THE SECRET OF THE NILE

by

Stephanie Sharp

Little Rock, AR 72205(501)249-0301stephaniecj2@juno.com

WGA/w RegisteredAll rights reserved

THE SECRET OF THE NILE

FADE IN:

EXT. PHARAOH'S PALACE IN THE EGYPT CAPITAL OF NEKHEN - DAY

The exterior view of the Egyptian Palace with people dancingand clapping, involved in festive activities, sets the firstscene. A narrator reads the following script.

NARRATOR (V.O.)King of Upper Egypt and father oftwo, Hanor Anidon, has justmarried his second wife,Hatshepsut. This is not the femalepharaoh Hatshepsut of the 28thDynasty (who ruled approximately2500 years later) but a woman thathad been nicknamed 'Hatty' as achild and who has just become thestepmother of Hanor's daughter,Ouca Medonn (the young EgyptianPrincess), and goddess to thethrone. Hatty had served as KingHanor's midwife prior to themysterious passing of the previousqueen (Ouca's biological mother).This situation will create adramatic series of events thatwill shake even the most mortal ofmen to its very core. I presentto you 'The Secret of the Nile'.

Upon finishing the narration, the screen goes black.

TITLE OVER: UPPER EGYPT - 3135BC

The festivity comes back on screen, placing the main focuson King Hanor who is wearing the head of a falcon (imitatingHorus), a long transparent robe made of linen with palmfiber sandals and extended eyeliner portraying his deep,dark eyes and dark wavy hair.

As everyone around him is involved in dance andconversation, Hanor walks over to Hatty (wearing a tunicmade of linen and covered in gold) who is engaged inconversation with fellow peers and politely takes her by thearm to escort her to a quieter area.

HANORHatty, I am truly sorry, but Imust excuse myself from thefestivity. I simply need time to

(MORE)

2.

HANOR (cont'd)regain my composure so that I maybe of more use to you.

HATTY(sympathetically)

Is the heat getting to you, mydarling?

HANORNo. I simply feel fatigued andneed time to rest. I greatlyapologize in having to leave youlike this but I feel I currentlyhave no choice in the matter. Ihope you understand.

HATTYI understand, Hanor. Please takeas much time as needed. I willremain here should you need me.Are you sure you do not need me toescort you up to your chamber?

HANOR(persistently)

No, please stay and enjoy. Thisis your time. I understand that Ishould be here with you but I seemto have suddenly come down withsomething and just need some timeto rest. Should I feel bettersoon, I will rejoin the festivity.

Hanor turns to leave.

HATTY(staring in Hanor's direction)

I'm aware that this time of griefis necessary, but I will not losemy position as queen and marriagewith my god to a memory of Ouca'sloss and your supposedly firstlove.

Hatty gives out a deep sigh and turns to walk away to rejointhe festivity as she is immediately struck by anotherthought with which she turns towards Hanor's direction todeliver.

3.

HATTYYou may have only married mebecause of your first-born son andheir to the throne, but you willfind love for me. No matter whatit takes.

Hatty stares in Hanor's direction as her eyes slowly beginto wail up with tears. She is then confronted by a dearfriend who attempts to console her and escort her back tothe group. Hatty continues staring towards the direction ofHanor as she heads back to the festive group.

INT. PALACE (KING'S BEDCHAMBER) IMMEDIATELY AFTER - DAY

Hanor enters his bedchamber after leaving the weddingfestivity to find both Ouca and Fabius (his first born sonand heir to the throne) playing quietly on the floor. Heleans over to give both infants a kiss on the forehead as hegrabs a bottle of his best wine.

HANOR(lovingly)

Fabius, Ouca, you must listen towhat I have to say. I want youboth to know that no matter whathappens in the future, as long asyou have a clear conscious, youcan grow up to be exactly what youwant to be, no questions asked.Never forget that.

Little Ouca looks up at her powerful father and smiles.

OUCAYes, Father.

Ouca's beautiful brown eyes glare at her father with a lookof admiration as she continues smiling.

DISSOLVE:

INT. PAVILION IN EGYPTIAN VILLAGE - DAY

Ouca's matured face is now in full focus.

TITLE OVER: 12 YEARS LATER

Ouca is teaching a group of manual laborers about healthawareness.

4.

OUCAHello. My name is Ouca and todayI will introduce you to a new formof communication known ashieroglyphic writing, also fairlynew to myself. We will also focuson the importance of regularpurification rituals consisting ofbathing, shaving and maintainingyour dietary restrictions againstanimals considered unclean to eat. My focus is on improving ourcivilization and the improvementmust begin with you.

The class listens attentively.

Among the group is an irrigation worker and skilledcraftsmen by the name of Aaron, a very toned and handsomeolive skinned man wearing loincloths made of animal hide andlinen, and who has taken quite a liking to Ouca. He raiseshis hand to address Ouca.

AARONWe are really appreciative of yourconcern for the commoners, but whyare you so concerned of our wellbeing?

Ouca looks at Aaron as she addresses him.

OUCAI feel that it is my duty assomeone of power to assist theEgyptian people and to furtheryour knowledge and understandingof the world around you.

Each person looks at one another as he nods his head inagreement.

OUCAOnce you are through with myclass, you will be able to takewith you a new understanding ofyour language, your land and yourheritage.

Ouca looks towards the sun to see that it is getting alittle late.

5.

OUCASince class did not start untillater today, will will reconvenetomorrow and will continue classfor another few days. I wanteveryone to feel comfortable withthe subject matter, so if anyonehas any questions at anytime,please feel free to meet with meupon request and I will do my bestto accomodate you.

As class concludes, Aaron approaches Ouca.

AARONMy name is Aaron. I have trulyenjoyed your teaching. I wouldhave never considered myself to bea literal but I find much interestin your written form ofcommunication that you so kindlyspeak of.

Ouca extends her hand as is common with Egyptian customs.The woman must extend her hand first.

Aaron softly takes her hand and bows his head. Ouca slowlyrefrains.

OUCAWell, thank you. My hope is toexpose each and everyone of you toa better life. Knowledge ispower. You must always rememberthat.

Aaron politely smiles and turns to exit the pavilion. As heleaves, Ouca discretely watches his every move.

Aaron once again turns to grace Ouca with one more gestureof kindness (a smile). He then turns to make his way out ofthe pavilion as Ouca graciously smiles.

INT. PALACE IN THE EGYPT CAPITAL (KING'S BEDCHAMBER) - DAY

Hanor (looking older and a little stressed) calmly playswith his wedding band (never allowing it to fall from hisfinger) as he sets in wonderment. Drakus (King Hanor'schancellor and/or vizier) walks in.

6.

DRAKUS(sighing)

Well, I see what your plans arefor this evening. Per strictorders, I have been monitoringOuca's educational sessions, asidefrom my normal responsibilities,and have taken notice to herinvolvement with the socializationand education of the village'speople. She is doing quite wellin maintaining good standards andhigh morality for the peasants tofollow.

Hanor looks up from his faint stare and puts off a graciousnod.

DRAKUS(approaching Hanor)

You know, Ouca and Fabius bothneed you to be at your best, notto mention your people who needyou to govern them in their questfor farming, irrigation andpolitical independence.

Hanor once again nods and stares straight ahead.

DRAKUS(stepping away as he sighs)

Well, perhaps you will soon learnof such importance by what maybefall you during this time ofgrief.

Drakus slowly turns to exit as Hanor watches him leave.

INT. PAVILION IN VILLAGE - DAY

TITLE OVER: 2 WEEKS LATER

After Ouca concludes class, she is approached by Fabius.

OUCAFabius, how are you? What do youthink of my approach to teachingthe villagers?

7.

FABIUSI think that what you are tryingto accomplish is a wonderfulthing.

OUCAThank you, Fabius. I am hopingfor good things to come of this.

FABIUSAfter two weeks of teaching, I cantell that there are a few studentsthat are taking these lessons toheart. I have been speaking to onestudent in particular who seems tohave more interest in his teacherthan of what she teaches. I havealso noticed that his teacher mayreciprocate. Am I wrong inassuming this?

Ouca glances up at Fabius as she continues putting herthings away.

OUCAWould it be wrong if his teacherhas developed some form of feelingfor him?

FABIUSNot in my eyes, but it is not myeyes that will hold the life andwell-being of such a peasant andhard laborer. There would have tobe questions answered to a biggerauthoritative figure that could inturn create a very undesirablesituation. When money and powerare the underlying sources of allthat evolve in that world, it isalso of money and power that keepthat world alive. Anything outsideof that would only be a threat.

Fabius gives off a sheepish smile as onlookers areconfirmed.

OUCA(genuinely)

Thanks, Fabius. I am truly awareof the consequences. I will becareful in any endeavor I pursue.

8.

FABIUSI know you will. Don't forget, Iam always here for you.

As Fabius turns to leave, he notices that Aaron is patientlyawaiting his turn to speak with Ouca. Fabius sends a smilein his direction and turns to leave.

Aaron slowly approaches Ouca.

AARONI greatly enjoyed the lesson fortoday. The form of symbolicwriting relates much to my joy ofcraftmenship.

Aaron hands Ouca a papyrus which holds distinct drawings ofking figures wearing very distinct crowns (visible toaudience).

OUCAThank you , Aaron. It seems thatyou are taking great strides inyour comprehension of thehieroglyphic language. I hopethat it is very informative andthat you always take a part ofwhat I try to teach with you eachtime you leave these sessions.

AARONOh yes, I do with great pleasure.However, we have been studyingthis new form of communication andlearning much together for severaldays now. Tell me, have youlearned anything more about theEgyptian people and what theytruly need and deserve? We cancommunicate with your symbolicwriting all day long but what doesit truly mean? Does it imply ourtrue feeling of communication? Wemustn't try to replace our verbaland physical communication withwhich I am more appreciative of.

Gently smiling, Aaron reaches out and softly caresses Ouca'schin as she slowly pulls back and removes his hand, lookingto see if everyone else has exited the building.

9.

OUCAWe also mustn't confuse ourphysical knowledge with that ofdaily knowledge learned by livingour everyday lives. The variousforms of communication you learnwill empower you and take you to adifferent level of appreciationfor the Egyptian language and itspeople. The more you learn inlife, the more you will truly beable to broaden your horizons andvalue your direction as well asyour heritage.

Ouca flashes a smile and turns to exit the pavilion. Aaronturns to the remaining students of the class to see whoremains and notices that most have already left. He turnstowards Ouca and swiftly walks after her.

AARONI truly favor your brother,Fabius. I have noticed that hehas taken quite an interest inwhat you teach and how thepeasantry relates to it. I havespoken with him regarding me (longsigh) and my feelings for you. Ihave never seen such care andconcern willfully given to thoseof a lesser status from someonewho holds such a high standard ofliving. How can I possiblyconvince you to join me for aprivate meeting where only the twoof us can speak privately amongourselves?

As Aaron stands in deep suspense, waiting on a response fromOuca, she takes the papyrus she is tightly holding in herhand and writes a secret message.

As she hands the papyrus to Aaron, she politely addresseshim.

OUCAThis is where your appreciation ofwritten communication will comeinto play should you be seriousabout a private meeting with me.Should you be able to decipher themessage and determine thesuggested meeting place, I will be

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10.

OUCA (cont'd)there waiting.

Ouca smiles and turns to leave. Aaron nods in greatappreciation as if to say that he knows exactly where she iscoming from.

Aaron glances at the secret message.

AARON(mumbling)

If all symbols point to a certaindirection, then that means that Ishould be reading in thatdirection.

As he mumbles to himself the recent lessons of deciphering,the pictures portraying its meaning come to light.

AARON(verbally)

Meet me near the most northerncataract of the Nile around thereappearing of the stars. I'll bewaiting.

Aaron glances up at the stars as if to give thanks to theGods and to offer a sigh of gratitude.

AARONI will be there, my darling,waiting on your arrival.

INT. PALACE IN EGYPT CAPITAL (PRINCESS'S BEDCHAMBER) - NIGHT

Ouca sits on the side of her bed as she stares off into thedistance while simultaneously grooming her hair.

She listens to distant voices coming from the corridor justoutside of her bedchamber.

As the voices pass, she immediately stands to approach thewindow.

As she approaches the window and peers out to make sure thecoast is clear, she attempts to climb down the trellis.

As she prepares to climb out of her window, she is startledby a noise coming from the corridor. She quickly stallsright in front of the window as she makes sure no one isgoing to enter.

11.

After assuming that the coast is clear, she glances to thebottom of the tower and starts to climb down slowly. Onceshe reaches the bottom, she checks to make sure all isclear.

OUCAHow am I to get past the guards atthis late hour? I know I mustmove quick, whatever the case.

She glances towards a clearing in the bushel thenimmediately darts towards it.

EXT. NORTH BANK OF THE NILE NEAR THE CATARACTS SAME - NIGHT

Sounds of the fast flowing waters of the cataracts are heardas Ouca slowly appears from a bushel.

She approaches the bank of the Nile and finds a waiting spotwhere she can patiently await Aaron's arrival.

She is immediately alerted by a noise coming from the busheldirectly behind her.

OUCA(frantically)

Aaron, is that you?

A shadowy figure steps from the brush to present itself. Asit comes closer to light, she sees that it is Aaron.

OUCAOh, thank goodness. You startledme.

AARON(apologetically)

I'm sorry. I had been watchingclosely to make sure no one hadfollowed you. Are you okay?

OUCAYes, I am just fine. How are you?

AARONI am much better now. Shall wesit?

Aaron takes a throw blanket and spreads it on the ground.The air coming off of the water is quite chilly so he takesanother blanket and gently places it on Ouca's shoulders towarm her.

12.

OUCAThis may be a situation where Ibecome your student and you myteacher. I am a novice when itcomes to this type ofrelationship. I want to make surethat all is pleasing to you. Ijust ask that you help guide andteach me as you see fit.

AARONYou mustn't worry about that. Allyou must do is relax and let youremotions lead the way. This isn'tquite my field of expertise eitherbut I have learned to simplyfollow my heart.

Ouca stares in amazement and reaches out for Aaron's hand.Aaron clutches her hand tightly and slowly begins to leaninto her.

Ouca begins to refrain until she again looks directly intohis eyes and senses the sincerity of his actions, implyingher reaction with a sigh.

Aaron again slowly leans in to embrace the lips of aprincess. As their lips embrace, Ouca softly places herhand on Aaron's cheek. Aaron immediately places his hand onhers.

Approximately 4 to 5 seconds into the kiss, Aaron withdraws. Ouca politely smiles and grabs Aaron's hand and places iton her bosom. This excites Aaron to the point of slowlyremoving his hand to assist her in lying softly on theground beside him.

As Ouca finds herself in a horizontal position with Aaronleaning over her, she begins to remove her clothing. Aaronpolitely stops Ouca from removing her garments and ratherassists her as she sits up in an upright position. Aaronthen begins to slowly remove her clothing, piece by piece,never removing his eyes from hers. She, in turn,reciprocates the gesture as she assists him in removing hisclothing as well.

As they lie close together, Aaron maneuvers himself on topof Ouca as to begin the process of intercourse.

As he appropriately positions himself, he softly andtenderly begins his penetration in a stroking manner andmaintains his position for several minutes, never taking hiseyes off of Ouca.

13.

After a few minutes have passed, Aaron securely clutchesOuca to insinuate to her the emotional state that isoverwhelming him. To his surprise, she is right there withhim as they gaze into each others eyes and preparethemselves to take that last ride to the peak of themountain.

As the climax of such behavior slowly passes, Ouca decidesthat it is time to refrain for the time being and reportback home.

OUCAAaron, I am truly sorry but I mustrefrain long enough to make anappearance back home. My fatherwill begin to worry if I am latein reporting back to my bedchamberat an unearthly hour of the night.

Aaron grabs for Ouca's arm as she begins to stand up.

AARONWhen will I be able to see youagain?

OUCA(reluctantly)

I love you, I honestly do, but wemust be careful not to raise anysuspicion.

AARONI understand. I will comply asneeded.

Aaron slowly stands to his feet, assists Ouca to her feetand kisses her on the cheek. Ouca smiles as she thenscrambles to find all of her clothing with Aaron standingnearby.

AARONWhen will I be able to see youagain?

OUCAVery soon. We will reconvene at alater time. That I can promiseyou.

With that, Ouca waves her last goodbye and turns to headhome.

14.

As Aaron watches Ouca leave, a shadowy figure, revealing theback side of an unknown man's torso, is seen standing in thebrush watching her leave as well.

INT. PALACE (PRINCESS'S BEDCHAMBER) SAME - NIGHT

As Ouca enters her bedroom, she notices a note lying on herbed. She goes over to the bed to pick up the note andstarts to read.

FABIUS (O.S.)Ouca, you must be extremelycareful in not giving Drakus anyreason to suspect anything. If hegets the inclination thatsomething exist outside of hisconsent, there is no telling whatmay occur. Please, for your sakeand mine, be careful.

OUCA(to herself)

I must speak with father regardingmy recent liaison with Aaronbefore Drakus does. If he gets tomy father first, there is notelling what lie will be foretold.

Ouca turns to exit her chamber.

INT. PALACE (KING'S BEDCHAMBER) SAME - NIGHT

As Ouca enters her father's corridor just outside of hisbedchamber, she politely knocks on the door and waits for aresponse.

HANORWho is it?

OUCAFather, I must have a moment withyou. May we speak in private?

HANORYes, my dear. Please enter.

As Ouca enters her father's bedchamber, she finds him in areclined position on top of his bed.

OUCAFather...

15.

As Ouca begins to speak, she is abruptly interrupted byDrakus who excuses himself into the room.

DRAKUS(sympathetically)

Hanor, I think what Ouca is aboutto tell you is that she feelsdeeply for those who are of lessfortune because they seem to beworthy of more.

Ouca looks on in question. Hanor is bothered by theinterruption as he immediately delivers a look of confusion. Drakus quickly concludes his speech.

DRAKUS(continuing)

Deserving as the common villagersmay be, though, they have yet toreceive what our princess feels iswell deserved on the part of theirhard work and ingenuity. I willresearch more into this situationmyself as Ouca and I decide ournext plan of action to improve thelongevity of our civilization.

Drakus immediately grabs Ouca by the arm and escorts heroutside.

INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE OF KING'S BEDCHAMBER SAME - NIGHT

Ouca immediately withdraws herself from Drakus' hold.

OUCAWhat is the meaning of this?

DRAKUSPlease listen to what I have tosay.

Ouca is quietly waiting for Drakus' explanation as sheflashes a look of distrust.

DRAKUS(putting both hands up)

I know what has been going on andI believe that to inform yourfather would not be a good idea atthis time. I think I have an ideathat would help the situation, butI would like to talk to Aaron

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16.

DRAKUS (cont'd)before moving forward withanything.

OUCA(sternly)

Have you been spying on me? Andwhy would you be interested inassisting me with my personalaffairs?

DRAKUSOuca, if anyone knows you like Ido, in the biblical sense, hewould know how quickly attachmentsseem to weigh on your heart.

Drakus reaches out to place his hand on Ouca's bosom as sheimmediately pushes him away.

OUCAHow dare you speak to me in thatmanner. I am not a pawn in yourlittle game. I am a princess andI demand to be treated like one.

DRAKUS(sympathetically)

Ouca, I know your heart is true.However, you must take thisslowly. This is not a commonsituation that is dealt with on adaily basis. Please allow me theopportunity of speaking with Aaronon a friendly and non-threateningmanner to see exactly where hestands. Once I have the notionthat his heart is true, I willpersonally handle your fathermyself.

OUCAWhy would you agree to do that?You must have some type of hiddenagenda that would only benefityou.

DRAKUS(sarcastically)

Yes, thank you for your definetrust. Ideally, everyone deservesto be truly happy, even us royals. If this union is of the mosthonest and utmost sincerity, on

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17.

DRAKUS (cont'd)the part of both parties, who am Ito inhibit that? When it comes toyour father, I will be your onlylifeline. This, we both know.

OUCA(apprehensively)

Yes, you may speak with Aaron onmy behalf but only if youimmediately report back to me. Youshould also be aware that if youtry to deter him and lead himastray, I will be the first toknow. I pray that you will complywith my request and hope that youwill not betray my trust.

DRAKUS(sympathetically)

You know that you can trust me. Ihave literally raised you as myown. I take great pleasure inknowing that I am partlyresponsible for the beautifulwoman, teacher and caregiver thatyou have become.

Drakus reaches out to stroke Ouca's hair as she once againrefrains.

OUCAYou have also taught me wisdom andabout the real world. I know thatpeople fall short of their duties. This is a very fragile situation. I have developed feelings thatare unheard of given my currentstatus. Perhaps my father wouldbenefit more if it came from you.However, mine and Aaron's feelingsdo and shall remain, no matter theoutcome.

DRAKUSI will make arrangements to speakwith Aaron on a personal level bythe next day's sinking of the sun. I will gracefully send for himand request his presence at ourprivate meeting place. Themeeting will be arranged in atasteful manner, specificallyorganized to serve its purpose. I

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18.

DRAKUS (cont'd)will maintain behavior fit for ajust cause.

OUCAYou have your chance to redeemyourself, Drakus, and to proveyour loyalty. Should you fallshort of your requested duty, Iwill be the first to know.

Drakus never moves his eyes from Ouca's as he calls aloudfor the king's servant.

DRAKUSMy dear maiden servant?

A servant enters the front of the corridor as a response tohis address.

SERVANTYes, Great Vizier?

DRAKUSPlease arrange for a carrierpigeon to deliver a message to thevillage requesting a personalmeeting with the towns craftsmanand skilled laborer, known to allas 'Aaron'.

SERVANTYes, Sir. And where should Isuggest the meeting place to be?

DRAKUS(looking at servant)

West of the city, near the greatburial ground, at the base of theking's tomb. I have something Ithink Aaron will be privileged tosee.

The servant bows her head and excuses herself.

OUCAWatch yourself, Drakus, for I knowyour every move.

DRAKUSThat, my dear, I already know.

19.

Drakus flashes his sheepish smile and then turns to leave.

EXT. INNER CITY OF NEKHEN - CAPITAL OF UPPER EGYPT - DAY

Aaron is playing ball with the children of the village. Heis approached by a messenger.

MESSENGERAaron, nephew of the great villagecraftsman known to all as Aaron ofNekhen?

Aaron throws the ball to a little boy waiting to catch it ashe approaches the messenger. The group of boys take offrunning to carry there game someplace else.

AARONYes, Sir. Who is asking?

MESSENGERI have a message addressed to you,requesting your company via thegreat vizier at the sinking of thesun after receipt of theinvitation.

AARONThe Vizier? What business wouldhe have with me? Where is hesuggesting we meet?

MESSENGERPer the written request, itappears that he is suggesting westof the city near the constructionof the king's tomb.

AARONThe king's tomb? That area isforbidden to the locals. Does itspecify as to the reason he isrequesting my presence?

MESSENGERNo Sir. That is all I am allowedto reveal. You must be prompt andvery secretive for somethingsignificant awaits you.

The messenger turns to leave as Aaron watches him walk away.

20.

AARON(contemplating aloud)

The vizier? Ouca, if he hasgained knowledge of you and I, Iam nothing but a dead man.

Aaron slowly turns to leave in the opposite direction as thegroup of boys return to continue with Aaron their game ofball. As Aaron is thrown the ball, he gracefully catches itand laughingly runs from the boys.

EXT. NEAR NEKHEN - WEST OF EGYPT - NIGHT

A picture of the Nile River is shown as the sun slowly setsto the west.

Aaron is walking down the road towards the meeting placewhen he stops to notice the view of several pyramids. Heimmediately hears a noise behind him.

AARONHello. Is anyone there? Is thatyou, Vizier?

A dark figure slowly approaches as Aaron takes a step back.

A deep voice eludes the darkness.

DRAKUS(in a narcissistic manner)

You are looking at history, fitfor a king, in the making. Thereis a huge stretch between whereyou stand and where I stand,socially. Do you understand that?

Drakus comes into clear view.

AARON(unselfishly)

Yes Sir, but please tell me whatall of this has to do with me.

Drakus approaches Aaron as Aaron cautiously takes a fewsteps back.

21.

DRAKUSPlease do not be alarmed. I amnot here to harm you but to helpyou.

Drakus slowly approaches Aaron as he notices that he iscarrying something.

DRAKUSWell, what have we here?

AARONSir, please accept my gift ofoffering to the king. I wouldlike to present you with thispersonally crafted macehead that Icreated. It is in honor of ourking and represents him in hisyounger day and of how he hasprotected us for so long. Hispersistence still reigns eternalin my eyes. For this reason, Iwill always refer to him as ourscorpion king. This weaponrysymbolizes his successes.

Drakus softly giggles, as in a mocking manner, as Aaroncontinues.

AARONI would also like to present you,vizier, with this smaller maceheadthat I personally crafted for you. It implies my hope that per afuture success, lower Egypt willbe united with us by the likes ofour king and ruled under onekingdom to show the trust anddignity of one nation. I know thatthe king is capable and willprevail in one way or another.

Drakus again softly laughs to imply his arrogance whileaccepting the gifts from Aaron.

AARONI greatly apologize, but I'm notquite sure of your intent or whatI may have done to deserve anyprogression via the likes of you.

22.

DRAKUSSon, I have worked hard just toget to where I now stand. Evenwith all of the hard work I havedone, I have to create a verysignificant and vital restingplace for a man that has no sexualor self-control over himself andhis actions. He is no longer ascorpion king, slaying the enemiesof his people, but of a meremortal who has lost his soul andtouch of reality.

Drakus motions his hands as if to direct Aaron's attentionto the sights around him.

DRAKUSEach night I come out here toconverse with the Gods in order toprecisely piece together thepyramid of spirit, faith, peaceand love.

Aaron provides Drakus with his undivided attention as Drakusturns to lead him through a tour of exceptionalarchitecture. Aaron cautiously follows.

DRAKUS(continuing)

In order for energy to flow,reflecting on past and futurelives, you must accurately createand piece together the tomb of apowerful man. Remaining in unitywith the earth, as well as stayinggrounded in spirit, is the key.Just like the beams of light thatextrude from the heavens to theearth in the form of a pyramid, soto must this object reciprocate bypointing towards the heavens toimply that unity with man, and togive them that stepping tool toheaven's door.

AARONSir, the sights and constructionof the pyramids are liberating butwhat does this have to do with me?I am not of a godly or powerfulstatus and my presence in such anhonorable location will only taintthe presence of the kings and gods

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23.

AARON (cont'd)that now behold us.

Drakus again laughs as he stops to turn and address Aaron.

DRAKUSTo my understanding, you are avery skilled craftsman for thetown's people and what I hold inmy hand is of great proof. Iwould think that this would be ofgreat interest to you. Takepleasure in what you will beholdfor most commoners are not giventhe privilege to do so.

AARONOh please Sir, do not mistake whatI have said with the non-pleasureof what my eyes behold. I amsimply referencing my status andmy presence in such a sacredplace.

DRAKUSYou mustn't be concerned withthat. Take heed in what I have tosay and pay close attention forthe meaning behind this event willsoon be made apparent.

AARONYes, Sir. I understand.

Drakus nods his head and turns to continue his speech asAaron follows.

DRAKUSEach piece must be precise andaccurate (mathematically) and mustallow for the length of the king'stime spent on earth. The tallerthe structure, the longer thereign of the king and the closerhe becomes to the Gods. Upon theking's death from the physicalworld, his earthly body will beplaced in the tomb covered with alimestone mastaba.

Aaron pauses and beholds an unbelievable sight.

24.

DRAKUS(egotistically)

What you see going on before youis a collective constructing ofstone, pieced together to createthe noticeable stepped sides withwhich the material used to createsuch structures and the ideathereof are given to us viavisitors from the stars that onlya select few, normally men ofpower, will ever get to see.

AARONSo, these giant slaves are not ofour earthly region?

DRAKUSThey are visitors of our world whodelight in providing us withadvanced artistry andarchitecture. They are veryinterested in our desires andbeliefs. In return for theirservice and gifts of technology,we provide them with explanationsto the ways of our world.

Aaron is in awe as he addresses Drakus.

AARONMy eyes have never beheld suchwonders as such. All of thevillagers hear stories as to howour godly structures are designedto reflect such strong messages,thrust ed to heaven's door, butnow I seem to be overtaken by whatmy eyes behold as confirmation ofsuch architect portrays itself.

DRAKUSYou must remember that discretionis of the utmost importance as yourejoin your level of society andits people.

Aaron looks at Drakus in question.

AARON(sighing)

I am still unsure as to why youhave requested my company.

25.

DRAKUS(devilishly)

Although King's Hanor's tomb isbeing constructed and raised toexemplify the rein of the kingscorpion, I feel that his timehere in this world should and willbe shortened. I have aproposition for you that I thinkmay interest you.

AARONI'm sorry. I fail to understandyour intention.

DRAKUSI am planning to have the kingtaken from his physical presencehere on earth and create his earlyascend to the heavens.

AARONYou are planning to have the kingmurdered?

DRAKUSAaron, the king is already a god,but his presence in our physicalworld is only causing conflict. Hehas what we both want. I want hismoney and power and you want hisdaughter.

AARON(looking at Drakus)

As vizier, a great right-hand of avery powerful and self-deservingGod of man, you are proclaiming adesired execution on a particularentity's behalf?

DRAKUSAaron, please do not excuse thisas an unapproachable issue. Youmust realize who is offering youan opportunity that may never bepresented to you again.

AARON(continuing)

How can I help in slaying a Godthat helps the sun rise and falleveryday? You are speaking ofyour king and the father of the

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26.

AARON (cont'd)woman I love. You should be putto death for even thinking such athing. Should you have thiscarried through, you will becondemned to an eternal hell.

DRAKUSThe woman you love? Can you notconceive the impossibility of thatnotion?

AARON(sternly)

How were you aware of our secretand most intent relationship? Iam but a lowly peasant who has nocredibility and you are confidingin me this unruly gesture?

DRAKUSPlease, just hear me out.

Aaron's deep breathing has escalated.

DRAKUS(softly laughing)

Aaron, please, calm yourself. Yourking is of no God. He is merelyof mortal men who has been handedhis position as king per a meretechnicality. He doesn't protecthis people. He only protectshimself. Fabius will become therightful and purified image of oursire and ensure his continuedlegacy.

Aaron stands in disbelief as Drakus continues talking.

DRAKUSYou know that as things stand, youhave no chance in consummating arelationship of sorts. With KingHanor out of the way, I canrequest that Fabius have youappointed second to my command toserve as my understudy. Then, youand Princess Ouca would both havemy blessing. The king can'tguarantee a future for you, butOuca can. She can deliver youroffspring which would be born intoa world of mystery and power and

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27.

DRAKUS (cont'd)stand to inherit much more.

Aaron acknowledges Drakus' request.

AARONI will have to decline anyinvolvement in such acts and takemy chances with the underlyingtruth. Either he will or will notaccept me, but I have enough faithto know that Ouca will follow meanywhere I go. I also refuse tobelieve that Fabius would be inagreement to have his fathermurdered to enhance his earlyposition as king.

DRAKUS(sheepishly)

One would think that. However,you have a lot of growing up todo. Fabius favors you and theking does not. Focus on thatpoint for a while.

AARONI am truly sorry but I must departfor the night.

Aaron turns to leave as Drakus grabs his arm.

DRAKUS(muttering with firm hold on Aaron)

You deny me now, but should youhave a change of heart at a latertime, this is the best place tofind me. I would also think twicebefore troubling Ouca with what wehave discussed. It is not apleasant subject for her, but shetoo feels that it is our onlyoption.

Aaron looks Drakus straight in the eye, releases his holdand swiftly leaves for home.

AARON(mumbling and looking over his shoulder)

How could someone be so direct and(MORE)

28.

AARON (cont'd)approach an individual in thatmanner? How indecent of aproposal can you possibly have? Iam definitely in over my head thistime.

Aaron again turns towards Drakus' direction to find that hehas mysteriously disappeared. Aaron stops as he stares inthat direction.

AARON(softly to himself)

Our love has already created a webof deceit and lies and we have yetto experience that proclaimedlove. It is just one unpublicizedand forbidden night of sensual andinnocent lovemaking. What willcome of it now?

INT. PALACE (KING'S CORRIDOR) NEXT - DAY

The exterior view of the palace comes on screen as the sunshines brightly.

Drakus is heading towards Ouca's bedchamber. As he entersOuca's corridor to make his way to her bedchamber, he isapproached by the queen.

DRAKUSWell, if it isn't Hatty, our loyalqueen.

HATTY(persistently)

Where were you last night?

DRAKUSI needed some time to regroup anddecided to take a late night walk.

As he turns to head down the corridor, the queen grabs himby the arm.

HATTYIs it official yet?

Drakus turns around to address the queen in a prompt manner.

29.

DRAKUSNo, it is not official yet, but Iam working on it. You must leaveme at my will and do not be toohaste. If anyone catches on towhat we are planning to do, wewill be hanged unmercifully.

The queen releases her grasp and turns to head the otherway. However, as she makes it halfway down the corridor,she turns to address Drakus once more as Drakus remainsstill, staring at her.

HATTYThis must go as planned. Ihaven't time to allow Hanor tocarry on the way he is, beddingany young prostitute he refers toas a coming-of-age ritual. Ifanother son is born of thesewomen, it would create a lack ofinfluence on my part and myauthority would be threatened. Wemust act now.

DRAKUSOne must be patient. If this doesnot go according to plan, anysmall mishap will definitelycreate chaos in the likelihood ofour government. Stay at peace andleave the logistics to me.

HATTYPatience is not the key, Drakus.It is trust. This is not child'splay but merely a lack ofservitude on the part of ourgovernment and society'sfoundation. We are talking aboutthe main factor of ourcivilization. If we are foundout, we will be executed andthrown over by the mere people whoworship the ground we walk on.

DRAKUS(laughing devilishly)

At ease my dear queen. Positivethinking is the key to success andour situation is of no difference.

30.

With that, Drakus turns to leave as Hatty stands still andbows her head.

INT. PALACE (PRINCESS'S BEDCHAMBER) IMMEDIATELY AFTER - DAY

Ouca is sitting on her bed, softly caressing her hairputting off a faint stare.

As she continues grooming in a soft, vertical motion, she isinterrupted by a knock on the door.

Before she could get up to proceed to the door, Drakusslowly opens the door and allows himself to enter the room.

OUCACan you not ever wait for awelcoming gesture before allowingyourself in like that?

DRAKUSI'm sorry to disturb you myprincess, but I do have news togive you. I met with Aaron andall seems well. He was just alittle distant and remoteregarding his true feelings ofyou. But, he assured me that hehas true intentions at heart andwould like for you to meet himagain soon.

OUCA(lighting up)

Did he perhaps say when or where?

Drakus stares into Ouca's big brown eyes.

DRAKUSYes, he did. He would like tomeet you just north of the greatcave, the dwelling of the God ofthe Nile, near the cataracts bynightfall tonight. He stated thatyou shouldn't try to contact himprior and that he would meet youas planned.

OUCA(sympathetically)

Thank you so much, Drakus. I hadmy doubts about you in thebeginning, but you have reallymanaged to prove yourself and your

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31.

OUCA (cont'd)loyalty. My initial meeting withAaron was very emotional andexotic and it created a sense ofneed and want in me that I havenever experienced before.

Drakus approaches Ouca to caress her face as she immediatelypulls away from him.

DRAKUS(profusely biting his lip)

So, what you and I encountered wasof no relevance?

OUCAThere was never anything ofrelevance between the two of us.You must get what acts you holddear in your heart out of yourhead for you have simply createdfalse perceptions that in yourmind are true.

DRAKUSThey are true and something youwill never be able to take fromme. You remember them too, Ouca.I believe that our brief timetogether is what's keeping yousane in a world of neglect, greedand pride such as ours.

OUCAYou are a victim ofself-deception.

DRAKUSOh, that is where you are wrong mylove. I neglected you. You wantmore from a man that I can giveand my main goal is not the likesof you but the likes of yourprestige and merit.

OUCAThink wisely before you act,Drakus. A man without love in hisheart is a man without truepurpose.

32.

DRAKUSI do have true purpose. That ismy loyalty to you and the statusat which you hold.

OUCA(sarcastically)

Yes, Drakus, as we both know howtrue that honestly is. However,you must now excuse me for I mustbegin preparation for my meeting.

Drakus smiles and bows his head in respect as Ouca exits herbedchamber.

Drakus sits down on Ouca's bed as he quietly assures himselfof his questionable loyalty.

DRAKUS(quietly)

If you were only aware of my truepurpose. Never again will myloyalty be taken for granted. Onthe contrary, nameless people willsoon be begging for my mercy.

Drakus sits in wonderment for a brief moment.

DRAKUS(standing up)

Now is the perfect time to seewhat Hanor has currently involvedhimself with. I think it is timewe have a private discussion amongourselves.

Drakus exists the princess's bedchamber and heads up thecorridor towards the king.

INT. PALACE (KING'S CORRIDOR) IMMEDIATELY AFTER - DAY

Hanor is relaxed on his couch while being fanned by four ofhis female slaves.

A knocking is heard on the door.

HANORYes, who is it?

DRAKUS (O.S.)Hanor, it is Drakus. I mustrequest a private meeting with youto discuss issues regarding the

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33.

DRAKUS (cont'd)taxation of the peasantry andupcoming revelations of the RiverNile. I have just been made awareof some entailed and profitableinformation that greatly concernsyou.

HANORDrakus, must we discuss suchissues today?

DRAKUS (O.S.)Yes, my king. I feel that this isinformation you need to be madeaware of immediately.

Drakus calmly waits for his reply.

HANOR(sighing)

Yes, Drakus, I shall meet with youbriefly. I must tend to otherdetails at the moment. Allow meto complete my current businessand I'll shall meet with you inthe green room, the central roomon the north side of the palace,come nightfall. I'll be waitingfor your presence.

DRAKUS(talking to door)

Thank you. You will not be sorryfor agreeing to meet with me, myking. I will not spend any ofyour time without thought, so Iwill arrive as planned. I knowthat each and every moment isvaluable and I appreciate youallowing me to be a part of that.

HANOR (O.S)Yes, the pleasure is all mine.

Drakus turns to leave.

DRAKUS(mumbling to himself)

My plan can now be put intomotion. Drakus, you are a god.

34.

EXT. INNER CITY OF NIKHEN SAME TIME - DAY

Aaron is slowly walking the main road, while constantlylooking down in a daze, as commotion of the city is seen allaround him.

AARON(mumbling to himself)

How can someone as close to theking as Drakus considerablyconceive of such acts? I amgreatly aware that my peasantrystatus will probably never allowme to publicly exercise my lovefor Ouca. However, carrying outsuch acts would definitely inhibiteverything should such horribleand deadly acts be madeconceivable.

Aaron is interrupted by a commoner waving his hello as Aaronwaves back.

AARON(continuing)

How dare Drakus suggest puttingour people in jeopardy. I willnot stand for this. I must talkto Ouca before something drastichappens. I will sneak up to herroom come nightfall. If not that,I'll get to her in some way. I amnot sure how but I am determinedto find a way.

Aaron continues walking in the same direction as hecontinuously shakes his head in disbelief.

EXT. NORTH OF THE GREAT CAVE NEAR THE CATARACTS - NIGHT

Ouca is sitting on a rock watching the sun almost completelydisappear into the Nile while patiently awaiting Aaron'sarrival.

It is a very pleasant and calm night with the sounds of thesteep flowing rapids in the background.

OUCA(sighing)

Oh, Aaron. Where are you?

35.

She is disturbed by a noise coming from the near distance asshe swiftly turns towards that direction.

OUCA(whispering)

Aaron, is that you? You mustn'ttry to startle me. Now is not thetime for playing games.

She waits for a reply, but no reply is delivered.

OUCA(a little louder)

I am very serious about this,Aaron. I will leave immediatelyto return home if you do notpresent yourself in a promptmanner.

She stares off in the direction of the noise, neverreceiving a response to her direct demand.

OUCAAaron?

She stands up from her sitting position and slowly walkstowards the stone from where she heard the noise.

OUCA(louder)

Aaron?

A small dog steps from behind the stone, startling her tothe point of falling to the ground.

OUCA(screaming)

Oh my goodness!

The commotion startles the small animal and it takes offrunning past her heading back to the woods directly behindher.

OUCA(laughing)

Oh, my goodness. How terrible. IfI must stay out here much longerby myself, I will surely have aheart attack.

She immediately stands to her feet, dusts herself off andheads back to her waiting place.

36.

INT. PALACE (KITCHEN) SAME - NIGHT

Drakus enters the kitchen to address the servants.

DRAKUS(sternly)

Attention all servants. Betweenthe two of us, the king and I haveplanned to take part in a privatemeeting and I would like to have asmall meal prepared to accompanythat gathering.

The servants stand at attention as Drakus continues talking.

DRAKUSI would like to have the mostexpensive and tasteful wineprovided as the drink of choiceand the meal to consist ofstrictly fruits and vegetables.

The servants bow their heads in servitude and begin toprepare the meal.

DRAKUS(continuing)

The meeting is to take place inthe green room, so please preparethe meal swiftly without error andhave the table prepared prior tothe king's arrival. I will bewaiting for delivery. Please,carry on.

The servants immediately continue preparing the meal asDrakus turns to exit the kitchen.

EXT. PALACE (BELOW OUCA'S BEDCHAMBER) SAME - NIGHT

Aaron reaches the outskirts of the palace where the exteriorof the palace is visible by the light of the moon.

AARON(talking to himself)

Aaron, you have got to be totallycrazy to even attempt this. Howam I to make it even close to thepalace with the amount of guardsin tow?

37.

Aaron's attention is immediately drawn to a line ofcultivated palm trees right on the outskirts of the palace.

AARONSo, if I am able to disguisemyself amongst the trees, I mayhave a chance to slowly approachthe palace in hopes of obtainingOuca's attention.

As Aaron slowly makes his way through the treeline, keepingan eye on the guards who continuously laugh and make jokesas in a drunken rage while keeping their weapons at bay, hemanages to make his way to Ouca's side of the palace.

AARON(quietly)

How must I get her attention? Iknow, I must create a noise not tobe too disturbing, but somethingthat will make her peer out thewindow and down below.

Aaron begins collecting small stones and tossing them up toOuca's window. After several failed attempts, Aaron decidesto try something new.

AARON(sitting down by a tree)

This is not working. There mustbe a better way to do this.

Aaron places the back of his head against the tree as heputs off a long sigh of disbelief. After a couple ofminutes of watching and listening to the guards mumbles, hesuddenly remembers a story told by a commoner in thevillage.

AARONWait a minute. That's it.

Aaron immediately stands to his feet.

AARON(thinking back)

I remember exactly theconversation I had with an elderseveral weeks ago regarding theking's palace and of what it hadcontained.

CUT TO:

38.

PAVILION IN VILLAGE - A MONTH EARLIER

Aaron, along with many other young men, is listening toelders of the community.

ELDER(standing in front of the men)

We must all give our duty ofgratitude to the king. However,you must also remember thatknowing how to escape anypersecution a commoner mayexperience is of the utmostimportance. You must learn how tophysically escape the situation athand should you be caught in theroyals possession. Those secretpassageways have saved severallives, including mine. Thetunnels must be used wisely andwith great respect for it was of asecret mission per the enslavedcommoners that those tunnels werecreated. If at any time the sitesof the secret passages createdoubt, always look for the closestemblem of stability.

Aaron stares at the elder, continuously nodding his head, asif his thoughts are overloading his mind.

as before:

EXT. PALACE (BELOW OUCA'S BEDCHAMBER) SAME - NIGHT

AARON(thinking out loud)

An emblem of stability? Whatcould that possibly mean? And ifthese secret passageways honestlyexist, giving access to theremaining areas of the palace,that would of course include theprincess's bedchamber.

Aaron quietly observes his surroundings.

As he glances towards the back of the palace, a hugesycamore tree catches his eye. As he carefully approachesthe tree, he notices that at the base is a huge trunk.

39.

AARON(approaching the tree)

That has got to be the largestbase of a tree I have ever seen,particularly for the sycamore. Thetrunk appears to have the capacityof a small village.

Aaron approaches the tree and places his attention on araised root that appears to resemble a door.

AARON(looking into raised root)

Has this been created by men orpresented as a gift from the godsfor a certain purpose? Wait aminute. This is it. Yes, thismust be it. The emblem ofstability would only emphasize thestrength of the tree and itsability to maintain the composureof its exterior as well as itsinterior structure.

Aaron slowly steps into the opening. As he steps inside theopening, he immediately finds himself falling beneath theearth's surface. Aaron lets out a faint scream as his fullbody appears to disappear.

Upon hearing Aaron's scream, the guards immediately halttheir conversation and direct their attention in thatdirection.

GUARD(raising his hand to quieten remaining guards)

Quieten down everyone. Did youhear that?

GUARD IIWhat exactly did you hear?

GUARDI am not sure. The noise alone,though, is enough to createsuspicion. We must follow up onthe disturbance. I need three mento assist me and the remainingguards to stay behind. Aftermaking sure we are clear, we will

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40.

GUARD (cont'd)rejoin the group.

The four guards walk in the direction of where they heardthe frightening noise.

INT. PALACE (GREEN ROOM) SAME - NIGHT

As Drakus enters the place of meeting, he is immediatelyaddressed by Hatty who seems to have followed him.

HATTYIs everything okay, Drakus?

DRAKUS(persistently)

Yes, but please allow us ourprivacy to discuss such mattersamongst ourselves. You mustn't behere or the plan will be ruined.

HATTYYes, I will leave you at yourwill. However, you must rememberwho it is you are truly workingfor and represent. If all goesaccording to plan, we will bothwin.

DRAKUS(firmly)

Yes, I sense your direction andknow my part without fail. Youmust go now. I will come for youonce I am through with Hanor andinform you of the situation athand.

HATTYFine. I'll be waiting in thecorridor of my chamber. Do notdelay.

As Hatty turns to exit the room, she is startled by Hanorwho accidentally cuts her off.

HANOR(apologetically)

I am truly sorry. Where are youheading at this hour my dear?

41.

HATTYI couldn't sleep, so I decided totake a walk to the green room forit seems to relax me. I doapologize for my interruption. Iwill leave you and Drakus at yourwill.

Hatty excuses herself and exits the room.

Hanor throws a glance in Drakus' direction and takes theliberty of sitting at the table, near an open window.

Upon finding a comfortable position, as Drakus looks on, andlooking out of the window into the starry night, Hanorspeaks up.

HANORDrakus, have you ever wonderedwhat all of this means? Thosethings that live outside of us andshine with such authority. Whatexactly do they do? They assistus with light and time and provideus direction, but there must bemore. Is that what our soul turnsinto once we pass from this earth? Do we too become a beacon forothers left behind to help findtheir way?

DRAKUSWe can only know so much beforeour minds become cluttered withsuch nonsense. Leave it to thegoddess of the sky to make senseof that portion of the hereafter.There's not much left for us todecide but what we do right now.

Hanor turns to Drakus as he slowly begins to speak.

HANORPerhaps you are right, Drakus.However, someday we will know theexact truth as it is revealed tous by our superiors. All of us.

DRAKUSYes, Your Majesty. I do feel thatall will soon be revealed.However, as for now, we mustdelight in the recent company ofeach other and discuss the

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42.

DRAKUS (cont'd)pertinent issues at hand. Wouldyou like a glass of wine?

HANOR(staring out into the night)

Yes, please. I would greatlyenjoy that.

As Hanor's back is turned, Drakus takes the smallermacehead, consisting of a drilled hole at the top equippedto hold a liquid, and pours a small amount of wine with anunknown substance he quickly mixes in with it.

DRAKUSPlease, sip this wine as a symbolof our friendship and loyalty toone another.

As Hanor turns, he takes notice to the macehead held inDrakus' hand.

HANORWhat is the meaning of this? Youexpect me to drink from that?

DRAKUS(with false sincerity)

Emblematic of our future goal,this macehead represents a divinesymbol that will be used to smoteour enemies of Egypt in ourattempt to unify as well as thosewho try to disable us from doingso. I take pride in personallycrafting a tool such as this inyour honor. It only seems fittingthat you and I both partake in adrink from the object as a symbolof our union.

HANOR(taking the macehead to observe)

This is exquisite work, Drakus. Icommend you on that. I did notknow you beheld such talent.

43.

DRAKUSI usually do not pride myself onegotistically speaking of my work,but in your honor, I will gladlydo so.

HANOR(looking at Drakus)

Thank you, Drakus. I greatlyappreciate that.

Hanor raises the object as in a toasting manner and thenturns it up as he drinks the wine from the weaponry.

Drakus sits in deep suspense, waiting for Hanor's deadlyresponse.

HANOR(looking at Drakus as he places the macehead down)

Drakus, what is it that weighsheavily on your mind?

DRAKUS(pausing)

The idea that you have beengranted power that does notrightfully belong to you. I ammore of a rightful candidate foryour position.

HANORI'm sorry, but I fail tounderstand what you mean.

DRAKUSAll you can ever think about isthe past love of your life. Youhaven't any idea the currentstatus of your people or the likesof your own daughter.

HANORWhat are you saying, Drakus?

Hanor immediately places his hand on his stomach as he leansforward.

HANOR(painfully)

Drakus, I greatly apologize but Ifeel to have eaten somethingearlier in the day that obviously

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44.

HANOR (cont'd)has not set well with me. I doapologize in the timing but I mustexcuse myself.

Hanor stands up to leave as Drakus looks on.

DRAKUSIf you do not feel up to ourdiscussion, please take theliberty of returning to yourbedchamber for we can complete ourmeeting at a later time.

HANOR(looking at Drakus and breathing heavily)

What have you done?

Hanor immediately falls to his death as his killer standsabove him.

DRAKUS(sighing)

Oh, Hanor. I hate that it had tocome to this. You were a good manbut your priorities were notexactly where they should havebeen.

Drakus bends down to place the small macehead deep insideHanor's cloak.

DRAKUS(whispering in his ear)

Now, with you out of the way andFabius soon to follow, my planwill have been completed. As mygift to you, be sure not to forgetthis in your journey to your nextlife.

Aaron immediately emerges from a standing cabinet on theother side of the room with force as Drakus jumps to hisfeet.

AARON(screaming)

Help! I have captured a murderer!Please, anyone, I need help! Theking has been murdered!

45.

DRAKUS(persistently)

What are you doing and how did youget in here?

AARON(breathing heavily)

What have you done?

DRAKUS(slowly approaching Aaron)

Well, you have an untimely fashionof showing up at exactly the wrongtime. I had a feeling that youmight come. However, you aremaking this too easy for me. Ihave just done you and I a favor.Don't you see? We can now move onas planned. You can continue yourrelationship with Ouca and I cansoon obtain the power that isrightfully mine.

AARON(loudly)

I never agreed to any of this. Youare a sick man and I will see toit that you rightfully get whatyou deserve.

DRAKUSOh, really? And you think youhave that authority, lowlycommoner?

Drakus immediately attacks Aaron and throws him to theground. Aaron struggles to regain his freedom.

DRAKUSWhat is your problem? Have youlost your mind?

Aaron manages to release an arm as he swiftly takes a swingat Drakus. Drakus easily dodges the attempt as he placeshis arm around Aaron's neck. The queen and a male servantquickly enter the room.

HATTY(drastically)

What is going on in here?

Hatty immediately notices the king lying on the floor.

46.

HATTY(turning to the servant)

Go fetch the guards immediately.We must have this man restrainedfor he has harmed our king andpossibly murdered him.

As the servant turns to exit the green room, he isimmediately cut off by four guards who have already beenalerted by the commotion.

HATTY(persistently)

Take this man from here and placehim in a secure holding blockuntil the likes of what has justtaken place here are revealed. Hemay have murdered the king and wemust take proper actionimmediately.

Two guards approach Aaron to assist him to his feet whileDrakus takes a step back.

AARON(speaking to the guard)

You must not believe these people.The vizier has poisoned the king.I witnessed it myself. He mustcontain the bottle which held sucha fatal substance somewhere amidsthis body or on the king. Do aformal search and you will findit.

GUARDDo you even understand thepunishment for false allegations?

AARONThese are not false allegations.You must believe me. You have thewrong man. We have to find Ouca.She can explain everything.

GUARDYes, we definitely know that theprincess would be the rightcandidate in helping you out ofthis one. Do you even know whothe king is?

47.

DRAKUSPlease, guards, if it will help inany manner to perform a search ofmy body, please feel free to doso. I have absolutely nothing tohide.

The guard looks at Drakus and then looks at a guard beforehim.

GUARDDo a quick search on this man andthen check the king for anyevidence as to what has just takenplace.

The guard approaches Drakus to quickly pat him down and thenapproaches the king's body while everyone watches.

From the king's cloak, the guard pulls out the smallmacehead.

GUARD IIWell, what have we here?

AARONThat was mine that I hadpersonally crafted as an offer ofmy obedience to the king.

Aaron quickly looks at Drakus while still being held by theguards.

AARONYou used my gift for this purpose?

GUARD(looking at Aaron)

You mean to tell me that this isyours?

The guard sighs and places the macehead on the table andaddresses the other guards.

GUARDThere is no need to delay theinevitable much longer, Men. Wemust act now in isolating thelikes of a criminal. However, wewill not retreat to a dungeon asof yet, but will rather haveprisoner held in a secure silos inthe city until more investigation

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48.

GUARD (cont'd)can be conducted.

The guards immediately assists in taking Aaron away.

AARON(as he is escorted away)

Your time will come, Drakus. Yourtime will come. If it is my lastand final plea, I will see youlose your head.

The queen stops just a moment to look at Drakus.

HATTY(whispering)

What have you done and how didthat commoner gain access to ourhome with the amount of guards youhave specifically chosen toprotect us?

DRAKUSIs this not what you have askedfor? I have simply complied withyour repeated request and now ithas been delivered. How that foolgained access is completely beyondme. I will get to the bottom ofit though. That I can guarantee.

As Drakus turns to leave, Hatty grabs him by the arm.

HATTYCould he have truly seen anythingin the way of your murderousattempt and how you might would beat fault?

DRAKUSEven if he had, who is going tobelieve a lowly peasant? I am buta god in the eyes of man and withthat my goal is secured.

HATTYYou are honestly going to allowthat innocent man to take thefall, aren't you? I did not callfor my husband and your king'sdeath. I simply wanted assuranceof my stability and I needed yourassistance and intelligence to

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49.

HATTY (cont'd)make sure it was secure but not inthis manner.

DRAKUS(laughing)

Oh, please. You expect me tobelieve that? This is exactlywhat you wanted. And now, thatthe plan has been carried out, youare allowing yourself to crumbleunder the pressure. Do not fearthat criminal and what he may beable to testify to. We are simplyvictims of a lover scorn, dividedby sickness and poverty. He foundhis own unwelcome andimpermissible way to us and notthe other way around. Leave it.

Drakus slowly cuffs the queen's clothing of her chest as heleans into her.

DRAKUS(threatening)

You just keep one thing in mind.If I go down for this, you will beright beside me on the executionblock. Do not forget that.

The queen immediately tears his hand away from her clothing.

HATTY(hastily)

Do not threaten me, Drakus.Remember, I am one step above you. You serve a king that is now deadof this world. This means that myson, heir to the throne, has justbecome king due to his father'suntimely death. Now you tell me,will a young king put his motherto death for the murder of hisfather or his father's vizier whowe all know can not be trustedanyway? Even Hanor himself haddoubts about you.

DRAKUSReally? Well, believe what youmust, but for now we must dealwith the situation at hand. Thereis a young princess out therewhose father has just been

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50.

DRAKUS (cont'd)murdered and she must be notified. Should I remind you, Hatty, thatthis princess I am referring to isthe king's daughter, but of noblood or relation to you? Howprominent are you really? Oucanever trusted you either. So,will Fabius favor the likes of youor his sister with whom he lovesdeeply? Let the real truth soonreveal itself.

Hatty deeply portrays a glare of discontent as Drakusconcludes his speech.

DRAKUSExcuse me. I must go fetch Oucato deliver the dreadful news.

Drakus turns to exit the room as Hatty briefly sighs andstorms off after him, leaving the body of the kingtemporarily behind. As the two exit the room, the servantwalks out from behind the door and peers in their direction.

EXT. NORTH BANK (OF THE NILE) SAME - NIGHT

Ouca remains in her waiting area.

OUCA(sighing)

Something has got to be wrong.This is not like Aaron to agree tomeet me somewhere and then decideon something else.

Ouca stands to her feet.

OUCAI guess I must make my way home. Igreatly hope that everything isalright with Aaron.

As Ouca begins to leave, she is startled by a noise comingat her at a frantic and fast pace. As she continueswatching in that direction, Drakus leaps from the bushels asshe again falls to the ground in fear.

51.

DRAKUS(frantically)

My princess, you must come withme. Something terrible hashappened to your father.

OUCA(picking herself up)

Drakus, you scared the livingdaylight out of me. What is itthat startles you?

DRAKUS(lowering his head)

It is your father. He and I werein a private meeting and Aaron,your new suspecting lover, sprangfrom within an escritoire in thegreen room. He must have gainedaccess through a secret entrance.That has yet to be determined. Iam not sure how else he would havemade it past the guards. Anyway,I didn't quite know what hisintentions were at first until hegrabbed your father by the facewith a linen garment. He madesure that the garment completelycovered his face so that he couldnot breathe. By the time I couldget to him, given that I was onthe other side of the room, yourfather had already lostconsciousness and was beyond anyattempts at being revived.

Ouca starts to feel a little faint and grabs Drakus'shoulder for support.

DRAKUSHere, please sit for a moment tocatch your breath.

Drakus assists Ouca in sitting on the ground.

DRAKUS(continuing)

The guards have attained Aaron andplaced him in a silos in the city. If you like, I can find out hisexact location and allow you anopportunity to speak with him. Heseemed to be disillusioned because

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52.

DRAKUS (cont'd)he honestly claimed that it was Iwho aimed to harm your father. Onething you must remember though,instead of meeting his supposedlove in your sacred meeting place,he chose to break into the greenroom of the palace where the kingwould fall to his death.

Ouca immediately places her head in her hands as she beginscrying uncontrollably.

DRAKUS(caressing Ouca)

You must not over do yourself withstress and anxiety. This will bea rough transition but I will behere for you. I can not afford tolose you as well.

OUCA(still crying)

I am not understanding what hashappened. Is there anyway thatyou can be mistaking?

DRAKUSI really wish that I was. I canonly inform you of what I haveseen. We are all unsure ofAaron's motive but what hashappened is done. We must figurethe next step and decide what fatewill befall our beloved one.

OUCA(standing to her feet)

I have to get to the bottom ofthis. There has to be somethingyou are missing. I feel thatAaron's love for me is real andthere is no way he wouldjeopardize what we have justrecently created. Even aside fromthat, Aaron is in no way amurderer.

DRAKUS(standing to face Ouca)

I'm greatly sorry. I can onlydeliver to you what my eyes have

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53.

DRAKUS (cont'd)seen. Should I have properly notseen what unfolded before my veryeyes, I apologize in advance formy misunderstanding. However, dueto the information that we nowhave, Aaron has been incarceratedand is being held captive in thecity for murder of the king.

Ouca immediately turns from Drakus to head back towards thecity. Drakus watches her leave.

DRAKUS(sighing and talking to himself)

Drakus, this is not going to beeasy but you have made it thisfar. However, the journey is farfrom over.

Drakus slowly begins walking in the direction of Ouca backtowards the capital.

INT. EGYPTIAN SILOS - INNER CITY OF NIKHEN - DAY

Sun starting to rise above the Nile comes on screen.

Aaron sits in shackles, chained to the wall, without muchleisure to even maneuver his body.

As Aaron sits in solitude, he listens to raving chantersright outside of his holding cell.

AARON(silently)

I wonder what Ouca has been told?How could she possibly deal withsuch news? I have to find a wayto get through to her. However,being that I am heavily guarded,this will be an impossible task.

As the door to Aaron's cell opens, Aaron is alerted to thecommotion and directs his attention to the door. A slim,shadowy figure slowly enters followed by a guard. Aaroncontinues watching as the figure comes to light. It isOuca. The guard stands right behind her, staring straightahead. Ouca bends down to confront Aaron.

54.

AARONOuca! How did you get in here? Idon't understand.

OUCA(quieting Aaron)

It helps to be the young Egyptianprincess. Please, Aaron, Ihaven't much time. I want toconfront the man that is guilty ofkilling my father.

AARONYou must understand, I am notguilty of killing your father.

Ouca places her index finger on Aaron's lips to quiet him.

OUCAI am aware of the situation athand. However, my only goal is toseek the truth. I was informedthat you were waiting at ourprivate secluded place for me viaDrakus but when I arrived, youwere nowhere to be found. Whatwere you doing at the palace?

AARON(glancing up at the guard and then looking back at Ouca)

Ouca, you must listen carefully toeverything I have to say. I mademy way to the king's corridorsthrough a secret passageway knownonly by commoners who had servedthe king at one point in time.

The guard twitches, quickly looks down at Aaron and thenassumes position.

AARON(glancing at guard and then back at Ouca)

I had believed it to be only amyth but I knew that with theinformation at hand, I had tocheck the validity of the story inan attempt to get to you. I wasnot aware that you were patientlyawaiting my arrival in our

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55.

AARON (cont'd)secluded meeting place. Drakuswas untrue in order to carry outhis plan. He needed you gone fromthe palace.

OUCASo, you were not aware that I hadbeen informed via Drakus to meetyou at the Nile per yournonexistent request?

AARONNo, I was not aware, by any means. Do you honestly think I wouldhave avoided an opportunity to bewith you? I specifically went tothe palace to check on you andwarn you of Drakus' trueintentions. He literally tried tosabotage our love by framing me.He had to create a diversion andget you out of the palace,meanwhile plotting against yourfather.

Aaron glances up at the guard who hasn't moved and stillstares straight ahead as a smirk begins to develop on theguard's face.

OUCASo you literally witnessed themurder of my father?

AARONYes, unfortunately, while I wastrying to get to you. You were myonly possibility of getting wordto the king. Drakus has beenmisleading you and your family forsome time now and I knew that youneeded to be informed. He had aplan all along to murder yourfather.

The guard slowly leans down to confront both Ouca and Aaron.

GUARDChoose your words wisely for whatyou say may influence the wrongperson.

56.

OUCA(looking up at guard)

Guard, please do me a favor andsend one of your men to fetch mybrother, King Fabius. Per strictorders, I advise notification ofrecent information be provided tohim by the sinking of the sun.Please, go at once. I will seemyself out. I am not in harm'sway for the prisoner can not evenmove.

GUARD(bowing his head)

Yes, my princess. I will comply.

The guard turns to leave. Once Aaron sees the guard fullyexit and close the door behind him, he continues talking toOuca.

AARONDrakus' intentions were unruly andsomebody needed to be warned, atleast someone as close to the kingas yourself. He wanted to have theking killed and had initiallyconfronted me about my assistanceto advance his way to the throne.He knew about me and you all alongand was trying to use you asleverage. If I would assist himwith his plan, he would allow meand you the opportunity of beingtogether upon his acceptance ofking.

OUCA(portraying a look of confusion)

But none of this makes any sense.Drakus isn't my father'ssuccessor. Fabius is the rightfulheir to the throne.

AARONI am aware of that, Ouca. Itappears that Drakus' main intentwas your father and would haveprobably then set his focus onFabius once that initial plan hadbeen carried out. Now that ithas, I fear for Fabius' safety.

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57.

AARON (cont'd)You were my only hope of aninformant. Had I confronted theking myself with such erraticaccusations regarding his ownkinship, I would have beenimmediately put to death.

OUCA(sternly)

Drakus said that you attacked myfather by jumping on top of him inan attempt to smother him. Ifthat is not true in the way thatmy father was murdered, how did hetruly die?

AARONI am not sure. I think Drakusmust have poisoned him in someway. When I noticed your fatherhaving trouble breathing, Irealized what must be taking placebefore my very eyes. In anattempt to jump to your father'srescue, I became the pawn thatDrakus so desperately needed todeter such blame from him. I wasnot strong enough to overcome himso I found myself buriedunderneath his stern hold. Thatwas when he started yelling hisproclamation which resulted in mybeing imprisoned here.

Drakus' voice is immediately heard coming towards the dooras he abruptly pushes the door open.

DRAKUSHow dare you confront thisprisoner without my consent.

OUCA(standing to her feet)

I have every right to address thisman. I am entitled to thecircumstances surrounding myfather's last moments alive. Iwould have never obtained thetruth from the likes of you.

58.

DRAKUSOuca, my dear, can't you see whatthis man is trying to do? He is aliar and you are a fool if youbelieve any of it! Guards, comeretrieve the princess at once. Sheshould not be here amongst suchcriminals. We are to have thiscriminal ordered execution as soonas day breaks.

The guards slowly approach Ouca as they take her by the arm. Aaron looks in sadness.

OUCA(looking back at Aaron)

I shall return, Aaron. I mustspeak with the queen at once.Please do not bother yourself withsuch worry. I will get to thebottom of this. That I canguarantee.

With that, Ouca turns to leave as Aaron watches herdeparture. As the guard opens the door for her to exit, heflashes Aaron a sheepish smile and laughs to himself as hetoo walks out and then locks the door behind him. Aaronsighs and looks down.

INT. PALACE (KING'S PROCESSION) SAME - DAY

As Ouca approaches the palace, she notices that theservitors align the front exterior of the palace bringingtheir offerings of gifts to the king. Ouca calmly makes herway through the heavily guarded crowd to enter the frontentrance of the palace.

Upon entering the palace, Ouca immediately makes her way tothe king's bedchamber.

Upon making her way into her father's chamber, Ouca noticesthe queen as well as the priest conducting a pre-bandagingritual.

OUCA(addressing the queen)

Was I not to be notified of such aritual?

The queen immediately turns around.

59.

HATTY(sincerely)

Ouca, my dear, we haven't muchtime to waste. We must organizethe king's procession to ferry thebody across the Nile to the westbank for burial. We must alsoprepare the body for itsmummification procedure.

Ouca approaches the body of her father and bows her headwith respect as she begins to sob softly. The queen glaresat Ouca with a look of distrust.

HATTYCan I help you my child?

OUCA(looking at Hatty)

Is that a thing to say to aprincess who has just lost thephysical sense of her father? Iknow everything about Drakus'deceiving self and the jealousyyou have over my father's youngerwife, who was also my mother.

Hatty immediately looks at the priest and then turns toaddress Ouca.

HATTYOuca, please choose your wordswisely. You are simply hurtingright now.

OUCA(rage-fully)

Should my father have bore anyother children during his time ofreign, your position as queenwould have been put at risk shouldmy father favor the mothers of anyother heir to the throne over youprior to the birth of Fabius. Itseemed that it was only a matterof time before you would lose yourmental stability and act selfishlyon impulse. Although I can notprove it right now, or prove thatyou were involved with my father'sdeath, I will find a way to bringthe truth to light.

60.

HATTYOuca, you are simply hurting rightnow. Please do not make hastejudgments and create even morepain for the family.

OUCAFamily? You are not my family andI do not belong to you. Peoplewho act selfishly to gainnotoriety, money and power are notpeople that are related to me inany form or fashion.

HATTYYou must understand that I greatlylove your father and am here tooffer gifts of the gods to protecthim in the afterlife. It isobvious that we are both hurtingemotionally but I am here for bothyou and Fabius. Is there anythingat all that I can do for you?

OUCAYes, as a matter of fact there is. The man you are holding incustody for the murder of myfather is soon to be the father ofthe unborn heir to the throne, forI am pregnant with his child.

HATTY(pausing)

I greatly apologize in mymisunderstanding of yourstatement, but are you trying tosay that the lowly peasant takeninto custody for the murder of ourking and your father is the manwith whom you have becomepregnant?

OUCAHe is all but a lowly peasant. Heis the man that I have fallen inlove with and will soon marry. Heis innocent of any charges that heis faced with and Drakus hasordered an early execution. Youmust delay that execution untileverything has been sorted out andhis innocence declared. He canremain in custody, but the

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61.

OUCA (cont'd)implementation of his death mustbe delayed, if only for the sakeof our unborn child.

Hatty continues staring at Ouca as if in a daze. The prieststands alongside as he looks on in amazement.

HATTY(looking at the priest and then at Ouca)

Per your request, I will have thecaptive's execution delayed untilfurther notice. If what you aresaying is the truth, my child, wemay be dealing with anotherdescendent of the throne, but notrightfully. You can not obtainthe throne through the likes of abastardly child. There are factsto be reckoned with here. Theexecution will be delayed untilfurther investigation is done. Iknow that we must not jump toconclusions and confirmation ofsuch accusations must be obtained.

Hatty places her hand on her chest as if to calm her, looksdown to the ground and again turns to Ouca to address her.

HATTYWe must speak carefully for yourfather's sake and allow time forFabius' return. Upon his arrival,we will discuss the issue at handwith him as a group. Remember, hehas now achieved the throne. Heis our new king and rightful heirto the throne.

OUCAYes, I am very well aware of that. Fabius is off trying to protectour home and what it stands for.He currently has no knowledge ofwhat has just occurred or thecurrent status of hisauthoritative power.

HATTYPerhaps we patiently await hisarrival?

62.

OUCAYou do not get it, do you? TheEgyptian civilization acts on thenotion that if their society is ingood and positive standing, thenthe king and his vizier are doingtheir job. Up until this point,there has been no squabble ormishap concerning the harmony ofthe Egyptian people. Now, theyhave a king that has beenassassinated and a commoner hasbeen falsely accused. Word hasquickly spread regarding thistragedy and the Egyptian peopleare going to start demandinganswers regarding theircivilization and what is at stake.

HATTYThe people need us to rule infavor of them and that is what wewill continue to do, no matter thecircumstances.

OUCAOh, really? And I assume you feelthat it is just that you have beendoing all along for our slaves andcommoners? They are not gods andthey mean nothing to you. Whywould you care of their existenceand well-being as long as you arefulfilled and have what you need?

Hatty stares at Ouca with the delivering of no response.

OUCA(sighing)

I must excuse myself to take careof some unfinished business.Please excuse my quick departure,for I will return promptly.

Ouca extends her hand to the priest as he takes hold inrespect, bows her head and then turns to leave.

63.

INT. EGYPTIAN SILOS (AARON'S HOLDING CELL) SAME - DAY

Aaron has focused his attention on a small bug that hasslowly made its way to the door of the cell. As he studiesthe bug, he overhears a pleasant voice coming in from theoutside.

OUCA(whispering)

Aaron, can you hear me?

Aaron looks up towards the small opening on the wall to finda pleasant face looking back at him.

AARONOuca, what are you doing?

OUCAI did not want to make my presenceknown to the guards. The frontexterior is heavily guarded and itseems that this is the only way tospeak with you briefly.

AARONWhere have you been?

OUCAI have managed to give us moretime to sort everything out andprove your innocence by requestingHatty, the queen, to delay yourexecution. I know in my heartthat you had nothing to do with myfather's death. I just do notknow quite how to prove it.

AARONOuca, you mustn't involve yourselfin all of this. There is no way Ican have the upper-hand. Drakusholds one of the highest positionsto the king that anyone can hold.He is of kinship to the king,priesthood to the royals and myoptions are only limited. Drakusis a man of loyalty, faith andhonor. Who, in their right mind,would excuse all of that to helpensure a peasant's life andquestionable innocence? I can'tfight this. I will have to takethe fall.

64.

OUCA(sighing)

Aaron, you know I can't allowthat. The truth would only diewith you. If you will not declareyour innocence, I will do it foryou. If you do not try, Aaron,they will kill you and I ca notlet the father of my unborn childsuffer in vain.

AARON(taken aback)

What did you say?

OUCAI said that I can not allow thefather of my unborn child leave usalone in this world for a crimethat he did not commit.

AARONYou mean to tell me that you arewith child and I am the father?

Ouca smiles and nods as her eyes wail up with tears.

AARONYou are pregnant with my child?Are you sure of this?

OUCAYes, Aaron. The femininity of myown body has reacted in a verynatural way to our consummation.The gods have come to me in adream to confirm my assumption ofthe life growing inside of me.There has got to be a way for usto prove your innocence. Thetruth will always come out and thetruth will set you free. PerhapsI can confront Drakus and lure himinto confessing the truth.

AARON(persistently yet quietly)

No, please do me the favor ofkeeping your distance from Drakus. Perhaps with you delaying myexecution, I now have more time tothink things over. I'll need yourhelp in carrying out certain

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65.

AARON (cont'd)things on the outside. I havefriends in the village that Ithink can help with the logisticsof things once they find out of mywhereabouts. Many of them haveplans of the Egyptian palace withwhich you live or know how toobtain them. I now know that thestories behind the secret passagesare real and that they extend toand from certain corridors withinthe palace. Please allow me theopportunity of thinking thingsthrough. Come back to me within acouple of hours.

OUCAYes, I will do. Please do notgive up hope. We will survivethis, Aaron. Believe in that.

Ouca turns to leave but immediately turns back to addressAaron once more.

OUCAI love you.

Aaron looks back up at Ouca to respond.

AARONOuca, my love, I love you too.

With that, Ouca politely smiles and quietly leaves the backexterior to head home.

Aaron continues staring at the hole in the wall as he sighsand leans back against the wall to which his body is heavilyshackled. A loud sound of thunder is heard resulting inAaron looking up to the ceiling of the cell and then bowinghis head as if in prayer to his god.

INT. COMMONER'S HOME IN INNER CITY OF EGYPT - DAY

View of the Nile River, reflecting the steady flow andrising waters with rain falling at a desperate rate, comeson screen.

TITLE OVER: 4 MONTHS LATER – THE ACHET (FLOOD) PERIOD

66.

A small group of men is seen gathered in a house, talkingand watching the rain. As the crowd continues communicatingquietly amongst themselves, a man among the crowd speaks up.

COMMONER(raising his hand to attract group's attention)

Look, we have discussed this issuefor months now. Aaron is limitedwith visitations and can only bevisited by those approved by thequeen. She is not allowing any ofus commoners to visit Aaron whileincarcerated. And now, we have abigger problem on our hands. Theexcessive rainfall is steadilyincreasing the waters of the Nileand has now risen to a level ofdangerous flooding. What we haveto focus on is a plan to not onlyexonerate our friend and skilledcraftsmen but to also determine aplan to salvage our crop andwell-being of our land.

The crowd nods in agreement as they softly mumble to eachother.

COMMONER(continuing)

Not only is Aaron's life at stake,but so is ours. Our young princewho has now turned king has yet toaddress his people and is morefocused on the death of hisfather. The dead can not beburied during the 70 days siriusis hidden from view, which wouldin essence allow the king accessto the doorway leading to theafterlife. We understand thenecessity of such answers, butthose answers will not amount tomuch if the validity of ourphysical being is at stake aswell.

The crowd begins to get stirred up due to the direction ofthe conversation.

67.

COMMONER(again raising his hand to quieten crowd)

Should the rain stop and provideus with a season of winter andgrowing, it will have provided uswith rich black mud that willassist us in preparing for thesowing and growing of our crops,but the rain must cease or it willkill our crops, our livestock andeventually our civilization.

Another Gentleman sitting among the crowd decides to speakup.

COMMONER II(standing up and waving a small book around as in a drunken fashion)

The tears, the tears of the GreatMother of all the Gods and Nature,Isis, have been shed due to herhusband's murder by his brother.We have seen Sepdet in theappearance of the cosmo, theformation of our Isis in thestars. We have examined thosestars and the phases of the moonand its effect on our society. Hertears have affected us physicallyand have placed on us a curse ofdoom, creating an effect of deathand betrayal. Our king,implematic of the spouse of Isis,has been taken to the afterlifedue to an unruly act. Ouruniverse has affected ourenvironment and we must all nowseek mercy on our souls.

A hush falls over the crowd. The commoner calmly bows hishead in respect to his fellow neighbors and sits back down.The first spoken gentleman stands up for one finalstatement.

COMMONERWe are all of mortal men. Ourcity is in chaos and we must dowhat is necessary to createinternal peace. The only way toobtain that peace would be through

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68.

COMMONER (cont'd)our government officials who havetemporarily denied us our right tospeak verbally about the death ofour king. We must head to thepalace at once and demand to beheard.

Everyone stands in praise (with a raise of hands to the air)and fashionably lines up in a single file line to headtowards the palace.

EXT. PALACE SAME - DAY

Fabius is exiting just as the crowd approaches the palace.The crowd is in an uproar due to the recent discussion ofcurrent events and are soaking wet as the rain continues tofall.

A commoner speaks up as the guards approach the crowd tomaintain order and to keep their distance from the front ofthe palace.

COMMONERLook who is here. It is Fabius,our new king. All hail to theking!

The crowd joins in as they shout continuously, "All hail theking".

FABIUS(raising his hand to silence the crowd)

Please, calm your voices. I havesome news for my fellow peoplethat I feel obligated to deliver.I have reviewed all of theevidence surrounding the death ofmy father and his previous rein asking. It seems that we have asituation of a very powerfulindividual's word waging the wordof a commoner. To rightfullydetermine the cause and fault ofthis God forsaken incident, I amcalling a private meeting to beheld tomorrow with our accused aswell as a couple of officials whowill assist in conducting themeeting in a fair and just manner. I am allowing Tjaty Drakus to

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69.

FABIUS (cont'd)speak publicly during the meetingper his ranking on his behalf butwe will also allow Aaron, thevillage's skilled craftsman andour currently accused, to speak onhis behalf as well.

The crowd screams with excitement.

FABIUS(continuing)

We are to hold our own trialamongst ourselves given thecircumstances surrounding myfather's physical death as well asthe people involved. Your maintask at hand is to focus on thereplenishing of our crops. Pleaseallow us to maintain order in ourgovernment and we will see to itthat justice is servedaccordingly.

The crowd begins to mumble among themselves as Fabiuscontinues.

FABIUSCommoners, I know this is a verydifficult time for all of us but Inow serve you as king and I willnot fall short of my duties.Fortunately, we have been providedwith predictable flooding andcontrolled irrigation. For thisreason alone, we have less reasonto worry. So, please put faith inyour king and if there is anythingI can guarantee you, it is that.

As Fabius is quickly leaving, he observes Ouca running pasthim, her head covered with a cloak to avoid the rain, tryingto make her way through the crowd to enter the palace.

FABIUS(to himself)

Ouca?

FABIUS(hollering)

Ouca!

Ouca looks his way and notices that it is Fabius.

70.

OUCAFabius! When did you get backhome?

Ouca quickly runs to him as he is greeted with a hug.

FABIUSCome, let us get out of the rain.

As the crowd disperses with the guards keeping watch, Fabiustakes Ouca by the arm and escorts her inside the palace.

OUCA(once inside)

It is so good to see you.

Ouca reaches out to embrace Fabius once more.

FABIUSYes, I have greatly missed you. Ihave been on a journey assistingand monitoring the Egyptiansoldiers in the keeping andremoving of foreigners from ourland. We must maintain peace forthe Egyptian civilization and itappears that it has now become mysole duty. However, I understandthat foreigners are not our mainthreat but that the individualsthat live closer to us are.

OUCAFabius, there has been anunfortunate event take place. Youknow that Aaron is currently beingheld captive as the maininstigator of this crime. Youknow as well as I do that there isno way he could have contributedto this.

FABIUSYes, but with the other suspect athand, we have found ourselves in asituation that is not going to beeasy to debate. Drakus holds highstandards and with the status thatAaron holds, we have created apre-landslide ruling that leavesno room for question.

71.

Ouca looks at Fabius as she gently places her hand on herbelly and slowly bows her head. Fabius glances at her bellyas he again looks at her. He then reaches forward topolitely lift her chin to look at him.

FABIUS(genuinely)

Are you insinuating what I believeyou to be?

OUCAYes, Fabius, it has beenconfirmed.

Fabius discretely smiles with excitement in an effort not toso too much.

FABIUSWe must not be too obvious as toyour current condition. Pleasekeep this as concealed aspossible. Rememember how crucialthe privacy of this truly is.

Fabius lets out a sigh as he continues speaking with Ouca.

FABIUSThis is not going to be easy, butI am planning a meeting amongstmyself, my peers, Drakus andAaron. We will contend to thesituation at hand. Please leaveall to me and I will make surethat justice is served. I am nowking and I will make sure toconduct business as such.

OUCAThank you, Fabius. If anyone, Iknow it is you that I can trust.Please excuse me now for I must gofind Hatty to tie up someunfinished business.

With that, Ouca kisses Fabius on the cheek and turns toleave.

FABIUS(as Ouca is leaving)

How is mother? I have not had theopportunity to see her upon myarrival back home.

72.

Ouca stops and turns to address Fabius.

OUCA(smiling)

She is still the same woman shewas when you left. Take from thatwhat you shall.

She then turns to leave as Fabius continues watching.

INT. PALACE SAME - DAY

Ouca makes her way down the corridor to her father'sbedchamber. Upon entering, she makes her way to the side ofhis bed to kneel and pray. As she positions herself to prayto her god, she is promptly interrupted by a maiden servant.

SERVANT(softly)

Princess, please accept myapologies, but may I have a wordwith you? There is something Imust tell you. I have requestedto speak with you privately but mynumerous requests have beenrejected via Drakus. So, I havetaken it upon myself to approachyou as inconvenient as it may be.

Ouca immediately stands up to confront the servant.

OUCA(persistently)

No, please sit. There isobviously something weighing heavyon your mind. What can I do foryou my dear?

SERVANTI haven't a reason to keep itconcealed much longer.

Ouca looks on in question.

OUCAPlease, if there is something thatneeds to be foretold, I urge youto do so immediately.

The servant pulls out a rounded pear-shaped piece ofengraved limestone, specifically crafted in the form of amacehead.

73.

SERVANT(sighing)

When the king passed away fromthis world, I was responsible forpreparing his wardrobe for burial. I came across this small craftedpiece of limestone which washidden within the king's cloak. Itlooks like something that wasspecially crafted for the king,perhaps given to him as a gift. Ifeel, however, that it may have arelation to his death. The kinghimself would never leave any wineto waste, which much is left inthe bottom, unable to escape dueto the plugged top, and thiscontainer appeared to bare thewriting of Drakus.

Ouca takes the container from the servant as she carefullystudies it.

OUCAYes, these do look familiar. Iremember the symbols previouslygiven to me by Aaron after one ofour sessions. However, I am notsure how this relates to myfather's death. What are youtrying to say, my dear?

SERVANTUnless the king stole the piecefrom Drakus, which is highlyunlikely, or Drakus gave it to theking as a gift, which I have neverseen before, this could be the keyto what actually happened. Yousee, your father did not believein wasting wine or hiding it forthat matter. He was alwaysstraight forward about hisdrinking. With all of this inmind, my curiosity began to getthe better of me. The limestonepiece was simply too concealed,placed deep inside the king'scloak, as if there was nointention on the part of theperpetrator for it to ever befound.

74.

Ouca looks at the servant while still holding the limestonemacehead.

OUCAI do believe, my maiden servant,that I have seen these depictionsbefore. There were accusationsmade on Aaron's behalf pertainingto how my father's death occurred. I feel that you have also come toyour own conclusion. May I askwhat that is?

SERVANT(quietly)

Poison.

At this time, Drakus is seen peeping into the room from theoutside corridor. He immediately steps back as the camerafocuses exclusively on him as he leans his head back againstthe wall.

Inside the room, while back on screen, Ouca removes themacehead's plugged top to reveal an undeniable substance inthe amount of a teaspoon at the bottom of the container(shot visible to viewers). She then looks up at the servantas she begins to tear up.

OUCAThis is a crucial piece ofevidence that could turneverything around. I believe thisto be a toxin that has been usedto poison my father. It has to beput to the test. We have to findout exactly what this substance isand who put it there. It could bea type of herbal wine that myfather deliberately drank for anailment, but why would he refrainfrom his original Abydos jar?Perhaps this was a gift fromDrakus but as you mentionedearlier, it was hidden extremelywell not to be a littleconspicuous. My father never sawany reason in concealing the truthas it may be. However, someonewould find reason for concealingthe truth if the truth wassomething to hide.

Ouca takes the servant by the hand and holds it firmly.

75.

OUCAThank you for coming to me withthis. I will do everything in mypower to see to it that the personresponsible for this avertible andwrongful death is rightfullypunished and if need be, put todeath.

The servant bows her head and excuses herself to exit theroom. Drakus is seen, from outside the room, quicklyexiting the corridor as not to be seen by the servant.

OUCA(thinking aloud)

I must come up with a strategythat would corner Drakus and forcehim into admitting the crime. Iknow, however, that I must meetwith Fabius to discuss suchissues. Perhaps together we canput an end to the lies anddeception and allow Aaron thefreedom that he truly deserves.

Ouca conceals the object deep inside of her cloak.

As she again kneels by the side of her father's bed and bowsher head out of respect for a brief moment, she stands andturns to exit as she becomes face to face with Drakus.

DRAKUSHello, my princess. I understandthat you have sent for me and areneeding to speak privately?

OUCA(startled)

Yes. Do you not know how to do aproper entrance? Please do notapproach me in this manner.

DRAKUSI greatly apologize in startlingyou. I understand that you neededto speak with me so I triedlocating you without haste.

OUCAYes, I seem to have manyunanswered questions that deserveclarity on both mine and Fabius'behalf.

76.

DRAKUSPlease, allow me the opportunityof dispersing any doubt you mayhave, at least regarding myinnocence.

Drakus places his hand on Ouca's back and directs her to achair in the room to allow her the pleasure of relaxingwhile he spoke. He too sits in front of her.

DRAKUSI have placed a lot of thought onthe incidents of that day andthere are several disturbingimages that keep playing back inmy mind. When I had initially metwith Aaron on your behalf, he hadgiven me an original craftedmacehead as a welcome tokencrafted to hold a liquid and wasfull of a chosen wine of theroyals. I thought that it was agenuine gesture which deserved itsfull capacity so I was personallygoing to deliver it to the king onAaron's behalf. It looked as ifAaron had put a lot of timecrafting the piece and putting ittogether. I must admit, it wasexemplary work, signifying thelikes of the Scorpion King in hisyounger day and the likes of anunfortunate and unlikely future.

OUCA(shockingly)

And did my father partake in thewine upon receiving the gift?

DRAKUSNo, he did not. I could notjustify him partaking in such agift without the presence ofAaron, himself, there to witness.It was his gift to the king. So,coincidentally, I suggested toyour father that he, Aaron andmyself set up a private meeting todiscuss the certain issues at handand to delight in the company ofone another, allowing your fatherthe opportunity of getting to knowAaron.

77.

OUCA(thinking aloud)

This was the night that Aaron wassupposed to meet me in our privatemeeting place.

DRAKUSYes, however, upon our firstscheduled meeting, Aaron failed toshow on time due to his discretemeeting with you, which obviouslyhe never showed. Per Aaron'srequest, I was to stall themeeting with the king to allow himtime to confront you and then showto our meeting. Unfortunately,his whereabouts are unaccountedfor during that time frame untilthe very end when he abruptlydisrupts mine and your father'smeeting with false accusations, asif to spite me. That meetingwould serve as the last time yourfather would take a breath in thephysical world and become a god ofthe non-physical world. Sadly,that would also be the last timewe would be able to conversetogether per our earthly presence.

OUCAWhy didn't you tell me of Aaron'splans to meet with you and myfather that night after hesupposedly met with me?

DRAKUSThis was all to be of the utmostprivacy out of respect for theparties involved. All meetingsfor the king were to be discrete,especially with that of acommoner. Remember, villagers donot have special requests as suchfulfilled, but I also knew of theimportance Aaron had with you. Forthis reason, I prepared themeeting in hopes of partaking inAaron's company post meeting withyou. I could not betray the trustof your father by no means,regardless the circumstance. Ionly tell you now of my desire dueto what interest you had with

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78.

DRAKUS (cont'd)Aaron and circumstancessurrounding that night.

OUCA(pulling the limestone from her cloak)

It is very unfortunate that suchincidents occurred, but I was ableto salvage the infamous limestonecontained deep inside my father'scloak. Would you mind partakingin such a toast out of respect formy father?

DRAKUS(pausing briefly)

Yes, I would greatly enjoy that.However, I do have other things toattend to. You know, I am theclosest individual to the highpriest of our Egyptian nation andit is up to me to assist inmaintaining peace and serenity atsuch a time as this.

OUCAYes, Drakus, I greatly understandthe ranks of your duty but give mybrother the credit that hedeserves and leave him at his willfor the time being. This is onelast drink that shall be dedicatedto my father's reign as earthlyking to our people.

Ouca takes the macehead, pours the remaining liquid into oneglass and sets it before Drakus.

OUCAGiven your divine trust, I wouldlike for you to take the firstdrink as a symbol of my loyalty toyou. You have served my fatherwell and I feel that to deny youthis last pay of respect would beof an injustice to our kingdom.

Ouca stares right through Drakus as the queen makes her wayinto the room to intercept.

79.

HATTYDrakus, I greatly apologize for mydisturbance but I am needing tospeak with Fabius promptly. Haveyou seen him? I do hear that hehas made his way back home.

Drakus quickly responds to the queen.

DRAKUSNo, unfortunately the last time Isaw Fabius was earlier thismorning when we had aconfrontation regarding the eventssurrounding the king's death. Ihad to leave him on bad terms totend to other business. That wasthe last time I saw him.

HATTYWell, you must leave at once to gofetch him for me. There are manylingering issues that need to bediscussed so that business withour government can continue on atonce.

After looking at the queen, Ouca turns to Drakus.

OUCAShall we recommence at a latertime?

DRAKUSYes, Princess Ouca, we maycontinue. I will find you uponthe completion of locating our newking per the queen's request. Wemay reconvene at that time.

The queen looks at Ouca with a faint look as she turns toleave.

OUCAThank you, Drakus. I will bewaiting. You know that it is Iwho will win. You have absolutelyno chance.

Ouca deeply glares into Drakus' eyes and stands up to excuseherself. Drakus smiles faintly at her and watches as sheleaves. He then turns an empty smile to an immediate frownupon her departure and continues staring in her direction.

80.

INT. NEAR TEMPLE TO THE KING'S PALACE NEXT - DAY

A small group of about 12 chosen men is seen mingling.Fabius walks in and addresses the group.

FABIUS(raising his hand to quiet the crowd)

Gentlemen, please take a seat sothat we may prepare for ourmeeting. If I may get to thepoint, it is my duty per my godlyrole to maintain the rule of lawon earth. The injustice must seetheir fate come to light either bydeath or torment due to the natureof their crime. What has happenedto our king is blasphemy and mustbe dealt with in a timely fashion.

The crowd again starts mumbling as they are soon interruptedby an individual allowing himself to enter through the back. It is Drakus.

FABIUS(addressing the individual)

Well, we were hoping that youwould arrive. It seems that forsomeone of your mental andconniving capacity, we are in needof many explanations that you haveyet to deliver. Please, take aseat as we await the arrival ofour beloved accused.

The tone of Fabius' voice sends Drakus into a slight fury.

DRAKUS(addressing Fabius)

You haven't the reason to speak tome in that tone. I am innocent Itell you. I would never dream ofhurting our leader and our God. Weare of one people and I'll bedamned if I had anything to dowith the results of our king'searthly destiny. I know that todo such an injustice would condemnme to a life of torment in thehere after.

81.

As the sound of guards is heard coming up the road to thetemple, a hush flows over the crowd as Drakus immediatelytakes a seat near the back. Everyone watches in thatdirection as Aaron is escorted in.

FABIUSWell, my men. You seem to havemade it just in time. Please,allow Aaron the opportunity tosit. We must begin our session.

Aaron is escorted to a chair directly in front of Fabius.

FABIUS(looking over the crowd)

Well, Gentlemen, we have reached apoint of uncertainty. I do feelthat a great injustice has beencarried out not only to our kingand my father, but also to ourEgyptian culture and belief. Wemust come together as a union ofcitizens to decide the fate of theguilty and to get our society backto its feet and to carry on asusual.

As Fabius speaks, he writes symbolic messages on papyrus andpasses them to the men at the front of the group. After thedrawing of a specific picture, he holds it up for the restof the group to see.

FABIUS(holding up a picture)

Please, place your eyes on what Ihold before you.

All of the men lean forward to behold an image of an Akhet.

FABIUSDrakus was personally appointed asthe prime minister and chiefjustice per my father's requestfor a reason. We must take thatinto consideration whendetermining the fate of our truevizier. Each day, per ourhorizon, we would be guarded bythe likes of Aker who would see usat the beginning and carry usthrough to the end of each day aswe live our lives as with our

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82.

FABIUS (cont'd)vizier who also assists in therise of our government, politicaland social views.

Fabius immediately crosses through the figure on the papyrusand holds it up as if to symbolize his next comment.

FABIUSHowever, Drakus, You have abusedyour power enough and now we arehalting. The position you holdfor my father has now beenthreatened because my father'sphysical being has been altered.This now places you at the mercyof our court and from the evidenceoffered, we shall determine yourfate. You will now be the Bawhere you too shall take thelikeness of the king should myfather's spirit becomes lost.

DRAKUSYou must proceed carefully,Fabius. You have no idea who youare dealing with. I personallyknew your father as well as hismany quirks involved in his dailyroutine. Please do not force meto bring such issues to light. Iwould hate to have his nametarnished and criticised per thelikes of his own son. So, moveahead quietly and at your ownrisk. You must also remember toothat it is not I that is on trialhere, but your lowly and unjustlycraftsman.

Fabius faintly stares at Drakus as he addresses two of hisclosest men to approach the bench.

FABIUS(discretely speaking with men)

We will implement another plan andput it into motion. we mustmaintain respect in quietlybringing him to his demise. Aaronwill be just fine. The only wayto conquer a man who trulybelieves he is the utmostauthoritative figure is to allow

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83.

FABIUS (cont'd)him to continue thinking in thatmanner as we act to our benefitbehind the scenes. We need him tosuspect nothing.

With that, the gentlemen return to their seats.

FABIUSDrakus, you have managed to winyourself, as well as Aaron, sometime. Proceed cautiously for yourtime is at hand. Men, pleaserestrain Aaron and escort him backto his holding cell. I will callfor him as needed. I need moretime to regroup and to plan ournext move. I need the cooperationof everyone in determing the truelikes of this event. I need moreevidence presented and I need itsoon.

With that, the men adjourn and quietly exit the premise.

Drakus remains seated and stares faintly at Fabius until hecompletely leaves.

INT. AARON'S HOLDING CELL - NIGHT

Aaron sits in isolation as the door to his cell opens. He isalerted yet can only wait for an entrance. A guard takestwo steps in and then stops to allow for the visitor tofollow behind. Ouca soon follows then quickly approachesAaron.

OUCAOh, my darling. How are youdoing?

AARONYou were right. There isabsolutely no way I will ever befreed from this isolation. I havedone nothing wrong but it seemsthat I am actually going to takethe fall for a man that doesn'teven deserve to breathe the airthat we breathe. There is notenough evidence to even support myinnocence.

84.

OUCAWe mustn't give up so easily. Ihave done a lot of thinking onyour behalf and of how we canpossibly get you out of this.

Ouca turns to see that the guard still stands erect in hisoriginal position.

OUCA(addressing the guard)

Please, could you allow us a fewmoments alone. This man can notescape by any means. Your purposehere for now is useless. I willbe very brief and will leave in atimely manner.

The guard nods his head and turns to exit.

OUCA(after guard leaves)

I believe that I have establisheda great plan for your escape. Imust create a diversion. All Ihave to do is make one lastrequest per Drakus. You mustsimply follow my lead for I willbe real discrete in my lastattempt at your release.

AARONYes, Ouca. You know that I trustand believe in you.

OUCAIt seems that if we are ever goingto get you out of here, we aregoing to have to do it ourselves.

Ouca leans in to give Aaron one last kiss and then stands toleave.

AARON(as Ouca is leaving)

I trust you. I will be righthere.

85.

EXT. INNER CITY OF EGYPT NEXT - DAY

The view of the Nile River comes on screen with the sunbrightly shining, reflecting off of the water.

The villagers are out and about in town. Ouca, whilewearing a disguise, is among the villagers making her waythrough town.

She looks to the near distance to find Drakus laughing andconversing with the commoners.

OUCADrakus!

Drakus turns towards Ouca and smiles as he begins toapproach her.

DRAKUS(approaching Ouca)

Oh, Ouca my dear, what are youdoing here?

OUCAI am actually trying to locateyou. I have a brief favor to askof you. Given the outcome of themeeting, it only seems appropriateto allow Aaron one last requestprior to his execution.

DRAKUS(sighing)

Ouca, Ouca, must you focus on thelikes of such a criminal on a daylike this?. Take peace, if onlytemporarily, and take pride in whoyou are. Do people not try toenjoy life anymore? Look aroundyou. The water has ceased and thesun god has provided us with abeautiful sight. Our children areout playing games and enjoyingtheir childhood.

OUCAI greatly understand that.However, Aaron should be grantedthat one last request. Remember,Drakus, it is he who is taking thefall for something he is notresponsible for. I think youprobably know all about that. Iwill not cease my attempts until

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86.

OUCA (cont'd)Aaron has been freed and therightful man for this crime laidto rest.

Drakus quickly drops his smile as he firmly responds toOuca.

DRAKUSYou must remember that the truthwill always set you free. Thetruth has been delivered and it isup to us to conduct order and seeto it that our civilization isprotected.

OUCAProtect us from what, the likes ofyou?

DRAKUSYou have to be careful, Ouca.Should the wrong person hear yousay something out of context, itcould get to the wrong source andcreate another unwanted andunnecessary situation.

OUCAShould someone have heard theright thing and not taken anythingfor granted, maybe our wholesituation could have been avoided.

DRAKUS(starting to get frustrated)

Is there a reason you sought meout?

OUCAYes, actually there is. The lasttime I was able to communicatewith Aaron, he had mentioned onelast favor. In his own words, hehad a long lost sister that hewanted to see prior to hisexecution. Some commoners amongthe village had sent for the herafter word of Aaron's setexecution. She has yet to arrive,but due to the most recentmessage, she is within days ofbeing here. Would it be too much

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87.

OUCA (cont'd)to allow these two siblings tomeet in private without any chainsor restrictions?

DRAKUSA sister?

Drakus takes Ouca's hand as she calmly withdraws.

DRAKUSAnything I can do as overseer ofour district to accommodate yourneeds, I will do my best to do.Since you feel that your father'smurderer greatly deserves thatlast requested meeting with hislong, lost relative, I see noreason in denying him thatprivilege given that is what yoursoul desires. A meeting can bearranged by the first light of themoon. If the sister fails toshow, we will go on as plannedwith no remaining opportunities toallow the prisoner any outsidecontact.

OUCAThank you, Drakus. I will deliverthe news to Aaron. Your kindnessis greatly appreciated. I willnow leave you at your will. Also,instead of powering the egos ofour locals, you should greatlyconsider calling a truce withFabius. It is he who reignssuperior. That, you should alwaysremember.

Ouca turns to leave as Drakus chooses to address Ouca onelast time.

DRAKUSLife for you will be much betteronce everything has beenfinalized. Just wait and see.

Ouca turns around to grace Drakus with one last response.

OUCAYour days are counted, Drakus.Enjoy each second you are givenfor soon your days will be counted

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88.

OUCA (cont'd)out.

Drakus laughs to himself and then loudly responds.

DRAKUSI'll make sure Aaron, your lover,gets his last request. Count yourblessings, Ouca, for all of ourtime is limited.

Drakus watches Ouca's departure for a couple of seconds andthen regroups with the locals who are very eager to talk andshake his hand.

INT. AARON'S HOLDING CELL A LITTLE WHILE LATER - DAY

Guards are aligning the front and sides of the silos whereAaron is being held. An unkempt woman with a veil coveringher face and neatly folded linen in her hand approaches as aguard steps up to address her.

GUARDDo you have permission to be hereand what is that you hold in yourhand?

ALEX(in a shaken voice with head hung low)

Yes Sir, I do. I have permissionfrom Drakus, the great vizier andhigh priest of the land, toconduct one final meeting with mybrother, Aaron, the accused. Myname is Alex and I come in peace.I simply choose to offer thislinen as a peace offering.

The guard glances at another guard standing alongside him ashe nods at the request.

GUARD(looking at Alex)

It seems that you have in factbeen granted a private meeting perDrakus. Please enter.

89.

ALEX(never looking up)

Thank you. I greatly appreciateyour kindness and consideration.

The guard steps to the side and allows Alex to walk past.Once Alex enters the silos, the guard slowly pushes the doorto and resumes position. Inside, Alex slowly walks towardsAaron and extends his hand to give him a papyrus with amessage written on it.

AARON(taking the message)

I am sorry, but do I know you?

Alex removes the veil to reveal her full face.

ALEXYou do not know me but I am veryfamiliar with who you are. I knowPrincess Ouca, with whom I amgreatly indebted to. I am hermaiden servant.

AARONWhat can I do for you?

SERVANTAre you being treated fairly inhere?

AARONAs best as can be expected, giventhe circumstances. The guardsrotate their schedules daily asthey take turns in escorting mefrom the cell to allow me a smallamount of time without restraintsand walk me around the silos asthey provide me with small meals.

SERVANTYour health seems to be declining.We are going to do our best to seeto it that you are promptlyreleased, without restraints.Please read the provided messagewhile I wait for it containsvaluable information.

Aaron precedes to read the message as the servant standsbefore him. After a second of Aaron quietly reading and

90.

deciphering the message to himself, he looks up at theservant with a look of disbelief.

AARONAnd this will work?

SERVANTYes, it has to. You simply musthave faith. You know, it helps toknow the princess in situationslike this. You have access topretty much anything that wouldenable your freedom, in one way oranother. Simply follow throughwith Ouca's request and you willbe fine.

The servant starts to reach for something hidden within thefolded linen as the guards aligning the exterior of thesilos come on screen.

A voice calls out from within the holding cell.

SERVANTGuards, I am ready to exit now.

The door to the holding cell opens as the servant keeps herhead bowed and exits. After the servant steps out, a guardlooks in on Aaron to find that he remains in his holdingspot, head covered with the linen piece and sobbinguncontrollably.

The guard steps back to assume position as the servant exitsthe premises.

EXT. AARON'S HOLDING CELL (2 HOURS LATER) - DAY

The guards rotate as they always do every hour on the hour.As the guards reposition themselves to their new position, afemale voice is heard coming from inside the cell.

SERVANT (O.S.)Please, pardon my interruption. Iwas told per Princess Ouca topersonally deliver a message toAaron. I am now ready to leavefor my mission has now beencompleted.

The guard standing closest to the door turns to open it asthe servant slowly walks past him.

91.

GUARD(addressing the servant)

Did we not see you in?

The servant turns to the guard.

SERVANTWhy yes. It wasn't you, ofcourse, but I was naturallyallowed entry in order to deliverthe message to Aaron. I hadexplained that to the other guardwhen I told him I would not be buta minute. He probably failed tonotify you of that. Ouca had ameeting today and was unable toget her daily visit in, so I wasasked to come in her place.

The guard looks into the cell as he notices Aaron sitting inthe same position with his head hanging down.

GUARD(assuming position)

Yes, maiden, you may now leave thepremises. Please explain to theprincess that advanced notice isrequired prior to seeing theprisoner for any additionalmeetings. This message is perDrakus himself.

SERVANTYes Sir. I will advise. Thankyou.

The servant leaves the premises, never looking back.

EXT. NORTH BANK OF THE NILE - NIGHT

Ouca is waiting on a log, softly humming to herself, nearthe river as the sound of the turbulent, rock-obstructedriver is heard in the background. She is startled by anoise coming up from behind her and turns around quickly.

OUCAHello? Is anyone there?

The rustling of the bushes starts to get a little louder asa dark, shadowy figure presents itself.

92.

OUCA(taken aback)

Who are you?

AARONRelax, my princess, it is me.

Aaron calmly comes into view as he steps into the light ofthe moon.

OUCA(sighing)

Aaron? Is that really you?

AARON(approaching Ouca)

Yes, I made it. I can't believethe plan actually worked. It wasyour brilliance that developed theplan and the motivation to put itinto motion and see it through isexemplar of your desire anddisposition. I just hate thateverything had to turn out thisway.

Ouca stares deeply into Aaron's eyes as they embrace eachother.

OUCA(while holding Aaron)

I love you dearly. You mustunderstand that.

Aaron refrains from Ouca as he calmly reaches for her hand.

AARONCome with me. You have no reasonto stay here. How can you expectme to leave the source of my loveand my unborn child?

OUCA(sighing)

No, I can't. Aaron, I haverecently discovered that I am notwith child. It was a falseperception on my part and Igreatly apologize. However, youwill have to escape while you can. I will always love you but younow have no choice but to leave. Imust stay here to take care of

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93.

OUCA (cont'd)business and see to it that youwill never be sought after.

Aaron inhale deeply as he looks down with eyes full oftears.

OUCA(consoling Aaron)

Once they find out what we havedone, they will come after youwith blood in their eyes. I haveto stay behind and make sure thatDrakus soon gets what he deserves. True justice will be carried out. I know that he is guilty of myfather's murder and it will onlybe a matter of time before thatwill be revealed.

AARON(looking at Ouca)

What about my child? How did youfind out that you were no longerwith child?

OUCAThe force of nature has a way ofclarifying your body's issueswhether wanted or unwanted. Igreatly apologize for steering youwrong and having you believesomething that was not true.Should it have been a differentplace and time, things may haveworked out a little differently.But as the gods see it, the seedof love has yet to be plantedwithin the realm of our love.

AARONWhere am I supposed to be go?

OUCAYour best hope in escaping is thedirection of the bridge crossingthe Nile and continue heading westtowards the city. It is veryhazardous so you must be careful.

Aaron looks towards the turbulent river and back to Ouca.

94.

AARONBut the current bridge is not longenough to span the full width ofthe Nile.

OUCAIt is something we have to chance. There is a boat tied to the endof the bridge which will take youthe rest of the way.

Aaron leans in to give Ouca one last kiss and then turns toleave.

OUCADrakus' greed has created thiswhole situation and it shall beDrakus' greed that will eventuallybring him to his own demise.Perhaps you can find comfort inthat.

Ouca continues watching as Aaron proceeds to the bridge. Asshe wipes a tear from her eye, she stands up to follow him.The couple soon make it to the bridge.

AARON(talking above the sound of the river)

How can I attempt to cross thebridge with waters being thrownover it as if it were a blanketcovering it up?

OUCAWe have no choice, Aaron. Youhave to attempt this. You canmake it, I know you can.

AARONBut my strength has lessened giventhe amount of time that I spent inisolation.

Ouca leans in to give Aaron one last kiss as he calms hisvoice and looks at her.

OUCAYou can do this. We haven't thetime to discuss it further. Youcan wait for me on the other side. I will send for you, I promise.

95.

With that, Aaron turns and starts to cross the bridge. Upontaking the first few steps, drastically holding on to whatrailing is provided, he turns to again look at Ouca.

OUCAKeep going, you must not wait!

Aaron again turns to slowly move forward. At that verymoment, he is overtaken by a giant wave that pulls him in ashe drastically maintains his hold on the railing.

AARONOuca!

Ouca stands still as she calmly watches Aaron's struggle.

AARONOuca! Please, help me!

Noticing that Ouca does not attempt to help, Aaron calls forOuca one last time.

AARON(desperately)

Ouca?

As Aaron tries to hang on, the railing gives way as he isswept down the river. Never taking his eyes from Ouca, hetries his best to stay above the steadily flow of the water.

OUCA(watching intently)

Should you have known about thechild's true welfare, you wouldhave never left.

Aaron lets out a loud scream as he is thrust into a hugerock that stands erect from the water. The impact knockshim unconscious while his body floats drastically down theriver.

OUCA(mumbling to herself)

Goodbye Aaron. Take care.

Ouca turns to leave as she slowly walks into the nearbybrush.

96.

INT. VIZIER'S HOUSE IN THE CAPITAL NEAR PALACE SAME - NIGHT

Ouca is heading straight towards Drakus' house. As sheapproaches, she begins to address him loudly.

OUCADrakus! You must present yourselfat once!

Drakus immediately opens the door and steps outside.

DRAKUSOuca, you must be quiet. Do younot understand the hour at whichyou choose to create such chaos?

Ouca takes Drakus by the arm and escorts him into his housewhere she finds the queen sitting at the table.

OUCA(looking at the queen and then at Drakus)

Well, what have we here?

HATTYPlease, Ouca, this is not what youthink.

OUCA(looking back at the queen)

Not what I think? You are at thisstranger's house who had at onetime claimed to support my father,who my father trusted and caredfor and who witnessed my father'smurder in question. Anycorrespondence with this manshould be at the sole discretionof Fabius. Is he aware that youare here conversing with him?

Hatty approaches Ouca to attempt to console her as Oucarefrains and steps back.

HATTYOuca, please, all of us haveexperienced a lot over the pastfew months and you are simplyacting on impulse to the emotionalcycle that has infuriated us all.Drakus wanted to personally speakwith you in hopes of comforting

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97.

HATTY (cont'd)you and get you past this hardshipand he simply confided in me onhow I thought he should approachit.

OUCAI do not need his assistance. WhatI need is for everyone to stopplaying pretend and see this wholeordeal as it truly is.

A guard immediately bursts through the door as both thequeen and Drakus try to abstain themselves.

DRAKUSWhat is the meaning of this?

GUARD(approaching Drakus)

We have just left the premises ofthe suspect and he has managed toescape.

DRAKUSEscape? What do you mean he hasmanaged to escape? How is thateven remotely possible?

The guard calls for a second guard who at that point walksthrough the door holding a piece of linen (the piece thatwas supposed to have been given to Aaron as a peace offeringvia the supposed sibling).

DRAKUSWhat is the meaning of this?

GUARDDuring our rotation period, wewere going to assist Aaron in hisafternoon meal. As we approachedhim inside his holding area, wewere shocked to find this.

The second guard holds up the material for Drakus to see.

DRAKUSI am not understanding what youare trying to say.

98.

GUARDWe were scammed. The maidenservant and her accompliceelaborated a plan to have Aaronreleased and it was carriedthrough accordingly.

OUCAWhy would you be so concerned withhis whereabouts when it is youthat should take the blame forwhat has happened?

Drakus peers at Ouca with a distressed look and thenaddresses the guard.

DRAKUSAnd how do you assume the plan wascarried through?

GUARDThe only thing we can figure isthat upon entrance to Aaron'sholding cell, without the watchfuleye of one of our guards, themaiden servant gave Aaron herclothing which allowed him toleave the premises disguised asher.

Drakus is beginning to show a little frustration.

GUARD(continuing)

After the servant had sufficientamount of time to set up a prop,reflecting the outline of Aaronand covered by the likes of alinen piece to fool ustemporarily, she gained theattention of the guards who inturn allowed her to leave thepremises as herself.

OUCAI ask you again, why would you beconcerned of his whereabouts whenit is you who is rightfully toblame?

DRAKUSOuca, we have already gone throughthis. You know of my innocence.Why would you allow a criminal to

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99.

DRAKUS (cont'd)go free among our people?

OUCA(persistently)

A criminal? A criminal iscurrently ruling our people. Itrusted you. I placed my completetrust and confidence in you andyou betrayed me, Aaron and myfather. You must not worry aboutAaron. You can guarantee that hispresence will never again be knownhere. He took it upon himselfbefore he left to prove hisinnocence to me. He drank theremaining substance from yourpersonally engraved object andwithin moments he was dead. Hecould not fathom the idea ofanyone trying to poison my father,so to prove that point he drankthe substance. Like all of us, hewas ignorant in the ways of theworld and honestly thought thatyou were only misunderstood andneeded a fair chance.Unfortunately, he was wrong. Heonly wanted to be a part of ourfamily.

DRAKUSOuca, all of this has already beenestablished. You are only tryingto revive a memory of hate andmisunderstanding that must remainas it currently is. You mustleave resolved issues alone. Thereis nothing I have to admit for Iam still innocent.

OUCAThere is no way Aaron could havebeen responsible for that attackon my father and you know it. Ifyou restrained Aaron as soon as heleaped from my father'ssurreptitious passageway, then hewould not have had time toadminister the drink to my fatherand then be restrained by you onlyto have the macehead convenientlyplaced deep inside my father'scloak. Aaron's invitation to your

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100.

OUCA (cont'd)little private meeting with myfather was unacceptable and theonly plausible thought was toimmediately restrain him.

Drakus calmly listens as Ouca continues.

OUCAYou hid it after your attack on myfather hoping that it would neveroriginate again. Unless the twoof you conspired together, thatonly leaves you to blame. Youorchestrated the meeting. Youwere the only reason he was there.

Drakus softly chuckles and then immediately responds to Oucain a forceful and persistent manner.

DRAKUSHow dare you accuse me of such anact. I was loyal to your father.I was always there at his command,ready to deliver anything upon hisrequest.

OUCAWell, his final request is whatyou failed to deliver.

The two guards approach Drakus and the queen as they attemptto restrain them.

GUARDI am sorry but we are going tohave to take you both in untilthis whole thing has been resolved

DRAKUS(pulling away from the guard)

Under what authority do you haveto take me in? I demand yourelease me at once.

Fabius walks through the door as he addresses the guards.

FABIUSGentlemen, please follow throughas needed to take everyone to awaiting room. We will decide ournext move there.

101.

HATTY(approaching Fabius to embrace him)

Fabius, what are you doing here atthis hour?

Fabius puts up his hand as if to halt her.

FABIUSMother, please. All I ask is thatyou cooperate accordingly. Thereare too many questionable issuessurrounding my father's death andI demand a resolution as soon aspossible.

The guards again try to escort Drakus and the queen from thepremises. Drakus rebels as the guard once again reaches forhis arm.

The queen is simply in awe and can not mutter a word.

GUARD(speaking to Drakus)

Sir, I can not release you. Youmust go with me.

DRAKUS(immediately looking at Fabius)

How dare you conduct this businessin my own home. This is aviolation of my god given rights.

Drakus slowly bows his head as if in shame.

GUARDIf you do not willingly accompanyme, I will have to forcefullyescort you.

As the guard once again takes Drakus by the arm, he resistsand pulls out a warrior dagger. He slashes the guard's armto make him release his hold. As the guard releases hisgrasp on Drakus in agony, Drakus turns to escape.

HATTY(screaming)

Drakus!

102.

Upon reaching the door to quickly exit, Drakus isinterrupted by a small piercing in his side via a smalldagger, with which he immediately falls to the floor inagony from. The maiden servant slowly steps over his bodyand inside the door.

OUCAMy dear servant, you have assistedin setting us free and I owe yougreatly.

Hatty is stunned, speechless, as Ouca continues.

OUCA(looking at Hatty)

When a person is guilty of murderand deception, he is consumed byguilt. If he is consumed byguilt, he acts on guilt. We allknow that misery and guiltcooperate with each other. Ittakes one to accommodate theother. Drakus was guilty ofwanting the power of the throneand you were miserable being inthe position you were in, playingsecond to a divine goddess thatowns the true love of my father.All this could only lead us to oneconclusion. You both actedsimultaneously to aid one anotherin your current positions. Drakusneeded the power and you neededrecognition.

HATTYWhat do you mean to say?

OUCAYou and Drakus are being exiled.If both of you leave quietly andnever return to our land, you willnot have to suffer the shame ofpublic execution or being thrownto the crocodiles. Should youreturn, you will surely parish.

HATTY(looking at Fabius)

It is unfathomable how my ownflesh and blood can choose toexile me without giving me a fairtrial. I now see that regardlessof my innocence, my own child

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103.

HATTY (cont'd)chooses to do away with me like auseless, old rag. Ourcivilization is based on thepremise that we are all innocentuntil proven guilty.

FABIUS(with tears in his eyes)

There is no reason to doubt yourguilt. I am only trying to saveyou the embarrassment and publichumiliation associated with suchan act involving our king. I loveyou and I always will. I wouldmuch rather have you leave thanhave you executed at the stakewhich is what will happen giventhe circumstances. I will haveone of our guards escort you tothe edge of the city and point youin the direction of our outercivilization. Please, do nothesitate and be haste. There isnot any time to waste.

Fabius takes Hatty by the hand.

HATTY(caressing Fabius' face with the other hand)

Oh, my child. I will calmlyexcuse myself from the premises. Inever meant to shame either one ofyou.

Hatty looks at both Fabius and Ouca.

HATTYHowever, I understand theconsequences and possibilitiesinvolved should I stay.

Hatty leans in and gives Fabius a kiss on the cheek as Oucabows her head. Hatty leans back, flashes Ouca one lastapologetic look as a tear slowly falls down her cheek andturns to leave as the guards assist her and Drakus' lifelessbody in their departure. Fabius starts to go after her asOuca grabs his arm.

104.

OUCAIt is over, Fabius. Her guilt hasbeen admitted. We are finallyfreed. The kingdom is rightfullyours. Please do not acthastefully for we have won.

Fabius stares at Ouca for a few seconds with a faint stareand then softly giggles as he touches Ouca's belly.

FABIUSYes, it is done and it allhappened just as you had said itwould. Everyone, without fail,played their part accordingly. Forthis reason, the family's reignwill go on per the rightfuldescendants. We are having ababy.

Fabius and Ouca both delight in their victory, sharing anintimate kiss, as the servant stares right through them witha look of disgust. The servant then distracts by gainingtheir attention.

SERVANTWe still have a few small detailsto address.

OUCA(looking at the servant)

Oh, my dear maiden servant. If itwas not for the likes of you, ourplan would have never fully beencarried through. We owe you muchgratitude for you will be greatlyrewarded.

SERVANTNot exactly, my young and naiveprincess. Aaron was a good manwho fell, due to no fault of hisown, into the wrong place andsuffered greatly at the hands ofhis mistrusted superiors. However,I am here to avenge the likes ofhim as well as your father and hissustained scorpion king status.

Ouca and Fabius both look at each other in question and thenlook back at the servant.

105.

SERVANT(continuing)

Could it have been that aforbidden love needed the seed ofa pure entity to carry out aforsaken task to gain power andnotoriety for a position that wasnot rightfully their's?

Fabius looks at Ouca and then back at the servant.

FABIUSMy maiden servant, we fail tounderstand exactly what you mean.

The servant begins to strip the clothing, hair and femalejewelry from her body, revealing a properly tied kiltunderneath and the essence of a male figure, who resembles amuch younger looking Hanor with which Fabius and Ouca bothbehold and immediately fall to their knees.

OUCABut you are only of a lowlyservant status.

SERVANTYes, that may be true but onlyuntil now.

OUCA(shockingly)

Oh, my goodness. The storyforetold to me is true.

FABIUSWhat is true?

Fabius looks at Ouca in question.

SERVANTMy true name is Narmer and I amfrom Tinis of Upper Egypt. I comewith one mission in mind. I amhere to unite all of Egypt and toconsolidate the main role of aking, or pharaoh as it shall soonbe known, with that of Horus, theGod-king. I am also supported bythe likes of our earthly deceased,King Hanor, who has physically ledour government up to this point.

Ouca gasps as she grabs the hand of Fabius.

106.

OUCAWhat is it that you truly attestto?

NARMERYour father, Ouca, and the demiseof his kingdom. With suspicion ofconspiracies and bouts betweenfamily members for the throne, heasked that I secretly monitor thesuccesses and failures of thosewho sought that position and actaccordingly. Our relation to eachother is of no importance at thispoint for I only seek to do hiswill. I do choose to tell you,however, that the best way todestroy a cynical kingdom is to doit from the inside out, which isexactly the approach I have taken. It is of great shame that aninnocent man had to lose hisphysical presence prior to thefulfillment of our mission, buthis loss will not be in vain.

The guards of Narmer enter the house.

NARMERI am sorry, but the plotting forthe throne has now ended. I amnow enforcing the power of Narmer. Guards, please incarcerate thesetwo for the conspiracy to unjustlytake over the throne.

FABIUSWhat? This is blasphemy. Youhave no authority here. There isno proof to support anything thatyou claim.

NARMERNot so, brother. If there isanything I can recall from whatour father told us, it is tobecome whatever we wish and toaccomplish that position honestlyand properly. I'm sure you heardthose words at least once ortwice. I wish to be the firstEgyptian pharaoh, the leader andtrue protector of our land, and to

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107.

NARMER (cont'd)rid those who do not wish me well.

Ouca immediately bows her head and cries in shame.

OUCA(bowing her head)

I never meant to shame you father. We both meant well. We onlywished to rid our land of theunwanted. Now, however, wehaven't the jest to fight withyou. Fabius, it is over.

Fabius holds Ouca's hand tightly as a guard approaches thecouple and places a battle axe flat on the top of both theirheads as in a ritual of some sort. He then turns to exitthe house as Narmer stands direct in front of them.

NARMERYou know, our father loved youboth very much. I was there thenight Drakus chose to force himout of this world, thinking thathe had the rights to the justiceof our race. However, the onething you can offer your peoplenow would be the rightful heir tothe throne upon his birth. Atthat point, my nephew and I willtogether rule our land. I willrefer to him as Menes and he willcarry on the Egyptian dynasty.

Narmer pulls his axe attached to his side and raises it in aswinging motion towards Fabius as Ouca screams. The picturethen transitions directly (as a super imposition) to theimage on the back (reverse) side of the real slate NarmerPalette as the image then fades into the background of ablack screen.

CLOSING MONOLOGUE - On the black screen, words scroll up inwhite lettering as a narrator reads the following script insync with the motion of the words.

NARRATOR (V.O.)The unification of Egypt wassuccessful per the attempt ofNarmer. Was Narmer, in fact, thetrue descendant of the legendaryand historic Scorpion King who inturn may have been Narmer's fatherand predecessor? Could theScorpion King truly have been who

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108.

NARRATOR (cont'd)we discretely referred to asHanor? Perhaps Narmer was all ofthe above, staking out the righttime to carry out his plan ofunification or could have theScorpion King, Narmer and Menes(with who's identity per varioushistorical sources has never beenconfirmed) transpired during thereign of Hanor in laying out afoundation of unification?Whatever the situation, Narmerwill historically become known asthe 1st pharaoh of the 1stEgyptian Dynasty known forunifying all of Egypt, but willlose his battle in years to cometo a hippopotamus who ironicallycarries him away. Wherever ourthoughts may take us as to thetrue history of Egypt and itsfounders, we can make assumptionsand put pieces of the puzzletogether as best we can. However,in my eyes, Hanor (the ScorpionKing) will remain as someone whoput a secret plan in motion andhad the help of his successors seeit through, regardless of what ourrecorded history may tell us.

Once all of the words are presented on screen, they slowlyfade out.

The End