CHARLEMAGNE
Pilot: "GODS OF WAR"
created by
Sameer Ketkar
&
Dylan Kral
written by
Dylan Kral
Dylan Kral
[email protected]
&
Sameer Ketkar
Sameer Ketkar
[email protected]
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. SAXON KINGDOM -- NIGHT
A small city of thatch-roofed huts sits astride a forest.
SUPER:
Saxony, 772 A.D.
INT. BATHROOM -- NIGHT
The luxurious bathroom is illuminated by the light of over
one hundred candles. From within, a woman screams in agony - the screams of childbirth.
THREE SERVANTS (f, 19-24) kneel by a bathtub, where GEVA (26)
-- a beautiful, but weathered woman -- is giving birth. Geva
cries out again.
INT. WAR ROOM -- NIGHT
A handful of men stand looking over an enormous map in the
war room. At the head of the table is WITTIKIND (31) -handsome & chiseled.
WITTIKIND
--and my brother's cavalry reserve
will hold the forward base here in
case of counterattack.
Wittikind points out a spot on the map, when his MANSERVANT
approaches him, and whispers in his ear:
MANSERVANT
My lord, Lady Geva's labor is...
finished...
Wittikind turns and makes eye contact, making his Manservant
uneasy.
A son?
WITTIKIND
MANSERVANT
(beat)
St-stillborn.
Wittikind looks away and clenches his fist.
WITTIKIND
Where is my wife?
2.
MANSERVANT
She has gone, sir.
Where?
WITTIKIND
The Manservant looks away.
and pulls him closer.
Wittikind grabs him by the collar
WITTIKIND (CONT’D)
Where has she gone?
MANSERVANT
She said this third stillbirth has
made it clear to her.
WITTIKIND
Made what clear?
MANSERVANT
That it is her duty to appease the
gods.
No.
WITTIKIND
(beat)
No-no-no.
Wittikind rushes out of the War Room.
EXT. SHRINE OF IRMINSUL -- NIGHT
Moonlight shines down on a large and beautifully constructed
altar: a semi-circle of stone pillars surrounding an
enormous tree, IRMINSUL. Scattered around the tree and
pillars are many offerings, dead flowers, burnt candles.
Geva kneels in front of the altar, her three Servants ten
feet behind her.
GEVA
My husband's warriors prepare to
conquer, and I pray -- I implore
you: Give him strength. Give him
victory.
Geva opens her eyes.
Tears flood them.
GEVA (CONT’D)
I offer my life -- and the lives of
my ladies -- to you, Odin! We
stand in place of Lord Wittikind!
(MORE)
3.
GEVA (CONT’D)
Take us as an offering and spare
him.
Servants #1, #2 and #3 kneel next to Geva. A PRIEST walks
behind them and wraps large chains around their necks,
securing them tightly.
EXT. SAXON KINGDOM -- NIGHT
Wittikind runs through a courtyard, waving his arms.
The gate!
WITTIKIND
Open the fucking gate!
Wittikind climbs onto a beautiful horse as the gate opens.
EXT. SHRINE OF IRMINSUL -- CONTINUOUS
The priest uses a candle to light the edge of Servant #2's
garments. She erupts into flame. For a moment, she remains
silent. Then, she begins to scream.
EXT. FOREST -- NIGHT
Wittikind rides through the forest frantically, finally
arriving at the Shrine of Irminsul, just as-Geva is hoisted SCREAMING AND ON FIRE into the boughs of
Irminsul. Her three servants are hoisted beside her, all
aflame.
Wittikind leaps off his horse and drops to his knees.
He cries out, and it echoes across the valley.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
4.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. ERESBERG CASTLE -- NIGHT
A large fortress rests in the hills, overlooking a deep
valley.
SUPER:
Eresberg
INT. KING CHARLES' QUARTERS -- NIGHT
In near-darkness, KING CHARLES (29) -- handsome, tall, strong
-- roughly fornicates with a young concubine HILDEGARDE (16).
After a moment, there is a knock on the door.
Charles doesn't answer, but continues his fornication.
The knocks persist, growing more urgent.
Charles sits up furiously.
What?!
CHARLES
The door opens and ROLAND OF BRITTANY (22) -- Charles' right
hand man -- walks in quickly, avoiding eye-contact with
Hidlegarde.
ROLAND
Your grace, I would not be here if
it wasn't a matter of great
urgency.
CHARLES
What's happened?
ROLAND
The Queen...is with Lord Pippin;
holding a knife to his throat and
threatening to abscond with him.
Charles stands angrily, revealing he's immensely tall.
CHARLES
I will hang that woman's head from
the rafters.
Charles charges toward the door, but Roland places a hand on
his chest.
5.
ROLAND
I advise a more gentle approach...
(beat)
She is your wife, and her father a
king in his own right.
Charles looks at Roland for a second, then nods and releases
the tension in his body. He places a hand on Roland's
shoulder.
Of course.
CHARLES
Charles exits the room.
Hildegarde, completely naked, walks by Roland and approaches
a table, where her clothes are folded neatly. She begins to
put them on.
Roland smiles awkwardly and follows after Charles.
INT. STABLES -- NIGHT
In the royal stables, DESIREE (36) -- a handsome and powerful
noble woman -- is hurriedly stuffing supplies into the saddle
bags of a horse, while Charles' eleven year-old bastard son
PIPPIN stands nearby with his hands tied with rope. Pippin
is pale, thin, and has a hunchback.
DESIREE
Up, up with you!
She tries to push Pippin up onto the horse when the stable
door crashes open and Charles glides in. Behind him, two
ARMED GUARDS.
Desiree puts a knife to Pippin's throat.
DESIREE (CONT’D)
I'll do it!
CHARLES
Quit this madness, Desiree.
A beat.
The guards move towards her, but Charles holds up a hand and
they stop.
Charles glares at his wife.
She looks from him to the guards, and lowers the knife.
6.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
(to his son)
Come. Come come.
Pippin walks to his father. Charles loosens the ropes from
Pippin's hands, whispers something into his ear and kisses
him on the forehead. Pippin nods and walks out.
Desiree runs a finger along the knife's edge.
DESIREE
You parade that bastard around like
he belongs! And you think I don't
notice.
CHARLES
He's my son! Of course he belongs!
DESIREE
Your son birthed of a whore! He
belongs in these stables -- at
best.
Charles slaps her hard across the face.
CHARLES
You have no right...
Desiree touches her cheek and looks at Charles.
DESIREE
You don't get to treat me like you
treat her.
Charles laughs.
CHARLES
I don't. I wouldn't dream of
hurting her.
(a beat)
She'd fight back.
DESIREE
She's a child! Barely older than
the bastard who just walked out of
here.
CHARLES
And still...
(beat)
A better woman that you.
Charles turns toward his Guards.
in her hand.
Desiree looks at the knife
7.
As if he has eyes in the back of his head-CHARLES (CONT’D)
I wouldn't.
DESIREE
He'll always be a bastard, Charles.
Only the pope can legitimize him.
Or do you think your whore will
bear you a trueborn son?
Charles fumes, but doesn't answer her.
CHARLES
(to a guard)
Escort the Lady Desiree from the
grounds.
(beat)
And make sure she has no further
contact with my son.
The Armed Guards nod.
Charles nods in return and leaves.
EXT. ERESBERG -- CASTLE WALLS -- NIGHT
Charles stands atop the castle walls watching his guard lead
Desiree out on a horse. The guard spanks the horse's side
and it gallops away.
Pippin approaches his father from behind.
PIPPIN
She wouldn't really have put me on
the throne, would she, father?
CHARLES
(laughs)
She would have tried.
PIPPIN
I -- I would never challenge your
rule. You know that.
I know.
CHARLES
Neither Charles nor Pippin seems quite so sure...
EXT. FRANKISH CAMPGROUND -- DAWN
A camp sits in a seemingly unending valley.
the blue Frankish flag prepares for war.
An army flying
8.
Roland rides in on a horse, coming to a halt near a lavish
tent. He leaps off his horse. His squire WILLIAM (29), a
commoner, grabs the reins.
ROLAND
(to William)
With me.
Roland hurries into his tent, as William motions for another
SQUIRE to take the horse's reins.
INT. FRANKISH CAMPGROUND -- TENT -- DAWN
A table and a few chairs rest inside the large tent. Roland
enters the tent, followed by William. They stand over the
table, which contains a war map. Roland studies the map.
WILLIAM
How are things -- at the castle...?
ROLAND
(distracted)
Well...
A beat.
WILLIAM
I mean with-ROLAND
I know what you mean. But we have
more important matters.
Roland stabs a finger into the map, right in the heart of the
great Teutoberg Forest.
William looks.
WILLIAM
That's their shrine, no?
Saxons'?
The
ROLAND
Aye. Over twelve thousand unwashed
heathens are gathering -- probably
drinking their own blood while they
worship that fucking tree.
William snorts.
WILLIAM
Wouldn't underestimate them, I
wouldn't.
9.
Nor I.
ROLAND
Roland looks William up and down.
ROLAND (CONT’D)
I've got a task for you. You may
pick your own men.
Sir?
WILLIAM
ROLAND
I mean to kill their leaders, these
brothers Wittikind and Wulfgar-WILLIAM
Wulffucker, me lads call him.
ROLAND
(chuckles)
Yes, well: Without Wittikind and
Wulffucker, their battle lines will
crumble.
(a beat)
It'll have to be you and a very
small party. And you'll have to
dress like the heathens.
WILLIAM
We'll try not to drink any blood
while we're out there, sir.
Roland nods, and William exits.
EXT. FRANKISH CAMPGROUND -- STABLE AREA -- DAWN
William and BREGMAN, 41, both dressed in captured Saxon gear,
hop up onto horses and ride off into the forest.
EXT. SHRINE OF IRMINSUL -- DAWN
Wittikind kneels by the shrine of Irminsul, casting wary
glances up at his wife's charred body high up in the tree.
REVEAL that Wittikind's massive army of Saxons is arrayed
behind him, ready for battle.
Wittikind mumbles a silent prayer, stands, and turns to his
brother WULFGAR -- a stout, barrel-chested warrior.
10.
WITTIKIND
Hold the reserves until my signal,
brother.
WULFGAR
You should let me-WITTIKIND
Hold the reserves.
Unhappy, Wulfgar nods.
WULFGAR
The god of war be with us.
They grasp forearms and shake hands. On both of their hands
are SCALLOPED LEATHER GAUNTLETS, with an intricate pattern.
Wulfgar watches as Wittikind's army marches off.
EXT. FRANKISH CAMPGROUND -- DAY
Roland exits his tent, holding a wax-sealed scroll in his
hand. He approaches a YOUNG SQUIRE.
You.
ROLAND
The Young Squire looks up nervously.
ROLAND (CONT’D)
(hands off the scroll)
Bring this to Lord Cassian at the
castle immediately.
YOUNG SQUIRE
Yes, my lord!
The Young Squire hurries off.
INT. ERESBERG -- HALLWAY -- DAY
CASSIAN (38), the muscular and mean-looking count of the
palace, walks through an enormous hall, carrying some sort of
manuscript. As he approaches a study he sees the Young
Squire standing at attention by the door.
Yes?
CASSIAN
11.
YOUNG SQUIRE
My lord, I have a letter from Lord
Roland.
CASSIAN
(taking the letter)
Report back to camp.
Cassian walks into his study.
INT. ERESBERG -- STUDY -- DAY
Cassian breaks the wax seal on the scroll and begins reading.
There is a knock at the door.
Enter.
CASSIAN
AMIR EL RAQ (47), the Persian ambassador, enters escorting
Hildegarde.
CASSIAN (CONT’D)
Ah, Lady Hildegarde.
Cassian smiles coldly to her, but exchanges a friendly nod
with Amir -- who comes to stand behind Cassian.
HILDEGARDE
(irritated)
I don't know why you send this -Persian -- to do your bidding.
He's so...
CASSIAN
Persia and Rome are the two pillars
of light in our dark world.
Amir nods appreciatively, while Hildegarde blushes.
HILDEGARDE
I'm sorry, my lord, I didn't mean
to-CASSIAN
(holds up a hand)
Enough. So. The king?
HILDEGARDE
He is quite well.
12.
CASSIAN
He is focused? This business with
his wife has not--?
HILDEGARDE
No, my lord. His spirits are high.
He does not play-act.
CASSIAN
And he...pleases you?
HILDEGARDE
Very much so, my lord.
(giddy)
I assumed a man so tall would have
a large cock, but I never expected
him to...
Her voice trails off as she glances ashamedly at Amir.
CASSIAN
Go on.
HILDEGARDE
The king is not distracted, my
lord. Not in the least.
She smiles sexually.
Cassian nods.
Good.
CASSIAN
You may go.
Hildegarde is a little offput to be dismissed so quickly, but
she complies.
As soon as she is gone, Cassian turns to Amir.
Amir reads Cassian's face a moment, then realizes:
AMIR
You still worry the king is of two
minds?
CASSIAN
He would never share his true
feelings with that girl. I don't
know how much more use she'll be to
us.
AMIR
We will get his mind right before
the coming battle.
13.
CASSIAN
It is not his mind I worry about.
Cassian holds up Roland's letter, which Amir takes.
Amir reads it with alarm.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
14.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. FRANKISH CAMPGROUND -- DAY
Charles, mounted, marches at the head of a large group of
knights -- including ARCHBISHOP TURPIN in shining
ecclesiastical armor -- entering the Frankish camp. The menat-arms cheer the arrival of the knights.
Charles dismounts and meets Roland.
smile.
They shake hands and
EXT. FRANKISH CAMPGROUND -- FIELD -- DAY
Charles kneels, with his sword stabbed in the ground before
him making a cross. Charles grips the cross solemnly.
Behind him kneel Roland and all the other knights.
In front of them stands Archbishop Turpin and his ASSISTANTS,
who hold respectively a cross, a cup, and a bowl of wafers.
ARCHBISHOP TURPIN
God, the Father of mercies, through
the death and resurrection of your
son, you have reconciled the world
to yourself and sent the Holy
Spirit among us for the forgiveness
of sins. Through the ministry of
the church, may God grant pardon
and peace. In the name of the
Father, and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, Amen.
Amen.
CHARLES
All the knights in unison chant "Amen".
ARCHBISHOP TURPIN
Charles king, on this eve of
battle, when the heathen shall be
baptized in blood, do you wish to
offer penance unto the Lord?
Aye.
CHARLES
(deep breath)
(MORE)
15.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
Lord in Heaven, who sent his son
among us so that we may be
righteous, please grant me the
strength to overcome my foes. But
let not their heathen souls fall
into the Fire. Save them, for they
too are your servants, though they
know it not.
Indeed.
ARCHBISHOP TURPIN
Turpin motions for one of his assistants to offer Charles a
sip of wine and a bread wafer. Charles takes these, then
rises.
As the priests offer communion to the knights, Charles holds
his sword up high.
Victory!
CHARLES
Turpin, in turn, holds up his wicked mace in the air.
ARCHBISHOP TURPIN
Charles king!
One by one the knights stand after receiving communion, and
thrust their swords in the air.
ROLAND
Charles king!
MANY KNIGHTS
Charles king!
The knights cheer.
EXT. ROADS -- DAY
The dusty road lies empty, until the dust starts vibrating
from something approaching. Soon, a huge train of knights
marches by, followed by men-at-arms.
At the head of the army are Charles, Roland, Cassian, Turpin,
and Amir el Raq.
CASSIAN
The Saxons will no doubt try to
draw us into the forest, my lord.
They have learned the lessons of
Teutoburg.
16.
CHARLES
And your stratagem?
it will work?
You are sure
AMIR EL RAQ
Nothing is certain, my lord.
CASSIAN
But God is with us.
Amir nods.
EXT. FORESTS OF SAXONY -- DAY
William and Bregman walk their horses carefully through the
woods, keeping their eyes peeled for enemy patrols.
Down!
BREGMAN
They hide behind a thicket, and struggle to get the horses
behind it as well.
Bregman points out several Saxon soldiers.
more.
Then more.
And
William's eyes go wide as the vanguard of the Saxon army
marches by just a few hundred yards away, Wittikind at the
head.
WILLIAM
It's Wittikind himself!
where's Wulffucker?
But
Bregman shrugs.
BREGMAN
What should we do?
camp?
Can we warn the
WILLIAM
I don't know how we'd slip through
the battle lines now. Let's press
on. Find Wulffucker.
Bregman nods, and they surreptitiously slip further away from
the Saxon army.
EXT. ROADS -- DAY
Roland and a scout, both mounted, survey the area ahead.
motions for the scout to continue ahead.
He
17.
Off to the right and behind, Roland sees another one of his
scouts, and gallops over to him.
NEAR THE SECOND SCOUT
Anything?
ROLAND
SCOUT #2
No, my lord. Our line is quiet so
far.
Roland taps a fist on the scout's shoulder armor.
ROLAND
God be with you.
Roland gallops off to the next scout. There is a long picket
line of scouts set up several miles in front of the advancing
Frankish army.
NEAR THE THIRD SCOUT
Roland quickly checks in. The scout shakes his head.
nods and gallops back to the main host.
Roland
MAIN FRANKISH ARMY
Roland pulls up alongside Charles.
ROLAND
No contact yet, my lord.
Charles nods.
EXT. FOREST'S EDGE -- DAY
Wittikind dismounts his horse at the edge of the forest and
surveys the plains before him:
A double-line of trenches protects the forest. And beyond
that, Saxon soldiers are finishing digging pits on the
presumed battlefield, which is a natural bottleneck leading
to the forest.
WITTIKIND
Spread out.
The Saxon army begins spreading out along the forest's edge.
18.
WITTIKIND (CONT’D)
The enemy will attack here. If we
draw them into the forest, their
heavy cavalry cannot maneuver. Do
not leave the forest, no matter
what you see!
Aye!
SAXON #1
The Saxons begin relaying the orders down the line.
EXT. ROADS -- DAY
A Frankish scout to the left of the main host spots a Saxon
scout in the distance.
There!
SCOUT #1
The scout hurries after him and throws a javelin into his
back.
AT THE MAIN FRANKISH ARMY
Roland notices the movement of his scouts, and gallops
forward with several knights.
A SERIES OF SHOTS
of Frankish scouts hunting down and killing Saxon scouts.
One Frankish scout then reports to Roland.
SCOUT #3
Five so far, my lord.
near.
They are
Roland nods and gallops off.
AT THE MAIN FRANKISH ARMY
The Frankish army crests a hill and enters a natural
bottleneck heading towards a forest. A field about two
thousand feet long stands between the Franks and the edge of
the forest.
Roland rejoins the main cavalry.
19.
ROLAND
(pointing left then right)
To the flanks!
Several cavalry units break off from the main army and assume
positions on either flank.
Roland sidles up to Charles and points far ahead:
ROLAND (CONT’D)
Those brown mounds in the field.
They were not there on our earlier
reconnoiter.
CASSIAN
Hunting traps, I would guess.
ROLAND
Think they could hide a man in
there?
CASSIAN
They could, but it would be a quick
death.
CHARLES
Shall we have our catapults test
those hunting traps?
Roland nods, and motions for the catapults to move forward.
Horses laboriously drag the catapults into position.
ROLAND
(to a catapulteer)
Those brown mounds. Find out what
they are.
CATAPULTEER
Yes, my lord.
The catapulteer aims his machine, and fires a huge stone. It
falls short. Several more catapults fire and eventually they
begin collapsing the hunting traps -- revealing spiked poles
within, and a few hidden Saxon soldiers.
AT THE FOREST'S EDGE
The main Saxon army shows itself from the forest's eaves -screaming into their shields and taunting the Franks. The
reverberations of their voices against the shields grows to a
fever pitch.
20.
AT THE FRANKISH ARMY
Form up!
CHARLES
Charles motions to several cavalry units, which form into
three solid lines -- with the king in the center of the first
line.
Lances!
CHARLES (CONT’D)
The heavy cavalry accept heavy steel-tipped lances from their
squires, and the first line begins trotting forward.
Hee-yah!
CHARLES (CONT’D)
Charles breaks into a gallop, along with the first cavalry
line.
AT THE FOREST'S EDGE
Wittikind watches the approaching cavalry. He draws his twin
blades: one medium sword and one dagger. His men draw their
weapons.
WITTIKIND
Let them struggle with the trench
and the forest! Knock them off
their horses and cut into the
joints in their armor!
The Saxon army leers for a fight.
IN THE FIELDS
Charles' horse leaps over a hunting trap and gallops full
speed towards the Saxon lines -- jumping right over the
trenches.
AT THE FOREST'S EDGE
Charles' huge horse is the first to enter the forest's edge.
At full speed, the king plants his lance directly into the
chest of a Saxon soldier. The soldier goes flying backward
and hits a tree; with a sickening crunch, his back breaks.
As the first line of cavalry crashes into the forest's edge,
dozens of lances catapult the Saxons into the forest. BAM!
BAM! BAM!
21.
Some knights aren't as lucky though, and several fall into
the trenches. Saxon soldiers descend onto the fallen knights
in swarm.
Charles swings his lance around like a giant broom, sweeping
Saxons off their feet left and right -- but he hits a tree.
So Charles drops his lance, leaps off his horse, and draws
his heirloom sword Joyeuse -- which he swings with animal
ferocity. He slices one Saxon nearly in half at the
shoulder, and uses his foot to dislodge the sword.
A thunderous roar is heard from the fields, as the Second
Line of Frankish cavalry gallops in with their lances held
firm.
In an instant the Second Line crashes into the Saxon forces - rocketing dozens of Saxons into trees and their comrades.
WITTIKIND
slices at the legs of one horse, and as its knight leaps off
it at him, Wittikind punches him in the throat and sticks his
dagger through his helmet's eye hole.
Wittikind notices a dozen of his men going past the trench to
fight the Franks on the field.
WITTIKIND
Stay in formation!
His men ignore him and are trampled by the Third Line of
Frankish cavalry, which has just joined the fray.
With a great crash the Third Line of Franks slams into the
Saxon lines, tearing a vicious swath through them.
But as the shock of the cavalry charge fades, and the
Frankish men-at-arms fail to appear, the Saxons begin to gain
the upper hand -- knocking knights off horses, capturing
horses, surrounding unwieldy armored men who cannot maneuver
in the forest.
CHARLES
finishes cutting the head off a Saxon, and looks around,
realizing the time for their maneuver is come.
Goliath!
CHARLES
Goliath!
22.
Charles screams the code phrase at the top of his lungs, and
remounts his horse to retreat. His soldiers begin repeating
the phrase down the line of battle.
Goliath!
Goliath!
FRANKISH SOLDIER #1
FRANKISH CAPTAIN #3
As the word spreads, one by one the Frankish knights back out
of the forest in a fighting retreat.
WITTIKIND
narrows his eyes; wary.
WITTIKIND
Keep formation! Keep formation!
But Wittikind's men do not listen. They cheer at the
retreating Franks and follow them out into the fields.
IN THE FIELDS
The three lines of Frankish cavalry, now joined into one,
gallop back to their main host -- with the Saxons running
behind on foot.
AT THE MAIN FRANKISH ARMY
When the Frankish cavalry has nearly returned to its original
position, they turn around -- as one, in formation -- to face
the Saxons, who slow their charge.
Frankish archers appear next to the cavalry, each archer
handing a knight a throwing javelin.
AT THE REAR OF THE FRANKISH FORMATION
Cassian and Amir el Raq command the catapults.
Release!
CASSIAN
The catapults release flaming pot projectiles high over the
heads of the Saxons, forming a line of flame between the
Saxon army and the forest.
23.
CHARLES
and the knights throw their javelins at the Saxon troops,
while the archers fire at will.
THE SAXONS
begin to panic, caught between arrows, javelins and fire.
SEVERAL FRANKISH CATAPULTS
destroy the trees at the edge of the forest, making retreat
even more difficult for the Saxons.
CHARLES AND HIS KNIGHTS
draw their swords and advance slowly, methodically.
MEANWHILE, ROLAND
brings the cavalry reserve sweeping down the sides in a
pincer movement, hitting the Saxon army from both the left
and the right flank.
THE SAXON ARMY
is devastated, and the few who remain risk running through
the wall of fire back to the forest. Many fall into the
hunting traps and the trench.
AT THE FOREST'S EDGE
Wittikind watches the battle unfold -- devastated. He begins
a retreat, and his men follow, running at full speed.
AT THE MAIN FRANKISH ARMY
As the battlefield clears, Charles meets Roland, Cassian,
Turpin, and Amir el Raq and they all share a smile.
Charles nods at Amir.
CHARLES
My lord, your maneuver was a great
success.
24.
AMIR EL RAQ
(bows)
Your grace.
EXT. FORESTS -- DAY
Saxon soldiers run haphazardly through the forest -screaming for their lives.
William and Bregman watch from behind a tree as two Saxons
run. In a flash they ambush the Saxons and dispatch them.
MOMENTS LATER
William takes one man's shield, emblazoned with his family
sigil, and puts it on his left arm. He holds it up proudly.
WILLIAM
Do I look like a proper blooddrinker?
Bregman is not convinced.
Go on.
WILLIAM (CONT’D)
Bregman picks up the other Saxon's shield and puts it on.
BREGMAN
This is never going to work.
EXT. FORESTS -- SAXON ARMY CAMP -- DAY
The Saxon camp in the middle of the forest is in chaos.
run everywhere, packing things for a retreat.
Men
INT. FORESTS -- SAXON COMMAND TENT -- DAY
Wulfgar, a warrior woman named ILA BERUS, and another Saxon
commander stand grimly over a map as an out-of-breath soldier
finishes telling the tale.
SAXON SOLDIER
...and they turned, the bloody
horses turned as one and faced us
down. Before we knew it was a trap
they'd flung flaming pots behind
us; and archers in front. And
horsemen from either side.
25.
WULFGAR
(shakes his head)
Helheim's fucking cunt. I knew my
reserves shouldn't have been back
this far.
ILA BERUS
Your brother always prefers a
defensive posture.
WULFGAR
(nods)
To his detriment. We'll move our
men here.
(points on the map)
And meet up with Wittikind's
retreat. How far behind you is he?
SAXON SOLDIER
I know not.
Ila sees something on the map, and points.
ILA BERUS
My lord, if we hold three units
here...?
Go on.
WOLFGAR
EXT. FORESTS -- SAXON ARMY CAMP -- DAY
William and Bregman, wearing their Saxon sigil shields, walk
through the Saxon camp as nonchalantly as they can -- hiding
their nervousness. No one pays them any mind, though, due to
the chaos.
BREGMAN
(whispers)
I always wanted to die dressed as a
heathen...
WILLIAM
(whispers)
On the bright side, maybe your
sister will finally fu-Oy.
BREGMAN
Bregman points out a large and ornate command tent, and they
head towards it.
26.
INT. FORESTS -- SAXON COMMAND TENT -- DAY
ILA BERUS
And we can draw them into a-Ila and Wulfgar looks over as William and Bregman enter.
Yes?
WULFGAR
Wulfgar narrows his eyes, seeing William's shield.
WULFGAR (CONT’D)
Is that not Godric's-In a flash, William whips out a knife and kills one of the
Saxon commanders.
A fight ensues and Bregman struggles against Wulfgar and Ila
Berus-CUT TO BLACK.
END OF ACT TWO
27.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. BATTLEFIELD -- DUSK
Carnage. Bloodied bodies lay amidst dead horses, broken
weapons, & scorched fields. Frankish knights celebrate their
victory.
Kneeling in the middle of the carnage is Charles, with his
sword thrust into the ground like a cross. Holding the hilt,
he stares blankly ahead, not hearing the goings on around
him.
INT. CHARLES' CHAMBERS -- NIGHT
Charles lies in bed, head resting Hildegarde's buxom chest.
She gently strokes his hair.
HILDEGARDE
You're safe, my love.
with me.
You're safe
EXT. BATTLEFIELD -- DUSK
Charles closes his eyes and tears roll down his cheeks.
Archbishop Turpin kneels beside him.
ARCHBISHOP TURPIN
Our father, who art in heaven...
INT. CHARLES' CHAMBERS -- NIGHT
A beat.
Charles lets out a sigh.
CHARLES
It's not me I'm worried for,
Hildegarde.
(beat)
It's them.
Them?
HILDEGARDE
28.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD -- DUSK
Charles stands and walks across the scorched field -glancing at all the bodies. He approaches his horse, climbs
onto it, and rides off.
INT. CHARLES' CHAMBERS -- NIGHT
Charles looks up at her.
The dead.
them?
CHARLES
What do they carry with
HILDEGARDE
What do you carry?
CHARLES
Their blood. Husbands. Fathers.
Sons. Each of them loved by a
woman or three.
(beat)
When I cross the gate to be judged,
thousands ride upon my shoulders.
Hildegarde kisses him.
HILDEGARDE
Don't worry about anyone other than
yourself. And your son.
CHARLES
He cannot be trusted.
HILDEGARDE
I speak not of Lord Pippin.
Charles sits up and looks directly at Hildegarde, who holds a
hand over her belly.
HILDEGARDE (CONT’D)
You will have your heir.
A beat.
Charles kisses her passionately.
INT. CHARLES' CHAMBERS -- LATER
Charles sits on the side of the bed, Hildegarde at his back,
her arms wrapped around his shoulders.
HILDEGARDE
This child...
29.
Charles turns his head to look at her questioningly.
HILDEGARDE (CONT’D)
Your marriage to the Lady Desiree
will not allow for-Charles stands quickly; angry.
I know!
CHARLES
Hildegarde scoots back, afraid. Charles sees this and
softens, then leans over and touches her face.
I know...
CHARLES (CONT’D)
Hildegarde climbs out of the bed and begins dressing herself.
HILDEGARDE
Then what is your plan?
Charles walks to her and places his hands on her shoulders.
CHARLES
You and I will marry.
you.
I promise
Hildegarde brushes Charles off of her and walks toward the
door.
HILDEGARDE
I hope you don't make promises you
can't keep, Charles...
Charles reaches out a hand, but drops it and lets her walk
out.
Charles goes to the table where he drains a cup of wine,
refills it, and drains it again. The flagon is now empty.
Charles snaps his fingers, and a SERVANT comes rushing in.
CHARLES
Ale. Bring me ale.
Roland.
And find
SERVANT
Right away, your grace.
30.
INT. ERESBERG -- HALLWAY -- NIGHT
Roland hurries down the hallway, and arrives outside Charles'
chambers. He knocks.
No answer.
Roland hears commotion from within.
INT. CHARLES' CHAMBERS -- NIGHT
Roland lets himself in and is disturbed to find Charles
drunkenly swinging his sword at the four-post bed, hacking
away at it.
Roland forces himself to sound cheerful:
ROLAND
Charles! What say we open a fresh
barrel of ale in the cellars? The
newest batch from the Abbey is aged
over two years.
CHARLES
(fuming)
A marvelous idea...
Charles sheathes his sword and storms out, eyes narrowed.
EXT. FORESTS -- SAXON ARMY CAMP -- NIGHT
Wittikind gallops through the Saxon camp, which is lit by
torches and smoky fires. Soldiers are scattered everywhere.
Some bloody, some bruised, some dead.
Wittikind leaps off his horse as a squire, PAXTON, grabs hold
of the reins.
Wittikind hurries to the command tent, sees it's in tatters,
and realizes:
Wulfgar!
WITTIKIND
INT. FORESTS -- SAXON COMMAND TENT -- NIGHT
Wittikind hurries into the tent. There are signs of a
struggle. A table is knocked over. There is the splintered
remains of a chair. Much blood.
Wittikind picks up a large blanket.
in half. He casts it aside.
It's bloody and slashed
31.
EXT. FORESTS -- SAXON ARMY CAMP -- CONTINUOUS
Wittikind storms out of the tent.
threateningly.
Points at Paxton
WITTIKIND
Where is my brother?
Paxton avoids his eyes.
WITTIKIND (CONT’D)
Where. Is. He?!
(grabs Paxton's shirt
front)
Speak!
PAXTON
I-I-I don't know, my Lord.
haven't seen him!
I
WITTIKIND
You look at me when I address you.
Paxton looks at Wittikind, terrified.
Wittikind softens.
WITTIKIND (CONT’D)
What is your name, boy?
PAXTON
P-Paxton, my Lord.
WITTIKIND
Paxton. When did you last see your
Lord Wulfgar?
At dawn.
PAXTON
Before the battle.
Wittikind releases Paxton.
Brushes his clothes with a hand.
WITTIKIND
And who was with him?
PAXTON
A woman, my Lord.
A girl.
WITTIKIND
Who was this girl?
PAXTON
I do not know. She was tall. And
thin, very thin. Dark hair, as far
as her waist.
32.
WITTIKIND
(realizes)
Berus...
My lord?
PAXTON
WITTIKIND
She had the mark of a viper on her
shield?
Aye.
PAXTON
WITTIKIND
Ila Berus is her name.
be all.
That will
Wittikind waves a hand and Paxton scurries away.
INT. ERESBERG -- CELLAR -- EARLY MORNING
In the darkened cellar, Charles and Roland stand next to a
long row of ale barrels. They have cracked one open, and are
drinking out of horns -- both drunk.
ROLAND
...And the lovely Lady
Hildegarde...?
CHARLES
(smiles)
She is a...quick study.
versed in the "arts".
Well
Roland laughs -- almost enviously.
Charles takes a large swig and thrusts the mug at Roland.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
And you? And don't tell me you
still fancy that -- that -grandmother whore. You need some
fresh blood!
ROLAND
(laughs)
She's well-learned -- how I like
them.
Charles nods.
Cassian approaches quietly and stands at a distance.
33.
After several moments, Charles finally looks at him; annoyed.
Yes?
My Lord...
CHARLES
CASSIAN
Charles motions with his horn for Cassian to speak.
Cassian hesitates. Embarrassed.
Speak.
But
CHARLES
CASSIAN
My Lord...I'm concerned.
(off Charles' look)
For your...state of mind...
Charles laughs, brushing this off.
Roland just observes.
CASSIAN (CONT’D)
You've been...distracted, my lord.
Roland looks at Cassian coldly.
CASSIAN (CONT’D)
Lady Desiree's actions have had an
...undesirable effect on-Charles stands and shoves a finger at Cassian.
CHARLES
Do not mention that cunt in my
presence again!
(beat)
She's had no effect but to fuel my
anger against those godless
heathens.
Roland grabs Charles' elbow.
Charles glares him.
ROLAND
My lord, he-CASSIAN
Your grace, your words and actions,
they often contradict-Charles starts to draw his sword in anger, but Roland stops
him.
34.
ROLAND
Charles...Lord Cassian speaks
wisdom. All of court is abuzz that
you often speak as of two minds.
CHARLES
My sword and my cock, is it?
Roland can't help but laugh.
CASSIAN
Your grace, it is not for your cock
that I fear-CHARLES
Speak to me again of cocks, my lord
Cassian, and I shall have you
hanging by yours from the gallows.
Cassian scurries back.
CASSIAN
Your grace.
He exits.
Charles immediately relaxes.
CHARLES
Was that too much?
ROLAND
Perhaps a bit. But he isn't wrong.
I also would be of two minds if-CHARLES
And you, too! Just...
Charles flings his horn across the room and storms off.
Roland sighs.
He finishes his beer and walks out calmly.
INT. ERESBERG -- HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS
Roland exits the cellar to find Cassian waiting for him.
Roland points a finger at Cassian's chest.
ROLAND
Do not speak out of turn again.
You may relay your concerns to me.
And me alone. Do you understand?
CASSIAN
Yes, my lord.
35.
EXT. FORESTS -- SAXON ARMY CAMP -- DAY
Wittikind furiously gathers items, storing them on his
horse's back.
A number of SAXON SOLDIERS ride up toward him.
SAXON SOLDIER #1
My lord, where are we headed?
Wittikind shakes his head, looking up at the soldiers.
East.
WITTIKIND
Saxon Soldier #1 looks at Wittikind, confused.
But--
SAXON SOLDIER #1
WITTIKIND
Since the battle, we've lost a
hundred men to their forward
rangers.
(beat)
Haste is necessary.
Wittikind sheaths his dagger and climbs atop his horse.
Saxon Soldier #1 turns to his men.
SAXON SOLDIER #1
We head east. Leave all you can
spare.
The soldiers fall into line with Wittikind, and ride off.
EXT. FOREST -- DAY
A different group of Saxon soldiers flees through the forest
in a pack. Some on horseback, others on foot.
Suddenly, a Saxon soldier stops in his tracks.
yelp as an arrow lodges in his forehead.
Cover!
He lets out a
SAXON SOLDIERS
The Saxons are met by a band of Frankish knights and
accompanying archers.
A fight commences.
36.
EXT. FORESTS -- SAXON ARMY CAMP -- CONTINUOUS
Wittikind and his men turn as the SOUNDS OF BATTLE can be
heard in the distance.
SAXON SOLDIER #1
My lord...?
WITTIKIND
We must stay on the move...
slow, we die.
If we
They hear men SCREAMING for their lives.
Wittikind winces.
He takes a deep breath.
WITTIKIND (CONT’D)
Lead the men ahead. I'll see what
I can do.
(points at two soldiers)
You two, with me.
Wittikind dismounts his horse.
The two soldiers do likewise.
The main force of Saxons gallops off, while Wittikind and his
two soldiers creep on foot into the forest in the direction
of the fighting.
EXT. ERESBERG CASTLE -- HALLWAYS -- DAY
Charles drunkenly stumbles down an exterior passageway,
mumbling softly to himself. He hears the click-clack of
wooden swords, and makes his way in that direction.
EXT. ERESBERG CASTLE -- COURTYARD -- DAY
Pippin practices sword fighting with young knight OLIVIER.
They use wooden swords. Pippin tries with zeal, but his
hunchback deformity prevents him from doing much.
Charles enters the courtyard and watches from a distance,
sharing a smile with Pippin -- who redoubles his efforts upon
seeing him.
Charles walks out to his son.
CHARLES
Show me what you've learned.
Charles takes the wooden sword from Olivier, and begins
sparring with Pippin. They laugh and have fun swinging at
each other.
37.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
Good -- move your feet!
Pippin dances around him.
Charles taps him on the hip with his wooden sword.
Pippin parries the blade away, laughing.
FROM ATOP THE BATTLEMENT WALL,
Roland and Cassian watch, their faces impossible to read.
EXT. FORESTS -- DAY
Wittikind creeps along the edge of the forest.
two slain soldiers, throats slashed open.
He approaches
He peers ahead, seeing a woman's body pinned to a tree -HALF BURNT by a fire arrow. By her side is a shield with a
VIPER painted crudely upon it -- also burnt.
WITTIKIND
(under his breath)
Ila Berus...
Wittikind sees a BURNED MAN'S BODY just beyond the tree.
Beside the body is a SCALLOPED LEATHER GAUNTLET with
intricate patterns on it: Wulfgar's gauntlet, now burnt.
Wittikind falls to his knees, picking up the burnt gauntlet.
FLASHBACK -- EXT. SHRINE OF IRMINSUL -- NIGHT
Wittikind sees his wife Geva's body, on fire, being hoisted
up into the boughs of the great tree Irminsul.
BACK TO SCENE
Wittikind shudders at the memory, when suddenly, a knife is
placed against his throat from behind.
He breathes in, raising his hands.
Behind him, THREE FRANKS stand.
Wittikind's throat.
Frank #1's knife is at
CUT TO BLACK.
END OF ACT THREE
38.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. ERESBERG -- BATHS -- DAY
Hildegarde sits in a bath tub, relaxing and sipping wine.
She breathes in the humid air, and suddenly gasps.
She stands in the tub, looking down in horror at the water.
A red spot of blood is expanding in the water, and there's a
trail of blood on her legs.
She jumps out of the tub.
INT. ERESBERG -- LADIES CHAMBERS -- CONTINUOUS
Hildegarde exits the bath for
fellow concubines are waiting
starts to wrap a towel around
Hildegarde smacks it down and
the ladies chamber, where her
with towels. One concubine
Hildegarde's shoulders, but
points to the tub.
INT. ERESBERG -- BATHS -- CONTINUOUS
The concubines gather around the tub and see the blood in it.
They share a worried look with Hildegarde.
HILDEGARDE
The king will have my head...
INT. ERESBERG -- STUDY -- DAY
Charles sits at a desk, sullenly reading a parchment stamped
with the pope's seal. He looks out the window.
Just then, there's a KNOCK at his door.
Roland, standing quietly.
He turns to see
CHARLES
(almost spits the word)
Politics! The pope will not to
annul my marriage to Desiree
without her father's blessing -her father's bloody army's
blessing, that is...
Charles holds up the parchment.
shakes his head.
Roland glances at it, and
39.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
Sometimes I feel there's no place
left for me in this world.
ROLAND
My lord, you are the only hope for
our people!
Charles stands.
Gazes out the window.
CHARLES
Things are so much easier when they
can be solved with fighting or
fucking.
(beat)
I don't have time to sit around a
table and discuss...Discuss the
intricacies of war, of marriage.
He turns to Roland.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
War is pure. One man swings a
sword, another parries. It's not
something discussed. Not something
decided upon. It is men fighting
men.
(beat)
The one unchanging thing in this
world is someone will always want
what another has.
ROLAND
(nods)
War never changes.
Charles approaches Roland, placing a hand on his shoulder.
CHARLES
I need to know you're with me,
Roland.
ROLAND
Charles, I-CHARLES
I need to know...
ROLAND
(nods)
To the end.
40.
CHARLES
Let us both pray your faith in me
is warranted...
EXT. HILLY GREEN FIELDS -- SUNSET
Desiree, the king's exiled wife, hides behind the wall of a
small monastery. In the distance, sounds fill the air:
horses running; men screaming and fighting.
Desiree quiets her own horse, as a troop of men gallop by:
She's sweating bullets, afraid for her life.
After a moment, when Desiree thinks it's safe, she mounts her
horse and begins to set off, when another horseman approaches
her. She looks for an escape route when-My lady.
HORSEMAN
The horseman bows his head. From beneath his dirty riding
cloak he reveals the sigil of Lombardy -- Desiree's home -on his uniform.
Desiree is overjoyed to see him.
DESIREE
My...my father received the
message?
The horseman nods.
HORSEMAN
There is a company of our men out
beyond the ridge. We've been
looking for you.
Breathing a sigh of relief, Desiree gallops off with the man.
WOODLAND HOLLOW
The horseman leads Desiree to the other Lombard troops,
twenty strong, hiding in a small hollow of land.
The troops all bow to Desiree, who smiles:
Come.
DESIREE
We have work to do.
Desiree and her troops march off.
41.
EXT. FORESTS -- DUSK
Three Frankish soldiers march Wittikind through the forest, a
noose around his throat. Frank #1 holds the rope end of the
noose, with ten feet of slack.
WITTIKIND
You are making a mistake, brothers.
I'm sure we can reach some sort of
arrangement.
FRANK #3
We don't make deals with fucking
swine.
Wittikind struggles, but Frank #1 pulls on the noose.
Wittikind relaxes, and they march on.
After a few moments:
WITTIKIND
I have to piss.
Franks #2 & #3 laugh.
They continue on.
WITTIKIND (CONT’D)
I have to piss.
The Franks make no indication of stopping, and Frank #1
motions for Wittikind to piss while walking.
FRANK #1
We shan't stop you.
Wittikind laughs angrily.
WITTIKIND
If I am to die, at least give me
the dignity of dry trousers.
FRANK #2
You'll only wet them when you're
swinging from the gallows.
The Franks laugh heartily.
WITTIKIND
And you call my people savages.
Frank #1 rolls his eyes, sighs, and turns to his comrades:
FRANK #1
He'll only keep blabbering...
42.
The Franks look at each other and stop their march.
take swigs of water from a wineskin.
They
Frank #1 draws a sword and presses it to Wittikind's throat.
FRANK #1 (CONT’D)
I will cut you down in an
instant...
Frank #1, still holding the noose rope, motions for Wittikind
to go piss.
Wittikind looks at him and stretches his neck, cracking it.
He approaches a tree and starts his piss.
The Franks relax a bit, when-Wittikind yanks at the end of his noose rope, drawing Frank
#1 to him. Wittikind draws Frank #1's knife from his waist
and plunges it into the man's throat.
Frank #2 fumbles for his sword and attacks.
Wittikind parries with just the knife, drawing Frank #2 close
enough to stab him in the eye.
As Frank #2 screams, Wittikind uses him as a human shield to
block Frank #3's sword strike. Then Wittikind kicks Frank #2
onto Frank #3. The two Franks fall atop each other to the
ground.
Wittikind takes Frank #2's sword and pushes it through its
owner's back and into Frank #3's stomach. Both men cry out
in pain.
Wittikind pulls Frank #2 off of Frank #3, who is clutching at
his eviscerated intestines.
WITTIKIND
Tell your God-Frank #3 spits blood at Wittikind's face. Wittikind presses
a boot into Frank #3's intestines, making the man writhe and
scream in pain. Wittikind crouches and gets in his face:
WITTIKIND (CONT’D)
Tell your God the Saxons will come
for him in time as well.
Smiling with sadistic glee, Wittikind places his dagger
beneath a section of Frank #3's intestines, and slices
upwards -- spurting a geyser of blood and filth.
43.
INT. ERESBERG -- CHURCH -- DAY
Hildegarde sits in the back of the church, praying.
HILDEGARDE
(sotto)
Father. I have done all I can to
satisfy my king. You know his
heart. You know what he's...
capable of...
(beat)
I must bear him a son.
Tears run down her cheeks.
EXT. ERESBERG -- CHURCH -- DAY
Amir, on horseback, approaches the doors of the large, lavish
church. He dismounts and tethers his horse to a post.
INT. ERESBERG -- CHURCH -- DAY
Amir enters the church. As he passes Hildegarde, a handful
of people look at him, confused; almost scared of him.
A tall & handsome nobleman, LORD TELLER (30s) stands angrily.
TELLER
This is a house of God!
He approaches Amir.
TELLER (CONT’D)
What business have you here,
heathen?
Amir smiles slightly, bows his head, but says nothing.
After a moment:
CASSIAN
He prays to the same God as you, my
Lord Teller.
Cassian stands from the front pews, quieting Teller, who
stares angrily at Amir a moment before heading for the exit.
Amir walks up the aisle and embraces Cassian.
CASSIAN (CONT’D)
Thank you for coming, brother.
44.
They both stare a moment at the beautiful decorations at the
head of the church.
NEAR THE BACK OF THE CHURCH
The angry Lord Teller walks down the aisle, catching the eye
of Hildegarde. She smiles, looking him up and down.
HILDEGARDE
You're nearly as tall as the king,
are you not...?
Teller looks at her a moment.
Nearly.
TELLER
She smiles at him again, the wheels turning in her head.
After a moment's pause, Teller leaves.
AT THE FRONT OF THE CHURCH
Cassian and Amir sit on a pew, whispering:
AMIR
At least twenty Lombard soldiers
passed through not long after the
battle.
CASSIAN
Desiree's men. She's left with
them?
AMIR
Unclear. She may wish to cause
more problems for the king yet.
CASSIAN
(sighs)
If only Charles had a trueborn son,
things would be much less -complicated.
AMIR
His bastard may still have some
use...
CASSIAN
(wrinkles his brow)
Go on.
45.
AMIR
The Lady Desiree wanted to use
Pippin against the king, a
situation we can no longer brook.
Pippin is a danger as long as he
lives, as a bastard for whom the
king cares far more than he should.
But. If we flip the Lady Desiree's
plan on its head...?
CASSIAN
(smiles)
Are you proposing we...?
AMIR
The lands of Lombardy are rich;
their king weak. Why must Charles
pay the Lombards tribute every time
he wishes to see the pope?
CASSIAN
A pope who would gladly legitimize
Pippin if it meant remaining in
Charles' good graces...
(laughs; sarcastic)
King Pippin of Lombardy. It has a
ring to it, does it not?
Amir nods.
AMIR
Desiree's actions are more than
enough cause for war.
Cassian and Amir exchange a look.
EXT. SAXON KINGDOM -- DUSK
A number of Saxons prepare a mass grave. The priest who lit
Geva aflame stands near the mass grave, watching the men dig.
He shuts his eyes.
PRIEST
We've lost many men. Entire
families.
(beat)
And we will lose more.
EXT. FORESTS -- DUSK
Smoke rises from the turf.
few trees. SWORDS CLASH.
Flames burn away the bases of a
46.
Wittikind -- along with a number of Saxons fleeing the battle
-- fights a handful of Franks.
EXT. SAXON KINGDOM -- DUSK
The Priest opens his eyes, looks at the massive gravesite and
turns to walk away. Another CLERGYMAN approaches his side.
CLERGYMAN
Has it been prepared?
The Priest nods.
PRIEST
Yes. The sacrifices made in this
war have not gone unnoticed. Odin
is with us. His grace will be upon
us.
(beat)
This war will not end in kindness,
but it will end in our favor.
EXT. FORESTS -- DUSK
Wittikind parries an attack and thrusts his sword into a
FRANK's torso.
Wittikind continues running through the forest, followed by
his men, who fight off the occasional FRANK.
AT THE EASTERN EDGE OF THE FOREST
Wittikind stops and looks at his men.
approaching soldiers gets louder.
The sound of
WITTIKIND
Set fire to the edge of the forest
and make your way back.
A Saxon soldier nods.
SAXON SOLDIER
Yes, my lord.
Wittikind pats the man's shoulder in a fatherly way, then
hurries off.
EXT. FORESTS -- CONTINUOUS
The forest is ablaze.
47.
EXT. SAXON KINGDOM -- NIGHT
The Saxon city of thatch-roofed huts lies peaceful.
distance, many fires burn in the forest.
In the
Galloping riders approach the city.
EXT. SAXON KINGDOM -- NIGHT
Soldiers stand guard at the gate to the Saxon city.
From the distance, Wittikind -- on horseback and carrying a
torch -- approaches.
The massive gates open and he rides inside.
INT. WITTIKIND'S QUARTERS -- LATE NIGHT
Wittikind sits at a desk, when a YOUNG WOMAN knocks and
enters carrying bandages and water.
Wittikind waves her to him. The woman bends down near him,
running a hand over his wounds. She looks up at him.
YOUNG WOMAN
Your grace, if you wish, I may...
She moves a hand to his crotch.
Wittikind shakes his head:
no.
WITTIKIND
Just the bandages. My wife's
spirit watches over me from the
next life, and her sacrifice shall
not be in vain.
YOUNG WOMAN
Of course, my lord.
Disappointed, the young woman wets some rags and starts
cleaning his wounds. As she runs a wet rag over a gash on
his shoulder, Wittikind winces from the pain.
She stops.
Wittikind closes his eyes a moment, steadying himself, and
motions for her to continue.
She does.
After a moment, there is a KNOCK at the door.
48.
Come!
WITTIKIND
The door opens and the Priest enters.
My lord.
Yes?
PRIEST
WITTIKIND
PRIEST
All the preparations have been
made.
Wittikind nods, stands, and follows the priest out the door.
EXT. SAXON KINGDOM -- LATE NIGHT
The Saxons are crowded around a podium. Wittikind, three of
his KNIGHTS, the Priest, and several other CLERGYMEN stand on
the riser to either side of a long table holding the EFFIGY
OF A MAN, reclining as in sleep. The effigy is made of
twigs, and has a wreath of flowers on his head.
The crowd hold candles, lit as a sign of respect.
WITTIKIND
Lord Wulfgar's death will not go
unpunished! The cowards that
slayed him -- their blood shall run
from the mountain tops to the
oceans. Their God shall be
trampled under the iron foot of
Odin!
Wittikind raises his fist to the sky.
WITTIKIND (CONT’D)
The god of war is with us!
The people join in the chant:
CROWD
Odin is with us! The god of war is
with us! Odin is with us! The god
of war is with us!
Wittikind turns to the effigy, kneels, and bows his head:
WITTIKIND
(softly)
I shall avenge you, brother.
49.
The crowd kneels in respect.
The priests bring lit candles to the effigy and light it on
fire. It burns bright and hot.
Wittikind stands, with tears in his eyes. He draws his sword
and puts its tip into the fire. His knights do likewise. As
the tips of all their swords glow fiery orange, they hold
them up high in the air.
EXT. ERESBERG CASTLE -- NIGHT
The castle lies quiet, though many Frankish soldiers mill
about. Roving bands of troops march through the fields
around the castle.
EXT. FIELDS -- ERESBERG -- NIGHT
Two Lombard soldiers watch the castle from a distance.
share a look, and then run towards the castle.
They
They stop in the shadow of a copse of trees, wait for a
patrol to pass, and then run to the next shadow.
Running shadow to shadow, they make their way to the castle
wall and look up.
It's a daunting height.
INT. ERESBERG -- HALLWAY -- NIGHT
Pippin, the king's bastard son, walks down a castle hallway
holding a candle and a stack of books.
He hears a noise, and stops.
when suddenly--
He looks curiously to one side,
A Lombard soldier grabs him from behind, putting a hand over
his mouth.
The candle and books clatter to the ground.
EXT. FIELDS -- NIGHT
The two Lombard soldiers, with their captive, Pippin, gallop
off into the night on horseback.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
50.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
EXT. ERESBERG CASTLE -- COURTYARD -- MORNING
Charles spars with a well-built KNIGHT. They each wield
wooden swords and shields. Other FRANKISH SOLDIERS stand
watching.
Behind them, Cassian & Amir stand, arms folded behind their
backs.
Charles has an animal ferocity to the way he's fighting. He
lands a hard blow to the Knight's shoulder, then backs off.
CHARLES
Where has she taken him?
Cassian steps forward.
CASSIAN
Any sane man would guess she's
taken the boy to Lombardy; that she
plans to use him to take your
throne.
Charles and the Knight continue sparring.
CHARLES
How did this happen?
let this happen?!
My lord--
How could you
CASSIAN
Charles slams his sword across the Knight's helmet, then
kicks him into the brick wall. The Knight stumbles and falls
hard to the ground.
Get up.
(beat)
Get up!
CHARLES
The Knight hurries to his feet and Charles instantly begins
his next attack.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
What would you have me do?
Cassian and Amir stand silent a moment, then:
51.
AMIR
We would advise your grace to
consider striking back.
A beat. Charles swings and the Knight parries.
is panting like crazy.
The Knight
CASSIAN
Think of her tactics, my lord.
First your son. Yes, a poor
attempt to draw you out -- at best.
But what next? The Pope? Lady
Hildegarde...?
CHARLES
Desiree forgets that I am in
charge. I am in control!
Charles slams his sword into the Knight's head. The Knight's
helmet falls off, but Charles continues to strike. Blood is
drawn. The Knight drops to the floor, blood filling his
mouth.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
I AM IN CONTROL!
CASSIAN
My lord, he's had enough-Charles keeps striking the Knight. He gets atop the man's
unconscious body and keeps punching. Punching. Punching.
Finally:
Charles!
ROLAND (O.S.)
Charles stops striking the man.
Roland rushes to Charles' side.
and grief, mumbles softly:
Charles, shaking in anger
CHARLES
I am in control...
Charles looks up at Roland, who offers a hand and pulls
Charles to his feet.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
(desperate)
Where have you been...?
52.
ROLAND
With the archbishop, attending to
the dead.
Roland gestures to some servants, who rush in to attend to
the injured Knight.
CHARLES
My son, Roland. She took my son...
(beat)
She...
Roland places a hand on Charles' shoulder.
I know.
ROLAND
But he's alive--
Charles looks suddenly hopeful.
ROLAND (CONT’D)
A hostage must be kept alive. And
you are as well. Hildegarde, too.
Cassian steps in.
Waits for an opening.
Then:
CASSIAN
The time to act is now, your grace.
AMIR
If we do not, men will find us
weak.
CHARLES
I am not weak...
Charles turns to Roland as if to ask: "Am I?"
ROLAND
I suggest you take a calm moment to
think through your next move.
Charles nods.
Cassian and Amir share an irritated look.
EXT. SAXON KINGDOM -- MORNING
The smoldering remains of the effigy fire send thin smoke
into the air. Sitting next to the smoking embers is
Wittikind, staring at the sun thoughtfully.
He hears a commotion from the gate. Men begin grumbling and
walking that way. Swords are drawn.
53.
Wittikind rises and heads to the gate. He is shocked to see
a small group of Lombard soldiers, with a woman and a boy at
the head.
The group of Lombards stops, as Saxon spearmen surround them.
The hunchbacked boy on his horse coughs wretchedly.
DESIREE
We bear no ill intentions! I seek
an audience with Lord Wittikind!
WITTIKIND
And why would Lord Wittikind speak
with you?
DESIREE
Because I flee from my husband,
King Charles the Great.
SAXON KNIGHT
Kill the fucking cunt!
The Saxon soldiers cheer, and move closer.
The Lombard soldiers start to draw their weapons, but Desiree
motions to them:
No.
DESIREE
The Lombards keep their weapons sheathed, though they're not
happy about it.
WITTIKIND
Speak, woman.
DESIREE
I will speak only with the lord of
the Saxons.
WITTIKIND
You speak already with the lord of
the Saxons.
An aisle forms in the group of Saxon soldiers, leading from
Wittikind to Desiree, who climbs down from her horse. She
looks at Wittikind a moment, taking in his battle scars and
wild clothing.
Finally, she curtsies.
DESIREE
Your grace.
54.
WITTIKIND
Speak, while you still have a
tongue.
The Saxon soldiers laugh.
Desiree, too, laughs.
DESIREE
A nice boast, for a parley.
Desiree motions towards Pippin, and one of the Lombard
soldiers gets him off his horse and walks him next to Desiree
-- forcing him to his knees.
DESIREE (CONT’D)
(points)
The king's son.
The gasp goes up from the Saxons.
WITTIKIND
And why have you brought him here?
DESIREE
So you know I am serious in my
intentions.
WITTIKIND
What are your intentions?
DESIREE
To crown Pippin -- this boy -- king
of the Franks.
Another gasp goes up from the Saxons.
WITTIKIND
King of the Franks with your voice
in his ear...
DESIREE
And yours as well.
A beat.
Two.
DESIREE (CONT’D)
Too long have I weathered the
king's insults. Bedding his whore
and flaunting her before court.
Asking the pope to annul our
marriage so he can replace me. Now
I shall replace him. But my army
alone cannot overthrow Charles...
Wittikind ponders the proposition.
55.
INT. HILDEGARDE'S QUARTERS -- DAY
Hildegarde sits on her bed, a number of young CONCUBINES
around her, in the middle of an argument.
HILDEGARDE
--but if I don't bring the king an
heir, what good am I to him?
CONCUBINE #1
You can't seriously be-HILDEGARDE
He will execute me! He can have
any woman in the kingdom he
wants...
Hildegarde stands suddenly.
She's breathing heavily.
Concubine #1 comforts her, rubbing her shoulders.
CONCUBINE #1
He cares for you.
(beat)
He does.
HILDEGARDE
He may... But I am out of time.
If I don't start showing the
pregnancy soon, he will know.
CONCUBINE #1
But you can't be serious -- Lord
Teller?
HILDEGARDE
Have you seen him? He's nearly as
tall as the king. And fairhaired...
CONCUBINE #2
And his cock is longer than my
arm...
CONCUBINE #1
What would you know of his cock?
CONCUBINE #3
More than she should...
Hildegarde sighs.
HILDEGARDE
The king would never know...
56.
CONCUBINE #1
Lord Teller would know. And men
cannot keep their mouths shut.
CONCUBINE #2
Nor their trousers.
HILDEGARDE
I know how to keep a man quiet.
A beat.
CONCUBINE #1
The king would execute you both...
HILDEGARDE
Even for a trueborn son...?
EXT. FRANKISH CAMPGROUND -- DAY
Soldiers walk about the Frankish camp.
horses, others drink, others mourn.
Some pack bags onto
Two men on horseback -- William and Bregman -- ride through
the camp. Laid over the back of William's horse is a man -a bag tied over his head, his hands tied with a rope
connected to the saddle.
They come to a halt in front of a group of soldiers.
Without saying a word, William and Bregman climb from their
horses and untie their prisoner. They drag him toward the
group, shoving him to his knees.
William pulls the sack from his head to reveal:
It's WULFGAR.
He's covered in dried blood, and is weary; barely conscious.
A CROSS has been crudely burned onto his forehead.
William looks toward the group.
WILLIAM
Fetch the king.
SLAM TO BLACK.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END