Blood Bounty

BLOOD BOUNTY
by
Jacob Kilgore
lifeonmars3000@hotmail.com
FADE IN:
SUPER: 1551
The sky is black. Thunder RUMBLES the small ship as it sails among the turbulent
sea. A bolt of thunder electrifies the night, ILLUMINATING the scene as waves
crash all around.
INT. INSIDE SHIP - NIGHT
Families of Scottish descent sleep in a small room. A seven-year-old boy named
TOMMY huddles in fear at the CRASH of thunder sounds about all around. His eyes
light up. He goes to the window and peers out, amazed at all of the commotion.
EXT. OUTSIDE SHIP - NIGHT
The door opens and he creeps out slowly. He braces his arm over his face against
the intense wind. The door SLAMS open against the outside wall. He forces himself
against the wind, grasps onto the railing, and makes his way toward the fore of
the ship.
Two men grip the wheel desperately.
CREW MAN 1
We’re losing it!
The boy stares into the sea, calmly in wonder. The wind blows through his hair and
the moon and lightening strikes cast a glow across his face. Suddenly a great wave
rises over the ship, forces the boy across the deck and off the side.
He free falls into the deep, sinking farther and farther among the churning
waters. All is silent. He slowly drifts downward and swallows. Above, light
reflects through the water, then a flash of light illuminates the ocean around him
and a sailor covered in white light is seen in the distance as he is taken by a
swift current far away while the ocean around him is lit up as if he were in broad
daylight.
EXT. DOCK - DAY
People scurry in every direction. Men carry cargo off of a large ship as another
man barks orders.
BARKING MAN
Get a move on it! We don’t have all day!
Women in fine dresses chat over tea on a bench as a team of boys scamper by
chasing each other with holes in their gloves. A man and woman walk by somberly as
a scruffy old sailor approaches them.
OLD SAILOR
Are ye the ones wit’ the missin’ boy?
FATHER
...Yes we are.
OLD SAILOR
Well he ain’t missin’ no more...
He sighs and gestures them to follow.
OLD SAILOR
C’mon now...
They follow the sailor past rows of ships of all sizes, then turning a corner they
see half a dozen sailors working on a bottle of rum. Other men work on nets and
hooks. They pass men beheading fish, scaling them, and the astonished wide-eyed
masses waiting for a fillet.
They turn corner after corner passing piles of driftwood stacked along a building,
broken tables and chairs, and two lovers, quite unhappy to be disturbed from their
privacy. They come upon a short stairway which leads to an overcast beach.
EXT. OVERCAST BEACH - DAY
Up the coast a short way is another old sailor sitting over their son.
They outrun the old sailor and stand by their son.

MOTHER
Is he...
OLD SAILOR 2
The boy had quite a swim... best let him rest.
Tommy’s mother reaches out for him. He sleeps on the wet sand.
OLD SAILOR 2
Told me quite a tale... that he did.
EXT. POOR NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
A fat bearded man leads Tommy’s parents down a muddy road. Tommy’s father holds
Tommy in his arms. Tommy lays awake groggily. Dilapidated houses line both sides
of the road, long forgotten.
A family sits in the dirt on the side of the street. A boy Tommy’s age stands with
sorrow in his eyes. His mother holds out her hand to Tommy’s father.
POOR MOTHER
Spare that we could eat? I beg you.
FATHER
Wish I had a bite myself. I’m sorry miss.
They walk further, a boy and a girl play with sticks in the settled water on the
side of the road. As they walk past a woman empties out a bucket full of waste
into a street. Tommy’s family jumps to the side surprised.
TOMMY’S MOTHER
Did we leave our home for this? What for?
FAT MAN
Stop yer’ complainin’ or you’ll end up in the streets. Suckling a baby in the
alleys with the rats.
TOMMY’S FATHER
At least we have a chance. Maybe we won’t starve to death here.
A woman’s screams fill a house on the right. Sorrow is heard in her voice.
Tommy’s family follows the fat man to a house across the street from her. He opens
the door and they all walk inside. Just before Tommy is carried in he sees two men
carry a dead man in a sheet out of the woman’s door and drag him away in a wagon.
INT. TOMMY’S HOUSE - DAY
The fat man exits without a word, slamming the door. Though startled, Tommy’s
father carries Tommy into a small room and lies him down on the straw mat.
TOMMY’S FATHER
This isn’t the life my brother made it out to be. And I’m sorry for that, son.
Tommy’s father brushes hair out of Tommy’s eyes.
TOMMY’S FATHER
But just as god gave you another chance in that storm... we have a chance at life
here.
Tommy’s father looks serious, putting his hand on Tommy’s shoulder.
TOMMY
An Angel saved me.
TOMMY’S FATHER
I believe it with all my heart...
Tommy’s father kisses Tommy’s head.
TOMMY’S FATHER
Poverty makes a man desperate, makes you do things that are beyond you, things god
looks down upon.
TOMMY’S FATHER STARES AT TOMMY SERIOUSLY.
TOMMY’S FATHER
Never steal Tommy, never hurt anyone- you must work for your food honestly, you
hear me? No matter how hard it is.
TOMMY
Yes, father.
TOMMY’S FATHER
God will be on your side if you do right.
Tommy listens intently.
TOMMY’S FATHER
Always listen to your heart. God is there, he will lead you... Now say your
prayers.
EXT. POOR NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
Tommy exits his house upon hearing the SCREAMING of a woman. Haggard tenants of
every house on the street stand outside their house with a sack filled with coins
in their hand. There is an expensive carriage led by white horses parked outside
the woman’s house. The ADMIRAL steps out of her house holding a chair.
He throws it into the gutter water. The fat man stomps the chair and breaks the
legs. The admiral enters the house again and retrieves bowls, a trencher, another
chair, and throws it all in the street. The fat man enters and retrieves her straw
mat and throws it in the street.
The woman cries hysterically and the admiral SHOUTS abusive words at her while
beating her severely with his cane. He strikes her in the face, bloodying her
teeth. She tries to cover the blows but the admiral holds her hands and beats her
repeatedly.
She lays in the dirt while the fat man locks her door. The admiral and the fat man
return to the carriage and it moves up the street slowly and the tenants pass
their sacks filled with coins into the carriage. Tommy hands a sack filled with
coins to the fat man in the carriage.
EXT. WHEAT FIELD - DAY
Tommy's father stands with thirty-something desperate looking men. Several people
work scythes upon the flowing sea of grain. They push forward, crushing each other
as a man in a well tailored suit and a sophisticated mustache approaches them. The
man in the suit calls out while pointing at random men in the crowd.
MAN IN SUIT
I'll take you… you… and… the short one right there.
The chosen men make their way beside a hedge. The man in the suit waves the other
men off.
MAN IN SUIT
That's all for today men. There's always tomorrow!
The men remain still for a time. Tommy's father draws a weary look across his
face, his eyes filling with great sadness. He slowly turns around and walks the
other way with the other poor lot.
Tommy's father packs up his few extra shirts, his pipe, and a few of his favorite
books into a blanket and neatly ties it up into a bundle. Tommy’s mother brushes
the knots out of a bundle of wool.
MOTHER
What ever are you doing?
FATHER
My family will have food on the table tonight, if it's anything I do.
He gets up to his feet and walks out the door.
EXT. MARKET PLACE - DAY
Tommy's father faces a merchant who is surveying the worth of the objects before
him.
MERCHANT
They are not in very good condition, you see.
The merchant contemplates a moment, then hands him six copper pennies in a bag.
Tommy's father turns around and makes his way back where he came.
A man creeps a step behind Tommy's father, sweating profusely and breathing as
though he were a dog panting. This man's hair lies stringy down his face and his
mouth is dropped down open and desperate. He appears shaky and violently ill.
SICKLY BEGGAR
Spare a penny that I might buy a speck of bread?
Tommy's father stops slowly, cautious of the man's behavior. The man shows a
downcast look in order to arouse pity while he holds out a trembling hand. Tommy's
father reaches in the bag slowly.
Suddenly the sickly man snatches the bag away as quick as a viper and dashes
within the crowd, disappearing with skill. Tommy's father frantically chases in
the direction he saw the thief run. Looking high and low, the man is nowhere to be
found.
FATHER
I have been robbed! Somebody please help me! Stop that thief!
EXT. SIDE STREET - DAY
Tommy's father strolls down a desolate, lonely street. He presses his hands across
his face and bawls loudly.
FATHER
Oh god, what am I to do? What am I to do?!
A healthy-looking white-feathered chicken pecks at the ground just ahead of
Tommy’s father.
EXT. DOCK - DAY
Tommy strolls past rows and rows of fisherman slicing up cuts of freshly caught
fish. He finds his way to a table where the two old fishermen who found him on the
beach slice knives through sea bass and pike.
TOMMY
Hi there! What're you doin'?
OLD SAILOR
Oh hi Tommy, jus' another days work.
TOMMY
Why don'cha let me try some time?!
OLD SAILOR
Sound fine by me.
TOMMY
Really?
OLD SAILOR
Don' see why not.
EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
Tommy rushes home as if on air. He passes the beggars and the starving children
along the way, he stops dead in his tracks as he sees the woman from the house
across the street being carried dead, wrapped in a sheet and being placed in a
wagon.
His face turns pale. He slowly backs up, sliding his feet closer and closer toward
his door, trembling all the while.
Tommy enters the house to see his father holding a live chicken in his hands. It
flaps its wings slightly and lets out a few quiet clucks. Tommy's father turns
around toward Tommy.
FATHER
Thomas, look what I have!
Tommy’s father laughs happily.
FATHER
I prayed and god provided for us. No matter what knocks us down we'll pull through
if we have faith.
Tommy begins to cry. Tears stream down his face.
TOMMY
Daddy…
FATHER
What's wrong? Has something happened?
TOMMY
That lady…
(sniffs)
god killed her… he made her sick… and she died.
FATHER
Sometimes… god just takes people… and we don't know why… it's just his plan…
that's all it is.
TOMMY
He's going to kill us…
FATHER
What's that? Why would you say such a thing?
TOMMY
Like he did to the Egyptian children...
FATHER
You mean in the story of Moses?
TOMMY
God came and he killed them.
FATHER
But god's people were fine… were they not? Because they believed.
Tommy sobs, becomes frantic, and hides under the table.
TOMMY
Pleease... pour the blood on our door... please daddy.
Tommy's mother and father stand uncomfortable at hearing their sons chilling
words.
FATHER
Very well son.
Tommy's father takes a large chopping knife and a bowl from the side of the room.
He slowly sets the squirming chicken on a small wooden table. The chicken's neck
hangs over the bowl.
With a heavy chop of the blade the chicken's head seems to pop off of its body
save a small strand of skin. Only a slight screech is heard before the head bobs
to the side. Blood drains from the chicken's gyrating torso as Tommy's father
severs the last strand of neck skin with a sawing motion of the knife.
A small bowl full of blood sits on the floor. Tommy's father picks it up and
places it on the table.
FATHER
Go on.
Tommy is somewhat terrified at seeing the chicken's body lie limp on the table
before him but finds new strength within himself.
He takes up the bowl and heads for his bedroom door. Before the door, Tommy scoops
up a handful of blood and smears a vertical line, then takes up another handful
and smears a horizontal line across the other.
TOMMY
Now you do it.
They stand perplexed.
FATHER
That is quite alright, we'll be just fine.
TOMMY
No, you have to!
Tommy's mother walks up to him.
MOTHER
Tommy!
She puts her arms around him.
MOTHER
There's nothing at all to worry about.
LATER
Tommy and his parents sit around their table eating pieces of the chicken which
sit on trenchers before each of them. Tommy has a drumstick in his hand.
TOMMY
Tomorrow I'm going to bring home dinner.
MOTHER
That's great, son.
INT. TOMMY’S BEDROOM - DAWN
Tommy’s father is heard moaning outside the door. Tommy’s mother wakes Tommy and
forces him off his pallet mat.
TOMMY’S MOTHER
Your Father is sick. Come on.
Tommy groggily rises and walks to the main room with his mother.
MAIN ROOM
Tommy’s father shivers beside a roaring fire.
TOMMY’S FATHER
It hurts... my bones ache... everything hurts so badly.
TOMMY’S MOTHER
Lets be off.
EXT. HOSPITAL LINE - NOON
Fifty-something sick people line before the hospital door. Many people lie on the
ground up ahead. Some people sweat uncontrollably, some shiver violently. Tommy’s
father sweats profusely. His eyes appear sunken in and he holds his head as if in
severe pain. Tommy’s mother appears weak, shivering as Tommy’s father did earlier.
TOMMY’S FATHER
My head... it will soon explode.
The puritan ahead of them turns his head.
PURITAN
We waste our time! Mankind shall not thwart god’s wrath! We are damned to taste
death!
A physician yells something far ahead in line. Tommy’s father appears downcast at
hearing these words.
PURITAN
Hear my words! Repent of your sins for none shall escape! Our father has sent
plague to swallow up the sin festering throughout our merry England!
A man ahead of the puritan turns and violently grabs him by the collar.
MAN AHEAD
Shut your filthy mouth, knave, or I shall send you to your grave before your time!
The physician stands before Tommy’s family.
PHYSICIAN
I am truly sorry but we have not one bed left. It would be best for you to return
to your homes.
PURITAN
It is true. We are hopeless lot! Prepare for your graves!
Tommy’s mother, father, and the man ahead in line appear distraught. Tommy peers
through the trees and sees bodies being unrolled out of their sheets and into a
mass grave.
TOMMY’S FATHER
Perhaps tomorrow there will be room...
The physician stops cold. Two pairs of physicians carry two dead children past
Tommy’s family.
PHYSICIAN
Best be off.
Tommy’s mother bawls.
EXT. OUTSIDE TOMMY’S HOUSE - DAY
Tommy walks toward his house. His parents feebly limp up the road. Tommy motions
to open the front door.
TOMMY’S FATHER
No, son. We need you to catch us some nice big fish. So we will feel better again.
Tommy has tears streaming from his eyes.
TOMMY
I don’t want to!
TOMMY’S MOTHER
We need to lie down. We are ever so tired...
TOMMY
Mummy! Daddy!
Tommy throws a fit and cries. He motions to hug them.
TOMMY’S FATHER
No! Go on! Get away from here! We are sick. You must not touch us!
Tommy’s father weakly opens the door and makes his way to the straw mat in the
room, lies down and prays.
TOMMY’S MOTHER
Go on. I love you.
TOMMY
Mummy! No... Mummmy!
TOMMY’S MOTHER
Catch us a big fish. So we can grow strong again...
Tommy’s mother closes the door quickly and locks it. Tommy bangs on the door.
TOMMY
Momma!!! Daddy!!!
He tiptoes as high as he can but cannot glimpse through the window shutters. He
turns away with tears in his eyes and wanders down the road.
EXT. DOCK - DAY
Tommy speaks to the sailors as they ready their gear and unload a large catch of
fish. Tommy chops the head off of a fish and slices it up as the fisherman shows
him how.
BY THE SHIP
Tommy fumbles with a fishing pole, half carrying and dragging it into the fishing
boat.
EXT. FISHING BOAT - DAY
The second old sailor shows Tommy how to use the fishing pole. Tommy holds the
fishing pole which the hook and string hang over the side into the sea. The first
old sailor holds onto the steering wheel.
OLD SAILOR
Give me a hand over here.
Tommy puts both hands onto the steering wheel.
OLD SAILOR
Nicely done. You’ll make a fine sailor.
OLD SAILOR 2
Aye, looks like we have a new captain. Hurray for Captain Tommy!
Tommy has a great smile over his face as the ship cruises through the open sea
crashing over waves.
EXT. FISHING BOAT - EVENING
Tommy holds a fishing pole in which its line and hook are sunk into the water. The
pole begins to bend and tug.
TOMMY
Help! I’ve got a fish! I’ve got a fish!
The old sailor runs over and grips the fishing pole.
OLD SAILOR
Come on, reel it in!... Not too fast...
TOMMY
He’s getting away!
Tommy spins the reel on the fishing pole with fierceness. He has a deal of trouble
but with struggle he rotates the reel until a fat fish hangs before him on the
line.
OLD SAILOR
Not bad. Not bad at all!
TOMMY
Yay!
The old sailor holds up the fishing pole and swings the fish into a bucket.
EXT. POOR NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT
Tommy carries the fat fish in a wrap like a baby while hurrying down the road
struggling not to drop it.
He kicks the front door as a way of knocking. He knocks again and again.
TOMMY
Mummy! Daddy! Open the door!
He listens with his ear up to the door. He kicks the door again and again.
TOMMY
I caught a big fish for us to eat!... Mommy?! Open the door!... Where are you?!
The fat man approaches Tommy.
FAT MAN
What’s the matter?
TOMMY
They won’t open the door.
FAT MAN
What’s that? Did you steal it?
TOMMY
...No, I caught it.
FAT MAN
They won’t open the door? Hmm, I wonder what the problem is...
The fat man fumbles through his keys, finds one, and opens the door. He enters the
dark house. The sound of the bedroom door is heard opening and a loud SCREAM is
heard from the fat man. He rushes out of the house, leaving the doors open.
FAT MAN
Don’t enter there whatever you do!
The fat man bolts down the street. Tommy stands perplexed. He slowly creeps his
head to see only darkness. A bit of light comes from the open bedroom door. He
creeps further inside and peers within to see both of his parents dead on the
straw mat.
Tommy SHRIEKS, leaps out of the front door, and throws the wrapped fish into the
gutter. He runs wildly down the street SCREAMING. He collapses, lying on the dirt,
crying and SCREAMING hysterically in the dark.
EXT. SEASIDE - MORNING
Tommy stares into the ocean. Small waves roll over his feet. Sea birds squawk
overhead. Wind blows through his hair.
Tommy TRANSITIONS to 13 years of age. CHARLIE, a blonde-haired, lively boy,
quietly stands by his side and stares into the sea. Charlie whispers and smiles
widely. Tommy smiles in response. Charlie pushes him slightly, and they both run
off.
EXT. CROWDED STREET - DAY
13 year-old Tommy runs with Charlie. They dodge in and out of the clusters of
people in order to escape an angry, portly gentleman and his servant. They chase
just behind the boys. Charlie drifts into a memory.
EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY - FLASHBACK
A man and a woman stand in front of a large cheering crowd strapped to large poles
and standing on piles of sticks.
LADY IN CROWD
Send the witches to hell!
Eight year-old Charlie wrestles with three men to try to get to his parents. A man
sets the sticks on fire with a torch and the people go up in flames, SCREAMING.
Tears fill Charlie’s eyes as he goes berserk kicking and punching the men. They
manage to hold him as he screams madly. Tommy sees Charlie from behind, horrified.
Charlie screams and sees Tommy as he peers behind in confusion. People cheer
louder than before.
BACK TO PRESENT DAY
Charlie, with eyes moist, is startled back to his surroundings. Tommy has a small
purse in his hand. The two boys hide behind a merchant’s cart until they see the
two angry men chasing after them again.
TOMMY
Where to?
CHARLIE
Do not worry. I know just the place.
Charlie tugs on Tommy’s shirt and they run down the nearest corner and scram down
an alley. Within the dark the boys see the two men run by. The boys watch them
disappear around the next corner and run off.
INT. TOMMY’S HIDEOUT - DAY
Tommy and Charlie slip through a cloth flap and enter into a small chamber which
five boys around the same age reside. Four boys, ROBERT, HENRY, JACK, and DAVID
play cherry stones by dim candlelight, while the last, Edward, lies on his side
covered in chimney soot.
CHARLIE
Still content on playing with cherry stones I see... well, we picked up some real
loot boys!
EDWARD
So what? I earned my keep. I worked all day.
Edward lets out a raspy, loud cough.
TOMMY
You alright?
EDWARD
Ye, I am not supposed to breath in the soot... But I can’t help it.
EXT. BEACH - NIGHT
Tommy and Charlie stroll barefoot before the calm waves. They sit on the sand and
stare into the sea. Tommy has a blanket around himself.
CHARLIE
Why don’t you find some shelter?
Tommy stares ahead for a moment.
TOMMY
This is the only home I have ever had.
EXT. DOCK - MORNING
Tommy exits the old sailor’s boat. He waves farewell to them with two fish in his
arm.
EXT. SIDE ROAD - MORNING
Tommy skips past roadside vendors, beggars, and loose dogs.
EXT. BEAR BAITING FIELD - MORNING
Tommy runs between trees and sees men cheering around a large circular gate. Tommy
peers closer and sees a large bear swiping at two mastiffs. Both dogs tear into
the bears chest and rip flesh, causing it to gush blood. The bear swipes in vain,
unable to defend itself.
Tommy is sickened and frightened by the sight and moves through the treeline once
again with the fish peering backward from time to time.
INT. TOMMY’S HIDEOUT
Charlie, and the four other boys sit in a circle. Tommy enters with the fish.
Edward lies in the same spot as before in pain.
TOMMY
Ed, you didn’t work today?
EDWARD
I can’t breath.
(breathes raspy)
I couldn’t go.
CHARLIE
So you’re saying you’re not joining us?
EDWARD
I don’t like stealing... I can not regardless in my condition. Sorry Charlie.
CHARLIE
Quite alright.
TOMMY
The game is Robin Hood. Steal from the rich. The team with the smallest loot buys
dinner out of thy take. Got it?
EXT. BUSY STREET - DAY
Charlie digs through garbage and finds blood from a lamb. He rubs the blood in
smears across his face. Tommy and Charlie make their way down the road trying not
to seem suspicious. A man in a fine suit beats a poor family with a walking stick.
TOMMY
Let us be away from here.
They run up the next street. Charlie points to a man in a faded red outfit.
TOMMY
No, too poor.
Charlie points to a man with a blue outfit and small ruff around his neck.
CHARLIE
How about him?
TOMMY
No, he obviously is trying too hard. He must have spent it all on that doublet.
They turn around a corner and see a man up ahead wearing a fine black doublet, a
short black cape, and an elaborate ruff around his neck.
CHARLIE
Ah, there it is. His purse is ‘bout to burst.
The boys step quickly before him, Tommy behind and Charlie just ahead of the man.
CHARLIE
I beg you, help me sir! I was assaulted just down the road by a band of Catholics!
Tommy steps behind the man, following each step. Tommy has a horn sheath on his
thumb and a small knife in his hand. The purse dangles from the man’s waist just
below his cape.
CHARLIE
I am in desperate need of medical assistance! Please sir!
MAN IN BLACK
Excuse me, I must be going.
CHARLIE
I beg you, please help me!
Tommy snips the purse free into his hand by pressing the knife to the horn sheath.
It falls gently into his hand. The man in black pushes Charlie out of the way and
keeps on moving past.
MAN IN BLACK
Filthy wretch, move out of my way!
Tommy and Charlie smile at each other. Tommy pats Charlie on the back and they
head the other direction.
INT. INN - DAY
Tommy and Charlie recline on a bench. The other four boys stroll in.
CHARLIE
I will have the lamb and... what is your taste?
TOMMY
Duck... I’ll have the duck.
ROBERT
That is too much!
DAVID
What is that blood on your face?
ROBERT
Were you hurt?
DAVID
It is not his blood, I know that.
Tommy sits straight up and places the stolen purse on the table.
TOMMY
Well boys? You have any chance?
JACK
Show us... show us what you have there.
(peering closer)
Tommy pulls a penny out of the purse.
TOMMY
Penny...
JACK
That’s nothing!
Tommy pulls a shilling out of the purse.
TOMMY
A shilling...
JACK
Still... what’s all the confidence about? I don’t see...
Tommy pulls a crown out of the purse. Jack, Richard, David, and Henry let out a
AHHHH.
TOMMY
What is it? It’s just a crown.
CHARLIE
You mean you cannot beat a measly crown? With all those bags?
Charlie points to four bags sitting before the other boys and lets out a big
LAUGH.
EXT. OUTSIDE HIDEOUT - DAY
Tommy munches on a drumstick.
TOMMY
Good thing we saved some for Ed.
The boys enter the hideout.
INT. TOMMY’S HIDEOUT - DAY
The boys huddle around. Tommy makes his way to Edward.
TOMMY
Ed... Edward.
Tommy shakes Edward’s shoulder and Edward’s body flops face first on the ground.
Tommy jumps back with fright. The other boys notice and are scared stiff. They all
inch forward slowly.
TOMMY
No! God no! Get up, Edward!
Tommy rises and places his hands on his face and SCREAMS.
CHARLIE
Poor Ed.
All of the boys are crying.
EXT. UNDER A TREE - DAY
The boys stand over Edward’s grave in a field.
TOMMY
This... is what he gets for trying to live honestly?
They all stare at the grave somberly.
JACK
I always liked him... I never saw him do anything wrong at all...
CHARLIE
... this must never happen again.
Charlie kneels before the grave.
CHARLIE
I swear to you, Ed...
Charlie has tears in his eyes.
CHARLIE
...that I will never follow their rules again... I see that their rules were
created to destroy us... and we will be fools into that trap.
Charlie stands and looks at the other boys.
TOMMY
I am with you.
JACK
I as well.
The other boys place their hands on Charlie in brotherhood.
TOMMY
This miserable life will do no more... Let us create whatever life we wish... We
must become kings!
Fifteen year-old Tommy and his five friends stroll carefree. David snips a purse
from a girl without her knowing and tosses it to Robert. This is LUCY, a cute,
black-haired girl a few years younger than the boys. She looks downward and
notices that the purse is missing and immediately suspects the boys.
LUCY
Where is it? You better give that back!
The lady grabs Jack by the collar.
JACK
Hey boys, I think she likes me!
The boys walk ahead of her.
TOMMY
She is a beauty.
Charlie nudges Tommy.
CHARLIE
She will be yours. You are a gentleman, are you not?
TOMMY
Yes I am.
CHARLIE
Mark my words, it will be so.
Jack flashes his index finger and his middle finger at her as she follows them.
LUCY
My father gave me that! He will surely have you hung when he finds you!
Jack flashes a small knife to her from his belt. She bolts backward in fear and
runs to her father, the admiral, who is standing at a nearby market stand.
The boys step around the corner and another and are confronted by another group of
boys- this is JOHN, PETER, ADAM, BENJAMIN, LEONARD, FRANCIS, and ROGER. They stand
attempting to appear tough.
JOHN
Look what we have here...
LEONARD
Appears they are outnumbered.
CHARLIE
No matter, for you shall taste defeat this day, foul toads!
Charlie charges toward Leonard in the center of the other boys and slams his fist
into his face. Leonard goes down and Charlie continues laying blows into him.
Benjamin, a pudgy kid, and Francis, a nimble French boy, stand on each side and
turn to lay into Charlie.
Tommy charges Benjamin and punches him hard in the stomach. Francis lays three
quick blows into Tommy just as he is tackled by Jack. These boys lay in a violent
pile while the rest fight it out on their feet.
Rodger and Peter team up on David. Jack slices Roger with a knife which sends
Roger bending over in pain and SCREAMING. Jack kicks him in the face and David
beats Peter to the ground.
A watchman runs down the street a block away.
WATCHMAN
Stop right there! Hold it!
A surly man around the age of forty runs up to the boys.
SURLY MAN
Come now, all of you this minute!
He jumps back half behind the corner of the wall and waves them to follow. Jack
looks questionably at Charlie.
SURLY MAN
That’s right, with haste!
All of the boys follow the man quickly around the corner and slip inside a side
alley.
SIDE ALLEY
They all race through the back street, make a left turn, continue for about ten
feet and enter a small house.
INT. SECOND HIDEOUT - DAY
The boys and the surly man stand around the main room of the secluded house.
Benjamin angrily walks up to the surly man.
BENJAMIN
What do you mean bringing them here?
SURLY MAN
You fool. You are on the same side!
PETER
We are not.
(he points at Jack)
He stabbed Roger right in the leg!
SURLY MAN
Did he deserve it?
DAVID
They teamed up on me.
SURLY MAN
How are you ever going to overcome your class if you children keep fighting among
yourselves!
The boys stand silent and uncomfortable.
CHARLIE
He is right. We cannot fight over scraps forever if we are to become gentleman.
JACK
We have to think like gentleman if we are ever to become gentleman.
Jack extends his hand out to Roger.
JACK
I am sorry for what I have done. I truly am...
Roger crosses his arms and appears unfriendly toward Jack. Jack looks downward.
JACK
I do not blame you at all.
SURLY MAN
It is a good thing you speak this way... for the job I have in mind requires all
of you.
The surly man scans over the group of boys.
SURLY MAN
Now does anyone here know their way around a chimney?
CHARLIE
I do, sir.
SURLY MAN
Good. I will need you first.
EXT. OUTSIDE LARGE HOUSE - DAY
The boys watch Charlie and the surly man enter the house with the owners of the
house.
INT. LARGE HOUSE - DAY
The man of the house leaves the house key on a side table as he walks in the front
door with Charlie and the surly man.
The boys sit around. The surly man and Charlie step into the room covered in soot.
Charlie slides the house key from out of his jacket and shows it to all.
SURLY MAN
Up on yer feet.
EXT. OUTSIDE LARGE HOUSE - DAY
The surly man uses the key to open the front door.
INT. LARGE HOUSE - DAY
All of the boys have large bags in their hands as they enter the house.
SURLY MAN
Fill them to the brim boys!
MONTAGE - THE BOYS RAID THE LARGE HOUSE
-- Jack and Roger stand side by side. Jack fills his bag with a ceramic angel and
a candelabra. Roger fills his bag with a clock and a dinner set.
-- David, Jack, and Peter fill their bags with jewelry, and other valuables inside
a large dresser.
-- Richard fits a large mirror into his bag.
-- Charlie and Tommy fill their bags with fine dishes and silverware. Tommy finds
a large knife and slips it onto his belt.
END MONTAGE
Peter looks out the front window to see the owners of the house walking up the
walkway toward the front door.
PETER
They are coming! Everyone hurry and escape!
All of the boys rush down stairs and through hallways to reach the back door in
order to escape. Charlie and Tommy see the surly man with a full bag in his hand
waiting in the front room.
SURLY MAN
Go on boys! I’ll hold them off!
The owner opens the front door and sees the surly man.
HOUSE OWNER
What in heavens are you doing here?
The surly man picks up a chair and beats the house owner over the head with it.
The house owner collapses violently on his side.
HOUSE OWNER
No, please, please stop!
The surly man continues to beat the house owner in the head with the chair.
HOUSE OWNER
Ahhh!
TOMMY
No! Stop it!
The surly man beats the house owner again and again until he ceases to move. The
surly man turns toward the boys with the bloody chair in his hands.
SURLY MAN
I thought I told you to leave!
Tommy and Charlie swiftly move away from the surly man.
The boys sit around the main room.
FRANCIS
What do you think he will pay us?
DAVID
It has to be fifty pounds a piece we stole!
TOMMY
Why? How much do you usually get?
FRANCIS
Not much. Just enough to get by on.
TOMMY
Why would he deserve that much more than you?
FRANCIS
He is the leader. He organized the whole plan.
TOMMY
Didn’t you risk your neck just as much as he did?
FRANCIS
...Yes.
TOMMY
It was Charlie that risked himself the most. What did the old man do but nearly
get us charged for murder?
The surly man opens the front door and enters.
SURLY MAN
I want to congratulate you boys, well done!
The surly man places his hat on a table.
SURLY MAN
Do not think you are done yet! A merchant ship sets forth in three days. We will
be on that ship!
EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
Tommy and Charlie stroll and see the Admiral and his daughter.
TOMMY
There she is!
CHARLIE
Hold still.
Charlie places his palm toward Tommy as a sign to stay where he is. Charlie moves
up to the admiral and his daughter. Charlie converses with the admiral.
The admiral nods to Charlie.
ADMIRAL
Right. Lets be off then.
LUCY
But father! You promised!
ADMIRAL
Dear, we already bought three dresses.
LUCY
It is not fair. I blame you, gutter trash!
The three of them begin to step down the street.
ADMIRAL
Lucy! Mind your mouth around company! You are to act like a lady, you hear?!
LUCY
I don’t care!
EXT. DOCK - NIGHT
The surly man and all of the boys except for Charlie sit on crates watching a
merchant ship being loaded. They rise to their feet and make their way before the
ship. The surly man makes his way into the ship and stands before the captain.
SURLY MAN
The word is you intend to sail northward.
MERCHANT CAPTAIN
That is correct.
SURLY MAN
Might I make use of your ship in order to bring these orphans to better land?
The surly man holds up a purse full of coins in front of the merchant captain. The
merchant captain takes the purse.
MERCHANT CAPTAIN
Right! Come aboard then.
INT. ADMIRAL’S STOREHOUSE - EVENING
The admiral and Charlie enter the doorway. Shipping supplies line the shelves.
Charlie notices piles of packaged gunpowder in the corner. The admiral motions his
hand to the chimney cleaning supplies between two racks.
ADMIRAL
I shall leave the door unlocked for you tonight. Here are the tools you will need
for proper cleaning...
CHARLIE
I see.
ADMIRAL
Supper is on the table as we speak so lets break bread and then you can get to
your service.
INT. ADMIRAL’S HOUSE - LUCY’S ROOM
Charlie listens from outside the door. Lucy and her mother stand inside.
LUCY
I will not!
ADMIRAL’S WIFE
You will go downstairs and properly address our guests!
LUCY
I do not care about them at all!
ADMIRAL’S WIFE
You will not get a chance like this again. Lexington is the son of a very
prominent man in town!
Lucy throws her arms violently.
LUCY
I don’t like him!
ADMIRAL’S WIFE
Like him? You don’t have to like him... you will be a wife all the same!
LUCY
A wife?! More like a dog. Another pet for him to show around!
ADMIRAL’S WIFE
(laughs) You will break...we all do... there is no other way for us.
Lucy stares at her seriously.
LUCY
I will never be like you.
Lucy storms out of the room.
INT. ADMIRAL’S DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Many guests appear to be seated at the large dining table in the center of the
room. People are finely dressed and by their character appear to be shipmates,
another rich family, and relations including the Admirals wife, Lucy, and several
others.
Lexington addresses Lucy. He wears very fine clothing, holds himself with great
formality, and gives off a domineering air. He slowly kisses her hand while
holding it and staring into her eyes. She grimaces and pulls away, then they make
their way to their seats.
Charlie sits quietly near the end of the table enjoying his beef soup. The admiral
sits at the head of the table and Lucy sits in front of Charlie and to the side
one seat. Chatter fills the room.
LUCY
Why does the servant get to sit at our table?
ADMIRAL
Lucy! I will not tell you one more time to mind your mouth!
ADMIRAL’S WIFE
She is quite right. He offsets the table considerably.
LUCY
He makes me ill. I cannot eat a bite as long as he sits here with us!
The Admiral’s wife motions to the servants and they pull Charlie’s chair out and
escort him outside.
ADMIRAL
Very well then... You shall not eat at all then! Up to your room with you!
LUCY
How dare you embarrass me like this in front of company!
The admiral stand up angrily and points up the stairway.
ADMIRAL
You embarrass yourself! Up with you!
Lucy raises from her seat and ascends the stairway pouting all the way.
ADMIRAL
I apologize for that. I spoil her far too much.
EXT. MERCHANT SHIP - NIGHT
The surly man and the boys besides Charlie stand on the deck as the ship sails
away from the dock. As the dock nearly disappears from sight the surly man struts
to the captains quarters with Francis and Benjamin.
INT. CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - NIGHT
The surly man, Francis, and Benjamin barge into the room. The Captain is at his
desk and is startled.
MERCHANT CAPTAIN
What do you mean barging in here?
The surly man holds up a gun to the merchant captain as Francis and Benjamin tie
him up with rope and gag his mouth with a cloth. The surly man takes a set of keys
which are sitting on the desk.
SURLY MAN
Just keep yer mouth shut and everything will be fine.
The surly man, Francis, and Benjamin exit the captain’s quarters.
SURLY MAN
Keep watch over him.
The surly man makes his way back to the other boys.
SURLY MAN
Roger. Pete. Follow me.
The surly man motions to Roger and Peter to follow him and they descend to the
lower level.
INT. MERCHANT SHIP - LOWER LEVEL - NIGHT
The surly man, Roger, and Peter walk down a long passage until they approach the
door at the end of the hall.
SURLY MAN
This is the hold... where all the good stuff is.
The surly man tries to fit a number of keys until one fits, then he opens the
door. They look inside the hold and see several chests, several other smaller
boxes, and fine clothes and weaponry laid about. David enters from the top level
down the hall.
DAVID
There is a commotion above! Hurry!
The surly man quickly shuts and locks the door. They all run down the hall and
ascend the stairs.
Two crewmen stand before Francis and Benjamin who have knives drawn.
FRANCIS
I told you, the captain happens to be busy at the moment!
BENJAMIN
Stand back!
The surly man and all of the boys crowd around the entrance to the captain’s
quarters. The captain’s muffled CRIES and the POUNDING commotion of his chair is
heard. The surly man slides out his rapier and slays both of the crewmen which
stand on either side of him.
The boys are alarmed at the sudden violence. The surly man enters the captain’s
quarters.
The surly man stands before the captain with his gun drawn. The captain lets out
frantic muffled SCREAMS.
SURLY MAN
I thought I told you to hold still.
The surly man blasts the captain in the head sending him dead on his side still
strapped to the chair.
SURLY MAN
Such a terrible waste of rope.
INT. ADMIRAL’S STOREHOUSE - NIGHT
Charlie takes a sack of gunpowder in hand and exits.
INT. ADMIRAL’S MAIN ROOM
Charlie slowly pours out gunpowder along the ground as he slowly steps backwards.
He stacks the rest of the sack of gunpowder in the chimney with a pile of full
bags.
MONTAGE - CHARLIE STOCKS THE CAPTAIN’S HOUSE FULL OF GUN POWDER
-- He sets a bag among others along the wall in the dining room.
-- He sets a bag among others on the roof.
-- He sets a bag among others in an empty room upstairs and quietly steps down the
stairs.
END MONTAGE
The surly man has all of the crew rounded up in the center of the top deck.
Several of the crew pray.
TOMMY
No! Do not kill them!
SURLY MAN
True. It would be a terrible waste of energy.
The surly man stomps toward the crew and raises his rapier.
SURLY MAN
If any of you haggard dogs wish to live another day I shall give you a chance...
cast yourselves into the raging sea or feel the cold steel of my blade!
The surly man swipes at a man with his blade, tearing at his flesh. The man
SCREAMS and leaps away.
TOMMY
How could you?!
The whole crowd erupts in a frenzy and leaps overboard with numerous SPLASHES. The
surly man waves his rapier in the air and holds Tommy back with his gun.
SURLY MAN
Get! Get!
People are heard overboard SLAPPING at the water and MOANING.
TOMMY
Where is our cut of the loot?
SURLY MAN
I shall give you your shilling in the morning.
TOMMY
We acquired far more than a miserable shilling apiece!
SURLY MAN
You got taxed.
The surly man saunters past Tommy and enters the captains quarters.
EXT. MERCHANT SHIP - MORNING
Tommy sits in contemplation looking into the horizon on the edge of the ship.
Seabirds pass over and wind flows through Tommy’s hair. He turns and enters the
captain’s quarters.
INT. CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - MORNING
The surly man sleeps in a bed. Tommy enters with his knife in hand. Tommy
approaches the surly man and prepares to stab him. The surly man opens his eyes
and raises his gun.
Tommy slices the surly man’s wrist and the surly man flings his hand upward,
shooting the gun into the ceiling. Tommy slices at him and he dodges, leaping on
his feet upon the bed.
SURLY MAN
You will pay for this, boy.
The surly man motions toward his rapier which rests in its sheath against the
wall. Tommy blocks the path, standing in front of it. The surly man leaps from the
bed and slams the handle of his gun into Tommy’s head repeatedly. They wrestle on
the ground, pushing against each other.
The surly man stands and kicks Tommy in the teeth. He then stomps on Tommy’s ribs
over and over. Tommy swings but the surly man grabs his fist and slams the butt of
the gun across Tommy’s face causing it to gush blood.
Tommy writhes in pain upon the ground. The surly man slowly steps forward and
slides his rapier out of its sheath. He turns toward Tommy, steps toward him, and
stands over him.
SURLY MAN
You mean to overtake an old man of the sea? Just who do you think you are?
Tommy quickly lifts his shirt and slides out the knife he found as he was robbing
the house. The knife flies from his hand and lands an inch into the flesh from the
side of the surly man’s neck.
The surly man lets out a HOWL. Blood gushes from the wound and he rests on the
rapier which is stuck into the ground. Tommy rushes to the door as the surly man
falls onto the ground with blood trailing out of his neck in a stream.
SURLY MAN
I beg you do not leave me! I will give you anything, bring me a doctor!
TOMMY
Why should I? I shall soon have all I want!
Tommy exits as the surly man SCREECHES.
Tommy locks the door to the captains quarters with a key. The rest of the boys
besides Charlie stand petrified. The surly man is heard SCREECHING within the
captains quarters.
TOMMY
Any who cares to leave now may do so. But if you choose to sail with us you must
swear your life to me and this ship!
BENJAMIN
What just happened in there?!
TOMMY
The same that happens to anyone I find that abuses their power... You can be
assured that you are in good hands- I swear each man on this ship shall receive an
equal share of all that we acquire!... Any quarrel with that idea... right! Set
sail!
The boys stand quiet for a moment. Jack takes a few steps forward from the middle
of the ship.
JACK
No one knows how to!
TOMMY
What was that?!
JACK
Not one here knows how to sail!
TOMMY
This may take a while...
EXT. MERCHANT SHIP - LATER - NIGHT
A large flame is seen in the distance. The boys besides Charlie wear swords in
sheaths. The admiral’s ships are burning. Charlie is waving both arms overhead to
signal them. Slowly they reach the dock.
CHARLIE
Follow me, we don’t have much time... Where’s the old man?
TOMMY
I’ll tell you later.
EXT. OUTSIDE ADMIRAL’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Charlie carefully unlocks the door.
INT. ADMIRAL’S HOUSE - NIGHT
The boys quietly enter the house with large bags in their hands. Jack and Richard
fill their bags with items from the mantle. Charlie and Tommy climb upstairs.
LUCY’S ROOM
Tommy ties a cloth gagging Lucy. She wakes and flails about. Charlie quickly binds
her arms to her body by tying her up with rope. She thrusts her leg and kicks
Charlie directly in the face sending him backward. Tommy and Charlie take hold of
her arms and legs and carry her.
CHARLIE
Why don’t you get the legs?
TOMMY
Quiet!
UPSTAIRS HALL
Tommy and Charlie carry Lucy as she flops and tries to kick her feet in their
arms. The descend the stairs.
STAIRS
Tommy and Charlie struggle to maintain balance as they carry Lucy.
MAIN ROOM
Tommy and Charlie carry Lucy
TOMMY
Let us be out of here.
The boys quit filling their bags and exit.
The boys carry Lucy into the ship.
The boys take Lucy into the Captains quarters.
Charlie takes a thick branch and wraps it with a cloth. He lights it on fire with
the flame on one of the admirals ships. The admiral and his wife exit the house.
They are in their bed clothes.
All of the boys approach them with swords drawn, some with guns drawn. Tommy has
his gun pointing toward the admiral.
ADMIRAL
Thieves, common thieves! What have I done to deserve such treatment?...
(he looks toward Charlie)
After inviting you to my table no less!
TOMMY
I am no common thief. I seek revenge for a crime you have committed against me.
That is all.
ADMIRAL
Crime? And what is this crime I am accused of?
TOMMY
You have led a constant robbery against me since I was a youth. You have stolen
everything from me and I shall do the same to you.
CHARLIE
I want you to have the pleasure.
Charlie hands Tommy the flaming stick.
ADMIRAL
Low bred animal! Know your place!
TOMMY
I cease to believe your insults any longer, for I will let you know- I am a
gentleman! And upon your insistence to cause me injury I declare a formal
declaration of war!
Tommy stands still as the other boys speed away toward the ship. Tommy tosses the
flaming stick into the admirals house and speeds away as well. The flame catches
the gun powder afire which engulfs the floor afire, igniting the sacks of gun
powder in the chimney and causing a massive explosion.
The front of the house explodes tearing into the admiral and his wife, sending
them to the ground. A chain reaction sets off all of the gun powder sacks in the
upper floors and throughout the house to explode, causing the house to erupt in
flames throughout the middle.
The house collapses in on itself and the sacks of gunpowder in the upper back
rooms explode, blowing off the parts of the roof in those areas. The admiral’s
wife lies dead while the admiral lies under burning debris and has a large piece
of wood lodged in the side of his arm. He struggles to free himself as his house
burns beside him.
The admiral’s sailors rush to him and lift him out of the burning rubble.
ADMIRAL
Go after them! Cut their throats!
ADMIRAL’S SAILOR 1
Your ships are on fire.
ADMIRAL
Put it out! Put it out!
ADMIRAL’S SAILOR 1
It is too late for that. Your ships are gone.
The boys carry Lucy. She kicks wildly and frees herself. She kicks Benjamin in the
stomach, which knocks him down. Charlie and Jack grab her around the waist and she
kicks Tommy repeatedly in the face as he tries to grab her legs.
They all hold her and carry her into the captains quarters. She SCREAMS.
The boys carry Lucy into the bed and tie her to the bed posts on the right side.
She cries.
The boys run downstairs.
INT. HOLD - NIGHT
The boys roll an ale barrel out the door while wearing the fine clothes that they
found lying about.
The boys drink ale while they sing a song. Many of them swing their mugs. Jack and
Roger swing around the main mast. Benjamin plays an accordion while Peter and
Henry dance and clap their hands.
The boys lay about the ship asleep. Tommy wakes and fills his mug full of ale and
staggers into the captains quarters.
INT. CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - MORNING
Lucy lies on the bed tied up and asleep. Tommy steps over to the left side of the
bed, crawls onto in, and wakes Lucy. She is alarmed as he holds the mug up to her.
She turns her head away from him.
Tommy unties her hands from the bedpost. She punches him over and over in the bed.
She bangs his head against the bedpost and they both SCREAM. He kicks her off and
she goes flying backward. He slips off of the bed and picks up the mug off of the
floor and sets it on the right side of the bed.
She strikes at him but he dodges and exits the room. She reaches onto the ground
and picks up the mug and drinks what is left within it.
INT. ENGLISH NAVY HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Several admirals sit behind tables.
ADMIRAL #2
Since you are incapable of performing your duty at the head of a ship... you shall
receive pension in return.
The admiral has one arm which now only extends halfway down the upper arm and his
right leg is deformed. He stands on a crutch.
ADMIRAL
I wish to sail on my own accord.
ADMIRAL #3
You are free to do so. Though you must use your own funds to lead whatever venture
you have in mind.
ADMIRAL
Very well.
ADMIRAL #2
We trust you still have such funds now that your estate is burned?
ADMIRAL
I shall sell off the property I own. The east side housing block shall go to
auction as well as my other houses in the country.
The admirals appear disturbed.
ADMIRAL #3
You mean to lose all you have for this... expedition.
ADMIRAL
These brigands have taken from me all I love in this world... I intend to do all I
can to take it back.
Lexington stands in the shadows and steps forward.
LEXINGTON
Sir.
The Admiral appears saddened.
ADMIRAL
You heard what has taken place, then?
LEXINGTON
Indeed, I did. Upon your approval... Admiral... I wish to set forth as well.
The Admiral turns disinterested.
ADMIRAL
This is not your battle. Your place is here, defending our Queen.
LEXINGTON
I am shamed as well!
Lexington bows his head.
LEXINGTON
I will be damned if let those vagrants steal poor Lucy and do God knows what with
her in the middle of the bloody ocean!
EXT. MERCHANT SHIP - DAY
Lucy has a rope tied to her from a high beam. She has coral in her hand. She
attempts to scrub the deck.
LUCY
Ow! It’s too rough!
Tommy throws a piece of bread at her which he ripped off of a loaf that he is
eating.
LUCY
Stop it! Why do I have to work?
TOMMY
Because you are the slave. And it is fun to watch a spoiled brat work hard.
Lucy tries to scrub again.
LUCY
I have never been treated like this in all my life!
Lucy gets up and pulls towards Tommy attempting to hit him but the rope is too
short.
Jack and Henry attempt to tie up rigging in order to secure the sail. Cannons
explode below deck sending cannon balls into the sea. Henry falls. Charlie and
David shoots guns at a loaf of bread which sits atop the side railing. Due to
being imbalanced by the rocking ship they miss terribly.
Lucy LAUGHS.
LUCY
You are the worst pirates I have ever seen!... Let me try, I will show them how to
use a pistol!
TOMMY
Shoot a gun? Girls do not shoot guns on my ship!
LUCY
I cannot do much worse now can I?
TOMMY
Give them time, give them time! What we need is more guns, definitely more guns!
LUCY
Very true. What direction are we headed?
Tommy looks at the compass near the steering wheel.
TOMMY
East!
LUCY
I know just the place. Spain has all we could want. Spin us around the other way!
Tommy spins the wheel.
TOMMY
What do you know about navigation?
LUCY
I am only the daughter of an admiral!
TOMMY
You hear that boys?! Onward to Espana!
Tommy spins the wheel around several times.
ALL OF THE BOYS
Yaa!
EXT. SPANISH DOCK - DAY
Couples walk hand in hand. Dock workers hammer tar into the hulls of great
warships. Tommy and the crew stand by as dock workers install new sails and guns
onto their ship. There are now four guns on each side of the ship. Charlie has his
arm around Tommy’s neck.
CHARLIE
It is a beauty is it not?
INT. SPANISH SHOP - DAY
The boys stand looking at the armor and weapons behind the merchant. Tommy notices
a two-handed five foot long sword with a serrated blade and two flukes protruding
from it a hands width down the handle from the quillions. Tommy points to it.
TOMMY
Let me see that one.
The merchant takes it down from the wall and hands it carefully to Tommy.
SPANISH MERCHANT
We call this one a slaughter sword, a dopplehänder. A very fine weapon of Swiss
creation.
Tommy takes the sword and holds it before himself with both hands. He swings it
slowly, getting a feel for the weapon.
SPANISH MERCHANT
Surprisingly light and well balanced despite its length, is it not?
TOMMY
Yes, very fine indeed.
CHARLIE
I’ll take one as well.
SPANISH MERCHANT
These are not sailing weapons. They are far too long.
TOMMY
I’ll take that short sword there... four guns... and two knives...boys outfit
yourselves well... If there’s going to be a bloodfest we might as well dress for
the occasion!
EXT. OUTSIDE SPANISH SHOP - DAY
The boys stroll out of the shop outfitted with beautiful clothing and light armor.
Each boy wears a long sword, a shorter sword on their waist. They also each have
four guns and two knives up their sides.
EXT. SPANISH BEACH - DAY
The boys practice sword fighting in the golden sand beside the beautiful beach.
Tommy swings his sword down and Charlie blocks it with his and they push against
each other. Tommy kicks Charlie in the stomach and he falls letting his sword
swing in the air. Tommy barely dodges and it slices his hand causing it to bleed.
TOMMY
Perhaps we should not practice with these.
LATER
The boys practice sword fighting with long and short poles. They are quite serious
and do not hold back on each other.
MONTAGE - SWORD FIGHTING PRACTICE
-- Jack and Roger swing wildly at each other, striking and blocking. Roger takes
his short pole and strikes stopping at Jacks neck.
-- Benjamin and David strike at each other with short poles. They dodge with skill
until David jabs Benjamin in the belly.
-- Tommy and Charlie shoot their guns at a dummy fashioned with a tied up sack on
top of two crossed sticks made to look like a man. They both miss a few times,
each time grabbing new guns from their side. The third time they hit their target.
-- The rest of the boys shoot at dummies lined up on the beach.
-- Half of the boys stand on one side in line with a long sword and half on the
other with a dummy. The dummies are thrown and the other boys charge and strike
the dummies, splitting them in two.
-- The boys switch sides and the ones who threw the dummies now hold swords and
vice versa. The dummies are thrown and split again.
EXT. BEACH BESIDE TOMMY’S SHIP - DAY
Charlie waves to Tommy and points to the ship. Extraneous sections of the deck
have been sawed down for the sake of ship speed. The ship is beautifully painted
black with an outline of blood red. The words “BLOOD BOUNTY” are painted on the
aft.
CHARLIE
It is unbelievable, no? I call her the blood bounty.
TOMMY
It is a dream.
Both of them smile and peer up toward the blood red flag flying over the ship.
INT. SPANISH BAR - EVENING
The boys gulp down drinks and converse happily. They sing a song though it is not
heard. Many dance merrily. Two beautiful Spanish girls take Charlie and Jack by
the hand and sneak out with them.
INT. SPANISH INN - NIGHT
In the small room, Charlie has sex with one of the Spanish girls and Jack has sex
with the other one in a second bed.
Tommy enters with chicken in a bowl and a mug of beer. He sets it on a table by
the bed and unties Lucy.
LUCY
Why do you untie me?
TOMMY
I do not feel like feeding you by hand.
She looks downward.
TOMMY
Go on, you must be hungry.
Tommy moves to the other side of the bed and takes his boots and armor off. She
takes the bowl in hand and eats with her fingers.
LUCY
I actually prefer being a captive. This is the first time I have ever felt free.
She takes another bite.
LUCY
Why did you steal me anyway?
TOMMY
To get back at the Admiral. Revenge for stealing everything that meant anything to
me.
LUCY
What do you mean?
TOMMY
Since I was a boy I grew up on the east side, which he owned. He bled us so dry we
never had a chance.
LUCY
I am sorry. I hate him as well.
Lucy puts her hand on Tommy’s shoulder.
TOMMY
Even the smallest items in your house could have fed us well for over a month.
LUCY
None of those things mattered for our family was greatly unhappy.
TOMMY
I do not understand why we were made to live in such poverty. Perhaps it would not
have been so bad if we at least had food to eat- but no! We suffered so terribly
that it must be called a crime!
Tommy places his hand on the handle of his sword and stands on his feet.
TOMMY
I mean to act out a punishment on those who deserve it. My family was not given a
path to an honest life and so I shall give no mercy on those who support such a
system... These seas shall be red with the blood of tyrants!
LUCY
I will join you if you allow it.
TOMMY
I would not wish to see you hurt.
Lucy kisses Tommy on the mouth. He seems surprised though he kisses her again.
They they begin to unbutton each others clothes and kiss passionately.
EXT. TOMMY’S SHIP - BELOW DECK - DAY
Cannons blast. Teams of men race to load a new cannon ball.
CHARLIE
Double time!- I want these loaded and ready to fire! We send out two for every one
they send!
EXT. TOMMY’S SHIP - DAY
The boys shoot at dummies lines up on the side of the ship. The dummies explode as
the shots fly through them.
Behind them others practice sword fighting with skill.
TOMMY
Drop the targets!
Barrels are dropped into the ocean.
TOMMY
Lower the sails!
The ship gains great momentum.
TOMMY
Turn us ninety degrees!
Benjamin spins the wheel.
TOMMY
Aim!... Fire!
Cannons blast off and explode upon the floating barrels.
INT. CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - DAY
Tom and Lucy lie in bed. Lucy takes a quill and dips it in ink. She slowly writes
“TOMMY” while saying the letters as she writes them.
LUCY
T... O... M... M... Y... Tommy, see?
Tom takes the quill nervously.
TOMMY
H-How do I start?
Lucy smiles.
LUCY
Poor dear... you draw a line from here (pointing at the top of the “T”) Then draw
another line going down... Like mine, see?
She points to the letters she wrote.
INSERT - TOMMY WRITES HIS NAME (SLOPPY)
TOMMY
BACK TO SCENE
Lucy Laughs in a girly way, hugs him, and kisses him.
LUCY
(quickly and quietly)
Good job.
EXT. CAPTAIN LEXINGTON’S SHIP - DAY
Lexington stands proud on the fore of his ship as two merchant ships approach. A
Tubby Merchant waves.
TUBBY MERCHANT
Hello there!
LEXINGTON
Greetings. I am Captain John Lexington.
TUBBY MERCHANT
We come from the Americas, carrying gold to England. Would you serve to protect
our Queens property- these are not safe waters at all!
LEXINGTON
Quite true! I happen to be pirate hunting as we speak... Tom is the name of the
ruffian who said to haunt these waters.
Lexington speaks to a sailor then turns back to the Tubby merchant.
LEXINGTON
If you like you may accompany us for a time...
EXT. TOMMY’S SHIP - NIGHT
Benjamin plays a song about mothers. Tommy, Charlie, Benjamin, and others cry as
they sing and drink. Tommy sees Jack sitting with Lucy off to the side in the
shadows.
Tommy continues to sing but notices Jack touch her breast and he sees them kiss.
Tommy stands and stomps directly over to them.
TOMMY
You think I am blind to this? Your sitting in the shadows taunts me to quarrel
more so!
Tommy shoots two guns and blasts a hole in Jacks chest. The music and singing
stops. Jack clenches in pain.
LUCY
You monster!
Tommy stabs Jack in the chest and drags the knife through his skin, causing it to
gush blood.
TOMMY
I cut a fish, I cut a man. It makes no difference.
Tommy cleans the blood off of the knife onto his pants.
TOMMY
You forget who is the captain! Any who disagree with my decision shall receive the
same!
All look shocked. Tommy grabs Lucy and drags he to the railing and ties her up.
TOMMY
Play on!
Tommy walks to his quarters as Benjamin starts a new song.
The ship is anchored near land. Jack’s body is wrapped in a white sheet and is
held by the boys as it half hangs over the edge of the ship.
BENJAMIN
He was a good sailor... and a good friend... may god rest his soul.
The boys send Jacks body into the sea. The boys meditate on the moment. Benjamin
notices something in the distance. He walks up to the poop deck and takes out a
telescope. He sees three merchant ships.
BENJAMIN
Oy! Ahead lie three vessels!
Tommy approaches him and takes the telescope and sees the ships.
TOMMY
Lower the sails, ready the cannons, arm yourselves, for this time we fight for
real!
MOMENTS LATER
Tommy’s ship approaches the other three. They are 100 yards away.
TOMMY
Raise the flag!
The pirate flag is raised. Tommy realizes that he is missing two pistols. He pats
the holders and looks where he shot Jack. He unties Lucy and drags her. He pushes
her into the captains quarters.
TOMMY
Stay here.
He enters and returns with only one missing.
TOMMY
(to the other ships)
We will not harm you if you surrender immediately!... but if you mean to strike at
us we shall have no mercy upon you!
A cannon blasts from the closest merchant ship, missing far behind Tommy’s ship.
Another shoots and comes far short.
TOMMY
It seems they want a fight- and so we must give them one!... Do not fire until I
give word!
They sail silently.
TOMMY
Sail around their aft! Lets get a shot in their hold!
Benjamin spins the wheel and the ship sails around the back of the other ship.
Lexington’s ship circles around beyond the other ships.
TOMMY
Aim!...Fire!
Cannons blast into the aft end of the other ship. People on the other ship
scramble. A hole is broken into the ship and water pours in. The ship slowly tilts
as it sinks little by little.
ALL OF THE BOYS
Yaa!
The boys jump in celebration and raise their hands in the air. Tommy’s ship sails
toward the second ship. People hang on as the first ship sinks and others jump
into the water. Wood and cargo fill the water. Lexington’s ship sails toward
Tommy’s ship and the two ships come in close contact.
TOMMY
All on the main deck! Prepare for attack!
Both ships are next to each other and the sailors prepare to fire guns upon
Tommy’s crew. Charlie has a half filled gun powder bag tied with a lit fuse. He
throws it in the middle of the sailors. It explodes decimating many.
Several men SCREAM and leap overboard in order to escape the blast. Others panic
and run towards Tommy and the rest of the crew. Tommy slashes into several men
with his sword, flaying body parts and slaying them all.
Two sailors surround Tommy. Tommy stabs one in the neck with a knife and Lucy
shoots one in the back. Tommy looks at her and she smiles.
MONTAGE - FIRST SHIP BATTLE
-- Peter jumps on the other ship and slashes with his shorter sword and stabs a
sailor in the neck.
-- Roger empties out two guns on one sailor. Then grabs two more from his side and
shoots two more sailors at close range while SCREAMING.
-- David jumps over to the other ship and is stabbed through the neck. Blood
gushes forth as he SCREAMS and falls into the water below.
-- Tommy and Charlie cut through sailors with their swords. Tommy swings at two
sailor’s rapiers and breaks both as he sends his sword through one of their
skulls. Charlie cuts the other sailors head off. SCREAMS are heard. Blood covers
them all as well as the ground.
-- Robert swings at a sailor but is shot by another. He falls down dead as
Benjamin shoots both sailors in the head. Benjamin grabs Robert and realizes he is
alive.
END MONTAGE
Benjamin watches over Robert.
ROBERT
I didn’t even see him. I didn’t know it happened till I hit the ground.
Robert’s eyes begin to close.
BENJAMIN
You did all you could. You lived a good life. That’s all we can ever do.
Amid a swarm of swinging swords Tommy and Lexington confront each other.
LEXINGTON
Your men are despicable.
TOM
I know! It is a great life!
Lexington cuts through the air and Tommy dodges. Tommy stabs and slashes violently
with two swords as Lexington blocks each attack with skill. Lexington swings at
Tommy’s head and Tommy rolls out of the way. Lexington swings with might and
Tommy, on his knees, crosses his swords and blocks the attack.
They both push with all of their strength against the other. Suddenly a sword
bursts through Lexington’s chest. Lucy holds the weapon and shows a great feeling
of delight upon her face. Lexington thrusts a weak swipe with his blade and falls
on the handle of the sword sticking in his back. Blood spits forth as he hits the
ground. He lets out one last MOAN of pain and lies stiff.
The boys cut through the remaining sailors. Tommy and Charlie both cut through
sailors and kick them over the edge. The sailors SCREAM as the fall.
A mess of bodies and limbs litter the deck. Blood flows back and forth as the ship
rocks. The boys look toward the third ship to see a white flag flying overhead.
TOMMY
Sail beside us! We will not harm you as long as you lay your weapons down!
EXT. WHITE FLAG SHIP - DAY
Men stand along the far side of the ship as Tommy’s crew enters. Their weapons sit
in a neat pile in the center of the deck.
TOMMY
Why would you risk your lives for someone else’s gold? Grip a sword with gnarled
fingers after laboring long years for another’s gain?
Tommy strolls up the line of men.
TOMMY
You may leave as you wish and risk your lives still just to barely feed
yourselves... or you may come with us and take an equal share... Your choice.
Ten sailors from the other ship stand lined up on the deck.
TOMMY
This is our kingdom. The only one we shall have in this world... Away from their
palaces, hoarding all joy and vibrancy in this world.. We have a chance to live
while we were given nothing!
In the distance people pour out of the lower levels of the other ships and stand
on the bloodied deck. Women cry as they see the blood. People from the first ship
swim to the bloody ship.
TOMMY
You must swear to follow every word I say... and dedicate yourself to my ships.
And if you steal or commit any sort of crime against this crew you will pay with
your life, you hear?!
NEW CREWMEN
Aye sir!
TOMMY
Now help transporting the cargo to our ships!
35 YEAR-OLD TOM (VO)
In those years we were so successful we exceeded our own greatest hopes.
EXT. ADMIRAL’S SHIP - EVENING
The Admiral is led by one of his sailors to a crowd of his men who are drawn to an
object on Lexington’s ship. The dead line the deck and Lexington is strapped into
the rigging onto a sail with his arms extended against the material. Blood is
smeared on the white sail, a large hole drips blood from his gut, and his head
lies limp and morose.
ADMIRAL
Monsters!
MONTAGE
-- Tommy’s ship blasts cannons at a merchant vessel.
-- Both of the ships have raised pirate flags. A merchant vessel.
-- Two ships sail with Tommy’s ship. They all have raised flags. Three other
merchant ships sail together. One shoots a cannon blast and misses. All three
ships shoot their cannons and destroy the other ship. The crews on the other ships
hold their hands up in surrender.
We thought we were unstoppable. Through the years all came so easy to us. That is
until he set upon us and set doom within our hearts again.
EXT. TOM’S SHIP - EVENING
Tom is twenty-four years old. They sail at a swift speed. Five ships sail in
formation. Three large ships with British flags sail on the horizon.
TOM
Do you think they are after us?
LUCY
Those ships are my fathers. I am sure of it! Move... we have got to move faster!
The ship sails on as the sun sets.
NIGHT
The three ships show black against the glow of the sky.
35 YEAR-OLD TOM (V.O.)
Day and night he followed us. With all the energy in his being... it was all he
left in life- simply to destroy us was his only wish.
DAY
The ships sail on at full speed yet are still being followed. Land is seen ahead.
TOM
France... our savior at last! He would never follow us in their no matter how mad
he was.
EXT. NANTES DOCK - DAY
The crew of Tom’s ships step off of their boats. They walk among the cobble stone
street. Above stands a huge church and a high standing city gates arching over the
people passing through in large numbers.
Though haggard the crew of Tommy’s ship walk proud and noble. Tom and Lucy walk
side by side. People stare as they pass.
I had not realized the change in all of us. We were nobles in our own minds. These
battle weary seamen owned no land but they stood proud as knights from days of
yore.
INT. FRENCH PUB - DAY
The room is filled with merry men of Tom’s crew. They down gulps of ale and feast
on a variety of meats, soups, and breads. Benjamin plays an upbeat song as men
dance. Peter and David engage two girls, holding out their hands. The girls take
their hands and join in a dance.
Henry makes out with a girl. Tom and Lucy sit together singing along to the song.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - EVENING
Tom and Lucy stroll hand in hand. Tom has an uneasy look on his face. He quickly
draws his dopplehänder and thrusts it behind himself. The tip of his blade points
at the neck of a young vagrant boy. The boy is scared and has his hand extended
still as he was attempting to steal Tom’s purse.
TOM
Do not hesitate, boy.
Tom takes his purse in hand and tosses it to the boy and continues strolling down
the street hand in hand with Lucy. The boy shivers with fear and skitters away
with his knees wobbly and unsteady. Lucy smirks and nudges Tom.
MONTAGE - TOM AND LUCY INDULGE
-- Tom and Lucy sit in tubs and get washed by servants.
-- Tom and Lucy get their hair cut in a barber shop.
-- Lucy tries on an expensive, beautiful blue dress.
-- Tom tries on a fine black and burgundy doublet and matching outfit. He also
wears a large black frill around his neck.
-- Lucy clasps a glimmering necklace around her neck.
END MONTAGE
INT. TAILOR - EVENING
Lucy and Tom see each other and embrace.
LUCY
Is it a dream?
TOM
Yes, yes it must be.
EXT. SHOPPING DISTRICT - EVENING
Lucy and Tom stroll proud in their new clothes. A man speeds down the road dodging
careless shoppers. This is LOUIS, a nimble black haired Frenchman. He has a bloody
wound on his right shoulder. Two guards chase behind him with spears in hand.
One man fires and shoots Louis in the leg which sends his to the ground screaming.
The guard raises his spear. Tom steps forward and blasts a pistol shot into the
guard’s face. He now lies dead and bloody.
The second guard thrusts his spear at Tom. Tom swings his dopplehänder shattering
the spear. The guard raises his pistol. Tom dodges and the shot flies by crashing
through a shop window. Tom swipes his short sword and the guard blocks it with the
broken spear.
Tom takes the dopplehänder which is stuck in the ground and swings it over his
shoulder beheading the guard as well as taking off his right arm at the shoulder.
People scream in horror. Two women scream mad in fear and run away.
Louis lies on the ground. Tom takes his hand and helps him up. Louis staggers on
his injured leg.
LOUIS
Thank you Monsieur, I owe you my life!
Louis shakes Tom’s hand.
LOUIS
We must hurry, you are no longer safe. There will be more of them very soon.
Tom and Lucy hesitate.
LOUIS
Come with me. I will keep you safe.
EXT. OUTSIDE PROTESTANT HIDEOUT - NIGHT
Louis knocks on a door.
The door opens. Louis quickly enters and Tom and Lucy follow.
INT. PROTESTANT HIDEOUT - NIGHT
The fireplace holds a warm fire. Two finely dressed Frenchmen sit in chairs with
glasses of wine in their hands and converse. Another sits over Louis in a bed and
attends to his wounds. Francois approaches Lucy and Tom with a bottle of wine in
his hand and two glasses in the other.
FRANCOIS
This wine is from my own vineyards in Navarre.
The man pours wine into the two glasses and hands them to Lucy and Tom. Lucy takes
a sip and is delighted.
LUCY
I love it!
Tom takes a sip.
TOM
Yes, it is very fine indeed.
Tom takes another drink and a look of seriousness comes over his face.
TOM
But I wonder why such high bred men of great taste must hide as you do?
FRANCOIS
It is true we are considered nobles in our lands in the south... but our religion
is persecuted here.
TOM
Religion?
FRANCOIS
Protestants. In a Catholic country. They suffocate us. They hate us and strike us
down with impunity.
Tom and Lucy each take sips.
FRANCOIS
We shall attend the marriage of Henry of Navarre to Marguerite, daughter of Queen
Catherine of Medici. In the hope that this bond will end the slaughters, the civil
wars which bring ruin upon us all.
Frenchman 1 stands illuminated by the fire. He takes a long drink from the bottle.
FRANCOIS
We are to be one country again. Uniting in the glory of god as one people.
LUCY
It shall be a wonderful day to see this.
Frenchman 1 laughs.
FRANCOIS
Then you shall! Be my honored guests, what do you say?
TOM
Yes, of course!
EXT. FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
Many carriages travel down a long road. People work in vineyards on both sides of
the road. As the carriages pass the crew of Tom’s ships are seen within.
INT. CARRIAGE - DAY
Lucy and Tom sit on one side, Frenchman 1 and Francois on the other.
LUCY
This is so lovely!
She peers outside.
FRANCOIS
Indeed. I believe that the heart of France lies not within walls of any palace but
in the hearts of the common people.
EXT. OUTSIDE COLIGNY’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Tom exits the carriage followed by Lucy and Francois.
TOM
Can not my men join us?
FRANCOIS
Admiral Coligny has but limited room at his table for special guests. Your men
will thoroughly enjoy themselves in our accommodations, do not worry.
Frenchman 1 knocks on the front door. A servant opens the door and invites them
inside.
INT. COLIGNY’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Tom, Lucy, and Francois, and Frenchman 1 enter Coligny’s dining room.
DINING ROOM
Coligny is seated at his table with four other guests.
COLIGNY
It is a pleasure.
Coligny slightly bows.
COLIGNY
What nobility! A man of true character!
TOM
Thank you.
COLIGNY
Please sit. We have already begun our feast but there is plenty. Do not be modest,
what is mine is yours.
LUCY
Such a wonderful array of dishes. What do you call this?
Lucy points to a dish holding an elaborately dressed meat.
COLIGNY
Chicken galantine. Fill yourselves friends, I know your stomachs must grumble
after the travel you have undertaken.
Tom, Lucy, and Francois fill their plates. A servant fills glasses of wine for
them.
COLIGNY
Tom, your sacrifice is an inspiration to us all. The true spirit of Christ.
Coligny peers directly at Tom, holding his wine glass high and the rest of the
guests do the same. They all then take a sip.
TOM
You speak too highly of me.
COLIGNY
I do not believe so. Louis breathes as a result of your bravery. You risked your
own neck to save his- a man you had never seen before in your life! Is this not
true?
TOM
Yes it is.
COLIGNY
You are modest as well as noble. The willingness to give is lost among us, and is
why our civilizations are filled with hate.
FRANCOIS
Indeed.
The guests slice their meat and fill their mouths continually.
COLIGNY
Do you believe the wedding tomorrow will erase the feelings of hate? The vows of
revenge sowed in times of bloody civil war?
FRANCOIS
I have faith that people can change. It will be difficult but there is a chance.
COLIGNY
The problem lies in the fact that royalty keeps so much for themselves and allow
the peasants to suffer.
TOM
This is so in every country. The poor have no other choices but to revolt or
simply die.
COLIGNY
And so all must live in turmoil.
Coligny drinks a sip of wine.
COLIGNY
It is a peculiar truth... that one does not truly have anything if they keep all
for themselves.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Massive white pillars line the walls, draped with fine red cloth sewn with gold
threaded illustrations throughout. Rich Parisians are seated, filling the
cathedral. At the head of the church hangs a colorful statue of Christ crucified.
Cardinals and Bishops can be seen from afar, their white points jetting above the
heads of the people.
Tom and Lucy stand amongst the crowd near the back of the church. Charles and a
number of Tom’s men stand by. A finely dressed young boy kneels on the ground
facing the back of the church playing with a wooden toy horse. The boy mumbles to
the horse, rocking it in his hand in a mock trot.
Cardinal de Bourbon speaks the rites of marriage, unintelligible to those as
distant as Tom. Lucy lifts herself on her toes but still cannot see those up
front. Tom looks to people lining seats along the walls then to the boy who
continues playing.
A choir erupts in song and the crowd stands at once. Choir boys walk in precession
down the isle followed by the leaders of the church in stunning red and gold.
Behind them, members of the royal line follow, surrounding Marguerite de Valois
and Henry of Navarre side by side. Though the aristocracy lacks the gait of
formality the newly married couple stride empty of affection, stiff as wood,
filled with uneasiness.
LUCY
There! I see them!
Tom and Lucy peer through the crowd and witness a brief glimpse of Marguerite and
Henry. Marguerite is adorned with dazzling bejeweled crown and glimmers brightly
in multitudes of diamonds.
INT. PALACE COURTYARD - EVENING
The sound of drums, flutes, lutes, and other instruments fill the air. Young women
and men dance merrily within the crowds, some in pairs, others prance in line hand
in hand. A young girl chases after a boy and tackles him to the ground giggling
and forces a kiss on his cheek as he squirms.
At a long table Lords and Ladies dine on sweet cakes and other desserts. Crystal
glassware is filled with red wine by servants. A spry lad scoops lemon tarte from
a dish and shoves it into a ladies mouth across from him. She laughs aloud with
her mouth full.
Coligny speaks to CHARLES IX in a friendly manner upon the steps leading to the
courtyard
People all around clap along to the music cheerfully as the dancers pass. Tom and
Lucy clap along within the crowd. Charles stands by nervously. Tom hands him his
wine.
TOM
Looks like you need this.
Charles tips it back and starts to drink. Francois pushes him into the circle of
dancers from behind and laughs heartily. Wine spills down his throat and he falls
into ANN, a beautiful brunette french girl, as she is dancing. They lock hands in
order not to fall. She smiles and tugs him into a dance. He looks back to Charlie
with a smile.
FRANCOIS
It is a joyous day. Everyone lives without a care.
TOM
This is what I have always dreamed of.
FRANCOIS
Can it be... we shall have a united France?
Louis dances without care, throwing his arms into the air. He kicks up dirt upon
the shoe of the Duke of Guise. The Duke thrashes Louis upon the ground violently
bloodying his lip.
The Duke glares at him. Louis wipes the blood with his hand, in seeing it is
enraged. He leaps up only to be held back by Coligny. Louis struggles with him.
Coligny’s men stand by his side yearning to fight. Coligny holds his hand toward
them signalling them to stay back.
EXT. OUTSIDE COLIGNY’s HOUSE - NIGHT

Coligny’s carriage slows and halts before his house.
INSIDE CARRIAGE
Tom and Lucy sit on one side, Coligny on the other. Coligny waves them to the
door.
COLIGNY
Guests first, please.
OUTSIDE CARRIAGE
Tom steps to the ground then turns. The blue haze of the moon illuminates the
night. He supports Lucy as she descends down the steps, one hand gripping hers,
the other on her hip. She leans into him as they stumble to the front door.
TOM
Poor thing, you are exhausted.
Coligny exits the carriage and swiftly reaches the front door.
LUCY
It was a long day.
Coligny unlocks the door and holds it open for them as they wander inside.
INT. COLIGNY’S HOUSE - GUEST ROOM - NIGHT
Tom helps Lucy up the last stairs. Coligny follows behind them.
COLIGNY
I must attend business tomorrow morning but I beg of you, please enjoy
yourselves...
Tom and Lucy stop several feet before the balcony in the middle of the room.
TOM
We do not wish to be in the way.
COLIGNY
Make use of what you wish to fill your comfort, it is nothing.
TOM
Why is it that you put such effort for us? I do not understand.
Coligny stands before Tom and rests his hand on his shoulder.
COLIGNY
I am constantly surrounded by liars and traitors... It is not often I can trust
anyone.
TOM
Is there any hope of peace in this country?
COLIGNY
I fear the worst... unbelievable suffering.
Tom is filled with emptiness.
TOM
I so strongly wanted this. I did not consider failure.
Tom leads Lucy out onto the balcony and sits with her on a bench. His hair gently
flows in the breeze and the moon shines on his face. She sleeps with her head on
his shoulder.
BALCONY
Coligny leans on the bench behind Tom and Lucy.
COLIGNY
It is failure in itself to be born human. It is inherent in our nature. Therefore,
it is a triumph to live this life nobly.
Coligny rests his hands on the edge of the balcony.
COLIGNY
To stare in the face the fools who run this Earth. Those who never developed
further than the spoiled child they were born as... and never falter whether they
tear us limb from limb and rip every bit of skin from our bones!
TOM
Then we can never succeed then?
COLIGNY
How can any succeed when everyone dies? To win is therefore all within your belief
of what that means. Nobody wins in this life... There will always an unconquerable
horde ready to crush you. The only question is how will you go down.
TOM
That is why the fools continue being who they are. In their minds it is they who
live the truthfully! In their minds it is they who are the heroes!
COLIGNY
Therefore it is up to you... what will you live for?
TOM
The only thing I have ever asked is to be treated with dignity. I will fight to my
death for this.
COLIGNY
I would not have you risk your life. This is our country, not yours.
TOM
I felt for an instant today, a sense of belonging. I will not hesitate to
sacrifice all that this may last.
COLIGNY
Then you shall stand among the highest ranks of men. We shall rule together in a
united empire!
TOM
This is too high of an honor! I am no lord!
COLIGNY
Nay! Our ideals will be a reality or our blood will drain through the streets!
Coligny steps backward and calms himself.
COLIGNY
Alas, it is late. I must rest.
Coligny makes his way near the exit of this room. Tom helps Lucy up and to the
bed.
TOM
Good night to you, sir.
COLIGNY
Good night to you, Thomas. May all men be as noble as you one day.
Coligny closes the door and makes his way to his room. Tom removes Lucy’s dress.
TOM
Good night my love.
Tom kisses her on the mouth. She hugs him close and kisses him on the neck with
her eyes closed.
EXT. PARIS STREET - DAY
Coligny calmly makes his way past cheerful people. He passes a salon. Within
people converse, others have their hair styled. He passes a bakery, one man hands
a customer a large loaf of bread while another lifts several out of an oven.
He passes a meat market, in which a man exits carrying a bound cut of meat and
inside a man hacks a large set of beef ribs and looks up to Coligny, smiles and
waves. Coligny waves back happily. Street vendors sell all sorts of sweets, one
providing fine sandwiches as well.
People fill inside the many varieties of clothing boutiques, trying on hats, and
other sets of fine cloth. People enjoy cakes will reclining on a grand fountain.
Children chase each other in a park. Birds chirp in the trees.
INT. COLIGNY’S HOUSE - GUEST ROOM - DAY
The sun shines through the window illuminating the room. Tom and Lucy lay in each
other’s arms. Lucy opens her eyes slightly due to the light striking her face. Tom
wakes as well.
Coligny sees Louis on the other side of the street. They waves to each other.
Louis purchases a breast of chicken from a street vendor and crosses the street
while munching on his meal.
Louis takes a large bite of chicken.

INT. COLIGNY’S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS - DAY
Lucy kisses up Tom’s throat. He smiles out of pleasure. She strokes down his bare
chest and kisses it slowly several times. She climbs on top of him and they hold
each other’s faces and kiss passionately. Half under the sheets she removes her
clothing.
Tom slides off the clothing covering his bottom half under the sheets while she is
still atop him. He grips her disheveled hair slightly and pulls her near for a
slow romantic kiss. She maneuvers with her hands on his shoulders to slide his
penis inside of her and pushes herself onto it with her eyes closed while
breathing heavily out of pleasure.
They slowly make love, her rising and falling atop him and he thrusting himself
upward into her as the sun shines golden upon them both. They share an occasional
kiss, deep and long, as they engage in pleasure.
Coligny and Louis stride side by side.
Shots ring out from the second floor building of a nearby house. Blood explodes
from Coligny’s left hand. A lurking figure escapes into the shadows within the
window. Coligny screams and falls on his knees gripping his left elbow, reeling in
pain.
Louis drags Coligny to the side of the building as a few men rush to help.
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
Coligny lies shirtless on an operating table. He grits his teeth as the doctor
attempts to pry a bullet out of his arm. Coligny screams madly in pain and shakes
uncontrollably.
Coligny tightly closes his eyes.
The doctor grips the bullet and slides it out slightly.
The doctor pulls out the bullet and drops it in a metal container.
INT. THE LOUVRE - HALLWAY - DAY

Huguenot leaders crowd and shout loudly. Several men wave their hands angrily in
the air as they speak. A distinguished man arrives, followed by several of his
armed soldiers.
The man draws his sword attempting to pass the men but another man stops his
passage by pushing him and shouting.
INT. OUTSIDE QUEEN CATHERINE’S ROOM - EVENING
Ann scrubs the floor with a damp cloth. Hysterical shouts echo from CATHERINE’S
room. Ann continues scrubbing despite the noise.
INT. QUEEN CATHERINE’S ROOM - LATE EVENING
Charles IX nervously fidgets with the cloth of his cape as Catherine stands beside
him dominantly. She is hard, and her face is worn from years of stress. The Duke
of Guise and her advisors stand near.
Charles IX stands and wearily leans against the bedpost. Catherine lightly touches
his sleeve.
Charles IX picks up her wine glass and hands it to her.
She throws the wine glass CRASHING on the floor. Charles IX lies his head against
his arm against the wall, weeping.
Catherine shakes him.
Charles IX thrusts himself on top of the bed, holding his face.
Charles strikes fist into the air.
Catherine halts, stunned, but shows a slight smile.
Charles IX weeps terribly and screams with his face pressed into the bed.
INT. OUTSIDE QUEEN CATHERINE’S ROOM - NIGHT
Ann sits near the door intently listening.
The sound of steps near the door. Ann, extremely alarmed, leaps up and drops her
cloth. Ann moves for the staircase. Marguerite enters.
Ann is driven to rush down the staircase. She turns to Marguerite and follows her.
INT. MARGUERITE’S ROOM - NIGHT
Marguerite sits in a tub as Ann scrubs her back. Ann lifts her hair and scrubs her
neck. Ann spills water over her back in order to wash off the area she scrubbed.
A knock is heard at the door. Ann grabs a towel and covers Marguerite. The door
bursts open and Charles IX enters.
Charles IX nears her.

He kisses her on the cheek slowly twice.
They kiss on the lips. Ann slips out of the room.

MAIN STAIRCASE
Ann descends in a fright.
MAIN HALL
Ann jumps at hearing the voice.
Ann continues running. The lord shakes his head in disbelief.

EXT. CROWDED STREET - NIGHT
Ann reaches the street and speeds as fast as her legs can take her. The street is
brightly lit.
MONTAGE - ANN RUSHES TO WARN CHARLES
-- Ann passes boys playing rough
-- She passes ladies slowly pacing and conversing
-- She passes a horse drawn cart filled with building materials
-- She passes many beautiful houses
END MONTAGE
MONTAGE - LOCKING UP PARIS

-- City gate # 1 is closed by guards and heavy chains are locked around it to
restrict exit.
-- City gate # 2 is closed by guards and heavy chains are locked around it.
EXT. STREET BEFORE THE LOUVRE - NIGHT
Ann walks hurriedly. She nears a carriage in which the horses wander without
order. The driver is dead with blood covering the clothes on his chest. Inside, a
man and a woman lie dead with blood on their face. Ann stays low and moves
carefully near the canal. She passes by the Louvre.
Two civilians stab swords into a portly old woman and kick her into the canal. Ann
huddles down low and hides in the shadows.
EXT. OUTSIDE LOUVRE - NIGHT
The CAPTAIN of mercenary troops stands with his men, girded with full steel armor
and helmets and are armed with pikes. He speaks with a slight Swiss accent. His
SECOND IN COMMAND stands beside him.
Second in command salutes properly and stiffly nods his head.
Second in Command and his men run to the right entrance of the Louvre, the Captain
and his men to the right.
INT. LOUVRE - NIGHT
The halls are empty. Not a sound is heard.
BEDROOM 1
Several Huguenots sleep in fine beds. A candle flickers. The door opens, the light
pouring into the room. A shadowed figure blocks the light. A Huguenot man rises up
groggily due to the light in his face.
A soldier thrusts a pike into the man’s neck. Blood spurts and a explosion of
gurgling is heard coming from the man’s throat. The man’s hand thrusts upward in
pain, then falls at his death.
Another Huguenot rises up. A soldier slashes his pike across his neck, spreading
the man’s neck wide open, sending his head falling limp backward revealing the
spine within. Blood gushes out of the head onto the body and splatters onto the
wall in the candlelight.
MONTAGE - HUGUENOT SLAUGHTER WITHIN ROOMS 1
-- A Huguenot wakes and leaps up at seeing a soldier before him. The soldier
slashes through his gut with a sword. The man holds his wound and flees. The
soldier cuts through the back of the man’s neck causing him to fall dead.
-- A Huguenot wakes and is alarmed as two soldiers pierce pikes deep into him.
-- The Captain enters a room with two soldiers to find a Huguenot on his feet. The
Captain blasts him in the chest with a shot, sending him to the ground curled in
pain. The soldiers stab him with halberds then attack two other Huguenots.
-- Three Huguenots stand in a corner frightened as another is stabbed with a
sword. Two more soldiers enter with pikes. A Huguenot grabs his sword from the
ground and stands defensive. A soldier lunges his pike into the man’s neck. The
Huguenot swipes his sword with his last breath but its reach is far too short. The
other Huguenots are cut through.
END MONTAGE
INT. LOUVRE - NIGHT
Shouts of might and wailing ring through the halls.
HALLWAY 1
Eight Huguenots stand as sheep, shivering with fright. Three of them hold swords
defensively. They are surrounded by four soldiers on each side. A Huguenot swings
his sword downward but is caught in the gut by two pikes and falls to the ground.
Another Huguenot swings his sword wildly clashing with the soldier’s weapons and
sending them back. As he deflects the two pikers in front of him another Huguenot
clashes with soldier beside him yet gets stabbed in the shoulder. The piker knocks
the sword out of his hand as he reels in pain and disembowels him. The first
Huguenot is stabbed repeatedly by multiple pikes.
On the other side soldiers cut through two Huguenots causing them to fall dead and
bloody. The last Huguenot with a sword gets his belly slashed with a pike spilling
his guts onto the floor. He drops his sword and falls onto his comrade, both
screaming madly. A soldier grabs the wounded Huguenot by his hair and decapitates
him.
He throws the bloody head gushing with blood at the Huguenot he fell into. The
man, covered in blood, shrieks in terror and flees. The soldier stabs him in the
back sending him down dead. The rest of the Huguenots and slaughtered mercilessly.
MONTAGE - THE DEAD FILL THE LOUVRE
-- Throughout the halls blood gathers in lakes of red. Bodies lie in great piles
with gaping wounds revealing their insides.
-- Soldiers wander the halls covered in blood and stepping over the dead.
-- Soldiers gather the dead in piles. Two Huguenots lie dead suspended on several
pikes.
-- The Second in Command wanders and sees a Huguenot within a pile of bodies
barely alive. He quickly takes a halberd from a fellow soldier and decapitates the
Huguenot.
EXT. OUTSIDE LOUVRE - NIGHT
Dozens of Huguenot nobles and soldiers clash with spears at each entrance of the
Louvre. Beside them an old couple beat a teenage protestant with clubs. He rises
to his feet but is beat upon his head until he falls silently.
A priest and two middle-aged women attack a young couple. The women stab with a
pitchfork and a scythe and the priest stabs the girl in the back with a knife.
The men who stabbed the portly woman wander away from the canal. Ann rushes down
the street in the shadows.
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
Ann enters a neighborhood
Mobs of Catholic citizens crash in the windows of houses and leap inside. The
front door of a house bursts open and a man is forced out by three men. His throat
is slit by one of the men and he is thrown to the ground.
A woman with a crying baby in her arms is brought out of the same house by two
men. She screams as she sees the man on the ground. A man grabs the baby and slams
it onto the ground, killing it. Another man pushes her onto the ground and shoots
her in the back of the head.
Ann gasps and cries at seeing this.
EXT. MASSACRE HOUSE - NIGHT
Four soldiers smash every object they see. A dead boy lies face down on a table.
BEDROOM
A dead man lies limp in a chair with his throat slit. A captain rapes a woman in a
bed. She SCREAMS in horror.
EXT. CITY SQUARE - NIGHT
Ann runs mad in fear.
The ground is covered with dead, eviscerated bodies. Large of pools of blood
gather by the corpses. Other streaks of blood run across the ground along with
body organs and items of clothing. A dead baby lies limp, lacerated, and bloody.
Several dozens of dead bodies stand impaled on various bundles of pikes piled
together.
Ann stumbles over bodies in the shadows.
Three Catholic nobles stand over a headless corpse which is covered in blood. They
carry on in a jolly manner as a poor man strips the body of clothes. A Catholic
noble charges by on horseback with his sword raised overhead with two dogs. He
chases a frightened young woman. The dogs tear into her and he swings the sword
down hard into her skull.
Two civilian men grab Ann and put knives up to her throat. Ann lifts the Catholic
styled crucifix around her neck.
A noble rides up to them.
The noble extends his hand to her and she grabs it and ascents upon his horses
back. The noble has blood on the cloth on his arms and chest
Ann is deeply saddened by the scenery.

A man carries a little dead boy over his shoulder and throws it near a pile of
dead. A young blonde woman lies dead with only a bloody cloth around her legs. She
is nude and has a wide open gash across her face and her belly is split open with
her intestines and much blood spilling out.
Several Catholic nobles are mounted on horses, cheering to each other. Three noble
boys are on foot. A man, a woman, and a little girl are brought before them. One
boy repeatedly stabs the little girl to death with a spear as the others SCREAM.
The boys giddily slash and lunge at the two people mutilating them to death. The
nobles CHEER and laugh in great excitement.
Ann quietly screams as she sees the violence upon horseback.
Three women YELL at some young boys and chase after them armed with a scythe and
two clubs. Two dogs lick at the bloody head of a male toddler. One dog grips the
head and pulls it away from the body. A little girl in a black dress lies near.
A man beats an old man repeatedly in the face brutally as his old wife pulls back
in terror on the ground. A woman hits her over the head three times and she falls
silent. A man lies on the ground nearby curled in pain with a long trail of blood
leading to his gut. Under him hides a frightened teenage boy.
Several soldiers in full armor, armed with swords and shields stand among dozens
of shredded bodies. Two men hang from a scaffold behind them. In a tall business
building on the second story men push a corpse out the window onto its head.
EXT. BESIDE CANAL - NIGHT
Ann continues down the road on horseback with the noble.
A pile of thirty unclothed Protestants lay in a pile. Men stand next to the pile
stripping the bodies of corpses and kicking them and tossing them with the others.
Men help each other pick up, carry, and toss dead bodies into the canal. The
bodies float throughout the surface of the water, sickly bobbing.
On a bridge an old woman and three young children are beat by a man with a club
and attacked by another man with a sword. Several bodies of victims lay battered
and bloody on the bridge.
A man pulls a body of a woman in a dress with a rope tied around her neck and
rolls her into the canal.
EXT. WOODED AREA - NIGHT
The noble stops the horse. He climbs off and helps Ann down with the mannerism of
a gentleman.
Ann rushes down the street quite wobbly. She appears numb of emotion.
EXT. OUTSIDE MANOR - NIGHT
Ann knocks on the front door frantically. She wipes sweat from her forehead and
knocks again. Benjamin unlocks and opens the door.
BENJAMIN
Hello my lady, please enter.
ANN
Is Charles in?
BENJAMIN
Yes, this way.
INT. MANOR - NIGHT
Benjamin leads Ann to the next room.
DINING ROOM
Charles and several of Tom’s crew carry on loudly. They wave wine glasses in the
air as they speak. Several pretty ladies laugh and engage in conversation. Ann
sees Charles and rushes for him, shaken emotionally.
ANN
Charles! You are alright!
CHARLES
Of course I am. What is the matter?
Ann vomits upon the ground. He brushes his fingers through her hair to calm her.
Ann looks around the room.
ANN
You are all in the gravest danger.
EXT. OUTSIDE MANOR - NIGHT
Charles and the members of Tom’s crew pour out of the house and gather. They are
armed with light armor and various weapons.
CHARLES
Go and clear the way to the city gates. I will catch up with you after I meet with
Tom.
Half of the group leave one way with Benjamin and the other follow Charles and Ann
the other direction. The other women enter the house and close the door in fear.
EXT. ROAD TO GATE - NIGHT
Benjamin and his group see two men ripping the clothes off of a woman. Another man
is raping a woman in a dress in the grass on the side of the road. Benjamin
quickly stabs the two men. The man quits raping the girl, half fastens his pants,
and stands frightened. Two of Tom’s men shoot him and end him down dead.
BENJAMIN
(to the women) Escape into the woods. It is not safe here.
The women sit shocked and cry. Benjamin and the men follow down the path once
more.
EXT. OUTSIDE COLIGNY’S HOUSE- NIGHT
The Duke of Guise, Besme, and three soldiers break open the door and enter.
INT. COLIGNY’S HOUSE - STAIRCASE - NIGHT
Within the dark, heavy footsteps storm.
INT. COLIGNY’S HOUSE - COLIGNY’S ROOM - NIGHT
The door is kicked open and Coligny calmly turns his head toward the men.
Besme charges and stabs his sword into Coligny, stabbing his left kidney. He then
stabs him directly in the gut. Coligny looks downward at the wounds and feels the
blood.
Besme SCREAMS and grips Coligny with two hands and tosses him through the window,
crashing through the glass, and falling to the ground below.
Besme and the Duke peer below and see Coligny covered in blood surrounded by
broken glass. In the distance a soldier YELLS to them. Many men battle with pikes
and halberds.

The Duke of Guise and Besme rush to join the battle.
INT. COLIGNY’S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALL - NIGHT
The Duke’s soldiers kick open the door to the guest room.
INT. COLIGNY’S HOUSE - GUEST ROOM
Tom stands in the middle of the room with a sword in his right hand. The three
soldiers rush in. Lucy grabs a pistol and shoots the farthest soldier, killing
him. Tom slides out a second sword from a sheath hanging on a chair. His stance is
that of wild animal defending its territory.
Lucy reloads the pistol.
The first soldier thrusts at Tom but he swiftly dodges it and sinks both swords
into the soldier’s lungs causing him to wheeze and fall over dead onto the bed.
The second soldier swings a halberd. Tom dodges it, places his sword on it, pulls
the soldier toward him, and stabs a sword through his Adam’s apple.
Four poor male citizens rush into the room. Two are armed with scythes, one with a
club, and one with a butcher knife. They all rush Tom and Lucy. Lucy shoots a man
with a scythe in the face causing him SCREAM harshly and fall over dead.
The man with the butcher knife charges her. She grabs his hand which holds the
weapon and they tumble out onto the balcony.
The man with the scythe charges Tom. He swings the weapon. Tom leaps backward,
just dodging the blade but rushes back as the man is off balance and charges him.
The man with the club swings at Tom as Tom tackles the man with the scythe landing
a sword in his gut. Tom turns to the man with the club and decapitates the
frightened man.
BALCONY
Lucy and the man with the butcher knife wrestle on the ground, Lucy holding onto
the man’s hand holding the blade. She jumps back and slides out a large knife from
a sheath on her boot.
The man swipes at her and she dodges. He grins and swings overhand as she stabs
his fingers causing him to drop his weapon. She bores the tip of her knife into
his throat.
LUCY
Tell your god that you have failed!
Lucy inserts the knife into his throat and slides it downward, opening his throat
and causing it to gush blood. The man SCREAMS in agony, gurgling blood through his
torn throat and vocal chords.
LUCY
I hope that hurts.
Lucy kicks the man off the edge onto the earth below. He makes a faint gurgle on
the way down.
Five soldiers see the man fall from the balcony and Lucy standing on the edge.
They appear to be weary from battle, carrying gashes on their face and other parts
of their body. Their pikes drip with blood. One points to Lucy.
They rush inside Coligny’s house.

INT. COLIGNY’S HOUSE - GUEST ROOM
The five soldiers charge with their bloody pikes. Tom and Lucy leap onto the
balcony, close the doors, and lock them with a key.
BALCONY
The soldiers violently crash out the glass in a few windows. They kick at the
doors and charge, breaking the lock slightly.
A shot fires from the ground just missing Tom and Lucy. Tom and Lucy look over the
edge to see if they can jump safely. The soldiers hack the door with their
halberds, ripping it from it’s foundation. The doors are charged and they are
nearly open.
The charging and chopping has stopped. A soldiers face crashes through the glass
and blood gushes out of his mouth and runs down the glass which is stabbing
through his chin. Another soldier YELLS in pain and is thrust against where the
two doors meet. He is visible in that the door is destroyed.
CHARLES (O.S.)
Hey open up! It is safe now!
Tom opens the doors with the key and the two soldiers fall to the ground. Charles,
Ann, and the men that followed them stand victoriously. The room is filled with
dead bodies.
TOM
Charles! You are alive!
Charles steps onto the balcony.
CHARLES
Why does everyone keep asking me that?... Lets go, they are waiting for us.
EXT. CITY GATE - NIGHT

Torches on the wall light give off a warm glow. Piles of citizen’s bodies lay
about. An especially high pile lays against the gate. Both rich and poor people
scramble upon the dead to climb the gate. They are stabbed to death by soldiers.
Benjamin and the other men witness three people running from soldiers from the
left. These people are stopped in their tracks by the pikes of soldiers blocking
the gate.
Benjamin and the other men charge the soldiers and a battle erupts. The soldiers
are far more accurate in their strikes but they are outnumbered by more than
double. Pikes, halberds, and swords wave in the air like a hellish forest of
violence.
One of Benjamin’s men shoots a pistol in a soldier’s face, killing him. A soldier
with a bloody bandage around his forehead slashes three of Benjamin’s men, killing
them all. Benjamin furiously rips the pike out of a soldier’s hand and stabs him
between the clavicles. At this triumph the men surrounding Benjamin charge,
slaughtering the soldiers in front of them.
The last soldiers are surrounded. The bandaged soldier stabs Leonard in the neck
and swings his pike around and slays two men and injuring two more. Four of
Benjamin’s men charge the bandaged man, cutting him through all sides of his body.
He WAILS.
He falls into the pile of dead with his weapon in hand. The last of the soldiers
are pierced and shredded.
From the left side charge ten soldiers and from the right charge eleven. Benjamin
and his men stand upon the hill of dead bodies and stand defensively.
Weapons rain down from both sides. Chaos of blood and clashing steel create
confusion. Three men grit their teeth and strike. Two men are stabbed in the
belly.
Tom and his men witness the battle from afar and rush in. They surround the
soldiers and stab them in the back as they duel with Benjamin’s men. Several
soldiers turn around to face Tom’s men and are stabbed by both sides. A barrage of
thrusting weapons fill the soldier’s bodies and quickly end their lives.
TOM
Good to see you all.
BENJAMIN
It is good to have friends in hell.
TOM
Lets get out of here.
CHARLES
It seems we are locked in.
TOM
Then we should climb.
Francis attempts to climb the tall gate. He struggles, pulling himself the skinny
metal bars. He sits upon the top.
FRANCIS
This is possible but it will take a long time for all of these men to make it
over.
A team of mounted soldiers and nobles near. From all sides soldiers appear out of
the blackness. Ordinary citizens of different ages and genders appear also. In all
they number over fifty, around that of Tom’s men. Ann steps backward behind the
men, on the bodies, against the gate. She attempts to climb but cannot.
CHARLES
Help her up!
Francis reaches down as Charlie lifts her up. The man on top lifts her up and sits
her on top of the fence.
CHARLES
Go! Take care of her!
Francis climbs down to the other side. Ann jumps and he catches her but falls with
her in his arms, though they are not hurt.
ANN
Be safe!... Oh god, please be safe!
Charles kisses her hand which sticks through the gate. She runs off with the
climber.
The mounted soldiers near.
A dozen soldiers stand in position and fire. Several of Tom’s men fall. A dozen of
Tom’s men shoot pistols at the men. Two are shot in the face, one receives a shot
in the leg, and two bullets hit the soldier’s armor and bounce off.
TOM
Take ten men and slaughter them!
Benjamin and ten men rush the gunmen soldiers as they attempt to reload and lay
pikes into them. Four are killed. The gunmen take out swords. One kills one of
Benjamin’s men but all of the gunmen are stabbed to death.
Ten soldiers and fifteen civilians rush for Benjamin and his men.
TOM
Return immediately!
Benjamin and his men defensively maneuver backwards till they reach the rest of
the men. The soldiers and civilians reach Tom’s men and violence erupts. The
civilians are routed. Within the formation of the soldiers they are easily stabbed
in the face, the neck, and the belly.
Three rows of men are set up on differing elevations upon the dead allowing many
men to thrust their weapons into the soldiers.
The soldiers are joined by six mounted soldiers who take many lives as they stab
their long pikes over the formation and direct fatal wounds upon Tom’s men. Three
mounted soldiers blast pistols killing men with each shot. The front ranks of
Tom’s men are repeatedly killed as both the foot soldiers and the mounted soldiers
pick them off.
TOM
Ready your guns!
Tom and several of his men aim.
TOM
Kill the horses!... Fire!
Pistols blast into the horses, causing them to panic or fall over dead. Three
horses throw off their riders and trample the soldiers near them. Two other horses
fall dead. One horse runs backward in pain with it’s rider still mounted and backs
him off onto his head.
TOM
Charge! Kill every last one!
Tom’s men engulf the nearby soldiers and massacre them. Benjamin hacks into a
soldier’s throat repeatedly. Charles thrusts his spear into a soldier’s belly and
pushes him backward. The soldier causes others to be imbalanced which are
instantly cut through.
TOM
Those in the back... gather every body you can find... and pile them high!
The men work together and toss bodies upon the top of the pile. Every other
soldier and civilian nears Tom’s men. Ten men carry a horse to the top of the
pile. The pile now stands seven feet high at its highest point.
All of the soldiers, mounted soldiers, and civilians charge Tom’s men. The front
ranks of Tom’s men, including David, are gutted in the sea of blades which flurry
about and spout fountains of blood from the men’s bodies.
Pure blind violence engulfs all who engage the madness which consists of a fifty
foot wide sea of black suited flashes of energy on one side. Men SCREAM madly and
strike without care. These figures are seen as a mass topped with the long poles
of the pikes swipe through the air and drip blood.
Swords cut through the ranks on both sides. SCREAMS of horror and of fury
constantly fill the air. Men repeat their actions of offense and defense
unconsciously. Rodger stabs a pike into a horse’s eye, causing it to kick up,
knock it’s rider off, run off, and knock some men off guard.
These men are immediately routed. Shots blast and take down men on both sides. Two
mounted riders charge through Tom’s men, killing many and causing them to break
formation. Five of Tom’s men are killed, including John.
One mounted rider is stabbed in the back of the neck and falls dead. The other
mounted rider flings his pike about, kills three men, and returns to his
formation.
Tom and Charles fight side by side in a blind fury. They YELL furiously, each
slicing the throats of three men.
TOM
We must have their blood! Charge, for we are their executioners!
Tom’s men storm upon the soldiers, massacring them with little fear. Two of Tom’s
men are stabbed in the belly. Tom and Charles charge, cutting through several
soldiers. They SCREAM harmoniously and sink their pikes into the mounted soldier
that escaped.
LATER
Tom stands around the pile of bodies with the twenty-five men he now has left.
Numerous soldiers lie dead intermingled with Tom’s men and civilians.
TOM
Quickly pile them high. We are leaving!
All of the men pile bodies on top of the mound. Five men drag a second horse on
top of the pile. Torch flames can be seen in the distance. Many soldiers arrive in
view from the darkness.
TOM
Hurry. Move it!
The closest men climb the metal bars of the gate. A man raises his hand.
CLIMBER 2
Hey! Give us a hand!
The men on top of the gate raise their hands down and pull up the men below and
Lucy. They climb up with their help and the men on top climb down the other side.
The men on top help men including Tom, Charles, and Benjamin. The soldiers near.
TOM
Hurry, dammit!
A gun shot blasts a bullet into one of the men standing on the pile, wounding him.
The men on top help the next men in line up and climb down. Two more shots ring
out. A man on the pile and another man on top of the gate are shot. The man on top
of the gate falls to the ground dead. One of Tom’s men shoots and kills a mounted
soldier.
The men on top of the gate help the last men up as two men climb up on their own.
One of the men being helped up is shot in the back. He YELLS as the man holds him
up.
PULLER MAN
You can do it! Stay with us!
He positions the man so he can climb down. A four nobles open fire and kill both
men, sending them onto the ground violently.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GATE
Arms, legs, and heads of the bodies stick through the bars. A soldier lies
moaning, near death a few feet within the pile. A woman at the bottom of the pile
faintly moves and whispers. A man on the left near the middle of the pile
struggles.
PILE MAN
Get me out of here... help me, please.
Seven soldiers appear and open fire upon Tom’s men. Three men fall dead. Several
of Tom’s men shoot at the soldiers, killing four. One of the shot soldiers drops a
torch into the pile, starting a fire.
Two of Tom’s men drag a wounded man. A soldier shoots one of the men carrying him
in the face. The wounded man kicks up and the two men run away. The fire is
blazing bright behind the five soldiers attempting to climb the fence. Tom’s men
run as over twenty soldiers are seen standing on the pile.
Tom and his men run through the darkness.
FRANCIS
Hey!
Francis and Ann are huddled by a tree. They stand and Ann wraps her arms around
Charles. Charles hugs her and kisses her cheek.
They all run and reach a small town. A carriage with two horses stands on the side
of the road.
CHARLES
Take it.
TOM
And what about you?
CHARLES
I am to stay.
TOM
What did you say?
CHARLES
There is still a chance to make something of this great country. It was never
about England, or any place at all.
TOM
Shall I see you again?
CHARLES
I will send letter once I find you.
TOM
But how?
Charles and the men march up the road.
CHARLES
I will, I promise that. The men will meet you at the ship. God be with you.
Charlie waves and disappears in the distance. Tom, Lucy, and Bernard enter the
carriage and ride off.
INT. CARRIAGE - COUNTRY ROAD - MORNING
Tom drives as Benjamin and Lucy sleep. A poor country house is on the side of the
road. Three bodies lie beside it. A grape vineyard expands far into the distance.
A dozen people lie dead among the vines. Tom rides as the sun glares down in his
tired eyes.
Two men charge on horses and fire pistols. Tom pulls the reins and YELLS, making
the horses speed up. Bernard and Lucy wake and see the men on horses. They grab
pistols and fire, killing one of the men. One of the carriage’s wheels hits a rut
in the road which damages the wheel.
The carriage rolls down a hill and Benjamin is thrown out of the carriage,
injuring his arm. The man on the horse shoots at Benjamin. He dodges but is grazed
by the bullet across his cheek, gushing much blood. The man on the horse charges
for Benjamin. Benjamin leaps out of the way but as the man passes him Benjamin
slashes his sword across the man’s neck.
The man sits upon the horse breathing heavily as blood pours out of the slit
across his neck. He is frightened and feels the blood with his hand. The man
WHIMPERS. Benjamin, with blood still bleeding from his face pushes the man off of
the horse onto his head. He mounts the horse and meets Tom and Lucy as they run up
the road in his direction.
TOM
You are injured.
BENJAMIN
It is nothing.
LUCY
There is a house up ahead. Lets get you cleaned up.
EXT. OUTSIDE COUNTRY HOUSE - MORNING
Lucy knocks on the door. The wind blows and she fixes her hair. A woman answers.
LUCY
May we wash him? Our friend has been injured.
Tom peers downward and notices that the woman is extremely appears famished.
BENJAMIN
I was shot.
BENJAMIN
Have you not seen the madness about all the country?
LUCY
Where is your husband?
Tom appears serious.

TOM
We will hunt for you if we can wash his face...
The woman looks downward and stares at the ground.
TOM
How many days has it been without food?
The woman continues sadly looking at the ground.
EXT. WOODS - DAY

Tom, Lucy, and Benjamin creep in light clothing, scanning the treeline for
animals.
LUCY
Perhaps I should keep her company.
TOM
No. I should not have the fear on my mind. It is not safe at all.
MONTAGE - THE HUNT
-- Tom, Lucy, and Benjamin walk through bushes.
-- Tom, Lucy, and Benjamin step under branches.
-- Tom, Lucy, and Benjamin eat grapes within a vineyard.
-- Tom, Lucy, and Benjamin wander along a creek.
END MONTAGE
EXT. WOODS - EVENING
A deer eats grass in a meadow ahead of the treeline which Tom, Lucy, and Benjamin
stand within. They aim their guns and fire, sending the deer to the ground dead.
EXT. MEADOW - EVENING
The deer lies dead. Tom, Lucy, and Benjamin step out of the woods and see the
corpses of a small boy and a girl hung by their necks in a large tree. Lucy breaks
down and cries. Tom holds her.
TOM
It never ends, does it?
EXT. BEHIND COUNTRY WOMAN’S HOUSE - EVENING
Two graves sit side by side in the dirt. Tom and Benjamin shove loose dirt on top
of the grave which the little boy can still be seen. Lucy stands looking in the
other direction.
EXT. OUTSIDE COUNTRY HOUSE - EVENING
Benjamin cuts up the deer on a table. Tom appears serious and picks up a back leg
of the deer.
BENJAMIN
What is it?
Tom spreads the blood from the deer on the country woman’s door.
INT. COUNTRY WOMAN’S HOUSE - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
A pot boils on the fire in the fireplace. The woman serves Tom, Lucy, and Benjamin
deer soup with spices. Everyone eats their meal by placing their bowl up to their
mouth. The country woman smiles. Tom hands her a sack of coins.
TOM
Thank you for taking care of us.
The woman is surprised.
TOM
If your family does not return, you are to use this and flee this country.
The woman appears confused and looks away.
TOM
You will understand.
INT. COUNTRY WOMAN’S HOUSE - MAIN ROOM - MORNING
Tom wakes, rises and peers into the woman’s room and sees that she is not there.
He opens the front door and looks outside and sees her sitting on the ground. She
looks toward him with a blank depressed stare and her face, hands, and all up her
front is covered with dirt from her children’s graves.
Tom jerks back and rustles Lucy and Benjamin, waking them.
TOM
We are leaving. Now!
EXT. OUTSIDE COUNTRY HOUSE - MORNING
Tom, Lucy, and Benjamin exit the front door. The woman sits covered in dirt.
TOM
You will find a new life... in time madame... au revoir.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
Tom and Benjamin ride horses bareback. Lucy rides the saddled horse.
MONTAGE - RIDE TO THE DOCK
-- They ride as the sun bears down hot.
-- They ride as the evening comes.
-- They ride as the sun sets.
-- They ride in the dark.
EXT. NANTES DOCK - DAY
Sea birds fly through the air. Merchants sell their wares. Children run about.
Tom, Lucy, and Benjamin stand by as the horses drink water from two buckets. Peter
struts up the road.
PETER
What are you doing standing around?
Peter puts his arm around Tom’s neck and pulls him away. Tom hands the reins of
one of the horses to a passing boy.
EXT. TOM’S SHIP - DAY
Tom and his crew stand with the wind rushing through their hair. The massive
battleship departs quickly from the dock.
PETER
Is she not a beauty?
Peter pats the side of the ship with his hand.
TOM
It is such a relief to feel the ocean breeze on my face again... Let them squabble
over their small sliver of land- ours is the wide expanse of the sea!
Tom throws his doublet into the air. It flies in the wind and falls into the sea.
The ship bursts with speed with full sails catching the strong breeze. Waves crash
upon the fore.
MONTAGE - LOW SPIRITS UPON THE SEA
-- Men drink beer and stare blankly into the waves
-- Benjamin plays a slow somber song and quietly sings along. His beard is tangled
and ratty.
-- Men sleep on the ground as a man WHISTLES a tune. Another man covers his ears
and YELLS at him to stop.
A lookout spies a large slave ship on the horizon.
LOOKOUT
A ship! I spy a ship out yonder!
Tom takes out a telescope and sees the enormous ship.
TOM
This fat beast shall be our prey.
MINUTES LATER
The slave ship floats 50 feet away.
BENJAMIN
Are they blind? Why do they not fire?
They sail up to the slave ship. From the rigging men toss ropes with hooks at the
end to the top of the slave ship. They leap and swing, landing on the side of
their hull. They then climb aboard, followed by the rest of Tom’s crew.
EXT. SLAVE SHIP - TOP DECK - DAY
Twenty men sit nauseated. Tom’s crew steps around them with only slight glances.
Vomit covers many of these men as well as much of the deck.
TOM
Toss them over.
Four of Tom’s men help each other pick up two members of the crew of the slave
ship and toss them overboard into the sea. Four more throw three men overboard.
THE SEA BESIDE THE SLAVE SHIP
A crewman of the slave ship sinks under a wave. Two men weakly wave their arms but
slowly sink into the sea.
INT. SLAVE SHIP - HALL - DAY
Crew of the slave ship lay about on the floor. Tom and his men step over them as
they travel from one end to the other.
INT. SLAVE SHIP - DINING HALL - DAY
Tom and his men wander from one end to the other. They pass three men sitting at
different spots on the table in a sickly state with bowls of soup.
INT. SLAVE SHIP - STAIRWAY - DAY
They descend the stairs. Two men lay dead on the stairs. A wide room stands before
them visible through an open door. They step through the door.
INT. SLAVE SHIP - OAR ROOM - DAY
Holes line the walls in which long oars stick through. Chains wrap through the
benches which once sat poor men who were forced to propel the ship. Four dead men
lie limp sparsely throughout the room still chained to their stations.
A man storms in standing 8 feet tall wearing Spanish attire. He appears to be the
captain of the ship. He is decked with worn but fine clothing of a gentleman,
except that his chest is exposed. His face is filled with acne and as he grins his
gums appear to be diseased and bleed profusely.
He is accompanied by four tenacious but sickly men. They all unsheathe their
swords and pull out a gun.
SLAVE SHIP CAPTAIN
What do you mean coming on my ship?
Tom steps forward.
TOM
I shall take it for a small price.
SLAVE SHIP CAPTAIN
And what is that?
TOM
Your life, of course!
Tom points to the captain with his sword.
SLAVE SHIP CAPTAIN
Blah! Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah!... We shall see whose life is lost!
The Slave Ship Captain shoots his pistol. Tom ducks as it whizzes past his head
and the bullet sinks into a man’s head behind him, killing him. Four more men pour
out from behind the Slave Ship Captain with their swords and pistols drawn. One
has drool and vomit hanging from his mouth.
SLAVE SHIP CAPTAIN
Fire!
TOM
Fire!
Shots ring out from both sides. Three of the slave sailors are killed, four of
Tom’s men are killed.
TOM
Charge!
SLAVE SHIP CAPTAIN
Cut ‘em up!
The both sides ferociously rush toward each other. The slave sailors run in
mindless passion. Slave sailor 1 slices through two of Tom’s men only to be cut
through by Peter. Peter receives a shot in the arm by slave sailor 2 and the slave
sailor with vomit on his face swing his sword down upon him.
Peter knocks the sword out of the sailors hand but gets tackled and brutally
bitten on the face. Peter wrestles hand in hand with the sailor and kicks him onto
his back then stabs the sailor in the neck.
Slave sailors 2 and 3 tear into Tom’s men killing two each. Lucy clashes swords
with sailor 2. She blocks a slash, attempts an overhand attack but is blocked,
dodges a thrust by stepping to the side of sailor 2 and plunges her sword into the
side of his chest.
Slave sailor 3 receives three swords into his body. Tom’s men remove the swords
and the sailor SCREAMS and falls with his sword sticking into the ground.
The Slave Ship Captain and his two remaining men are confronted by Tom and four
other men. Two of Tom’s men cut through a sailor, killing him. The other sailor
slices through the bellies of the two men in front of him and cuts through another
man’s neck just at where it meets the jaw, spilling blood in a great pool. Tom
swipes downward killing the sailor.
Four more men stand by Tom and charge the Captain. He fights them without care.
Henry lunges at him and he easily hits the sword away and stabs into the man’s
chest. The other three men all charge, one lunging and the others swiping at the
Captain. He dodges all three swords and stabs into the middle one’s belly and as
he pulls out the sword he slices through the other two men’s necks, resulting in
pain filled SCREAMS and spilling much blood.
SLAVE SHIP CAPTAIN
Ha ha ha ha ha! Pathetic! Lets see what you have!
Tom shoots two pistols and the captain dodges. The captain and Tom both shoot and
dodge at once. Tom thrusts and the captain blocks with such force to send Tom to
the ground. The captain swipes his blade and Tom barely dodges by leaping out of
the way. Tom stands huffing.
Tom stands with two guns drawn. The captain charges and Tom shoots one of the
guns. The captain leaps out of the way but Tom shoots his second pistol as the
captain is about to land and hits him in the leg. The captain WAILS.
Tom and the captain exchange blows, striking and blocking constantly, the captain
now limping. Tom leaps backward as the captain follows, bleeding. Tom leaps
backward again and again.
SLAVE SHIP CAPTAIN
What is your game?
Tom leaps backward three times, taunting the captain with a come hither hand
gesture. The captain stumbles on his injured leg and Tom throws a dagger from a
hidden spot in his boot into the captain’s chest. The captain takes it out. Tom
throws another into his right clavicle and the captain drops the knife and
SCREAMS.
SLAVE SHIP CAPTAIN
You bastard! You cannot kill me!
The captain charges at Tom and Tom slashes his wrist causing him to interrupt his
swing. Tom forces his sword through the captain’s gut and through his back. The
captain falls backward stabbing the end of the sword into the floor of the ship,
propping him in the air. The captain WAILS a terrible noise of suffering. The
captain tries to remove himself by pushing off of the ground but only slides up
and down the sword slightly.
TOM
I do not have to kill you. Only stop you long enough so I can steal what I want!
INT. SLAVE CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - DAY
Tom and his crew dig through chests of gold coins.
A man runs into the room.
RUNNING MAN
Come now! You have to see this!
INT. SLAVE SHIP - CORRIDOR - DAY
The running man flies from one end to the other. Tom and his men move slowly
behind.
PETER
Slow down, what could it be?
At the end of the room the running man opens a door which sends out a wretched
smell. Tom and his men hold their noses and mouths. Four men vomit. Tom’s eyes
water and he spits and dry heaves.
TOM
The deepest bowels of hell have spewed forth, surly!
Tom and his men cautiously step closer and closer toward the open door.
INT. SLAVE HOLD - DAY
Wooden supports hold about 10,000 Africans. Fecal matter, vomit, and urine fill
the floors and drain down the beams which hold the constructions together.
Feeble black bodies lie in small openings chained to the beams. Around 3/4 of them
are dead. Many look out from their slot weak and helpless. Many dead lie beside
live men and women.
TOM
What do we want with this floating coffin?
PETER
We are low on men, captain...
TOM
We bring these cursed men on our ship, we inflict ourselves with the demons they
were born with.
Peter stares at a corpse covered in maggots.
PETER
It is no matter to me.
TOM
It should be interesting to allow them revenge, let them loose to torture their
capturers... let them choose a captain for themselves and find their way home...
Peter holds back from vomiting. Tom ponders his thoughts intently.
TOM
...And choose some healthy ones to scrub our deck.
Peter coughs loudly and vomits heavily.
Twenty slaves scrub the deck and work various chores. Peter and three other men of
Tom’s crew watch them with pistols in their hands. Tom watches over them but
appears delirious. He loses his balance. The heat beats down heavily.
IBRAHIM scrubs the deck slowly as if sick. Peter hits him with a stick and YELLS.
Tom steps up to them.
TOM
What did he do?
Peter pulls out a stale piece of bread from the man’s pocket.
TOM
Stealing?... get the whip.
MOMENTS LATER
Ibrahim is tied to the main mast. Tom whips his back furiously. Ibrahim WAILS in
terrible pain. Tom takes a cup out of a crewman’s hand and spills out the ale. He
collects the dripping blood from Ibrahim’s back in the cup. To receive more blood
Tom presses into a gash to cause it to bleed more.
Tom, in a trance, turns with a blank stare on his face and approaches the door to
his quarters. He drips some of the blood onto the door and smears it with his
hand. He then pours the blood onto his shoulders and over his head.
TOM
Blessed be god! Full of everlasting love!
Tom falls to his knees and stares into the sun with his hands folded in prayer and
smiling giddily. Tom’s men and the black crewmen all kneel, fold their hands, and
stare at the sky as Tom does. Tom allows a slight giddy laugh.
TOM
Praise be to our god whose provides such a pleasurable life!
EXT. ADMIRAL’S SHIP - DAY
The Admiral appears haggard and old. The wind blows through his grey locks of hair
as he stares diligently into the sea. The crewmen show great signs of fatigue. The
sun blares hot upon them as they fan themselves and several men hang weary onto
the edge of the ship. Some sit or lie down and drink.
A morose sailor approaches the Admiral.
MOROSE SAILOR
C-captain... the men they grumble incessantly. We have been out to sea far too
long...
The Admiral clenches his teeth slightly.
ADMIRAL
I will hear no such talk...
MOROSE SAILOR
But Captain!...
The Admiral turns suddenly and places his pistol against the man’s head.
ADMIRAL
Any man who finds this voyage cumbersome shall be relieved of his burden... and
shall be sent to the next world!
INT. TOM’S SHIP - SLEEPING QUARTERS - DAY
Tom stands in the doorway next to an AGITATED SAILOR with bloody gums. Several men
lie in their beds moaning in pain.
AGITATED SAILOR
Captain, we need a doctor... a real doctor!
Tom appears serious.
TOM
Yes, you are right... though where in the world are we welcome? I will seek
treatment for my men in haste... though your prayers shall serve you for now...
AGITATED SAILOR
Now! Now, you fool! We suffer so!
Tom grabs the man by the collar.
TOM
I will deal with you soon, don’t you worry.
Tom pushes the man against the wall. Tom steps past the sick men. The Agitated
Sailor stalks behind him.
AGITATED SAILOR
It is a strange sickness... the men’s minds go mad with pain. We bleed constantly
from our gums... it is unbearable!...
TOM
I sympathise... for I for I feel it coming on as well... this odd sickness of the
sea, same as in the old tales...
Tom peers toward a man quivering in pain in his bed with a mouth full of blood.
Two sickly men emerge from the shadows with drawn swords. Tom stops, alarmed.
ANGRY MAN
I propose we elect a captain who will see to our needs...
TOM
What do you intend to do with that blade, sailor?...
ANGRY MAN
What I intend... you will soon find out...
Five more men emerge from the shadows, leering at Tom.
TOM
What a fun game you propose!...
Tom lets out a long maniacal LAUGH, removes his sword, and confronts the men.
TOM
(laughing) What I shall find... is your blood strewn across this floor here,
see?... Am I not a worthy captain?
The men take a step back as Tom grows mad.
TOM
Funny... I never questioned that! Let the strong survive, I say! Ha ha!
Tom slashes through the Angry Man’s throat, spilling much blood, as the man tries
to block the strike and misses. A shot rings out and bursts into Tom’s shoulder
gushing blood. Swords tear through the air and rip through Tom’s forearm as he
dodges and rolls away.
A blur of blood and steel erupt as men’s SCREAMS of pain fill the air. A sword
breaks through a sailor’s gut, spilling out blood like a fountain. The man yelps
like a beast and falls to his knees. Lucy is seen standing in his place. She holds
the handle of the sword lodged into the man’s back and stomps on him, pulling out
the blood-drenched sword dripping with her teeth clenched.
Sailors stand beside Lucy with blood strewn up their arms and swords. Tom stabs
his sword through a man’s gut and dodges another’s blade. Tom kicks the bleeding
man into the AGITATED SAILOR.
TOM
Move... to the top deck immediately.
EXT. TOM’S SHIP - TOP DECK - DAY
All stand around the main mast, which the Agitated Sailor is tied to. Tom stands
stiff with an axe.
AGITATED SAILOR
Forgive me Captain... I am sorry... the sickness went to my head... I did not know
what I was doing at the time...
The Agitated Sailor weeps terribly.
TOM
Compose yourself sailor... you served me well for quite a number of years...
though just a moment ago you meant me to die...
AGITATED SAILOR
Yes... I cannot lie... I deserve to die... for I loved nothing more than working
on this ship... the smell of the sea, the feel of the ropes in my hand...
TOM
For certain those men pushed you to do what you did... nevertheless, you have
broken my law and shall be punished.
Tom raises the axe.
AGITATED SAILOR
I die proud... for, though I did you wrong... my life had meaning... it was the
greatest honor serving on your ship... kill me without guilt, Captain... I await
the blade...
Tom slams the sharp blade through the Agitated Sailor’s neck. Blood gushes in
great torrents from the body and from the head as it hits the deck and rolls
toward the crowd. The shocked sailors disperse as the head rolls with the rocking
of the ship and bleeds. The corpse hangs limp, still tied to the main mast.
INT. TOM’S SHIP - CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS - DAY
Lucy appears upset. She cries and smashes a statue which stands on a table.
LUCY
We are not safe at all!
TOM
Calm yourself!
LUCY
This show of rebellion will surely inspire worse and worse rebels! We are not safe
to even walk freely!
Tom ponders this thought.
LUCY
And how could you let those wild blacks on this ship?!
TOM
We are low on men, the ship is in disrepair.
LUCY
It is not safe! How am I supposed to sleep with them on the ship?
TOM
I see... They will be locked up when they are not working.
Lucy goes berserk and grabs Tom by the shirt and shakes him violently. She sweats
profusely and stares at him.
LUCY
They will kill us all! Murder us!!!
She throws a candlestick at Tom and packs up her stuff in a bag.
TOM
You are not acting normal. What is wrong?
She sits on the bed and cries. He holds her.
LUCY
I am pregnant.
EXT. SCOTLAND MANOR - DAY
Tom and Lucy stand before a large house in a beautiful garden filled with flowers.
Lucy has a cloth around her eyes. Tom removes the cloth and kisses her.
LUCY
What is it?
Lucy smiles and her eyes are wide.
TOM
It is our new house.
Lucy turns around in wonder. She smells a flower.
TOM
I never would have known when to stop fighting...
They step inside the house.
INT. SCOTLAND MANOR - KITCHEN - DAY
A cook teaches a slave woman to cook by stirring a pot of soup and adding herbs as
she watches. Tom and Lucy enter. A nurse approaches Lucy.
NURSE
How are you feeling today?
Lucy smiles.
LUCY
I am fine.
NURSE
Just tell us if you need anything.
The nurse leaves the room and is met by another nurse.
EXT. SCOTTISH CARRIAGE - DAY
Tom and Lucy sit as the driver holds the reins of the horse. They travel on a dirt
road surrounded by rich green grass.
LUCY
That looks good.
She points off the road.
TOM
There is a creek, how nice... Driver, please stop.
The driver pulls the reins and the horse stops. Tom picks up a small bowl filled
with soup with a spoon in it and Lucy carries a cup of apple juice and a blanket.
They step over the soft, green grass. Lucy straightens out the blanket and they
sit down.
Lucy takes the spoon and feeds Tom. He laughs with his mouth full. She attempts to
feed him again and he laughs and pushes it into her mouth. She moves in to swallow
it. She peers upward at the grey clouds above.
LUCY
Looks like rain.
INT. PUB - EVENING

Benjamin, Peter, and three other of Tom’s men drink beer at the bar wearing nice
suits. Benjamin downs his beer and pats the bar. The bartender fills another and
sets a new mug before him. He drinks from it. There is a commotion behind him.
BARTENDER
(across the room) Settle down over there!
A man followed by two other men pushes a man in a chair. The man steps up to the
bar.
COMMOTION MAN
We are sent to find a pirate. Goes by the name of Tom. Word is he took roost in
this town.
Benjamin and Peter look at each other with nervousness.
BARTENDER
I haven’t seen any pirates, so why don’t you calm yourself down?
COMMOTION MAN
If you see ‘em send word out. There is a noose with his name on it.
The man exits.
EXT. OUTSIDE SCOTTISH MANOR - NIGHT
It is raining hard. Benjamin, Peter, and the other three men enter the house.
INT. SCOTTISH MANOR - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Tom and Lucy enjoy tea in the dark room lit by a fire in the fireplace. They both
sip from their cup. Benjamin steps in with the other men appearing serious. Tom
and Lucy look at him.
TOM
What is it?
Benjamin whispers in his ear. Tom jolts and spills his tea in his lap and pats it
quickly out of pain. Tom stands.
TOM
Rouse the men.
EXT. ROAD IN FRONT OF SCOTTISH MANOR - NIGHT
Rain pours upon the heads of Tom, his men, and the black crewmen. Lucy wraps her
arms around Tom and kisses him hard and passionate on the lips.
LUCY
Do not let him get me.
TOM
I promise.
They embrace as the wind blows and the rain pours hard upon them.
MONTAGE - SAILING FOR THE ADMIRAL
-- Tom and his men sail through the stormy night
-- Morning arrives and they arrive at the ship yard
-- They spy the admirals ship from far off
-- Several ships come and go as the day comes
-- Evening comes on
-- The admirals ship leaves port
EXT. TOM’S SHIP - EVENING
Tom’s ship follows the admiral’s ship as the rain crashes down and the waves crash
into the ship, tossing it about. The sun sets.
EXT. TOM’S SHIP - NIGHT
Tom’s ship nears the Admiral’s ship, about 50 yards away. It is only visible as
the lightning strikes. The ships near within fifty feet from each other.
Cannons blast from the Admiral’s ship and soar toward Tom’s ship. Ibrahim tackles
Tom to the ground as a cannonball flies over them and mutilates a sailor’s face
behind them. Tom looks at Ibrahim astonished.
TOM
Fire!
Cannons blast from Tom’s ship into the admiral’s ship. Chain shots spin through
the air and tear up the sails on the admirals ship. Toms men CHEER. Men are seen
on the admiral’s ship scurrying about.
Tom’s ship halts suddenly with a great CRASH. The crew flies about the ship. A man
flies and hits the main mast with his shoulder and hits the ground. Another man
flies off of the ship. Tom runs toward Benjamin at the wheel.
TOM
Move it! What is the problem?
Benjamin spins the wheel but the ship doesn’t move. The sails blow in the wind but
the ship does not move.
TOM
No! How can this be?!
EXT. TOM’S SHIP - IONA ISLAND - MORNING
Tom’s ship is stuck on rocks on the shore. Tom’s men and the black crewmen ascend
the stairs to the top level of the ship and look out. A lush green landscape
stands before them.
EXT. IONA ISLAND - CLIFF EDGE - MORNING
Two graves sit side by side with small sticks tied together as crosses at the head
of each. The men bow their heads. Tom turns his head to see Ibrahim praying with
his hands folded.
EXT. IONA ISLAND - DAY
Tom and a group of ten crewmen stroll over green hills. Ibrahim follows beside
Tom. Tom writes in his journal. Iona Abbey is seen in the distance
EXT. OUTSIDE ABBEY - DAY
Tom, Ibrahim, and his ten men approach the high, worn, gray walls. Beside it work
three Benedictine monks picking the weeds out of a potato garden. Stone crosses
are broken in two and toppled on their sides in front of the structure. A monk
looks up and stares as they pass into the building.
INT. ABBEY - HALL - DAY
Tom, Ibrahim, and his ten men pass three solemn monks. Wooden beams support the
floor above and frame the center yard.
INT. MONASTERY CHAPEL - DAY
Intricately carved glass windows line the walls in which two are broken and
sunlight shines through. Tom and his companions kneel at the alter beside large
pillars. A great cross stands before them and a thick bible lies open with the
figure of crucified Jesus is illustrated in bloody, torturous detail.
Tom turns his head to see Ibrahim kneeling. Stripes of fresh blood are soaked
through his white shirt.
EXT. ROCKY BEACH - DAY
Tom and his companions travel upon the sand, waves lapping upon their feet. Tom
halts. The others stop and turn to him. Tom kneels before Ibrahim and folds his
hands upwards toward him and shaking.
TOM
I do not know if you can understand me... but I am shamed for what I have done. I
have learned nothing in all my life, for I have become who I most hate!
Ibrahim places his hand gently on Tom’s face. Tom slowly peers upward with tears
in his eyes.
IBRAHIM
You saved my life.
TOM
It is not true! How is it speak our tongue?
IBRAHIM
I was a Captain sailing a small vessel in Spanish waters. Picking off ships to
feed mouths waiting at home... I heard many manner of speech upon the waves.
TOM
What is your name, proud sailor?
IBRAHIM
Ibrahim.
TOM
And what sad circumstances brought you upon that hellish ship we plucked you from?
IBRAHIM
I was sold by traitors on my own ship, by who... I could not see. I was tied and
gagged as I slept, and found myself breathing the stench of death... and was sure
I had died, flung into the rotting bowels of hell.
Tom places his hands over his eyes.
TOM
Such a terrible fortune! And to escape to the pain of my whip! I am worthless and
cruel!
IBRAHIM
The whip is nothing, for I may breathe sweet air yet once more. Hope is alive,
praise god!
TOM
Such forgiveness! I cannot believe... such shame is upon me...
Tom removes his shirt and soaks it sea water. He lifts Ibrahim’s shirt carefully,
Ibrahim removing it. Tom cleans the caked blood from Ibrahim’s back, dipping the
shirt in the ocean once again. Blood flows in the waves as Tom cleans away more
blood.
EXT. BEACH- NEAR TOM’S SHIP- DAY
Tom sits with a full grown beard writing in his journal. The ship sits with an
exposed hull upon the rocks. Men hold down a small tree as another chops at it
with an axe.
Nearby a bearded sailor bowls a small cannonball down the beach and knocks over
nine out of ten small tree branches which serve as bowling pins. A crowd of
bearded men yell and cheer, Ibrahim jumps and cheers with a smile.
Tom scribbles words into his journal and is deep in thought.
TOM (V.O.)
The men seem to be in fine spirits despite our predicament. The severe lack of
trees on this island make the repair of our ship exceedingly difficult...
strangely, I am glad of this, for I have a chance to reflect, record my life, in
that my child may know what sort of person his father was... I pray that Lucy is
well and safe from harm in my absence. My only desire is to see her once again and
spend happy days in our home, to see my child run through the gardens of rose
without care or trouble...
EXT. SCOTTISH MANOR - GARDEN - DAY
Tom enters wearing ragged clothing and with a full beard. Lucy is pushing Tommy
Junior in a carriage. She is alarmed at seeing Tom enter, though rushes to meet
his embrace as she recognizes him. Tom kneels and picks up Tommy Junior. He smiles
and lifts him into the air and kisses Lucy.
EXT. SCOTTISH MANOR - KITCHEN - DAY
Lucy opens a drawer and hands Tom Charlie’s letter.
LUCY
This arrived shortly after you left.
MONTAGE - TOMMY JUNIOR
-- Tom holds a book and reads it on a couch. Next to him Lucy holds Tommy Junior
and listens.
-- Tom and Lucy push Tommy Junior in a baby carriage through a park filled with a
variety of trees and flowers.
-- Tommy Junior crawls across the floor. He sees a book filled with animal
illustrations and picks himself up and takes three steps. He falls and crawls to
the book, looking inside and smiles. Tom and Lucy leap up and pick him up and
cheer. He continues to look inside the book.
-- Lucy holds Tommy Junior’s hand as they stroll through the garden. Tom watches
from a short distance. Tommy junior reaches for a rose and smells it. He sees a
bee and points to it.
TOMMY JUNIOR
Bee.
EXT. OUTSIDE SCOTTISH MANOR - DAY
Ibrahim converses and laughs with two servant women and a sailor as they enjoy
tea. Tom approaches with a sack full of money and places it on the table.
IBRAHIM
What is this?
TOM
You are to leave the first thing tomorrow morning.
IBRAHIM
I do not understand... What did I do?
TOM
Your family needs you. I thank you for your sense of honor, it is inspiring.
EXT. SCOTTISH CARRIAGE - EVENING
Tom and Lucy ride down a dirt road in fine attire. The driver holds the reins with
a grim cringe. Flowers fill the trees on each side of the road. They approach a
house as several people enter dressed nicely.
Figures creep from out of the woods, some carrying torches.
INT. PARTY HOUSE - NIGHT
Tom and Lucy are welcomed into the doorway and greet several men and women with
smiles. A glass of wine is handed to each of them. A flute and a lute are heard
playing in the other room.
MAIN ROOM
People sit on pillows upon the ground with filled wine glasses in their hands,
some with arms around each other. The room is decorated in Scottish fashion
despite four dancing women dressed in Romanesque attire with much rouge upon their
cheeks. An eighteen year old boy wearing a white Roman style cloth with a crown of
leaves upon his brow. He is painted with heavy rough on his cheeks and stands in
the middle of the room as they prance around him.
One man plays on a flute and another on a lute in a fury. The women amorously
stroke the youth as they pass. They feed him grapes and he smiles and holds up a
small branch of a tree abundant in leaves.
Men in shadow raise their torches and alight Tom’s house. Flames catch and spread
up the wall of the house.
One of the women brandishes a fake dagger and pretends to stab the youth. Fake
blood drips forth abundantly.
INT. SCOTTISH MANOR - KITCHEN - NIGHT
In shadow, three men rush down the stairs with a bloody sailor who is moaning.
Blood pours from the man’s throat.
SHADOW MAN
He is not here.
The tall, strong figure of the Admiral stands in the moonlight. The back door is
heard shutting. They run to it and find it is locked and attempt to kick it open.
One woman rips the cloth from the youth and bares his chest.
EXT. BEHIND SCOTTISH MANOR - NIGHT
The men catch up to two black servant women and stab them to death as they scream.
They approach the woods and push into the treeline with force.
EXT. SCOTTISH WOODS - NIGHT
Three servant women escape, one with Tommy Junior in her arms. They pass
multitudes of trees, dodging branches and leaping over roots with agility.
CLEARING
The men in shadow and the Admiral see Roger kneeling in a clearing praying. His
head is pointed upward, his hands are folded, tears gush from his eyes, and the
moonlight shines brightly upon him. The Admiral kicks him directly in the face.
The woman slice with the false knives and imitation blood squirts from a hidden
packet from their hands upon his chest as the feign the slay him. He lets out an
effeminate scream and falls the ground pretending death. The women continue to
dance around him to the music.
EXT. WOODS CLEARING - NIGHT
The Admiral slices a deep laceration into Roger’s arm. Roger screams as blood
gushes forth. The men stab him repeatedly as he writhes in pain, screams in agony,
then finally lies still.
EXT. OUTSIDE SCOTTISH MANOR - MORNING
Tom and Lucy ride up to the house and break down in sadness and fear. The house is
mostly charred black. A dead sailor and a dead servant woman lie dead, heavily
burned in the doorway.
The three servant women run towards them with Tommy Junior. Tom and Lucy rush to
pick up Tommy and hug and kiss him.
LUCY
Praise god!
She cries terribly.
LUCY
Why did he wait till now?
Tom looks toward the smoking house.
TOM
We must gather the men... and leave immediately.
EXT. SCOTTISH DOCK - DAY
Two ships sit before Tom and Lucy. She cries as they kiss each other passionately.
TOM
You must go. Protect Tommy for me, my love.
LUCY
I cannot! My heart wither and die without you!
Tom kisses her down her cheek and neck repeatedly and weeps.
TOM
It was a good life.
Tom pushes off and climbs aboard his ship. Men pull her aboard the other ship. She
stares at him as he addresses the sailors.
EXT. OPEN SEA - DAY
The two ships sail. Tom stands at the fore of his ship with the wind blowing in
his hair and staring into the horizon. Bernard steers at the wheel.
LATER
The ships continue to sail. Whales feast on a school of fish. Sea birds dive into
the sea to hunt as well. Gloom as well as determination shows on every face.
EVEN LATER
Three ships appear on the horizon.
All remains silent as Tom peers toward the small figures, awaiting his destiny.
TOM
Hear me now! Any whose fear shakes his bravery- leave now and save your life!
Tom peers to the other ship.
TOM
Take your promised gold... and live out your years... cowering under the power of
one tyrant or another...
Tom slides his sword out of the sheath and kneels before it.
TOM
God, I pray you give us strength today...Death seeks of our blood to be spilled...
Us, fortunate few... chosen to cut down evil in this world. This we do proudly...
Tom slowly stands on the edge of the ship.
TOM
(To the other ship) Full sails! Depart at once!
A sailor on the other ship waves and yells to the crew. They open all of the sails
fully. Tom turns to Bernard with a tear in his eye.
TOM
Benjamin... friend... turn us around...
LATER STILL
Tom’s ship sails toward The Admiral’s ships at full speed. His ship crosses past
the broadside of the two closest ships. The two ships burst forth their cannon
balls. Several splash into the sea. One hits the aft of Tom’s ship, sending
several men off their feet. Another rips through the main sail.
The grape shot crushes into a group of Tom’s sailors, one catching the object
directly in the belly causing blood to burst from his mouth and sending him flying
off of the ship. Tom raises his sword with a vicious smile.
TOM
Sail around their fore!
Benjamin turns the wheel sharply. They sail up close to the fore of one ship.
TOM
Lets send them under the waves, men...fire!
Shots explode from the cannons on Tom’s ship and explode in a concentrated area
where the fore of the other ship meets the sea. A hole opens up and the ship
plunges into the sea and floats with the fore bobbing in the crashing waves,
sinking further every moment as the crew run about in a frenzy. Tom and his men
CHEER as though mad.
The Admiral’s ship sails apart from the other ships and opens fire. Men on Tom’s
ship SCREAM with fury.
TOM
Get down!
A MYSTERIOUS SAILOR stumbles as the ship rocks violently. It holds its large hat
on, covering its face as the sea sprays and heavy wind blows its scarf in the
wind. Several sailors fall and tumble.
TOM
Hurry with those cannons! Double time!... Ben! Clear us of that cannon shot!
Benjamin turns the wheel hard to the right and the ship soars through the massive
waves. It cuts at an angle horizontal toward the aft of the other ship. Cannon
blast from the other ship and one collides into the edge of the ship sending
splinters through the air.
Tom’s ship sails beyond the sinking ship and juts out broadside toward the
helpless ship. Tom waits nervously yet determined till his ship nears close to the
other.
TOM
Fire!
Cannon balls explode, crash into the hull, creating a small opening at the
waterline under the main mast. Grapeshot heaves across the deck goring sailors as
it flies through them and crushes their bones and insides. The dead line the ship,
bleeding.
Benjamin laughs heartily as he turns the wheel. Tom’s men celebrate with SCREAMS
of cheer. Tom smiles viciously and the Mysterious sailor stands within the crowd
with a shadowed grin under its hat.
Men panic with a nervous gait, climbing up the sails and opening them wide.
ADMIRAL’S WHEELMAN
What do we do Captain?!
ADMIRAL
Get in there you worthless sea scum! I want an open shot!
The second sinking ship tilts in the direction of its damaged hull. The men scurry
to hold on as others slip off headlong. Tom’s ship hides behind it with its fore
peeking out. The Admiral’s ship rides at full speed, surging through the wild sea.
Tom’s ship is visible, parallel to the sinking ship.
ADMIRAL
Ready on my word, you ninny women!
SURPRISED SAILOR
Captain?
ADMIRAL
Fire! Blow them to hell!
Smoke fills the sky as the cannons release their contents in a great deafening
blast. The large black balls launch, three of them carving into the hull of Tom’s
ship, exploding a great hole.
The ship tilts toward the other sinking ship. A man hangs on the rigging of the
other sinking ship.
RIGGING MAN
Come show us what you got, you rotten scoundrels!
The men on each ship exchange curses and shaking fists and weapons. The ships near
and swords slash across the divide clashing and cutting flesh. The men jump form
ship to ship, chaos of blood and bared teeth on each deck as men duel with sword
and pistol. Each ship bobs as they slowly descend into the sea.
Benjamin and Tom fight side by side, slashing at sailors. They cut through their
ranks with ease. Tom approaches the captain, they clash swords overhead. Tom
presses the blade downward and grabs the man’s arm as he kicks him in the stomach
against the main mast and decapitates him as he is pressed against the mast. Men
from both sides lie slaughtered as others battle atop them.
TOM
Rout them! Run these worthless vermin through!
Tom’s men, much fewer in number, carve through the remaining sailors on the ship
as they retreat. Grape shot explodes through the men, many dodge, though several
on both sides of the battle are pelted and lie incapacitated.
The Mysterious sailor removes her hat and lets her hair fall low. Lucy is
revealed.
TOM
No! It is you, my love! Flee from here and live out your motherly duties!
She kisses Tom.
LUCY
This chapter is done. Our babe must live a cheerful, free life. For that we must
suffer time to let him sail far, far from influence.
The Admiral bends on one knee and leans over the edge of the ship with his arm
extended.
ADMIRAL
You live! Beautiful Lucy- my lovely daughter! Come to me, my dear girl. My baby!
Lucy stands defiant upon the other ship. His ship sails to the other. Tom and his
men stand, guarding Lucy.
LUCY
Sail back to the wretched hole where you came from, lest we spill your guts
asunder!
Lucy stands with prepared to attack with two swords in her hands.
Tom’s men stand with swords drawn awaiting the approach of the Admiral’s ship. A
pistol shoots out and sends Peter dead upon the deck. Several other pistols shoot
out and men fall on both sides. The ship is near.
Men on both sides leap across and hack their enemies. One of Tom’s men falls into
the sea as he is pushed off. Tom’s men suddenly charge and hack the faces of the
other men, sending several gushing blood onto the deck and into the sea.
Men SCREAM with fury on both sides and exchange heavy blows. Lucy slashes through
men’s bodies as they refuse to fight her. The Admiral stands serious in shame.
Several of the Admiral’s sailors team up and rout Tom’s men.
Benjamin is confronted by four men. He slashes through the first two but is cut
through the throat as he defends the blow one sword. He shoves his sword through
the man’s gut and cuts out the other’s throat and sends him flying.
Tom holds him as he chokes up blood and bleeds profusely from his neck.
TOM
My last and best friend!
BENJAMIN
Get up! Leave me be!... It is no matter! It was a good life, alas!
Several sailors confront Tom and he cuts them through in turn. Tom receives two
gunshots. And falls to his knees. He stands and is cut across the chest. He stabs
a man in the gut and decapitates another. He stands covered in blood.
Several men confront Tom as he lunges for the Admiral. Tom breaks their defense
and slashes through them. He cuts down hard and the Admiral blocks the attack and
sends Tom to the ground.
He is overwhelmed and falls back to the side of the ship. He bleeds profusely as
the Admiral confronts him.
ADMIRAL
You cannot defeat me, trash. I live through all the ages, hanging over your kind.
TOM
No!
Tom pushes himself onto his wobbly feet and stumbles toward the Admiral. The
Admiral waves him to come closer.
ADMIRAL
Come! Claim your revenge!
The Admiral and Tom exchange strikes, blocking and dodging constantly. The men
circle around. Tom strikes and gashes the Admiral’s face. Tom dodges a strike and
gashes the other side of his face. The Admiral WAILS in pain and becomes angry.
The Admiral strikes at Tom and Tom dodges and slices the Admiral’s fingers causing
him to drop his sword.
ADMIRAL
Curse you!
Tom lunges and stands over the sword. The Admiral tackles him and throws his weak
body to the side, picking up the sword.
The Admiral charges and Tom backs away with each strike up onto the edge of the
ship. The Admiral strikes and Tom blocks with his last energy. Tom becomes
disoriented as his blood flows down his body. He falls, delirious.
The Admiral sinks his blade into Tom’s side sending forth much blood and watery
fluid. Tom wails in horror covered in blood and quivering in pain. Like a wounded
deer Tom crawls away. Lucy drags him onto his ship. LAUGHTER is heard from a few
sailors.
Lucy holds him as he bleeds profusely. She wails as the ship sinks deeper and
deeper. The Admiral and his sailors stand on the edge of the other ship peering
upon them. Lucy bawls horribly as Tom loses consciousness.
ADMIRAL
Come, leave that criminal. He is dead, finally... what he deserves...
Lucy holds her face against Tom as his head leans lifeless on the side of the
ship.
LUCY
No, it is you who have been dead all along!
She weeps bitterly. The ship sinks several feet and floats away from the other
ship. The Admiral reaches his hand out.
ADMIRAL
I only wished to give you the best. Forgive me, I beg you!
The ship sinks more and more. Water fills the whole ship.
ADMIRAL
Get her!
Two sailors move to reach the other ship,
LUCY
No. No!
Lucy slips a pistol from her side and places it to her temple. She sobs and closes
her eyes. Her hand shakes as she cries bitterly and pulls the trigger and falls
dead with a loud blast and a spray of blood across the deck. The Admiral and the
sailors stand speechless in horror as the ship sinks into the deep.
The two bodies huddled together are overcome with the sea as they sink with the
ship slowly to the bottom of the sea in a trail of blood. A number of other dead
bodies can be seen in the darkness floating.
EXT. SECOND SHIP - EVENING
Sailors can be seen as the craft floats through the wide expanse of sea. Tommy
Junior sits among sailors.
EXT. CHARLES’ MANOR - DAY
A servant approaches Charles who is dressed fine clothing sitting next to Ann
sharing a bottle of wine. The servant WHISPERS inaudible words. Charles and stands
alarmed and peers toward the doorway, Ann follows.
DOORWAY
CHARLES
Let them in immediately!
He storms toward the door and sees sailors.
CHARLES
Is this all? Where are my dear friends? Tom, Lucy, Benjamin?
DOORWAY SAILOR
They insisted on stalling the Admiral... in order that we escape.
CHARLES
Escape? Why ever would fight alone? What madness caused them to sacrifice
themselves so hopelessly?
Another sailor leads Tommy Junior in sight.
DOORWAY SAILOR
May I present to you... Tommy.
Tommy Junior steps forward nervously with Tom’s journal in his hand and peers
upward toward Charles.
CHARLES
T,t,t, Tommy? They sold their lives so that this young one may live better!
Charles and Ann look into each other’s eyes with a sort of sadness, though showing
a happy smile.
ANN
What a noble act! Truly remarkable!
She smiles cheerfully and takes Tommy Juniors hand.
ANN
We shall raise him as our own, to be a happy and proud soul! May their sacrifice
not be in vain!
They both hug Tommy Junior and Ann kisses him on the forehead and smiles into his
eyes. He returns a happy smile.
BEGIN CREDITS.
END CREDITS.
SUPER: 13 YEARS LATER
EXT. SPANISH STREET - DAY
Ibrahim holds a bouquet of flowers and strolls past market stands. He appears
cheerful. Business is flourishing. People step hand in hand and children chase
each other.
INT. IBRAHIM’S HOUSE - DAY
Ibrahim’s wife, ISABEL, a Spanish beauty, cooks a goose in an oven and prepares
rice. Ibrahim enters with the flowers behind his back and they embrace.
ISABEL
My love! Where have been to?
He reveals the flowers before her and she smells them. She smiles.
IBRAHIM
The goose smells wonderful.
ISABEL
Of course.
They kiss. Their son Michael enters and GROWLS, leaps, and clings to Ibrahim’s
waist with his arms and legs.
IBRAHIM
HO,ha,ha,ha,ha... my little tiger!
EXT. SHIP - DAY
Seabirds fly over Tommy Junior’s head. Charlie Junior stands beside him, five
years younger. The see in the distance a green coast. Tommy Junior reads from the
journal.
TOMMY JUNIOR
It was his desire that we live well. It is my intention that we live wisely.
CHARLIE JUNIOR
What will you do with the money?
TOMMY JUNIOR
I am in debt to my brave parents... I must act in order to fulfill their last
wishes...somehow create a better world... a better France at least.
CHARLIE JUNIOR
Oh... I want a horse, a white pony that I can train. Feed him hay from my fields.
TOMMY JUNIOR
That is good. They would have liked to have seen that.
The ship nears the shore and docks.
EXT. SCOTTISH MANOR - DAY
The house is being reconstructed. They pass through the gardens and into the
house.
INT. SCOTTISH MANOR - LIVING ROOM
The walls are charred black and a mound of char of what used to be the couch lies
in the middle of the room. Tommy Junior peers into the journal.
TOMMY JUNIOR
Under the floorboards... beneath the couch...
They sink their hands into the blackened, flaking couch and shove it aside. A
square of floor is separate from the rest. Tommy Junior takes a fireplace pick and
pries the square of floor up and sets it aside.
INT. SCOTTISH MANOR - UNDER THE FLOOR - DAY
Tommy Junior and Charlie Junior stand in awe as piles of treasure lie before them.
Charlie Junior runs and tosses coins into the air LAUGHING hysterically. He jumps
and rolls around in the pile of necklaces, jewels, and coins. Tommy Junior stands
crying with his lip quivering, and his hands over his eyes.
TOMMY JUNIOR
Thank you...thank you.
FADE OUT

Blood Bounty

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BLOOD BOUNTY

They outrun the old sailor and stand by their son.

EXT. OUTSIDE COLIGNY’s HOUSE - NIGHT

Louis takes a large bite of chicken.

The doctor grips the bullet and slides it out slightly.

INT. THE LOUVRE - HALLWAY - DAY

Charles IX picks up her wine glass and hands it to her.

Catherine shakes him.

Charles IX thrusts himself on top of the bed, holding his face.

Charles strikes fist into the air.

Catherine halts, stunned, but shows a slight smile.

Charles IX nears her.

They kiss on the lips. Ann slips out of the room.

Ann jumps at hearing the voice.

Ann continues running. The lord shakes his head in disbelief.

MONTAGE - LOCKING UP PARIS

Second in command salutes properly and stiffly nods his head.

A noble rides up to them.

Ann is deeply saddened by the scenery.

EXT. OUTSIDE COLIGNY’S HOUSE- NIGHT

They rush inside Coligny’s house.

EXT. CITY GATE - NIGHT

Tom appears serious.

EXT. WOODS - DAY

INT. PUB - EVENING

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