VERVM CORPVS — Sleep
©2005 Joshua Scott Emmons, All Rights Reserved.
INT. PASSAGEWAY IN THE UNDERGROUND LABRYNTH - NIGHT
Our heroes -- well, our two heroes and one ne'er do well
thief and scoundrel -- stand in what looks like a long cave
that's been cut out of the rock under the castle. This cave
is not straight, it curves slightly. Kraid hold a torch. All
three are facing each other and arguing.
KYLE
The desert?! Out of the question.
KRAID
It's the only place, reasonably
speakin. If'n you ask me.
KYLE
I didn't, and there's nothing
reasonable about it.
KRAID
It's simple enough. You're being
hunted. You want to be hunted in a
small walled up place, or a big
wall-less place?
Kraid indicates himself with his thumb.
KRAID
Make smart like me. Get out of
town.
KYLE
Out of town to where, exactly?
We'll die of thirst or be eaten by-
Frustrated, Kyle starts again:
KYLE
sigh. How are we going to survive
in the desert?
KRAID
Hmm. That's a good point, you know.
I myself haven't lived there for
years. I was going to ask Tenma for
help, but-
KALONIKE
You used to live in the desert?!
KRAID
Aye, many years ago. There's a lot
of tribes that wander the sand.
I ran with one before I come to the
city.
KALONIKE
And this Tenma was...
KRAID
Ruler of the tribe. A king, of
sorts.
KYLE
Your highness, this is madness.
You don't know what it's like
outside the walls!
KALONIKE
I know there are no sheep there.
Which means a shepherd has no
better idea than I of what lies in
wait.
KYLE
Argh! Tell her, Kraid! She doesn't
know-
KRAID
About you?
Kyle frowns at the thief.
Then grimaces in pain.
Kyle drops to his knees
KRAID
Well, now! That's more like it! I'm
due for some begging.
Kalonike, behind the pair, notices a small puddle of blood on
the ground.
KRAID (O.S.)
No sense in makin with your cow
toes, boy. Yeh ain't changin'
anyone's mind.
She kneels, and dips her finger in it to inspect it.
KRAID (O.S.)
All right. Enough already.
KALONIKE
Kyle?
Kalonike walks up to where Kyle is kneeling with his head
bowed, still examining the red smear on her finger.
KRAID
For thirst's sake, show some pride
boy. Get up.
KALONIKE
Kyle? Kyle, what is this?
Kyle is silent.
KRAID
Boy?
KALONIKE
Kyle?
Kyle slumps over.
KALONIKE
Kyle!
INT. UNKNOWN - UNKNOWN
ALL BLACK PANEL
VOICE
Lift his shirt up.
Black panel
VOICE
No! Oh god oh god oh god oh god...
VOICE
If you're gonna be sick, don't do
it here.
More blackness.
VOICE
Oh god oh god oh god.
VOICE
Fool boy. How long'd he think he'd
keep goin' with a hole in his side.
VOICE
Help him! You have to help him!
I'll give you anything.
FROM KYLE'S DISTORTED POV
A very dim and fuzzy picture of Kala fumbling with her bodice
and Kraid waving her away.
KALONIKE
You can have... you can have me,
just first... first...
KRAID
Now now. I ain't that kind of
scoundrel.
A very dim and fuzzy picture of Kraid leaning over us.
KRAID
I can help him, I think. But either
you or he ain't gonna like it. I
don't know why he hasn't-
KALONIKE
Anything! Please! Just save him for
me!
BLACK AGAIN
VOICE
Ok. Hurry now. Grab a hand of this
tunic. We need to get him out of
here.
FROM ABOVE
A single undistorted frame set apart from the others of Kraid
and Kalonike dragging an unconscious and bleeding Kyle down a
passageway of the labyrinth.
BLACK AGAIN
VOICE
He's not getting any better, is he?
VOICE
He stopped bleeding. Just needs
some time now.
VOICE
But shouldn't we bind his... gasp!
FROM KYLE'S DISORIENTED POV
A very fuzzy Kalonike recoils from us in horror.
KALONIKE
What is...!? Is it infected?
KRAID
That's his body healing emself.
A fuzzy Kalonike squints at us, half worried, half repulsed.
KALONIKE
But those... tendrils. Around
the...
KRAID
He's not the same as you, girl. I
seen it with my own eyes.
BLACK AGAIN
VOICE
Then what... what is he?
VOICE
Do you remember? Do you remember
the tower as it fell?
KALONIKE FROM THE FRONT
A single undistorted frame set apart from the others of
Kalonike, her eyes wide with shock and wet with tears, her
hand covering her open mouth.
BLACK AGAIN
VOICE
Trevor. What is he doing?
VOICE
Ye don't mince words much, do yeh?
VOICE
I deserve to know.
Another black frame
VOICE
But maybe yous don't want to know.
Like about your boyfriend.
VOICE
He's not...! Stop attempting to
change the subject.
FROM KYLE'S DISTORTED POV
A fuzzy/blury image of Kalonike and Kraid talking off to one
side.
KRAID
It's a coupe, your highness. Your
uncle has seized power of Verum.
KALONIKE
No. No that can't be.
KRAID
It can. Guards loyal to him have
taken control of the palace.
KALONIKE
Guards loyal... Terence!
A fuzzy Kala turns back to look at us.
KALONIKE
Oh, Kyle. I'm so sorry. It's all my
fault.
KRAID
After they quell resistance there,
they'll move to control the city.
A fuzzy Kala turns back to a fuzzy Kraid
KALONIKE
What about father... the King?
KRAID
You'd best hope he escaped.
Otherwise...
KALONIKE
But he did escape! I followed him
down here. Where could he have
gone?
BLACKNESS AGAIN
VOICE
If he was smart, he'd be headin'
for the desert like us. Don't
think ol' Trevor'd be expecting
that!
VOICE
But who can know the minds of
kings, eh? I suppose we'll see.
WIDE
A single undistorted frame set apart from the others of
Kalonike and Kraid standing apart from Kyle, talking.
Kalonike is looking back at Kyle who lies on the ground a
little distance away, still clutching his sword in one hand.
BLACK AGAIN
VOICE
I know you've broken the curse,
boy. But I guess you gotta be awake
to do it, eh?
VOICE
Or maybe your performance by the
tower was a fluke?
FROM KYLE'S DISTORTED POV
A dim and fuzzy frame of Kraid sitting over us, looking at
something at our side. A fuzzy Kalonike is far behind him.
KRAID
A fluke won't get me in with Tenma.
But this just might.
KALONIKE
What are you doing?
A fuzzy frame of Kraid turned away from us and gesturing
towards us with his hand. A fuzzy Kalonike has stepped close.
KRAID
His sword, m'lady. He still hasn't
let it go.
It ain't healthy for him to be
clutchin' it like that. Spendin'
his strength.
KALONIKE
It's a gift from his father. Let
it be.
A fuzzy Kraid considers us thoughtfully.
KRAID
Is it now? Hmm.
A fuzzy frame of Kalonike kneeling over us while Kraid stands
in the background.
KRAID
Well, since you're up, you might as
well look over him. I'm gettin'
some sleep.
KALONIKE
Yes, thank you. I will.
A fuzzy Kalonike strokes our forehead.
KALONIKE
I've heard many strange things
since I met you, shepherd. Some I
don't know I believe...
A fuzzy Kalonike looks down at her hands in her lap.
KALONIKE
Some I know are true. Know with my
heart. My father... My kingdom...
She looks at us again.
KALONIKE
Kraid says you're at least part
daemon. Well, if it's the daemon
that saves your life...
BLACK AGAIN
VOICE
...then I love the daemon, too,
Kyle.
FROM ABOVE KYLE
A single undistorted frame set apart from the others. Kyle
lies on his back, asleep. Kalonike has buried her head on his
shoulder and has fallen asleep.
BLACK AGAIN
VOICE
Tenma, then, is king in the desert?
VOICE
Heh. He'd like to think so. He's
lord of some folks there, is all.
VOICE
And you think he could protect us?
EXT. UNDER A STONE ARCH IN THE DESERT - NIGHT
This sequence is unlike the others preceding it in that it's
completely undistorted and takes place in several points of
view, not just Kyle's.
KRAID
If'n he wanted to, yeah. But Tenma
looks out for his own and not much
else.
KALONIKE
You think you can convince him,
though.
Kraid seems thoughtful, looking up and biting a nail.
KRAID
It may be I could. It's my best
chance... and yours too.
KALONIKE
And he and his people have lived in
the desert, surrounded by daemons,
all these years.
KRAID
That's so, yes.
KALONIKE
You know what I think?
KRAID
No, your highness. What?
Kalonike is suddenly no long hold the bearing of a girl
asking questions. She wears the expression of a ruler making
accusations.
KALONIKE
I think it's peculiar you know more
about my own uncle than I do.
KRAID
Trevor? Well, 'ee couldn't really
let you in on 'is plans, now could
'ee?
KALONIKE
No. He couldn't afford to let
anyone who wasn't an ally know his
plans. Could he, Kraid?
Kraid stares at her blankly as he realizes the trap has been
sprung.
Then he tries to backpedal.
KRAID
Er. Um. I'm not sure where you're
goin' with this, then.
Kalonike stands.
KALONIKE
Pledge your allegiance to me,
Kraid.
KRAID
What?!
KALONIKE
I'm not about to be lead across the
desert by a man who's betrayed my
father in an attempt to overthrow
my kingdom. Swear fealty, and all's
forgiven.
KRAID
Girl, are you off your nut? I'm a
free man ain't ever been ruled by
none. Not Tenma. Not your father.
Not your uncle. And sure as sand
not you.
KALONIKE
Really? And how has that worked out
for you so far?
Kraid grimaces as he considers this.
Then smiles wryly.
KRAID
Heh. Truth? Only passing fair.
KALONIKE
Follow me. I'm the lawful heir of
Verum and worthy of your
allegiance.
KRAID
Hm. Maybes you're right.
Kraid stands and now he's no longer just the bubling beggar
they've seen. He's all slyness and confidence.
KRAID
I'll swear, your highness. But
first, as your loyal subject, I
must warn you.
KALONIKE
Warn me? Of what?
KRAID
Of the blind spot you have for the
boy.
Kala dismisses him with a wave of her hand.
KALONIKE
Blind? Certainly not!
KRAID
No? You figured me and Trevor go
back pretty quick. Asked all the
right questions, you did.
CLOSE ON KRAID'S EYES
KRAID
But you've never once asked how I
know so much about the boy's...
"condition".
WIDE
KRAID
How would a beggar from the walls
know so much about Tenma, the
desert...
CLOSE ON KYLE'S SLEEPING FORM
KRAID (O.S.)
Daemons.
BLACKNESS AGAIN
VOICE
You want me to follow you?
BLACKNESS
In the middle of the dark frame, two red, evil-looking eyes
stare back at us.
VOICE
yOU dOn'T KnOW wHo I aM!
VOICE
What...! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
EXT. STONE OUTCROPPING AT THE EDGE OF THE DESERT - MORNING
Two natural looking stone spires lean against one another
forming a sort of shelter. The walls of Verum are visible in
the distance. There are a fair number of these spires close
to the walls. But they become more and more sparse the
farther one travels from Verum until, eventually, they give
out all together and flat desert is all one can see for
miles.
Having been asleep beneath this natural shelter, Kyle now
sits bold upright, as though waking from a nightmare.
KYLE
Princess!
No one is about.
Kyle stands and notes the puckered scars on his abdomen.
He climbs one of the stone spires that makes his shelter.
Once at the top he scans the expanse of desert before him.
There's a figure in the distance.
CLOSE ON FIGURE
It appears to be a bedraggled and sunburnt Kalonike, carrying
an inverted helmet across the desert. The helmet is
dripping.
CLOSE ON KYLE
Kyle sighs in relief.
He waves at the princess.
KYLE
Kal--!
WIDE
We see another figure on the desert. A beast running on all
fours. Towards Kalonike.
CLOSE ON THE BEAST
The animal (it is most definitely an animal) is the size of a
small horse and looks something like a dark grey-brown hyena
with the dusty coat (and quills) of a hedgehog. It runs
comfortably across the sands of the desert.
CLOSE ON KYLE
His relieved wave has turned to frantic shouting.
KYLE
PRINCESS!
WIDE
Kyle jumps from his high perch, drawing his sword at the same
time.
He hits the ground running.
He pulls up, putting himself between the beast and Kalonike.
The beast seems to have stopped short, too.
KYLE
Run, your highness!
KALONIKE'S FEET
The helmet the princess had been carrying has been dropped at
her feet. Water spills out of it and on to the desert sands.
The feet are still facing Kyle and the monster and are making
no attempt to run.
OVER KYLE'S SHOULDER
Kyle and the beast continue to square off.
The beast cocks his head at Kyle.
KYLE'S PROFILE
KYLE
Tsk.
WIDE
Kyle begins to charge the beast, sword upraised. The animal
manages to look a little surprised by this sudden change of
events, and even tries to back up a little.
KYLE
Aaaaaaahhh!
CLOSE ON KYLE'S ARM
Kalonike has grabbed his arm as he starts off...
WIDE
...pulls it so that he spins around to face her...
...and smacks him hard across the face.
Hard enough that he falls on his butt while she glares at
him.
KRAID (O.S.)
fOR fEar oF DROuGhT, bOy...
Kraid steps into the frame. The animal is gone.
KRAID
Just what're yeh tryin' to do,
chargin' me like that?
KYLE
You...? Kraid...?
KYLE
That was you?!
CLOSE ON KALONIKE
She stares down at him, accusingly.
ON KYLE
He's managed to get on all fours and is looking up at the
princess.
KYLE
You're highness, I didn't know.
CLOSE ON KALONIKE
She continues to stare coldly at him.
ON KYLE
KYLE
Why are you mad at me?! I thought
you were in danger! How could I
know?
CLOSE ON KALONIKE
Her expression is angry, but now there are the beginnings of
tears in her eyes.
KALONIKE
(whispers)
four days...
WIDE
Kyle has gotten himself onto his knees in front of the
princess. For her part, her hands are clenched at her sides
in frustration and her eyes are squeezed shut to hold back
the tears.
KYLE
What?
KALONIKE
For four days I wept over you,
thinking you were dead or dying.
KALONIKE
And what's the first thing you do?
ON KYLE
KALONIKE (O.S.)
Try to throw your life away again!
WIDE
Kalonike stomps off back towards the shelter. Kyle is
dumbfounded and Kraid is assessing the situation.
KYLE
But... but...
Kyle stands, Kraid puts a hand on his shoulder.
KYLE
But... it was to save you!
KRAID
Peace, boy. It won't help her none
to hear it.
Kraid walks back towards the shelter leaving Kyle standing
there.
Kyle heads back to the shelter himself. There he finds
Kalonike gathering up a bunch of crude water skins and thick
hide blankets.
KALONIKE
The sun will set soon. We're
leaving.
KYLE
Leaving?! Where are we going?
KALONIKE
Across the desert. We will request
protection from Tenma.
KYLE
Tenma? The king of the desert?
KALONIKE
No.
Kalonike stands to face Kyle squarely.
KALONIKE
The king of the daemons.
©2005 Joshua Scott Emmons, All Rights Reserved.
