INTRODUCTION THE VOICE OF ATON "THE TRAVELLER" by GORDON D WENN CAST LIST --------- TRAVELLER PRIEST SET LIST -------- EXTERIORS INTERIORS --------- --------- DESERT WELL MUD HUT TEMPLE Copyright (c) 2005 - All rights reserved - KitsWriter@Yahoo.com # 1. TEASE FADE IN: EXT. - DESERT WELL - DAY DARK LETTERS: EGYPT, 1337 BCE PRIEST(vo) For I have heard the voice of Aton, crying in the wilderness. We see hot glassy air, mirrored above a rock-strewn desert. It seems devoid of life. Then, in the distance, a figure of a man comes into our view. We will come to know him as the TRAVELLER. We watch his progress in a short montage, brief moments through the heated haze. As he moves closer, we see that he's wearing a thick hooded robe, with something bulky concealed on his left side. His progress is marked by a long wooden staff. Making his presence rather biblical. Then, with the CAMERA at ground level, his right sandal moves into frame. He stops. We see him from behind, standing in front of a crude DESERT WELL. It appears to be just a large hole cut into the rock and filled with water. But this primitive, albeit essential, stop in this harsh landscape, hints at an understanding in certain principles of engineering. Next to it, we see a tripod of woven sticks, with a long pole balanced on top. An empty animal skin hangs over the water from one end. The other end counterbalanced by a basket of rocks. Some thought went into this construction. The TRAVELLER stares at the water, momentarily thankful. A sound suddenly brings his attention to the opposite side of the well. He sees a man with a shaven head and wearing a loincloth. He's sitting quite contently on a simple reed mat, in front of a small mud hut. At the entrance, wooden posts support palm leaves, shading him from the harsh sun. We will come to know him as the PRIEST. Oddly, it all hadn't been there a moment ago. The TRAVELLER steps back, surprised. TRAVELLER (loud) Who are you? PRIEST (nonchalant) Who would you like me to be? The TRAVELLER seems confused, he ignores this answer, returning instead to his thirst. TRAVELLER (order) Draw some water for me. # 2. PRIEST (questioning) Why? Are you incapable? The TRAVELLER seems offended, but then something odd occurs to him. The man seems to be blocking the entrance. Guarding it, perhaps. He knows he needs more information. TRAVELLER You look like a Priest. Which God do you serve? PRIEST (shrugs) Which one would you like me to serve? TRAVELLER You're rather impudent, aren't you? PRIEST I suppose. Does it matter? The TRAVELLER opens his robe, revealing a large copper sword on his right side. However, this rude attempt at intimidation, appears half hearted. As he still seems more concerned with concealing the large bulge under the left side of his robe. The PRIEST ignores his bravado. PRIEST(CON'T) Have you traveled far? The TRAVELLER closes his robe with a short grunt. He tries remaining angry, but the water draws him down. He kneels, laying his staff on the ground. Then lifts water to his lips with a cupped hand. After several handfuls, he stands and adjusts his robe. Then we see him casually check the road behind him, awkwardly covering this move, by staring to one side, looking rather lost. TRAVELLER What place is this? PRIEST Giza. Then on cue, our view widens. With the mud hut in the bottom left of the frame, the open sky peels back, revealing a pyramid. The TRAVELLER, awe struck, falls backwards, hitting the ground with a clanking noise. TRAVELLER (frightened) Where did that come from? How did you do that? # 3. PRIEST Do you not recognize the last resting place of the great Lord Khufu? We see a short moment of embarrassment, which quickly turns into anger. As he rises, we see a glimpse of the large bag he's been hiding under his robe. Then he draws his sword, rushing towards the PRIEST. TRAVELLER (loud) What magic is this? The PRIEST seems oblivious to any threat. PRIEST What sort of magic, would you like it to be? The TRAVELLER brings the point of his sword to the other mans neck. He calmly begins his interrogation. TRAVELLER (edgy) You're hiding something. The PRIEST looks up at him, strangely enthusiastic. PRIEST Yes I am. Would you like to see it? The TRAVELLER adapts to the situation. TRAVELLER (nods) Yes I would. The PRIEST suddenly rolls backward into the hut. Leaving the TRAVELLER alone. He ponders his next move, debating his safety. Then he makes another short grunt and enters the hut. MATCH TO: DISSOLVE TO: INT. - MUD HUT - CONTINUOUS ....His eyes adjust to the gloom. We see light entering through small openings in the hut. Strangely, the PRIEST doesn't seem to be there. Then he calls to the TRAVELLER, from below. PRIEST (caution) Watch that first step! # 4. The TRAVELLER looks down and sees steps carved into the rock. The ceiling appears very low. He grunts again, then crouches down the steps. MATCH TO: DISSOLVE TO: INT. - TEMPLE - CONTINUOUS ....The TRAVELLER enters through a low opening into a much longer carved stone room. The PRIEST is waiting for him. He waves him down a central aisle, flanked by rounded columns supporting the ceiling. The TRAVELLER is not happy. TRAVELLER (angry) That hut was just a disguise! PRIEST (shrugs) Yes it was. The TRAVELLER seems caught between ruthless violence and an odd need for more understanding. He moves on. TRAVELLER Whose Temple is this? PRIEST Whose Temple would like it to be? The TRAVELLER moves closer to the PRIEST, trying very hard not to chop him into tiny bits. TRAVELLER I do not have the patience for riddles. Is it possible get a straight answer? The PRIEST holds up a finger. Signifying something important. PRIEST The son of a cheese maker seeks you. This odd revelation has the TRAVELLER frozen on the edge of panic. The PRIEST turns, beckoning him down the aisle. PRIEST(CON'T) Come. The TRAVELLER doesn't move. His thoughts have turned inward. Then his line of sight moves down to the floor. We see the PRIESTS' shadow on the stone floor. The TRAVELLER watches it for a moment, then glances back up with an inquiring look. TRAVELLER Where is that light coming from? # 5. Our view moves to the PRIEST, at the other end of the aisle. The light around him is unusually bright and quite blue. The TRAVELLER seems reluctant to move forward. PRIEST You wouldn't understand. Anger drives the TRAVELLER towards the PRIEST. Again, he brings his sword up the level of the other mans neck. TRAVELLER Why wouldn't I? PRIEST It's not necessary that you do. The PRIEST steps aside, revealing a stone throne. PRIEST(CON'T) Please sit. We see two small steps leading to the throne. Which sits on a raised platform of brick. The TRAVELLER seems reluctant. TRAVELLER (suspicious) Why do you want me to sit there? PRIEST (smiles) You drank from my well. You may need to sit. TRAVELLER (angry) You poisoned me! PRIEST (smiles) No. I unpoisoned you. The TRAVELLER wavers slightly, reacting to an unknown toxin. TRAVELLER (afraid) What? PRIEST Many things that we use in our daily lives, have an adverse effect on our health. The Well contains things that remove these unhealthy elements from our bodies. # 6. PRIEST(CON'T) Like the Lead used in makeup. It really isn't that good for you. You can become very sick. (pause) So, please sit down and make yourself comfortable. There is really nothing to worry about. The TRAVELLER seems to holding his breath. Waiting for some defining moment. Then he coughs, fingering his neck. We see sweat beading on his forehead. He finally grunts, making his way up the two steps and finally sitting down. The PRIEST bounds to the top of the brick platform, in one large step. Then effortlessly rotates the throne around, facing the back wall. The TRAVELLER appears very still. TRAVELLER (afraid) I can't move! PRIEST I know. TRAVELLER What did you do? PRIEST Nothing. The chair is currently evaluating your health. TRAVELLER What chair? PRIEST The one you're sitting in. Are you comfortable? TRAVELLER Isn't this the throne of your God? PRIEST (prophetic) No. They're all illusions. It's all made up, so people don't go crazy. The PRIEST takes the copper sword from the TRAVELLERS right hand. He taps it on a large six-sided stone in the floor. Miraculously, it rises up, hanging in mid-air at waist level. The TRAVELLER makes a strange gurgling noise. The PRIEST gives him a few encouraging words. # 7. PRIEST(CON'T) Relax my friend, this is all of no consequence. It cannot hurt you.... And would not. TRAVELLER What won't hurt me? The PRIEST moves closer to him. Personalizing the moment. PRIEST You have been chosen! He lays the sword on the floating stone. It starts to glow. Then slowly melt. But not in the usual manner. The stone seems to be absorbing the metal. The PRIEST looks up at the back wall. Small lights begin to appear. Randomly at first, but then a pattern emerges. A large portion of the back wall begins to morph into an integrated circuit. PRIEST(CON'T) (nods) It likes copper. TRAVELLER (fearful) What does? The PRIEST turns, smiling at the TRAVELLER. He pulls back his robe, revealing the large bag he's been hiding. The TRAVELLER gives him a disapproving look. The PRIEST removes a small gold statue of the ram God, Amun. TRAVELLER (possessive) That's mine. PRIEST No. You see, property is also an illusion. After a while, it begins to own you. TRAVELLER (confused) I don't understand! What does that mean? PRIEST Did you mine the ore or smelt it? Are you the artisan, who created it? The PRIEST places it on the floating stone. The TRAVELLER grimaces as it begins to melt. # 8. TRAVELLER (pleading) I don't understand what it is that you want!... Why do you keep speaking in riddles? Just tell me what to do! The PRIEST ignores him. Instead, he returns to the bag. He removes a large purple crystal. He smiles, holding it up, letting the light play through it. Then he places it into a recess in the integrated circuit. The lights begin to speed up, flowing towards the crystal. TRAVELLER (concerned) What's happening? PRIEST There is no need to worry. It's just preparing to examine your brain. TRAVELLER My what? PRIEST Your brain. That large organ inside your skull. TRAVELLER Why? PRIEST I know it sounds odd, but it's actually important. We think with it. TRAVELLER But the embalmers just pull it out through the nose, then discard it. (pause) It's not like all the other organs. Which are given special consideration and placed in separate funeral jars. PRIEST That's true. But it thinks your funeral rites are superstitious nonsense. TRAVELLER Who does? # 9. The PRIEST smiles, raising his arms wide, signifying something omnipresent. The TRAVELLER looks troubled. TRAVELLER(CON'T) What is it going to do? PRIEST Tell you a story. TRAVELLER That's it. Just tell me story. The PRIEST thinks for moment. PRIEST (nods) It's always something very interesting. Intuitive. (pause) A revelation perhaps. TRAVELLER What sort of revelation? PRIEST (smiles) Something objective. Shrouded in events that have not yet happened. Usually the lesson ends rather strangely. (thinks) Do not be confused if you do not immediately understand. TRAVELLER I was chosen for this? PRIEST (nods) Yes, it thinks you have potential. TRAVELLER Me. Potential?... Why? Smiling, the PRIEST moves closer, whispers in his ear. PRIEST (concerned) Are you not a true believer? The TRAVELLER shrugs. Then suddenly stiffens, his attention drawn to the integrated circuit on the wall. The crystal begins to glow brighter. We hear a humming sound, increasing in urgency. Then a pulse of purple light engulfs the TRAVELLER. The grows brighter, filling our view. MATCH TO: # 10. ************************************************************ PLACE EPISODE HERE ************************************************************ TAG FADE IN: INT. - TEMPLE - LATER As the purple light diminishes, we see the PRIEST removing the crystal from the circuit on the wall. It seems darker. Spent. He seems happy, until he turns and sees the empty clothing arranged on the stone throne. He addresses an unknown accomplice. PRIEST (looks up) What have you done with him! (pause) You said he had potential! He listens, reacting to an unheard answer. PRIEST(CON'T) (angry) No, you're wrong! All I had to do was find someone! All you had to do was conduct the test fairly. (pause) I passed. It's not that hard. He listens again, not happy. PRIEST(CON'T) (loud) Again? Haven't I served you long enough? How hard can it be to find my replacement? The question seems mute however, as something from behind bumps into him. He turns and sees the TRAVELLERS' staff, floating in the air. The unheard voice speaks to him. # 11. PRIEST(CON'T) (looks up) Who do you want me to give it to? (frowns) Him? But he's an idiot! (shrugs) Really! Trust me, I know him. I'll give it to his Brother. He takes the staff, which slowly begins morphing into a snake. FADE OUT. THE END #