Humor, mystery, and the supernatural abound in this tale of a young girl in an old English castle.
Excerpt
FADE IN:
EXT. MID-EASTERN TEMPLE - NIGHT
CAMERA PANS across Mid-eastern landscape and comes to a temple on a hillside.
At a closer shot, we discover a group of nervous people in first century dress surrounding an OLD PROPHET with a huge white beard.
Behind them sprawls a vast ancient city in the style of Babylon. Flickering torches and candles, along with a striking full moon, render the scene mysterious and exotic.
The people surrounding the old man are frantically asking him questions.
MAN 1
What will happen to us, holy one?
WOMAN
Will anyone save us?
MAN 2
The invaders are at the gates! There is no time!
WOMAN
The sacred relic! It musn’t fall into the wrong hands!
CLOSE SHOT: OLD PROPHET
He is the classic image of a wise and serene figure, full of deep knowledge and goodness.
PROPHET
My children, be calm. All will be well. Though our lives may end soon, we must trust that it is written and there is One who knows what must be done.
WOMAN
But if the heathens find the holy object, they will destroy the world!
PROPHET
Our beloved treasure will be hidden for a thousand years. Only the worthy will know of its existence and they will protect it with their lives. It will be forgotten by everyone.
MAN 1
But it must be made known so that the future might benefit from its sacred influence!
PROPHET
When the time is right, it will be found.
MAN 2
But we will not live to see that day...
PROPHET
Have we not been blessed in plenty, my son?
No, we will not live to see that day.
The prophet walks over to the edge of the cliff which overlooks the city and a vast desert. PROPHET
This desert will bloom and die again before it is made known.
WOMAN
Who will be worthy enough to discover it?
The old man’s eyes twinkle as he sees into the distant future.
PROPHET
A young woman from the far lands of the West.
A girl. ..With a heart of gold...the mind of a seer...and the spirit of a warrior.
MAN 1
Can there ever be such a girl?
PROPHET
Indeed. There will be many. But she will be the
chosen one at the chosen time.
The light seems to fade from his features as his vision vanishes. He turns back to his disciples.
PROPHET
Beloved, let us prepare to die with such courage. May the sacred gift imparted to us by the Wise One and touched by the hand of the Almighty Creator whose name we must not utter, fill us with eternal peace.
His followers weep and cry out, hugging each other and the prophet.
PROPHET
Children, we are going home...
CAMERA BOOMS TO HIGH ANGLE, leaving behind the frightened group at the steps of their temple. Fires can be seen on the horizon as the sacking of the city begins.
FADE OUT
