Dragon Queen

EXT. A MEDIEVAL SHIP IN A STORM. NIGHT

A ship much like a carrack is in a strong storm.

EXT. DAYTIME DECK OF THE SHIP. NIGHT

A strong sailor keeps hold of the sturdy tiller arm at the

aft of the ship while other crewman perform various duties

including being sure large potted plants are tied securely.

The water goddess (Fahleera) blows into the square sail of

the ship.

INT. A CABIN BELOW DECKS. NIGHT

A baby cries at it is born. Fahleera hears the cry and flies

down to the cabin. A woman (Davinia) is giving birth. Tall

waves are seen out the open pothole. A desk nearby is covered

with a large chart of the stars and rolls of paper fill an

open shelf just below the top of the desk. A sextant is

hanging on the wall nearby and an unlit candle lantern swings

to and fro. The midwife cleans the baby and brings it to her

mother to feed. (it might be interesting to do entire

shipwreck without dialogue. Filmed visually with a

soundtrack)

POV BABY’S VIEW

MIDWIFE:

(Incoherent talk)

DAVINIA:

(incoherent talk)

INT:
DAVINIA’S CABIN NIGHT

A short time later. Outside the cabin the storm is growing

in intensity. The wind sounds like a woman’s laugh.

SAILOR (OS)

It's Fahleera! She's doomed us all!

CAPTAIN (OS)

It's not the goddess who has doomed

us, but ourselves if we don't hold

it together! Tie off the jib!

Secure the deck!

2.

The midwife is strapping the baby into its crib. Davinia is

lying in bed. The goddess unseen by anyone looks at the child

in the crib.

DAVINIA:

Who is this Goddess Fahleera The

sailors were speaking of?

MIDWIFE:

You never heard of the goddess of

the ocean?

DAVINIA:

Well no not really, I’ll admit I’m

not familiar with all of our

mythology

MIDWIFE:

She is the reason for our turbulent

oceans and storms.

DAVINIA:

I think our multiple moons have

more to do with the rough

tides and turbulent oceans.

It’s gravity pulling the water in

different directions.

MIDWIFE:

That’s a scientist’s explanation.

They say Fahleera was once a queen.

Her king however had no love for

her, so she sought love elsewhere.

He found her with her lover and the

king had him tortured and killed

before her. They say it is her

tears that fill the oceans

and rivers. She has vowed ever

since to sink any ship that

ventures from shore.

Davinia just gives her a smirk and shake of her head.

EXT. ON DECK NIGHT

Later that night. A heavy rain drenches the ship. Sailors

move across the ship holding the rail or grabbing the mast

with one hand to keep from being washed overboard. One of the

potted fruit trees break loose and slides across the ship

pinning a sailor against the rail. Another sailor rushes to

aid him.

2.

3.

CAPTAIN:

Toss that plant overboard.

The captain bellows from the aft-deck hanging tightly to a

rail. Sailors struggle to hang on to the rail with one hand

and together they pull the tree off the man and manage to

toss it out into the sea. One of the sailors freezes in place

for a moment after tossing out the tree and is looking at the

dark sky beside the ship. Off in the distance a rock

formation poking up from the sea barely visible against the

dark sky and darker ocean water.

SAILOR:

Rocks! Rocks to starboard!

CAPTAIN:

Hard to port!

The two men on the tiller push with all their strength, but

it barely moves. A third man and finally the strong captain

join them and together the four of them manage to turn the

ship just before crashing into the rocks.

INT. DAVINIA'S CABIN NIGHT

Inside her cabin Davinia is gathering her scrolls to put them

in a water-tight chest when she falls to the floor.

SAILOR (OS)

Land sir! Land dead ahead!

Davinia picks herself up, runs over to open one of the

shutters and peer out. She gets blasted with rain and salt

water, but doesn’t seem to mind, as she looks toward a grey

outline against the dark sky. The ship narrowly misses an

outcrop of rocks that speed past the open shutter. The

midwife pulls her back in and closes the shutter.

DAVINIA:

(Very excited!)

Land! Did you hear that? We found

land!

MIDWIFE:

Yes miss, and that land will be the

death of us if the captain can't

pull us away.

They both fall to the floor as the ship’s keel breaks off

some corral and wedges tight in some thicker corral. The ship

comes to a sharp stop but only briefly as the waves lift it

up and push it forward toward a large group of rocks. The

ship again just barely misses the rocks.

3.

4.

EXT. ON DECK. NIGHT

CAPTAIN:

Unfurl the sail! We'll have to

power back out to sea!

Sailors struggle to stay on their feet, as they move toward

the mast and lower the spar to untie the sail, but it’s too

late. A large group of rocks appears just ahead of the ship.

The captain sees the mast of a galley ship sunk near the

rocks. He and the other men on the tiller push hard back the

other way to aim the ship toward the sunken mast. The deep

keel boroughs into sand and smashes into the sunken hull of

the galley wedging tight just to the side of the jagged

rocks.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D)

Abandon ship!

INT. DAVINIA'S CABIN NIGHT

Davinia picks herself up and checks on her baby.

MIDWIFE:

We have to get off this ship!

Davinia picks up her baby and wraps her up tight in a small

blanket with only her face exposed. She then sees her

instruments, the sextant and chronometer lying on the floor.

MIDWIFE (CONT’D)

You won't be needing them! Just

grab some clothes and get to one of

the lifeboats.

DAVINIA:

These charts and instruments are

the sole reason for this voyage.

They can't be replaced!

The midwife shakes, her head, but helps Davinia pack

everything as the ship groans and squeaks.

EXT. DECK OF SHIP NIGHT

Heavy rain and black sky. Davinia and her midwife struggle to

carry out the small trunk, Davinia carrying the handle on one

side and baby in her other arm and midwife on the other side

also with a pack over her shoulder. Many of the sailors

simply jump off the side of the grounded vessel and swim for

shore in the darkness, others lower pre-provisioned rowboats.

4.

5.

CAPTAIN:

Leave that trunk and get to a boat.

DAVINIA:

I'll not leave without it!

Davinia continues to drag the trunk despite the midwife

stopping. The midwife comes back to help her.

CAPTAIN:

Get that woman off my ship!

Two sailors come over to help. They take it to the side of

the ship and tie it to a rope They lower it down to a boat

where sailors already in the boat untie it and set it on the

floor of the boat. Davinia hands her baby to a sailor who

climbs down a rope ladder with one hand holding the baby,

then Davinia the midwife and the remaining sailors climb

down. The captain remains to walk around the ship to be sure

everyone is off. (sentimental goodbye to his ship) He too

then dives into the dark turbulent water.

EXT. DAVINA'S LIFEBOAT NIGHT

Davinia sits at the rear of the boat holding her baby. The

boat rows into a tall wave. Davinia slips off the back of the

boat and into the dark sea. No one sees her fall in.

Davinia spins in the water keeping her baby tucked close to

her body. She does her best to swim with one arm, as the

current drags her. She is tossed in the waves and slams into

a rock formation. She strikes her head on the rock. Davinia

grabs the rock with her free hand and pulls herself up out of

the water. She looks around but sees no sign of the boat.

EXT. SHORE OF THE ISLAND NIGHT

Several humans are waiting on shore to help survivors of the

shipwreck. Also nearby are well-armed Shrkai (Humanoid dark

skin white hair similar to drow elves) soldiers watching over

the humans. The sailors are given blankets to warm them and

food. A short time later the captain steps out the waves and

walks toward shore. Two of the humans step toward him to help

him. A higher ranking Shrkai soldier is onshore to greet him.

(It is important to note not all the sailors are human.

Humans are the majority demographic, but there are also

Dagnaars which are humanoid with reptilian skin. Chelonians

which are also humanoid with reptilian skin, but much fiercer

looking with horned skin, and elves. Same goes for shipwreck

survivors.)

5.

6.

RANKING SHRKAI SOLDIER

Welcome to our island captain. We

will see to it that your crewman

are well cared for. You are welcome

here. I will hold you personably

responsible for the actions of your

crew. When the sea calms, we'll

send a detachment out to dismantle

your ship and collect its wares.

CAPTAIN:

What!?

People near him hold him back.

CAPTAIN (CONT’D)

No one dismantles my ship! It is

still seaworthy. I have carpenters

who can repair her.

RANKING SHRKAI SOLDIER

Remember captain you are here as

our guests. I'll expect everyone in

your group to act accordingly.

EXT. ROCK FORMATION OFFSHORE. NIGHT

Davinia still clings to the rock. She is barely hanging on.

She is dizzy from the head wound. She pushes herself off the

rock and tries to swim to shore. The goddess Fahleera floats

down to help her swim, holding her body to keep her above

water.

EXT. ISLAND SHORELINE. NIGHT

A short time later, further along from where the sailors came

ashore, a Shrkai dignitary dressed in bright colored robes.

Patrah walks along the beach. He sees something laying on the

near the edge of the water. As he approaches he can see it’s

a woman’s body lying on shore with the waves just reaching

her feet. He steps over to the body and bends down to look at

her. He can she she’s not breathing. He turns her over and

sees an infant in her arms. He gently removes the baby from

her mother’s clutch and lifts her. He wipes the saltwater

from her face. Two villagers walk up behind him.

VILLAGER3

Your majesty.

Patrah takes a blanket from him and wraps the infant in it

discarding the wet one. The two villagers look to the woman.

6.

7.

VILLAGER3 (CONT’D)

Would you like us to take the human

child to the village with the

others?

Patrah looks closely at the tiny child in his arms. After a

long moment he replies.

PATRAH:

No... I'll see to her myself.

Patrah turns to walk up a path through the woods, as the

villagers wrap Davinia’s body in a blanket and carries her

off.

FADE OUT ON BABY

FADE IN ON:

MILLANEY’S FACE

EXT. SHORELINE OF AN ISLAND. SUNRISE

16 years later. Millaney (the human baby grown up) holds a

large white flower blossom in her two hands cupped together.

She gently places it on the incoming tide. The blossom floats

on the waves being pulled out away from shore. Millaney

continues to watch it, as it floats out further away toward

the remains of a shipwreck near some rocks.

MILLANEY:

She gave her life for me.

Sarnay (Shrkai and same age as Millaney) stands near her. She

reaches out to hold her hand.

SARNAY:

She gave me a big sister.

MILLANEY:

I’m only a few days older than you.

The two of them watch the flower blossom float out to the

sunken medieval ship. The blossom floats through a gap in

some boards and onto the water covering the deck of the ship.

SARNAY:

We should probably get going. We

don’t want to be late for finals.

MILLANEY:

Yes.

7.

8.

The two watch the flower blossom floating around on the deck

of the sunken ship being tossed around on the gentle waves

that cover the deck. After a moment, they turn to walk

together toward a path in the jungle behind them.

EXT. JUNGLE DAY

Two Shrkai young men inspect a monorail rollercoaster that

weaves through the jungle along a cliff. The two then walk up

to a clearing in the jungle along the cliff. Frolin stays a

few feet back from the edge, while Althalos walks right up to

it to look over a section of the monorail that extends out a

few feet beyond the cliff.

ALTHALOS:

You know you’re going to have to

overcome your fear of heights.

FROLIN:

And you’re going to have to

overcome your fear of speaking to

people... other than me.

ALTHALOS:

Touché. Hook me up.

Frolin hooks a safety line to a loop on a harness worn by

Althalos. He runs the other end through a pulley mounted on a

nearby tree trunk. He wraps the rope tight around one of his

gloved hands.

FROLIN:

Ready?

ALTHALOS:

Ready.

Althalos repels off the side of the cliff. Frolin lowers him

a few feet down to where some support arms are spiked down on

the solid rock of the cliff face. He visually inspects each

support for cracks and looks up toward the curved rail to see

it is secure as well.

ALTHALOS (CONT’D)

Alright everything looks good here.

Pull me up.

Frolin pulls on the rope through the pulley and hauls

Althalos back to the top of the cliff.

8.

9.

EXT. JUNGLE DAY

A short time later, further up the mountain Frolin and

Althalos inspect a carriage. The carriage looks much like a

mechanical bull with a large dragon head. A bit further away

in a clearing, a crowd of Shrkai students start to gather. A

tall post with a sign stands near the back of the clearing.

The sign reads “finalists” Under the word finalists are three

names, Millaney, 97 Sarnay, 90 Rena. 95 Sarnay, Millaney and

Rena step out from the crowd toward a platform near the

carriage. Millaney reaches a hand to Rena.

MILLANEY:

Good luck.

Rena bats her hand away and steps toward the platform.

RENA:

I don’t need luck human.

Sarnay takes a step toward Rena, but Millaney puts up an arm

holding her back. Rena steps up the short set of stairs and

pushes Althalos out of her way nearly knocking him off the

platform. Rena throws a leg over the saddle on the carriage.

Althalos comes over to help her with the harness.

RENA (CONT’D)

Eeww. Get your greasy hands off me.

Althalos steps back. Frolin steps forward. She begrudgingly

allows him to fasten her harness.

FROLIN:

He was just doing his job. We need

to make sure you’re secure. We’ve

added some new turns this year. One

of them flips you completely upside

down.

RENA:

I’ll be just fine. Thank You.

Frolin and Althalos step down from the platform. They both

grab a lever. They watch for a signal from an instructor.

When they get the signal, they look at each other and pull

down on the lever that releases the carriage. The carriage

speeds along the rail. Rena, Sarnay and Millaney each take

turns on the coarse shooting at targets in the jungle as the

carriage speeds along twists, turns and even goes upside

down. Millaney walks up to the platform. Althalos helps her

with her harness.

MILLANEY:

Thank you.

9.

10.

She touches the back of his hand. Althalos is speechless. He

freezes in place for several seconds, then finishes adjusting

her harness. Millaney starts her run. She hits all the

targets about the same as Rena except the one where she is

flipped upside down. She hits that one much closer to the

center.

THE CLEARING AT THE TOP

The three girls gather near each other as the new scores are

posted. Millaney and Sarnay hold hands. Millaney’s new score

is 145. Sarnay’s is 129 and Rena’s is 137. The crowd cheers.

SARNAY:

Wow. Three years in a row. Way to

go sis.

Rena scowls. Millaney walks up to her again offering her

hand. Rena spits at the ground near Millaney’s feet and walks

away. Sarnay again goes to move toward Rena. Millaney has a

much harder time holding her back this time.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE ACADEMY. DAY

Althalos packs up his tools in a cloth bag. He walks away as

the crowd of students starts to disperse. He goes sits on a

stone bench in a floral garden to eat lunch. After a short

time a small blue bird with red stripes on its wing lands on

his shoulder.

ALTHALOS:

Hello My friend. I bet you’re

hungry too.

He shares some of his bread with the bird which eats it from

his hand.

ALTHALOS (CONT’D)

It’s good to have you here today.

He smiles and eats his meal.

ALTHALOS (CONT’D)

Well I suppose I should be headed

home. I hope father is in a better

mood today.

The bird shakes its head and flies off, as Althalos takes

another swallow from his ceramic flask and puts it away. He

picks up his tool bag and starts on a path through the

jungle. The bird follows him. In his view the home has a

permanent dark cloud hovering over it. The bird flies off.

10.

11.

EXT. OUTSIDE ALTHALOS CHILDHOOD HOME. DAY

Young Althalos (flashback) is sitting on a stoop outside his

home in the jungle. He is playing with some metal figurines.

YOUNG ALTHALOS:

We’re here on the Island after

escaping the tyranny of the humans.

He speaks in a deeper voice pretending its the voice of the

figurine in his hand.

YOUNG ALTHALOS (CONT’D)

(still in figurine voice) We have

made a new home here. The humans

now live under our rules.

His father steps out.

ALTHALOS FATHER:

Boys don’t play with dolls. Drop

them and come with me.

Young Althalos puts his figurines off the stoop and hurries

to catch his father walking through a path in the jungle.

ALTHALOS FATHER (CONT’D)

You know we are a family of

chasers. It’s time you learned the

trade.

YOUNG ALTHALOS:

Yes father.

Further ahead in the jungle, they meet Althalos’ two older

brothers. The older brothers carry four spears. They hand one

to their father and young Althalos.

ALTHALOS FATHER:

The other hunters are waiting near

the corral. It’s our job to chase

they prey to them. Remember, you

don’t have to run faster than the

prey, just out-distance them. Now

spread out and search for prey.

The four split up. It’s not long before Althalos finds

something. He eases up on a noise ahead. He spots a large

capybara grazing on some grass. The beast breaks into a run.

Young Althalos jogs steadily after it. He can’t always see

the beast, but he can easily follow the sound of it running

through the jungle. Soon his father and brothers converge and

join in the chase.

11.

12.

They chase the beast to a corral built near a hill with other

Shrkai hunters gather by the corral. The beast is near dead

from exhaustion and its legs buckle.

ALTHALOS FATHER (CONT’D)

My son found this one.

His father shouts out proudly. He hands young Althalos a

green obsidian dagger. Althalos slowly catches his breath as

he approaches the beast. The hunters cheer him, as he goes to

finish off the dying beast. Young Althalos looks in the eyes

of the beast. He is unable to kill it. He lets the dagger

slide from his hand. The hunters laugh at him. His father

smacks him so hard he falls down.

ALTHALOS FATHER (CONT’D)

How could you embarrass me like

that.

He picks his son up by his collar and shoves him forward. His

brothers pelt him in the back with palm tree seeds as they

walk back to their home.

EXT. ALTHALOS’S HOME. DAY

When they reach their home, their mother is outside spreading

feed for some chicken-like birds. She looks at them with a

look only a mother could give. The older boys drop the palm

nuts.

ALTHALOS MOTHER:

What happened?

The father and elder brothers continue walking to the house.

Young Althalos is in tears when his mother looks at him.

YOUNG ALTHALOS:

I’m sorry mom. I couldn’t kill it.

His mother raises his face up to look at her.

ALTHALOS MOTHER:

Honey look at me. You don’t have to

be a hunter. You’re fine just the

way you are.

EXT. OUTSIDE ALTHALOS CHILDHOOD HOME. DAY

Althalos stands near the gate. The flashback ends. He steps

through the gate. He walks up to the front door and grips the

door handle. He takes a deep breath, then steps inside.

12.

13.

INT. ALTHALOS’ HOME. DAY

His father and mother are seated in a living room to his

left.

ALTHALOS’S FATHER

I can’t believe they let a human

child into our great academy.

ALTHALOS’S MOTHER

The council voted to give her

status as a Shrkai citizen.

ALTHALOS’S FATHER

Baaah! She’s still one of those

vile humans. She doesn’t have a

drop of Shrkai blood.

Althalos tries to sneak past them, but he is seen. The room

goes quiet.

ALTHALOS’S MOTHER

Supper will be ready in a little

while.

ALTHALOS’S FATHER

A supper you had absolutely nothing

to do with.

Althalos hurries past them down the hallway.

ALTHALOS’S FATHER (O.S.) (CONT’D)

You know your brothers are some of

the finest hunters we have and what

are you? A janitor? (he laughs)

ALTHALOS’S BEDROOM

He sets down his bag and sits on his bed. Near him on a

wooden table are a collection of metal figurines and

paint/brushes.

ALTHALOS’S FATHER (O.S.)

What’s this society coming to? When

we let animals into our academy and

Shrkai citizens as janitors?

(scoffs) we should make the humans

clean our toilets. That’s all

they’re good for.

Althalos picks up one of his figurines and starts to paint

its face.

13.

14.

He has a visual memory of Millaney touching his hand and

saying “thank you” His vision is shattered by his father’s

booming voice.

ALTHALOS’S FATHER (O.S.) (CONT’D)

And you better not be in there

playing with your dolls again!

Althalos squeezes the figurine so hard that his thumb presses

off the head. The head rolls around on the floor then stops.

EXT. A PATH IN THE JUNGLE. DAY

Sarnay and Millaney walk together through the jungle path.

There are occasional homes mostly on their left as on the

right the cliff overlooks the ocean. Rena walks further

ahead. Rena steps into her home. They hear voices as they

walk past her house.

RENA’S MOM (O.S.)

You lost again to that human?!

RENA (O.S.)

I tried mom. She only beat me by a

few points.

A loud smack sound is heard.

RENA’S MOM (O.S.)

Get out of my sight. You’re a

disgrace.

Millaney stops. Sarnay pulls at her arm urging her to keep

going. Millaney looks up at Rena’s bedroom window. She hears

Rena crying.

SARNAY:

No. You can’t help her.

MILLANEY:

But she’s still our friend,

If only we could.../

SARNAY (CONT’D)

/No. You’ll only make it

worse.

Millaney looks back to Rena’s window. Rena sees her and slams

close the shutters. Millaney and Sarnay continue on the path.

EXT. OUTSIDE PATRAH’S HOME DAY

Sarnay’s mother is out working in the flower garden. The

girls step through the gate

14.

15.

SARNAY’S MOTHER

So how did it go?

SARNAY:

My big sister did it again!

SARNAY’S MOTHER

Way to go! I’m sure your great

grandfather will be elated.

She gives Millaney a hug. Millaney only half-heartedly hugs

back.

SARNAY’S MOTHER (CONT’D)

Alright what’s wrong?

MILLANEY:

I’ll be fine mom. Really.

Millaney smiles.

SARNAY:

Let’s go tell Patrah.

Sarnay pulls at Millaney and they go into the house.

INT. PATRAH’S HOME DAY

Patrah and another elderly Shrkai man are sitting out on the

second story deck. They are sitting at a small stone table

playing a game similar to chess, but with a larger gameboard

and terrain modifiers. Sarnay rushes in with Millaney right

behind her. Patrah doesn’t look at them, but hears their

commotion. He raises his hand and the two girls stop and

stand together.

PATRAH:

Manners.

MILLANEY AND SARNAY TOGETHER

Good afternoon councilmen Torrance.

TORRANCE:

Hello girls. You don’t have to call

me councilman anymore, like your

great grandfather, I’ve retired.

PATRAH:

Now what is it?

SARNAY:

Millaney won again!

15.

16.

Sarnay blurts out excitedly.

TORRANCE:

Really? You’re the top in your

class?

SARNAY:

Yes! It’s her third year winning

too.

MILLANEY:

You were a finalist too, don’t

forget. You came in third.

TORRANCE:

You’ve really done a great job

raising these two.

PATRAH:

Yes they’ve done quite well.

Without looking up from studying the game board, Patrah

gestures for the girls to come forward. They stand next to

him on either side of his chair. Patrah reaches an arm around

each of them and they lean down to hug him.

PATRAH (CONT’D)

I’m very proud of each of you. Now

go out on the deck and exercise

until dinner.

MILLANEY AND SARNAY TOGETHER

But patrah?

SARNAY:

Can’t we celebrate?

PATRAH:

We’ll celebrate later. Your

education doesn’t stop just because

the school year ends and the

academy takes a break.

MILLANEY AND SARNAY TOGETHER

Yes Patrah.

The girls exit. Patrah studies the game board.

TORRANCE:

You know you can’t protect her

forever right?

PATRAH:

Why can’t I?

16.

17.

Patrah moves one of his game pieces.

TORRANCE:

You must be living in a fantasy

world.

PATRAH:

You mean the world where people are

treated by their accomplishments

and who they are, rather than by

their skin? Yes I’m happily living

in that world. I wish you’d join

me.

TORRANCE:

You know how the council has

changed. Public perception has

changed as well. The only reason

they haven’t come for her, is

because of who you are.

Torrance moves a game piece.

PATRAH:

Yes I’m painfully aware of the

dangerous directions our society is

taking. I’ve lived and worked among

the humans. We have nothing to fear

from them, in fact there is much we

can learn from them.

Patrah moves a game piece

TORRANCE:

Oh and what could we possibly learn

from the wretch?

PATRAH:

Teamwork for one. You know it’s not

just humans, but the Annuvian

society is made up of several

species of mankind that have

learned to live in harmony and be

productive. They are far advanced

in many ways where we lag behind.

TORRANCE:

“grrmmphh” I don’t know how you

stayed as Sovereign for so many

years with such a disdain for your

own kind.

Torrance moves a game piece.

17.

18.

PATRAH:

And I don’t know how you became a

councilman with such narrow vision.

Patrah moves a game piece taking one of Torrance’s pieces

PATRAH (CONT’D)

That’s mate. Good game.

INT. MILLANEY’S BEDROOM. NIGHT

Millaney and Sarnay lie sleeping in two twin beds. An image

of the goddess Fahleera slips in through the pane of an

arched window. She floats over to Millaney hovering over her.

She touches Millaney on her forehead giving her a dream.

EXT. A MEADOW. DAYTIME

Millaney walks across a green meadow in her nightgown, her

feet float a few inches above the ground. She sees a fawn a

short distance away. The fawn walks calmly toward her. Some

food pebbles appear in her hand and she feeds the fawn. A

drip of blood appears in the fawn’s eye. The sky changes to

dark orange clouds, high wind and lightning. The fawn changes

into a winged demon. (God of Tahrok. Violent side of nature)

The demon reaches his clawed arm around her and pulls her

close. Millaney turns her head as the beast flickers his

forked tongue against her cheek. Millaney looks at the

beast’s eyes. They appear as to earth-like worlds. Looking

much closer she sees two humanoid species that are slightly

different from each other fighting. Soon there are hundreds

fighting with clubs and rocks. The weapons change to spears,

arrows then more advanced weapons until they are bombing each

other. The world is covered with dust and mushroom clouds.

Two new worlds appear and the cycle starts over and over

getting faster until the worlds explode! Millaney is covered

in blood and flesh.

MILLANEY’S ROOM

She sits up in her bed. She sees a woman’s face in her

window. The goddess of Tahrok (peaceful side of nature Yin

Yang)

GODDESS OF TAHROK

Keep the blood out of my eye.

18.

19.

EXT. ON TOP OF THE STEP PYRAMID. DAY

Ralomar, Patrah’s son and new prime minister, is behind a

podium at the top of the pyramid. The Shrkai people are

gathered on the steps. Millaney, Sarnay and Patrah are with

their family and other royal families at the front of the

crowd. (Millaney is the only human.)

RALOMAR:

I stand before you today as the

leader of a great tribe... A tribe

that has for far too long lived in

the shadows of what it should truly

be... We are the great dragon tribe

of Shrkai. I don’t have a racist

bone in my body, but we have been

infiltrated. It is time to reclaim

our land, our identity, our

birthright.

Crowd shouts in approval.

RALOMAR (CONT’D)

This is a time of cleansing, a time

of re-birthing, a time of greatness

for the mighty dragon clan. We

shall move forward into a new era,

an era where we will be the masters

of our own destiny. Starting here

on this island, together we will

turn this exile into triumph for

our people. We shall rise again!

Millaney hears the voice of the goddess of Tahrok in her

head. “keep the blood out of my eye” She bravely steps

forward. She climbs up the steps and gets a few feet from

Ralomar’s podium and turns to look at the crowd.

MILLANEY:

There’s no need for this! The

Annuvians on the mainland are not

our enemies. We are the benefactors

of our own destruction!

RALOMAR:

Someone remove her. Knock the crap

out of her. Silence her.

A few people from the crowd move up toward Millaney, but

Patrah and Sarnay move up to stand at her side. Sarnay with

her fists clenched. The crowd hushes. (they have a great

respect for Patrah, the former prime minister)

19.

20.

MILLANEY:

Please... I have lived among you my

whole life. I am one of you!

RALOMAR:

She is not one of you. She is not

Shrkai. She is a vile human dog.

MILLANEY:

We can all live together. I swear

it. Look into your hearts. Have I

ever harmed you? Has any of the

Annuvians in the village ever

harmed you? War is never the

answer!

RALOMAR:

Someone remove her please.

Some soldiers step from behind Ralomar and grab Millaney.

Sarnay tries to fight them, but Patrah holds her back.

MILLANEY:

It doesn’t have to be this way! I

beg of you!

(as the soldiers drag her off) Sarnay charges forward despite

Patrah’s best efforts to hold her back.

SARNAY:

Where are you taking her? She’s

done nothing wrong! She has as much

right to speak here as anyone!

She yells at the soldiers pulling Millaney away. Another

soldier comes over to grab Sarnay, but she easily avoids him

and knocks him to the ground. Two other soldiers come over

and are able to grab Sarnay’s arms and hold her back.

SARNAY (CONT’D)

Let me go! What is this?

EXT. A DENSE FOREST. DAY

Elsewhere. A barrier island. An exceptionally tall human

woman, Gaitlynne walks through the woods hunting. She

crouches near a tree and pulls a knife from her sheath. She

sees the heat signature of a large swine in the bushes

further ahead. She stalks closer to the beast. She leaps into

the bushes with her knife raised over her head and tackles

the swine.

20.

21.

EXT. SHIP ANCHORED OFF THE COAST. DAY

A medieval ship similar to a Chinese Junk. A sexy young human

woman slips her foot into a loop of a rope. Casanna is

lowered down to a rowboat, her brightly-colored shimmering

outfit flapping in a calm breeze. She pushes past the rowers

She plops herself down at the bow of the boat sitting

leisurely as the dozen sailors row toward shore.

EXT. DENSE FOREST. DAY

Gaitlynne walking through the forest carrying her prey by its

back legs.

EXT. OTHER PART OF FOREST. DAY

Casanna walking through path in woods two men are with her

carrying crossbows. She approaches a cabin.

INT. GAITLYNNE’S CABIN. DAY

An average looking human man wearing an apron is pulling a

pie out of a stone hearth. Droog is about to set the pie down

on a table when Casanna steps in. The two stare at each other

for a long moment.

CASANNA:

Set the pie down

DROOG:

Certainly may I cut you a slice?

He sets the pie down and reaches for a knife. Casanna pulls

her knife and he pulls his hand away from the knife on the

table and steps back.

DROOG (CONT’D)

Have I harmed you in some way?

CASANNA:

Silence! You think you can just

hide out here? You are here to

serve our lord Crimsonna. Your

death will help to bring forth a

new order.

Casanna steps closer to him. Her hand shakes. She is losing

confidence. She has never killed anyone before.

DROOG:

How will my death...

21.

22.

CASANNA:

I said silence!

She thrusts the knife deep into his gut.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

(almost sympathetic) We need her!

You are a means to an end!

Droog falls forward against her. Casanna pulls her knife out

and watches him slide down her body and slump to the floor.

She steps back. After a moment, she wipes the knife clean

with a rag on the table and turns to walk out.

EXT. OUTSIDE GAITLYNNE’S CABIN DAY

Casanna sheaths her knife and steps behind the two men with

crossbows. Gaitlynne walks into view carrying the swine. She

raises her lip showing some of her teeth and a slightly

elongated canine. Casanna laughs and starts to return the way

she came. The two men nervously aim their crossbows at

Gaitlynne and follow behind Casanna. Gaitlynne drops her prey

and runs toward her home.

INT. GAITLYNNE'S CABIN. DAY

Gaitlynne rushes to Droog. She holds his head in her lap. He

looks up at her with a smile. He reaches up to caress her

cheek, then his arm falls limp. Gaitlynne holds him close to

her body. She screams out loud. Her scream slowly changes to

a loud howl.

EXT. THE TEMPLE PYRAMID. EVENING

(back on the Shrkai Island) The two suns are in near orbit of

each other. Their gases are being pulled together forming a

new sun at the center of gravity between. This swirl of gas

and energy is setting in the distance.

INT. THE TEMPLE PYRAMID. EVENING

Deep in the temple Millaney is being in a small dark room.

MILLANEY:

What have I done?

A moment later the goddess Fahleera appears behind her, but

Millaney is unaware of her presence.

22.

23.

FAHLEERA:

You have done nothing wrong. If

anyone is to blame, it is me. I

have put too much on your

shoulders.

A noise is heard from the hallway.

SARNAY (OS)

Let me go see her! You have no

right to block me! You know who I

am.

Millaney turns immediately toward the door. Fahleera is still

present, but Millaney does not see her. She passes right

through her image.

FAHLEERA:

Yes. Go to her. Together you have

great strength that no one can ever

defeat or sever.

Fahleera fades away. Millaney runs to the door.

MILLANEY:

Sarnay!

Sarnay runs to the door on the other side. The two of them

press their hands together with only a few inches of wood

separating them.

SARNAY:

Are you alright?

MILLANEY:

I am now.

SARNAY:

Patrah said he’ll talk to Ralomar.

He thinks he can get you released

into his custody. Only you’ll have

to stay at home. No more academy.

MILLANEY:

I can do that. After all Patrah has

taught us more than the teachers at

the academy ever could.

The two of them turn to place their backs against the door

and slide down to a seated position, each with their backs

pressed against the door on opposite sides.

23.

24.

SARNAY:

Yes... but... You also have to keep

silent about what you know. No more

protest speeches.

MILLANEY:

That I’m not sure I can do. Once my

eyes are open... I can’t just close

them again.

Sarnay slides her hand under the bottom of the door. Millaney

does as well and their fingers interlock under the door.

SARNAY:

No one is asking you to close your

eyes, just your mouth. (laughs)

MILLANEY:

I’ll try. (laughs back)

SARNAY:

Please do your best. I need My

sister.

Sarnay remains seated outside the door with her fingers

interlocked with Millaney’s

EXT. OFFSHORE NIGHT

Casanna’s ship is anchored. A boat is rowed to shore. Casanna

gets off the boat and it is rowed back toward the ship.

Casanna strolls leisurely up the beach. A procession of

Shrkai dignitaries step forth from the jungle Ralomar is with

a few of his high priests. Casanna walks up to them. The

priests bow their heads low, but Casanna just walks right by

without acknowledging them. The priests turn to follow still

bowed. Ralomar waits a moment obviously offended by Casanna,

then also turns to follow.

INT. THE TEMPLE PYRAMID. MORNING

Millaney and Sarnay are still sitting on opposite sides of

the door. They are asleep, as Patrah steps forward with two

Shrkai soldiers walking behind him.

PATRAH:

So this is where you’ve been.

Sarnay opens one eye and looks up at Patrah.

SARNAY:

Where else would I be?

24.

25.

Patrah gives her a stern look and gestures for her to get up.

She eases herself up slowly, then still with barely an eye

open, she walks over to him and gives him a hug.

SARNAY (CONT’D)

I knew you’d come.

Patrah smiles and hugs back. He then looks at one of the

soldiers who comes from behind him with keys in his hand. The

soldier unlocks the door and Millaney falls back out of the

room still half asleep. She opens an eye and sees Patrah and

Sarnay. She straightens herself out and goes over to them and

joins in the three way hug.

PATRAH:

Things will be different now. You

two will both have to be very

careful. Your grandfather won’t

hesitate to lock you both away for

the rest of your lives.

SARNAY AND MILLANEY

Yes Patrah.

EXT. THE STEP PYRAMID. NIGHT

Patrah and the girls walk up to the entrance to the temple

complex. Many other Shrkai have gathered as well. Most of

them are friendly to Patrah and even Millaney, but many just

nod and smile and keep away. They walk up to the stone stairs

carved in the center of the pyramid.

PATRAH:

One day someone is going to have to

invent a way to lift people up

heights like this.

SARNAY:

I’m sure Frolin could rig

something. He’s a genius.

Sarnay is sure to smile as she talks about Frolin. Patrah

gives her a knowing look. Patrah leans heavily on his staff,

as he starts up the steps. The girls get on either side of

him to help him up the long ascending stairs. By the time

they reach the top, Patrah is very out of breath and the

girls nearly carry him to his seat in a front row of chairs

where he practically falls into his seat. The seats soon fill

with hundreds of Shrkai people. The stairs leading up hold

hundreds more. The top of the pyramid has no roof, but three

pillars positioned around a stone altar. A brass dish filled

with oil near each of the pillars and in front of the altar

is lit. Fire leaps forth from the dishes of oil.

25.

(MORE)

26.

Each of the four pillars is carved with the image of one of

the gods the Dragon Clan of Shrkai worship. Crimsonna, the

warrior god, Fahleera the goddess of the oceans, Karr goddess

of the underworld (small child) and Marcus god of fire. The

order of the priests form a triangular pattern around the

altar, but leave the front open so that the people can see

the altar. Casanna sashays out of the darkness behind the

altar dressed in bright-colored robes. The crowd is heard

talking quietly to each other, but go silent when Casanna

steps up the altar. Reflection of the flames dance across her

pristine face. Casanna looks at the order of the priests one

of them comes forward trembling before her with something in

their hand. Casanna swipes it from them and looks out at the

crowd.

CASANNA:

With the ashes of the ancient ones

I call you forth Marcus god of

fire.

She drops some ashes into the flaming dish before her. The

crowd gasps as a fiery image of Marcus appears out of his

pillar and hovers over the flaming dish in front of that

pillar. Casanna again looks angrily toward the procession of

priests. Another of them comes forward with something in

their hand, then scrambles back after Casanna takes it from

them.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

With this offering of sacred soil,

I call upon Karr keeper of mortal

souls to come forth and join us

here today.

The crowd again gasps as an image of Karr (a young girl)

appears from her pillar and hovers over the flaming dish in

front of the pillar. Another priest comes forward with

something in their hand to give to Casanna.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

With this offering of a lock of

your lover’s hair. I call upon

Fahleera goddess of water to join

Us here today.

More gasps as Fahleera appears from her pillar. A transparent

energy beam connects the three pillars in a triangle around

the priests. The clouds above part exposing a dark red moon

centered above the temple. Casanna looks up to the moon.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

Crimsonna I have come here to your

chosen people. I have brought forth

a trio of gods to serve you.

(MORE)

26.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

27.

I humbly call upon you great lord

to join us here and let us know

your wishes.

The sky rumbles and even the procession of priests show fear.

A concentrated beam of moonlight shoots down to Casanna. A

hand emerges from the dish of fire in front of Casanna

holding a golden staff with a dragon head. Casanna takes the

staff and the hand retreats back into the flames. Casanna is

levitated upward. Her body twists and vibrates and appears as

if she is going to explode. After a short time her body is

then lowered back down. Several priests come forward to catch

her and carry her off. The other deities also disappear and

the crowd starts to disperse.

INT. THRONE ROOM. DAY

Millaney, Sarnay and Rena are among a few other Shrkai

students Standing together. Three armed soldiers are behind

them. Casanna strolls in to look them over. A Shrkai

priest/priestess walks behind her.

CASANNA:

No males. They are only good for

one thing and too easily

manipulated.

She waves her hand and the soldiers remove three of the

students. She continues to walk in front of them inspecting

them like a drill sergeant. She pokes at them and makes them

each turn around. She is very handsy and even gropes them to

a certain extent. She reaches Rena who stands next to Sarnay

and Millaney is next to Sarnay, one other student stands to

Millaney’s right. Rena gasps, as Casanna looks her over and

tugs at her clothes.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

Really? Did your mother pick out

your outfit? Can you be any more

frumpy?

Casanna shakes her head then moves to Sarnay. She smiles when

she sees Sarnay’s punk look. She turns her around and gropes

her butt. Sarnay spins around and slaps at her, but Casanna

avoids the hit.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

Spirited! I like that.

She looks her over a bit more then steps over to Millaney.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

27.

28.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

I thought you were sending Shrkai

students?

PRIEST:

Yes. She was raised Shrkai. She’s

the top in her class, best with all

weapons and a top scholar.

RENA:

Only by a few points.

Casanna ignores Rena’s outburst.

CASANNA:

I take it you are a shipwreck

survivor, but how did you get

raised Shrkai?

MILLANEY:

My great grandfather is Shrkai. He

found me on the beach and raised me

in his family.

Casanna walks around her looking her over. She then walks up

to the last person, looks her over briefly, then steps

further back to look over the whole group.

CASANNA:

On your knees.

The students drop to their knees in front of the high

priestess, all except Millaney and Sarnay, who after sharing

a look with each other comply as well.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

We are all here to serve our lord

Crimsonna. One of you will be

chosen as my apprentice. You’ll be

tested every day even if you don’t

know it. You’re going to have to

fight for yourself. I’ll be

watching.

Casanna smiles turns dramatically and walks away. The

students are released. Millaney and Sarnay share a look of

disbelief, as they start to walk out of the room.

28.

29.

INT. PATRAH’S HOME GIRL’S BEDROOM NIGHT

Millaney and Sarnay are in their room dressed for bed. They

are seated together at a window seat near a tall arched

window. They can clearly see the beach and clear sky with

multiple full moons.

MILLANEY:

You know how Patrah is always

telling us about a balance of body

and mind?

SARNAY:

YA! Let’s go surfing!

MILLANEY:

That would be great, but I was

thinking of something else.

SARNAY:

Something other than surfing?

Swimming out to one of the tall

rocks?

MILLANEY:

NOOO. What has Patrah said about

how the creative arts stimulate the

mind?

SARNAY:

You want to work on our paintings?

Millaney shakes her head with a broad smile on her face.

Sarnay finally catches on and her face lights up like a

beacon.

SARNAY (CONT’D)

YA! Let’s do it!

They quickly get changed and grab some cases with handles out

of a closet. They sneak out of the house and head down toward

the beach.

EXT. THE BEACH. NIGHT

They carry the cases to a wooden bench on the sandy beach.

Millaney opens a case and pulls out a stringed wooden

instrument with a long neck, a pear-shaped body and arched

fret. Sarnay pulls out a woodwind that looks like an oboe

except longer and much wider. It also has two extra exit

horns each a bit smaller then the main center horn that can

be open/closed to change the sound. The two jam together

playing a few different tunes.

29.

30.

EXT. A STORMY SEA. NIGHT

Gaitlynne stands on a small sailboat holding a rope to the

boom in one hand and the rudder-arm in the other. Her sail is

in tatters. The strong winds push her tiny boat over tall

waves. The Shrkai Island can be seen in the distance with

Casanna’s ship anchored near some rocks.

THE BEACH. NIGHT

Millaney and Sarnay rest on the bench looking at the multiple

moons in the sky.

MILLANEY:

If Only Rena could be here.

SARNAY:

You really need to let that go.

MILLANEY:

She’s our friend.

SARNAY:

No she’s not. Maybe at one time,

but not since we were like ten.

Long silence as they look at the stars.

MILLANEY:

Well... I just don’t understand

what happened.

SARNAY:

Don’t trouble yourself with things

you can’t change.

MILLANEY:

Maybe we could do something.

SARNAY:

Millaney I love you. But you can’t

change the world. People are what

they are.

MILLANEY:

Forgive me for thinking we’re all

in this together.

SARNAY:

We’re not. Some people are in it,

some people are causing it.

30.

31.

MILLANEY:

Yes, but if we/

SARNAY (CONT’D)

/Stop! Just stop. Rena is

what she is and will never

change. Besides you’ll always

have me.

MILLANEY (CONT’D)

I couldn’t get rid of you if I

tried.

Millaney laughs. Sarnay playfully smacks her in the side.

They start packing up their instruments.

SARNAY:

So what about this human priestess?

MILLANEY:

Whatta ya mean?

SARNAY:

I mean she’s super sexy and

powerful and well... Human

MILLANEY:

Yes. I have to admit I am curious

about her, but if I wanted to be a

priest, I would have joined the

order years ago.

SARNAY:

She’s no ordinary priestess. I have

to admit, I wouldn’t mind having

such power.

Gaitlynne’s boat rides tall waves as it approaches shore.

Crashing on some rocks. Millaney seems to see something in

the water.

MILLANEY:

Sarnay something’s out there!

Millaney starts walking toward the ocean.

SARNAY:

What?

MILLANEY:

I think a ship has crashed.

Gaitlynne wades toward shore. Her leg is injured and blood

drips into the ocean water. She walks up onto shore. Millaney

and Sarnay rush toward her. Gaitlynne pulls a long narrow

sword out of its sheath. Millaney and Sarnay stop near the

point of the blade that is nearly as long as they are tall.

31.

32.

GAITLYNNE:

Who are you?

MILLANEY:

We live here.

SARNAY:

This is our island

GAITLYNNE:

You’re Shrkai?

She asked referring to Sarnay.

GAITLYNNE (CONT’D)

I’ve never met a Shrkai before.

SARNAY:

Yes. There are many of us here. We

are part of the dragon clan.

GAITLYNNE:

Dragon Clan? I’ve never heard of

it.

SARNAY:

Yes. Our clan was exiled centuries

ago.

MILLANEY:

You’re wounded. Let us help you.

GAITLYNNE:

Stay back.

She aims her blade at Millaney.

MILLANEY:

We mean you no harm. Please trust

us. We only want to help you.

GAITLYNNE:

Trust is something I grow short of.

The three stood quiet for a long tense moment.

MILLANEY:

Wounds like that from these rocks

can get very severe.

SARNAY:

Yes. Please let us help you.

32.

33.

Gaitlynne sheaths her sword and the girls come forward. They

get on each side of her and help her up the beach.

INT. PATRAH’S HOME NIGHT

Millaney and Sarnay help Gaitlynne into the home. They make

enough noise that their mother (Sarnay’s biological mother

and step-mother to Millaney) wakes up and greets them with a

shake of her head. The girls just smile back.

SARNAY’S MOTHER

Sarnay go fetch a priest.

She directs after seeing the wound on Gaitlynne’s thigh.

Sarnay exits and her mother comes over to help with

Gaitlynne.

SARNAY’S MOTHER (CONT’D)

Help me get her into the spare

room.

They help Gaitlynne down a hallway to a spare bedroom.

Millaney drags Gaitlynne’s heavy trunk to a spot near the

wall. Gaitlynne lays back on the bed and they cut away

Gaitlynne’s trousers.

GAITLYNNE:

Would you have anything to drink?

SARNAY’S MOTHER

Millaney fetch her some water.

GAITLYNNE:

Water? You got anything stronger?

Ever heard of Wiefing punch?

MILLANEY:

I’ll grab some wine.

As Millaney is headed out of the room, Patrah steps in. He

turns his head as Gaitlynne unbuttons her shirt.

PATRAH:

May I please ask what is going on?

SARNAY’S MOTHER

She’s wounded. We’re trying to help

her.

PATRAH:

I can see that. Where did she come

from?

33.

34.

GAITLYNNE:

My boat.

PATRAH:

Your boat?

Millaney returns with a bottle of red wine in a gourd

container.

GAITLYNNE:

Yes. Or what’s left of it. It

crashed on some rocks. Who are you

people?

She takes the container from Millaney and takes a swig of

wine.

PATRAH:

We’ve lived here for generations.

Who are you? Are you from the

mainland?

GAITLYNNE:

Yes. (takes another swig of wine)

and no. I lived on a barrier island

off the coast.

Millaney takes a rag and dips it in a bucket of water. Patrah

nods to Sarnay’s mother and she exits. Millaney starts to

clean the wound. The wound is quite wide and deep. Millaney

cleans the bloody rag in the bucket of water.

INT. INSIDE THE STEP PYRAMID. NIGHT

Sarnay runs through a narrow hallway. She knocks on a door.

YOUNG PRIEST (O.S.)

Yes. Who is it?

SARNAY:

Please sir come quick. There was...

an accident at Patrah’s home.

YOUNG PRIEST (O.S.)

What? Is Patrah alright?

SARNAY:

Please sir we need you right away!

YOUNG PRIEST (O.S.)

Alright. I’ll be right with you.

34.

35.

The young priest steps out of his room carrying a bag and he

and Sarnay hurry out of the temple building.

INT. PATRAH’S HOME. NIGHT

Sarnay and the young priest step into the spare bedroom.

Gaitlynne is now nude and lying beneath a thin sheet. The

priest stops for a moment. He is clearly confused and

perplexed by the sight of a seven-foot human woman lying on

the bed drinking wine clutching a long sword in her hand. He

then sees her wound and kneels beside her.

YOUNG PRIEST:

How did this happen?

GAITLYNNE:

I cut myself shaving.

The priest prepares a potion in a small metal container.

YOUNG PRIEST:

Here. Drink this.

He holds a very shaky hand out with the potion in it.

YOUNG PRIEST (CONT’D)

It will help with the pain.

Gaitlynne drinks it down.

GAITLYNNE:

Woah! Now that’s what I call a

drink. You got anymore?

Gaitlynne winces slightly as the priest starts to stitch up

her wound. Gaitlynne continues drinking wine. The priest

places some herbal leaves on the wound after he’s done

stitching it, then wraps a wide bandage over the wound.

Gaitlynne throws her sheet over her wounded leg, then aims

her sword at the Shrkai priest. Everyone steps back toward

the door.

GAITLYNNE (CONT’D)

Now get out. I grow weary of your

faces. Be sure to knock before

entering. I may mistake you for

someone else.

They all step out of the room and close the door carefully.

35.

36.

HALLWAY:

PATRAH:

You know you must not speak of

this. You are one of the newest

priests. I remember when you joined

the order. Please keep this woman’s

arrival between us for now.

YOUNG PRIEST:

Yes sire. I will stay here a few

days. To see that she is healing

well.

The priest bows and walks away carrying his bag. Patrah looks

at the girls. He shakes his head.

PATRAH:

Go to bed. We’ll talk about this

later.

INT. GAITLYNNE’S BEDROOM. DAY

Millaney and Sarnay bring Gaitlynne in a plate of food. She

starts to eat. The sisters start to leave, but Sarnay hangs

back.

SARNAY:

So are you a soldier?

Gaitlynne laugh/snorts as she takes a bite of food. Millaney

stops from leaving as well.

GAITLYNNE:

No.

SARNAY:

But you have armor and a sword?

Were you trained as a soldier?

GAITLYNNE:

I was a bounty hunter.

MILLANEY:

A bounty hunter?

GAITLYNNE:

Yes. I hunted people for money.

Millaney and Sarnay sit down.

36.

37.

SARNAY:

Is that why you’re here? You must

seek the high priestess that came

here. Is someone paying you?

GAITLYNNE:

No. This one is personal.

MILLANEY:

Why do you seek this priestess?

GAITLYNNE:

As I said, It’s personal.

MILLANEY:

Please tell me.

Gaitlynne leans back on the bed.

GAITLYNNE:

She murdered my husband. The only

man I’ve ever loved.

MILLANEY:

Why would Casanna want to kill your

husband?

GAITLYNNE:

She’s evil incarnate.

Gaitlynne continues eating. Getting a bit irritated. Millaney

and Sarnay sit quietly waiting for more detail. Gaitlynne

wipes her mouth on her arm.

GAITLYNNE (CONT’D)

She was younger than you when we

met. I was escaping a city that was

overrun by by an army of beasts.

EXT. WOODED AREA. NIGHT

(flaskback) Young Casanna is with a few other children. A

wagon has overturned in a gully. A younger Gaitlynne walks

down toward them. A man lies dead and the horse is badly

wounded still hitched to the wagon and trying to get up.

Gaitlynne walks over to the horse and ends its misery by

slicing its throat. She then turns to walk out of the gully.

GAITLYNNE:

Come with me. I’ll bring you to the

next town.

37.

38.

The younger children start to follow her, but Casanna who is

a bit older than the rest stays behind.

CHILD CASANNA:

We can’t just leave him here. We

have to perform the ritual of

passing.

GAITLYNNE:

We don’t have time to fetch a

priest. Come with us if you want to

live.

CHILD CASANNA:

He is a priest. I’ve aided him in

the ritual many times. I know how

to do it.

The other children stop. Gaitlynne shakes her head and turns

to look at her.

GAITLYNNE:

If you get it wrong. You could be

joining him.

CHILD CASANNA:

I won’t get it wrong!

Casanna stomps her foot like a child having a temper tantrum.

EXT. THE GULLY. NIGHT

A short time later. The younger children sit with drums and

flutes. One of them passes around an incense burner.

Gaitlynne stands nearby. Casanna prepares a volatile potion.

She makes it the same as she used to when aiding the dead

priest, but her body weight is far less and she does not have

his conditioning. She drinks it down. After a moment she

starts to gag and puke. She falls to the ground. Her body

shakes like she is having a seizure.

INT/EXT A DARK VOID DAY/NIGHT

Child Casanna stands up in a dark void as if she is floating

in darkness. She hears voices.

VOICE 1

Who is this child?

VOICE 2

Why has she come here?

38.

39.

VOICE 3

This is highly irregular

CHILD CASANNA:

I have come to aid the spirit in

passing.

SEVERAL VOICES TOGETHER

Silence!

VOICE 1

You do not speak here!

VOICE 2

You are not authorized to be here.

VOICE 3

This is highly irregular! Such

impertinence!

VOICE 2

What shall we do with her?

VOICE 1

Will anyone speak for her?

VOICE 2

If no one speaks for her, then she

must not be allowed to exist.

VOICE 4

I will speak for her. I claim her

for my house.

VOICE 2

Then it is done! Begone Child!

Young Casanna wakes up with Gaitlynne and the other children

hovering over her.

BACK IN GAITLYNNE’S BEDROOM

Gaitlynne pushes her empty food plate aside.

GAITLYNNE:

She’s had a hard-one for me ever

since. I don’t know why. Now clear

out.

She rolls over on the bed turning her back to Millaney and

Sarnay.

39.

40.

INT. PATRAH’S HOME. DAY

Millaney charges into Patrah’s bedroom. She starts to shake

him awake.

MILLANEY:

Patrah. Patrah. Get up!

PATRAH:

Huh? What is it?

MILLANEY:

It’s her! You have to come see.

She drags him out of bed.

HALLWAY OUTSIDE GAITLYNNE’S ROOM

Millaney leads Patrah down the hall.

GAITLYNNE (O.S.)

What have people done to me?! I

trusted you damned Shrkais!

The priest charges out of the room. He closes the door and

leans his back against it. A loud crash is heard in the room.

YOUNG PRIEST:

I don’t know what happened! She

thinks we’re to blame. I can’t calm

her.

PATRAH:

What are you talking about?

YOUNG PRIEST:

You’ll just have to see for

yourself.

The priest runs off. Sarnay joins them in the hallway.

PATRAH:

I’m coming in.

GAITLYNNE (O.S.)

Then come in if you’re so brave.

Patrah gestures for the girls to wait then enters very

cautiously.

40.

41.

GAITLYNNE’S BEDROOM

Patrah is stunned by what he sees. Gaitlynne is standing halfdressed. One hand is balancing herself by holding on to the

bedpost. The other hand she holds her sword. Her thigh is

still bandaged with a blood stain on the bandage. Her body is

covered from head to toe in scales. Dragon scales. Patrah

moves slowly to a chair and sits down.

PATRAH:

We have to get you off this island.

GAITLYNNE:

I’ll not go ANYWHERE with you,

until you explain to me what is

happening.

PATRAH:

You followed the human priestess

here didn’t you?

GAITLYNNE:

What does that have to do with

anything?

PATRAH:

She must have lured you here. Our

gods must be doing this. If we get

you off the island, their power

won’t be as strong. This might

reverse.

GAITLYNNE:

I have business here!

Gaitlynne’s shouts bring Millaney and Sarnay into the room.

MILLANEY:

No! Please don’t hurt him.

Millaney and Sarnay get between Gaitlynne and Patrah.

Gaitlynne relaxes, lowers her sword and sits on the bed.

GAITLYNNE:

These are your children?

PATRAH:

Yes. I am their great grandfather.

Sarnay is my grandson’s daughter.

She was born a few days after

Millaney came to us as an infant.

The girls go to either side of Patrah.

41.

42.

PATRAH (CONT’D)

We raised them together. They

are as close to me and each

other, as any family could

ever be. Our clan has lived

here for generations/

GAITLYNNE:

/Spare me the history lesson.

Get to the part where it

concerns me.

PATRAH (CONT’D)

We were the keepers of the dragons.

I believe our priests are using the

gods to turn you into a dragon.

Gaitlynne stands up using the bedpost for support. She towers

over them.

PATRAH (CONT’D)

We have to get you away from here.

GAITLYNNE:

I said before. I’m not ready to

leave.

PATRAH:

Is it the human priestess? Can’t

you see this is bigger than your

vengeance upon her? They must

somehow be planning to raise more

dragons and use them to invade the

mainland.

GAITLYNNE:

I’ll do what I must! Now either

help me, or get the hell out of my

way!

Millaney steps up to Gaitlynne. She looks at the longsword in

her hand.

Millaney puts her hand on Gaitlynne’s.

MILLANEY:

Just relax for now. Please. We’ll

do what we can, I promise.

INT. PATRAH’S HOME. NIGHT

Millaney, Sarnay and Patrah are eating on the deck

overlooking the jungle valley with the volcano in the near

distance. After a long silence with only the sounds of forks.

(not typical forks more unique say only two long prongs?)

42.

43.

PATRAH:

You do know what she has planned

right?

MILLANEY:

Yes Patrah, but we have to help her

somehow.

SARNAY:

Who is this Casanna anyway? Some

powerful priestess? What hold does

she have on our people?

PATRAH:

You’ve studied our ancient texts,

you know we are honor-bound to the

god Crimsonna and any of his

emissaries.

SARNAY:

Yes Patrah, but you also taught us

about the forbidden texts. About

how our society was banished for

starting a war using the dragons.

Surely we can’t repeat that

disaster.

PATRAH:

There are other ways of handling

matters like these. You know she

plans to murder her, right? And

you’re alright with it? With

helping her?

SARNAY:

I’m good.

Sarnay smirks.

MILLANEY:

She’s seeking justice for her

husband’s murder.

PATRAH:

Justice or vengeance?

MILLANEY:

Patrah. I’m not a little girl

anymore. What other justice will

she get here?

Long silence as Patrah thinks.

43.

44.

PATRAH:

Are you doing this in the name of

justice? Or helping her because

she’s a fellow human. You know what

this could mean for you? Our

society has hauled away all the

humans to a work camp. The only

reason you’re not with them is

because you’re in my family.

MILLANEY:

I don’t know that we should help

her murder Casanna, but we must

help her somehow.

PATRAH:

Yes. We have a few days at least to

decide. Gaitlynne’s wound will need

to heal. Sarnay will return to the

academy soon as well.

SARNAY:

Wait! You want me to go to the

academy? I can just stay here with

Millaney and study with her.

PATRAH:

You can be our eyes and ears.

Whatever we do, we’ll need to know

what is going on at the academy and

the temple as well.

SARNAY:

You want me to spy on our own

people? Oooh I think I could get

into that.

EXT. EXERCISE YARD OUTSIDE ACADEMY. DAY

Several days later, the academy is back in session. Sarnay

approaches the yard. Several other Shrkai students are

relaxing and talking before going in to the building. Rena

steps toward Sarnay.

RENA:

Well if it isn’t our favorite goth

girl.

Sarnay ignores her and keeps on walking.

44.

45.

RENA (CONT’D)

We’re all thankful they finally

locked up that traitorous b*tch you

call a sister.

Sarnay stops. She turns slowly and walks toward Rena. The two

fight. They are equally matched, but Sarnay wins and ends up

on top of Rena beating her. Althalos would be nearby working

on something or raking leaves, but he must be seen watching

and hearing the whole encounter.

INT. THE STEP PYRAMID. DAY

Sarnay is brought before Casanna. Casanna is lying on a

cushioned table with young strong shirtless Shrkai men

rubbing her down.

CASANNA:

Well I’ve heard reports on you. You

just can’t stay out of trouble.

Casanna shoos away the men rubbing her down. She steps off

the table wearing only a pair of lacy panties. One of the

young men hands her a robe and she puts her arms into it and

wraps it loosely around her waist. She saunters toward

Sarnay. The soldiers take a few steps back.

SARNAY:

Trouble? Me? NOOO way.

CASANNA:

Ya it seems you have a talent for

it. A talent I could make good use

of.

Casanna snaps her fingers at one of the soldiers. He steps up

to her. She holds out her hand. The soldier finally realizes

what she wants and hands her a sword. Casanna takes the

weapon from him and hands it to Sarnay. Sarnay holds the

sword in her hand. She grits her teeth and aims it at

Casanna. Sarnay considers stabbing her for a long moment

before shaking her head and dropping the sword to the floor

with a loud clang. The soldier comes over to pick up his

sword.

CASANNA (CONT’D)

You were right not to try it. I

would have frozen you solid.

SARNAY:

That’s not why I dropped it.

45.

46.

CASANNA:

Oh? Then why?

SARNAY:

I’m not sure to be honest.

CASANNA:

Hmm? I think you’ll do just fine.

Put her in a room next to mine.

Casanna starts to walk back toward the massage table.

SHRKAI SOLDIER:

Uhh... that room is being used by

one of the high priests.

Casanna turns to walk seductively over to the soldier. She

leans in close and caresses his cheek. The soldier is

obviously taken in by her charm as he leans forward with a

smile. Casanna leans in further and whispers in a seductive

voice in his ear.

CASANNA:

Don’t ever question my orders

again, or I’ll have you

disemboweled.

She turns to walk away. The soldier clearly takes a second to

digest what she said. He then snaps up straight, and goes to

take Sarnay by her arm. The two soldiers bow to Casanna and

escort Sarnay out of the room.

INT. PATRAH’S DECK. SUNSET

Millaney is leaning on the half-wall overlooking the jungle

valley with the volcano in the distance. The jungle is alive

with sounds of birds cawing and hooting. She leans on the

half-wall. Sarnay walks up beside her. Patrah has gone to

bed.

SARNAY:

I’m all set. They actually gave me

a room near Casanna’s. You know we

have to do this.

MILLANEY:

We do? We have to help an assassin?

SARNAY:

She’s not an assassin. Her husband

was taken from her. Casanna is

nothing to us. She is misleading

our people.

46.

47.

MILLANEY:

She’s a life.

Millaney shakes her head and starts to walk away.

SARNAY:

I’m doing this with or without you.

Millaney stops. Without turning around she answers.

MILLANEY:

Tonight then. Be ready to go.

INT. THE BACK DECK. NIGHT

Gaitlynne is dressed in her leather armor. Her sword is

sheathed at her side. The dragon scales visible on her face

are much more noticeable. There are two small horns on her

head poking through her silky black hair. Millaney, Sarnay

are with her.

Sarnay starts to strap on a sword-belt. Millaney stops her.

MILLANEY:

No weapons. We will not fight our

own people.

Sarnay looks to the tall warrior maiden. Gaitlynne smiles and

nods. Sarnay removes her sword-belt.

SARNAY:

We should get going.

Sarnay clasps Millaney’s hand in hers. Gaitlynne reaches out

over the rail and grabs a tree limb. She climbs down into the

dark night. Millaney and Sarnay follow right behind her.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE COMPLEX. NIGHT

Gaitlynne and the girls reach a tall stone wall. Gaitlynne

easily reaches up to grab the top of the wall and pulls

herself up. She lays quietly on top of the wall. There are

two Shrkai guards stationed near a firepit. Gaitlynne reaches

down and pulls up Millaney. She then lowers her quietly on

the other side of the wall. She does the same with Sarnay,

then drops down herself. The three of them sneak their way

closer to the guards.

MILLANEY:

Please don’t kill them. They didn’t

kill your husband.

47.

48.

Millaney whispers to Gaitlynne. Gaitlynne nods, then moves in

toward the two guards. She gets close enough to them without

being seen. The two guards look up together to see the tall

warrior maiden hovering over them. Gaitlynne knocks their

heads together. Gaitlynne moves to the side door of the

temple. The girls soon join her. She pulls on the latch

finding it unlocked and eases it open. They step into the

torchlit temple.

INT. INSIDE THE STEP PYRAMID. NIGHT

They creep through the narrow stone halls. Millaney and

Sarnay guide her to some stone stairs and they move their way

up to the next level. Gaitlynne takes a torch off the wall.

They reach a solid wooden door and Millaney points to it,

then steps back. Gaitlynne kicks in the door and steps

inside. Millaney and Sarnay stay out in the hallway.

INT. CASANNA’S ROOM. NIGHT

A woman is sleeping under the covers of a bed with only her

head and blonde hair exposed. Gaitlynne steps up to the bed.

She pulls her sword.

GAITLYNNE:

Get up!

Her voice is strained. The changes happening to her are

effecting her vocal cords.

GAITLYNNE (CONT’D)

Get up I tell you.

She kicks the bed.

GAITLYNNE (CONT’D)

I want you to see it coming. Get up

I say!

She yanks the covers off the bed. A human woman with similar

appearance to Casanna is tied up and gagged on the bed. She

looks up at Gaitlynne holding a sword. Casanna and several

armed Shrkai soldiers step into the room. Two of them are

each holding Millaney and Sarnay. They have their hands over

their mouths. The girls struggle to get free.

CASANNA:

Did you really think I would let

you kill me that easily?

GAITLYNNE:

Easy or not. I shall kill you!

48.

49.

Gaitlynne charges toward her. Casanna waves her dragon staff.

An energy field surrounds Gaitlynne stopping her in her

tracks. Casanna walks past her. Two guards come over and

remove the sword from Gaitlynne’s hand.

CASANNA:

Now could someone please get this

b*tch off my bed. I wish to sleep now

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