EXT.

WEAK BLIZZARD A fox scurries past a tree in this vast, snowy valley, searching for food but to no avail. It's a scene fit for a Yuletime sleigh to come dashing across, butThe fox appraoches a marching band of men, garbed in pelts and wool blankets. They are soldiers of the SOUTHERN TRIBE, far from home, marching in a line together, cooks, carpenters, soldiers and generals. The fox is frozen, peering up at the line of marching men. It doesn't even see one of them kick it in the back. At the head of this string of marching men is ADLARTOK, the prince of the Southern tribe. He sits atop a leather hide tied tightly around four branches, held up by four other men, carrying it like a casket on their shoulders. ADLARTOK holds two pebbles, a leaf, and a broken stick in his palm. He rolls them around in his hand LIKE DICE and lets them fall onto the mat. He inspects the results. He picks it all up again and does it once more, but it seems to tell him nothing. One of the men carrying him, AGUTA, speaks up, however sheepishly. AGUTA What are you doing? PRINCE ADLARTOK (MELANCHOLY) I promise I am not toying with you, merely these rocks. AGUTA Can you read them? PRINCE ADLARTOK No. AGUTA ...Then why are you even tempt what comes along with them? He peers up from his sticks. His eyes go dead, peering off. The sticks and stones lay on the mat in front of him. AGUTA ...Adlartok? SWIPE. He non-chalantly knocks the materials off his riding pad and into the grass and snow. The men surrounding him flinch, wince and moan. Prince Adlartok turns around and gives them a look. Don't you dare whine. It does no good. The men go on marching; unnerved by their own king's treatment of what could be considered sacred items. Our Prince turns to our pleasant, yet anxious, confidont and royal advisor, Aipa. PRINCE ADLARTOK My good friend Aipa, please hand me my ruler. Aipa reaches into a satchel and pulls out a slide calculator. The Prince

appreciatively takes it and begins clacking away on it. PRINCE ADLARTOK I'm going to run the numbers again, and this time, I won't be factoring in Aga's warnings. Aipa is DISMAYED. AIPA I don't wish to repeat the words already spoken, but why? PRINCE ADLARTOK And I don't mind repeating myself. Because it is simply necessary. AIPA Oh, I see...So you won't be factoring in what exactly? PRINCE ADLARTOK Rations, man hours, that sort of thing. AIPA As opposed to weapons and lives. Adlartok falls sullen again. AIPA What is the point in all this busy work? Sliding the calculator, fumbling around with sticks and stones? What is it you are questioning?

Adlartok tacks away at the calculator. PRINCE ADLARTOK I am not questioning, I am preparing; if things go as bad as Aga propheized, then we'll know what to do. But if all goes to plan, we need to know our limits. AIPA (APPREHENSIVE) Fine, fine...though it is said that even questioning the... ADLARTOK stares at AIPA. AIPA ...That even by questioning the OrderPRINCE ADLARTOK (FINALLY PUSHED OVER) Superstitious! You're being superstitious! I can't even do some multiplication without you running your scaling hand down my back? AIPA We're already angering the spirits by even marching. Aga told us, Adlartok. She told us there is only great misfortune on this trip. The signs, the order said it all in the prediction tombs. They beg us to retire, now. But you pray, then, that fate will just make an accommodation for a King. PRINCE ADLARTOK ...For a prince, Aipa. My father is still king, and he will be burried in his crown.

ADLARTOK hops off of the carrying mat, and pats one of the men on the shoulder as they fold up the royal carpet ride. Our two over tasked tribesmen take a walk and speak privately outside the hearing range of the marching men. AIPA Do you believe he was murdered? Maybe by a YUPIK assasin? Maybe one of the men of the TUSERK? PRINCE ADLARTOK No. And it is not why we are marching, Aipa. So put it out of mind. Father's death was not timely for us, but it was timely for him. He was old. And ready. AIPA (CONCERNED) But it was so fast, Adlartok. It was like he was poisioned. A look of deep understanding from Adlartok. Close up, and a beat. PRINCE ADLARTOK I know. AIPA I wish I could have known what he'd have to say about this...The East tribe at ends with The West. PRINCE ADLARTOK I'm going to do run my numbers in the back, for a little bit of privacy. He mushes through the snow and Aipa looks on. They travel on until night fall... ROYALE YURT ...and then sleep under the stars, dozing off as the camp fires die. Sounds of snoring and late night chatting. The PRINCE is slumped over pawing at the sand floor inside his royale YURT, mapping out a battle field on the ground with stones and sticks. AIPA, and two other HIGH RANKING OFFICIALS are there. A dim fire lights the yurt, and the mood is quite serious. HIGH RANKING OFFICIAL ONE The West tribe, accompanied by their leader, the mighty Tuserk, have set up camp in the northern clearing, and may attack their opposing force in the morning once again, while the Eastern tribe sit to the south of the valley, bidding their own time and constructing defensive blockades. Scouts tell us, they're using the forest and it's lumber to house themselves in. PRINCE ADLARTOK Hmph, it would be a first. The Eastern tribes fight like rabbid dogs with no common sense in them, never one to learn to just hide from the hawk Adlartok creeps over the map, hovering over it for a better view. ADLARTOK these red pebbles here, do those represent the Tuserk's archers?

To the north west of this ice age football game strategy map, we see red pebbles, on the north end. GENERAL ONE I'm afraid that there were not enough red pebbles at hand- For now, you must imagine the neutral pebbles and the enemy pebbles. Specificity, the Eastern tribe's long range attack force. Imagine a lot of those. The mood is again grave. PRINCE ADLARTOK I see...Then learning is eventual. Even for the rabid dog, hmm hmm. And we enter here, in the east? GENERAL ONE Tomorrow morning, we enter and take center stage, and make our call for a treaty. PRINCE ADLARTOK Do you believe they will listen to reason, my friends? They hang their heads in unknowing. AIPA That depends. What was their reason for going to war in the first place? PRINCE ADLARTOK ...God help me. Why is it under my rule that the kingdoms go to war...After hundreds of years of peace? AIPA You are not cursed, sire. PRINCE ADLARTOK Ha! I know it. If I'm cursed than so is the world, and if I'm blessed, I'm still no better than the poorest man. GENERAL TWO ...But you are to be a king. PRINCE ADLARTOK ...Yes, and I'm sure the western tribe no doubt have a spear fit for one. The fire crackles on, though only embers now. The prince stands up and lays another log in the fire, and tends to it. PRINCE ADLARTOK We'll meet ourselves between the wolf and the hawk... A fox runs up to the entrance of the yert, his silouhette appears alert and oddly proud. Only the prince see's his likeness. PRINCE ADLARTOK And I suppose that makes us the f-

GENERAL TWO The whale. Adlartok looks questionably at General Two.

PRINCE ADLARTOK The whale? Aipa and the generals laugh at this, Prince Adlartok sneers warmly. PRINCE ADLARTOK Yes...I suppose so, are we not called by others as the bloated kingdom? AIGA We'll plop our selves down right in the middle of the valley and waddle about hoping it puts an end to their fighting. The Prince and Aipa share a chuckle. the prince looks off to a corner of the room, smacking his lips, and twirling his fingers, in thought. PRINCE ADLARTOK Mmmm. He looks on, SPACING OUT on the FOX licking his paw. AIGA Adlartok. You're drifting again. PRINCE ADLARTOK Do you feel that our catapults will hold? Or would you rather believe the medium? Will their ropes snap like hair, and fall apart where they stand? Just as my brother predicted? His cabinet is a tad perplexed. GENERAL ONE My, it seems your pride is falteringPRINCE ADLARTOK I wasn't asking you. I want to know what you think, Aipa. You haven't said a word about it all night. Tell me, as a friend, what you really believe. Will our catapults hold? Or will they crumble to dust? AIpa is still, and then begins to search for his words. He lets out a sigh. COUNSELER ANGG ...They will break. PRINCE ADLARTOK Then I'll be the optimist. The Prince cordially rounds up the pebbles and drops them into a satchel, the rattling of the stones drives off the fox. THE ARCTIC FOREST The army marches on, wheeling the catapaults as everyone heaves and hos together. The king is walking, and quite vigariously. The wind nips at him and he pulls his coat over him again. His gaze is focused, his mouth speaks whispered words constantly, his mind a buzz. AIPA Adlartok. The Prince is startled. PRINCE ADLARTOK Y-Yes Aipa?

AIPA We are eastbound a half mile from the valley, which it seems has been branded with a nick name. PRINCE ADLARTOK Really? Only a half mile...The men are prepared to begin cutting wood for lumber, are they not? AIPA (HUMORED BY WHAT ADLARTOK HAS SAID) Oh yes sir, they're prepared. They're prepared to do whatever you think is best. Happy? Refreshed? Oh, I don't know. PRINCE ADLARTOK (OBSESSIVE) That is neither here nor there, I only wished to know if all is according to plan. AIPA Yes, Adlartok. PRINCE ADLARTOK And Aipa? AIPA Yes? PRINCE ADLARTOK When we are conferencing with the other tribes and their leaders...Refer to me as sire. And never by name. Aipa is understanding but non-enthusiastic. Yes sir. PRINCE ADLARTOK Good, good. Alright,yes, good good. ADLARTOK turns around and stands still, as the army marches past him. He apprehensively watches all the soldiers passing by, perhaps a little crazed in his intenviness, nodding to each one. THey nod back, sometimes nervousl smiling. AGUTA, hauling heavy loads on his back, instead has a snarl on his face for his king as he walks past. Adlartok doesn't notice. AIPA, though, gets offended and calls out AGUTA, angrily. AIPA (SARCASTICALY) You there! The Prince's lift. AUGTA Yes, couselour? My name is Aguta. AIPA You're so often the spunky one, aren't you. Wy are you looking so down, huh? Is it because the prince seems to be in a dark place. Well your low spirits will not be helping anyone! AGUTA Hmpth. We'll be sleeping in between flying arrows tonight. Perhaps my son would have preferred that I stay at home where my arteries would be safe, but the Prince insisted I be here with him. Ever since the fighting began the prince grows more and more irrational...and pushy. And I'm simply in no mood to smile either. AIPA You surprise me, Aguta...With your naivety. The

man is going to exercise his muscle when there is blood being shed! Imagine for a moment that you have any responsibilities in the world, at all. Maybe a smile could help HIS disposition. He's doing what he can to help and maybe you should, too. AGUTA The man denies his people's religion...what kind of man does that? AIPA You...you have no idea what you're talking about. AGUTA Oh, I do. The king never goes against a prophecy's fortelling. And we've always been happy, we've always been safe! Why stop now? AIPA raises an eye brow, he does not seem happy. AIPA I heard the prince last night. Even he fears his death will come by nightfall. He said it himself, he'll find himself upon a spear. So don't go thinking this is some kind of trip to pick berries, and the order tells us the trip won't be fruitful. He needs to do this. What choice does he have? AIPA takes his depression else where. CUT TO The journey finally reaches it's zenith. Upon a hill, they look down upon the densely populated forest. Adlortok takes a step ahead of the crowd, and courageously takes a knee. He points out a clearing in the forest. PRINCE ADLARTOK There. That's the valley. AIPA If I may? PRINCE ADLARTOK Let's hear it. AIPA This valley, it has two nick names. The Eastern tribes have come to call it Stand off passage. PRINCE ADLARTOK Stand off... A beat. The wind blowing Adlartok's hair about A boisterous soldier pipes in. SOLDIER The Western name does not bode as well! PRINCE ADLARTOK What? SOLDIER They have been calling it, The Blood Spark Valley. Adlartok looks over the valley, a cold sweat brewing in him, though he

remains reasonable. PRINCE ADLARTOK Blood spark, eh? Isn't that concerning? Oh but the Western tribes, everything is bruises and welts to me. Isn't that right, Aipa? AIPA Wha-oh, yes. Of course. PRINCE ADLARTOK No slacking. Pick up your feet gentlemen.

CUT TO EXT. FOREST HILL The hauling of heavy gear and heavy men, sliding and balancing themselves off of tree's as they tread down the hill. The ground levels out, and the tree's lessen up. There's enough space now that one could stretch his legs and begin smoking his pipe, resting for a moment. Gatherers and woodsmen begin chopping down trees and picking berries near by, never ones to take a break. Adlartok makes his way down the hill, holding his arms out and keeping his balance on the branches. He reaches the leveled out ground and begins making his way around. ADLARTOK Yes, this will be a fine spot to make camp. We're guarded by trees, so we won't be out in the open, and there's really no telling where we are. Yes, I think it will be good. A couple of lean and fast looking men race up and stand attentive to Adlartok, they wear brown leather over their mouths and carry small knives in their sheaths. Our prince thinks over what he's going to do with these scouts. CUT TO

the SCOUTS miles down at the SOUTH end of the valley, near the Eastern Tribe's empament, (or so they say). The TREES here have been BOARDED up. Planks nailed straight across the trees, making for a WALL. It seems oddly quiet compared to... CUT TO The WESTERN TRIBE at the north end of this small valley, in which SMOKING YURTS catch the eye and the sound of MEN WORKING echo from. The scouts rush back to their camp to report what they've seen. CUT TO SCOUT Cousnleor Aipa! Counslouelr Aipa! AIPA The tribes, are still present?

SCOUT The Tuserk's men are still here, but the Eastern tribe...They may or may not be. Their camp was quiet and boarded off completely. As if someone wanted to seal in the bad spirits. All three of them share a moment of eerie chills. AIPA I'll inform the prince. Go find something to eat. AIPA reaches ADLARTOK, sitting by the fire, with bustling work all around him, he seems focused on the drawing in the dirt and muttering to himself. Aipa approaches him with caution; he's like a mad man working out an equation. AIPA The scouts have returned with strange news. ADLARTOK Mmm? AIPA It's the Eastern tribe, they remain unseen and unheard. As if their camp is abandoned. Without a trace. ADLARTOK ...Then the scouts are ready to investigate further? AIPA Yessir. And meanwhile you'll be making counsel with the Tuserk? ADLARTOK Well...I'd like to have spoken with the more rational of men first..But I suppose the fates have tossed us a spoiled egg already. He stands up, brushing off his clothes.\ ADLARTOK Let us fertilize with it. You and I will go see this wall for ourselves and bring with us a defense force.

ADLARTOK But-! There may be an ambush, or a terrible accident-! AIPA is mortified. ADLARTOK solemnly registers this and nods his head. ADLARTOK That's why the defense force is here. If you wish to stay, my friend, I wouldn't blame you. But if you do come, remember... The prince stands up and begins to walk off. He turns his head back to AIPA and looks at him out of the corner of his eye. ADLARTOK ...I'm your sire, nothing more. OUTSIDE THE WALL - DAYLIGHT A group of men, lead by the silent yet thoughtful Adlartok, approach the boarded off and eerily quiet walled up forest, from about a quarter mile

off. A hawk flies above them and caws as it soars above and over the wall. Two soldiers peer up at this bird, guarding their face from the sun. Another solider runs up along the crowd and shakes Aipa on the shoulder. He turns around and hears what the man says, whipsering in his ear. Aipa responds solemnly. AIPA No, I'm afraid we cannot stop marching, but hurry now behind some bush and be quick with your business. A group of five soldiers with bow and arrows and little ways up are laughing and clapping hands behind each other's backs. They smoke on pipes. A little ways up is a man with a heavy load of water barrels falling over and spilling it, then being helped up. At the front of this group of fifty men is Adlartok, who is as thoughtful as ever. He pulls out a stick from his pocket, and then from his other pocket, a couple of rocks. He roles the rocks around in his hands briefly and then puts it all away again, nestling his hands in his pockets. A HEFTY SOLIDER, wearing little clothes though sporting much hair growth all over his body, speaks to the Prince. HEFTY SOLIDER Are you in need of more warmth? ADLARTOK Aye. And are you ever not? HEFTY SOLIDER Haha...Take this, sir. With this much meat on my bones I won't need this fox pelt. ADLARTOK (KINDLY) Then you are lucky to have both. The hefty solider laughs again. ADLARTOK You like that, huh? HEFTY SOLIDER Are you sure you don't need the extraAdlartok raises his hand. ADLARTOK Go bring me something to drink instead and I'll play with you some more. He is off. Adlartok marches on, a little cold, but he must appear tough for his people now. CUT TO Adlartok and co. arrive before the WALL'S BORDERS. There is a series of wooden planks and boards nailed against the trees, crudely, but effectively. The army comes to a halt and falls at ease, chatting and smoking. ADLARTOK touches the wall, studying it, and the HEFTY SOLIDER approaches him again, now with a cup of steaming tea. ADLATOK Thank you. He takes a sip and breathes it in, deep...Then its time to face his men. The Prince's demeanor changes from benign and kind to forceful and demanding of respect; he doesn't quite have the act down, though. ADLARTOK

I want the entirety of you to send the Eastern tribe a message. Before we so rudely intrude on our brothers, we will call on them. In our most earth shattering voice! He turns to face the barricade and begins screaming a chant ADLARTOK COUN-SEL! COUN-SEL! COUN-SEL! People begin joining in and screaming at the tops of their voices at the wall. Time skips ahead as we see that they have been yelling for maybe fifteen minutes to no avail. ADLARTOK's voice becomes very hoarse, and he becomes quite irritated. ADLARTOK Quiet, quiet now. I don't think it's going to work. The crowd dies down. They catch their breath and clear their voices, some fall over in exhaust. ADLARTOK looks down in intense thought, crosses his arms, and mutters to himself without thinking about it, then COMES OUT OF IT. ADLARTOK Let us hoist one man on another man's shoulders and have him climb that tree, there. And he can look beyond the wall and tell us what he sees. Two men do so, who climb the tree and take a look around. ADLARTOK watches anxiously, but the man calls to him from the tree with benign news, gesturing at the ground beyond the wooden wall. SCOUT IN TREE Nothing! There is nothing there! Just forest! Adlartok is at a stand still. SOLIDER So what now, Prince? ADLARTOK does not respond, lost in his thoughts. SCOUT IN TREE ADLARTOK! ADLARTOK! He looks down the way at the scout. SCOUT IN TREE I think I see a, a, I don't know what! Something looks funny in the wall down there! It's go time. ADLARTOK Let's march! The men wind up a square hole in the wooden wall, indented. and another board behind it, suggesting it may be a sliding door. ADLARTOK Hmm... NAMELESS SOLIDER Do you wish for someone to knock on it? ADLARTOK ...I'm still thinking. the Nameless soldier backs away like a lowly dog, but is then ushered forward by a signal from Adlartok's finger.

ADLARTOK Yes. Knock on the door, would you? He gets on his knees and knocks on the door. Nothing happens. Still on his hands and knees, he looks up at the army behind him. He gives an expression of "I dunno" ADLARTOK Go on. See if it slides open. He slides it open a little bit. The group gasps and mutters, ADLARTOK looks on. The NAMELESS SOLIDER looks behind him again, and then back to the door. He finishes sliding the door open, then sits back, nervous. NAMELESS SOLIDER A door. He stands up and brushes himself off. ADLARTOK cocks his head. ADLARTOK (SARCASTICALLY) Hmm? You aren't going in? He gets a couple of laughs as the NAMELESS SOLIDER passes by ADLARTOK who pats him on the back. ADLARTOK Vexing...What to do now? NAMELESS SOLIDER 2 Perhaps you send someone to search for the encampment? ADLARTOK Alone? Wandering into who knows what? I wonder why I would do that... NAMELESS SOLIDER 2 S-Sir, don't we want to, maybe, reach the encampment? Speak to the people there? Isn't that...urgent? The crowd grunts and mumbles in agreement. ADLARTOK (CRYPTICALLY) Hmmm...Isn't it? He stares at the soldier, who only stares back, perplexed. He shrugs, and returns to stroking his chin and starring at the hole. The men all together let out a disperate sigh. AIPA approaches the prince, weary. AIPA Adlartok, You must consider your men and their sense of honor they have towards you and following you...You frighten them, they've seen you like this before and know what happens when you fall too deep into thought. ADLARTOK Aye. AIPA We've marched here, followed you here, and now it may appear as though...your the one clenching up now. ADLARTOK looks up at AIPA, raising an eye brow. He then shuts his eyes affirmitively. ADLARTOK

I only require a bit more time to think. AIPA sighs and returns to the soldiers. Taking a seat on the ground next to a soldier. AIPA Yes, the Prince only needs a little more time to think. ADLARTOK I've made my decision. Aipa SPRINGS up. ADLARTOK I want twenty men beyond this border, carrying a message of peace and counsel to the camp beyond. If they can't be reached or nothing is found before sun down, you return here and meet with an away camp that will lead you home. Understood? The Soldiers affirmatively grunt. ADLARTOK Good. Nothing is happening. ADLARTOK Well? AIPA Who is it to go? ADLARTOK Oh..well...You there. HEFTY SOLDIER Who, me? ADLARTOK Yes. You decide the other 19 that goes with you. HEFTY SOLIDER Aaah...? He rubs the back of his neck, and picks out the nineteen men. No one seems happy to be picked, but hey what can the hefty soldier do about it? ADLARTOK (WEAKLY) Very good, thank you, thank you. HEFTY SOLDER You're welcome. The twenty men then mobilize around the hole. A nameless soldier hesitantly drops to his knees and slowly pokes his head beyond the hole. Everyone is silent, and still, and the soldier doesn't move or speak. He very slowly continues in. Adlartok motions for another to go in. with much less hesitation the next man drops to his knees and crawls in, but as his head makes it past the wall, he suddenly stops. ADLARTOK's eyes twitch at the sight of this. The SOLIDER pauses, then continues in. The Next soldier drops to his knees. ADLARTOK Ey ey ey ey.

AIPA Hmmm? ADLARTOK Do you two see anything? Any sign of life? Do you see anything at all? A beat. BEHIND THE WALL No. Nothing here at all. Another beat. Silence. A third soldier without thinking drops to his knees, but Adlartok GRASPS his shoulder. No.

ADLARTOK I'll have a look. ADLARTOK approaches the hole and drops to the ground, crawling forward. His head slowly pokes past the wall. AIPA What do you see? Sire? SIRE WHAT DO YOU SEE? ADLARTOK says nothing, and simply, continues to crawl through. He's on the other side. The wooden door closes. Aipa rushes in afterAIPA PRINCE!? And in a panicAIPA PRINCE!? PRI-! He very nearly stabs himself in the eye with a spear. Three are pointed at his head He can see a hundred their bodies pressed Tribesmen sitting on heads, with a couple with his arms behind men on eiter side of him, JUST BEYOND the wall, all against it to stay hidden. His fellow Southern the ground, scratching their beards and hanging their spears limply pointed at them, and Adlartok being held his back, scowling.

Aipa crosses through, a spear is gestured at his face, and he sits down, looking beaten. The next soldier crawls through, gasps at the spears, but the SPEARMEN gestures with his finger to his lips: SSSSH. CUT TO a bustling little make shift town, with people working about; carrying lumber, hammering and sawing, yurts being erected, and even some children and women cooking and playing with animals. It's a jubilant scene, though our PRISONERS are uncomfortable. AIPA Who know the Eastern tribesmen were so...

ADLARTOK Pleasant. ADLARTOK mostly looks pissed. When a SOUTERN TRIBE SOLIDER looks him in the eye, ADLARTOK scowls back - the soldier grins stupidly, exposing his rotting teeth. A VOICE shouts out, loud, MASCULINE. The crowd of people make way for this BOISTEROUS MAN, as he steps out from a yurt. "HOOOO!" Before we catch sight of his faceCUT TO ADLARTOK extreme close up. As this man speaks, Adlartok's face melts from utter contempt to enjoyment. BOISTEROUS MAN (O.S) Ah, I see you've finally brought us back our lunch! Good job, men. Though they do look a little too scrawny to eat. I'm not feeling peckish, anyway. Though, Perhaps we are more in need of some light entertainment...You! Musician! I'll carve you up some flutes from their bones! With laughter in his heart, we see this royal warrior, lean and strapping, come to step before ADLARTOK, his white teeth gleaming, he looks as though he is both warm and joyful but VERY intense. Like Santa Claus on speed. He wraps his arms around ADLARTOK, and embraces him, who is taken aback. The SOUTHERN TRIBE people cheer and clap hands. THE BOISTEROUS MAN releases ADLARTOK, and takes a step back, breathing him all in. Our prince has but one word to say. ADLARTOK Loovik. LOOVIK Look at them. Look at them, these familiar specters! These are the benign Southern Tribesmen. It has been TWO generations since last the royals of our tribes met in person, but, aaah, here we are again! Our brothers! Here again, ahahaha! The entirity of the Adlartok's men are confused and maybe even frightened at the celebration going on around them, and leaves them on edge. AIPA in particular, who is being bounced around by Eastern tribe soldiers. ADLARTOK Loovik, your men captured us very swiftly and effectively. Was that little plan your idea? LOOVIK Hmm? Oh, yes! You liked that, didn't you? "Beheading the Curious Fox." I invented it! Just for the occasion! It captured you; and soon those dogs of The TUSERK! The bastards will come one by one, and one by one we'll slit their throats. ADLARTOK Is the plan fool proof? LOOVIK It worked on you, didn't it? And you're no fool. The all fore-seeing and mystical Southern tribe predicted nothing, now those curious little foxes

shouldn't stand a chance! The Crowd roars in agreement. A hawk flies above, caws. Adlartok watches it. ADLARTOK The Tuserk is no fox. He finds cunning to be a childish trait. LOOVIK Of course of course. He likes to think of himself as a hawk! Phooie. I've never been maimed by a hawk. What's so forceful and direct about a bird? The two kings begin to walk together. ADLARTOK We're the curious little foxes, Loovik; We snooped and poked around, getting caught in traps. But the Western Tribesmen, they aren't ones to do that. They'll find another way. LOOVIK And what exactly does that mean? ADLARTOK That earthly properties don't inhibit them. LOOVIK Earthly properties!? Oh, like walls of sturdy oak!? And swarms of wily assassins and killers!? Loovik raises his arm to the air, his men go crazy for it. LOOVIK (TO ADLARTOK) Let's see them spread their wings, already. ADLARTOK I wouldn't put it past them. Something becomes SOURED for Loovik. LOOVIK (IRRITATED) Hmm? What was that? ADLARTOK I just saidLOOVIK That they can FLY? Who told you they can FLY? ADLARTOK ...I simply meant that they are an inventive people. LOOVIK (INTIMIDATION) Oh, I see. And what makes you say that? I mean, what have you, as the prince of the Southern tribes, heard about this INVENTIVENESS imbued of the Tuserk? ADLARTOK ...I think I may have said the wrong thing. LOOVIK No, no no! You've said nothing out of line! You've just walked all the way here, to MY battle grounds, disrupted MY trap, to deliver ME the message that MY preparations and fighting spirit

are IDLE action...Because the Tuserk's men will trample me, thanks to their assured "inventivness," Is that about right? Loovik stares deep into Adlartok. The party commences beyond them, music being played with crude drums and rattle makers. LOOVIK (DARK) ...What do you know? ADLARTOK chokes. He lashes out. ADLARTOK (FLUSTERED) NOTHING! I-I really know NOTHING! I came here only to find out WHY you and the Tuserk are fighting! That is ALL! I-I SWEAR TO YOU. Our prince stands attentive. He can't look Loovik in the ye now. LOOVIK Hmph. So you could then, what, start the repairing process? ADLARTOK Perhaps. LOOVIK You wish to solve a problem you did not create. You want to look like the innocent little Southerner, peering into the battle grounds, waving around a feather for peace. But you're prepared to pick a side in order to solve this problem, hmm? You just need to know WHICH side, first. That's why you're here...Which side are you on? ADLARTOK (BACKED INTO A CORNER) ...GrrrRR- WE DON'T KNOW WHY YOU ARE FIGHTING IN THE FIRST PLACE! WE CAME HERE SEEKING COUNSEL! NOT TO BE DRAGGED INTO A WAR! I SWEAR, IHe catches himself. ADLARTOK (DESPERATE) I swear to you, Loovik, we are here to learn. Only, to learn. The Southern tribes men are taken back, while the Eastern tribes men act like highschoolers OOOHing and laughing at his eruption. Loovik's demanour twists around again, light on his feet. LOOVIK OOooo, very hot stuff! Shooting fire from the mouth! Though maybe a little rain, too, YUCH! LOOVIK wipes something off his chest as if he was spit upon, and then with the same hand wraps his hand around an annoyed looking ADLARTOK. LOOVIK I believe you, I believe you! Who ever said I didn't!? ADLARTOK (SHAKEN) You did. I-I-I, I told you that I didn't know anything and-but you just kept going! AndLOOVIK laughs into the sky, and ADLARTOK wipes his brow and composes himself.

Loovik steps out, arms crossed. He faces our prince, his back to his men, his camp, whordes of women, and even Adlartok's imprisoned soldiers. The only thing that has Adlartok's back are the mountains and forest. ADLARTOK Allow me some counsel. We will sit down and drink tea and discuss everything. LOOVIK Let us talk now! Go on. Talk. ADLARTOK With tea. Formally. Around a counsel fire. Loovik thinks for a second... He JERKS his hand out. Adlartok jumps. Then shakes Loovik's hand. LOOVIK Fine, as long as you know, that I know, that you're full of it. You're not just here to discuss the fighting. ADLARTOK (LYING) ...But, I am. LOOVIK You'll take a stand of some It might be with me, and it Tuserk, depending on if you as we say here in the East, even an old woman - it's an catch the gist. ADLARTOK Right...right. LOOVIK Come with me come with me! Let us eat and drink by the fire, ayeee? EXT. LOOVIK'S CAMP FIRE LOOVIK leads ADLARTOK and his men to a bon fire. Everyone sits on the ground, except for LOOVIK has a log chair. ADLARTOK sits across from him. He looks around his men, as if a mother inspecting her children; he looks deathly, but still nurturing. LOOVIK snaps his fingers, and he is draped with a blanket and given an ottoman. He relaxes. But here's Adlartok still just sitting on the ground. It's embarrasing his men. Adlartok shoots up to his feet. ADLARTOK (NERVOUSLY BUT URGENTLY) Aah, tribe leader Loovik, per-perhaps you have something for me to sit upon? LOOVIK (SPEAKING WITH HIS HANDS) No, no, I understand who you are, Adlartok. Your men look to you to match my royal attire, but they misunderstand that your humble equality with them is far more regale. It is refreshing to see, please, keep your seat. Adlartok bows; Though Aipa eyes him as if confused. Was that real appreciation or reverse psychology? sort. I'm sure of it. might be with the believe his lies. And don't trust anyone, old saying, but you

LOOVIK So! You have travelled far. Can I get you something to drink? ADLARTOK Please. LOOVIK Greedy little thing. He snaps his fingers again and Adlartok is given tea. ADLARTOK When did the fighting begin? LOOVIK Not long ago. About...thirty days back. The Tuserk was up to something and we knew it. ADLARTOK Do tell. LOOVIK They're developing a weapon, something special. A beat. LOOVIK Perhaps something that could fly. ADLARTOK Fly!? LOOVIK (MOCKINGLY) Well, its just their obsession, isn't it? Soaring with the eagles? Its all they talk about in the west. "The kingdom of the sky!" Oooo. Maybe if we weren't entrenched by the fiercest wild lands known to man we could think to watch the clouds for a moment. LOOVIK proverbially pokes Adlartok in the ribs. ADLARTOK Mhmmm. LOOVIK I'm not saying that's a good enough reason to go in and attack the man! I had my spies find out that they have plans to rule ALL the kingdoms. ADLARTOK ... LOOVIK It's not so strange. Their whole culture is based on conquering and back stabbing. Remember, they weren't always a united people. Their region was once a series of tribes, but now, it's all rulled by The Tuserk. I wouldn't expect you to know this. And that's fine. The Southern tribesmen have always been naive to the ways of the war mongers. And that's just the way I like you! ADLARTOK Why is that? LOOVIK It's as if you're the ray of sunshine. We hear stories about your summer time solstice festival,

oh yes. It sounds as if you people do nothing but prance around in the forest and casting spells. Hahaha. It's good to know someone out there isn't taking things so seriously. ADLARTOK Really? It's not because we'd also be naive of your war mongering, as well, is it? LOOVIK No? ADLARTOK You spy on the Westerners, living among them, creeping past their borders unlawfully, and then, you admit you made the first attack. LOOVIK Yes. Quite like a straight shooting arrow, then, aren't I? Non-wavering, attacking my only target head on- trust me, you wouldn't get the same treatment from that monster. ADLARTOK Come now. LOOVIK That slippery devil. I'd only have him beat over the head with a rock if I could. Have him sitting right here, over the fire, first. ADLARTOK What kind of talk is that!? What has he done!? LOOVIK He has betrayed the trust HE installed in me! I may have been spying on him but it is only because I sensed it was necessary. You see, little Adlartok...My father, he... ADLARTOK He died? LOOVIK ...Yes. And I am now to be Kinged. Isn't it ironic that he, too, and YOU, await to be crowned king of their respective people? At the same time? ADLARTOK ...What? LOOVIK Your people have not crowned you, yet, correct? Your father only died a week ago? ADLARTOK Yes. LOOVIK You are still in mourning? ADLARTOK There is no time for mourning. LOOVIK Exactly my feelings. Not when I recieve news that BOTH your father AND the former Tuserk expired at nearly the same time. And my Father, as well. Died in his sleep.

ADLARTOK Was he poisoned? LOOVIK HA! Loovik claps his hands. LOOVIK You're asking me? ADLARTOK bows his head. LOOVIK Not only is all this clearly disconcerting...but the simple fact remains that I know they plan to rule all of the known world and sit on it like fat kings, not soaring eagles. ADLARTOK ... LOOVIK ...Anything else you wish to ask? ADLARTOK ...I suppose I would like something to drink. LOOVIK (TO HIS SERVANTS) A milk! ADLARTOK And something for my men. LOOVIK (TO HIS SERVANTS) Lots of milk! ADLARTOK We should drink up and leave soon. Very soon. LOOVIK ...What do you mean? ADLARTOK Excuse me? LOOVIK (STANDING) Your feet aren't more tired? You're arms, they aren't needing of more rest from all this heavy lifting, eh? We have much to discuss! Still so much for you to learn about the West. ADLARTOK But, I...ILOOVIK No, no! You're not wearing out your welcome! I promise, I enjoy your company! Plus, your hastiness to leave...it makes me think you are in a hurry to get somewhere... ADLARTOK No...Of course not. LOOVIK Good, I truly believe it to be so...And a milk for me, as well! CUT TO HOURS LATER

It seems the entire encampment is drinking milk. Men slack off from work, standing around the fire, along with their Southern Tribe captives, listening to one of LOOVIK's hunt stories. LOOVIK And then, as I crept over the bush and held aloft my arrow, I thought to myself, if I only my arrow was on FIRE. SO! I sat down as quickly as I could, and I rubbed the sticks together as harshly as I could, with vigor and vigor and firey vigor! And something sparked, and an ember...I quickly used it to light the arrow, I reached up, the beast was still there, and...I LET GO! The beast took it in the eye! A steamed meal inside his furry head, all ready to eat! This got a laugh out of the people, and some of them even clapped. Loovik takes the applause magnanimously, and takes his seat. Adlartok sits down near by, like jabba the hut and princess leia. ADLARTOK You really began a fire with two sticks as a bear charged you? LOOVIK Yes and absolutely. ADLARTOK Well thats...impressive. LOOVIK Haha, thank you! ADLARTOK Far more exciting that the uses we've found for shrubbery back home. LOOVIK (INTERESTED) ...Oh and what's that? ADLARTOK Oh you know... Our heroic prince looks over the distressed and beaten expressions on the faces of his men, and AIPA, who sheds a tear. He goes on with his lusterless babble. ADLARTOK Prophecies. Ancient traditions used to tell the future...sometimes I think the mystics and spirit chiefs are just toying with sticks and stones, but then again... LOOVIK So then, what do they say? ADLARTOK What do who say? LOOVIK The mystics? Wha-what do they say? Adlartok stops to read Loovik's face. The man looks anxious, and jumpy. Superstitious. Adlartok gets an idea.

ADLARTOK They've said many things. LOOVIK Did you ask for their input on your ventruring out into the wild or not? ADLARTOK Yes, yes we asked for their input. LOOVIK's people begin to mutter amongst themselves, a tense hushness. LOOVIK And? ADLARTOK Well...The prophecy...It did not bode well. LOOVIK What!? ADLARTOK It is nothing to worry about! The prochicies are just old play rituals, nothing more! Loovik rises from his seat and steps back from Adlartok. LOOVIK What did she say! ADLARTOK She said...she said I and my men would be cursed. LOOVIK And you bring these evil spirits HERE? TO MY GROUNDS? ADLARTOK Sir, you musn't worry! These are old women making these prophecies! Old, decrepped things, probably close to death, themselves. LOOVIK (UNDER BREATH) Good god. LOOVIK Get out! GET OUT ALL OF YOU! OUT NOW!

ADLARTOK and his men rush out from the way they came, chased out by flying rocks and bowls of milk. LOOVIK No! No! DON'T THROW ANYTHING! DON'T EVEN TOUCH THEM! IT'S EVIL! EVIL! Loovik's men and women run away, screaming. Adlartok and his men and sprinting back into the darkness of the forest. His face reads cunning delight. EXT. FOREST WALL ADLARTOK himself reaches down and helps up the last man to come out from the wall's small hole. AIPA So, what do we do now? Adlartok only gestures at the other end of the valley. The Tuserk's end.

ADLARTOK We know Loovik will attack the Tuserk sometime tonight. But all things considered, they may have some rituals to conduct before they feel right enough to attack. To drive out whatever bad energy was left there by our curse. C'mon men. They begin their tread back. AIPA You see, then?! You see?! ADLARTOK Yes I DO see, Aipa. I saw that our supposed curse just saved our lives. The men began to mutter amongst themselves, even cowering from Adlartok a little. ADLARTOK What? Oh, you people are doing this again!? He stops walking and turns around to scold his men. ADLARTOK Aipa, do you see? I'm supposed to lead these men, care for these men, treat them with respect, and yet they cower from my every thought! From every waggle of my finger! He gives AIPA an example, and indeed the men do cower from his waggling finger. ADLARTOK I just FREED us, DAMNIT! Adlartok spins around and plants himself in the snow, his arms and legs crossed. A beat. The wind blows. AIPA What hell. Your job is to feel empathy for those who you share no likeness. ADLARTOK That's right, Aipa. AIPA Then perhaps we are exactly alike. ADLARTOK's eyes come alive. He rises and faces AIPA. AIPA We're in this together, Adlartok. Are your men running off in fear? We fear for our lives, yes, but...we won't leave your side. Aipa steps out in front and bows. ADLARTOK (EMPOWERED) Alright then. We have infiltrated the Eastern tribe's encampment and come out of it alive, thanks to all of us. We return to camp, and then it's off again. To meet the Tuserk! ADLARTOK'S ENCAMPMENT

The Prince and his men return, taking their pelts and heavy gear off. ADLARTOK himself makes his way to the fire, and sits down by it, alone, as his men refresh themselves. He rubs his eyes and yawns. He gets lost in the LICKING, DANCING flames. He dozes off... Blackness. AIPA Sir? Sir? ADLARTOK jumps awake. ADLARTOK What?! What!? How long have I been asleep? AIPA Only, maybe a minute sir. ADLARTOK Oh. He takes a look around, making sure everything is as it was. ADLARTOK Yes, yes. Well, sit with me. AIPA Sir, the men will need maybe an hour to ready for march. ADLARTOK digests this, and then stands up, brimming with his certain kind of O.C.D energy. ADLARTOK Men of the Southern triibes! You have fifteen minutes to make proper preparations! Then, we are on our way! The men moan and groan and move about slowly, instead of rushing to the finish. ADLARTOK Go on! Go! Get a move on! AIPA You really feel we don't have an hour to waste? ADLARTOK I don't, Aipa. My body is rest to sleep, but if I rest now, I'll be groggy by the time I speak to the Tuserk. And I'll need my wits about me. Tea, please, Aipa. He ignores the request. AIPA None of us slept either, you know. ADLARTOK And they can rest when we return from the Tuserk. Until then, it is their duty to do what I say. AIPA They aren't your playthings. ADLARTOK And I'm not theirs! Go, now, tea!

AIPA stands still, angry tears in his eyes. AIPA No. Adlartok steadies himself. ADLARTOK ...Please Aipa. I do not mean to mistreat you. But I need this, now. I need your allegiance. AIPA Mpff. Right away, "sire" He walks off, shouting at men to pick up the pace along the way. "Go on! Hurry up! The King won't be taking any rest! Go on!" Adlartok watches this with a pain in his heart, but it's not for thinking about now. He goes to drawing in the dirt, and discussing the plan with himself. EXT THE TUSERK'S ENCAMPMENT Adlartok and his men, in the dead of night, reach the Tuserk's deathly encampment. This time, there is no great gate, or anyone to lead them to camp, they simply walk in, surrounded by dark fellows, drinking quiety, over camp fires, some drink from iron cups and flasks, alone. It is a grave and serious scene. One yurt towers over all. It is more like a circus tent. Every eye seems to be on our hero, glowing in the darkness. Not one of these glaring eyes stands up to greet Adlartok. ADLARTOK Hello... No response. ADLARTOK We are men of the southern tribes. We mean you all no harm. I am the king and I brought with me protection, nothing more. No response. ADLARTOK T-the Tuserk, that must be his tent there, is it not? Or maybe not? Some people mutter among themselves, but none of them from Adlartok's troupe. They are all deathly still. WESTERN WARRIOR The great yurt. Go. No one will follow you. ADLARTOK Thank you. Why would they...follow me?

The warrior is solemn as a stone solider. The great yurt LOOMS over ADLARTOK, and it's guards greet our prince with little admiration. They move their spears for him, and him only. AIPA and the rest are left outside. INT. GREAT YURT

He passes through the yurt's beads, and is hit with the smell of roasting meat. All around him are women eating and drinking, sitting on pillows, near small stone pits with fires brewing in them. A large silk curtain cuts the yurt in half, a small slit at it's bottom catches Adlartok's eye. He walks through this room, the women giggling and whispering as he crosses by. Before crossing over, he turns around.

ADLARTOK Is the Tuserk beyond here? He takes one look around at the women lounging about in the room. ADLARTOK Or are you one of you supposed to be him? They SNICKER and whisper under their BREATH. Adlartok makes no sense of this, and walks through the drape. INT. TUSERK'S ROOM The room is dark, and the shadows loom large. The scent of incense thick.Chests treasures line the walls, the finest rugs lines the floor. The light from the cooking pits illuminate the red silk, and a blood color rinses over this royal space. The Tuserk sits upon throne of pillows, his Genghis Khan-esque appearance is recognizable even in silhouette. He puffs on a long, long pipe. THE TUSERK Adlartok...It is a pleasure...and a shame, to see you. ADLARTOK You know my name? THE TUSERK Is it not your father's name, and his father's, as well? ADLARTOK Yes. THE TUSERK Another young man, come to sell me on the ways of the spirit world, and how it mirrors and effects our own? ADLARTOK The only world I worry about is the one I can see. THE TUSERK Ah. And something does worry you now. ADLARTOK It does. THE TUSERK And it concerns the placement of my army, adjacent the fiery Loovik? ADLARTOK Firey? THE TUSERK Yes. You expect me to call him a dog? I have only the up most respect for my peers. As do you.

ADLARTOK Loovik claims to have spied on you. The Tuserk lets out of a puff of twirling smoke. THE TUSERK Really. ADLARTOK You didn't know? THE TUSERK No. And I always know. He must be lying. ADLARTOK He says he spied on you, and that it was obvious from the intel...You were planning a massive take over. THE TUSERK You've betray the Loovik's trust in your loyalty quickly. If I wasn't going to trust you beforeADLARTOK But you were going to, weren't you? Trust me? THE TUSERK Mmmm. Loovik will have your head, now. ADLARTOK Not if you protect me. As I have come to protect you. THE TUSERK I can kill you, and it would be so easy. ADLARTOK What!? THE TUSERK Is that why you prefer me to him? Because I'm a more ruthless killer? ADLARTOK is shaken, and doesn't speak. THE TUSERK Because it's not true. THE TUSERK transcendent from his pillowy throne and approaches ADLARTOK, still smoking his pipe. THE TUSERK I could never kill you. THE TUSERK places a hand on ADLARTOK's shoulder, and smiles warmly; he has has decidedly KIND EYES. THE TUSERK Thank you. ADLARTOK The kings of our tribes, they have had mutual respect towards each other for generations and generations. THE TUSERK I know. It is an important bond. And now, once again, the Tuserk and Adlartok are to be brothers for another age. Strength has brought you here, Adlartok. Now be strong enough to rest.

The Tuserk leads Adlartok to a chest. He hunches down and opens the chest up and shows adlartok a scroll. WE THE AUDIENCE DO NOT SEE WHAT IS ON THE SCROLL. Adlartok is marvelling at what he see's. ADLARTOK These are plans to construct...Some type for flying? THE TUSERK My best engineers, my best scientists, and even my most imaginative children, all came together and may finally met the hawk on it's own territory. ADLARTOK But, this seems so implausible. THE TUSERK Oh? The Tuserk STANDS UP to meet Adlartok at EYE LEVEL. THE TUSERK What if I told you that it's complete? ADLARTOK I'd hope it was well put together. THE TUSERK The design looks flimsy to you? ADLARTOK It looks...innovative. THE TUSERK But it could never work? ADLARTOK Its not that it's just, the whole thing seems to be over my head. THE TUSERK Ah. Maybe you'll get to see it in action soon. ADLARTOK When I visited Loovik, he seemed very active with his people, leading them, constructing with them. I don't want to criticize, but I wonder why when I come here, you are alone and secluded. THE TUSERK Because my people live by the virtues of solemnity. They don't need to be herded, or whipped. And at the same time, they're most efficient, and much more intelligent than the Eastern man. ADLARTOK I thought you said you wouldn't call them dogs. THE TUSERK Oh, no, they are most decidedly men. I mean no disrespect when I state the facts! Only great pride. We educate ourselves, and educate each other. The Western tribes of course, they just want to keep playing with their sticks. He taps out his pipe, pockets it, and breaths a heavy sigh.

THE TUSERK And you've solidified my belief! Loovik says there are spies amidst my coven? Impossible. We know every man, and we guard every treasure. ADLARTOK You never know. He didn't fill me in on the details, he could have done it quick, really quick! THE TUSERK Quick or slow, no ear could have listened in to my private discussions without being cut off. There were no reported thefts, no reported oddities, no reports of ANYONE of this nature. ADLARTOK Then maybe theres no spy. And Loovik's liar, is that any reason to kill him? THE TUSERK No. ADLARTOK Then why are you locked in combat? That is all, all I want to know. What is this all about? THE TUSERK ...He lacks compliance. I could beg for peace, but what would that solve? The man attacked me. So I suppose waiting until he does it again, while preaching love, is that the better option? ADLARTOK It could be done. He only hurts you because he thinks you're hurting him. THE TUSERK Lies. He has nothing on me. He attacked without warning. He says to you that I'm a killer, that I'm planning something. It makes no sense. ADLARTOK is lost for words. He'd like to test something on him. ADLARTOK You know...my people have for tolled of a dark energy surrounding this valley. A bad omen for all who are here. THE TUSERK And? ADLARTOK The spirit chief, the eldest mystic our tribe has seen in ages, asked the order to tell her, What will happen in the Blood Soaked Valley? THE TUSERK And what did she say? Adlartok SCREAMS horrifically. THE TUSERK WHAT'S WRONG? ADLARTOK She became a banshee! It was unlike anything we've seen before! She howled and cried! So we marched here. To tell you.

The hairs on The Tuserk's neck are standing up. THE TUSERK Quite chilling. ADLARTOK So you see, you mustn't hurt Loovik. You need to pack up and leave this place as soon as possible. It only spells danger. THE TUSERK Are you through with this ghost story yet? ADLARTOK What? THE TUSERK It's a trick that won't work, Adlartok. Why do you lie to me? You want to look more like a Easterner to me? Don't soil our brotherhood so soon. ADLARTOK I-I'm sorry, you must imagine, though, the stress of the situation. Everyone calls each others liars. THE TUSERK You have better make your choice soon before it's too late to choose either...Boy. ADLARTOK Please, sir He drops to one knee. ADLARTOK ...If you won't put an end to your fighting...Then at least let me help. THE TUSERK What's that? ADLARTOK It's true. I don't believe in the prophecies. But there is no doubt in my mind your battle with the Eastern tribes will be a bloody one. If I can do anything for you...Please, I just want to help your people. Any people. THE TUSERK You would lay your men down for me? ADLARTOK No. I would do so, for your men. THE TUSERK Fine. You may join me. But you must be quick about it. ADLARTOK (STARTLED) Why? When did you plan to attack? THE TUSERK Soon. Very soon. COMMOTION. Screaming and running coming from outside. The two kings trade glances and run outside.

EXT. THE TUSERK'S CAMP ADLARTOK Whats going on here!? Adlartok's men run and race around, screaming and swatting at their backs. They look as crazed loons, running from ghosts. The Tuserk's men chase after them, as if trying to catch a greased and wailing pig. Two guards come OUT from a PARTICULAR TENT and rush out to help. Not long after, one of ADLARTOK'S MEN come out from behind the tent and SNEAKS IN. No one see's. The Tuserk whistles and shuts everyone up, except for a few wimpering and crying men of Adlartok. THE TUSERK Why are we all so upset? SOUTHERN TRIBE SOLDIER H-he said he could see the evil spirits! They were everywhere! WESTERN TRIBE SOLIDER Sir, one buffoon started screaming about the order, and it upset the others. THE TUSERK Well have we all calmed down now? The Tuserk gives Adlartok another glance over. THE TUSERK What was that? Some other clever ruse? Was that supposed to have frightened my men into cowardice? ADLARTOK I promise youTHE TUSERK There's no need, Adlartok. We've seen Loovik's little fence. I could think twice about luring myself into their death trap. Taking the back door would be more appropriate. ADLARTOK Oh, oh god. THE TUSERK What? ADLARTOK They're on their way already, aren't they? THE TUSERK It seems I should have begun the attack even earlier, yes - I've made the order. ADLARTOK (PANIC) I- I have still have men stationed with the Yupik people. I still have men there! THE TUSERK Why would you do a thing like that? ADLARTOK It was necessary - in order for me to be allowed

out! I must retrieve them! They'll be killed in your raid, they won't know whose side to be on! THE TUSERK Oh, they won't? ADLARTOK Please, I-I-I'll return! I'll return here, I promise! I must get my men to safety! Please! THE TUSERK (JUDGING) Hmmmm. ADLARTOK waits for no answer, and starts to leave. He can feel The Tuserk's gaze on his back. He rushes to his entourage and points forward; the mass of them make way with their king. The Tuserk's men do nothing to stop them, but stare at them all the way out. EXT. VALLEY - MIDDLE POINT They're at a jogger's pace back, heading home, ADLARTOK at the fore front in a mad hustle. AIPA catches up with him. AIPA Sir, what's happened! Inform, inform! ADLARTOK It's not good, Aipa. They're attacking Loovik's camp from the rear, and in none too long. The whole camp will be annihilated! C'mon! Run faster! AIPA But how did you get out? ADLARTOK I told them we still have men stationed at the other camp. AIPA So you lied your way out. ADLARTOK I did what I had to. INT FOREST WALL The soldiers stand ever vigilante against the wall, and become more alert with fear as the sound of an army approaches. They ready themselves, the stampeding feet of the Western soldiers coming closer and closer, just beyond the wall, now. The little sliding door SLAMS open, and the spears ready their pointat ADLARTOK's face. ADLARTOK Take us to Loovik! Now! INT YUPIK CAMP Spear exercises, with Loovik leading them like an aerobics class. His mood is self-assured and larger than life, but it changes to a white dread as he catches glimpse of ADLARTOK and his following army. LOOVIK

What is this, a joke!? I told you to LEAVE. NEVER COME BACK HERE. ADLARTOK Loovik, you must listen to meLOOVIK And pay you more mind than you, me? Where is your respect? LOOVIK is finally close enough to ADLARTOK to hit him, and he does, upside the head. LOOVIK WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, YOU CURSED RATS? ADLARTOK (ON THE GROUND) I SPOKE TO THE TUSERK! The Loovik and his men break fall silent in gasp.

ADLARTOK He won't fall for your plan, h-he is deliberately moving all of his troops far around the valley, and hit you from the behind! LOOVIK What!? WHEN!? ADLARTOK I don't know, it could be, it could be soon, or it could be right now! You've got to listen to me! LOOVIK swings around and raises his arms to his men. LOOVIK Soldiers of the Wolve's paw. Load up your supplies and ready the armaments. It is now time for war! The men break out in a frenzy of preparation, and LOOVIK marches sternly to his private yurt. ADLARTOK can't help but follow. INT. LOOVIK'S PRIVATE YURT Inside Loovik's yurt, the mood is much more humble than at The Tuserk's. There is nothing but a fire, a few swords, and an older woman roasting fish. ADLARTOK So then, you're just going to head them off, huh? That's the plan? LOOVIK And you have a better one!? ADLARTOK Speak to him! LOOVIK stops, and is still, as if Adlartok is inside the eye of the storm that is Loovik. ADLARTOK Come with me, we'll go together and speak The Tuserk, personally. LOOVIK He'll slit my throat. ADLARTOK

He'd trust you if I was there! And you need to trust me. LOOVIK Why? ADLARTOK Because I'm here. LOOVIK Ha! ADLARTOK Hmm? LOOVIK I'm thinking then, it's more pertinent, that you trust me. Adlartok CHOKES back a bit. ADLARTOK And sh-should I!? LOOVIK Yes! What are you so nervey for! You're the one who came here, telling me, it's time to go, the Tuserk are attacking! ADLARTOK I DID, but I didn't order you to attack! I ordered you to listen to reason! LOOVIK Bah! LOOVIK turns and leaves the yurt, Our prince FOLLOWS. EXT CAMP ADLARTOK He is willing to make peace! He only attacks because he believes YOU are the war monger! He promises your information is wrong! Whatever information you think you heard, its WRONG! Lightning strikes. A moment after thunder claps, followed by rain. Loovik howls in laughter against the rain. LOOVIK Hahaha! Really, he really says THAT? Wow, what a sneaky little devil. I'd like to spit in his lying mouth. ADLARTOK I just need proof. LOOVIK Of what? ADLARTOK Of what you're claming! Of this war he's starting! LOOVIK Why? ADLARTOK so I can... Loovik stops in his tracks again.

LOOVIK So what then, so you can run back to your precious TUSERK and tell him ALL about it? ADLARTOK If you tell me what you know, it can only help your case. LOOVIK ...I don't think so. LOOVIK takes off again, and ADLARTOK after him. ADLARTOK You can't be serious! LOOVIK I suppose he claimed to have nothing to do with the deaths our fathers, then. ADLARTOK ...Of course. LOOVIK And I'm sure you're just so convinced of that. ADLARTOK No. But I'm not convinced that YOU'RE an innocent, either. Or that it was all fate's hand. It's all up in the air. LOOVIK Hahaha. Stick by me, stick by me, you'll excel quicker that way. LOOVIK playfull, but forcefully, grabs hold of Adlartok and PUSHES him forward, and forward. ADLARTOK Stop! Stop! LOOVIK You're coming with me, kid! INT. MILITARY YURT Loovik swings open the FLAPS of another yurt and quickly starts equipping his armor, surrounded by men doing the same. Adlartok rushes in after him. ADLARTOK This is suicide! Killing your fellow man, that is suicide! He is a part of you, isn't he? LOOVIK What? Stand back! Loovik comes marching out of the yurt and looking proudly over his slowly self-preparing army. ADLARTOK comes out behind him, looking deathly serious. ADLARTOK You'll meet his men on the battlefield...even considering the circumstances of the prophecies? Loovik's pride diminishes. He turns around. LOOVIK You don't know much about OUR old ways, do you? You people may get by with tossing stones and

rocks, but we fear that sometimes a SACRIFICE may be in order. Adlartok turns pale. LOOVIK But let's be honest. The only ones who need to be sacrificed are the Tuserk and his enablers. But you, you are not enabler, are you? Adlartok cannot stand it any long. He simply shakes his head. LOOVIK Pray for me, that I am lucky in battle. LOOVIK takes off. Adlartok composes himself, and then looks up, calling out. ADLARTOK Aipa! Aipa! DENSE FOREST - DAY BREAK Adlartok and Aipa jog along with swafts of their men, who surrounded by all sides by Loovik's army. They duck, weave and push off of trees to keep themselves moving. ADLRATOK Watch out, watch out! AIPA I can keep up, sir. You just need to focus on yourself! He doesn't respond - too focused and nervous. One of his soldiers begins running along side him with a report. SOLIDER Sir! Some of the men are too weak to go on, sir! They're reporting illness, a-and weak joints, sir! ADLARTOK How many? SOLIDER About 5, sir. ADLARTOK Let them go, but make it known that all others must stay, NO MATTER WHAT... unless they want to leave. Adlartok nods at the solider. CUT TO The "sick" and weak soldiers lagging behind, chatting amongst themselves. They're all faking. WEAK SOLIDER (TALKING TO HIMSELF) I don't want to fight I don't want to fight don't want to fight . I

WEAK SOLIDER I swear, if this doesn't work, I'm just making a break for it. WEAK SOLIDER What if they don't let you?

WEAK SOLIDER What! I'll scream out, this is slavery! He's marching us to our doom! We wouldn't fight in a war under NORMAL circumstances. But under a curse!? WEAK SOLIDER Sssh! AIPA appraoches them. They all stand still, AIPA looking at them judgmentally, not unlike Snape. The armies run past them like a river. AIPA So. You're all allowed to go. BUT - Adlartok is only allowing five people out of the entire legion to go leave. For each of you who leave AIPA points. AIPA One more of your brothers must stay. The soliders look amongst themselves. They feel ashamed for how they've acted, but also very angry that they've been duped into staying. They begin the march again, begrudgingly. Aipa Returns to his king's side. AIPA Sir, I dealt with the soliders, and good knews, they've all decided toAIPA cuts himself off. To their left, a series of men rushing to the fore front, carrying loads of cut lumber, as if to assemble something. Something large AIPA and ADLARTOK give each other a look, and then begin sprinting. They catch up to the marching Loovik, who appears triumphant already. LOOVIK Ach! He rings his arm around Aipa's neck. LOOVIK Maybe a little assassin? Going to prick me in the back and watch me pop like a bubble? ADLARTOK Let him go! He releases Aipa, who brushes himself, cowardly like. Adlartok approaches the Loovik prince. ADLARTOK We saw men carrying loads of wood. What is that you're going to do with those, wield them yourself? LOOVIK No. Friend, I'm going to build catapults. ADLARTOK Catapults!? Catapaults...Loovik theres something you should know.

LOOVIK Mobile catapults, designed to be constructed on the fly. We invented the technology ourselves, and kept it a dear secret. I doubt their kind has ever even heard of it. ADLARTOK Loovik...The catapults. LOOVIK'S prideful GRIN BENDS into a SNEER. LOOVIK If you want to speak, then speak. ALDARTOK ...It's just that...I'm impressed with them. Loovik's lips twtch uncomfortably, as he attends a cheeky expression. They lock eyes. LOOVIK As I am. Loovik looks ahead, Aipa taps Adlartok on the shoulder. ADLARTOK Not now. Our prince comes up shoulder to shoulder with Loovik. . ADLARTOK I think it's only your duty, to uphold enough respectability, to take part in a few conversations about peace once this whole bloody affair is done, don't you think? LOOVIK Peace, that's more like it, let's talk about peace. That's what we're aiming for today. Some peace. ADLARTOK But you just won't have it with the Tuserk alive? LOOVIK Haha, if I really wanted him dead I should send you back to him. Maybe you'll bite his head off like you do mine. You're feisty, you know? ADLARTOK When this battle is over, will you sue for peace? Loovik is looking triumphant again, and vital. LOOVIK Well, I suppose it is only right. Sure. It is a man's world, but women and children are the currency. ADLARTOK Then try and spend as little as you can. LOOVIK Oh Adlartok. You are king, and yet you do not bask in the riches of your own empire. ADLARTOK Empire?

LOOVIK Yes! Empire! You think the Southern tribe was always led by a king of your bloodline? That no one ever attacked anyone, or burned anything, in your heritage? That certainly would be a wonderful joke. A prosperous culture who never harmed a fly. ADLARTOK You seem to know my history better than I. LOOVIK No I suppose you have your detailed records, but those only can only tell you so much. I'm sure there was a time when blood was spilled, so that yours may be royal. It's the truth we all kings must live with. ADLARTOK And whats the point of this little speech, Loovik? LOOVIK Simply to respect an empire. Yours. They come out of the forest and into a clearing, larger than the Stand Off Valley, with very little trees. The men are assembling the catapults. LOOVIK It's so...white. Loovik is upon the clearing, basking in it. ADLARTOK Really. I can only see red. Time passes... EXT. LARGE CLEARING The Tuserk and his army hustles across this tundra, as the man himself leads, traveling by throne. His archers look fierce. Dressed in black, sharp armor, as if smoke were rising off their shoulders and then frozen there. Hundreds of them. One is able to pluck off a bird with his bow at a distance. Like it was nothing. They come around the bend of trees, and there they see waiting for them...Loovik. The Tuserk squints his eyes. What is he doing here? And as they continue on, they see them: THE TUSERK'S ASSISTANT Catapaults? This dark army comes to a hault. The Tuserk is fixated on the wooden contraptions, looking on in disbelief. They stay out of range of the catapaults, and continue along, circling around Loovik like cowboys in a gun fight. Very slowly. LOOVIK Wait until they're in range, boys. Then we fire on them, reload the catapults, fire again. The trees are enough protection for us. But the walking dead men out there, they can't

hide from a rock barrage. ADLARTOK I'm feeling sick now, Loovik. I'm feeling very sick. LOOVIK (FOCUED) Sssh. Just look, look. They're scared. The Tuserk dismounts his chair. He comes out in front of his legion. He draws his own bow and arrow, and shoots an arrow right into the ground, in the front of his foot. ADLARTOK What's he doing that for? LOOVIK I don't know...At least he's doing something. The Tuserk army is still, and unmoving. The Tuserk himself standing just behind his arrow, seemingly cool. LOOVIK He's not going to move past that spot. ADLARTOK Is he? LOOVIK No, he'd be smashed. Loovik finally turns around. LOOVIK Now listen up everyone...When I count to three...I want us all to, as QUICKLY as possible; push the catapults to the left, so that they're aiming just beyond that arrow. Ready men...One...Two...THREE! They dash out from the woods and push the catapaults to face The Tuserk. LOOVIK And FIRE, ON ONE...TWO... The archers still stand. Loovik clenches his fist. The Tuserk readies his bow at the ground once more...then points it towards the sky. His army follows suite. LOOVIK THREE! The men LAUNCH THE CATAPAULTSWHICH BARELY FLING the ROCKS. The catapults FALL APART AT THEIR SEAMS. The Tuserk begins laughing heartily. His army begin laughing. It's a rare sight indeed. Loovik's tosses his hat on the floor and stomps it out. His men are ranting and raving, collecting the pieces of shattered wood and rope, pissed off.

Adlartok and his men are shocked. It is as the prophecy said. The catapults won't work. Loovik wanted so badly to crush them in that moment. He was nipping at the bud, tasting sweet victory, his finger at the finish line. He uses all his energy to contain himself. And then he can't stand any more. Loovik launches out from beyond the trees, into the clearing, throwing his fists into the air and screaming. He steps out past the ex-catapults. THE TUSERK YAH! The dark army launch their arrows, and Loovik scurries back behind the trees as fast as he can. The arrows fall and plug into or wizz past the trees. Adlartok sits himself on the ground, feetle position, just behind an old oak. Loovik stands, his back pressed against a tree, steaming. Adlartok, next to him on the ground,s, watching Loovik, as arrows briefly obscure his vision. Loovik turns to face him. LOOVIK Fine. We'll have your grand conference. The last arrow lands, and Loovik starts his march back immediately. INUPIAT CAMP - DAY The Tuserk and his men march solemnly into camp, and as they do, they arrive in conjunction with Adlartok coming in, looking absolutely beat. He just about collapses on his return to the Western tribes's encampment. THE TUSERK How death defying it is that you stand here before me with no guards. ADLARTOK But the facHe tries to catch his breath ADLARTOK The fact that I'm even hereTHE TUSERK It shows great courage, and it exemplifies your great trust in me, yes yes. Is that all you have to barter? ADLARTOK finally collapses, still catching his breath. THE TUSERK It doesn't even matter to you, does it? ADLARTOK Water. THE TUSERK Get him something to drink. And bring him to my room. INT. THE GREAT YURT - DUSK

Adlartok sits in the great tent at dusk. He sips his water, and to his right are women, waving at him, which he ignores. To his left is a man pointing a spear at his neck. THE TUSERK Let's just get something straight. I don't trust you. ADLARTOK I see. THE TUSERK But not because I think you made the wrong decision. Adlartok has to touch and go. ADLARTOK Ok? THE TUSERK It's because you made the right decision, for you. ADLARTOK I couldn't let my men die. And once I was there, Loovik, he wouldn't let me leave. THE TUSERK So why are you back here, Adlartok. Before I tear off your head. The spear pokes at Adlartok's skull. Adlartok chokes out his words. ADLARTOK Loovik, he promises, he wants a conference. He says, he wants to just talk. THE TUSERK What? ADLARTOK Yes. The King has agreed to a peace meeting. After YOU showed him earlier today, fighting would be pointless. THE TUSERK You fool. I didn't best him any more than he bested me. He agrees to a peace meeting? ADLARTOK Absolutely. THE TUSERK What a disgrace. Let me guess, at his place? Just beyond that little wall? ADLARTOK No, of course not. THE TUSERK The fact that he calls for a peace treaty now...It doesn't seem fishy to you, Adlartok? The spear taps his forehead. ADLARTOK (LOSING IT) No! No it does not seem FISHY! No more so fishy than you, steeped tyrant! Huh!? Probably planning

on having my whole tribe killed! Huh? For what! Because I want to help you in between all this MADNESS!? The Tuserk lurches forward. ADLARTOK Now, I didn't mean anything by it. You know that I respect you, and I-I-I The Tuserk raises out his fist, and gently lays it on Adlartok's shoulder. He is sweet. Yet the spear remains. He speaks gently, and sternly. Patiently. THE TUSERK I don't want to hurt anyone. But I know, if I were to begin accommodating Loovik in this so called "meeting of peace," I promise you, I would come out a very, sore loser. Now return home to camp. ADLARTOK You won't keep me here, to be sure I don't speak to-? THE TUSERK Why not? You're harmless. Now off you go. Finally, the spear backs off, after one last jab. (CON'D) And don't come back. Adlartok leaves the tent, and is handed a lit torch by a soldier. He looks out upon the darkness, and then marches on, alone. SOUTHERN TRIBE CAMP - NIGHT

AIPA You are never leaving my side again. Aipa throws a blanket over his hero's back and pats it down. ADLARTOK It was necessary. AIPA Whatever. Adlartok is smacking his food in his mouth. AIPA Must you chew so much, like a yak! You'll hurt your jaw. ADLARTOK (NEARLY PASSING OUT/CHEWING HIS FOOD) I think that's a rather cynical view. Might I just be working on my jaw muscles? Making them stronger and such. AIPA Oh, maybe, might you, you MIGHT be doing anything. ADLARTOK What are you talking about? I'm exasperated. Spit it out.

AIPA You're just as bad as them! Eh? They're more honest than you! You do whatever you like, under the guise of some jittery contradiction! ADLARTOK Aipa. If your words carry water, don't let them freeze like ice. Aipa leans his head into his hands, sobbing. AIPA We were lead into battle, arrows flown at us! ADLARTOK I know. I know. Adlartok makes to rub the sleep from his eyes. To no avail. AIPA Some of us don't even see the point anymore. Why not just go home? We live so far from these people, what does it even matter, man! Who's battle is this? Adlartok swallows his food and falls over onto Aipa's shoulder, his eyes shut. Looks about ready to pass out cold. ADLARTOK Aaah, god. Aipa, shut up. AIPA Why don't we return home, and get another prophecy! We need to know what might happen next! ADLARTOK I know what'll happen next. AIPA Yeah, and what's that? ADLARTOK (TRAILING OFF INTO SLEEP) I'm gonna make my dad proud. Aipa shuts up for a second. He nods his affirtmatively, like "hell yeah" in his own like pleasant Aipa way. He bites his lip. And sobs some more. CUT TO EXT. EASTERN TRIBES CAMP - NIGHT The men drink and chat. The women sleep or clean. Loovik himself, his spirits are not high. He sits underneath a tree, away from any bonfire, toying with an arrow head. Adlartock, aipa, his two generals and a gaggle of soliders find themselves at this hallowed camp once again. Loovik peers up at Adlartok's face, lit dimly by the torch. LOOVIK So, what did he say? ADLARTOK

He said you'd be welcome, anytime. LOOVIK Did he, now? Loovik's thumb runs across the sharp end of his little keep sake. THE TUSERK'S CAMP - EARLY DAY A bright day, the camp's men are training. Wrestling, firing arrows, clashing swords. The Tuserk steps out from his yurt. Angry, but reserved. He greets his unwelcome guests. One of them wearing Aipa's robe, hiding his face. THE TUSERK Oh my. Have I not threatened you enough. ADLARTOK You must listen to what I say, sir. AIPA (?) Hello. ADLARTOK (TO "AIPA") Pipe down. THE TUSERK Perhaps blood must be drawn before you get the picture. The Tuserk's soldiers take "Aipa" in their grasp with their knives to his neck. ADLARTOK No! You musn't! THE TUSERK I don't want to kill your advisor. But he may be the one giving you all these stupid ideas. "AIPA"' eyes Adlartok from under his cloak. He's furious (get me OUT of here, would YOU?) Adlartok holds his arms out, trying to steady everyone (just hang on, i'll get us through) ADLARTOK Please, don't hurt him. He's the one that saw. THE TUSERK Saw what? ADLARTOK The machine! They have one of your machines! Thth-the flying machine! They've built one! Adlartok gives "AIPA" a knowing nod, who only looks on in despair. "Uh oh." THE TUSERK Really? They built one, aye? ADLARTOK They built it and they plan to use it. Now, you can't have that, I can't have that. THE TUSERK Let's take a look.

The Tuserk turns his back and makes for a yurt. The very same yurt we saw a sneaky soldier enter into during the commotion. Everyone is budged along by soliders and follows The Tuserk. They stand outside the yurt, with the tuserk coming back out of it, holding an empty chest. For the first time, he is truly angry. THE TUSERK You see THIS? Eh? THIS is where MY invention sits. In this chest, now tell me Adlartok, if they have invented a "FLYING" machine, you tell me, huh? WHERE do you think MINE is now, huh? Where is it? He tosses the chest into the snow, his hand shaking. ADLARTOK I-....I didn't know it was stolen, Loovik. LOOVIK No. You thought it was MAGICALLY recreated. Poof! "Look you simpleton, I have a miracle device. Go run and tell the tuserk and leave me to BURN it" And I don't make mistakes, I guess besides helping YOU. I wonder how they got into my camp? Could it be they came in with YOU? Like some unwanted parasite, like a flea on a dog's back? You brought a spy into my camp, and they STOLE my instrument. What do you think now, Adlartok? ADLARTOK (SOBBING) I'm sorry, I only thought...I didn't know it was stolen I just thought...I thought if I told you he had one you'd, you'dTHE TUSERK Wait...What are you saying? Did you seen Loovik with my device? Or have you just been making up stories again? ADLARTOK I-...I-.. AIPA? You'll never see it again. THE TUSERK ...What? Speak up! Loovik rips his hood off his head. LOOVIK I AM speaking up, you-!...You... Loovik's sudden burst of rage goes up in a puff of smoke. THE TUSERK Loovik. In the flesh. What a foolish move. LOOVIK Damn right. But HE told ME...You were happy to receive my likeness. THE TUSERK What!? ADLARTOK

It's true! But, that's only because I needed you two both here...To make peace. The Tuserk walks before our prince, and then TACKLES him. They lay on the ground, Loovik watching, enjoying. The guards pull the Tuserk off. Adlartok is left with a bloody lip. THE TUSERK What have you done? Do you have any idea what you've done? LOOVIK If I may? THE TUSERK WHAT!? LOOVIK I had a scout steal your wonderful device. And I've hidden it. Somewhere in the forest. Somewhere you'll never find it. But the truth is, I don't want it. I just want you to not kill me. ADLARTOK You see! It's all good! The Tuserk wipes his face. Are these guys for real? THE TUSERK ...He just told you he's a damn thief. LOOVIK C'mon 'Serk.

His captor tightens his grip on Loovik's neck. LOOVIK Hey, hey, okay. Let's all get our stories straight, is all I'm saying. The kid's right. Seems like there's a real big truth that's just waiting to be revealed. Something happens between Loovik and The Tuserk. He stares at the Western King with piercing eyes, and Tuserk returns it with one of desolation. They know something that they're not saying. Adlartok is unaware of this exchange. ADLARTOK Exactly! If we all come together we can piece what we know and find out there has just been some misunderstanding. No use tearing apart our kingdom without a simple, man to man discussion. And I'll be there to moderate. Does that sound good? THE TUSERK ... ADLARTOK You said that if he could prove to you that this was about peace, and not war, then we'd be welcome. THE TUSERK For the sake of peace I will do anything, Adlartok. Anything...So then...Shall we proceed?

LOOVIK Yes, Adle, let's begin. Let us find some peace... He eyes the guard behind him, he finally lets go and grip and steps off. Loovik brushes himself off, chuckles. ADLARTOK ...No. THE TUSERK Oh what is it? ADLARTOK This is simply an innappropiate location for this, most, historical meeting. THE TUSERK Then where do you want us to go? LOOVIK To MY campfire? ADLARTOK No. I want to set up camp far from here. West, adjacent to my camp. We'll be all alone. We will sleep there, and without any other faction to influence the discussion...It will be only us three, with no entourage what so ever. We will each be allowed one blade,all misconceptions are turned over, and we can all see eye to eye, not until then. But when we're done, we walk to the river, and we all throw our blades in. The two enemies read each other. THE TUSERK I do find it agreeable. LOOVIK And so do I! Adlartok is MORE than a little relieved. EXT. THE TUSERK'S CAMP The three men asleep by that camp fire. the Tuserk wakes up first. He sits up. Looking supremely uncomfortable. He stands up and walks away. LOOVIK Where you going? Loovik rolls over, as if rocked away. His groggy eyes watching The Tuserk, who can only sigh; I can't believe I'm stuck with this guy. The tuserk keeps walking away. Loovik scratches and scurries his way out of the sleeping big like a caught in a plastic bag. He jolts after The Tuserk LOOVIK EY! the kicking of dirt and knocking of boots wakes Adlartok. He sits up, breathing in his through his nose, stretching. ADLARTOK Aipa? No aipa. But there is Loovik and The Tuserk together, talking.

ADLARTOK h-hEY! Adlartok gets the sleeping bad off of him like a pear of pants there are just too tight. He trips on his way over. ADLARTOK What were you two talking about? LOOVIK My neck HURTS. I told him I needed proper support but this guys too cheap. Won't dirty his pillows on the dirt. ADLARTOK Is that really it? THE TUSERK ...Yes. ADLARTOK Okay. So, shall we get ready? CUT TO The Three Kings standing about with carrying packs on their back, men and women running about filling all it's pockets with necessities and luxuries; clothes, tent making, food, smoke, drink. The Tuserk looks over and worked and tired from just holding the pack already. A guard approaches him and speaks. The Tuserk retorts, Loovik can't make out what they're saying. LOOVIK What is he SAYING? ADLARTOK He's just asking about the food. What kind of food he wants, the guard wanted to know. LOOVIK Oh I see. Well he can keep that information to himself, then. THE TUSERK Oh, is it that hard to veer away from envy? LOOVIK It's not envy as much as a compassion for goats. Go on, tell us, how much goat cheese is coming along for this trip? Are we expected to get full on goat cheese? THe Tuserk just stares. LOOVIK Uh huh. THE TUSERK (TO HIS GUARD) Does he not know we drink blood? A Western tribesman,without any trepidation, swings a waist pouch around Adlartok and ties it snug, and starts shoving thing it's pockets, some in the front. ADLARTOK Oh my. LOOVIK Ah come on don't make the Southern tribesman carry

anything, give to me, c'mon, I can handle it. He takes the back pack off of Adlartok's with confidence and stride. LOOVIK See? I'll just carry double my share. THE TUSERK I think that might be a little too much for you, and a bit too little for him. LOOVIK Really? I mean to offense, but I don't want his tiny body to give out half way, and then I'll just be stuck with the bears, and you. THE TUSERK He can carry the damn satchel. You're not going to show off. This is about equality. ADLARTOK I'll take the satchel. LOOVIK Fine. Try and do something nice for someone. ADLARTOK Let's all calm down now. No one is calm. It's a bit awkward. EXT VALLEY - DAY The three of them march through the snow, with the Tuserk's encampemnt slowly closing out of view behind them. The Tuserk reaches into his pocket and takes out some grains of some sort, and eats them. Loovik sneers at this, disgusted, but not "grossed out" disgusted. Adlartok marches on, shaking his head. Clearly something is rattling around inside his brain. He gives into it. Adlartok reaches over to the tree and breaks off a small limb, and then breaks that in two. He then brushes the snow off the ground and picks up a few pebbles. LOOVIK What are you doing? ADLARTOK Comforting myself. THE TUSERK As we are all rightful to do so. LOOVIK I don't like you doing that. ADLARTOK I don't believe in magic or prophecies, I'm not a mystic. I'm just rolling the grass. LOOVIK Then WHY even tempt it!? ADLARTOK Fine! He drops the shit.

LOOVIK Better. You know when we get there the first thing I'm gonna do is take a nap. Boy am I tired. Woo. THE TUSERK Is that so. LOOVIK ...What kind of a response is that? What do I do with that? ADLARTOK Hey. We all gotta sacrifice something. How about you drop the attitude? The Tuserk chuckles. LOOVIK What about him, what's he got to sacrifice? ADLARTOK He already did. C'mon, act civilized. The Tuserk is visibly annoyed. If you have to tell them to act civilized, it's a lost cause, kid. EXT. WEST END OF FOREST They reach a small clearing, it's bright, like a fresh spring day. The light comes through the trees in a way not seen since the sky cleared up. ADLARTOK Look how it shines. A sign of hope. We've found our camp. ADLARTOK nearly collapses. LOOVIK You SEE!? He couldn't bear the weight! THE TUSERK He's fine. ADLARTOK slides his arms out the backpack and lifts it off himself. He catches his breath in the snow, and starts to get the chills. He hoists himself back up. He's gasping for air. ADLARTOK Please, unpack, for, me. LOOVIK It would be my pleasure. The Tuserk takes his bag off. My baaack. Loovik is riffling around in Adlartok's bag. LOOVIK Here we go! The yurt! A nice big, spacey one, too. Real Western style. I'll have it up in no time. The Tuserk, like a reclusive Persian cat, stays back. As Loovik, an excited kanine, ravages the materials. LOOVIK I'll build the camp fire. You lay down and relax for now, and I'll take care of everything. Food, I want food, thats for sure.

ADLARTOK Haha, I thought, I thuoght you were, you were gonna sleep. LOOVIK I can't sleep when theres things to do, 'Tok! We gotta get set up first- Ah no but you need a sleeping bag first and fore most. HERE we go, get snug in that and I'll get everything else ready. THE TUSERK He steps away, as Adlartok lays, staring at the trees and the sunlight coming through, still heaving air into his chest. LATER LOOVIK is pounding away, vicoriouly enjoying hammering a stake into the ground. Adlartok, wrapped in a blanket, approaches sheepishly. ADLARTOK Vim and vigor in everything.