the battlements with a
GUARD.
A line of PEASANTS below, gaunt and weary.
The gates creak open... people push each other through and
onto the grounds...
Genres:
["Historical","Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Chaos in the Great Hall
8 INT. CASTLE GREAT HALL – DAY 8
The throne sits empty before the court, illuminated from windows
high above.
ANGRY PEASANT
We’ve not a morsel of grain ye
heartless dogs!
FARMER
The King leaves us to rot!
SIR RANULF, a grizzled knight bearing deep-rooted scars and his
GUARDS, wrestle with the irate mob of villagers and citizens -
their fear and hysteria echo through the great hall.
FARMER (CONT’D)
Curse ye!
SIR LEORIC, shoves the Farmer back - the farmer lands hard on
the ground, trampled by the irate crowd.
PRINCE EDRICK, Cedric’s younger brother - cold eyes cast
across the people -
SIR ALDRED
(to the crowd)
Enough! Away, I bid ye!
Reveal CEDRIC - watching, helpless.
Cedric looks to his mother, shaking his head.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Chaos at Dusk
9 EXT. CASTLE COURTYARD – DUSK 9
Torches flare in the growing dark.
A MOB of gaunt PEASANTS surge forward, eyes wild, wielding
pitchforks and stones.
GUARDS in chainmail clash with the mob, swords flashing. A
PEASANT falls, blood pooling. Another swings a club, cracking
a GUARD’s helm.
Stones smack the walls, dint the Guard’s armour.
GUARDS rush to the battlements, boots pounding.
An arrow flies, piercing a PEASANT’s chest.
A series of gates groan as they clang shut at intervals
around the castle grounds. Hurried guards secure the castle
from the revolt.
A wooden cart, piled with straw, blazes on fire. PEASANTS
shove it, roaring.
It slams the gates, sparks flying, wood splintering.
10 INT. CASTLE TOWER – DUSK 10
Cedric watches from a narrow window as the mob howls below -
burning carts, hurling stones, smoke rising.
He looks to the field beyond, where a faint vision of a rider
and horse made of fire watch from afar.
Cedric is spooked.
Genres:
["Historical","Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Shadows of Dissent
11 INT. CASTLE COUNCIL CHAMBER – NIGHT 11
A gaudy ring, set with glistening jewels in the shape of a
cross, weathered fingers.
KING AETHELRED, 60’s, sits at the head of the table, gaunt and
weary, his face a tapestry of shadows and regret.
Beside him, Prince Edrick - sits darkly and quietly -
SIR RANULF
A king must not bend to rabble!
On Cedric, standing by the doorway, half in shadow.
Sir Aldred sits quietly, his fingers running over a small piece
of red cloth. Sir Leoric, shifty and dark, throws a quick glance
at Aldred’s fingers on the cloth, face revealing a long buried
simmering guilt.
BALDWIN, the chaplain, 40’s - watches Leoric - his eyes
flicker to Aldred and the red cloth.
SIR RANULF (CONT’D)
Bow to their every whim, they wax
bold!
Cedric - from the shadows, voice bitter and piercing.
PRINCE CEDRIC
They're starving, not rebelling.
And afraid.
Eyes turn to Cedric.
PRINCE CEDRIC (CONT’D)
There come whispers of a rider upon
a white steed...
SIR RANULF
They will curse wind and witch, a
white-horsed-devil alike!
PRINCE CEDRIC
Such hath been witnessed from
France to Spain, even unto the
Moorish lands...
SIR RANULF
There is naught to be done!
Aethelred's expression hardens, anger flickering. Cedric
attempts to retort when -
Aethelred raises a hand, silencing them.
KING AETHELRED
Sit thee down.
Cedric doesn’t.
KING AETHELRED (CONT’D)
Down, I bid thee!
With a sigh that echoes years of disappointment, Cedric seats
himself next to Aethelred.
PRINCE CEDRIC
Why dost thou shun their grief?
In a surprising burst, Aethelred grips Cedric's face hard.
Aethelred’s eyes swim with a torrent of emotions — self-
loathing, bitterness.
KING AETHELRED
Thou know’st naught.
Ranulf’s eyes flick up - wary. The room thick with tension.
Aethelred releases his grip, rises with effort. Aldred stands to
assist, but the King waves him away.
He hobbles to the hearth, staring into the flames as they dance
and flicker, shadows across his hollow cheeks.
Baldwin watches, clutching his crucifix, expression grim.
Finally, Aethelred exhales.
KING AETHELRED (CONT’D)
Pray thou ne’er feel its weight.
Aethelred’s fragile figure retreats into the shadows of the
chamber, leaving behind a heady silence.
Cedric looks to Edrick, disappointed in the lack of support,
Edrick looks away, drinking wine.
12 INT. EDRICK’S CHAMBERS – NIGHT 12
A stark stone chamber, lit by dying torches.
Edrick perches on a rumpled bed’s edge, shoulders slumped, gaze
out the window.
Three WOMEN (20s, thin, clad in linens) stand in a row, summoned
for pleasure.
The door CREAKS open. Cedric steps in, he eyes the women then
his brother.
PRINCE CEDRIC
Thy silence at council doth wound me,
brother.
Edrick doesn’t turn.
PRINCE EDRICK
Such tedium. Quarrelling and
casting stones, bearing no fruit.
PRINCE CEDRIC
I hold it not so.
Edrick stands, pained, steps to the window, hands resting
on the sill.
PRINCE EDRICK
(murmuring)
No devil haunts the mire, Cedric.
‘Tis plague and hunger, born of
rain and rot.‘Tis nature’s will,
and it cares not. Naught to be done
but bear it til it pass.
PRINCE CEDRIC
I need thy voice beside mine.
PRINCE EDRICK
What difference wouldst it make? My
voice hath no weight. Thou shalt
prevail anon, yet father’s will
endures.
Cedric glances at the women, uncomfortable speaking in their
presence.
PRINCE CEDRIC
He hath no will left.
PRINCE EDRICK
Then pray he perish soon...
Cedric eyes him, then the women, her eyes cast to the floor.
He leaves.
Edrick’s gaze reaches the distant horizon, without turning in -
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
(flat)
Thee. Middle.
The WOMAN IN THE MIDDLE nods. The others bow, slipping out
silently.
The woman climbs on the bed, lies back.
Edrick glances over her naked body, signs deeply.
He moves to the bed and lies beside her, body curled. His hand
guides her arm around him, he leans to her breast, mouth closing
around it, suckling.
She strokes his hair gently. Edrick’s eyes close, seeking
comfort in her bosom.
A merry estampie played upon a vielle bleeds over -
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Feast of Shadows
13 INT. GREAT HALL – NIGHT 13
The head of a sickly boar, roasted and garnished with a piece
of fruit in its mouth.
The fiddler, his foot tapping, contrasts the somber
atmosphere of the nobles who sit at massive banquet tables,
overflowing with sugared fruits and golden goblets - an
elaborate feast.
Cedric sits several seats down. Watching in silence.
PRINCE EDRICK
(grumbling)
Hath they famished the beast ere
slaughter?
At the head of the table, King Aethelred slumped in his
chair, disinterested and dark, picks listlessly at his plate -
dropping scraps to his hounds at his feet.
A SERVANT hovers, refilling his goblet, though Aethelred
doesn’t seem to notice. Leoric however, notices her rump,
lingering there.
A SERVANT GIRL stumbles, spilling meat. Laughter erupts as
she kneels, gathering scraps, face flushed with shame.
Edrick eyes her darkly, sipping his wine, Cedric eyes him,
rises abruptly - exits.
14 EXT. BACK ALLEY – NIGHT 14
The alley behind the kitchen is dim and cold. The faint sounds
of the vielle, laughter and clinking goblets drift from the
Great Hall.
Cedric pauses in the doorway, eyes watching a small group of
PEASANTS crouched on the cobblestones, hidden.
The servant girl discards the soiled food into a slop bucket
by the kitchen door - she looks around carefully and gestures
to the peasants.
The peasants scurry from the shadows - hands grabbing
hungrily at the discarded scraps.
Among them, Cedric recognises the farmer - hunched over,
gathering scraps.
His face flushes with shame as his eyes meet Cedric.
Cedric sharply retreats into shadows.
15 EXT. CASTLE COURTYARD – NIGHT 15
CEDRIC hurries across the dark courtyard. Torches sputter,
casting shadows on the stone walls.
He rounds a corner to be met with The RED RIDER blazing on a
horse of writhing fire.
A fiery figure, eyes like black coal, great sword in his
grip, points it at Cedric who stops in his tracks, breath
catching.
RED RIDER
(Bellowing voice hissing)
Come!
On Cedric. Terrified.
The horse suddenly rears, flames igniting violently.
Cedric falls backwards onto the ground as the The Rider
charges away into the mist of the castle grounds, before
disappearing.
On Cedric. Eyes wide with fear.
16 INT. CEDRIC’S ROOM - NIGHT 16
Cedric drinks from a goblet, finishing the last of it, then
pours himself another from the flagon beside him.
Cedric’s gaze lands on a painting of his father, hanging on the
far wall.
He steps closer and takes a sword from a small table and
lifts the tip of the blade to his father’s image.
He scratches out his Father’s eyes.
17 INT. KING’S CHAMBERS - NIGHT 17
Cedric, shadowed by the dim light flickering from a nearby
candle, quietly closes the heavy doors behind him.
With cautious steps, he advances, the old timber creaking
beneath his weight.
KING AETHELRED
(whimpering, half asleep)
Who comes..?
Cedric halts, his breath catching. The soft shadows flicker on
his father's frail figure, a ghostly image in the half-light.
The King tosses restlessly, drifting deeper into his fever
dream.
Cedric creeps forward again until he is standing over his
father, the King.
He takes his Father’s old hand, studies its frailty. He
kisses it, eyes forlorn.
He places his father’s hands across his chest, rises up and
kneels over him in the bed.
He presses a pillow over his father's face, holding firm as
Aethelred’s frail body shudders faintly, then stills.
Cedric removes the pillow - looks at his father’s haggard
face in the flickering candlelight, Aethelred’s eyes wide -
emblazoned with his last moments of terror before he slipped
away.
Cedric gently draws his father’s eyes closed.
He takes a moment, looks to the window - moon shimmering
outside. A deep breath, the weight of the act he has committed.
18 INT. CASTLE CHAPEL – NIGHT 18
Darkness. The long corridor, shrouded in shadow.
CRACK.
CEDRIC'S FACE — still, barely illuminated by the glow of distant
candlelight.
CRACK.
Wet. Flesh splitting. A muffled exhale of pain.
CRACK.
Cedric, eyes fixed steady -
CRACK.
BALDWIN (O.S.)
(rasping, barely audible)
Ubi es, Deus meus...
(Where art thou God...)
Inside a room, in the dim glow of a single candle - Baldwin.
Kneeling, naked before a looming crucifix, his back marked with
old scars and fresh welts, glistening with blood.
Baldwin raises the leather scourge again -
CRACK.
It lashes his back.
ON CEDRIC - eyes flinching as -
CRACK. The scourge lashes Baldwin’s skin once more.
19 EXT. CASTLE GROUNDS – EARLY MORNING 19
The first light of dawn filters through a veil of mist that
clings to the frost-kissed earth.
The castle gates frame a half-burned cart leaning against the
wall.
Nearby, a rusted helm lies half-buried in the cold mud of the
training yard.
In the stables, steam plumes from the nostrils of an agitated
horse. It stamps a hoof, the sound echos.
In the training yard, a SOLITARY GUARD leans on his spear,
armour dull and unpolished, his head nodding under the weight of
fatigue.
A crow perches on a crumbling battlement, its head cocked. It
ruffles its feathers and lets out a sharp caw.
20 INT. CEDRIC'S QUARTERS - MORNING 20
Cedric lies in bed, his eyes open, staring at the shadows on the
ceiling. He hasn’t slept, though he pretends to stir as the door
creaks open.
A SERVANT, nervous and hesitant, steps inside.
SERVANT
My lord... I crave thy pardon, The
Chaplain presseth most urgently.
Cedric sits up.
PRINCE CEDRIC
Send him forth.
The servant bows and steps aside as BALDWIN enters. His
expression is grave.
Baldwin clutches a small, worn book of scripture, his knuckles
white against the leather.
The servant closes the door, leaving them alone.
Baldwin hesitates a moment, standing just inside the doorway,
before finally speaking.
BALDWIN
Your Grace... I bring tidings of grave
import.
Cedric watches him, his expression unreadable.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
The King... He passed ere the dawn.
Cedric says nothing. Baldwin watches him intently, the silence
between them thick.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
(softly)
It is said he suffered not.
Cedric stays silent. Baldwin steps closer, lowering his voice as
though afraid the walls might overhear.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
God’s will is oft beyond our
knowing.
The chaplain’s words hang in the air, heavy with implication.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
A new dawn rises... and with it, a
new King.
Cedric stands, places a gown around himself, crosses to the
window, pushing the curtains aside to let in the pale morning
light.
Below, the castle courtyard is eerily quiet, in the distance,
the black fields lay silent in the mist.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
Come to the chapel. Pray for his
soul... and thine own. Let grace
mend what’s wrought.
They feel a presence, Isolde is at the door, having heard the
whispers, her face already grieving.
Baldwin bows his head to the Queen, retreats to the door but he
pauses, glancing back at Cedric, conflicted, as though searching
for the truth in his face.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
May God light thy path, Your Grace.
He closes the door softly behind him. Isolde looks at her son.
ISOLDE
Come. We have much to ready.
Cedric exhales, turns back to the window, his reflection stares
back at him in the glass, haunted.
21 EXT. CHAPEL BELL TOWER – MORNING 21
A weathered hand closes around a frayed bell rope.
The iron bell shudders as its mournful toll pierces the quiet
dawn.
22 EXT. CASTLE COURTYARD – CONTINUOUS 22
The first note washes over the castle grounds.
A puddle trembles with the vibration, distorting its reflection
of the cold, grey sky.
The tolling bell continues...
23 EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE – CONTINUOUS 23
The small village stirs at the sound of the distant bell.
A PAGE BOY sprints barefoot through the muddy square, his breath
visible in the cold air.
PAGE BOY
The King is dead! Long live the
King!
One by one, they step out of their homes, faces a mix of shock,
fear, and grim acceptance.
24 EXT. KINGDOM COUNTRYSIDE - CONTINUOUS 24
The sound fades into the distance, swallowed by the barren
woods and empty roads.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
A Funeral of Shadows
25 EXT. CASTLE GATES – DAY 25
PRINCE EDRICK
Unbar the gates!
The iron gates creak open.
The thud of hooves and the grind of wooden wheels.
The funeral procession emerges. Villagers line the narrow
streets, watching in silence as -
The coffin, draped in the royal banner, creaks as it rolls on
the wooden cart pulled by horses. Knights march solemnly
alongside.
CEDRIC rides behind on horseback, his face a mask of regal
stoicism, yet turmoil flickers in his eyes. Beside him, his
mother, veiled in mourning.
Suddenly, a bruised-black cabbage is hurled, striking the cart.
Cedric’s gaze flicks to a resentful boy half-hidden in the
shadows.
Edrick steers his horse rear towards the boy - The boy’s
father tugs him back to avoid the collision.
26 EXT. CASTLE COURTYARD – DUSK 26
The pyre is lit by flames that struggle to ignite in heavy rain.
The coffin atop it. The castle looms behind.
Edrick sobs, Ranulf glances at him, as do some MOURNERS.
Isolde, poised in front of the gathering, whispers without
turning to him...
ISOLDE
Peace, be still.
Edrick wipes tears from his face and straightens.
Black smoke billows, the crowd of knights and courtiers watch
on, their faces grim.
Cedric looks to GUARDS bearing torches, they rush in and try
and assist the flames.
The black smoke intensifies, The King won’t burn.
An uneasy silence across the courtyard.
Cedric, uneasy, eyes the black smoke.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
Nightmare in the Chapel
27 INT. CHAPEL – NIGHT 27
Cedric wearing a golden crown, stands alone in a crumbling
chapel. The stone walls glisten with moisture, and a faint drip
echoes through the silence.
The altar is shattered, above it, a crooked iron cross hangs,
broken.
Candles flicker weakly along the walls as Cedric steps forward,
his eyes fixed on the cross. The cold fogs his breath.
Behind him, faint footsteps echo. He freezes.
Turning slowly to see -
A BLACK KNIGHT. Clad in jagged black armour gleaming like
polished obsidian, its SWORD long and heavy, its face hidden
behind a featureless helm.
Suddenly, the CROWN on Cedric’s head tightens.
Cedric’s hands clutch the crown, which pierces his skin deep,
blood slicks his fingers.
He sharply turns to his right hand as the back of it slams to
a wooden crucifix - a nail skewers through it.
Another loud THUMP - He looks to his left hand, nailed to the
crucifix on the other side, blood dripping from where the
large iron nail sits embedded in his skin.
Blood trickles, then streams, down his face from the crown.
WIDE - Cedric pinned to the cross, lit by a harsh light from
above.
He peers into the darkness to see the figure of his father,
Aethelred, standing forlorn and frail.
KING AETHELRED
Black. Armour. Brings. Death...
Cedric trembles...
KING AETHELRED (CONT’D)
Thy blade turns inward...
Cedric cries out in agony - but beyond the light, there is
only an infinite pit of darkness.
28 EXT. CEDRIC’S QUARTERS - MORNING 28
Cedric’s eyes bolt open. Sweat on his brow, his heart beating
in his chest. He takes a couple of short, sharp, panicked
breaths, feeling for the crown on his head.
Genres:
["Historical","Fantasy","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
The Weight of the Crown
29 INT. GREAT HALL – DAY 29
A Godly hymn fills the cavernous hall -
Light through narrow windows, illuminating pillars adorned
with Royal banners emblazoned with gold crests and crosses.
Crucified JESUS presides over -
INTERCUT
Cedric sits in his chambers.
Before him, a wooden table, crown jewels: a polished gold
chain, an ornate signet ring, and other symbols of royalty.
INTERCUT
A procession moving slowly down the centre of the hall, the
echo of solemn PRIESTS, swinging censers, releasing tendrils
of smokey incense.
INTERCUT
He places a ring on his finger, bearing a bejewelled cross -
hands shaking, he clasps one with the other to quell it.
INTERCUT
Cedric, wearing a deep crimson robe, walks at its head.
The throne lies in waiting, the altar where the CROWN awaits —
Cedric kneels before the altar, visibly overwhelmed by the
occasion, eyes on crucified Jesus towering below the stained
glass window.
Isolde’s eyes are fixed on him, a blend of pride and melancholy.
Baldwin pours oil onto Cedric’s brow. A priest raises the crown,
lowering it onto Cedric’s head.
Edrick's expression betrays his jealousy.
Cedric rises. He takes a moment, summoning regal pride - turns
to face the assembly.
Sir Aldred stands proud next to his son, OSWIN (12 years old),
he places a hand on the boy’s shoulder.
Leoric eyes cast from Aldred and Oswin to the large crucified
Jesus towering above the new King.
Baldwin and the YOUNG PRIESTS bow their heads.
Ranulf watches on - no defiance, only trepidation.
Cedric takes his seat in the throne, anchoring himself against
the tide of emotions that threaten to overwhelm him.
The throne has a new king.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
The Weight of Oaths
30 INT. CASTLE ARMOURY – DUSK 30
KING CEDRIC
I would have thee ride with me, I
may not achieve this unaided.
The armoury is vast but cold, lit by flickering torchlight.
RANULF sits alone on a bench, polishing his sword with slow,
deliberate movements, Cedric stands, watching him.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Hath age dulled thy tongue as well as
thy steel?
Ranulf doesn’t look up, his focus fixed on the blade, face drawn
— a man haunted.
SIR RANULF
(softly)
What is it thou seekest in the mire,
Young King?
KING CEDRIC
Not what, but why. Let the deed
echo louder than the doubt.
Ranulf’s brow furrows.
SIR RANULF
Thou seest not my bane.
KING CEDRIC
I ask only what is sworn.
Ranulf sets his sword down. He looks up at Cedric.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
By oath and steel, thou art bound to
thy King.
SIR RANULF
I have seen horrors beyond darkness
in the Mire.
KING CEDRIC
Then thou know’st what is asked.
SIR RANULF
Aye. A pit that hath no end.
KING CEDRIC
What seeketh it?
SIR RANULF
I know not what it sought... only
that the King defied it and angered
it still.
KING CEDRIC
How so?
SIR RANULF
Pride saves not thy realm, Young
King. Death might. I bid thee,
think again.
Cedric turns toward the door, then back to face Ranulf.
KING CEDRIC
Thou shall ride with me, Sir
Ranulf. We face it, doom or dawn.
Cedric strides away.
Ranulf watches him go, a deep breath quavers through him — a
silent war within.
Genres:
["Historical Fiction","Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Whispers of Loyalty and Foreboding
31 EXT. RANULF’S QUARTERS - NIGHT 31
Edrick stands near the stables. His sad eyes watch a SOW, hoofs
in the muck, snuffling. Four PIGLETS jostle at her teats,
grunting. The RUNT, smaller, lingers at the edge, pushed out.
The piglet noses at the sow. A sibling shoves it back. It falls,
rolls in the mud.
Edrick kneels, grabs the runt by the scruff. It squeals, legs
kicking. Edrick pulls it close, face inches from its own.
PRINCE EDRICK
(whispering)
Weak runt... thou’rt naught...
As Cedric moves into the flickering light of the castle
grounds, Edrick places the piglet back down...
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
The crown sits heavier than thou
kenst.
Cedric turns, looks back to Ranulf’s quarters.
KING CEDRIC
I would hope he may yet be swayed.
The piglet sniffs Edrick’s boots, he kicks it away.
PRINCE EDRICK
Thou grovels for scraps of loyalty.
KING CEDRIC
Misjudge me not... brother.
Cedric moves in close to Edrick, places a firm hand on his
shoulder.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Mayhap, upon this journey to the
mire, thou shalt show thyself true.
Edrick realises he is being asked to go to the mire -
PRINCE EDRICK
The Kingdom shall need a steady
hand in thy absence. I shall bear
that burden, brother.
KING CEDRIC
Now is the hour for courage,
Edrick. Not refuge behind title and
crown. Best prepare thyself.
A beat - Cedric leaves for the doors of the castle, Edrick’s
worried gaze following him.
32 INT. RANULF’S QUARTERS – NIGHT 32
A small, dimly lit room. Ranulf, polished sword in hand, eyes
cast out the window to the shadowy moon beyond.
33 INT. CHAPEL BELL TOWER – NIGHT 33
Baldwin walks through the chapel towards the statue of Jesus
on the far wall.
A LOUD FLUTTER of wings frightens him and a crow lands on the
horizontal beam of the crucifix.
Baldwin freezes.
The crow’s feathers glint faintly in the torchlight. It tilts
its head sharply, fixing Baldwin with a stare that feels
prophetic.
The bird lets out a single, sharp caw, echoing in the stillness
before it leaps into the air.
BALDWIN
(whispering)
Mors inter nos movetur...
(subtitle)
Death stirs among us...
34 EXT. CASTLE COURTYARD – DAWN 34
Cedric eyes the muddy fields beyond the castle gates.
OSWIN rushes towards him, face pale with terror.
OSWIN
My lord —
Cedric turns.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
(rattled)
He is gone, my liege. Ranulf is lost.
Cedric’s face turns pale.
35 INT. RANULF’S QUARTERS – DAWN 35
Cedric looks over Ranulf’s body, slumped on the floor in a pool
of blood, blade buried deep in his gut.
Cedric strikes angrily at a chair with his boot. Smashing it
against the wall.
36 INT. CEDRIC'S CHAMBERS – NIGHT 36
Cedric sits on the edge of his bed, his sword rests across his
lap.
The door opens softly. Isolde enters. Holding an item wrapped in
cloth with the royal crest embroidered on it.
ISOLDE
Thou hast taken but little rest.
Cedric doesn’t look up, his voice low.
KING CEDRIC
What drives a knight to such
dishonour?
ISOLDE
A truth held by him alone.
KING CEDRIC
Lie not to me, mother.
Isolde meets his eyes.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
What words did my father leave
thee?
Isolde looks at her hands, fiddles with the wrapped item.
ISOLDE
I know only this - he rode once to
face the dark, returned in ruin,
and sealed his lips thereafter.
She looks to her son, hands him the wrapped item. Sits next
to him.
ISOLDE (CONT’D)
This blade was most dear to thine
father. It is only right that thou
shouldst have it.
Cedric takes it, hesitant. He unwraps it to see - a
bejewelled dagger with the royal crest cut into the steel.
He looks at the dagger, warped reflection in the blade.
ISOLDE (CONT’D)
Thou must face it, lest it devour
thee as it did thy father and
Ranulf.
KING CEDRIC
And if I fail?
ISOLDE
No gloom cuts deeper than shunning
the dark. They chase thy hope,
King. That’s thy worth.
She kisses her boy on his temple. He looks at her, nodding
silently. Gathering his resolve.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
A King's Grief and Resolve
37 EXT. CASTLE COURTYARD – AFTERNOON 37
The sun hangs low over a hastily erected wooden platform in the
castle courtyard.
Villagers crowd tightly below. An anxious murmur ripples through
the crowd as the GUARDS stand imposing at the edges, watching
closely.
CEDRIC steps onto the platform, garbed in heavy robes. His face,
now set with undeniable purpose.
KING CEDRIC
(voice steady, calm)
The realm weeps.
On Aldred - hand stroking the hair of young Oswin beside him.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
We grieve a King. I, a father.
His voice wavers slightly. Baldwin nods silent support.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Thou hast suffered long, thy pleas
unanswered.
Faces in the crowd, hoping this is the change they seek.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
My father held that suffering was
the lot of men.
Cedric’s brow furrows, momentarily lost in doubt.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
I do not.
Edrick watches uneasy, shadows obscuring his face.
Cedric eyes find Isolde — her unwavering gaze a balm for his
guilty heart.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Dawn of Decisions
38 EXT. CASTLE COURTYARD – DAWN 38
Cedric sits on his horse, waiting for the gates to open. His
father’s dagger strapped to his side.
Baldwin and Edrick saddled up behind him.
Aldred approaches from the gatehouse, cloak drawn tightly around
him, leading his horse, Oswin with him, also with his own horse.
Cedric glances to him as Aldred moves to Cedric, leaving the boy
waiting nervously behind.
SIR ALDRED
I wouldst ask something of thee, my
lord.
KING CEDRIC
Speak.
Aldred looks to Oswin, who is lingering.
SIR ALDRED
Oswin... he is young, aye, but strong
of will. He will serve well — fetch
water, tend the beasts, bear our
burdens on our travels.
He pauses, his voice growing softer.
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
With no mother to guide him, he hath
but me. Thou dost not yet see his
strength. He hath Elena’s spirit in
him and he be my son, after all.
Cedric studies him, his expression softening.
KING CEDRIC
Let it be thus. See that thou keepest
him safe.
Aldred nods in gratitude, then strides toward Oswin to
deliver the good news.
The gates groan open.
Beyond the gate, the mist-shrouded road leading to the
Blackmire.
In the distance, crows take flight, their caws breaking the
silence.
Baldwin turns his face upward to see the omen spread across
the darkened skies. His eyes meet Edrick, who covers his
unease with a swift kick of his horse.
Baldwin sets his eyes forward, the omen settling over him.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
A Tense Encounter in the Village
39 EXT. OPEN FIELDS – DAY 39
The men ride across wide, muddy fields. Their banners cut
sharp lines through the sky.
A bridge, black fields and a distant tattered village.
40 EXT. VILLAGE – DAY 40
The village - choked with smoke from meagre fires. A grim
collection of thatched huts and muddy pathways.
King Cedric and his knights ride through, their presence a stark
intrusion, met with hollow eyed VILLAGERS.
Leoric looks out across the barren fields.
SIR LEORIC
These fields once bore grain...
A SMALL GIRL, maybe 5, runs alongside Cedric's horse, laughing
at the clip-clop sounds. Her MOTHER quickly snatches her back,
fearful, darkly eying Cedric. But for that moment, Cedric sees
what he's trying to save - innocence.
VILLAGER
(bitter)
Two pounds of wheat for a days
wages, and six pounds of barley for
a days wages!
OSWIN
(softly, to Cedric)
They bear thee naught but scorn, my
lord.
KING CEDRIC
(quietly)
Let them speak their venom.
Genres:
["Historical Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Whispers of the Mire
41 INT. PEASANT COTTAGE – DAY 41
The cottage is dark and filthy. Cedric stands before grieving
parents.
Outside, seen through the window - Edrick.
The mother’s voice rises from a deep well of despair.
MOTHER
(hoarse)
Beyond the woods, the Mire
creeps...
Behind Cedric, Baldwin, Leoric and Aldred linger, their armour
creaking faintly.
Oswin stands by the closed door, nervously watching a gaunt
woman, NHOJ ELTSOPA, cast in shadow in the corner, white eyed -
blinded by cataracts.
MOTHER (CONT’D)
The water swallows light. Blacker
than pitch...
The MOTHER sits at the edge of a rough bench, her face pallid,
hollow-eyed.
Beside her, the FATHER slouches in a chair.
MOTHER (CONT’D)
A mist, thick as dragon’s breath. It
speaks... voices that should not reach
the ears of the living.
The mother lifts her head, her voice thin. A tear slips down her
cheek; she wipes it with the back of her hand quickly, almost
defiantly.
KING CEDRIC
Couldst they not swim?
MOTHER
T’was not that they could not swim. It
whispered their names, called them
forth... into the depths...
The father falters, fearful.
FATHER
Ingrid... I beg thee..
He looks to Cedric.
FATHER (CONT’D)
She takes no rest.
MOTHER
I dare not sleep! She waits for me
in my dreams, her eyes, black as
the pit!
She turns to Nhoj in the corner, tattered sleeves pooling
around her bony hands.
MOTHER (CONT’D)
(to Nhoj)
Speak, Mother! Thou sawest my
babes, thy blood, swallowed by the
mire! Speak their peace!
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Thy bairns shall not be the last of
it...
Cedric eyes Nhoj, trying to place her face in his memory.
FATHER
(interjecting loudly)
They were drowned by water! That be
all.
MOTHER
We have cried out for succour to thy
father and his before him...
Her voice cracks.
MOTHER (CONT’D)
While the curse devours us as beasts
for the slaughter.
Cedric pities the woman, eyes lightly dampened by her fate.
MOTHER (CONT’D)
What more wouldst thou have of me?
The words hang in the air. Cedric stands, taking in their grief
and bitterness.
KING CEDRIC
(softly)
I do not bear my father’s shadow.
He steps closer, offering a tentative hand.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
By my oath, I will see this truth
unearthed. Thy children shall not
be forsaken.
Cedric’s compassion radiates as he locks eyes with both
parents, before lingering on NHOJ.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A Clash of Morality
42 EXT. PEASANT COTTAGE – DAY 42
An old rusted scale creaks in a barn above a lame horse,
barely breathing.
Oswin leaves the cottage, the others still bidding goodbye
behind him.
PRINCE EDRICK
Boy!
Oswin turns to Edrick.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Take charge of this...
He pushes the rope attached to the sickly sheep into Oswin’s
hand. The boy begins tying it to his horse.
Cedric comes from the cottage.
KING CEDRIC
Edrick! Nay. They’ve borne
suffering enough.
Oswin looks to Edrick, then his king. Unsure.
Edrick snatches the rope from the boy and ties it to his own
horse.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Edrick...
PRINCE EDRICK
Bid us save thy realm with famished
guts?
Cedric thinks about ordering him to stop, instead turns to
Oswin.
KING CEDRIC
Give what they ask for the beast.
He hands Oswin gold coins. Oswin dutifully obliges.
Cedric flicks a look to his brother as he mounts his horse.
Leoric climbs on his horse, for a moment catching sight of
something in the woods. His face pales..
PRINCE EDRICK
(smirking)
Dost thou spy wraiths now, Leoric?
Leoric pivots, to see Edrick walking through the gates of an
animal pen with a emaciated sheep.
SIR LEORIC
Pray thy brother’s courage flows in
thy veins, Edrick.
Edrick can’t hide this sting from his face and rides off.
Genres:
["Drama","Historical","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Whispers of the Reckoning
43 EXT. THE LAKE – CONTINUOUS 43
The trees open onto the lake — the lake that drowned the
children. The wide, still body of water blacker than the night.
It does not ripple, nor reflect.
Fog gathers thicker here, spilling over the water in the
distance.
On Oswin, spooked.
SIR ALDRED
Step lively, boy.
Edrick looks to the horizon and sees a DARK HORSE staring at
him at a distance.
Cedric stops at the edge of the lake. Dismounts.
Baldwin follows, eyes scanning the eerie landscape.
BALDWIN
God sees us.
Cedric kneels, brushing his gauntleted fingers through the mud.
A piece of clothing clings to a bent reed at the water’s edge.
He lifts it slowly, revealing a child’s tunic.
Aldred eyes the piece of cloth warily. Oswin’s face pales, a
sickly dread settling in his stomach.
Cedric stands, his gaze fixed on the dark waters. Behind him,
Edrick remains on his horse, eyes cast to the landscape - the
sheep lets out an uneasy bleat.
From somewhere distant, a whisper carries faintly on the wind —
soft, shapeless, and fleeting — as though the lake itself
exhales.
Baldwin crosses himself.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
(whispering, still praying)
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine…
Cedric’s eyes remain on the lake. A sense of something watching
— something just out of sight — presses into them all.
Then a voice rises, soft but clear, breaking the silence.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (O.S.)
A reckoning comes...
The knights turn sharply. Standing behind them, in the fog, the
gaunt figure of the old woman from the village.
The knights exchange wary glances. Aldred and Edrick’s hands
drift to their sword hilt, though they do not draw.
KING CEDRIC
What sayest thou?
NHOJ raises her hands, her voice dropping to a low murmur.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Mine wee ones rest where no light may
find them... where the vengeful stalk
thy seat.
Sir Aldred has heard enough.
SIR ALDRED
Mayhap thou art the witch
thyself...
NHOJ ELTSOPA
They once boiled me in a pot of oil
and thought as much.
Aldred unsheathes his sword, looks to Edrick for back up who
falters. Aldred takes aim at NHOJ.
KING CEDRIC
Stay thy hand.
NOHJ’s pale white eyes shift to Cedric, lingering.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
I see a shroud...
FLASH INSERT:
EDRICK, grips the rope tethering the emaciated sheep. Its uneasy
bleat pierces the silence. He draws his blade.
KING CEDRIC
So be it. Where dost it dwell?
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Where He doth judge us, lad...
FLASH INSERT:
EDRICK raises the blade. The sheep thrashes, bleating louder -
a panicked cry. Steel flashes -
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
It is a descent...
KING CEDRIC
To where?
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Beyond the drowned hamlet to...
ON BALDWIN - wary.
FLASH INSERT:
The panicked bleat of the sheep as it kicks and squirms -
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
...Where faith and despair meet.
KING CEDRIC
Thou knowest the path?
NHOJ ELTSOPA
(eyes rolling back,
flickering)
It is black as a pit...
FLASH INSERT:
SLASH. Blood sprays across his hands, red against the black-
and white night.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
It has departed from me, and
answereth me no more...
SIR LEORIC
She is seized by the fiend!
KING CEDRIC
Still thyselves.
FLASH INSERT:
Another SLASH of the sheep’s throat. Red blood on its fur.
A long, shuddering breath falls from her lips. Then, silence.
Stillness.
On Cedric, fear stirring like a serpent coiling in his chest.
He looks to Edrick, whose face is still as night.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Whispers of Fate
44 EXT. CAMPSITE / WOODS - DAY 44
CLOSE on the sheep carcass, stripped bare, hanging from a
tree. A fire crackles.
OSWIN
(eating)
'Tis... not terrible.
PRINCE EDRICK
(surprised)
Madness hath seized the boy. It tastes
of death.
OSWIN
I have tasted worse.
SIR ALDRED
Aye, that's my hand at the pot.
They share a laugh.
Cedric stands with NHOJ on the edge of camp.
KING CEDRIC
How dost thou summon these visions?
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Through whispers borne to me. Like
shadows on water. I see, yet cannot
hold nor conjure.
A beat. Cedric’s gaze narrows, searching her weathered face.
KING CEDRIC
Thou sawest thy bairns drown in this
mire. Couldst thou not save them with
thy sight?
NHOJ ELTSOPA
(pained)
Alas, nay.
She hesitates, fingers brushing a child’s muddy ribbon at her
robe’s edge.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CHOKED) (CONT’D)
I saw their faces... calling to God.
But mine visions come as they will,
not as I bid. Their wee voices call me
still.
KING CEDRIC
Then what art thou if not a witch?
NHOJ ELTSOPA
I am but a voice... crying in the
dark. No witch’s craft, nor mine
own, could stay it..
Cedric weighs her words.
KING CEDRIC
I’ve need of thee in the mire. Hast
thou strength to tread it?
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Aye. Tis my lot.
Cedric nods. He turns back to the camp.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Moments of Reflection and Preparation
45 EXT. BLACKMIRE FOREST – DAY 45
OSWIN wades through mud to a trickling stream. He kneels and
fills one of the pouches he carries with water.
Aa lone FIREFLY drifts above the stream, its amber glow
reflected in the water.
Oswin holds still, enraptured, holds out his hand. The firefly
circles it then hovers at eye-level before landing on his palm.
He holds it gently on his palm for a moment, still as a cup,
then it flutters upward, weaving through the mist like a tiny
lantern.
Oswin smiles to himself as it disappears into the forest, then
resumes filling the pouches.
SIR ALDRED (O.S.)
Thy mother’s face lingers in thee.
Oswin turns to his father.
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
A great light.
Aldred ruffles the boy’s hair on his head. Watches Oswin
filling the leather water pouches.
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
A worthy page thou makest.
OSWIN
I doubt Edrick would agree.
SIR ALDRED
Heed not such men as Edrick. His pride
is greater than his worth.
Oswin looks at his father. His instinct to prove himself.
OSWIN
(whispers)
I am not afeared...
Aldred’s face softens, studying him.
SIR ALDRED
Tis no shame to fear, lad.
Oswin looks at Aldred, unsure how to respond.
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
Stay close. No harm shall reach
thee whilst I draw breath.
Aldred leaves the boy to his duties.
46 EXT. CAMPFIRE – DAY 46
Cedric stands at the edge of the clearing, eyes locked on the
dark path ahead where the dense forest looms. He is assisted
by Aldred into his armour.
Behind them, the muted bustle of knights preparing their horses.
And NHOJ, sits on a fallen tree.
Oswin arrives back at camp with the filled pouches.
KING CEDRIC
Oswin! Gather the victuals... We
press on.
Oswin moves to the campsite, begins wrapping up the food.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
The Tree of Silent Screaming
47 EXT. BLACKMIRE FOREST – DAY 47
The group moves cautiously through gnarled trees.
Cedric leads, his horse’s ears twitching nervously. He raises
his hand, signalling a stop.
Ahead, a massive tree looms from the mist, rising like a
blackened monolith.
Cedric draws his sword. His eyes betray his fear as he sees
hollow eyed skeletal remains hang high, arms stretched as if
crucified.
Tangled in the vines, their armour creaks in the breeze, upon
them, the royal crest. Jaws hang open, faces frozen mid-scream.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
The tree of silent screaming...
The tree creaks, its branches groaning like ancient wood.
BALDWIN
(horrified)
O Lord, light this dark...
Edrick eyes it, uneasy.
The wind picks up. The horses whinny and stomp.
Leoric’s breath catches. A shadow moves - fleeting, female-
shaped, red gown, and just beyond the tree line.
His horse jerks suddenly, its hooves splashing in the muck.
The group turns toward the sound.
OSWIN
Leoric! What dost thou see?
Leoric doesn’t answer.
Leoric pulls at the reins to steady it, the horses’ wild eyes
fixed on the tree.
SIR LEORIC
Move, thou wretched beast!
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Thy gaze doth veil thy doom, lad...
SIR LEORIC
Hold thy tongue, Seer, or I’ll cast
thee into the flame myself.
Edrick steers his horse towards NHOJ, leaning in -
PRINCE EDRICK
(whispering)
Thou mayst beguile the rest with
thy cunning wiles, but thy deceits
sway me not, witch...
A sharp CAW pierces the air. Edrick’s head jerks toward the
sound, his shoulders tensing. He flinches, almost imperceptibly,
his hand twitching toward his sword.
Edrick catches himself and shoots a quick glance at the other
knights - none seem to notice. But NHOJ catches his eye.
Cedric’s voice sharp and urgent -
KING CEDRIC
Press on!
Cedric kicks his horse and it moves swiftly ahead, the others
following.
Leoric’s horse stops suddenly, refusing to move. He pulls at the
reins, but the animal stays rooted.
SIR LEORIC
Move, damn thee!
The forest around him whispers...
Leoric stiffens. He grips his sword tighter, eyes narrowing -
Whispers reaching him from the depths of the darkness.
SIR LEORIC (CONT’D)
Who goes there?
The mist shifts ahead, parting slightly to reveal the faint
silhouette of a PALE HORSE with a hooded rider on top, long,
dark hair of the figure on the PALE HORSE spills over its
shoulders and down its red gown. Another dark horse with a
second HOODED RIDER FIGURE behind the first.
WOMAN IN RED DRESS
(soft, biting)
Thou wast thy ruin...
SIR LEORIC
What treadeth yonder?!
WOMAN IN RED DRESS
(hissing)
Death...
Her form transforms into a black mist and moves towards him.
Leoric’s eyes widen, lets out a gasp and tumbles from his horse.
He scrambles to his feet, raises his sword, hands trembling,
voice shaking. Coughing, choking.
SIR LEORIC
Stay back!
He tugs hard on the reigns, climbs back on his horse, digs
his heels into the side of it and escapes as fast as he can.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Secrets in the Shadows
48 EXT. BLACKMIRE FOREST – CAMP – NIGHT 48
Leoric rides into the clearing on horseback, his steed snorts
nervously. His face pale and drawn.
The knights, tethering their horses, watch as he enters.
KING CEDRIC
Leoric! What hast kept thee?
Leoric doesn’t answer. He rides to a quiet place, away from
the others, swings down from the saddle, hands trembling as
he grips the reins.
BALDWIN steps from the camp’s edge towards him, crucifix
clutched tight.
He pauses, eyes narrowing at Leoric’s unsteadiness.
BALDWIN
Thou returnest shaken, Leoric. What
hast thou met in the gloom?
Leoric ties the reins to a branch, his gaze avoiding Baldwin.
SIR LEORIC
I care not speak of it. Let it lie.
BALDWIN
Thou sawest her, didst thou not?
The sin that bindeth us yet.
Leoric looks at him, finally.
SIR LEORIC
(hoarse)
Keep thy counsel, priest. Bury it
deeper yet.
Leoric walks away, leaving Baldwin to wrestle their secret
alone.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Ghosts of the Past
49 EXT. BLACKMIRE FOREST – CAMPFIRE – NIGHT 49
CLOSE ON NHOJ. Fire reflected in her milky-white cataracts.
CLOSE ON ALDRED’S HAND - gently turning the small piece of
red cloth, fingering its edges frayed.
Leoric’s eyes come into focus behind it, watching.
Aldred catches Leoric looking at it, stops. Leoric casts a
melancholy glance to Oswin.
Cedric notices the growing intensity emanating from Leoric as
his eyes dart once more to Aldred’s fingers.
KING CEDRIC
Leoric?
Leoric stands abruptly.
SIR LEORIC
(to Aldred)
Wilt thou forsake that rag?!
Heads turn toward Leoric.
Aldred pauses, his fingers still on the red cloth. He looks up,
meeting Leoric’s eyes.
SIR LEORIC (CONT’D)
(snarling)
Ghosts haunt us on all sides, and
still thou must bring thine own?!
Baldwin’s face betrays a great weight as Leoric walks briskly
towards the forest.
KING CEDRIC
(standing)
Leoric!
The firelight catches Leoric’s armour for a brief moment
before he vanishes into the darkness.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
I trust ye shall hold fast thy
reason.
They nod. Baldwin eyes linger after Leoric.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Edrick, stay. Prepare the supper.
PRINCE EDRICK
Fix supper? The boy can...
KING CEDRIC
(terse)
I command thee.
Edrick dark, his status compromised.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Aldred, with me.
Cedric moves after Leoric, Aldred carefully tucks the red
cloth into one of his sleeves for safe keeping - grabs his
sword.
Baldwin fixes his eyes on the flame, crucifix held tight.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Betrayal in the Blackmire
50 EXT. BLACKMIRE FOREST – NIGHT 50
Boots squelch in the wet ground as Cedric moves cautiously
through the tangled woods.
Aldred lingers a few paces behind, his hand resting on the hilt
of his blade. The small piece of red cloth peeks from his
gauntlet.
KING CEDRIC
(quietly)
Leoric.
The name fades into the mist.
Cedric pauses, scanning the shadows.
Aldred steps closer -
SIR ALDRED
Leoric!
... his voice cutting through the stillness.
CUT TO:
Leoric marches through the forest, his sword banging against his
knee.
A faint whisper drifts through the trees, low and serpentine.
Leoric stops, hand moving to the hilt of his sword.
WOMAN IN RED DRESS (O.S.)
Confess...
Leoric’s eyes dart, scanning the woods.
WOMAN IN RED DRESS (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Death comes to claim you...
SIR LEORIC
(sharp, trembling)
Away fiend!
Leoric turns slowly -
The woman in the red gown stands in the mist.
WOMAN IN RED DRESS
Hades craves you...
Leoric - eyes wide. The Hooded figure on a dark horse
materialises behind her.
SIR LEORIC
Mercy!
WOMAN IN RED DRESS
A plague on you...
The woman morphs into a black mist, particles reaching like
claws across the clearing and into Leoric’s mouth.
He begins to gag and cough, clutching his throat.
SIR LEORIC
Spare me, I choke on it!
Leoric begins to climb to his knees, eyes fixed on the woman’s
black misty form as the Hooded figure on the dark horse behind
her moves forward towards him.
SIR ALDRED
Mercy... Mercy!
CUT TO:
Leoric’s tormented voice carried on the wind.
KING CEDRIC
Leoric!
Cedric raises his sword slightly, his breath steady but shallow.
Aldred’s hand tightens on his weapon.
Cedric takes moves forward.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
(whispered)
Leoric?
The forest is deathly still. Aldred glances around, his hand
brushing the cloth in his gauntlet.
They inch forward again...
Ahead - a figure emerges, shrouded in mist. They brace.
It’s Leoric’s back, on his knees in the mire, coughing, holding
himself up with one hand, the other grasping his neck as he
chokes.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Leoric!
Leoric doesn’t answer. Gagging, running out of oxygen.
SIR ALDRED
What ails thee, man?
Leoric finally looks up, his gaze locking onto Aldred. His
voice comes, hoarse and trembling through the tightness in
his throat, face and neck blistered with boils and sores.
SIR LEORIC
(quietly)
Aldred...
SIR ALDRED
Speak...
Leoric hesitates. His hands tremble at his sides.
SIR LEORIC
It was I, Aldred..
SIR ALDRED
(sharp)
What sayest thou?
Leoric’s eyes glisten with fear as he speaks.
SIR LEORIC
Elena... I forced her... m-my
lust... I took what weren't mine...
Aldred freezes, his face draining of colour. Cedric’s face
pales, stunned into silence.
SIR LEORIC (CONT’D)
(pleading)
Forgive me, Aldred... I brought her
ruin... a-and thee...
He reaches a trembling hand toward Aldred’s gauntlet, the red
cloth - Elena’s token - fluttering faintly.
Aldred’s gaze drops to it, then back to Leoric, eyes widening
with recognition.
Rage floods Aldred’s frame - his hand flies to his sword’s hilt,
trembling with fury.
SIR ALDRED
(growling)
Thou... thee?!
Aldred draws his sword sharply.
KING CEDRIC
Aldred, hold! ‘Tis the curse’s
snare!
Too late - Aldred lunges, sword plunging. Cedric grabs for him -
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Aldred!
The blade bites deep into Leoric’s chest.
Leoric gasps, mouth agape - places a hand on the ground to
steady himself.
Aldred looms over him, chest heaving.
Leoric looks to where the ghost of Elena once was - The hooded
horseman awaiting his death.
SIR LEORIC
(weakly)
Her eyes... they burn me yet...
Hades comes to take me!
And back to Aldred... who stares down, eyes stricken, blade
shaking in his grip.
SIR LEORIC (CONT’D)
Unshriven to hell’s coals... I rue
thee unto perdition...
On Aldred’s eyes - he roars, swinging once more.
KING CEDRIC
Nay!
Aldred’s sword cleaves through Leoric’s neck - his head rolls
free, thudding into the mire.
The Hooded figure on horseback rides forth like a dark cloud
and pulls Leoric’s soul from his body as he passes.
Neither Cedric, nor Aldred see it.
Cedric’s face stills, gaze fixed on the carnage, the headless
Leoric in the mud.
51 EXT. BLACKMIRE FOREST – NIGHT 51
Cedric follows Aldred through the forest.
Neither speak.
52 EXT. CAMP – NIGHT 52
Baldwin serves supper to Edrick, who snatches the food without
any graces, eats.
Oswin sits close to the flames, his eyes darting toward the
shadows beyond the camp. He steals a glance at NHOJ who stands
on the edge of the forest.
Cedric and Aldred emerge from the mist, Oswin and Baldwin rise
to their feet. Edrick remains seated, chewing on his food.
Cedric helps Aldred lower himself onto a log, the knight
slumping forward, head in his hands.
Oswin watches his father, unsettled.
OSWIN
Father?
Baldwin looks from Aldred to Cedric.
BALDWIN
Where is Leoric?
Genres:
["Fantasy","Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
A Brother's Honor
53 EXT. BLACKMIRE – CLEARING – NIGHT 53
Leoric’s body lies sprawled in the mud, blood crusted on pale,
lifeless skin - his severed head rests nearby, eyes frozen wide.
The knights stand tense, silent.
Edrick stares at the decapitated head, face drained, unable to
tear his eyes away.
Baldwin kneels beside Leoric, clutching his crucifix, fingers
trembling.
BALDWIN
(softly)
He must be buried, my lord. To leave
him thus, damns him ever... No
absolution.
An uneasy silence.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
(steadfast)
Your Grace...
Cedric looks to Aldred.
SIR ALDRED
(cold)
Let him rot.
Oswin glances his father, unsettled. Aldred walks away.
Cedric closes his eyes briefly, weight of command pressing down.
KING CEDRIC
(quietly, but firm)
We honour our brother, Aldred. Not
this traitor.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Shadows of Doubt
54 EXT. BLACKMIRE FOREST – CAMP – NIGHT 54
The clouds shift across the moon.
Cedric stands by his horse near a stagnant pool, its surface
black and still, reflecting faint moonlight.
He pours water from a flask into his palm, offering it to the
uneasy beast, its nostrils flare, hooves shifting.
Footsteps squelch in the mud behind him. Cedric doesn’t turn.
PRINCE EDRICK
A knight lies slain, and thou wouldst
leave it thus?
Cedric turns now, his gaze cold and steady.
KING CEDRIC
Aye. I would.
Cedric turns to see him.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Doth thy duty shrink at blood’s
first scent?
Edrick holds his brother’s steady look.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
(quiet, cutting)
Courage sways not in banquet halls,
brother.
Edrick’s gaze simmers with shame, then breaks away, stalking
back toward the campfire.
Cedric exhales slowly, breath fogging in the chill. His hand
brushes the horse’s bridle, the animal huffs, ears twitching,
restless.
NHOJ perches atop a fallen log nearby, hood shrouding her face,
she eats. Cedric moves to her.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
(firm)
What foe doth we face?
NHOJ turns.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
I know not what awaits thee.
KING CEDRIC
Be it a demon? Witch? Thou must
know.
She shakes her head.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
I know naught but this... None but
the purest heart may appease it.
Cedric glances back at the campfire’s faint glow, shadows of
his knights flickering in the distance.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
My breath shall aid thee King...
but ‘tis thine to mend.
Cedric looks to the others milling about the camp.
KING CEDRIC
(softly, to himself)
Lord, grant me strength.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Echoes of Grief
55 EXT. BLACKMIRE LAKE – NIGHT 55
Oswin huddles near the fire, knees drawn tight to his chest,
face etched with exhaustion.
He looks to Aldred who readies his horse..
OSWIN
Father...
Aldred doesn’t look up.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
Why didst thou slay Leoric?
Aldred’s gaze cuts through him, silencing further questions.
He sheaths his sword, says nothing, leaves for a small stream.
Oswin slumps, staring after him as the forest groans - a low,
mournful creak. He turns to Baldwin.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
Chaplain..?
BALDWIN
(low)
I cannot speak it.
Oswin lies down, his eyes fixed on the small flames of the
fire.
Baldwin steals a long look at him, a flicker of guilt.
56 EXT. BLACKMIRE FOREST – NIGHT 56
Oswin makes his way through the forest to see wild dogs
scrapping and fighting over the flesh of Leoric.
OSWIN
Away!! Beasts away!!
The dogs scatter into the forest.
Oswin moves slowly to Leoric, eyes scanning for the beasts
that have retreated and stands in front of Leoric’s body
whose flesh is torn from his bones.
He places Leoric’s decapitated head back where it once was,
above his shoulders.
Oswin glances the forest behind him, to see that he is alone.
He places a coat over Leoric’s face and body.
57 EXT. BLACKMIRE FOREST – NIGHT 57
Oswin hears a cracking sound as he walks back to the camp, he
pauses as he sees something ahead.
Wide.
CRACK...
In a clearing, BALDWIN kneels, naked.
The leather scourge whips across his bloodied back - the sound
reverberating into the darkness.
CRACK... CRACK.
CRACK.
On Oswin, he diverts his eyes to the ground.
CRACK.
58 EXT. BLACKMIRE – EDGE OF CAMP – NIGHT 58
Aldred jolts awake, breath sharp, sweat beads on his brow.
The camp lies still, shadows of sleepers unmoving.
A figure stirs in the fog’s corner, his eyes catch it. He
freezes, heart thudding.
She emerges -
ELENA, silent as a wraith. Her red gown, unstained by
Blackmire’s filth.
Aldred’s lips part. His breath snags, chest tight, eyes locked
on her.
Elena halts a few steps away, her gaze meeting his, soft, sad,
yet brimmed with a strange peace.
SIR ALDRED
(hoarse)
Elena, thy love... oh thy love...
He crumples to his knees, shoulders shuddering, bitter tears
spill, glinting in the dim light.
He looks up as she fades into the mist, a wisp dissolving.
Aldred stares at the void where she stood, face stricken. His
fingers run across his piece of red cloth.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Secrets in the Fog
59 EXT. BLACKMIRE – MONTAGE – DAY 59
EXTREME WIDE - Five figures inch across the mire, dwarfed by the
endless expanse of mud, fog, and open sky.
Cedric walks wearily, leading his horse, splashing into black
water. He turns, noticing Aldred’s grieving face.
Baldwin arrives next to Cedric.
KING CEDRIC
(low)
Dost thou believe Leoric shall find
peace?
BALDWIN
I once served a village by the sea.
A mother brought unto me her
daughter, twelve winters, mayhap. A
fever stirred within her... or else
a madness. The girl begged me; ask
Him, she said, why hath He turned
His face from me? I bade her pray
harder.
Baldwin’s eyes trace the darkened sky, heavy.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
I found the child hanging from the
bell rope. And still... He did not
answer.
A beat.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
Each must face God’s truth. Whether it
save or damn him - that lies with God.
KING CEDRIC
Spoke Leoric truth? Or was it the
witch’s craft?
Baldwin’s gaze shifts across the forest, something simmers in
his eyes, a shadow on his peace.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Chaplain?
Baldwin falters.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Hath he confessed to thee?
BALDWIN
I am bound by sacred oath... What
passed rests with him and God.
Cedric turns, eyes stern, unyielding.
KING CEDRIC
Hath he confessed this sin unto
thee? Speak plain.
BALDWIN
I implore thee, let it lie.
Baldwin’s gaze drifts to Oswin and Aldred on their horses. A
beat - then, low -
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
The confessional seal demands my
silence. Forgive me, your grace.
Cedric’s displeasure is cut short as his horse rears slightly,
its nostrils flaring as the mist begins to shift. The others
halt, their horses stamping and snorting uneasily.
Cedric steadies his horse as the path ahead clears, revealing a
vast black marsh.
Rising from its centre is a sunken chapel, its crooked steeple
leaning precariously, the rusted iron cross atop it a jagged
silhouette against the dark.
Baldwin eyes it, a dark feeling washing over him.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
The Ominous Prophecy
60 INT. SUNKEN CHAPEL – DAY 60
The sunken chapel is cold, air damp with the scent of rot. Water
pools on the uneven stone floor. Warped pews lean precariously,
some submerged.
It is foul, dark and in ruins.
Painted on the walls, black wings stretch like shadows.
Faint light filters through the shattered windows.
Baldwin walks towards an alter. Uneasy.
The black wings on the wall stretch above him.
He turns back into the room, eyeing the decimated church,
fearful.
BALDWIN
No God lives here.
CEDRIC approaches a slumped figure in the far corner it’s armour
is corroded.
He brushes away thick mud from the breastplate revealing the
royal crest.
Cedric lifts the knight’s helm, a skeletal face stares back,
his father’s likeness flickers across the hollow face.
KING AETHELRED GHOST
Their breastplates were fiery red,
dark blue, and yellow as sulphur...
Out of their mouths came fire,
smoke and sulphur!
Cedric’s breath catches, he takes a moment to steady his
nerves, eyes locked on Aethelred’s skull as his face fades in
the helm.
OSWIN (O.S.)
Prepare for war... Rouse the
warriors...
Cedric turns to Oswin, follows his gaze to one of the walls,
where an inscription is written in red blood -
OSWIN (CONT’D)
Let the nations advance into the
Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I
will sit to judge.
Baldwin’s face is ashen.
BALDWIN
The end of days...
Genres:
["Fantasy","Supernatural","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Shadows of Doubt
61 EXT. BLACKMIRE – BEYOND THE SUNKEN VILLAGE – NIGHT 61
A fire crackles, a cloth with meagre food sits unfurled on
the ground.
KING CEDRIC
We draw nigh to the black heart of
it.
SIR ALDRED
(bitter)
How doth thou knowest?
KING CEDRIC
There be a place writ in mine
studies. On a map. Beyond the mire.
Olive groves dwelling 'tween
mountains. 'Tis surely the Valley
of Jehoshaphat.
PRINCE EDRICK
Valley of Jehoshaphat? From the
scriptures? What madness grips
thee?
Cedric looks to Baldwin, who lingers, terrified on the edge
of the camp.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
(bitterly)
Where lieth victory in these cursed
signs?
Edrick standing, looks to the others, finds no echo.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
There be none.
Edrick eyes NHOJ.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
And what of me?
She doesn’t answer.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Speak I bid thee!
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Aye.
A shiver touches Edrick’s spine.
PRINCE EDRICK
When?
NHOJ ELTSOPA
I see not when. But its shadow
lengthens.
A beat. Edrick looks to his brother, eyed dark. Cedric can’t
look at him. His faith in himself faltering.
PRINCE EDRICK
She stirs this... cursed shadow.
And calls our deaths.
KING CEDRIC
Thou believest not in curses.
Baldwin... what say you?
Baldwin turns.
BALDWIN
(low)
‘tis no curse...
PRINCE EDRICK
At last, one who speaketh reason...
BALDWIN
‘Tis graver yet...
PRINCE EDRICK
Graver? Then what? The Devil’s hand?
BALDWIN
(whispering)
The sun and moon will be
darkened... The Lord will roar from
Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem;
the earth and the heavens will
tremble. A mount of Olives will be
split in two from east to west,
forming a great valley.
They look to Baldwin.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
(quiet)
The Valley of Jehoshaphat, where
God’s wrath doth slaughter
nations...
OSWIN
God’s wrath?
No answer from Baldwin, his hand slightly trembling,
clutching his crucifix.
A great silence permeates. Until -
PRINCE EDRICK
(bitter)
Spare me thy prattle Priest... We
cannot...
KING CEDRIC
Edrick!
He holds up a hand to quiet him. Looks to Baldwin.
BALDWIN
Tales of the white horse...
A FLASH of the WHITE RIDER witnessed by the sickly child.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
A red rider...
FLASH of the fire horse Cedric witnessed in the castle
courtyard.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
A horse with scales...
FLASH - The lame horse beneath the swinging scales as Edrick
steals the sheep from the Peasant family.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
A pale horse... death upon it, and
Hades following...
FLASH - Leoric seeing the ghost of ELENA and the horse behind
him.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
Where the plague comes...
FLASH - Leoric coughs as the black misted Elena circles him.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
And the wild beasts feast...
FLASH - Oswin shooing the wild dogs away from Leoric’s
corpse.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
Tis the seven seals...
The sound of distant thunder. The knights exchange glances in
the flickering firelight. Silence hangs over them.
Alarmed, Edrick looks to Cedric.
PRINCE EDRICK
This is madness!
He gets up and leaves.
KING CEDRIC
Edrick!
The fire crackles between those who remain.
Baldwin runs a thumb over his crucifix, pale and laden with
sweat.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Supernatural","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Fractured Loyalties
62 EXT. BLACKMIRE – EDGE OF THE CAMP – NIGHT 62
Edrick’s horse drinks from the stream, skittish, ears
flicking.
Edrick is crouched by a stream, murky water swirls as he fills a
leather pouch, shoulders bowed with weariness. He turns to see
his brother, Cedric.
PRINCE EDRICK
(dark)
What more wouldst thou wrest from
me now?
Cedric looks to his brother, who doesn’t look back.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Thou hold’st my life in thy hands.
What else?
KING CEDRIC
Was there e’er a time thou didst
not question me?
Edrick’s expression hardens.
PRINCE EDRICK
If I’ve no voice, what worth be
mine?
KING CEDRIC
If they look to thee and find
doubt, how shall they follow me
hence?
PRINCE EDRICK
Where dost thou lead us, unto what
end?
He stands, agitated.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Drought hath scorched the earth,
plague claimed all else, Leoric
quailed and spake his shame. It is
natures curse! Not an apocalypse!
Cedric understands his brother’s turmoil.
KING CEDRIC
I beseech thee, brother, to lead
beside me. Not to rend my heels.
Edrick fixes his eyes on his brother, pleading -
PRINCE EDRICK
We be kings, brother, as we are made.
Set upon this earth to rule, not to
bend thy knee to dread and portents.
KING CEDRIC
Art thou so certain ‘tis but
portents?
Edrick falters, betraying his doubts.
PRINCE EDRICK
Father knew there was nothing to be
done, he turned from it, wiser than
thou.
KING CEDRIC
If it is God I must face...
PRINCE EDRICK
God..? God?
Edrick scoffs.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Oh divine arrogant King! What
maketh thee think thy hands more
fit to mend this realm than kings
afore thee? That thee is charged to
face God and reason with Him?
KING CEDRIC
If we can reach the Valley of
Jehoshaphat ere the seven seals
break...
PRINCE EDRICK
God's blood! Even were this true,
which 'tis not... wouldst thou halt
the apocalypse by outrunning the
seven seals? Hear thy madness!
Cedric looks to Oswin and Baldwin.
KING CEDRIC
A King’s heart must bleed for his
folk, else he hath no realm to
bleed for.
PRINCE EDRICK
Bleed for ‘em thyself, then.
Edrick walks away.
KING CEDRIC
(calling after him)
I shall not yield!
Edrick turns.
PRINCE EDRICK
To God?
Edrick shakes his head, smirking. Cedric doesn’t respond.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Then thou dost sacrifice us all.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Whispers of Treason
63 EXT. BLACKMIRE, CHAPEL - NIGHT 63
Cedric tends his horse, Baldwin prays by a fallen log. Oswin
folds the food cloth and makes his way to his saddle.
Aldred sits still by the fire, Edrick, near him, sharpening
his blade.
A beat. Edrick watches NHOJ as she sits on a fallen tree,
drinking from a leather water pouch. He eyes Aldred. Sensing
a weakness he can exploit.
PRINCE EDRICK
We must needs rid ourselves of
Nhoj. She whispereth in his ear and
poisons his mind.
Aldred looks to NHOJ, then to Edrick.
ALDRED
(hushed)
Thou speak’st of treason.
PRINCE EDRICK
Nay, ‘tis no treason. I stand not
against the King, but he hath
swallowed her poison and it renders
him mad. The witch doth steel his
mind to ruin.
Aldred doesn’t answer.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
He heedeth not my counsel, but thou
art his King’s sword. To thy voice
he might yet bend. And if not... I
shall bear this deed myself.
A beat.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
I bid thee, weigh it well, Aldred.
We cannot follow pride into a false
apocalypse.
Edrick leaves.
Aldred bears the weight of his task, catching eyes with
Oswin, who has overheard.
Oswin’s eyes flicker with anxiety, then turn back to the
fire, silent.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Whispers in the Dark
64 INT. BLACKMIRE FOREST - NIGHT 64
Aldred moves to Cedric who waters his horse in a stream. Edrick
eyes them from a distance.
ALDRED
(tentative)
My lord... mayhap I... mayhap I
might speak?
CEDRIC turns. Says nothing.
ALDRED (CONT’D)
This course thou sets... Tis hard
to comprehend. What if ‘tis prides
ruin and nothing more?
KING CEDRIC
Pride?
ALDRED
How know if this guideth to ruin or
to grace?
KING CEDRIC
We know it not.
ALDRED
Then how frail be we...
Cedric finally looks at him.
KING CEDRIC
What wouldst thou have me do but
face it in judgement?
ALDRED
Ye be King, aye, which hails thee
chosen, but... Dost thou really
think God he will hear thy pleas?
Cedric stops. No words come.
ALDRED (CONT’D)
He has not heard it afore.
Cedric looks across to see Edrick hovering by a tree,
pretending to not eavesdrop.
KING CEDRIC
Tread warily, friend. Serpents
dwell among us. Loyal to their own.
Cedric strides off. Aldred watches him go, then feels
Edrick’s eyes on him, trapped in a brewing war.
Cedric nears Oswin, calls the lad closer with a flick of the
head.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Be mine eyes, Oswin. I trust in thee
for this.
Oswin nods, his expression uneasy, he steals a look at
Edrick.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
The Accusation in the Dark
65 EXT. BLACKMIRE – NIGHT 65
A faint groan hums from the swamp’s black heart. Baldwin walks
towards the church, alone, clutching a lit torch, his breath
fogging in the biting chill.
A whisper slices the stillness - low, jagged, barely there.
Baldwin freezes.
Through the haze - a figure dangles, rope-bound around the neck,
from a gnarled bough, swaying slow, the hemp creaking with each
shift.
He forces forward, hand trembling, fingers brushing the figure’s
shoulder.
Baldwin turns the figure, slow, rope around the neck creaking -
The face of a dead TWELVE YEAR OLD GIRL in a white gown stares
back.
GIRL
How long until He avenges mine
blood Priest...
Baldwin stumbles, boots slip in the muck.
GIRL (CONT’D)
Thy prayers chained me to this
rope...
Baldwin scrambles to his feet, rushing towards the church, eyes
casting back to the hanging girl on the tree.
Genres:
["Horror","Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Descent into Madness
66 INT. SUNKEN CHURCH – NIGHT 66
A faint glow flickers against the crumbling stone walls.
Baldwin stumbles inside, fear in his heart, clutching the torch
in his trembling hand.
The torch casts long, fevered shadows along the ruined pews as
he makes his way toward the altar.
BALDWIN
(softly, trembling)
Lord...
He kneels before the altar, hand clasped tightly around his
crucifix, the other on the torch.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
Is this thy will?
The torch in his hand flickers, shaking.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
I beg Thee speak...
His eyes search the heavens.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
Let mine eyes see no world God
punishes the worthy for sins of the
wicked...
He lifts the crucifix slowly, pressing the edge to his right
eye.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
(whispering)
I be your eyes, but if they offend
Thee... I’ll tear them out...
From the shadows, a deep growl.
Baldwin turns. His eyes lock on the far corner of the church.
A lamb steps into the firelight, multiple eyes glinting, teeth
bared.
Baldwin stumbles backward. His knees buckle, but he catches
himself but loses his crucifix in the water.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
(frantic, whispering)
C-cleanse me with hyssop... make me
clean...
Baldwin frantically searches for his crucifix in the water,
pulls the crucifix from it, his arm now on fire.
The black wings writ on the wall begin to flap as shadows.
Baldwin’s eyes wide, the wing’s shadow casts over him. A
looming crow feathered figure, black as coal materialises,
wings spreading from its shoulders, it’s face black, fanged
mouth open and demonic eyes baring into Baldwin’s soul.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
(choking, desperate)
Death's angel comes! I'll not see
it!
He raises the crucifix.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
I REPENT.
With a sudden, anguished cry, he drives the crucifix into his
right eye.
He lifts the crucifix again - about to drive it into his left
eye when -
Oswin appears behind him and wrestles his hand holding the
crucifix.
OSWIN
Nay! Priest! Halt!
He leaps onto Baldwin, they crash to the floor.
Baldwin looks to the boy, blood flowing from his right eye.
BALDWIN
He hath come to exact his wrath...
Oswin, pale with terror.
Genres:
["Horror","Supernatural","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Shadows of Doubt
67 EXT. BLACKMIRE BOG, CAMP - NIGHT 67
Cedric watches grimly as Aldred kneels, pressing a torn rag over
Baldwin’s eye and binding it tight.
Edrick, lingering in shadow, casts a dark look at Cedric.
Cedric eyes Baldwin as OSWIN steps to his side, face pale.
OSWIN
He was possessed... Spoke of
wraiths... and angels of death.
Cedric turns to NHOJ by the campfire, who meets his gaze —
equally shaken.
KING CEDRIC
Prepare the horses.
Oswin dutifully leaves.
Cedric looks back to Baldwin, who is silent and bereft.
He moves to him, sits beside him.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Canst thou continue?
Baldwin nods weakly.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Hath God forsaken us?
BALDWIN
Hath we him.
KING CEDRIC
Is’t possible to anger God if thy
sins were borne of righteousness?
Might He tender my pleas under
confession and spare thy people?
A beat, Baldwin doesn’t look at him.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Might it avail me and them?
BALDWIN
Seek thou grace if it ease thee.
His wrath weigheth more than thy
sins alone. King or nay. Thou art
not its remedy at the end of days.
KING CEDRIC
(anger flaring)
I shall be the remedy!
A beat as his voice echoes through the forest. Cedric looks
across to the men in his group who have all turned to eye
him.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Wouldst thou have me do nothing?
No one answers. Eyes low.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Then follow me hither. I command
thee.
Baldwin stands, eyes the forest, walks away leaving Cedric to
himself.
68 EXT. BLACKMIRE WOODS - DAWN 68
CEDRIC kneels alone in the mud. His horse stands tethered beside
him.
His hands clasp tight, pressed to his chest. Head bowed, eyes
shut, lips moving faintly, a silent prayer.
His head rises slowly, sensing something, eyes opening.
The BLACK KNIGHT sits tall in the mist atop a black steed with a
lion’s head, his jagged armour gleaming.
CEDRIC stares at it, heart pounding in his chest.
OSWIN (O.S.)
The horses be ready, my Lord.
CEDRIC turns sharply to see OSWIN, who does not share his
vision.
KING CEDRIC
My thanks, Oswin.
Oswin leaves, Cedric’s eyes linger on the mist, the Black
Knight no longer there.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Supernatural"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
Ambush in Blackmire
69 INT. BLACKMIRE - VILLAGE - DAY 69
A faint CRUNCH of boots breaks the silence.
Cedric leads, eyes sharp, gripping his sword.
They stop at a clearing. A village before them, huts of reed and
bone, marked with red sigils.
Totems with skulls, animal and human.
Baldwin's face is white as a sheet.
ALDRED
Heathen ground.
They move in quietly, past a fire pit. Cedric bends down, holds
a hand over the coals. Still warm.
KING CEDRIC
(quiet)
Let thy guard not falter. Life
dwells here.
A HEATHEN CHILD, perhaps 3, toddles out from a hut, sees the
knights, and waves - that innocent wave children give strangers.
Oswin waves back instinctively, then his smile fades from his
face as -
A WOMAN IN RAGS runs from a hut, sweeps the child up in her
arms, carrying it away.
The Knights share a look but it is broken immediately by -
BONE MASKED FIGURES burst from the huts, from the trees
surrounding the clearing, cloaked, wielding bone-tipped spears.
They swarm from all sides, swift, eyes glinting behind bone
masks.
ALDRED
Ambush!
A spear grazes Cedric’s arm. He swings, blade CLASHING against
bone.
BALDWIN stumbles, crucifix raised. OSWIN ducks, a spear THUNKING
into a totem beside him.
EDRICK stands frozen, eyes wide.
Cedric parries a spear, kicks a FIGURE into a reed wall.
ALDRED hacks, blood sprays, a MASKED FIGURE falls.
EDRICK snaps to, sword slashing, felling another.
A spear jabs OSWIN’s cloak, pinning him to a totem. He twists
free, scrambling.
BALDWIN sees two bone-masked figures run to him, he panics
and runs into the forest.
A FIGURE lunges at Cedric. He ducks, thrusts his blade
pierces the mask.
ALDRED cuts down another attacker, pushes his body into a
hut.
CUT TO:
BALDWIN crashes through gnarled trees, robes catching on
thorns.
TWO BONE-MASKED FIGURES, spears in hand, pursue.
A spear THUNKS into a trunk near Baldwin’s head. He stumbles,
SCRAMBLING over roots.
CUT TO:
CEDRIC’s sword CLEAVES a masked figure’s chest, blood
spraying.
ALDRED parries a spear, slashing another’s throat, as EDRICK
and OSWIN dodge bone-tipped thrusts.
CUT TO:
BALDWIN scrambles to his feet. The TWO MASKED FIGURES lunge,
seizing his arms, yanking him up, and pinning him hard
against a tree, spears poised.
BONE-MASKED HEATHEN
Thy faith’s filth calls down wrath,
priest.
They strip him of his robes, grab him by the collar and begin
to drag him along the ground towards a hut.
CUT TO:
CEDRIC drives his sword through a MASKED FIGURE’s chest,
blood splattering.
ALDRED slashes the last attacker’s neck, body crumpling, as
EDRICK and OSWIN stand, panting, amidst the fallen.
A silence falls upon them. Cedric looks to his men, scans the
village.
His face drops.
KING CEDRIC
Baldwin...
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
Avenge My Blood
70 INT. BLACKMIRE - VILLAGE HUT - DAY 70
BALDWIN, now in a white gown, is hoisted onto an inverted
cross of bone.
One figure ties him while the other holds a dagger to his
throat.
CUT TO:
CEDRIC, ALDRED, EDRICK, and OSWIN charge through forest,
scanning frantically for Baldwin.
CUT TO:
BALDWIN, strung on the inverted cross is gutted by a MASKED
FIGURE’s bone knife.
Blood spills from him, pooling black on the dirt.
BALDWIN
Avenge my blood! Or Lord...
The figures flee, leaving Baldwin bleeding from his guts,
strung up to die.
BALDWIN (CONT’D)
Avenge mine blood...
71 EXT. BLACKMIRE - VILLAGE HUT - DAY 71
Cedric moves swiftly through the dark forest.
He stops suddenly. His face falls, seeing Baldwin, hanging
lifeless, through the open door of the hut.
The image strikes Cedric’s heart.
KING CEDRIC
Mine light...
He screams, low and from deep in his soul.
He steps forward, into the hut as they others arrive behind
him, his eyes cast over his friend, his spiritual guide. He
touches Baldwin’s stomach, then his face.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Not mine light...
He looks to Baldwin’s body, takes the scourge from his belt,
holds it in his hands.
Cedric looks to the heavens.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
What more than love...?
Genres:
["Drama","Horror","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Grief and Accusation in Blackmire
72 EXT. BLACKMIRE/VILLAGE - DUSK 72
Oswin finds a child's wooden toy knight in the dirt. He studies
it, pockets it quietly.
A wood cross is hammered into the earth with a stone.
CUT TO:
Cedric stands at the foot of the shallow grave, marked by the
wooden cross. Having buried Baldwin.
Oswin lies against a log next to NHOJ, he holds Baldwin’s
crucifix in his trembling hands.
Aldred is stricken.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
(shaken)
Dost thou hear him crying 'neath
the altar now? 'How long, Sovereign
Lord?' The fifth seal answers: 'A
little while longer.
Edrick turns to NHOJ, eyes dark, as does Cedric.
KING CEDRIC
The fifth seal...
PRINCE EDRICK
No divine seal wrought his death.
'Twas thy mad rush to that village.
Cedric ignores him.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
Dusk in Blackmire: The Urgency of Fate
73 EXT. BLACKMIRE/VILLAGE - DUSK - CONTINUOUS 73
Cedric marches back to his horse.
KING CEDRIC
(urgent)
We shall break our fast, then ride
hence through darkness. The Valley
lies but a day hence if we press hard.
We've but two seals 'tween us and the
final trumpet.
PRINCE EDRICK
(trailing)
Shocked he grants us time for bread.
Cedric doesn't break stride, checking his saddle.
Oswin walks beside Nhoj, Baldwin's crucifix clutched in his
small hands.
OSWIN
(quiet)
What breaks the sixth seal?
Nhoj's eyes glance Oswin, then straight ahead.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
When souls seek darkness over light.
When they beg the mountains fall upon
them rather than see His face.
She walks ahead as Oswin looks back to his father, still at
Baldwin's grave.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
Confessions Under the Blood Moon
74 EXT. NOWHERE LAND - NIGHT 74
Fingers tremble over the red cloth.
Aldred kneels by the cross, alone. The others now back at camp.
SIR ALDRED
Thou wast burdened by mine
confession... and yet didst still
honour it so...
He hangs his head in grief.
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
I should have unburdened thee and
given the boy his truth... Forgive
me, I beseech thee...
A soft whisper cuts the silence...
A blood moon casts a crimson glow, Aldred lifts his head,
eyes it wearily.
He freezes as Elena’s ghost materialises, her red gown
shimmering in the mist.
ELENA
Mine blood cries for thy soul...
yield to the depths, Aldred...
Aldred’s eyes fill with dread as he falls back on his rear.
75 EXT. NOWHERE LAND - NIGHT 75
On horseback, Cedric ahead.
Aldred looks across the Oswin, who is exhausted, crying quietly
to himself, trying to conceal it by facing away.
Aldred exhales, moves his horse closer. Oswin quickly wipes the
tears from his eyes.
SIR ALDRED
Art thou well, boy?
OSWIN
Weary.
SIR ALDRED
As may well be.
They ride for a bit longer, Aldred stealing glances at him,
wanting to speak to him, but not knowing how to start. Oswin
notices his father’s hesitation.
OSWIN
Did you want to speak to me?
Then finally -
SIR ALDRED
Aye.
A beat. Finding the words.
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
Thy mother Elena... she was all to me.
Kind, strong, full of light.
OSWIN
I know.
SIR ALDRED
Yet as thou wert born... that light
was reft from me. And you became my
light.
Aldred’s eyes cast forward into the darkness, raw and haunted.
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
Thy mother was... ravaged, Oswin.
By Leoric. Taken ‘gainst her will.
The boy turns to him, the words striking like a blow.
OSWIN
(softly)
Leoric... Nay...
SIR ALDRED
I swore to her, to honour her, to
bear this woe to my grave unspoken.
(MORE)
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
So I did, save to Baldwin, baring
my blackest heart, seeking what
grace God might spare.
His gaze darkens, burdened.
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
But I have dishonoured you by mine
secret which was not mine to keep
from thee.
Oswin’s wide eyes search his father’s face for reassurance.
Aldred’s fades to ash, regret a murmur.
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
I wished thee not to see me clad in
vengeance against Leoric... nor
judge mine deeds in the wood.
He draws the red cloth from his sleeve, fingers trace it, he
leans forward, presses it into Oswin’s hand as they ride slowly.
SIR ALDRED (CONT’D)
Thou must know I love thee still.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
Nightmare at the Campsite
76 INT. DARK ROOM - DREAM 76
Blackness, sharp.
No walls, no floor, just void.
No sound.
Edrick stumbles naked, breath ragged, fast.
A swarm of locusts come towards him, the sound deafening.
They sting him and he crumbles to the ground, screaming.
His hands claw air, wild, searching, finding nothing. Eyes
darting wide.
He opens his mouth to scream and they pour into his chest
like an agitated black mist. Choking him.
77 EXT. CAMPSITE / WOODS - NIGHT 77
PRINCE EDRICK
Aggh!
Edrick bursts from a nightmare, he swipes locusts from his body
and face, but they are not there.
He stops, sits, breath ragged, the nightmare still roiling
through his brain.
Cedric is asleep by the fire, cloak over him.
Edrick’s eyes narrow, pits of bitterness cast towards his
brother.
78 EXT. FOREST EDGE - NIGHT - EARLIER 78
Edrick pisses in the forest. He does up his pants and looks
across the mist laden forest.
CUT TO:
Edrick makes his way back to camp, glimpses flickering firelight
deeper in the forest.
He creeps closer.
Nhoj kneels in a small clearing, alone, rocking back and forth.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
(glossolalia)
Kyrie eleison... phylassō hemas...
marana tha...
Her body trembles.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
Abyssos anoigei... kapnos ek tou
phreatos...
Suddenly - An enormous blanket of shadow crosses the ground
in front of them.
Edrick looks up through the tree tops — the moon turns red as
fire.
Edrick lowers his gaze, watches as NHOJ speaking in tongues to
the red moon.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
Akrides ek tou kapnou... exousian
skorpion...
Her voice rises to near-screaming:
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
Pente mēnas basanismos... thanatos
pheuxetai... zētēsousin thanaton!
She reaches her hands towards the moon.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
Akrides! Akrides! Basanismos!
Apollyon!
Edrick pulls back into the shadows, hand over his mouth,
reeling from what he's witnessed.
His hand moves to his dagger.
Takes a step toward NHOJ, checking if any of the others are
near.
He moves behind her, lifts the blade slow, hovering.
His hand reaches out to grip NHOJ by the hair -
KING CEDRIC (O.S.)
Edrick!
Edrick grabs NOHJ’s hair, yanks up her head and holds the
blade to her throat.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
(snapping, coarse)
Stand thee back!
PRINCE EDRICK
She be the curse. Death takes it
with her!
KING CEDRIC
Edrick, I command thee!
Edrick, yanks on her hair, about to slice her neck with the
blade.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
(trembling)
I lead thee but to what thou must
face. No more...
PRINCE EDRICK
You hath led us naught but death.
Sown devils in our minds.
Cedric straightens, shoulders tensing.
KING CEDRIC
Dost thou doubt the task, Edrick?
PRINCE EDRICK
I doubt thee.
Cedric’s rage flares.
KING CEDRIC
Guard thy tongue, Edrick.
PRINCE EDRICK
I shall not.
Edrick moves to slit her throat. Cedric charges at Edrick.
The brothers clash bodies, armour smashing together.
Edrick hits the ground, the dagger falls from his grasp, he
scrambles to his feet, hand flying to the hilt of his sword.
CUT TO:
Oswin wakes by the campfire -
OSWIN
(alarmed)
Father!
Aldred, wakes, half asleep, instinctively draws his sword.
CUT TO:
In the forest. Cedric steps forward, unflinching, voice steady,
laced with quiet fury, eyeballing Edrick.
KING CEDRIC
Draw it.
Edrick is unsure.
PRINCE EDRICK
I only wish to see it ended.
KING CEDRIC
DRAW!
CUT TO:
Aldred and Oswin rush through the forest. See Edrick and
Cedric ahead.
ALDRED
Halt!
Edrick pauses, hand quivers, but the blade stays sheathed,
Aldred arrives, sword poised to intervene.
KING CEDRIC
(biting)
The kite bides patient, doth it
not, Edrick...
Edrick’s face flickers with years of resentment, he unsheathes
his sword, swings angrily with his blade, Cedric sidesteps, his
blade catching Edrick’s and forcing it downward.
With a weary strike, Cedric disarms him, Edrick’s sword finding
mud.
Cedric moves swiftly, driving Edrick back until he falls onto
his bottom.
The king’s sword presses against Edrick’s neck, the tip
drawing a single bead of blood.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
(through gritted teeth)
I should run thee through for this!
For a moment, it seems as though he might strike - his blade
does not waver. Aldred is uneasy.
PRINCE EDRICK
Then strike. ’Tis thy hand that
ends me, in this or any other way.
Edrick looks up at him, breathing ragged, face anguished. He
climbs to his feet, sword still pointed at his chest.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Whose death doth end it?
The question lands.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Not the bairns’, nor Leoric’s, nor
Baldwin’s... nor that boy’s?
He points to Oswin, who is wide-eyed with fear, panting.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Nor mine?
Edrick’s eyes brimming with bitterness.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
You drag us to ruin, through the
gates of hell.
He steps into his brother’s sword, it presses against his
chest.
KING CEDRIC
Hadst thou been firstborn... thou
wouldst still be unworthy.
Edrick’s eyes turn bitter. They eye each other, truths
uttered.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Bonds of Betrayal
79 EXT. BLACKMIRE - CAMPFIRE - NIGHT 79
Cedric lashes Edrick’s wrists with rope, yanking it tight.
Edrick grunts, forced to his knees.
Oswin holds a sword to the back of Edrick’s neck, blade shaky.
ALDRED
Be this needful?
KING CEDRIC
Had he not conspired against me...
Nay. Do you intend to do the same,
Sir Aldred?
This stings Aldred deeply.
Cedric doesn’t look up, yanks the rope, Edrick’s shoulders jerk
upwards, eyes bitter towards NHOJ, who watches silently.
Cedric hauls him up and over to a horse, ties the rope to the
saddle, pushes Edrick down behind it in the mud.
Cedric steps away, face hard. Oswin glances to his father
whose eyes are cast down.
80 EXT. BLACKMIRE/ENDLESS BLACK MARSH - DAY 80
A bleak expanse of mud. Cedric rides atop his horse.
Edrick stumbles behind, tethered by a rope from the saddle.
Aldred rides last, heavy as he watches Edrick.
Oswin eyes his father.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Drowning in Shadows
81 EXT. SUNKEN VILLAGE – NIGHT 81
The knights lie in uneasy rest, their forms barely visible
beneath their cloaks.
Aldred sits apart, awake.
A faint ripple stirs the water, no wind breaks the heavy
silence, yet a soft, rhythmic lapping laps at the shore.
He watches Oswin, asleep, the boy he loves, born of sin’s
dark seed, a wound carved from Elena’s pain. The red cloth
lies clutched in the boy’s hand, faint colour in the gloom.
Aldred rises, slow, deliberate, as if summoned.
He steps forward, his boots sinking into the soft mud as he
enters the lake. The lake laps at his ankles.
He pauses, a faint sheen on the lake’s black face.
A ripple blooms, unbidden, spreading outward.
Complete silence.
He steps again, water claims his shins, then knees. His eyes,
lifeless, fixed ahead, drawn to a water.
Water at his waist - deeper -
She emerges, Elena, silent, in her red gown.
Her gaze meets his - soft.
SIR ALDRED
Elena... mine own light...
WOMAN IN RED DRESS
Hide us from the face of him who
sits on the throne and from the
wrath of the Lamb...
He steps deeper toward her, her form wavering, a wisp in the
haze. Water to his chest.
SIR ALDRED
My love...
Eyes brimming with anguish he steps deeper -
The lake closes over his head, swallowing him whole,
silently.
A faint ripple stirs, then stills, as if he’d never been.
Hold.
Hold.
Only ripples linger... frail scars on the dark.
A star falls from the sky, burning, hitting the water with a
hiss and sizzle.
The lake groans deep, a chilling sigh, a lament from its
depths.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Horror","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Grief and Blame at Blackmire Lake
82 EXT. SUNKEN VILLAGE – MORNING 82
Nhoj sits at the edge of the clearing, sad eyed.
OSWIN
(face streaked with tears)
Nay. Nay. Father! God, have mercy!
Cedric’s boots sink into the muck as he drags Aldred’s body
from the water, towards the shore.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
God hath no mercy!
Cedric heaves Aldred’s body onto the black mud in the
shallows.
Aldred’s eyes are open, his pale face still and lifeless.
Cedric closes Aldred’s eyes just as he did his father’s - a
wash of guilt and regret washes over him.
Oswin rushes to his father, kneels in the shallows, his body
cast across Aldred.
Cedric watches the boy - heart torn.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
They will beg for death rather than
face Him. The Sixth Seal...
Oswin turns to Cedric, rushing him, pounding him with his
fists in anger.
OSWIN
He wouldst ne'er forsake me to
hasten Judgement Day! You have led
my father to ruin!
Cedric grasps the boy tightly, face stricken as he wails and
cries, bitter and devastated.
Edrick looks darkly at his brother, shaking his head.
83 EXT. BLACKMIRE LAKE – CLEARING – DAY 83
A flame from a torch. Aldred’s body lies atop a makeshift pyre
of broken branches and logs.
Oswin cracks, tears spill from his young eyes, fingers
tracing the red cloth clutched tight in his hand.
Cedric lowers the torch. The flames catch, licking upward to
consume the dry branches.
The fire crackles in the stillness, its glow illuminating their
faces.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
(whispering)
"And death and Hades were thrown into
the lake of fire."
Edrick, still tied with rope, turns sharply to NHOJ.
PRINCE EDRICK
(bitter)
Wouldst thou weep, witch? For any
of them?
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
Whispers of Grief
84 EXT. SUNKEN VILLAGE – DUSK 84
The black lake lay still.
Cedric sits by the water’s edge, alone.
A wave of grief washes over him. He sobs.
Looks to the heavens.
85 EXT. SUNKEN VILLAGE – NIGHT 85
The campfire sputters low.
OSWIN huddles by the fire, his eyes on Cedric by the lake. His
small frame trembles, clutching the red cloth tight to his
chest.
He hears a noise and turns to see... NHOJ. She kneels beside
him, slow and gentle, as if approaching a wounded bird.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Thou hast borne a heavy sorrow, wee
boy. Yet thou standest not alone.
Oswin looks to the woman.
OSWIN
Canst thou see him? Be he at peace?
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Thy father be at rest, child.
The boy is consoled somewhat. NOHJ’s hand reaches out, gently
clasping his, her fingers warm against his hand holding the red
cloth.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
Thou art the candle...
Oswin looks across to Cedric again, who is laying down by the
water’s edge. A lone figure in the dark.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
Desperate Escape
86 INT. BLACKMIRE - CAMPFIRE - NIGHT 86
Edrick is awake, Oswin and Nhoj sleep. His eyes scan the
camp, and to sleeping Cedric by the lake.
Across the fire, Oswin opens his eyes.
PRINCE EDRICK
(hushed)
Boy...
Oswin glances toward Edrick.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
I beg thee. Untie me.
Oswin hesitates, torn.
OSWIN
Thou canst not ask it of me.
A long beat. Edrick pleading, whispering.
PRINCE EDRICK (O.S.)
Dost thou deem Cedric cares for thy
loss or thy legacy, Oswin?
Oswin looks to sleeping Cedric by the lake.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Thy father bled for a king’s pride.
So shalt thou.
Oswin’s gaze lingers.
OSWIN
The King means well.
Edrick shakes his head.
PRINCE EDRICK
Play not the fool, lad.
Then -
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
I beg thee. I seek only to flee
this cursed place. I swear it by
Almighty God...
Edrick’s eyes burn with desperation.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
If I perish, let it be by mine own
doing.
A beat.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
Boy...
On Oswin, contemplating.
87 EXT. BLACKMIRE BOG, CAMP - NIGHT 87
Oswin unties Edrick, eyes glancing Cedric as he sleeps.
Once his hands are free, Edrick rubs his pained wrists.
He looks to Oswin.
PRINCE EDRICK
Flee whilst thou yet may, boy...
Then - Edrick rises and marches swiftly towards his horse.
Oswin stands, steps towards him as Edrick mounts, falters,
stares into the darkness ahead.
The mist swirls, curling tighter, almost as if waiting to
swallow him.
Edrick, kicks his horse forward hastily.
Oswin watches him vanish into the mire.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Stranded in the Shadows
88 EXT. MOONLIT WOODS – NIGHT 88
The forest rushes past in a blur, shadows dancing under the pale
glow of the moon.
Edrick leans forward in the saddle, gripping the reins tightly
as his horse gallops through the twisting woods up a hill. His
breath comes fast as the hooves thunder against the damp earth.
Branches whip at his face, but Edrick doesn’t slow.
Suddenly, a gnarled tree branch looms out of the shadows, low
and jagged. Edrick sees it too late.
WHACK!
The branch catches him across the chest, slamming into him like
a battering ram. The impact knocks him clean off the saddle, his
body flipping backward and crashing to the ground with a heavy
thud. His sword clatters loose, skidding across the dirt.
Edrick groans, gasping for air, his back arching as pain sears
through him.
The horse rears in panic, neighing wildly before galloping off
into the darkness.
PRINCE EDRICK
Halt!
But it is no use. The horse is gone and Edrick is alone in
the forest, far from anywhere.
PRINCE EDRICK (CONT’D)
(rasping)
Stay... Halt...
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Betrayal by the Lake
89 EXT. BLACKMIRE – LAKE’S EDGE – NIGHT 89
Thunder and lighting cracks overhead.
Cedric wakes from it, unnerved.
OSWIN (O.S.)
Forgive me, My Lord. I have
betrayed the King I swore to serve.
Cedric turns to see Oswin standing behind him in the
moonlight.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
I have released Edrick, and he hath
fled.
Cedric says nothing. Only a deep sigh passes his lips.
KING CEDRIC
Mayhap thou shouldst follow him.
OSWIN
Your Grace?
KING CEDRIC
I have failed you all.
Oswin is unsure what to say. Then -
OSWIN
Didst thou ever wonder why God
ordained the seven seals?
KING CEDRIC
It matters not.
OSWIN
He could have ended all things
without warning.
Cedric stops, listening without looking at him.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
Yet He granted us time.
Cedric looks up at him finally. The young boy, fast becoming
a man.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
A Legacy of Heart
90 EXT. SUNKEN VILLAGE – NIGHT 90
Cedric packs his saddle bag, Oswin assists Nhoj to the horse,
placing a log beside the horse for her to stand on. He helps
her up.
He moves to Cedric.
OSWIN
We stand ready.
Cedric turns, nods. Oswin turns to leave.
KING CEDRIC
Oswin.
Oswin turns back.
Cedric unfastens his father’s dagger from his belt, holds it
as if weighing the past in his palm.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
My father’s blade.
Oswin’s eyes him.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
He was neither a good man nor
worthy king. Yet I miss him sore.
Cedric hands it to the boy. Oswin hesitates.
OSWIN
Nay. ‘Tis for a King.
KING CEDRIC
A man’s worth lies not in steel,
but in the heart that wields it.
Cedric sheathes it, tosses it gently.
Oswin catches it, looks over the dagger, heavy in his grip, too
grand for his young hands.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Thy father’s death shall not be in
vain.
Cedric nods, climbs his horse.
Oswin smiles, pockets the dagger and moves back to his horse.
Genres:
["Drama","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Silent Descent
91 EXT. MOONLIT WOODS – NIGHT 91
Edrick stumbles through the forest, branches clawing at his
face. He clutches his chest, breath ragged from the branch
strike.
A deafening silence engulfs him - no wind, no rustle, just a
hollow ring in his ears. He pauses. Sensing the unsettling
silence. He pushes a finger in his ear. Listens. Nothing.
He claps his hands; there is no sound.
Panic flares in his eyes.
PRINCE EDRICK
God’s mercy.
But we don’t hear it, it is subtitled on the screen as we
have descended into silence with him.
He staggers forward, searching the dark.
Ahead, a cave mouth. He rushes toward it, tripping over roots
(NO SOUND).
As he enters the cave -
HUNDREDS OF WINGED CREATURES FLEE, forcing Edrick onto the
ground.
He shields his eyes as the scatter around him and away.
Only he hears none of it. A silence has descended.
92 INT. CAVE – NIGHT 92
Edrick huddles against the damp wall, hands pressed to his
ears.
The silence presses like a weight. His eyes dart, catching
faint blood-red moonlight on dripping stalactites.
He whispers a prayer, (no sound), fear etching his face as
shadows shift around him.
He moves to the entrance of the cave, panicked. He looks out
across the endless, boggy fields.
The blood moon hangs low in the sky.
He begins to cry. Frustrated, tired and alone.
He calms himself, wiping his eyes, before they settle on
three figures moving slowly along mud pit in the distance...
Cedric leading his horse, OSWIN walking beside, NHOJ slumped
atop the beast.
Anger simmers inside him.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Betrayal Under the Blood Moon
93 EXT. BLACKMIRE/ENDLESS BLACK MARSH - NIGHT 93
Down in the marsh. The corpse of a bloated sow, half-submerged
in the swamp. Its ribs jut through its skin, dead eyes stare
skyward.
Three figures move toward it in the distance.
CUT TO:
Oswin crouched, vomiting as he attempts to cut edible meat from
the bloated carcass. Nhoj stands over him, weary and hungry.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Leave it be, boy. It shall poison us.
Cedric stands a few paces ahead, his hand picking at
something on a branch of a tree.
KING CEDRIC
Olives...
He turns back to Oswin and Nhoj.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
The Valley of Jehoshaphat is
near...
94 EXT. VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT – NIGHT 94
The fog thins as they crest the ridge.
Ahead, a wide vale, bathed in silver moonlight. For the first
time the Blackmire opens, no longer choking swamp but a land
almost blessed.
Olive trees line the valley floor, their silver leaves catching
the moonlight, branches filled with ripe fruit.
Cedric halts, overcome.
KING CEDRIC
Life where death should reign.
Cedric gazes across the valley.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Now we wait for Him.
95 EXT. VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT – NIGHT 95
From a high vantage point, somewhere on a hill, we see the
flicker of a campfire amongst the olive trees, and Cedric,
Oswin and Nhoj huddle around it.
Reveal Edrick, watching from the shadows. Bitter.
96 EXT. VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT – NIGHT 96
Low olive branches whip Edrick’s face as he charges through -
breathing heightened.
Edrick stumbles from the shadows.
His tunic is torn, face streaked with mud and blood from the
branch’s blow. His eyes dart, wild - he clutches his dagger.
He pauses, chest heaving, staring at the flickering campfire
ahead.
Oswin stirs faintly, a soft groan escaping the boy as he sleeps.
Edrick’s gaze locks on Cedric, also sleeping.
Edrick’s dagger trembles in his grip, eyes flick to it, a glint
catches his reflection: gaunt, broken, a dead man staring back.
He takes a step, walking towards his sleeping brother.
Another step, and another, until he is crouched behind him.
PRINCE EDRICK
Thou’rt our ruin, brother...
He goes to thrust his blade into his brother’s back -
Cedric jerks awake. Turns as the blade misses and slices his
shoulder. He sees his brother, dagger in hand -
KING CEDRIC
Nay... Edrick...
PRINCE EDRICK
(softly, broken)
I needs must, brother... Or it hast
no end.
Edrick moves to strike when -
Oswin lunges from the side, the King’s dagger catching Edrick in
the throat - just beneath the jaw.
Edrick falls back, eyes wide, blood cascading from the wound.
He stands, hand shoots up, gripping his throat, trying to hold
back the dark river spilling between his fingers.
Oswin, staggering back from the blow, reaches for his sword.
Edrick snarls through gritted teeth. Moves to the boy swiftly
and plunges the dagger into his side.
The boy gasps, falling to his knees.
Cedric sees the boy fall. His eyes widen in horror -
KING CEDRIC
Oswin!
Cedric crawls forward, on his hands and knees.
Oswin groans, clutching his stomach.
Nhoj, is frozen, her eyes wide with horror. She stumbles toward
Oswin, kneeling by him.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Nay... the candle... it canst not
fade...
A sudden unnatural wind picks up over the camp, the fire
flickering. The olive trees shaking. Before lightning sears
from the sky, lashing the trees and setting them on fire.
Nhoj lifts her eyes to look to it. Horrified.
Edrick stands over them both. He looks at the scene before him.
His brother. The boy. the burning trees. His own blood cascading
from his throat.
Shamed - he turns. Stumbles to his horse clutching his bleeding
neck, climbs on and rides away.
Cedric turns to Oswin, the boy clutching at the deep wound in
his gut.
Cedric, kneels, tugs at his tunic and rips it. He tears
again, pulling long strips of cloth from it.
He wraps the torn cloth around the boy’s wound, pulling it
tight. Oswin grits his teeth with the pain.
KING CEDRIC
Be still.
Reaching for a small flask of water, Cedric lifts the boy’s head
gently and presses the flask to his lips. But there is no water.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
(softly)
Bide thee boy.
Cedric stems the flow of blood, eyes on the burning olive
grove.
OSWIN
(weakly)
H-have I kept mine honour in thy
service, my lord?
Cedric’s voice catches as he nods.
KING CEDRIC
(softly)
Braver than us all, Oswin.
A faint smile touches Oswin’s lips, his eyes flickering with
pride despite the pain.
OSWIN
I... honoured my father?
Cedric pauses a moment, eyes smiling at the boy.
KING CEDRIC
Thy father would know pride, as would
thy mother. Endure, for thy spirit yet
burns bright.
Cedric kneels before him, hand touching the hair on the boy’s
head.
The reeds whisper in the rising wind.
Cedric feels it, looks across the scorched earth.
Suddenly - An enormous blanket of shadow crosses the ground
in front of them.
Cedric stops. He looks to the heavens — the moon turns black
as coal, casting them into complete darkness. The trees
burning, casting the only light.
A deeply unsettling silence...
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Behold, the end of days draw near!
KING CEDRIC
Still thy tongue!
FLASH: The six eyed lamb. NOHJ’s eyes open wide, jolted by
the violence. Visions coming fast.
NHOJ ELTSOPA
They waxed fools and bartered the
immortal God’s glory for likenesses
of mortal man...
Cedric stands, eyes scanning the burning trees. Then the
black skies.
KING CEDRIC
Declare thyself!
NHOJ ELTSOPA
(eyes fluttering back in
her skull)
Sin festered beneath thy kingdom,
for in His silence, they declared
Him gone!
FLASH: Cedric, crown on his head, pressing in, crushing, face
trickled with blood.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
(ranting)
O wicked seed, thy day hath
dawned...
KING CEDRIC
Be still!
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Let it find thee willing! Let the
light pass to please it!
FLASH: Aldred, flailing, choking, dragged beneath the bog.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
The cowardly...
FLASH: Baldwin trembling, hands reaching, crucifix drives
into his eyes.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
The unbelieving...
FLASH: LEORIC, raping Elena.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
The vile, the sexually immoral...
FLASH: LEORIC choking on black mist.
NHOJ ELTSOPA (CONT’D)
The murderers...
FLASH: Cedric plunges a pillow over his father’s face.
AETHELRED gasps, his hands grasping at Cedric’s arms.
KING CEDRIC
(to Nhoj)
Cease, I charge thee!
Cedric is fed up, rage takes hold.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Thou art the Witch that wrought it!
God does not answer!
He stands, marches across to Nhoj, his hands seize her
throat.
OSWIN
Nay My Lord!
Cedric’s grip on her throat renders her barely able to
speak...
NHOJ ELTSOPA
Take my breath, King... ‘tis mine
hour, that mine death may hasten
it... I am but a shepherd...
Cedric throttles her, eyes wild, mind breaking.
FLASH: Another flash of him killing his father.
KING CEDRIC
(shaking, gripping her
throat)
Cease! Vile tongue! I slay thee, curse
be gone!
He rises, unsheathes his sword, swinging it with all his weight -
It cleaves through NOHJ’s neck.
NOHJ’s head rolls. Her body slumps forward.
Cedric, falls to the ground from the force of his own strike.
Oswin’s eyes are wide, horrified.
Cedric heaves, heart pounding, waiting. He looks around, to the
burning trees, to the skies -
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Perish curse!
He looks to Oswin, wild eyed.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
I hath slain the witch!
Cedric and Oswin scan the valley. But the world does not change.
The curse does not break.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
I bid thee fall!
Still nothing. Then -
Lighting CRACKS as it strikes trees. Igniting them in flames.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Nay... NAY!!
Cedric scans the fiery pit. Eyes wild.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
(screaming to the heavens)
Is this thy will?! Show thyself!
The sky churns, restless.
Black clouds roll thick and heavy, their edges illuminated by
lightning.
On Oswin, bloodied and scared. trembling.
Cedric staggers, looks ahead -
The blood moon re-appears, casting the earth in red. The looming
mountain tops covered in mist, imposing, on either side.
Cedric’s face falls... eyes taking it in.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
(Awed)
Nay...
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Descent into Desperation
97 EXT. BLACKMIRE - SWAMP EDGE - DAY 97
The swamp lies under a sky without stars, cast in a red hue.
EDRICK stumbles, boots sinking. His tunic hangs torn, blood on
his throat. His breath rasps.
He falls, palms flat on the black earth.
He slowly raises his head - staring into the endless night.
A grunt breaks the quiet. Edrick stops, looks.
A WILD BOAR lies on its side, ribs showing. Two PIGLETS suckle
at its teats, bodies shaking. He falls to his knees, stares -
hungry.
Edrick falls to his knees, stares - hungry.
He crawls forward, mud splashing, reaching the sick boar and
pushes the piglets away, who tumble and squeal.
Edrick leans in, shaking, mouth closing around a teat...
Blood drips from his neck onto the boar, red against black and
white.
CLOSE: His face, streaked with grime, desperate, suckling
milk from the wheezing boar.
He is nudged by the snouts two other boars, desperate to
feed. Edrick rolls slightly to his side, eyes dull, body
draining of blood...
His eyes flutter - Edrick dies.
WIDE of the black mud pit -
Baby boars trample Edrick’s dead corpse as they jostle and
scrap, snorting... for their mother’s milk.
Genres:
["Drama","Horror"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
The Valley of Sacrifice
98 EXT. THE VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT - DAY 98
The Valley of Jehoshaphat burns like hell.
Cedric can’t take his eyes from it.
Oswin, beside him, moves a shaking hand towards his side pouch
and peers inside.
The firefly light is dimmed, almost extinguished. The boy’s
breath shallow; he looks to Cedric.
OSWIN
Be we doomed..?
KING CEDRIC
Nay. Stay by me, boy... I am not done.
Oswin closes the side pouch, his eyes gently closing.
The wind stirs, igniting the flames higher. A distant BUZZING.
Cedric stiffens as the high shrilled buzzing grows in intensity.
A black cloud moves towards them, a swarm of locusts, across
the valley. Shrills intensifying.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Flee, boy!
He helps Oswin to his feet, they start to run, slipping in
the muck.
The swarm of locusts hit them in their millions, like a
hurricane. Oswin screams, cowers to the ground. Cedric covers
his face with his arms.
Cedric staggers, turning within the vortex, caught in its grip.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
I shall not yield!!
The swarm whips upwards to the sky and moves at lightning speed
across the valley before parting in all directions, regrouping
to form seven dark figures, black angels, amidst the locust
storm and fire, each grasping a trumpet.
One steps forward, holding a censer, fills it with fire from a
burning olive tree, and hurls it earthward towards Cedric and
Oswin.
It flares and hits the ground before them.
The ground trembles with a deafening quake. Peals of thunder
roar, flashes of lightning split the dark.
Cedric shields his eyes, staggering back.
The angels raise their trumpets, a deafening blast shattering
the earth.
From the mist on either side of the valley and riding fast
through the burning olive grove, a vast army emerges.
The horses and riders gleam, breastplates fiery red, dark blue,
and yellow as sulphur.
The heads of the horses resemble lions, their manes ablaze, and
out of their mouths spew fire, smoke, and sulphur, a hellish
breath scorching the mire.
At their head, A Black Knight rides, jagged black armour,
leading the charge toward Cedric and Oswin.
Cedric’s eyes widen, sword trembling in his grip as the horde
advances and scatters in all directions.
The Black Knight pulls up his horse, staring down at Cedric.
Cedric squints - the BLACK KNIGHT is immense, from his
earlier visions.
The sound of the army fade as they cross the earth in all
directions.
The black Knight descends from his horse and walks through
the flames. Cedric’s eyes widen.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Stay back Boy!
The figure steps forward. Clad in jagged black armour gleaming
like polished obsidian, its SWORD long and heavy, its face
hidden behind a featureless helm.
Cedric falters, raises his sword, shaking.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
(whispered)
Black. Armour. Brings. Death...
The Black Knight raises its own blade, a crown in the other
hand.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Give that to me!
The Knight hurls the crown onto the ground. Oswin eyes it in
the dirt.
OSWIN
(horrified)
Nay...
The Knight points his sword at Cedric.
Cedric defiantly cries out, rushes forward, sword drawn,
swings it with what energy he has, their swords COLLIDE, the
impact ringing out like thunder.
The Black Knight is relentless, its blows heavy and precise.
Cedric fights back with desperation, his movements driven by
adrenaline and fury.
Cedric lands a blow, slashing across the Black Knight’s arm,
black ichor spills from the wound, but at the same moment -
Cedric staggers, stops, clutching his own arm as blood seeps
from an identical wound to the one he inflicted on the Black
Knight.
His eyes widen in horror, fixed on his severed arm.
Oswin’s breath catches.
Cedric looks again to the Black Knight -
The Black Knight points its blade at Cedric once more, steps
forward.
Cedric strikes the Black Knight again, slashing his shoulder.
Cedric cries out in pain. His own shoulder slashed, he grips it,
blood running through his fingers.
KING CEDRIC
Nay...
Cedric strikes once more at the Black Knight screaming out
with coarse fury -
The Black Knight strikes back, Cedric ducks under it and
slashes at the Black knight’s leg.
The Knight falters, slashed, but it is Cedric who drops to
one knee, his leg buckling as blood pours from a fresh gash
in his thigh.
Cedric stares into the visor of the Black Knight, breathing
heavily, ragged.
Oswin can barely take it in.
Cedric hauls himself up from his knees, clutching the deep gash
in his leg, blood seeping through his fingers -
The Black Knight steps forward again, points its blade at
Cedric’s neck, against his skin.
Cedric eyeballs the knight, staggering.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
Thy will be done...
Cedric falls to his knees as the wounds take their toll. His
blood pooling beneath him.
The Black Knight advances, raising its blade for the killing
blow.
Cedric gathers his remaining strength, pulls a dagger from the
Knight’s waist.
He looks to Oswin.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
May my death save thee, boy... Bear
the flame onward...
OSWIN
Nay... Forsake me not!
With trembling hands, Cedric locks eyes on the Black Knight,
peering into its black visor -
And stabs himself in the chest.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
(trembling tears)
My Lord...
The Black knight straightens, rigid. Sways, then -
CRASHES to the ground, armour shattering like black glass.
Cedric stumbles forward onto the palms of his hands.
He looks to the Black Knight and sees his own face in its broken
helm.
Cedric pulls the dagger from his chest, leaving a wound that
gushes with blood.
His eyes fix on the shattered helm, his own reflection
staring back.
His image slowly fades leaving an empty black helm.
KING CEDRIC
What more wouldst thou take? My
blood is spent... My people still
perish...
Cedric’s eyes remain cast down where he sees Baldwin’s
scourge resting before him.
Cedric picks up the scourge, climbs to his knees. Gripping it
tight -
CRACK...
The lash rips across his bare back as Cedric’s eyes remain on
the Angel of Death.
CRACK...
CRACK...
Oswin watches in horror...
Cedric collapses, onto his back, eyes to the darkened skies,
upside down in his vision...
His eyes flutter. Oswin rushes to his king.
OSWIN
My King!
Oswin reaches Cedric, his face bathed in soft light, his
innocent eyes cast across his dying King.
Cedric looks over the boy. A realisation hits him, his face
softening in awe.
KING CEDRIC
Oswin... my boy..
He touches the boy’s cheek.
KING CEDRIC (CONT’D)
How foolish am I... It was always
you. Son of sin. Purest among us...
OSWIN
No... My lord!
KING CEDRIC
I am no lord. There can be no Lord
but He.
Cedric’s hand falls to his side, eyes fluttering, he dies.
OSWIN
Nay!
Oswin’s lips tremble.
He looks over Cedric’s face whose eyes are open, fixed in
horror, then tears falling, he places a gentle hand over his
King’s eyes and closes them.
He takes a moment.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
Is this what was meant?
Oswin looks around, unsure of the path forward...
Then to where the flames illuminate a round amphitheater of
towering statues carved into the side of the mountain -
MONOLITHS carved as kings, each crowned and stern, leaning
inward towards the valley.
Oswin stands, clasping his gut wound. Blood oozing from it.
He sees the crown in the earth by Cedric’s dead body. Picks
it up. Holds it in his trembling, bloodied hands.
His eyes lift, staring ahead.
He staggers forward... crown in hand.
Oswin’s eyes look upward towards the mountains - AN ANCIENT
KING jagged crown and fierce gaze etched on one, others a
lineage, among them, AETHELRED.
The trees light up again, blazing in flame. Oswin shields his
eyes.
Peering through the flames, he sees a towering cross and a
statue of a crucified and bloodied Jesus. Light falls softly
upon it from the heavens.
Oswin eyes Him, feeling his pain and sacrifice -
OSWIN (CONT’D)
(trembling)
My Lord...
The head of the Jesus statue turns slowly with a creak as the
wood of his neck twists. Eyes staring directly into Oswin -
deep into his soul.
Oswin’s breath catches, teary eyes lingering on Christ.
Jesus’ eyes never leave Oswin as Oswin walks through the
flames towards him, until at last, Oswin kneels, eyes cast to
the floor in servitude.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
(trembling)
Though they knew God, they did not
glorify him...
With the last of his energy and life draining from him,
Oswin’s fist grips the crown.
He looks back up to Jesus, whose eyes are cast down solemnly.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
I kneel to thee, O Lord...
Oswin places the crown down at the feet of Jesus with
trembling hands.
He hangs his head.
OSWIN (CONT’D)
Forgive them...
SUDDENLY - THE MONOLITH KING STATUES CRUMBLE from the side of
the mountain - stone faces, Aethelred’s wild eyes shatter,
each king collapses into dust.
Oswin watches as dust falls around him.
Oswin looks to the crucifix, to Christ, his nailed and bloody
feet.
Before the cross. Before God.
From his side pouch, the firefly rises, a singular, tiny
vessel of light. It hovers above him before moving into the
air, skyward.
A serene light falls upon the boy, his eyes cast to the light
of God.
Genres:
["Fantasy","Drama","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
A Mother's Grief
99 EXT. CASTLE GATES – DAWN 99
The castle gates. Cracked and fallen stone walls looming over
dead bodies.
A horse stumbles through, bearing Oswin, pale and weary,
clinging to the reins, a faint ash cross mark on his
forehead.
Cedric’s body slumps across the saddle, blood-soaked and
still, flies thick on his lifeless face.
A dead lion-headed horse lay dead, the rider quashed beneath
it, burned and charred. A spear wedged in the chest of its
armour. Dead bodies littered around it.
A RAGGED FIGURE whispers a prayer, sinking to the mud as Oswin
rides past, on his forehead, the same mark as Oswin. One or two
other survivors emerge to witness Oswin moving past, also
marked.
Above the courtyard, Isolde stands at the turret window, face
heavy with loss. She watches the horse passes, a faint ash cross
marks her forehead too.
She turns and rushes down to meet them.
100 EXT. CASTLE COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS 100
Oswin slides from the horse, his legs buckling. He steadies
himself against the animal's flank as Cedric's body slumps
forward in the saddle.
Isolde rushes across the courtyard to her son's lifeless form.
ISOLDE
(whispered)
My son...
She reaches up, touching Cedric's cold face. Her face etched
with grief.
Oswin watches her for a moment, then moves to help lower
Cedric's body from the horse. Together, they ease him to the
ground.
Isolde kneels beside her son, smoothing his hair back from his
face. Oswin crouches beside her, silent.
ISOLDE (CONT’D)
Tell me Oswin... did he suffer?
OSWIN
(lying)
Nay. He went willingly.
Isolde nods, drawing strength from the boy's calm presence.
She looks at Oswin, noticing the ash cross on his forehead for
the first time. Her hand reaches out, fingers tracing the mark
gently.
A RAY OF SUNLIGHT pierces the grey skies, slicing through low
cloud, lighting the Blackmire’s edge.
101 INT. BLACKMIRE CASTLE - CHAPEL - DAY 101
The chapel lit by candlelight, walls cracked from the quake.
OSWIN kneels at the stone altar. He removes Baldwin’s crucifix
from his leather bag, and dips it in holy water.
His hands scrub slow, removing blood and filth, cleansing it.
He pulls it from the water, clutching it to his chest, eyes,
tired yet calm, rest on Jesus and the crucifix above him.
HOLD on the crucifix, gleaming soft.
Silence falls, deep and still.
A serene light through the windows.
From the mud of a small mound, wildflowers have bloomed,
their bright petals swaying gently in the breeze, casting
colour against the black of the mire.
Far in the distance, the faint call of birds echo — the first
sign of life in a cursed land - finally reborn.
We hold on the colourful wildflowers. New life and renewal.
Hold.
And hold.
But something is watching from high on a hill.
Dark eyes, wings of a crow -
THE ANGEL OF DEATH. Messenger of God.
It stands still, eyes like pits, fixed on the Kingdom.
BLACK.
ON THE SCREEN: In humanitate, silentium cedit. Et lux
tenebras perfodit.
(In humanity, silence yields. And light did pierce the dark.)
Finis Est Initium
(The End is the Beginning)