EPISODE 2: The Herald of Doom
Elouan takes shelter in the barn of a peasant boy’s family while he searches for his father. The strangeness of his personality and odd abilities baffles most of the household, while enchanting their eighteen year-old daughter. The depth of his arcane skills are brought to bear when a pair of roaming priests attempt to bribe indulgences from the city’s populace to transition one’s deceased loved one from purgatory into Heaven. Meanwhile, it seems many people are becoming sick with a strange new illness.
MUSIC ACCREDITATION TO THE FOLLOWING ARTISTS:
| NAME | SONG TITLE
| Alon Peretz - | Path of the Righteous
| Ardie Son - | Sunken Days
| Doug Kaufman - | Songbird
| Emmanual Jacob - | Kimray
| Emmanuel Jacob - | The River of Hope
| Frank Schlimbach - | Tortured Minds of Evil
| Ian Post - | The Hollow
| Jakub Pietras - | Heirloom
| Jakub Pietras - | Desert Takes the Weak
| Jamie Bathgate - | Resolve
| Jan Sanejko - | New Lands
| Jean-Miles Carter - | Gladys Aylward
| Jeremy Chontow - | Arrival
| Jordan Hatfield - | Desperately Sick
| Jordi Dalmau - | Earth
| Kyle Preston - | Because Existence is Relationship
| Kyle Preston - | Lost Reality
| Kyle Preston - | Tortured Lands
| Marc Robillard - | Palm Tree Fire
| Martin Puehringer - | Negotiations
| Matt Stewart-Evans - | Calming Touch
| Maya Belsitzman & Matan Ephrat - | Narcissus
| Sam Lux - | Downfall
| Scott Hampton - | Doubting Gravity
| Sebastian Pangal - | Time Traveler
| Shahead Mostafafar - | Sands of Time
| Sid Acharya - | Thirty Years
| Wolf Samuels - | Aquarium
EXT. MAIN ROAD - DAY
Elouan's soul ached from the tragedy of watching so many
bodies disappear into the sea, then the great ship burned
into oblivion. He knew even if the port watchmen had approved
their arrival, the fate of the crew had already been sealed.
Moreover, they were now a possible omen of what was to come,
as the answer he received from his internal query bore itself
out with gruesome exactitude regarding this spectacle. As
the flames grew higher, Elouan checked himself.
The acrid smoke from of the ship filtered in on the wind.
Elouan turned to resume his destiny and hopefully get clear
of the foul odor.
GIOVANNI
Hail fellow. Traveled far to get
here, I say?
WILLIAM
By Heaven's good hands, I surely spy
a bounty in this sack.
TIVOLD
I say we see what's inside it.
Now, most people would tremble at this kind of intrusion,
but Elouan remained strangely at ease.
Giovanni pulled out the piece of torn leather.
GIOVANNI
Oh, an old trink' here? Memory of a
lost loved one?
ELOUAN
For as often you were denied -- a
wooden doll with reddish hair. If
that old piece of leather can free
your soul from such shame, it is
yours.
GIOVANNI
What?
William yanked a crystal from the sack. The small fragment
dangled by a thin cord. A sunbeam pierced the stone and
colored Elouan's face in a delightful prismatic rainbow.
WILLIAM
Would you look at this. I think
it's mine now.
ELOUAN
I wish for it to bring you many happy
returns... Go ahead.
In the next moment, Elouan pivoted -- a half-second before
Tivold would have shoved him aside. The movement seemed
almost spooky, as if he had anticipated it.
TIVOLD
What else be in this bag?
He dived in and picked out a small pouch closed at the top
with a string. He split it open, finding only what appeared
to be worthless herbs. He carefully sniffed them and scowled
at the earthy aroma.
GIOVANNI
Leave his things be, you muck-spout.
Giovanni shoved the torn leather back inside the pack, then
grabbed the herb pouch and returned it. He reached for the
crystal, but William resisted.
WILLIAM
Eh, no, you cock!
ELOUAN
Really. He can have it.
(BEAT: Then:)
GIOVANNI
Welcome to Ville de la Baie, the
first port of a true civilized nation -
to Hell's hot blazes with the
Italians. I'm Giovanni. That's
William. Tivold.
ELOUAN
Elouan.
TIVOLD
Where you from?
ELOUAN
North, northeast. Where the sun
caresses the mountains, brings warmth
to the forests, and music to the
raging rivers.
(FOOTSTEPS).
WILLIAM
I think he may be mad, Gio. Careful.
(CATCHING UP)
GIOVANNI
You here on business?
ELOUAN
Finding my father.
GIOVANNI
What's his name? What does he do?
WILLIAM
Maybe he's with one of the guilds?
ELOUAN
Of his profession, I really do not
know. His name is Ranulf.
GIOVANNI
Not a name I've heard of before.
And I know everyone, believe me.
TIVOLD
You do not, you mumblecrust.
(SOUNDS OF A TUSSLE. TIVOLD hissing for losing)
ELOUAN
He may not be here, but I am aware
of this path that will lead me to
him.
TIVOLD
You don't even know your father's
profession. What does he look like?
Elouan considered the query. The only images he had were
those that unfolded in his mind; but those impressions would
have showcased his looks from years ago - how Ranulf must
appear these days, he had no idea. He shrugged, which resulted
in all three boys giving each other a look of befuddlement.
To them, Elouan was something truly eccentric, and possibly
borderline crazy.
GIOVANNI
You staying somewhere? I really
wouldn't recommend many of the places
here. They may not be open to --
TIVOLD
-- your type.
ELOUAN
I will do well on my own. Thank
you.
GIOVANNI
My mother and father might be kind
enough to grant you shelter.
Giovanni winked at William.
Elouan considered the offer, running it around inside the
pit of his being. Nothing alerted him to anything dreadful,
so he accepted with a polite smile. For someone passing on
the street, it would have been impossible to tell if Elouan
was na ve or simply without fear. The thought certainly
entertained the trio of ruffians.
INT. GIOVANNI'S HAMLET - DAY
Giovanni's family lived in a cottage out in the farmland
hills where Elouan had first seen the walled city. Made of
stone-brick walls with a roof covered in a thick layer of
thatch, the small house opened into a single large room,
dirt floor, and a family-sized bed of reeds. Along the back
wall, a couple of pots dangled on a rack near an open fire
meant for cooking, accompanied by a wooden benchtop for food
prep. Old barrels propped on end provided limited space for
storing cups and flatware, next to a small table adorned
with a white sheet for a modicum of d cor. Everything had a
fine layer of dust or soot. The smell of feces wafted through
the main window, freshly provided by the chicken and swine
kept just outside the entryway door.
Elouan knew that Giovanni's presence in the city was about a
desire to become something more than what these humble
surroundings permitted; yet this was his heritage and the
ability to move from one social class to another was nearly
impossible. Giovanni was the oldest of five children, which
left him an even greater responsibility for carrying on the
family's security in comparison to his younger siblings.
After him came Fina, his eighteen-year-old sister with fiery
green eyes and a mane of light brown hair. She was working
over the fire to start the late afternoon meal when Giovanni
slipped in with Elouan in tow. She immediately noted the
Alpine guardian's cleanliness and somewhat outdated attire,
making him a bit of a puzzle; nonetheless, she found the
brightness in his eyes attractive and wanted to know more.
It would have to wait, as she had to pressure her younger
sister, Leticia, to hurry up with the food prep at the table.
Leticia was only ten years of age, with a great wandering
mind prone easily to distraction, so it was always a chore
to keep her focused. Meanwhile, Giovanni's younger brothers -
Guillaume and Sanson - were busy playing a game in the darkest
corner of the room, sitting on their knees. At age twelve,
Guillaume towered over Sanson, who at eight was the youngest
of all the children.
Giovanni's father, Heraut, came in shortly after Elouan's
arrival, as it was unusual for Giovanni to come home with a
stranger behind him. Indeed, Giovanni's mother, Amiria, was
startled as well.
GIOVANNI
He is looking for his absent father,
but is without shelter. I thought
we...
Elouan's senses told him the family were of good nature, so
he promptly dug into his sack of belongings to barter a
payment if any lodgings were available. He paused momentarily
at his snow boots, considering whether he may need them again
if he were to return home. Something in the back of his mind
told him not to bother with such a prediction, so he offered
them to Amiria.
ELOUAN
They will warm you well in the
hillside winter.
AMIRIA
Thank you, but no need. It doesn't
fair so cold here.
(to Guillaume)
Guillaume, please take care of the
night-soil at the door.
GUILLAUME
(SIGH.)
Alright.
(SCOOP - PLOP!)
HERAUT
Sorry, son. We just don't have the
provisions. And you were late again
getting back from that town with
what I asked you to buy.
AMIRIA
And we only have the single bed.
No disrespect, you appear to be an
honorable man.
Elouan suddenly realized the entire family had no privacy of
their own in this small home. Yes, they only had one bed,
which revealed they all slept together. To ask a stranger to
join them may not have been entirely foreign, but it would
have been for him. He had his own dwelling space back in the
Alps; seclusion provided the best environment for meditation
and to study his master's teachings without distractions.
Besides, he wasn't certain he could manage the combined
feeling of their personal energies wrapped around him were
he to sleep among them. Heraut and Amiria's refusal to accept
him was a blessing in disguise, he wagered.
(A chicken rushes in). (Sanson laughs)
AMIRIA
Sanson!
LETICIA
Let me after it, you brat!
(MORE CHICKENS)
GIOVANNI
There's always the sheep barn.
ELOUAN
I can find my own way. Thank you
for your kindness.
HERAUT
Someone did poach a few sheep a couple
of nights ago.
GUILLAUME
I think it's Jehan.
GIOVANNI
Hear ye, hear ye. The spoiled emperor-
in-waiting is always lying about us
not giving him our yield on his
father's estate. I thought such
lying was a sin. He's worse than
the English.
FINA
He'd steal a woman's sanctity before
her heart, he would.
Fina looked Elouan over as she rounded up the tiny chicks.
She secretly hoped the insertion of her voice might give him
a chance to notice her.
Elouan tucked the boots back into his pack.
ELOUAN
I will be well enough on my own.
Again, thank you.
GIOVANNI
No. I mean -- do you really have
anywhere else to go?
EXT. GIOVANNI'S WHEAT FIELD - DAY
(Walking through grass. SHEEP).
ELOUAN
I am grateful for your parents
generosity in allowing me to stay.
GIOVANNI
So tell me the truth. How did you
know?
ELOUAN
About what?
GIOVANNI
The doll. My father always took it
away from me when I was little.
Wanted me to grow up to be a "real
man" he said.
ELOUAN
Aren't wooden dolls common --
GIOVANNI
You knew it had red hair.
(PAUSE. OPENING OF BARN DOOR).
GIOVANNI
You'll get used to the smell.
ELOUAN
As winter nears, you notice flocks
of birds flying into the setting
sun, and they do it the same time
each year, yes?
GIOVANNI
Yes?
ELOUAN
How do they tell time when they lack
the ability to chart the longness of
the shadows? When you discover that
answer, then you will have mine.
(CRAWLING INTO SHED)
GIOVANNI
You're not normal, are you?
EXT. GIOVANNI'S HAMLET - SUNSET
Guillaume angrily scooped more poop from the pig pen and
chicken coop as the sun began its evening journey toward the
tips of hills.
Meanwhile, Giovanni took a moment to relax in a rickety chair.
He peered up at the sky stretching over their small field
that backed against an orchard of fruit trees. A flock of
flying geese made him wonder about Elouan's riddle. Indeed,
certain birds were only in the skies during certain times of
the year; everyone knew of their coming and going. But how
did the fowl know when to leave and when to return? As Elouan
mentioned, they didn't chart the length of shadows as people
do. And they all did it together "herd mentality" was
definitely a thing, which only added to the enigma. Then
there was Elouan himself. At the moment, he stood in the
middle of the field inspecting a seed he had plucked from
the freshly planted garden. He admired the nugget; kissed it
with his gaze, smiling with what seemed like love.
Fina emerged from the hovel, chomping a piece of day-old
bread. She remained behind Giovanni and watched Elouan loving
the seed. He held it like a treasure, she noted; something
so precious as to require a gentle touch.
FINA
Strange fellow he seems to me. Though
not bad to look at. Think he'd handle
a lady with such dignity?
Giovanni craned his neck to look at her. He smirked as he
could see the lust burst from her eyes. For a moment, he
thought he caught her swaying in imaginary passion.
Suddenly, the geese erupted. All eyes went to Elouan, as the
birds dived in his direction. Fina and Giovanni assumed the
worst; their faces frozen in momentary fear of the swarm.
Instead, Elouan welcomed their arrival with a grin. One of
the geese shifted its trajectory and extended its webbed
feet to alight securely onto his outstretched forearm.
Delighted, Elouan held out his other arm and a second bird
took perch. The others landed in a circle about his feet.
FINA
Whoa.
GIOVANNI
Sweet Jesus.
GUILLAUME
Holy shite.
Amiria and Heraut rushed out of the hamlet. They halted in
awe at seeing Elouan communing with the birds.
Elouan laughed at the geese on his arms, as if responding to
an unspoken comment they had said. Then the birds alighted
again into the sky and flew into the setting sun.
The family remained speechless. Elouan noticed. He smiled
their direction, nodded, then gently replanted the seed into
the earth. With that, he returned to the barn.
HERAUT
What manner of strangeness is he?
Fina bit the corner of her lip, more curious than concerned.
INT. SHEEP BARN - NIGHT
Shards of moonlight pierced the cracks in the barn walls and
alighted upon Elouan sleeping soundly inside one of the
shack's few stalls. He slept sitting up on a soft mound of
hay, his legs folded inward as if here were meditating. On
either side of him, a pair of sheep were also fast asleep.
For most of the night, the air passed through with a quiet
solitude which allowed him to easily transition from waking
consciousness into a passive relaxation. It wasn't long before
the grand depth of absorption into the universal abyss
sequestered him into a pool of wonderful dreams about the
new world he had been traveling.
He had no idea the passage of time before a stirring in his
consciousness promptly returned him to the fullness of the
world. After his eyes adjusted to the dim of the shelter,
he spotted a pair of black rats investigating for scraps.
How innocuous they seemed; simply going about the duties of
their nature. Elouan smiled, amused. How such an innocent
pair of rodents had impacted the depth of his sleep!
Suddenly, the sound of wood scraping captured him. It was
coming from the door just outside the stall, from the narrow
corridor leading to the fields. Elouan remembered his bargain
to watch for a poacher. It also made more sense that his
spirit would have aroused him to protect against such an
intruder, rather than worrying about a few hungry rats.
Elouan's feet found just the right spots to quickly and
silently cross the dirt floor, so as not to alert the thief
of his approach. He hung close to the entry - about the width
of a moonbeam - with his senses so sharp he heard the fiend's
breath just on the other side. Curious to see if he could
detect more, Elouan placed his hand on door panel and closed
his eyes. He could sense the subtle field of his aura slowly
passing through the wood, feeling its density, then struck
by the cold of the nighttime air beyond.
Before he could feel more, there was a plunk as the lock
beam struck the ground.
Still hoping to catch the intruder off-guard, Elouan hurled
the door open in a surprise attack. Unfortunately, the
assailant was quicker, nimble, and appeared to forestall
him. The fiend wasted no time in throwing him onto his back,
then climbed atop him. When Elouan regained equilibrium, he
was surprised to see Fina straddling him.
She swiftly withdrew her chemise and gazed down on him with
a devilish smile, her naked body swaying upon his pelvis in
the glow of the moonlight
EXT. SHEEP BARN - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
FINA
I can perch on you just like the
bird. Better than the bird, I'd
say.
(A FEW EXCITED BREATHS)
(SOUND: Elouan pushing her off; getting up).
ELOUAN
No, oh no. You are much too lovely
a flower for me to suckle.
FINA
Let me judge that.
Elouan backed away, keeping her at arm's length.
ELOUAN
What if I were to tell you, there
are others more able than I to receive
you?
FINA
I'd call you a liar.
ELOUAN
No. Love is to be much more than
the joining of the hips. A stallion
does not mount a fawn.
Fina stopped, baffled by his analogy.
ELOUAN
You enjoy music, yes?
(HUM)
When you recognize how that fills
your heart, then you'll also know
when love has grasped your soul. It
comes from here, the center of your
chest... the depth of your soul.
Not elsewhere.
(STEPS to Barn)
ELOUAN
I'm going back to sleep now. You
should, too.
With that, he disappeared inside, closing the door behind
him.
Fina hesitated. This was crazy. What just happened? There
simply was no explanation. It was unfathomable. Nonetheless,
he was gone and there wasn't a chance in changing things
at least in this moment. Still filled with perplexity, she
slipped the chemise on and turned toward the darkened cottage.
Her feet slipped through the dirt, stopping here and there
as she looked back at the barn, trying in vain to understand.
This had to be the greatest man of mystery she had ever
encountered. How could he deny her? How could her carefully
laid plan of leaving the house unnoticed and becoming a boon
to such a stranger turn out to be a total failure?
For another, it wasn't. Though Fina wasn't aware, a second
pair of eyes had fallen upon her. Hidden behind the trunk of
a fruit tree, Heraut's thief had returned for another spoil,
but when he arrived, had witnessed more than he bargained
for. He saw it all - the tussle, the glistening of her
perfectly sculpted body upon him; the unbelievable refusal
to take her when she was so brazenly willing to give herself
up.
Plotting his way, he snaked along the perimeter of the trees,
easily moving branches aside without a single snapping of a
twig. He timed his movement perfectly with the natural sounds
of the night, masking his approach. In his mind, he was
already ravishing her. His thrust through the trees grew
faster; hurrying to turn fantasy into reality. It would only
be a few seconds until he would be on top of her.
(The sound of creaking hinges)
The poacher stopped, glancing back at the barn to see Elouan
had once again emerged. The intruder wondered if the strange
young man had reconsidered Fina's offer and was looking to
make good on her fantastic proposal. His answer came when
Elouan fell to his rear, crossed his legs into lotus position,
and closed his eyes.
The thief let Fina go, keeping himself hidden within the
trees. It appeared she hadn't heard Elouan return, so he
paused, waiting seeing her vanish safely inside. When he
returned his gaze to the strange visitor, it was clear he
wasn't sleeping, but also not awake. His eyes were closed
and his body perfectly still - or was that a slight smile on
his lips?
Indeed, relief flooded Elouan when he felt Fina return to
the warmth of her home. But still, he also knew he wasn't
the only one outside in the coolness of the night air. His
soul sensed the presence. It was heavy: a weight that spoke
to the nature of the intruder's intentions. With a little
focus, he knew the direction the thief had come, but more
importantly, he could pinpoint exactly where he was at that
very moment. His examination of the man's energy also told
him that if he were to engage in a confrontation, the intruder
lacked the knowledge of a person's subtle anatomy and could
easily be thrown. Realizing this, he was willing to gamble
that the intruder knew it, too, so he slowly - with purpose -
turned his head, keeping his eyes closed, and stopped in the
direction of where the intruder stooped.
It freaked the thug. It was as if Elouan were looking directly
at him through his closed eyelids.
POACHER
(to himself)
You are the Devil.
He looked about for a route of escape. A second later, he
noticed Elouan gone. Still hidden by the trees, the intruder
made a hasty retreat.
EXT. GIOVANNI'S FARM
Elouan spent the next few days immersing himself in the new
land he had committed to. He helped Giovanni and his family
with sowing seeds, pulling weeds, mending deteriorated walls
of the shed, as well as handling the sheep. It fascinated
him - how the family interacted with nature and their duties.
He noted how they struggled, as if they were engaged in a
dance to which they had never learned the steps, though it
appeared to themselves they weren't the least bit aware of
it.
For the most part, his brief altercation with Fina didn't
erupt into anything more. Nonetheless, she still took every
opportunity, however fleeting, to nestle close. At first,
Elouan thought it was to make assurances he wouldn't reveal
her clandestine attempt to molest him, but then came to
realize she was still probing. He trusted he could keep her
at arm's length and perhaps offer some compassionate teaching
on what he knew was a depth of affection she had not yet
learned. Such acquisition of knowledge would then free her
to meet a true connection of compatibility beyond himself.
To this, he welcomed her occasional advance. Additionally,
he assumed his presence was keeping the poacher at bay. He
had felt him near a second night, but not afterward. No doubt,
the thief was aware Elouan was still lingering and
reconnoitered to learn more about him. Perhaps he had seen
enough to realize it would be futile to risk a skirmish.
Despite all of this, Elouan remained on task in finding his
father. Once done in the field, he spent a few hours each
day roaming the countryside in an effort to peel back the
cloak placed by society. The exploration created an
opportunity to connect with the energies that permeated and
gave rise to the land without the superimposed framework of
reactionary beliefs constructed by its inhabitants.
On his third day studying the lanes between the trees of the
eastern forest, he found the perfect spot to cast off any
shadows. The greenery led him down a bank and opened to a
wide stretch of river rapids. The chaotic water raced around
a huge boulder perfect for seated meditation, yet it would
take much effort to reach the perch without being swept away
in the undulating currents. What's more, the river seemingly
disappeared only a few body lengths beyond the rock. On closer
inspection - and staying safely on the bank - Elouan saw
that it spilled over a cliff nearly one hundred feet high!
Oh, but the view The beauty of untouched forest and a valley
of rolling hills glowing in the midday sun. The expanse
seemingly opened its arms to embrace his soul. What better
place to absolve one's self and unite with all life and its
bounty?
Elouan paused to consider the meditation rock. He released
his foot from his shoe and dipped it firmly in the rushing
water. It wasn't so much the coldness he was testing, but
rather the ability to remain steadfast without being abducted
by the current and hurled over the edge. Satisfied, he stepped
out and began relieving himself of his clothes. Not only was
it a chance to meditate and blend with life, but also get
clean from the days of working in Giovanni's field.
Once out in the water, he let his intuition guide him as to
where to anchor his feet. The rapids pushed against him,
coming up just above his belly button. His legs tensed while
his toes curled about the heavy stones lining the riverbed.
Though the water raged against him, so long as he remained
calm and mentally open, he knew the eddies and undercurrents
would lead him safely to the great central rock. The intensity
swirled about him - but didn't at any time strike him as
unforgiving. When only a breath away from the mighty boulder,
Elouan grinned and dunked himself fully into the drink. He
came back up completely refreshed, scrubbing his arms and
torso with handfuls of sediment scooped from below. He knew
the coarse grit would grab hold of any grime he had
accumulated while the rushing water would steal it away and
paint him clean.
It felt like being born again when he climbed out of the
coolness of the rapids into the balm of the sun. The surface
of the rock already radiated warmth as his rear took tender
and he slid his legs into lotus position. For a moment, he
marveled at all that spread before him. The beauty he knew
was a kiss from the lips of eternity. Sadly, he could also
feel, it would not save the world from a thief already tearing
at the clothes of the maiden.
INT. CATHEDRAL - DAY
(LATIN MASS) Elouan had a hard time grasping why people gave
such reverence to a song when the lyrics made humanity seem
so small and secondary to the creative power of the universe.
He found it rather grim. To him, all life grew out of the
universe and was therefore a representation of it; there was
no separation, thus no secondary status to any lifeform -
whether vegetable, animal, or mineral. He also couldn't
understand why the choir sang it in Latin - a language clearly
no one in the cathedral understood. Most everyone in the
audience stared idly at their footwear, while others stole
glances at other members' clothing, complete with a dullness
behind their eyes. They are just waiting it out, Elouan
thought of the congregation. No sooner had he formed this
realization did he notice Fina had cocked her head to spy at
him. She sat on the other side of Giovanni, positioned right
next to him. It appeared Giovanni venerated the choir as he
kept his head bowed. When Fina saw that Elouan noticed her,
the corner of her mouth lifted in a sly grin, accompanied by
a sparkle in her eye.
Elouan turned back to watching the audience. He noticed a
handful of people feeling the foreheads of their loved ones.
The expressions on some of the caregivers turned sour. A few
lifted their heads to spy a pathway for discreetly exiting
the Mass. The fullness of the vocal ensemble masked the steps
of the few that hastened to leave.
Bishop Jean ascended the steps to the elevated pulpit high
above the audience. He was middle-aged, wearing an alb tunic,
silk cincture, and mitre hat. He looked out across the crowd,
making sure all eyes had now found their focus upon him. So
many dirty and ruddy faces revealed some kind of sickness
spreading among the flock, but it was not uncommon to have
outbreaks of illness throughout the year. He took hold of
the pulpit's exquisitely carved railing and leaned forward,
more as a means of expressing authority in the hopes it would
inspire those members who needed a good dose of God's graces.
BISHOP JEAN
Ever since the famine years ago that
drove many to dine on the weeds of
the fields and still perish, and the
torrential rains these last two
seasons lessening the yield, it seems
our lands cannot keep up and our
bellies struggle with hunger. But I
assure you, for the righteous, all
is not lost. God tells us, man cannot
live on bread alone. As God's most
faithful and devoted flock, the Bible
tells us we are to be the masters of
the land.
Elouan slowly sat up, caught by the bishop's homily. He found
the notion of "masters of the land" a curious thing.
BISHOP JEAN
As we give ourselves to the Lord's
graces, we are, according to God's
infallible word, to have dominion
over the fish, the fowl, the cattle,
and over every creeping thing that
creepeth upon the earth.
Elouan couldn't disagree more. He knew all things were
interconnected and relied upon each other for the fullness
of existence; not one thing was greater or more important
than any other. The leaf of a tree could not exist without
the branch, the trunk, and the roots, and the tree itself
could not exist without the nutrients in the soil, the water
at its base, and the sunlight in the sky. Life was a vast
intricate web of balance and harmony; the only thing that
upset such accord was the notion of placing one's self outside
of it, as it appeared the Bishop was suggesting. What's worse
was not only falsely extracting one's being from the tapestry,
but also trying to exert power or control over it, without
realizing what "it" was and how "it" operated. Elouan suddenly
became anxious, fearing that the impending darkness might be
descending because such an ideology acted like a soil that
allowed only the growing of prickly thistles and not
nourishing grain.
BISHOP JEAN
Would the land not do for Jesus what
Jesus called of it? In the Gospel
of holy St. Mark, he cast a fig tree
to bear no more fruit -- and it did
just that. No more.
Elouan wondered why Bishop Jean didn't expand on why Jesus
would have done such a thing to the poor tree. He understood
it was a metaphor for being in control, but again, that didn't
make sense when administered to a populace without proper
context. This teaching, the crux of the homily, and the
bishop's methodology was clearly different than that of Master
Euric; it was darker, and in conjunction with the stanzas of
the choir, quite melancholy. What's more, the actual source
texts were spoken in a foreign language no one could
understand, thus they were unable to truly grasp its overall
message - as well as making it quite easy for a priest to
obscure the truth and insert his own ideology without anyone
in the audience being the wiser. It seemed contrary to the
way he had been raised at Muein. Elouan cast a wandering eye
over the crowd, wondering if everyone was accepting the sermon
as a valid course of spiritual veracity.
BISHOP JEAN
So if we give ourselves wholly to
Christ, what can we not have and do?
Elouan recognized the question as mistakenly declaring each
person a non-entity that could only succeed through
supplication, thus no one could know they were part and parcel
of eternity. And no one had any indication they could dance
with all life - follow yet also lead. This, he surmised, was
another reason why Golda and Wimarc were so distraught at
his departure. Though he might find his level of accord with
nature's body, in a world where no one else had any inkling
of such a thing - or worse, that they were at the mercy of
all things and had to be in combat against it all Well,
that just created an underlying river of distrust. One against
the other. One against all life. And would make it near
impossible to navigate through the community on the way to
finding his father. What's more, it placed everyone at grave
disadvantage with the advance of illness already among them.
Elouan worried that the thief had already arrived and could
rely easily on a victim's blindness to launch an unprecedented
killing spree.
EXT. CATHEDRAL - DAY
Elouan's misgivings were not swayed by the rest of the
service. As he filed out of the cathedral at the conclusion,
he spotted several more people in a languishing stupor. A
few looked rather delirious, as family members took them by
the arms and gently lowered them to sit on the church steps.
Giovanni and his siblings were oblivious to it. They circled
Elouan, like birds freed from a cage. Young Leticia pulled
at Fina's dress to annoy her. Fina swatted her as she marched
to stay in step with Elouan.
GIOVANNI
Fina, Leticia, onward with you. Go
walk with Mother, Father, Guillaume,
and Sanson in the gardens.
FINA
Oh, Gio --
GIOVANNI
Teeth to tongue now.
Leticia stuck her tongue out at him, then pulled Fina away.
Fina made sure Elouan saw the glimmer in her eye as they
sauntered off. Elouan also noticed a subtle flaunt in her
step. She was definitely still pining for him.
JEHAN
Rachel! I said I was sorry! Rachel!
UMFREY
I will meet you later!
Umfrey turned to gaze at the graveyard at the western end of
the complex. The site of the headstones transformed his heart
to beleaguered sadness.
UMFREY
Happy birthday, love.
He glanced at the dirt beneath his feet, trying to shake the
sullen feelings drowning his spirit, ignoring several
parishioners as they left the forest of wood and stone markers
to walk a good chunk of open grassland stretching from the
back of the graveyard to the barrier of the great city wall.
Giovanni saw a metaphorical shadow cross Elouan's face. He
thought he caught glimpse of it during Mass, especially when
Elouan politely refused the eucharist. He wondered if he was
just parroting others of the congregation who also refused,
claiming a blemish of extreme sinfulness - though Elouan
made no such claim at the time. He also wondered if perhaps
Elouan's strangeness spoke to a place where they didn't teach
from the Good Book.
GIOVANNI
You are not used to this sort of
thing, from where you came from, are
you?
ELOUAN
When two people work to accomplish a
task, does it not come easier if
they cooperate with each other?
GIOVANNI
Ah, you have a plan? Some way to
help you find your father?
ELOUAN
If you want the bounty of the land,
why not work with the earth instead
of trying to subdue it? Two people
must work together to raise the heavy
stones of a building such as this,
yet you do not ask the earth for its
assistance in the making of your own
survival.
(RUNNING UP)
William intercepted them. Smiling radiantly, he kissed Elouan
on the cheek and held up the crystal pendant, now wearing it
about his neck.
WILLIAM
You lied not of the beauty of this
thing. I have had nothing but good
luck since you gave it to me.
ELOUAN
I am truly pleased to hear that.
WILLIAM
Symonne said "yes" to seeing me.
Seeing me! This afternoon, near the
lilies. Maybe this thing will bring
me extra luck then, eh?
ELOUAN
Your luck will be better if you come
from here, at your heart, in the
depth of your soul. Speak from there,
and it will be true.
WILLIAM
Oh, for absolute sure. Yes. I would
dream of nothing else.
GIOVANNI
You dream from your pants, fopdoodle.
WILLIAM
I be a man of honor.
EXT. ALLEYWAY - DAY
Jehan grabbed Rachel's wrist as she turned to leave the narrow
alley.
JEHAN
I know my behavior was unwanted. I
cannot expect the favor of your
forgiveness.
RACHEL
Please. I hear that Sarah is not
feeling well.
JEHAN
Rachel.
Jehan loosened his grip and let his fingers slip around her
hand, then slowly knelt on one knee.
JEHAN
I may not be able to make it up to
you today, tomorrow, or even the
year hence.
He reached into an embroidered pocket and lifted a newly
minted gold ring. The sun gleamed off its polished surface,
bright and enticing. As he raised it to Rachel's finger, he
spied a black rat lying on its side near the alley's gutter.
The rodent quivered briefly in an odd seizure, then fell
still in death. It struck Jehan as incredibly strange. Black
rats were quite common, but this had to be the third or fourth
in as many days he had seen perish. Had this been his first,
he might have taken it as a sign his proposal to Rachel was
foolhardy; nonetheless, he wasn't going to let it deter his
lust.
JEHAN
It may take a lifetime, for which I
would gladly imprison myself with.
RACHEL
Imprison?
FATHER JACQUES (O.S.)
Do you repent or admit your guilt of
sin?
ISABEL (O.S.)
I have done nothing wrong!
EXT. MAIN ROAD - DAY - SAME
Papal soldiers held Isabel tightly about her arms, keeping
her arrested. It was an ominous sight. The red plumes attached
to their helmets indicated the illustrious power they held
at the Pope's discretion. Their plated armor, which shielded
their arms and torso and curved downward to fit over puffy
leggings, signified their fearless means of using strength,
combat, and the occasional spilling of blood to enact justice.
There were about ten of these imposing marshals. Those who
weren't holding Isabel were brandishing spears taller than
their fearsome height. They fell behind two dour priests
dressed in full-length black cloaks.
Father Gilbert was a wiry, thin-faced, cold soul with pale
skin. He seared Isabel with his damning stare.
By now, townsfolk had crowded ... awed at the spectacle.
FATHER GILBERT
You choose to feign ignorance?
ISABEL
You accuse me of heresy. What did I
do? Who is my accuser? You are not
even of my parish!
FATHER GILBERT
Your parish falls under our benefice.
And your small place here isn't
equipped to deal with heretics.
ISABEL
What did I do?!
The ordeal stopped Elouan cold. He scanned each soldier,
then paid special attention to the priests.
GIOVANNI
That's misses Isabel. Seems somebody
has a grudge against her.
Elouan transitioned his gaze to the struggling captive. He
could see the dread behind Isabel's eyes and how each muscle
of her body tensed from the fear. Moreover, the thickness of
her energy billowing from her inner being was stifling: this
was a woman in the moment of drowning. Her feet skid
recklessly across the cobblestones as the sentries dragged
her toward a prison wagon perched behind a highly decorated
war horse.
ISABEL
Authori, tell them I'm innocent!
Tell them --
FATHER GILBERT
You whored yourself to another man!
You enchanted him with unholy spells
and then took to him as a succubus.
ISABEL
No! No! I have been a faithful
wife! Authori -
GIOVANNI
What she doesn't realize, it was
probably him in the first place.
See that mademoiselle over there?
He's been working to irrigate her
field for some time, if you know
what I mean.
WILLIAM
Not well enough that she's already
one of the maids.
Tivold suddenly ran up beside them.
TIVOLD
Another sinner gets divine justice.
ELOUAN
But she's innocent.
GIOVANNI
Whoa. Are you daft? You cannot
charge out there.
TIVOLD
Let him. I'd like to see this loiter-
sack stop them.
Soldiers locked Isabel into the prison wagon.
ISABEL
I tell you I am innocent. God is my
witness.
Father Gilbert tossed holy water in her face, momentarily
blinding her.
FATHER GILBERT
How dare you blaspheme in light of
the accusations.
(to the soldiers)
Start on your way.
ISABEL
No!
(SOUND OF THE DEPARTURE. A BEAT)
Father Jacque moved forward. Slightly larger than Father
Gilbert, with a fuller and more stout physique, color to his
skin, and sparkle to his eyes, he could at once disarm most
citizenry while simultaneously offering the profundity of
God's sacraments. He circled about the street to make sure
all could hear his important announcement.
FATHER JACQUE
We have also come by ordination of
his Holiness' authority in Avignon
to assist with the matters of your
dead.
A heavy weight descended over the faces in the crowd. Nothing
meant more to the living than the deliverance of deceased
loved ones from an afterlife of suffering and disgrace.
Elouan took special interest - and equally special concern.
Based on all he'd seen so far, he couldn't fathom they would
know the first thing about those who have transcended the
flesh and moved into the world of spirit. His suspicions
grew worse as he noticed Giovanni solemnly motion the cross
over himself, and then William hiding the crystal back inside
his shirt and guiltily reciting a whispered prayer. Tivold
closed his eyes and prayed the most intense of all.
FATHER JACQUE
I know that you are all worried for
loved ones that have died. You should
be, for there is not one of us that
is born without sin. No doubt, your
Bishop at today's service reminded
you of that.
FATHER GILBERT
Everyone here knows that at this
very moment, your relatives are
suffering in purgatory for their
shame.
FATHER JACQUE
But fear not. His holiness declares
their salvation. But it does take
time for him to speak every name to
God, and time costs money.
FATHER GILBERT
When a coin in the coffer rings -- a
soul in purgatory springs.
EXT. ALLEYWAY - DAY - SAME
Rachel, overhearing the announcement, looked sullen.
JEHAN
I can give you what you want. For
her.
Jehan dumped a couple gold coins into Rachel's hand. Rachel
knew she would owe him more than just money in return.
EXT. MAIN ROAD - DAY - SAME
The townsfolk shoved their wealth in the priests' faces.
PENITANT WOMAN
My husband murdered his brother. He
was hanged last harvest.
FATHER JACQUE
That would be twelve denier. Father
Gilbert shall record his name.
FATHER GILBERT
Yes. Here, here. Give your payment
to Father Jacque.
PENITENT MAN #1
My sister bedded three priests.
FATHER JACQUE
(smiling)
Two.
Giovanni gently shoved Tivold.
GIOVANNI
Be well over a thousand when they
finally get to you.
TIVOLD
I be dropping night-soil on your
coffin before then.
Elouan marched into the street -- too quick for Giovanni to
stop him.
GIOVANNI
Oh, Christ.
He crossed himself. William held up his crystal.
WILLIAM
I should have given him this back.
Rachel pushed through the crowd and dropped the coins into
Jacque's hand.
RACHEL
'Tis for my mother.
In a flash, the coins were in Elouan's fingers before Jacque
could close his palm.
(The crowd GASPS at this treachery.)
Both Rachel and Jacque were stunned. Elouan handed the money
back to Rachel -- his eyes piercing as he looked at her.
ELOUAN
She wants not that you pay for the
life she gave you.
FATHER JACQUE
You impudent --
Elouan turned his fiery gaze to the priest.
ELOUAN
Humble he who is the servant of the
Lord?
The papal soldiers circled, ready to arrest him.
Suddenly, ELOUAN REACHED INTO JACQUE'S HOOD AND GRASPED HIS
EAR. The move is was surprising, Jacque stood frozen in
astonishment. The papal soldiers thrusted their swords, but
stopped short of impaling him.
FATHER GILBERT
Let him go. Let him go!
Elouan closed his eyes.
Jacque's face tightened, with a look of odd bewilderment.
ELOUAN
Let he who bears no sin -- toss the
first -- stone.
The two stare at one another. Soul to soul.
WILLIAM
Not exactly the phrase, but close
enough.
Elouan pulled away. The rage inside Jacque had strangely
disappeared.
Jacque motioned to the soldiers.
FATHER JACQUE
We go.
The soldiers hesitated, perplexed by this sudden change.
Father Jacque joined Father Gilbert ... and together, they
headed toward decorated horses.
FATHER GILBERT
What did he do to you? Is this
witchcraft?
Jacque mounted the horse, then gave Elouan a mystified look.
FATHER JACQUE
No.
Another citizen stepped forward to buy an indulgence.
FATHER JACQUE
No. We are done here.
The dejected believer returned to the sideline.
Father Gilbert, looking worried, mounted his horse.
The papal soldiers stared ominously at Elouan, then lowered
their swords and marched in tow as the company started home.
(Isabel BAWLS in shame.)
The crowd dispersed. Several gave Elouan an uncomfortable
glare.
WILLIAM
He didn't need my stone after all.
Rachel stared at Elouan in astonishment as Jehan came to her
rescue. Jehan glowered at the strange alpine guardian.
JEHAN
What did you do? Who are you?
Elouan ignored him as he kept a penetrating gaze on Rachel.
ELOUAN
Your happiness is her gift to you on
her special day.
Jehan pulled Rachel into the crowd. Rachel couldn't keep
her eyes off Elouan as she left.
TIVOLD
Get rid of that demon, Giovanni.
WILLIAM
Anyone who can fend off the power of
the holy papacy and who also comes
with charms --
GIOVANNI
Would be something of a sorcerer, I
would say.
Giovanni met Elouan in the street. Tivold watched with
suspicion.
Elouan took in the warmth of the sun and smiled. (HUMS)
GIOVANNI
Wow ... You provide quite the
entertainment.
ELOUAN
It is only entertaining to those who
can see themselves as remaining free.
Elouan's countenance suddenly darkened. With urgency, he
pushed past Giovanni.
ELOUAN
I will be back.
GIOVANNI
Where you going?
ELOUAN
Stay here.
Elouan hurried his pace. It was clear, he knew what he was
about to encounter and didn't like it.
-- He crossed around several tenements.
-- In the course, spotted a number of DEAD RATS along the
route.
-- He followed the street canal as it led him to the port
docks.
EXT. PORT - DOCK - DAY
Elouan spotted Merovech at the end of the pier, staring out
at the open waters. A few people approached the guard, then
suddenly fled.
Merovech collapsed to his knees, overcome with delirium. He
reached to the side of his neck ... and felt the welt that
had risen up LIKE A FLESHY ONION.
MEROVECH
Me lord...
(He is overcome with a GUTTURAL COUGH). He collapsed on his
face.
Elouan swiftly arrived and turned him over. Black blood
oozed from the watchman's lips.
MEROVECH
Forgive.
(FINAL BREATHS).
Elouan remained wide-eyed as the sentry expired in his arms.
He pulled Merovech's collar, exposing the ugly bubo.
EXT. PORT - DOCK - MOMENTS LATER
(SPLASH) Elouan's forlorn face stared down from the pier as
Merovech's body descended beneath the waves of the sea.
He had heavied the corpse enough so that it would be sure to
reach the sea floor and not pose a danger for further
contamination. But nonetheless, he could not deny that what
had devastated the lands of the far east had now made its
way here. Golda and Wimarc's warning, like a prophecy, was
moving toward fulfillment. But what he didn't like ... and
what he couldn't know ... was his own death or survival ...
the success or failure of his mission ... He wondered, would
he simply become one of the countless dead soon to be left
out in the open due to a sudden shortage of available burial
ground.
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