The Light Bearer
The Light Bearer
The Light Bearer
by
JR Kambak and Donna Gillespie
A SCREENPLAY ADAPTATION OF
THE LIGHT BEARER
BY
DONNA GILLESPIE
Current Revisions by
JR Kambak/Donna Gillespie
JR Kambak
[email protected]
WGA Registration: 1088479
"THE LIGHT BEARER"
FADE IN:
HERTHA
Mudrin. Go to the lodge of
Thrusnelda. There’s a holy woman
there who can sing the child from
the womb.
MUDRIN
Sigdrifa may return, Lady.
(CONTINUED)
2.
CONTINUED:
HERTHA
No. She betrayed us – slipping off
like a cutpurse while we sleep.
We’ve little time. Take this for a
gift for the medicine woman.
Quickly.
HERTHA (CONT’D)
You shy at your own footfall. What
is it?
MUDRIN'S POV.
Dawn breaks upon the thick ground mist. A dog’s threatening
growl turns into a cowardly WHINE.
HERTHA (CONT’D)
(standing)
Mudrin. Speak. What do you gape at?
HERTHA (CONT’D)
Speak or I will have your tongue.
FREDEMUND
Mother of the gods. Mudrin, what
mischief have you done?
MUDRIN
(underbreath)
No sacrilege. I committed no
sacrilege.
HERTHA'S POV.
(CONTINUED)
3.
CONTINUED: (2)
HERTHA
Ramis. The High One.
MUDRIN
Fredemund, draw the door.
HERTHA
Be still. You’ll not keep her out.
She sees right through your very
bones.
MOMENTS LATER
HERTHA
The ax head. Mudrin quickly, dig
it out.
Standing over her; Ramis inclines her hooded head and crosses
the threshold. Many sickle-shaped tools of bronze hang from
her knotted belt. She pulls back her hood revealing dark
blond hair with long streaks of silver. On her forehead, a
delicately silver crescent moon.
RAMIS
(formal)
Greetings to the noble Hertha and
blessing on Chieftain Baldermar's
lodge.
HERTHA
(patronizing)
Greetings, High One. Stay as long
as we please you. Honor us by
sharing our meat and mead.
(CONTINUED)
4.
CONTINUED:
RAMIS
Put these herbs in goat’s milk and
boil them in a bronze vessel.
RAMIS (CONT’D)
Nar lagai Dia do lamh.
AURIANE (V.O.)
A raid.
INT. LONGHOUSE
AURIANE (V.O.)
I saw them first. I’ll be first
with the alarm.
INT. LONGHOUSE
AURIANE (V.O.)
Lady of the Bog, protect me from
the wrath of the living and the
dead.
INT. LONGHOUSE
Ramis, swiftly cuts the birth cord with her DAGGER, lifting
the wailing child's steaming body high above her head,
framing Baldemar's HIGH SEAT in the b.g.
RAMIS
A girl is born to Baldemar's clan.
INT. LONGHOUSE
(CONTINUED)
6.
CONTINUED:
HERTHA
You have blessed us, Ramis. Mudrin.
Fredemund.
(clapping hands)
Prepare for the oracle.
HERTHA (CONT’D)
Tell us first, what ancestor is
born among us? Whose name shall she
bear?
INT. LONGHOUSE
RAMIS
There is but one name for her.
Auriane.
HERTHA
(stifled protest)
But... that is not a name of our
family. You have given her a
priestess-name.
(CONTINUED)
7.
CONTINUED:
RAMIS
I have given her the name that is
hers.
AURIANE
Herwig.
AURIANE’S POV.
(CONTINUED)
9.
CONTINUED:
HYLDA
Let the fire cleanse!
HYLDA (CONT’D)
He died with open eyes. It
signifies that an enemy rises
within.
(beat)
And you, Auriane, are his slayer.
(beat)
Your lot is to protect your people
with your own body, to be a living
shield as long as your spirit is
clothed in flesh. Any weapon you
touch is blessed. Any weapon you
wield has thrice the war-luck in
your hand. The oracle commands you:
Marry the god, and victory will
be your fate.
AURIANE
Marry the god? You speak of
becoming a shield maiden?
(CONTINUED)
10.
CONTINUED: (2)
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Who is the enemy that rises from
within?
HYLDA
You will know him when he comes.
AURIANE
I must go. My mother is alone.
HYLDA
Go then, but never forget. You have
more kin in this grove than in any
chieftain's hall... and they will
claim you one day.
AURIANE (V.O.)
Many saw, then. They will not let
me hide from this. I will deny the
kill was mine. I won’t live their
way.
CUT TO:
ATHELINDA (O.C.)
Auriane.
AURIANE'S POV.
(CONTINUED)
11.
CONTINUED:
ATHELINDA (CONT’D)
They’ve burned the house of your
father’s brother, Theudobald.
They’ll be here next.
AURIANE
Theudobald’s hall? How could they
dare?
ATHELINDA
Help me push the animals out.
AURIANE
Mother, what is happening to us?
ATHELINDA
The gods know. Perhaps it’s world’s
end.
ATHELINDA (CONT’D)
Auriane, what has happened to you?
AURIANE
I killed... one of the raiders.
ATHELINDA
Fria, Mother of Us All, have mercy,
you could have been killed.
AURIANE
What is it mother?
ATHELINDA
Nothing. Everyone’s underground but
you. Go now!
AURIANE
Mother, father’s weapons must be
gotten out.
ATHELINDA
There isn’t time.
(CONTINUED)
12.
CONTINUED: (2)
AURIANE
There must be time.
Auriane darts her way through the hall to the HIGH-SEAT, over
which Baldemar’s weapons are mounted; her hand closes around
the thick bone hilt of Baldemar’s SWORD, a surge of
thunderbolts up her arm. Then, the hunting SPEAR.
INT. SOUTERRAIN
AURIANE'S POV.
AURIANE
(hushed)
Mother, that's Thusko. He's alive!
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Mother, no!
(CONTINUED)
13.
CONTINUED:
HERTHA
Foolish woman. I command you,
Athelinda, come back!
DECIUS
(Latin)
Ignorant barbarian sow.
SOUTERRAIN
EXT. YARD
SOUTERRAIN
YARD
SOUTERRAIN
DECIUS
(grasping Auriane by her
ankles)
Crazed whelp. You can throw your
life away if you want, but you’ll
not throw away mine.
(CONTINUED)
14.
CONTINUED:
HERTHA
Do not touch her, thrall! How dare
you lay a hand on a free woman.
I’ll see you flogged and drowned.
Decius pins Auriane down with her arms behind her back, his
body weighs on her back. A horse’s HOOF tears through the
wattlework. Everyone cowers, except Decius.
DECIUS
Ah, the mind of savages. I’ve given
up trying to puzzle them out. By
Jupiter’s thunderbolts, they fairly
lust for the chance to throw
themselves on each other’s
weapons.
Decius leans down to Auriane.
DECIUS (CONT’D)
By the way, my pugnacious pet,
that’s a sword not a garden hoe.
DECIUS (CONT’D)
(to Hertha)
I can't be expected to idly sit by
while this battle crazed filly
reveals our hiding place.
(to Auriane)
And as long as we’re on the matter,
here’s another bit of advice. A
smarter bitch would have picked up
the spear, not the sword – then you
wouldn’t have to get in so close.
DECIUS (CONT’D)
Daughter of Hades!
AURIANE’S POV.
(CONTINUED)
15.
CONTINUED: (2)
YARD
SOUTERRAIN
YARD - LATER
AURIANE
I should have come... I could have
saved you... I am cursed.
HERTHA
Auriane. Do not touch her. She must
be cleansed by sacrifice.
Auriane rises up and spins around to confront Hertha.
Thusko, unharmed, hides his face in Hertha's cloak. In
Hertha’s arms is lifeless Arnwulf.
AURIANE
Mother shouldn’t know yet.
DISSOLVE TO:
16.
WARRIORS
(chanting)
Give us vengeance! Baldemar, lead
us out!
Among the milling warriors WIDO (35), brutish scoundrel,
jumps atop a cart, haranguing the warriors.
WIDO
The gods know a man’s end before he
knows it himself and they send us
signs. When Wodan takes a man’s
mother and takes also his son...
WARRIORS
(chanting)
Give us vengeance!
WIDO
Every moment we delay shames us
more!
WIDO’S COMPANIONS
Hail Wido, greatest of chiefs!
(CONTINUED)
17.
CONTINUED:
SIGWULF
Hail, Witgern, whose abandoned
everyone. And how come he’s
summoned you and not us?
WITGERN
If you have words for me, say
them... you mead soaked mountebank.
SIGWULF
Help us. That’s all I have to say.
The burden’s on you alone. Tell
Baldemar his men are clamoring for
a word with him. Tell him that
weasel’s courting their hatred day
and night.
Sigwulf waves his croaked finger at Wido.
SIGWULF (CONT’D)
I'm sorry for your lost eye. Does
Baldemar know you can’t be joined
in marriage with Auriane now?
You’ve my word I’ll refuse her if
he offers her to me.
SIGWULF (CONT’D)
I struck a blow for you today. I
hit a man villainous enough to say
you put that eye out yourself,
because Auriane doesn’t want you
anymore.
WITGERN
(softly, forcefully)
You’re drunk. If you’ve a wise
tongue in your head, you’ll be
silent before someone rips it out.
Witgern turns to look down upon the base of the hill. In the
near distance Wido has mounted a horse, hoisting a Boar
STANDARD. About him, men are breaking camp.
(CONTINUED)
18.
CONTINUED: (2)
At the Chieftain’s side, are fire lit gems on the HILT of his
SWORD.
Behind the Chieftain’s high seat, hanging from the tent pole
is a great rectangular Roman SHIELD of a primus pilus, a
First Centurion. Baldemar scrutinizes Witgern for a moment,
while calmly rolling a gold COIN through his fingers.
BALDEMAR
Witgern, my boy, that grim look
would take the grin off a skull.
WITGERN
Baldemar, I greet you. You see how
I am maimed. I cannot live on alms.
And I cannot live away from battle.
I came too late upon... the
disaster that took your mother,
Hertha. My life is cursed. I will
die now, if you give me leave.
BALDEMAR
(laughing)
At last, I’ve finally found a
failing in Witgern the Good.
(CONTINUED)
19.
CONTINUED:
BALDEMAR (CONT’D)
(preoccupied)
Greed. Wido gobbles up all the
blame and shame. Save some for your
fellows. You will die now, you
say? At my order? Witgern, you
insult me. Wido is out there, not
in here.
WITGERN
I – I mean no insult. None. And,
happily, you have brought up Wido.
I beg you, go and put him in his
place. As we speak, he is making
off with the army that's rightfully
yours.
BALDEMAR
Is he? Wido is a noisy man of small
deeds, and he does not interest me
now. You interest me more.
BALDEMAR (CONT’D)
Shadow.
WITGERN
I... I don’t understand.
BALDEMAR
Shadow. That’s his markings, I’d
know them anywhere. I never saw a
dog similarly marked, brown and
white speckles with a black toe.
BALDEMAR’S TENT
BALDEMAR
Shadow was my hound. And he didn’t
bite. Witgern, you killed my dog.
(a flicker of humor comes
into his eyes)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
20.
CONTINUED:
BALDEMAR (CONT'D)
You cleaver rascal, you weren’t
bitten at all, were you?
WITGERN
Where one man sees a paw, Baldemar
sees the whole dog.
(beat)
Your daughter, Auriane, refuses to
marry me. I thought the dog was
wild and tried to make it look as
if...
BALDEMAR’S TENT
BALDEMAR
Stop there, I’ve caught your
meaning. I know, Witgern. You
should have trusted me to save the
honor of your name without having
to sacrifice your eye, and my dog.
Think no more of it – this secret
shall remain yours and mine.
WITGERN
You mean not to cast me off then?
BALDEMAR
For an eye? I think not. Your soul
still sees with two eyes. Just keep
a good grip on the one you have
left.
WITGERN
You are most nobly generous.
BALDEMAR
Witgern, you returned by much the
same route the raiders used. Did
any of your men see traces of
revelry, and rejoicing?
WITGERN
They left less trace than a fleeing
hawk.
BALDEMAR
The Hermundures on the scent of
booty are like flies around honey.
You can get them all at one swat.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
21.
CONTINUED:
BALDEMAR (CONT'D)
How come our people felled so few
of them?
BALDEMAR (CONT’D)
Is it not strange that this raid,
which so conveniently impoverishes
me, comes at the very time when
Wido and the Roman governor, Marcus
Julianus, are pressing me to marry
my daughter to Wido’s odious son -
which among other things would also
restore me to wealth?
WITGERN
Auriane spoke the very same
thought.
BALDEMAR
Did she! That alerts me the
question’s a good one.
BALDEMAR (CONT’D)
And Wido’s cattle were not driven
off, nor was his hall burned,
though it lay more directly in
their path. They came for me,
Witgern.
WITGERN
It is utterly impossible that Wido
could be in league with the
Hermundures.
BALDEMAR
Hasty words are as deadly as any
blade, Witgern. Be careful, nothing
here is as it seems.
(beat)
I mean for you to leave at once at
the head of twenty-five men I’ve
chosen from the Companions and take
Auriane to the place of the
Midsummer Assembly. Witgern, if you
get her to the Assembly healthy and
whole for the day she meets her
groom, there is no favor I will not
grant you.
(CONTINUED)
22.
CONTINUED: (2)
WITGERN
What?! Marriage for her? But she
refuses! Who then will she marry?
Sigwulf?
BALDEMAR
Sigwulf. Ha! Is that what you
think! I’d never see her married to
a man with such a rabid aversion to
water. If a dog shakes itself dry
near Sigwulf, he counts it a bath.
WITGERN
Not Sigwulf. Who then? A better man
than I?
BALDEMAR
Yes, I would say so. A better man
than us all.
WITGERN
I am not good with riddles.
BALDEMAR
By Helle, who else would she marry
on the night of the Assembly? I am
not immortal, my boy. You know she
must be pledged to god or man
before battle takes me.
WITGERN
So you and she decided a god it
should be... you marry her to
Wodan... I understand, and yet I do
not.
BALDEMAR
It is my sacrifice, Witgern. I will
give the god a greater thing than
what he took from me. He took my
son, Arnwulf. So I give to him all
hope of heirs. That should satisfy
heaven and earth, should it not?
BALDEMAR (CONT’D)
And as for her prodigal deed in the
Ash Grove – Witgern, it is a sign
of battle luck so rare the She-Wolf
had not yet suckled Rome when last
it happened among us.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
23.
CONTINUED: (3)
BALDEMAR (CONT’D)
So you see, the god cast a lustful
eye on her already, before I ever
conceived of this divine marriage.
(in his High Seat)
Battling Rome is like carrying
water in a sieve. Perhaps she will
be the one to arrest the plague.
Sometimes I think her spirit is
mine, purified. What I do with
might, she does with innocence. And
she has no notion of it, none
whatever, no more than the doe in
the field. She might slay a dragon
with innocence…
BALDEMAR
Why yes, I do hear it.
WITGERN
Twenty more of your Companions
deserted you this morning.
BALDEMAR
Twenty-three, to be precise. When a
tree’s given a little shake, the
most rottenness fruit always fall
first.
WITGERN
Wido shames us every moment we
delay punishing the Hermundures.
BALDEMAR
A more intriguing question is one
you did not ask, "Where is Wido’s
wealth coming from?"
WITGERN
Curses, I do not know. The hoard, I
suppose, that he claims he found
buried. If you will not fight for
yourself, then I will.
BALDEMAR
Halt. You’re an overeager pup that
needs a tight leash. Turn around.
(CONTINUED)
24.
CONTINUED: (4)
BALDEMAR (CONT’D)
Precisely. A hoard. A generations-
old hoard, he claims.
BALDEMAR (CONT’D)
Well, I’ve had some of it brought
to me. Those coins have images on
them. Look for yourself.
BALDEMAR
By all the gods. What does Wido
take me for? It’s a fool that
assumes others are fools.
(sits forward)
We were not attacked by
Hermundures.
WITGERN
What? But – they were seen. They
were seen by many.
BALDEMAR
And what is more interesting is
that scoundrel, Wido, knows it.
DISSOLVE TO:
A twig SNAPS.
DECIUS
Greetings. Do you speak? No?
(CONTINUED)
25.
CONTINUED:
DECIUS (CONT’D)
What schemes drive the daughter of
Baldemar to have dealings with a
thrall? Did you like the taste of
my flesh so well, you’d like to try
a bite of my other hand?
AURIANE
I am sorry for the bite.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
It's the god’s will you stopped me.
AURIANE
I give you this ring in payment for
the bite. Fria, Wodan, be witness
that I have paid.
Decius takes the ring and passes her his goatskin wine flask.
Auriane hesitates, then seizes it with both hands, gulping
down half the flask. Her face reddens. She spits into the
fire. A burst of FLAME.
DECIUS
(laughing)
It’s unwatered wine, my feisty
princess; did I forget to tell you?
AURIANE
I have something to show you.
Perhaps you can explain it to me.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
These belong to a warrior of the
Hermundures... he chased me and
made a great effort to kill me.
(CONTINUED)
26.
CONTINUED: (2)
DECIUS
He chased you?
AURIANE
I killed him with his spear.
DECIUS
(disbelief)
You -- killed him?
(examines her with new
eyes)
Auriane, had he roughened skin,
here along the jaw, as if from a
childhood pox, a healthy head of
black curly hair and strangely
light eyes?
DECIUS (CONT’D)
This is a map. A thing no warrior
would have except Roman cavalry...
picked because they closely
resembled Hermundures in features
and size. The raid was a ruse.
AURIANE
We cannot live on this earth with
you Romans. We do not belong to you
nor will we ever, even if you
murder us all.
DECIUS
You’re right, but the world doesn’t
care that you’re right. See here,
the words carved name his cavalry
cohort, and here, Legio XIV, the
14th Legion. This man you killed
was Valerius Sylvanus, prefect of a
cavalry cohort.
AURIANE
I killed... a prefect?
(CONTINUED)
27.
CONTINUED: (3)
DECIUS
He must count for at least forty or
fifty common ordinary soldiers, no?
AURIANE
I want you to teach our armorers
how your swords are made, and the
far-flying javelins. I want you to
instruct me in the art of the
sword, exactly as your legionary
soldiers are taught.
AURIANE
Ask me tomorrow, without the wine,
and I will speak the same words.
DECIUS
Nemesis. You’ve got it all
backwards. It’s not weapons. It's
our people. You’ll not chase the
Romans out of your country with a
few miserable copies of Roman arms.
We fight as one. We obey our
commanders. A thing your people
call slavery. We’re not hobbled by
sacred laws. We do whatever brings
results. It’s discipline, not
weapons. You might as well go to
the seashore and do battle with the
waves.
AURIANE
You will not sway my mind, Decius.
DECIUS
Of all the pitiful madness, give it
up. The whole world is with us now
and has been for a century. Certain
races were ordained by the gods to
rule, and others, to be used by
them and knocked about, and we poor
fools in the middle of it all have
little choice but to stand out of
the way and make the best of it.
(CONTINUED)
28.
CONTINUED: (4)
AURIANE
I want you to begin instructing me
at once.
DECIUS
I might as well be speaking to a
rock.
DECIUS (CONT’D)
All right, you have it then. If I
turn one sparrow into a hawk,
where’s the harm? But here is what
I ask of you, in return. I want out
of this pestilential swamp.
AURIANE
Decius, I am wounded for you, but I
cannot do this thing. You belong to
the whole tribe. If I help you it
would be like stealing from the
tribe.
DECIUS
This is curious. Suddenly I’m for
getting everything I know about
swordsmanship, but who’s going to
instruct this barbaric she-wolf?
AURIANE
I will help you then. I’ll get you
a horse and a guide. But not before
next spring. Be ready to travel
south with me and the Company of
Companions at the first cock crow.
What you know of weapons and
tactics, you will tell to my
father.
DISSOLVE TO:
(CONTINUED)
29.
CONTINUED:
RAMIS (O.C.)
Halt and be at peace. Come forward,
Auriane.
WITGERN
Auriane. Stay there.
RAMIS (O.C.)
Choose, child. You cannot obey both
of us.
WITGERN
No closer.
RAMIS
Witgern, let her be.
WITGERN
She is mine to protect in the name
of Baldemar.
RAMIS
To protect? Can you protect her
from misfortune? Or from her
inevitable day of death?
Witgern, stand aside.
(CONTINUED)
30.
CONTINUED: (2)
RAMIS (CONT’D)
Sleep.
RAMIS (CONT’D)
Come. You wear your mother’s fear,
not your own. Now bare your feet,
and unbind your hair.
AURIANE
I will not.
RAMIS
As you delay, a party of Wido’s men
approaches this place. Do as I
command or they will capture you.
RAMIS (CONT’D)
Never forget the power of hair. It
is both a shield and a birth-
string, binding you to earth. Now,
my mare has taken a stone. Take it
out.
AURIANE
If you want to murder me, use
spells to stop my heart, not that
mare.
RAMIS
Perhaps you will not be so
fortunate. The smoothest of
lives is still more difficult than
death, and yours is set to be
anything but smooth.
(raising her voice)
In you dwells a spirit as old as
mine. I command you, give it voice.
Enchanted, Auriane takes the bronze hoof pick and lifts the
mare’s hoof.
(CONTINUED)
31.
CONTINUED: (3)
While prying out the stone the mare nuzzles her, pulling at
her hair as the STONE falls out into her hand.
AURIANE
Let me be. I am not one of yours.
RAMIS
Tell me Auriane, how did you know
which hoof?
AURIANE
I... I do not know. And I don’t
care. I’ll take my own life before
I’ll go with you.
RAMIS
It is time you know it, Auriane. I
come to cast light upon what you
will not know.
AURIANE
I choose not to be a ganna. Am I
free, then, to go on my way?
RAMIS
Free is an unfit word for it. Yes,
you are free – to take up your
bonds again. Or you can die now,
and let me show you life. You have
come to one of the times of
turning, when a new path may be
chosen. I was impelled to ask,
though I guessed you would refuse.
(a woeful voice)
Oh, yes. I see you now in a
necklace of bones a cloak of human
skin and corpses strewn at your
feet. At your side a bloody sword
hangs – the more it drinks the more
it thirsts.
(beat)
You flee catastrophe, but you
cannot see catastrophe is fertile,
it brings forth worlds. You flee
sorrow, all the while strewing it
in your bloody wake.
(voice rising up)
Off with you now, Priestess of
Death – go and play in the world.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
32.
CONTINUED: (4)
RAMIS (CONT'D)
I do not want you, and I sorrow for
you.
AURIANE
Why do you not help Baldemar?
RAMIS
An empty question from one who
knows not what help is.
AURIANE
How could you allow Wido’s evil?
RAMIS
I am a mortal woman, Auriane, not
the Fates.
AURIANE
You are a curse in the flesh.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
You started the tales I am ridden
with demon’s blood. And now you
come and tell me so... and then you
abandon me.
(enraged)
Yes, abandon me, casually as a
bitch-dog walking off from her
young. You speak of life, but all
that gives human comfort, you call
folly. You spew out words of
confusion while everywhere we are
dying of blows. Go and confuse the
Romans. You would do us more
good.
Auriane reels.
RAMIS
This is well. I am pleased with
you. When I had about as many
years as you, I spoke in that wise
to my own teacher.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
33.
CONTINUED: (5)
RAMIS (CONT'D)
Though I believe I called her a she-
ass instead of a bitch-dog, if
memory serves. Your spirit is great
and you progress well…
(sternly)
But it is not time. I must leave
you. We will meet again at the next
turning of the times.
CUT TO:
EXT. ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT
AURIANE
Blessings on you, Ullrik. Once
again they forgot to feed me.
ULLRIK
(childish whisper)
My brother, Odberht, comes for you.
AURIANE
What are you saying?
ULLRIK
My father, Wido, has made it known
that you are to be given to me, not
Odberht.
AURIANE
Is this true?
ULLRIK
No, Wido would never marry me to
you... but Odberht believes it and
comes for one last chance at what’s
to be taken from him.
(CONTINUED)
34.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
Ullrik, that drinking horn you
carry, it is of Ubian glass, is it
not?
AURIANE (CONT’D)
I will give you my silver and
garnet necklet in exchange.
ULLRIK
Oh, but you cheat yourself. This is
worth far more.
ULLRIK
Here then, I wish you to have it.
ULLRIK (CONT’D)
I want nothing in exchange.
AURIANE
Ullrik, if I live and Baldemar is
victorious, I will send for you.
You will be treated with kindness
among us.
ODBERHT
Look, Ranulf. I believe my wicked
little brother was ready to mount
the bride before the wedding. And
is this young cock to be blamed?
Look at her.
(CONTINUED)
35.
CONTINUED: (2)
ODBERHT (CONT’D)
Behold, the disputed maid, strong,
well-formed, firm of flesh. This
young mare’s still half wild. I
fear she needs a better rider than
you to tame her, little brother.
ODBERHT (CONT’D)
Brothers should share, don’t you
think? You’ll have her all the rest
of the nights. I promise to return
her just as I found her, well,
almost.
CUT TO:
AURIANE
Where is Baldemar?
BLACKSMITH
(mocking laughter)
This little mud-hen Baldemar’s
daughter? A shame no one’s told you
she’s better guarded than a Roman
fortress. Off with you.
(CONTINUED)
36.
CONTINUED:
The twelve HIGH PRIESTESSES and PRIESTS of Wodan, masked and
crowned with oak leaves, stand within this ring. Among them
is GEISAR (40), priest and SIGREDA (40), priestess and Hylda.
SIGREDA
(bell-clear voice)
Now we summon Wodan to lay a hand
on the head of the one who must
lead us out to destroy the traitor.
Who shall carry the standard?
GEISAR
It is nearing moonset. We must
choose the standard bearer and
since we cannot agree, sacred law
demands I decide between them, or
offer you a third choice.
HERWIG
Auriane, it truly is you. Your
father is well enough, but he’s not
here.
(CONTINUED)
37.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
Let me pass. I’ve little time left.
I mean to take the oath before the
moonset.
GEISAR
Therefore…
GEISAR (CONT’D)
Therefore... I name Unfrith.
UNFRITH (25), as if on cue, comes forward, a faintly amused
smile on his well-groomed face, wearing fine clothes missing
the slightest smudge of mud. The response is half-hearted. A
frenzied, “Daughter of the Ash! Lead us out!"
GEISAR
(softly)
You are a fount of evil. You make a
mockery of sacred law. Off with
you, before I break my staff and
condemn you.
AURIANE
It was never in my mind to carry
the standard, only to take the
oath. And I mean to take it.
(CONTINUED)
38.
CONTINUED:
GEISAR
You are the last child of your
family. You are needed to produce
heirs.
AURIANE
It is not to be, Geisar. Baldemar
charged me to tell you, I am the
appeasement gift. This is our
sacrifice. We offer up all hope of
heirs.
GEISAR
Never on this earth. I will not
allow it.
MAN IN CROWD: "You will allow it!"
TIME CUT:
FRIA
(masked as a cat)
I am memory. I am Chaos from Chaos
in the time before time. I brought
the age of Ice then took it away.
I brought forth all that flourishes
in the Three Worlds. I create and
destroy with one hand. The Sun and
almighty Moon are my eyes. God of
War, I bid you, raise the veil.
WODAN
Now I mark her as my own.
Baring Auriane’s left upper arm, Wodan takes his dagger and
carves the runic SIGN of the God of War in her flesh.
(CONTINUED)
39.
CONTINUED: (2)
The PRIESTESS dips her fingers in boar’s blood and draws the
same rune SIGN upon Auriane’s forehead.
PRIEST
This heart gives her the heart of a
boar that never falters in the
charge. Now, draw forth a plait.
An OWL drops out of the night, beating its heavy wings just
above Auriane, triggering a...
HERTHA
And who will avenge him, when he
dies by a kinswoman’s hand?
AURIANE
What are you saying? What
kinswoman?
MIDSUMMER ASSEMBLY
AURIANE
In your name, Wodan. I redden my
spear with enemies’ blood. Bringer
of victory, I am your own.
SIGREDA
(wearing a silver cat’s
mask)
Hail, Day. Hail, Night. Hail, all
Hail.
(CONTINUED)
40.
CONTINUED:
ALL
Daughter of the Ash. Lead us out.
DISSOLVE TO:
AURIANE
Father, I am here.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
The men are disheartened. They need
you among them.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
41.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Did the bonesetter say how long
before this leg’s good again?
BALDEMAR
Surely the men know my ghost’s with
them always. Revenge on Wido is
what will heal me best.
(pointing to the dirt
floor)
Look at this.
AURIANE
The pits and the stakes in patterns
of five... so that is how they are
set out.
BALDEMAR
Your Decius showed me.
AURIANE
They must have crept out to dig
them on moonless nights. If that
is how they are dug, when we find
the first row, we know the position
of the rest.
BALDEMAR
Yes. They protect two gates, the
Main and the West. The Roman
governor, Marcus Julianus must have
gotten impatient and cut off their
money because Wido has not been
able to fortify the West gate as
the others. It is there we should
break in, of that I have no doubt.
But what I do not understand is...
Baldemar looks upon Auriane, regarding her for a long moment,
and then faintly nodding with a well-pleased look on his
face.
BALDEMAR (CONT’D)
My little hunting cat. You have
done us great honor, great honor
indeed. The tales that have come of
you. I tell you, I do not like to
be outdone.
The kettle boils over, making the fire hiss and spit. Auriane
fills a clay vessel from the kettle, setting it down beside
Baldemar, stares at his bandaged leg.
(CONTINUED)
42.
CONTINUED: (2)
BALDEMAR (CONT’D)
It is nothing. It will heal
quickly.
AURIANE
Bones do not heal quickly at your
age, father. Drink.
BALDEMAR
Enough of such talk. I am more
pleased to see the god’s gift is a
gift to you.
AURIANE
Nothing has happened that is good
that was not brought with more than
we had to give.
Odberht pins her down with his bulk. Biting her about her
face, neck and breasts, bruising her lips, breathing heavily.
BALDEMAR’S TENT
BALDEMAR
I know. I ask it again and again of
the gods, why are we tormented so?
Why did they not take one of my
limbs instead of Arnwulf? Take me,
not my child, I would have said,
but the gods did not ask. I would
walk in fire myself, if I thought
it would bring an hour’s solace to
Athelinda. The beast strikes
hardest at the vulnerable and the
young. Day on day, I try not to
think of how we bleed. In the end,
fighting’s better than grieving,
sorrow keeps the wounds open. Ah, I
praise the gods for your
brightness. You, Auriane, are
shining proof we’ve life in us yet.
FLASHBACK - CONTINUED:
BALDEMAR’S TENT
BALDEMAR
Auriane, tell me. How did you
escape?
AURIANE
I won Ullrik to my cause and he cut
my bonds. It was night and there
was carousing in the camp. It was
not difficult.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
And... that was it. A simple matter
to get free.
BALDEMAR
You do not wish to tell me then.
FLASHBACK - CONTINUED:
Odberht is near ecstasy. Auriane strikes the glass HORN
against the ground. This time it finds a rock. The glass
cracks, leaving a jagged edge dagger sharp... driven into
Odberht’s neck. She rams it deeper. A gushing wound causes
Odberht to fall aside, clutching his thick neck.
ODBERHT
She-viper!
BALDEMAR’S TENT
AURIANE
(whispers)
How foolish of me to think I could
hide it. I beg you, don’t ask me to
tell it, let it die with me.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
44.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE (CONT'D)
You do not need more horrors to
bear in mind. And we have reason
enough already for vengeance.
BALDEMAR
My poor child, you do not suffer
alone. What befell you befell us
all. When vengeance is taken, the
memory will not hurt.
CUT TO:
DECIUS
For the fifteenth time, or is it
sixteenth? You aren’t standing
right to execute the right diagonal
cut.
DECIUS (CONT’D)
Again.
AURIANE
I will not speak of our defeat in
battle. It brings bad luck.
(CONTINUED)
45.
CONTINUED:
DECIUS
All right then, I’ll speak of it.
Wido’s wild men will seize me in
one of your people’s blood orgies
and nail me to a tree as a gift to
his god.
AURIANE
Or perhaps I’ll be more fortunate
and my own people will pick me up,
and torture me to death for
collaborating with the enemy.
DECIUS (CONT’D)
Frighten the enemy with your skill,
not your face. I am the enemy. I
will kill you.
DECIUS (CONT’D)
Press on. Advance.
(CONTINUED)
46.
CONTINUED: (2)
Auriane gains the upper hand, but Decius reaches out at her
blind side and jerks her hard in the direction she is going,
causing her to fall flat on her stomach.
AURIANE
That was unfair, treacherous and
vile.
DECIUS
All war is vile treachery.
MOMENTS LATER
AURIANE
That is enough.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
My father told me to send you away.
I’ve disobeyed him by keeping you
here to teach me.
DECIUS
Just don’t let on I was the one who
instructed you, and I’ll die in
peace.
AURIANE
Decius. I cannot be doing as badly
as you say. Am I?
DECIUS
You do not need to know if you’re
doing well or not. Praise makes for
laziness in the young. Praise would
only confuse you.
AURIANE
If I were a woman of your people,
you would want me.
(CONTINUED)
47.
CONTINUED:
DECIUS
That is silly, Auriane. It's
difficult enough alone out here
with you, day after day. Do not
make it impossible.
Decius draws Auriane close and kisses her, which she returns.
DECIUS (CONT’D)
Careful, least you betray your
divine husband.
AURIANE
My divine husband betrays me every
year at the rites of spring.
Then, a spy's scuffling SOUND from the rock outcropping.
WIDO
Ride out there and demand of them
their purpose.
SENTRY
That’s nothing human out there. If
I go, I want a rowan spear made
beneath a waxing moon and fifty
good men at my back.
Auriane and others reach the West Gate, quietly putting the
ladders in place. Two WARRIORS hastily climb up.
THORGILD
We are lost.
(CONTINUED)
49.
CONTINUED:
WARRIOR #1
It is the vilest of omens.
WARRIOR #2
The dark moon. It has been turned
on us.
AURIANE
A ballista bolt.
THORGILD
(grasping her ankle)
You must not, Auriane. Do not curse
us with your death.
Auriane swings over the top of the gate as bolts from the
ballista just miss her.
Her aurr amulet’s THONG gets caught on the TIP of the fort’s
timber, snapping off.
WIDO’S MEN dart down the palisade, rushing Auriane from all
sides.
A barrage of arrows tear through her hair, grazing her neck
and the flesh of her thigh as she leaps to her feet.
(CONTINUED)
50.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
You’re alive.
WITGERN
Quickly, Wido escapes.
Wido and Odberht wrestle with two Roman cavalry horses laden
with sacks of treasure.
Mounted, Wido and Odberht break into a gallop toward the East
Gate.
WIDO
I’ll see them roasted alive.
(CONTINUED)
51.
CONTINUED: (2)
Auriane races to the East Gate and casts another spear that
falls short of Odberht. Odberht’s gray horse’s tail mocks
her.
AURIANE
Odberht. He gets away.
LATER
Auriane threads her way through the dead and dying. Kneeling
beside Ullrik, Auriane smooths back his hair. With blood on
her fingers, traces two plain crossed lines on his forehead.
Ullrik’s eyelids stir with a brief quickening.
AURIANE
Be born among us, be born among us,
live again. Drink our mead, eat
meat from our board.
DISSOLVE TO:
RUFINUS
There is no change in the men’s
mood in the last hour, my lord.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
52.
CONTINUED:
RUFINUS (CONT'D)
We can only hope they’ll accept the
inevitable when they see Domitian’s
statues in place. There was some
trouble getting the heads to fit.
ANTONIUS
What? Damn them to Hades. Those
superstitious children will say it
means the state is headless. The
pay increase, did you announce it?
RUFINUS
“We will not be bought by a brother-
killer,” was the reply. That’s what
they think of our new Emperor.
ANTONIUS
I could enrich the donative from my
purse, but I will not toss a bribe
to a gang of mutinous wretches. The
prisoners go out tonight, whether
the men come to reason or not.
RUFINUS
I’ll see to it, but I cannot rid
myself of the feeling that wild she-
wolf has caught our scent.
ANTONIUS
Rufinus, what is that about your
neck?
RUFINUS
Why not employ every advantage for
the men’s sake?
(CONTINUED)
53.
CONTINUED: (2)
ANTONIUS
Do what you must then, Rufinus. But
get those cursed prisoners out of
here tonight and get Domitian’s
statute raised.
DISSOLVE TO:
A cloud blocks out the moon. Pitch dark. Then, comes a bone-
chilling undulation. From the cavernous dark beneath the
trees, a single blotch of FLAME scatters into many.
RUFINUS
Centurions. Close quarters.
The Chattians collide with those who have fallen but more
come streaming down, blindly rushing upon the Roman swords.
RUFINUS (CONT’D)
Diamond formation.
(CONTINUED)
54.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
Theudobald, fight with us.
RUFINUS
Aurinia.
DISSOLVE TO:
DECIUS
The hospital buildings are going up
now. And if I’m not mistaken, the
armory. A good piece of work. This
is our victory.
AURIANE
But we lost four.
DECIUS
(standing)
And you rescued ninety-six. Why do
you think only of what is lost?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
55.
CONTINUED:
DECIUS (CONT'D)
It was a fine end to the warring
season. We reclaimed all the rich
farmlands in the valley of the
Wetterau. And you. You are becoming
legend, as you father was.
AURIANE
The gods help us if we failed to
frighten their soldiers out of
accepting this new emperor. You are
certain this Domitian will turn all
his fury on us and make war?
DECIUS
(banishing venison)
I would wager my last piece of this
boot-leather you call meat. For
too many years he’s lusted for
battle like a hound for a fat hen.
And here we are, troublesome,
defiant, and primitive enough that
a good, solid victory is assured.
You’ve been baiting a bull, and
have been for years. But this is
just one camp. I’ve no idea what’s
happening at the others. Or in
Rome.
A BEAT.
AURIANE
(pensive)
My spies tell me the Romans are
trapping mountain cats. They’ve
built a vast stone temple in Rome.
On its altar, men fight men to feed
their blood to the sun god, and
sometimes men fight and are eaten
by... mountain cats.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
This altar rises up to the sky and
is called the Col... Col...
DECIUS
Colosseum.
(CONTINUED)
56.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
On the altar men fight to feed
their blood to the sun god, and
sometimes they are eaten by a
mountain cat, our sacred animal.
DECIUS
Auriane, promise me one thing. That
if ever you are captured by my
people and you are certain that
escape is impossible, you will find
a way to end your life.
AURIANE
You’ve no need to make me promise,
Decius. I would rather be sold into
thralldom to the poorest farmer of
the north than be taken alive by a
Roman. Why do you say that?
DECIUS
I just had a nightmare vision of
you in that place.
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASHBACK DREAMSCAPE:
BALDEMAR
You must kill me, Auriane. Do it,
beloved child. I cannot be taken
alive.
SUPERIMPOSE INSERT:
HERTHA
Accused one. You shall commit a
crime so great there is no
punishment for it.
(CONTINUED)
57.
CONTINUED:
CENTURION
What is the meaning of this? She
slew her own father.
ODBERHT
She is a murderer of kin. There is
no cause, except that form earliest
days, she was inclined to evil.
AURIANE
(sleep-groggy)
I did not kill him... I did not...
DECIUS
(whispered)
Wake up, my love.
AURIANE
Decius, my father’s ghost visits me
until I avenge Odberht’s betrayal.
(beat)
The Assembly. We must hurry.
DECIUS
Look at me. Athelinda said you were
ill all night. What is wrong?
Decius pulls Auriane down beside
him, not letting go of her.
(CONTINUED)
58.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
Hear it then, Decius. I am carrying
our child.
DECIUS
If only this happened in another
country, I could rejoice. But here
it is forbidden to bear a child by
a Roman, a thrall at that. You must
go to Sigdrifa and have her rid you
of it.
AURIANE
(distant)
I know this child will have no kin-
fire. But life has become so barren
since Baldemar’s death. I would
rather have a child of split soul
than die without any issue at all.
DECIUS
You’ll die if Geisar finds out.
AURIANE
(solitary)
I conceived this child amidst
victories, Decius. My time of
strength. This child will be potent
with the magic of victory. I’ll go
away in the last months, and hide
among Ramis’ apprentices.
GEISAR
I relate to you now the law of the
Emperor Domitian, God-King of the
Romans. I ask your lenience to
allow the foreigner, Decius into
this holy circle, due to mischance
he reads their tongue.
59.
TIME CUT:
DECIUS
(reads scroll)
And fourth, for her long record of
criminal acts, and her abuse and
degradation of the Divine Image,
you will deliver up for punishment
the woman called Aurinia.
Someone yells, “Tell the swine we’ll turn in our own mothers
first.”
DECIUS (CONT’D)
(reading)
You will not cross the Rhine, by
day or night. You will leave 30
miles of land uncultivated, on the
east bank of the river. We wish for
peace, but its continuance rests in
your hands.
Raucous laughter.
WULFSTAN
What do they propose to shackle us
with?
SIGWULF
Season after season we defeat them.
And they tell us where we many go,
like a mother to a suckling? I say
burn the edict. Let us swarm over
them like hornets.
SIGREDA
Do any here speak against this
course?
Auriane rises.
AURIANE
Sigwulf is wrong. We are not
invincible despite our many
victories of the past years.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
60.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE (CONT'D)
I, as you, until recently believed
we had warred them down. But what
I’ve come to see is this: In all
these years, they have never
retaliated with all their strength.
I don’t think you understand the
might and size of this enemy, for
you have seen so little of him.
(beat)
And consider the character of this
new Emperor. He searches for war
desperately as a niding searches
for honor. Wherever in the world he
scents spirited disobedience, there
he will strike.
(beat)
I say we feign obedience for a
time, tell them we intend to yield
and come the day I must be
sacrificed to save us, I am
willing.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Our strength lies in not allowing
ourselves to be goaded into wrath.
COMPANION
She speaks the truth.
CHATTIAN
She speaks the words of Baldemar.
WULFSTAN
(defiant)
Where there is no war, there is no
life and no honor. Witness how
Auriane counsels us to spare our
enemy. It is because she beds with
him.
GEISAR
Deny it, Auriane.
AURIANE
The charge is true.
(CONTINUED)
61.
CONTINUED: (2)
WULFSTAN
Geisar, give us judgment.
GEISAR
She is guilty. I condemn her to be
drowned. Seize her.
WITGERN
Where will you go?
AURIANE
To Ramis.
AURIANE
We must separate. My horse is
faster, so let’s pray they come
after me. Go north.
DECIUS
You saved my life, lioness. The oak-
leaf crown should be yours.
DISSOLVE TO:
62.
BOAT - NIGHT
TEMPLE-HOUSE
RAMIS
Tell me child, why is there an egg
within each skull?
AURIANE
(enchanted)
Because... death holds always the
seed of new life.
RAMIS
The pouch of earth I put on you as
a babe is gone. Your spirit is
ready for things now that before it
was not. It sorrows me, though, you
come here not for yourself, but for
the child.
AURIANE
My lady will you protect me here
until my lying-in?
(CONTINUED)
63.
CONTINUED:
RAMIS
Of course, you may stay. But I
desire a gift from you. The child
you carry is a girl. I want her.
AURIANE
I – my child is mine.
RAMIS
If you want that babe to live,
Auriane, you must give her to me.
You are destined to be led into
places where no child can survive.
AURIANE
The child is half-foreign.
RAMIS
To me, none are foreign.
AURIANE
I cannot give up my child.
RAMIS
As you say.
AURIANE
Can you tell me, is Decius safe?
RAMIS
Safe, but not content. But then he
is content to be not content.
AURIANE
Will I, will I see him again?
RAMIS
Some fates are not set and cannot
be known.
AURIANE
Will I ever be able to return to my
people?
RAMIS
There is your enemy.
AURIANE
What? Wanting to return to my
people?
(CONTINUED)
64.
CONTINUED: (2)
RAMIS
No. Not questioning what you
desire. Greatest for you is
vengeance against Odberht.
MOMENTS LATER
AURIANE
What word have you of Decius?
AURIANE (CONT’D)
He lives.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
The words have been washed off and
rewritten by his own hand.
DECIUS (V.O.)
I am a prisoner of the Cheruscan
king, although he calls me guest. I
suffered capture after two days
riding. I live because of your
courage Auriane. I loved you before
and love you still. I beg you, stay
where you are. I am more certain
than ever a terrible war is coming.
Enclosed is a measure of the king’s
gold, a gift for the child.
(CONTINUED)
65.
CONTINUED:
DISSOLVE TO:
AURIANE
The child does not come. Where is
Ramis?
HELGRUNE
She attends a gathering of the Holy
Nine. She either comes or she
doesn’t.
AURIANE
The head is too high.
TIME CUT:
RAMIS
(cradling Auriane)
Cry all you wish. It does not shame
you. It is far better, and relieves
the pain.
AURIANE
The child... is turned around.
RAMIS
(soothing; kneads
Auriane’s stomach)
It is no matter. Breathe evenly,
and think on the flame.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
66.
CONTINUED:
RAMIS (CONT'D)
And this, too, is an initiation,
you see, as much as the first blood
or first battle for a birth tests
the soul in every way.
DISSOLVE TO:
HUT – LATER
AURIANE
Who are you? Someone from remote
times, I think.
Ramis kneels down next to Auriane and the baby, reading the
soul shape.
RAMIS
There is a strong and definite
presence here, dominating the
others.
(beat)
She is Avenahar.
AURIANE
Avenahar.
CONIARIC
Long life and health to you,
daughter of Athelinda and Baldemar.
We have come from the Warrior’s
Council.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
67.
CONTINUED:
CONIARIC (CONT'D)
We bid you return with us and walk
once more with your ancestors.
CONIARIC (CONT’D)
Geisar and Sigwulf send locks of
hair, they are friends.
(beat)
Geisar asks only that you purify
yourself of your uncleanness before
you enter our lands.
AURIANE
Tell Geisar he must first purify
his viper’s soul. How dare he! How
dare you all.
WITGERN
Auriane. Wait.
AURIANE
Witgern. Why did you not show
yourself at once?
AURIANE
Witgern, it is true. Decius is the
father and none other.
WITGERN
Disaster has come. Your warnings
were true. Now they call you a god-
sent seer.
(CONTINUED)
68.
CONTINUED: (2)
AURIANE
Curses on Helle, Witgern.
WITGERN
A mighty Roman force is assembled
at Mogontiacum.
WITGERN (CONT’D)
Five legions are poised to strike
us. They have come with unnatural
speed under the command of Domitian
himself. All of them, Sigwulf, even
Geisar, say only the Daughter of
the Ash can deliver us now. They
say none who follow you die.
AURIANE
And they who say that were never
with me.
WITGERN
You are the Opener of the Gate,
Protector of the Host, they want
the sword of Baldemar to lead the
charge.
AURIANE
Would my ghost be able to visit her
as she grows?
WITGERN
All who are wise say so, Auriane.
Slowly she moves away from Witgern and stands before the
delegation. She holds up Avenahar to show them the baby’s
FACE.
AURIANE
This is my daughter, Avenahar of
the lineage of Baldemar and
Gandrida. She is one of us.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
69.
CONTINUED: (3)
AURIANE (CONT'D)
She will have lands and a husband
of this tribe if she wishes, and
the respect due to one of noble
blood.
CONIARIC
It is settled.
AURIANE
Then here is my answer. I will
return.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
(to Helgrune)
Tell her who her mother was. Tell
her of her deeds. Let her know it
was not her mother’s will to leave
her and that she thought of her
every day until she died.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MOGONTIACUM - DAY
(CONTINUED)
70.
CONTINUED:
DOMITIAN
(bloody hands held high)
Exta bona. The entrails are good.
VIEWING STAND
MARCUS ARRIUS JULIANUS, the Younger (30), wise eyes and fine
features, observes with a half dozen Senatorial dignitaries
the vast display of overwhelming military power.
(CONTINUED)
71.
CONTINUED:
THRUSNELDA
Walk among your people, Daughter of
the Ash.
DISSOLVE TO:
MARCUS
I warn you, you will not like me in
the role of informer.
DOMITIAN
You read a man’s soul better than
anyone I know. Watch him.
MARCUS
What I fear is that the truth will
bore you. Uncovering a conspiracy
is so much more entertaining than
finding no conspiracy.
DOMITIAN
Risk boring me then. It will not be
the first time.
(CONTINUED)
72.
CONTINUED:
Marcus leaps from his mount, sprints with dagger between his
teeth to a sentry platform.
In the next moment he peers down upon the Roman camp. The
Haycock is lit. Sentries CRY the alarm. Trumpets blast.
Centurions call the men to arms. Flag bearers signal
positions. Then, a half-dozen MEN fall from the ranks, dead.
The Chattians have fired a catapult into the Roman lines. A
second missile volley rips through the rank and file,
breaking their defense.
All are formed into one dark mass as the Chattians converge
in a wedge formation and ram through the front lines,
crushing their enemy. Iron against iron. Shrieks of agony.
Fire and smoke. Then, a group of legionaries drop their
shields and flee.
TIME CUT:
(CONTINUED)
73.
CONTINUED:
CUT TO:
INT. MOGONTIACUM - DAY
DOMITIAN
I want these stinking beasts to
know we’ll win.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
74.
CONTINUED:
DOMITIAN (CONT'D)
I mean to flush the last of them
out of their hole, that place
they’ve scurried off to, an old
Gaulish fort at the far northeast
end... Five Wells.
MARCUS
You know that for certain.
DOMITIAN
Don’t pick at me with your doubts,
Julianus.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
I have six, no, it is seven of
them, strapping specimens of
barbarian manhood. I’ve ordered
their interrogators not to break
any bones. They’ll make fine
gladiators after they receive
proper training.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
That thing there... tell me, he-who-
knows everything, could they have
others?
MARCUS
I think not. All tribes of Germania
believe you can destroy a man if
you turn his own weapon against
him. This... they have done.
(beat)
The narrowness of the aperture...
the grip on the windlass... an
antique design.
DOMITIAN
From my brother’s reign?
MARCUS
No. Much older than that.
DOMITIAN
I have found a way to take their
fort without breaking in.
(CONTINUED)
75.
CONTINUED: (2)
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
This Aurinia has a daughter hidden
away. I intend to assemble a
detachment unafraid of sorcery and
witchcraft... to take this child
from their prophetess.
MARCUS
(conflicted)
All the great strategists from
Frontinus back to Xenophon would
give you a nod.
DOMITIAN
This barbarian creature, will, I
hope, provide the cure for the...
the inability I’ve had with women,
of late.
MARCUS
Problem?
DOMITIAN
She will be the tonic that my
concubines fail to give me. What I
need is a simple woman not schooled
in feminine wiles, who will know my
majesty.
MARCUS
But she hardly deserves you.
Remember what she is. And who you
are. Would you reward her infamy by
elevating her to your divine bed?
DOMITIAN
Ah, late in life you’ve conceived a
fussy concern over my loss of
dignity.
MARCUS
The common soldier will think she
bewitched you.
DOMITIAN
Well then, no one shall know about
her, Julianus, old friend... except
you.
CUT TO:
76.
SIGWULF
A horseman comes.
SIGGO
I would speak to the daughter of
Baldemar.
AURIANE
I am here, Siggo.
SIGGO
Auriane. It’s no use. Domitian has
your daughter.
Auriane reveals nothing of her heart clenching agony.
SIGGO (CONT’D)
Avenahar, that is her name, is it
not? A black-haired girl aged just
over a year?
SIGGO (CONT’D)
Domitian promises to spare the babe
if you throw open the gate. Make
them force their way in, and
they’ll show no mercy.
(CONTINUED)
77.
CONTINUED:
SIGWULF
Look how pretty he is with his
sassy plume.
COMPANION
Go back to your hot baths, Roman
slave.
COMPANION #1
Siggo eats lying down.
CONIARIC
Wine swilling dog of a dog. Show us
your tricks.
COMPANION #2
(laughing)
And loves standing up.
AURIANE
Silence.
FASTILA
It could be a lie.
AURIANE
It could be true.
(closes her eyes)
True or not, there is only one
answer.
(to Siggo)
Go from us, Siggo. Do you think I
bargain for the life of my child
alone when children of every clan
have been murdered by you or taken
into slavery? Do you think I would
betray all these valorous ones by
opening the gates? You’ve lived
with them too long Siggo, their
ways have poisoned your blood.
(CONTINUED)
78.
CONTINUED: (2)
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Do not. He is an envoy.
AURIANE
Mantlets. Under their protection
they’ll most likely bring up
scaling ladders.
SIGWULF
What skulking cowards. Where is
there God-Emperor Domitian? They
have a chief who does not lead.
AURIANE
(instinctively)
Down.
(CONTINUED)
79.
CONTINUED:
FASTILA
What is it?
AURIANE
They’re bringing up some sort of
siege tower. A small one. It will
be filled with soldiers.
SIGWULF
We’ll have to set it afire.
SIGWULF (CONT’D)
Aim high.
The bowmen set their arrows alight, spring up, then fire. A
few hit their mark. Two more volleys.
AURIANE
Retire to the main body. We’ll
destroy them as they mount the
walls.
(CONTINUED)
80.
CONTINUED: (2)
Auriane, with sword drawn and all the men burst forward,
spears lifted high in the air amid SCREAMS of agony and the
THUD of falling bodies from the other side.
Auriane leaps down to the yard. She sees that the Legionaries
have taken the sentry walk. They fan out along the palisade,
hurling javelins into the melee. Then they pull open the gate
and rush in as if a dam has burst. The timbers reinforcing
the wall are engulfed in flames.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Sigwulf. No.
(CONTINUED)
81.
CONTINUED: (3)
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Sigwulf.
Many drop their weapons and flee. Others rush into a thatch
hut that’s aflame, immolating themselves.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Leave me be. I am cursed.
FASTILA
Auriane. Let me die with you.
AURIANE
If you wish to, then you shall
come.
They have not gone far when they find Witgern, lying face
down in the mud, dazed but without fatal wounds.
WITGERN
However you end your life, Auriane,
that way I will go, too.
AURIANE
I would be greatly honored,
Witgern.
(CONTINUED)
82.
CONTINUED: (4)
ATHELINDA
Child. You are alive.
AURIANE
You did not take it, thank the
gods.
AURIANE
Mother, what will become of you?
ATHELINDA
Auriane, what are the horses for?
AURIANE
Mother, you must not watch.
CAVALRYMAN
You are Auriane.
AURIANE
(bewildered)
I am.
(CONTINUED)
83.
CONTINUED: (5)
CAVALRYMAN
(low voice)
I have come to release you from
your fate, if you would have it so.
I’m sent by one who wants only to
see you live free. Come quickly. I
have a horse ready for you outside
the gate – you must not ride your
own. Put on this cloak. I have a
pass to get you through. A fresh
horse awaits thirteen miles to the
east. Hurry. I bring you safety and
long life.
AURIANE
What is this? You mean to set me
free?
CAVALRYMAN
Not I, actually, but another.
AURIANE
This lone sample of kindness after
you’ve skewered children and put
whole villages to the sword must be
amusing to your gods. Are you mad?
CAVALRYMAN
No, lady, and you must hurry.
AURIANE
You should have come with a
thousand horses. Never would I save
myself alone. You insult me.
The Cavalryman looks offended. Nonplussed.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
(gentler)
Tell whoever sent you I am grateful
to him. I do not hate life. I truly
wish it were possible to live. But
my answer must be no.
ATHELINDA
(pleading)
Auriane, go with him. One of us can
live.
AURIANE
I cannot do it, Mother.
(CONTINUED)
84.
CONTINUED: (6)
CAVALRYMAN
Lady, you are foolish.
The Cavalryman wheels his horse about and gallops off into
the fort's thick smoky haze.
ATHELINDA
Auriane, what is this? What are you
doing?
AURIANE
Lord of the Sky whose bride I am,
receive me on this day. Fria,
Mother of All, raise me up to your
sky domain, for I perish in your
name…
ATHELINDA
(desolate howl)
No.
The stallion rears in fright. Auriane tries to wrench the
rein away from Athelinda but her fists are stone.
The three turn their horses toward the open gate. Auriane and
Witgern draw their swords. Fastila, in fright and misery,
readies her spear.
ATHELINDA (CONT’D)
(weaker)
No.
AURIANE
Mother, stand away. By this day’s
end, no matter how we die, we will
be together.
(CONTINUED)
85.
CONTINUED: (7)
AURIANE (CONT’D)
If I offer myself, it might undo
the fact that Baldemar lies
unavenged.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
(to Witgern and Fastila)
There is the enemy. We will die
striking them down and give
ourselves back to the earth.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Mother. Let me go.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
(raised sword)
Beloved mother, forgive me.
GATE - CONTINUOUS
WITGERN
Fria, be gentle with her soul.
SUPERIMPOSE:
The second rank suddenly opens, then the third, and fourth,
in rapid succession.
AURIANE
Fight me. Fight me. Give me honor
to die upon the blade of your
swords.
87.
A BEAT.
AURIANE
Then it must be my own.
DISSOLVE TO:
AURIANE
(whispered)
Vangio.
VANGIO
Auriane... it is you... you. How do
they dare...
AURIANE
Vangio. Drink.
(CONTINUED)
88.
CONTINUED:
VANGIO
It is no use. The pain rages like a
house afire. Give me what is under
your foot.
AURIANE
Vangio, don’t leave me.
VANGIO
A god could not endure this pain.
How can a man?
AURIANE
(resigned)
End your pain.
Auriane positions the surgeon’s tool between his knees.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Go in peace. Greet my father. Tell
him I tried to go to him, but Fria
closed the gate.
CUT TO:
SUNIA
Coniaric and Thorgild are with us.
AURIANE
The Fates be praised. We aren’t
alone.
89.
INT. CELL
BLACK-HAIRED GUARD
Venus, again.
JUSTUS
If she wins any more from us, I say
it’s time for another search.
AURIANE
Who is this man I hear everyone
speaking of, night and day –
Aristos?
Auriane draws the dice up further from the cell bars,
refusing to throw until she gets an answer from the two
Guards.
BLACK-HAIRED GUARD
Persistent as rodents, are they
not? Aristos is a captive of the
war, who...
AURIANE
Of this war? He is one of us? But –
he dines with noblemen. He wins
battles. You speak of him as if he
were a prince of your people.
FABATUS
Aristos won.
JUSTUS
He saved us, and half the city,
praise to Nemesis and Mars.
BLACK-HAIRED GUARD
He’s signing on again, I hope.
FABATUS
Of course. Kings don’t step down.
ARABIAN MAID
(to Auriane)
We are ordered to prepare and dress
you. If you make it difficult for
us then we’ll have the Guards do
it.
AURIANE
Dress me? For what purpose?
ETHIOPIAN MAID
For the pleasure of a god.
CUT TO:
DOMITIAN'S POV.
DOMITIAN
Who would have thought such a
pretty creature would have caused
me so much trouble?
(CONTINUED)
91.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
I challenge you, Emperor of the
Romans, to single battle. Wodan,
witness my words. Choose a weapon.
DOMITIAN
I accept your offer, my pugnacious
little wood nymph, but I alone
shall have a weapon, and the combat
will talk place in the bedchamber.
AURIANE
Do you find willing women in such
short supply, ruler of the whole
world?
DOMITIAN
How dare you, you mulish vixen. I
granted you a chance to atone for
your crimes and repair the insult
you gave my majesty.
AURIANE
I beg you do not harm me. Please.
Terror has stolen my wits. I have
shamed myself. I have shamed my
people.
DOMITIAN
Who am I, then?
AURIANE
A divine ruler over rulers. A king
of kings. Our Lord and God.
DOMITIAN
Lord and God.
(CONTINUED)
92.
CONTINUED: (2)
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
You must realize I cannot forgive
you completely. Smile for me now.
That is better.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
A woman should not develop her
muscles like this, but on you...
AURIANE
I am pleased if it pleases you.
DOMITIAN
Do savages kiss?
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Pretty thing, I hurt you.
Domitian pushes her back, staining his tunic with her blood.
He seizes her mouth, gets a bruising grip on her buttocks.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
(shrewdly)
I have seen twenty-year veterans
with fewer scars. A pity. A true
pity. But do not worry, I still
find you comely.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
You incorrigible little nymph.
(CONTINUED)
93.
CONTINUED: (3)
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
You do please me, and more than any
other, and I shall prove it to you.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Poor creature... still frightened.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Viper.
Slowly he forces her hand down, the surgeon’s tool rakes her
flesh. Locked in the struggle, they move out to the garden.
AURIANE
In the name of Wodan, by Fria’s
grace, I now claim vengeance for my
mother, for my people, for
Avenahar...
DOMITIAN
(shrieking)
Guards.
(CONTINUED)
94.
CONTINUED: (4)
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Why? How could one so tenderly
nursed by Venus be so violently
possessed by Mars? I suppose you
learned treachery at your mother’s
knee. Well, you will unlearn it.
(viciously)
You will be broken, like a mule, no
matter if it takes months. You will
learn to beg for my embrace.
AURIANE
You are no fit king. Your lowest
servant, the men who shovel dung in
your garden, would make finer
kings. Go and couple with pigs,
you...
Domitian’s hands leap for her throat. The Guards step back,
doing nothing. Auriane violently writhes in his grip.
MARCUS O.C.
Stop at once, in the name of all
you hold dear. She is not worth
this.
(CONTINUED)
95.
CONTINUED: (5)
DOMITIAN
Julianus. What in the name of
Nemesis do you think you’re doing?
MARCUS
My apologies. I’m inexcusably late
for dinner. When our good Montanus
told me you were taking dessert out
in the gardens, I rushed to tell
you... this dessert is laced with
poison.
DOMITIAN
Clever. You mean to outthink me
even in matters of love. Arrest
him.
The Centurion of the Guard, PLAUTIUS (30), steps forward.
PLAUTIUS
I will arrest him if you wish my
lord. But you must know he saved
your life.
DOMITIAN
Saved my life, did he? How did he
do that?
PLAUTIUS
The ostrich that came at you.. he
thrust it at her to frighten the
woman and deflect her blow.
DOMITIAN
(less certain,
considering; turns to
Marcus)
Than, how dare you interrupt my
chastising this woman.
MARCUS
If I would say more on the matter,
we must speak in private.
Auriane opens her eyes. Before her stands Marcus, giving her
a guarded glance.
DOMITIAN
Secure her.
(CONTINUED)
96.
CONTINUED: (6)
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Now get out. Go.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Tell me why you made me look like a
fool?
MARCUS
I stopped you from looking more
like a fool. Had you disposed of
her that way, in a heat of rage, it
would have trumpeted to the world
that you feared her words and
believed them the truth.
DOMITIAN
That treacherous harpie boils my
blood. Anyone would have done the
same.
MARCUS
I tried for long to warn you she
was more dangerous than you know.
She is a prisoner of the native’s
code of honor. It demands the blood
of the best man of an enemy tribe.
DOMITIAN
(turns to Auriane)
Animal predator you may be... all
the more fitting you should taste
the whip. If you are fortunate,
I’ll stop before you die.
MARCUS
I would advise against that.
DOMITIAN
(to Marcus)
You wretched pedant. I’m in no mood
for some sleep inducing lecture on
stoic principles.
MARCUS
You are short of captives for the
procession. Harm her and you’ll be
shorter of them...
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
97.
CONTINUED: (7)
MARCUS (CONT'D)
for those captives you hold now in
the Guard’s camp will rise in
revolt and have to be killed. She
is their holy woman. If you want to
silence those who mock the war, I
would leave her be.
DOMITIAN
(disgusted)
I never despise you more than when
you make sense, curses on you.
(rubbing his temples)
My head. Loathsome woman.
Ungrateful city. Piggish populace.
A BEAT.
Turning to gaze at Auriane, a malignant smile comes across
Domitian’s face. Marcus reacts with a jolt of frustration.
DOMITIAN
I have it now, the perfect
punishment for her. In keeping with
her unnatural viciousness and her
love of war. And it will be carried
out after the procession, so we’ll
lose no captives.
(next to Auriane)
My sweet viper... I condemn you to
the arena. And since you show such
precocity in fighting men, you
shall be matched against men. You
will fight for your life until all
the fight is worn out of you.
(beat)
You will envy the dead.
Marcus appears horrified, helpless.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Knives. Knives in my head.
MARCUS
Guards. Attend to your lord. I will
stay with the prisoner until you
return.
DOMITIAN
I scarcely know what I would do
without you. My great and good
friend. You saved my life.
(CONTINUED)
98.
CONTINUED:
MARCUS
It was nothing.
Coming up along her side, Marcus drapes his cloak about her
bare shoulders. She lifts her head slightly to hold his gaze.
MARCUS (CONT’D)
The swine.
AURIANE
That is an insult to swine.
MARCUS
Auriane. I mean to aid you. I mean
no harm. Do you understand? I would
have you count me a friend, but
that may not be possible. My name
is Marcus Arrius Julianus.
AURIANE
The name is known to me. It is that
of my father’s old enemy, the
Governor.
MARCUS
I am his son. By your custom, I am
your enemy. Though for myself, I
prefer to select my enemies
personally, not inherit them.
AURIANE
I count you a friend, even as a
friend of old, though I cannot
account for this.
MARCUS
I too can account for none of this.
You must know your child is alive.
Domitian lied to you.
(CONTINUED)
99.
CONTINUED: (2)
AURIANE
(rejuvenated)
Avenahar. Blessed day. She lives.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
You are the man who tried to save
me when they laid siege upon our
fort.
MARCUS
Yes.
AURIANE
At the risk of bringing your own
ruin for my freedom.
MARCUS
There were no other choices, then.
MARCUS
I am no more than who you see.
AURIANE
I had its twin, before I bloodied
my hands. I, I cannot keep it. I
lost the right.
MARCUS
Who has said so? I’ll not be
content unless you take it.
(CONTINUED)
100.
CONTINUED: (3)
MARCUS (CONT’D)
I mean to get you out of this
wretched predicament or die trying.
Be patient and do their bidding for
now. As I live, I mean to see you
free.
MARCUS (CONT’D)
Fall in a faint.
DISSOLVE TO:
Guards slam shut the iron door to the passage leading to her
cell. Roused rats scurry in a frenzy across her cell floor.
CUT TO:
101.
In the last rank, Auriane walks, hair wild and loose, her
head held up in defiance, pride. Undaunted. Then,
(CONTINUED)
102.
CONTINUED:
Some in the crowd yell: “Go back and fight a real war."
CUT TO:
CORAX
A bout can be lost with a look.
Reveal nothing with your eyes.
CORAX (CONT’D)
Good man. That’s right, parry close
to the body.
(CONTINUED)
103.
CONTINUED:
CORAX (CONT’D)
Ah, the morning games. Someday
they’ll be screaming for you.
(beat)
Where are my Amazons? Corax storms
off.
ARMORY BOY
You are Auriane.
AURIANE
Yes.
ARMORY BOY
I have words from the one who gave
you that amulet of earth.
(CONTINUED)
104.
CONTINUED:
CORAX
Thorgild. Sunia.
MASSA
Tonight’s the night we avenge
ourselves on those villains of the
Second Hall. By the fleas of
Cerberus, once they’re disposed of,
I’ll wager a month’s wine ration
you’ll see no more rat dung in our
barley.
MOMENTS LATER
(CONTINUED)
105.
CONTINUED:
CORAX
Thorgild. Sunia. Both pass.
TIME CUT:
CORAX
(mutters to assistant)
Damn him to the nether depths. He
filches every good novice I get.
(to novices)
Celadon. Auriane.
CORAX (CONT’D)
What do we think we’re about here,
plucking posies for a spring
festival?
(CONTINUED)
106.
CONTINUED:
CORAX (CONT’D)
Halt.
SECRETARY
Celadon and Auriane both pass.
Celadon, to your place. Auriane, to
the trainers’ offices.
CORAX
(irate; to Erato)
You’ll not get off with this, you
plundering schemer. I found her, I
trained her.
ERATO
(mocking)
You trained her? When I want comedy
I’ll go to the theater. You’ll ruin
her. Move out of the way or I’ll
have the guards drag you off. She
is now my charge.
ERATO
Corax never taught you to fight
like that. And you did not learn it
from your countrymen.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
107.
CONTINUED:
ERATO (CONT'D)
I saw you execute a maneuver called
the ‘trap’, followed by the
difficult forward falling attack
done so smoothly, so quickly, I
could scarce follow. Novices are
not taught these things.
AURIANE
I... did not know I did those
things.
ERATO
It sounds like utter madness as I
say it, but in my fifteen years of
training I’ve seen nothing like
this. It is more than skill...
something god-touched, like a
dancer’s art. If a cat had human
genius it might fight like that.
The perverse humor of Fortuna... to
find such bewildering skill in a
woman.
AURIANE
If you say it, I accept it as so.
ERATO
From this day forth I will instruct
you myself.
(beat)
Is there any favor you wish of me?
AURIANE
Protection from whomever is trying
to poison me.
CUT TO:
(CONTINUED)
108.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
Wait for the beans.
THORGILD
Rat dung?
Sunia rises to her feet. Throws her bowl against the wall.
SUNIA
I cannot bear it. I want chicken. A
common ordinary chicken.
Auriane slowly rises. A slow burning rage in her eyes.
CONIARIC
Auriane, if you love life you’ll
sit back down.
AURIANE
I took food from our mouths to feed
the Roman captives at our mercy. In
return these people, the wealthiest
in the Three Worlds, throw filth at
us.
CONIARIC
This is madness.
AURIANE
(to Sunia)
I’m going to fetch you something to
eat.
AURIANE
I am sorry to intrude upon you, my
lord, but I do so with a just
complaint. I beg of you to find us
edible food… and to punish the men
who are fouling it with rat dung.
TORQUATUS
(signaling to guards)
Of course. You’ll get everything
you want.
TORQUATUS (CONT’D)
For now, why do you not take one of
those chickens?
(CONTINUED)
110.
CONTINUED:
WOMAN
Does she frighten you, Aristos?
Her CLAN pull her into their midst, forming a protective knot
against the Guards.
TORQUATUS
Give her to me.
TORQUATUS (CONT’D)
When is the next date for
executions?
ERATO
My lord, please stop and consider.
I have seen her sword skills. I beg
you, she is valuable beyond price.
I have not seen a fighter of such
intelligence, since your own
favorite, Narcissus, back in the
time of Nero.
TORQUATUS
Whoever told you I enjoy practical
jokes cruelly misinformed you.
ERATO
This is not a jest, my lord. She’ll
draw crowds like any luminary of
the First Hall.
(CONTINUED)
111.
CONTINUED:
TORQUATUS
(enunciating)
I don’t care if she draws crowds or
flies. Revolts are met with swift
punishment. She will be executed.
At the noon recess of the animal
shows, she will be tied to a stake
and torn apart by bears.
MARCUS
(agitated)
There is only one way to resolve
this matter.
ERATO
My lord, I begged Torquatus to
reconsider his decision.
MARCUS
Erato, if you had to, could you run
the school?
ERATO
I’ve always thought it idle to
speculate on things which are not
possible.
MARCUS
Let us not judge too hastily what
is not possible.
ERATO
Well, yes then… I could. I know
every rat hole in the place. And
I’ve the wit to know skill in a
swordsman.
MARCUS
Good enough. You may go. And do not
be alarmed if you receive a rather
surprising message in the morning.
(CONTINUED)
112.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
Sunia, it was Odberht, and he is
alive as the worms that animate
corpses. Doubtless he hoped I
would be killed before we
discovered him. He must have
been sent off to Rome with the
first captives.
SUNIA
Every breath he draws poisons our
blood.
AURIANE
Because of me, we are battered
down, and Odberht thrives. Because
of me, vengeance is impossible, the
tribe is scattered, and we are
mocked in this place where men are
trained to fight like dogs.
SUNIA
Perhaps it’s not your curse but
your great heart that throws us in
with Odberht at this time. Perhaps,
for you, he is a gateway to another
world.
ERATO
As you now know, Torquatus, has
been removed, and I have been
appointed in his place.
(beat)
First, the execution of Auriane is
overturned. Second, I want a close
inspection of the rations being
given the men of the lower grades.
(CONTINUED)
113.
CONTINUED:
ACCO
Let it be known that on this day,
the third before the Nones, you
have been consigned to appear in
the three days of games
commemorating the victory of the
Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus
over the rebellious Chattians.
(turning to the Novices)
In the next days we’ll select ten
of you to take part in the grand
chariot-procession on the opening
day, and these will be fitted out
with our colors of vermilion and
gold and…
DISSOLVE TO:
ERATO
(informal)
Someone at the Palace has a grudge
against you... you’re to be matched
with a man. A certain Perseus. I
know him. He’s more than good... he
won his first bout handily.
AURIANE
When have I not fought men?
ERATO
It’s past time you learned respect
for the dangers you face. Listen or
perish.
AURIANE
It is not meant to spite you. What
you call overconfidence I call the
grace of Fria.
ERATO
The only goddess I honor is Victory
and so should you.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
114.
CONTINUED:
ERATO (CONT'D)
(beat)
I will play the part of Perseus.
Begin by feigning weakness. My
guess is, with this man, it will be
the right way to open. He’ll draw
you out to see what makes you
parry. And you must lie.
ERATO (CONT’D)
Start by limiting yourself to the
first parry and the fundamental
advance. Let his confidence grow.
Soon, he’ll stop watching you so
closely. Remember, too, you’ll be
tiring him out, you’ll be facing a
Thracian sword, and your man will
be committed to broad sweeping
movements. Keep your parries
narrow. Don’t thrust.
(beat)
We’ll engage awhile, then I’ll cry
out a signal. When I do, come at me
as hard as you can. Spare me
nothing.
ERATO (CONT’D)
Now.
ERATO
Auriane, no.
ARENA - CONTINUOUS
Auriane, with one fluid motion slides her blade along his and
feigns an attack to his right shoulder.
(CONTINUED)
116.
CONTINUED:
Quickly, Auriane turns and knocks his sword from his hand
with one hard downward stroke.
From the lower seats, “Cut his throat. Kill the cunning wolf
that tried to murder our poor Aurinia.”
AURIANE
(to herself)
A curse unto nine generations upon
one who strikes a foe who cannot
strike back.
ARENA - CONTINUOUS
(CONTINUED)
117.
CONTINUED:
HERALD (CONT’D)
And now we grant her yet another
chance to prove her mettle...
Enter, Antaeus.
ERATO
No, this cannot be.
(CONTINUED)
118.
CONTINUED:
Erato breaks free of the Guards and runs out to Auriane, who
is near collapse.
ERATO
Take her quickly, before the gods
do.
TALL MAN
Aristos. Stand off from him. He’s
in choleric temper.
(CONTINUED)
119.
CONTINUED:
his thick arms are mottled with scars. About his neck on a
greasy leather thong hangs a preserved wolf’s NUZZLE.
ARISTOS
Greetings to Auriane. Daughter of
Baldemar of noblest rank, flower of
numerous illustrious kin, numerous,
that is, if she has not murdered
them all by now.
LAUGHTER.
ARISTOS
Daughter of trolls. Get your
skulking shadow out of my path
before I twist your neck like a
chicken.
ARISTOS (CONT’D)
Vile witch-woman.
AURIANE
Odberht, son of Wido I greet you.
Twice now, you tried to murder me
in the dark. I give you a chance to
try in the light, with honorable
weapons of war. In the name of our
whole tribe whom you betrayed,
before Wodan I challenge you to
single battle.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Choose your day.
ACROBAT
(crudely jesting)
How about today?
General laughter.
(CONTINUED)
120.
CONTINUED:
THORGILD
(strongly whispered)
Daughter of the Ash, lead us out.
CONIARIC
(building in momentum,
volume)
Daughter of the Ash, lead us out.
CHATTIAN CAPTIVES
(deafening)
Daughter of the Ash, lead us out.
SUPERIMPOSE
"SERIES OF SHOTS:
(CONTINUED)
121.
CONTINUED:
CELL - LATER
A torch held by Aristos is thrust into the darkened cell. The
sight of the upside down Tiwaz causes him to whimper in fear.
CUT TO:
ARISTOS
And how are these fighters chosen?
(CONTINUED)
122.
CONTINUED:
METON
They want volunteers. Volunteers of
status.
CUT TO:
ACROBAT
Antonius desires to meet Cleopatra
to teach her a lesson she’ll not
live to remember. That is if this
trembling ewe before me has the
mettle to play the part of a queen.
AURIANE
Tell him Cleopatra trembles with
gladness that he wishes to see
her... and she eagerly awaits the
day.
CUT TO:
DIOCLES
(delicate disdain)
I offer you to enter. Marcus
Julianus’ house is at your
disposal.
GARDEN
GARDEN HOUSE
A Maidservant approaches.
AURIANE
I must leave.
MAIDSERVANT
But... you cannot.
AURIANE
I will leave. You will show me the
way out. Send for the guards.
MAIDSERVANT
I must speak with Diocles.
VESTIBULE
BATH
MARCUS
Auriane. What is the meaning of
this? They’ve summoned the guards
for you.
(CONTINUED)
124.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
I want only to leave.
MARCUS
Any one of those guards could have
been agents of my enemies.
AURIANE
Let me leave. Please give me my
clothes.
MARCUS
(softer)
You don’t know how delicately
balanced are the forces about me.
Auriane, what is wrong?
AURIANE
(haughty)
Nothing.
MARCUS
All right, nothing is wrong. But
climb out before you get a chill.
Here are your clothes. I swear by
all my ancestors back to Aneas not
to look at you.
DISSOLVE TO:
GARDEN
Auriane runs erratically through pine branches. From
behind...
MARCUS O.S.
Auriane. Stop at once. You’re
headed for...
(splash O.C.)
A fish pond.
MOMENTS LATER
(CONTINUED)
125.
CONTINUED:
MARCUS
Auriane, you must listen.
AURIANE
You will not make a laughingstock
out of me.
MARCUS
If you have been tormented by
anyone in this household, it was
done against orders and certainly
does not express my own...
AURIANE
(hoarsely)
I will not live among people who
despise me. Why do you pretend? You
know I will never be a woman of
your people. You left me here since
dusk. Now leave me here forever.
MARCUS
I was away on a grave matter that
arose suddenly. I sent a messenger.
AURIANE
(considers this)
No messenger arrived.
MARCUS
What?
(turns from her)
If no messenger arrived, I fear a
man has died tonight. I am in the
midst of a ring of wolves and daily
they move closer.
MARCUS (CONT’D)
Auriane, you cannot believe I
turned from you. It’s a cruel
deception brought on by the
torments you’ve suffered.
(CONTINUED)
126.
CONTINUED: (2)
AURIANE
(chastened)
Marcus, I have brought about your
ruin.
MARCUS
You must not think that. There is
no situation that cannot be turned
round, with diligent effort.
AURIANE
I brought about Baldemar’s end, and
now yours.
MARCUS
Not everything is predetermined.
You take away all the powers of men
and give them to gods. Think of it
no more.
Marcus pushes her long damp hair aside, exposing her bare
neck; languidly kissing the nape of her neck.
MARCUS
Slowly. There is one negligible
difference, if you’ve not been
told, between a bed and a
battlefield.
AURIANE
(smiling)
No, not really.
MARCUS
What happens on the battlefield
hopefully ends quickly. This, I
pray, not so quickly.
(CONTINUED)
127.
CONTINUED:
One last time Marcus drives deeply into Auriane, and holds
there as long as possible, shuddering, then lies upon her
exhausted.
A BEAT.
AURIANE
Please, don’t move.
MARCUS
I’m crushing you.
AURIANE
I do not care.
DISSOLVE TO:
MARCUS
Do not even think of ripping this
off, you destructive minx.
MARCUS
Ask. I thrive on blasphemy.
AURIANE
What is the sacred meaning of the
sacrifices in the arena?
MARCUS
Long ago, pairs of captives fought
to the death to please the
underworld gods at funeral rites.
(CONTINUED)
128.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE
But now, we die for no cause?
MARCUS
I fear it is so.
AURIANE
This will curse you, you know, and
all of your kind.
MARCUS
I believe it already has. But a man
or woman doesn’t have to be of one
mind with his people.
AURIANE
All my life I have been reviled for
being of a different mind.
MARCUS
Well, then, could not that laudable
independence of mind be applied to
the rite of vengeance, as well?
Might not this, too, be death for
no cause?
MARCUS (CONT’D)
Auriane, you must give this up.
After last night I can endure it
far less.
(at Auriane)
You must not fight Aristos.
Troubled, Auriane avoids his eyes.
MARCUS (CONT’D)
Surely you know that after what has
passed between us, we must both
live, and live together. Does not
the passion of love heal the
passion of vengeance?
AURIANE
Holy vengeance is not born of
hatred. It is the seal of kinsmen’s
love.
(CONTINUED)
129.
CONTINUED: (2)
MARCUS
Or so you have been taught since
before you could talk.
AURIANE
(whispers)
Well then, I will think upon this
thing.
MARCUS
You’ve not much time to think about
it. If you want to leave with me,
you must be ready to do so just
after the Ides of Augustus, whether
Aristos is alive or dead. Four
months. Then I retire to my villa
in the north, on the river Mosella.
I must have your word upon what you
will do.
AURIANE
(cautious)
You have my word. I will leave with
you... whether Aristos is alive or
dead.
MARCUS
If things do not go well for me, my
property will be confiscated. In
that case, you must not come near
this house. They will get the
estates, but I have much that is
hidden away. I want a large share
to go to you...
AURIANE
You are in favor, still?
MARCUS
You’ve no idea how swiftly favor
can be turned around. Domitian
lapses into a rational madness.
AURIANE
You’ve some plan to rid the world
of him, haven’t you?
(beat)
You judge me for challenging one
man. Yet, you have set yourself
against the whole of his guard.
(CONTINUED)
130.
CONTINUED: (3)
MARCUS
I count my chances far better than
yours, against Aristos. If I did
not have an unusual gift for
staying alive, I would not be with
you, now.
CUT TO:
MARCUS
Do all who answer to you know their
places?
PETRONIOUS
(under breath; at Nerva)
Are you sure he’s going to be
standing on the final day? Look at
him. Life’s vital juices have been
squeezed out. To my mind, that
Greek charlatan’s giving him too
much of the sick-potion for a
fellow in his dotage.
SENATOR NERVA
I’m ill, not deaf, Petronius. If
you want to remain Commander of the
Guard after my succession, I would
advise you to at least learn to
imitate a man of manners.
(CONTINUED)
131.
CONTINUED:
MARCUS
(to Nerva)
I suppose we dare not ask you how
you fare.
SENATOR NERVA
I suppose you shouldn’t. This had
better bear fruit.
Petronius withdraws.
MARCUS
Your suffering’s not in vain,
friend, Domitian seems to be taking
the bait. The physician assures me,
after eight days of teasing the
Ferryman you’ll be hale and healthy
again and Emperor. At this time you
must free a quarter of your slaves.
It’s what a dying man would do.
SENATOR NERVA
You are right. It shall be done
tomorrow.
HERENNIUS
(interrupting)
It should be the bath, not the
bedchamber.
MARCUS
(conviction)
No, it must be the bedchamber. It’s
more private. The deed can be kept
secret a little longer. Time’s
against us the moment the deed is
done. Whether we’re condemned as
criminals or hailed as liberators,
all hangs on whether we get Nerva
confirmed before chaos erupts. We
need every extra moment we can
snatch if we’re to tie the
loyalists’ hands.
HERENNIUS
You seem not concerned that there’s
been no affirmative sign from the
Syrian legions.
(CONTINUED)
132.
CONTINUED: (2)
MARCUS
We’ll have to let it go. We’ve got
every Rhine commander, and they’re
much closer to Rome.
(looking at Petronius)
It’s our own Servilius who bothers
me more. You’ll have to contain him
somehow. Must he be assigned to the
private apartment that day?
PETRONIUS
Servilius’ post never changes. If I
move him, it would rouse
suspicions.
MARCUS
Post him outside Domitia Longina’s
chambers. There’s an echo in that
passage, so it will be difficult
for him to determine the direction
of any shouts he might hear.
MARCUS (CONT’D)
Now, the deed is set for the ninth
hour. Petronius, to you must fall
the task of drawing Domitian off
from the games, no later than the
eight hour. I want you to interrupt
him with the news that you’ve
uncovered a small Palace conspiracy
involving certain confidential,
high-placed servants of the
bedchamber.
PETRONIUS
Are you off your head? That runs
perilously alongside the truth.
MARCUS
It is the best way. It vindicates
his fears. He will not be able to
resist examining the miscreants at
once. Tell him Stephanus organized
the plot.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
133.
CONTINUED: (3)
MARCUS (CONT'D)
The other three you will name are
his trusted chamberlain Parthenius,
Clodianus and Satur.
PETRONIUS
You are saying, these are the
assassins?
MARCUS
Yes. Assassins, and the lure. Each
loathes him, and for reasons
Domitian doesn’t want known.
Domitian won’t waste any time
ordering them assembled for a
private questioning in the
bedchamber.
PETRONIUS
Yes. He would do that. But he’ll
have them chained as he questions
them, and he’ll hold the fetters
himself, as always.
MARCUS
These fetters will be special ones
I’ve ordered from the armorer. Two
links near the wrist will be nearly
sawed through. And you, as Guards’
Commander, will have charge of
inspecting them the night before.
MARCUS (CONT’D)
Lady, I want Stephanus to begin
wearing that bandage three days
ahead of the final day. Can he wind
it so a dagger doesn’t show?
APOLLONIA
He rolls it expertly now.
MARCUS
Good. And now to...
MARCUS (CONT’D)
Senecio, tell me, where do you
intend to sell what you learn here
tonight?
(CONTINUED)
134.
CONTINUED: (4)
HERENNIUS
(whispered)
Finish the bastard. Like he would
have finished us.
MARCUS
Have you gone mad? Do this thing
and you’ll be no better than what
we replace.
PETRONIUS
How can you tolerate a traitor?
SENATOR NERVA
(stronger; enraged)
Sit down, Petronius, you rude,
boorish lout. In my reign the
charge of traitor shall be laid to
rest, and no man shall ever be
condemned unheard. And I will be
obeyed, you wild ass in soldier’s
dress, or you can do your fine
strutting in the festering swamps
of outer Britannia as a soldier of
the ranks.
MARCUS
Put him under arrest. We’ll keep
him stowed in the brothel’s wine
cellars until after the
assassination.
They resume their seats. Marcus searches their eyes. All have
a savage, hopeless look.
MARCUS (CONT’D)
When next we come together...
135.
SUNIA
All day I listened to that baying
and yelping. They must have
arrested someone important.
(beat)
I’m surprised there’s someone
important left to arrest.
Auriane peers from the cell window. Bottles and bricks crack
against the school’s monolithic wall between shouts of, “Doom
to us all. They’ve taken the only sane and good man in the
government from us.”
AURIANE
(under her breath)
He is at the mercy of a monster.
They will torture him.
Sunia quietly sobs as Auriane looks out the cell window onto
the street where..
CUT TO:
INT. OLD PALACE CELL - NIGHT
CUT TO:
(CONTINUED)
136.
CONTINUED:
A BEAT.
HERALD
And who better to play the role?
(CONTINUED)
137.
CONTINUED:
HERALD (CONT’D)
Hail, Antonius. Hail, Cleopatra.
From the crowd: “Unmask that trickster. Who says he’s good
enough for our Aurinia?”
Auriane looks upon Domitian who jerks away, not wanting her
to know he’s been staring at her.
HERALD (CONT’D)
And now, let the bout begin.
Auriane and Aristos step down from their chariots. TWO
Numidian Boys lead the chariots off, as TWO Undertrainers
present themselves.
(CONTINUED)
138.
CONTINUED: (2)
Those in the poorer sections climb onto their seats and stamp
their feet. The tumultuous cry, “No bout,” grows steadily
stronger.
IMPERIAL BOX
Domitian appears puffed and bruised. His eyes are cold and
fixed, occasionally flashing with the manic light of one
close to delirium.
DOMITIAN
Well, Marcus, you’re irksomely
silent, and you know how that
nettles me. I know you’ve got some
vile opinion tucked away to torment
me with. Speak.
ARENA
METON
Aristos. No bout. I command you.
Throw down that sword.
(CONTINUED)
139.
CONTINUED:
The whole mass of them moves closer and closer to the Water
Organ. Laughter rises from the crowd.
METON (CONT’D)
Jove’s thunderbolts. He’s gone
berserk.
ARISTOS
Clean for you, Aurinia.
ARISTOS (CONT’D)
Prepare to die, pestilential witch.
IMPERIAL BOX
Hundreds rush for the exits but are turned back by Guards.
The crowd collapses into whimpering submission.
ARENA
(CONTINUED)
140.
CONTINUED:
A BEAT.
Her knees give way with his first blow. She blocks the second
blow by catching it with her shield. His heavy arm rises and
falls in relentless rhythm, leaving no chance for Auriane to
parry against his bestial strength.
IMPERIAL BOX
(CONTINUED)
141.
CONTINUED:
DOMITIAN
(to Plancius)
Aurinia plays that thing better
than all your musicians, Plancius.
(aroused)
Aristos, give me now my omen.
ARENA
ARISTOS
Breathe your last, wretched father-
killer.
Each strike a finger’s width of missing Auriane as she
frantically heaves from side to side. Aristos blocks her
escape, then strikes her shoulder with a bruising blow from
the boss of his shield.
IMPERIAL BOX
DOMITIAN
Shyness is no virtue in a Commander
of the Guard. Out with it,
Petronius.
PETRONIUS
Your Excellency, you must accept my
apology... if this did not concern
your mortal safety...
DOMITIAN
Why don’t you recite the Aeneid
before you tell me. Out with it.
PETRONIUS
A plot has been unearthed. They
plan to do you to the death within
the hour, right where you sit.
(CONTINUED)
142.
CONTINUED:
PETRONIUS (CONT’D)
This villainy started among your
most trusted chamberlains. They may
have also seduced a few men of the
lower ranks of the Guard.
DOMITIAN
(mutters)
Just as Julianus warned me...
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Petronius, I go first to the
prisons. I must have a word with my
First Advisor before I interrogate
these criminals.
Departing along the carpeted steps from the Imperial Box with
Petronius and his Guards, Domitian hears the crowd's CRIES
rise to a tumultuous ROAR. He smiles, reassured that Auriane
has met her end.
ARENA
Giving way upon impact, she lets Aristos hurtle past her.
(CONTINUED)
143.
CONTINUED:
In the amphitheater…
METON
One of them is hit. Aristos is hit.
It cannot be.
ARISTOS
This is a little more difficult
than killing your father, is it
not? But then, his hands were
bound.
AURIANE
(quietly)
Odberht... you are the murderer of
Wido. You slew your own father. You
are the one who threw that hunter’s
net.
ARISTOS
(amelodic cry)
No.
AURIANE
Oh, yes. I see it as I see you.
What a clever murder. All close
witnesses were killed soon after...
then, you got off free. If a father-
killer can ever be said to be free.
ARISTOS
(furious)
I’ll cut out that lying throat.
CUT TO:
144.
DOMITIAN
Rouse him.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Well, well old friend I trust
you’re enjoying the accommodations.
Are the brands not hot enough?
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Marcus I’m begging like the blind
man that sleeps down under bridges.
Give me my half-measure of respect.
Confess your treason to me and I’ll
have you cut down. What base humor
caused you to spit in my face in
the matter of that barbarian woman?
I know you bedded her. Tell me I
deserve one golden statue, one
reverent mention in a history
text... and I’ll cut you down.
Marcus in a last reserve of strength.
MARCUS
(closes his eyes)
I will oblige you then, and tell
you what you deserve. But why
waste the question on me alone? Why
not ask it of your brother? It
would be edifying if we could ask
it of all your victims.
DOMITIAN
What is this filthy spewing?
(CONTINUED)
145.
CONTINUED:
MARCUS
How would you fare in Hades? For
wanton cruelty unbecoming of a
bandit... for displays of
ruthlessness that would make Nero
blush... coupled with a suspicious
nature that skirts madness... for
exercising a justice that is no
more than revenge... we condemn you
to the death you gave your
brother... to be packed in a chest
of ice.
DOMITIAN
I’ll pour molten steel down your
throat.
MARCUS
And still you imagine you can
obliterate truth by destroying the
vessel through which it speaks.
DOMITIAN
You are a scourge. How dare you
judge.
(beat)
You knew. All these years. Worm in
the cabinet. Fiend. You’ll die.
Unknown and forgotten.
(to Torturer)
The weighted whip. Twenty lashes.
ARENA
ARISTOS
(gasping)
Die. Die.
(CONTINUED)
146.
CONTINUED:
The corpse strikes her hard, causing her to buckle and fall
to the sand.
CUT TO:
TORTURE CELL
DOMITIAN
Your ineptitude surprises me,
Marcus Arrius Julianus. I always
thought that if ever you set your
hand against me, I would be a dead
man.
MARCUS
Poor is my opinion of you, Spawn-of-
Nero. Yet, there is still another
who loathes you even more than I.
(CONTINUED)
147.
CONTINUED:
DOMITIAN
Tell me. Who? Norbanus? That
shuffling fool who gives kindliness
a bad name, Nena?
MARCUS
I speak of... yourself.
DOMITIAN
Why do I waste time with a madman?
MARCUS
In spite of the fact that you’ve
taken your place on the world’s
highest throne, what you see in the
glass is a mean, unlettered lout, a
cross between criminal and slave...
DOMITIAN
Sorry to bother you again, old
friend, but it seems I forgot to
give you the news of the day.
Aristos chopped your Aurinia into
cutlets, as she begged him to. She
died slowly. I’m afraid he played
with her a bit first.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Feast on defeat, Marcus Julianus.
For all your conspiracies, I am
victor at the last.
CUT TO:
ARENA
(CONTINUED)
148.
CONTINUED:
ARISTOS
Behold the fate of a false-
speaking, murdering kinkiller.
She pulls out the bone comb from her hair, and shakes out her
long bronze mane.
ARISTOS (CONT’D)
Lying whelp with poison in your
veins.
Aristos flips Auriane over on her back. Her hair fans out on
the sand dark, lustrous, dangerous.
(CONTINUED)
149.
CONTINUED: (2)
A BEAT.
CUT TO:
PALACE - BEDCHAMBER
DOMITIAN
Now I want you to tell me in your
own words how Marcus Julianus
convinced you to destroy your Lord
and God.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
150.
CONTINUED:
DOMITIAN (CONT'D)
If you’re honest and forthright in
your replies, you’ll get a quick
death and a decent burial.
Afterward I’ll meet with each of
you and you’ll give me the names of
others involved in the plot. The
man that gives me the fewest names
dies on a cross.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
(leaping to his feet)
Halt. You. What are you about?
All five spring forward. Their bonds break.
CUT TO:
ARENA
ACCO
Poor gallant creature, she’s done
the impossible and paid with her
life.
METON
By the jowls of Cerberus... she
strangled him.
ACCO
This is a prodigy to match all
prodigies.
(CONTINUED)
151.
CONTINUED:
CUT TO:
BEDCHAMBER
All is chaos. The five prisoners jostle each other in their
eagerness to strike blades at Domitian, who is held down by
the sheer force of the five prisoners.
DOMITIAN
Guards.
STEPHANUS
Die. Tyrant. Die.
ON DOMITIAN
DOMITIAN
(gasping)
Foul bitch dog of a wife from the
sulfurous depths. You knew of
this. Medusa. Well-spring of all
womanly vileness.
DOMITIAN (CONT’D)
Parthenius… why? What did you want
of me that I did not give?
(CONTINUED)
152.
CONTINUED:
PARTHENIUS
(dodging Domitian’s gaze)
Forgive me. It was not I who fated
you to die. You would know your
murderer? It was… Marcus Arrius
Julianus.
CYCLOPS
(to Stephanus)
He’ll see his hundredth birthday at
the speed you’re going.
PETRONIUS
Twenty-seven.
SERVILIUS
Traitorous murdering swine.
PERTRONIUS
You are speaking treason, Lucius
Servilius. Whether they are
murderers or no, it’s not for you
to say, but a matter for our new
Emperor Nerva to decide.
DISSOLVE TO:
(CONTINUED)
153.
CONTINUED:
SECRETARY
We come to inform you that by the
order of Emperor Nerva, you have
been manumitted. You are granted
the status of one free born, an
honor not given to many. Here is
your proof of status and
manumission papers, signed by
Emperor Nerva himself, before
witnesses. You, Aurinia, are now a
citizen of Rome.
(beat)
It is unlawful for you to be held
here, and you must go.
AURIANE
What of Sunia? And Coniaric and
Thorgild?
SUNIA
Marcus Julianus has secured our
freedom, too. Coniaric chooses to
stay as a free fighter.
GUARD
There is a woman here who would
speak with you, sent from the
Palace.
AURIANE
Mother?
Flooded with emotion they embrace.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
Mother… do you forgive me? I left
you there in the mud. I did not
know they would take me alive.
ATHELINDA
Foolish are ever you are, to think
I would judge such a thing. Joy of
joy. You avenged Baldemar. The
heavens parted when you squeezed
the life out of the monster, and I
saw Baldemar on the high-seat. Are
you a woman, or a lioness? How
cunningly the prophecy at your
birth was played out.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
154.
CONTINUED: (2)
ATHELINDA (CONT'D)
(beat)
Your soul burns doubly bright. You
carry a child.
AURIANE
Yes.
GUARD #2
Aurinia, you must make ready. We’re
charged to accompany you to the
house of Marcus Arrius Julianus.
CUT TO:
MARCUS
Auriane. Look at you.
(tears pool his eyes)
You came out of this far better
than I. I can scarcely stand. You
look hardly the worse for having
rid the world of that monster.
AURIANE
I am sorry I awakened you.
MARCUS
Perhaps you did not.
MARCUS
In Germania once, my father gave
audience to a tribal prophetess, a
Chattian woman named Ramis. She had
come petitioning for the life of
ten of her tribesmen condemned to
die and when he granted her her
wish, she gave him this.
(beat)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
155.
CONTINUED:
MARCUS (CONT'D)
It is said to contain the earth
from a scared ground, called aurr
and is supposed to bring to the
wearer to his or her own true
destiny.
AURIANE
Marcus. There are two things I must
tell you. One is joyous. The
other... dark and marvelous.
AURIANE (CONT’D)
The first is this... in about five
months, there are going to be three
of us.
MARCUS
Is there no end to fortunes
inhumanity?
AURIANE
You do not want my children?
MARCUS
Of course, I want your children.
(beat)
You fought Aristos while you were
with child. It is appalling. You
should have sent word to me.
AURIANE
(uncomfortable)
And now, the other matter... I can
go with you. I can share a house
with you. But I cannot be a wife.
MARCUS
Well, that’s a departure from the
dull and commonplace. The city
swarms with women who stalk
husbands, preferably rich… women
with no intention of becoming the
mother of children. You have it all
refreshingly reversed.
(CONTINUED)
156.
CONTINUED: (2)
AURIANE
You are not angered by this?
MARCUS
Angered? Amused and amazed is
closer, and yes, saddened a bit.
Can you tell me why?
AURIANE
Since we last saw one another, I
have learned that our highest Holy
One will one day pass her staff to
me. I had a vision of her as I lay
near death after slaying Aristos.
This will not be for many years,
though... our High One still has
all her powers. Those who are to
administer the highest rites must
never throttle our goddess Fria’s
greatest gift… earthly love. Our
goddess despises the permanent
shackling together of women and
men.
MARCUS
The part of me that serves
philosophy understands at once…
what purpose can ever be set over
seeking divine knowledge? But it
presents problems. With
inheritance, with...
AURIANE (V.O.)
Nature explains nothing, expects
everything, and swallows us all to
death. Nature dresses us, then
denudes us again, like the land
endlessly passing from winter to
summer.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
157.
CONTINUED:
AURIANE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
At least now I begin to know you,
life and death, as one. Walk among
your people, Daughter of the Ash.
Auriane and Marcus head off down toward the villa. Through
the forest trees...
FADE OUT.
THE END