Page 188 of 188

Written by: Geoffrey D. Edwards

Writers Guild Of America Registration Number: 1578774

Unsolicited – Not asked for

Screen Play

The Lamp

By Geoffrey D. Edwards

An adaptation of the Aladdin story. (Aladdin's Lamp)

SHAH – King of – MA'AN(City) – (A distant Southern part of old Arabia). Played by: Ken Watanabe.

And now…

The Lamp

Ext: Begin Lines

(Fight Scene – Correograph)

(Opening Credits could be displayed at this point)

Our Story begins with a shot from a camera in the distant South
of the old Arabian Desert at night. We Pan in on a kingdom, but
only faint lights at first. The faint view of a Palace with its surrounding
kingdom.

(Continue to pan in)

There are flaming arrows flying and fires but our distance
is far enough that it's not clear yet.

Ext: Pan in slowly – As we pan in it becomes somewhat evident
that there is a war on, a battle.

As we pan in closer, the battle becomes even more evident. The
sounds of the battle are beginning to avail themselves. As we
pan in closer, there is a distinction between factions. The Home
faction, the soldiers of Ma'an, are well trained and are thwarting
their attackers, from Al'Arish…

Ext: Cut to the King

The king dispatches his enemies left and right as if he knew they
were coming. He's unstoppable and unapproachable. One of his
soldiers approaches him.

SOLDIER 1
Traumatic
My King, the west Loggia is on fire! (Balcony)

Shah
Looks and sees the balcony
Come!

They run to the fire. Shah examines the situation. A bunch
of Aalam's men are under the Loggia. Shah runs to one side
of the Loggia and begins cutting the ropes that hold it up.
His soldier catches on, runs over and begins to cut the other
side. The Loggia falls killing about thirty of Aalam's men.

Ext: Cut back to Fighting – Several camera shots

There is much fighting, killing, yelling and screaming, Shah
fighting. Gradually Shah's men begin to gain the upper hand.
After much fighting, Shah's men are victorious and send Aalam's
men (what's left of them) running.

2. (End fight scene)

They all CHEER!

SAFI
Exhilarated!
We are victorious my king! We have beaten them!

Shah
Looks around and smiles
Yes… yes.

Fade to:

Int: Shah's throne room

Where he and Safi speak alone.

Safi
…Yes but they will come again my king.

Shah
Your men did well Safi.

Safi
Thank you my king, I am honored by your words. But it was you who
taught them to fight. It was I you taught to fight. It was your great training
that brought us this victory.

Shah
Thank you Safi… And you're right, they will come again.
Beat
So… what shall we do?

Safi
We must… attack my king. I know it is against your rules but if we
advance on Aalam's kingdom soon, he will not have a chance to attack
us again. He will not expect it.

Shah
Thinks
No… you are right. There is a time to strike, and that time is now. Give
your men two days to mend, regain their strength and be with their
families. We will strike the morning of the third day.

Safi
I will my king.

Shah
…And Safi?

Safi
Sir.

Shah
Prepare a great feast in their honor for tomorrow night. Give them
our best food. We will celebrate.

Safi
Yes my king, I would be honored.

Shah
Safi, tell them all now. Tell them of our attack on Al'Arish so that they
will have time to prepare in their minds.

Safi
It will be done my king. But I'm sure they will wish this.

Shah
Pauses
Men will die this night.

Safi
Thinks
…I think, they will be honored to die for you.

Shah
Safi, they will die for their kingdom… for their families… for their honor,
not for me.

Safi
They will fight for all that you say. I will give them your words.

Shah
Good my friend.

SAFI is about to walks out the door and almost bumps into
the king's confidant, Da'Wud.

Safi
DA'WUD… it is… great to see you my friend. How are you?

Da'Wud
Yes… Safi… I am well and you?

Safi
Well also.

Da'Wud
I would seek audience with the King, could you announce me?

Safi
Beat
I… I would… just a moment.

SAFI walks back into the throne room.

Shah
Looks up from something
Safi, what is it?

Safi
It is… your father's friend. You're… advisor…

Shah
Looks down and smiles
…Da'Wud?

Safi
Yes.

Shah
What does he wish?

Safi
I… I don't know my king. He wish an audience with you.

Shah
Laughs a little
Send him in Safi, send him in.

Safi
Yes my king.

SAFI begins to walk out and turns.

Safi cont.
Your majesty, may I speak once more?

Shah
Already knows what Safi is going to say
What is on your mind Safi?

Safi
This man… your… father's friend…

Shah
…Yes, I know. He is… how we shall say…

Safi
An idiot?

Shah
Laughs a little again
He is… was my father's friend, I must honor that.

Safi
Ok… but watch him sir. I… I don't trust him.

Shah
He is harmless Safi, do not worry.

Safi
Still… I…

Shah
…It's ok Safi, send him in.

Safi
Yes my king.

SAFI walks out.

Safi cont.
He will see you. Um… take care Da'Wud.

Da'Wud
Yes… you also Safi.

DA'WUD walks in.

Shah
Da'Wud, it is an honor. What can I do for you this night?

Da'Wud
Thank you king, I… I have spoken with the Gods this day.

Shah
Feigns seriousness
With the God's you say. And what do they tell you?

Da'Wud
They tell me that… and I know this goes against your wishes but… we
must attack Al'Arish.

Shah
Cynically
Attack! What are you saying?

Da'Wud
The God's command it Shah. They command that we go on the offensive…
that we attack Al'Arish before they can attack us again, and soon my king.

Shah
Cynical, thinks
You know… you know Da'Wud, I think you are right. Your connection
to the God's is… well it is… unbelievable! I will take this into
consideration.

Da'Wud
You are a wise king Shah. Your father would be proud.

Shah
Thank you Da'Wud. I will sleep on it. Thank you for your great wisdom,
I… don't know what I would do without you.

Da'Wud
I am honored my king.

Shah
Begins to escort him out
Are you coming to the feast tomorrow night?

Da'Wud
I was not aware of… a feast my king.

Shah
Ah… Safi must have forgotten to tell you. A great feast for the soldiers
in their honor. There… there I will tell you of my decision.

Da'Wud
Forgotten in deed. Very well, I will attend. I will speak to you there.

Shah
Good. Good night my friend.

Da'Wud
Goodnight my king.

DA'WUD walks out. Shah looks down, laughs a little, and shakes his head.

Int: Fade to Feast in a great dining hall. The men are already
eating and making merry.

7b. Cut to outside the hall. Shah comes to the door, there
are guards with him. A hall guard greets them.

GUARD 1
My king.

Shah
Good evening my good soldier. Is there room at this feast for the king?

Guard 1
I… I don't…

Shah
Laughs a little
Go and get Safi.

Guard 1
Relieved
I… will my king.

The guard runs inside. Shah looks with a smile at his entourage. They
laugh with him. Soon the Guard re-appears with Safi in tow.

Safi
My king, this… this is not…

Shah
…Normal?

Safi
Well… no… sir.

Shah
Safi, I would like to join the men. I'm hungry!

Safi
Honored
I… well of course my king! Of course, come in.

7c. Int: from inside the great feast hall

The two walk in, entourage fallowing. Shah looks at his
entourage.

Shah
You men, we are safe here. You go and join in the festivities.
I will call on you when I am ready to leave.

His entourage all smile and hesitantly walk away to join the feast.
Shah laughs.

Safi
Calls out for all to quiet
Men… tonight I have a great honor to bestow upon you. The king
wishes to dine with you.

At first there is silence. Then an eruption of cheers from the soldiers
as they return to their activities.

Shah
Where shall I sit Safi?

Safi
I have a place at the head of the officers table but I relinquish
that to you.

Shah
No Safi, you will stay there. Make a place for me, next to you on
the side.

Safi
Doesn't know what to say
I… I…

Shah
…Safi, you must do this.

Safi
I… very well my king, as you wish.

They walk over and sit. Officers make room for the king at the
side of the table. It's celebratory and loud. They have to yell
over the noise.

Shah
What is good Safi?

Safi
It is all good my king. Do you wish meat, fruit, vegetable? Anything
you desire.

Shah
Meat, I would like meat!

Safi
Calls a food servant over
Meat for the king!

SERVANT 1
Ah… forgive me my king, but there are several kinds of meat.

Shah
What kinds?

Servant 1
Looks at Safi, Safi grants him an answer
There is… Beef, pork, and Bird.

Shah
Chicken! I love chicken. Bring me some.

Safi
The servant looks funny
It… it is not chicken my king.

Shah
Then turkey!

Safi
It… it is not turkey either.

Shah
Looks at Safe strangely
Then… what is this bird that the men eat?

Safi
Looks at the servant
It is… Condor my king.

Shah
Condor? Why, is it good?

Safi
Well, it's ok my king. Quite edible with… salt. The men wish it. They believe
it gives them the strength of the great bird.

All of the men are quiet now. They wish to know what the
king will eat.

Shah
Thinks
Then Safi, let me eat of this great bird. Let me eat of it and gain its strength
as my men do!

All the men cheer again and go back to their celebration.

Shah cont.
And what to drink Safi?

Safi
Not sure how to answer
I… ah… there is cold water, the juice of apples… there is wine my king.

Shah
Safi, I am thirsty, is there no ale?

Safi
Hesitant
Ale, my king, why that was forbade by you… sir.

Shah
Safi, do you think me a fool?

Safi
No… no my king, not at all!

Shah
Do you really think that I didn't know there would be ale here?

Safi
Thinks… relents
No my king…
He calls out
Bring the king an ale!

All the men laugh, cheer, and then they go and pull their
ales from where they had hid them when the king walked in.

SHAH LAUGHS LOUDLY!

Shah
Safi, did you tell them?

Safi
Tell them… oh, of the attack?

Shah
Yes.

Safi
Yes… yes and they… well look around you my king. They celebrate but
they celebrate the coming attack, not so much their victory. They are
furious with the Al'Arish. They wish… well sir they wish vengeance.

Shah
Thinks
You know… you know how I feel about vengeance Safi?

Safi
Yes… yes, and the men do as well, but… some of their friends and family
were killed. They lived outside the palace. Is it too much to wish… vengeance
for this?

Shah
Thinks
…No… no Safi, it is not too much. They will get their vengeance.

Safi
Smiles
Fear not my king, I will control this rage. I will make sure that their
training after this war, includes humility.

Shah
Then that is all I can ask.

They shake.

Safi
I must get more wine. I am a wine drinker my king.

SAFI gets up and makes his way across the room, through the
merry men. As he's walking he bumps into Da'Wud.

Safi cont.
Da'Wud… what a… surprise.

Da'Wud
Yes Safi, I'm sure you are surprised. You must have forgotten to
invite me to your celebration.

Safi
Da'Wud, please forgive me. It completely slipped my mind. I'm glad you
could make it.

Da'Wud
Yes, I'm sure you are.

They part company. Da'Wud makes his way to the king who is
eating. The king looks up in surprise. He is pleasant.

Shah
Da'Wud, come, sit… eat and drink with us.

Da'Wud
No… no thank you my king, I can only stay a moment. I have other
issues to attend. Have you made a decision?

Shah
Thinks for a moment
Ah… yes… I have decided to take your advice. We will fight!

Da'Wud
Good… that is very good my king.

Shah
The day after tomorrow, we will prepare in the parade area and then
commence an attack on Al'Arish, in the morning, early.

Da'Wud
You… you are a wise king Shah. I am honored.

HE bows.

Shah
Now, never mind your duties, tonight we celebrate!

Da'Wud
No my king, I have so much to do. Please, let me go and prepare
myself for what is to come.

Shah
Whatever Da'Wud. Whatever you wish. You are to be commended for
working when the rest of us play. I commend you.

Da'Wud
Thank you my king.

DA'WUD leaves. Safi returns and watches Da'Wud leave before he
sits down.

Safi
Your… advisor sir?

Shah
Yes Safi.

Safi
And… did he give you… wise counsel?

Shah
Laughs with his mouth full
In deed Safi, indeed he did.

Safi
Serious for a moment
King, did you tell him of our attack?

Shah
Oblivious at the moment
Yes… yes of course, why?

Safi
Our attackers… they…

Shah
…Speak Safi, you are my friend, speak candidly.

Safi
They caught us… at a very vulnerable moment. Our guard was almost
completely down. They knew just when to hit us.

Shah
Thinks… gets serious for a moment also
You are right Safi… you are right.

Safi
So how did they know, was it luck?

Shah
Thinks
Luck… maybe… what are you getting at?

Safi
Forgive me my king but…

Shah
Say it Safi, what is on your mind?

Safi
Your confidant sir. Your father's friend Da'Wud. I don't…

Shah
…I know… you don't trust him.
Thinks
…Actually, there is something kind of…

Safi
…Snaky?

Shah
Snaky, yes Safi, there is something kind of… snaky about him.
Do we have any spies?

Safi
Only one sir. I have not been able to train anyone else yet.

Shah
You refer to yourself my friend?

Safi
Yes my king, I am the only one.

Shah
Puts his hand on Safi's shoulder
I cannot lose you Safi. It is too dangerous.

Safi
Oh, my king, I am good. You will not lose me, because no one
has ever caught me.

Shah
Thinks
Ok Safi. When will you do this?

Safi
Tonight my king. Right now.

Shah
Are you sure?

Safi
It is the best time.

Shah
Ok Safi, if you must. Please be careful.

Safi
You can count on it my king.

Shah
Smiles
I know I can Safi, I know I can.

Int: Safi's room – night – Shadowy

SAFI has TWO MEN with him.

Safi
You men, are you ready?

Man 1 (BETHSHAL)
Yes Safi.

Man 2 (BOTEIN)
Yes Safi.

Safi
Remember, do exactly as I say. I don't wish anyone to get killed.

THEY leave.

Time passes:

EXT: Desert – Night – Dark – Late – Still Hot

THE THREE SPIES are on Camel.

Safi
This is good, Al'Arish is just beyond those Dunes.

THEY DISMOUNT.

Safi
To Bethshal
You stay at the top of the dune and watch. If anything happens
to us, ride like the wind and tell the king.

Bethshal
Yes great leader.

Safi
To Botein
You will follow me to the edge of the city. You will wait there until
I return.

Botein
Yes Safi.

THEY begin to walk toward Al'Arish.

Ext: Al'Arish – Entrance to City – Night

SAFI sneaks passed the guards and on into the City.

Ext: Al'Arish – Inside – Night

SAFI continues to sneak toward the city center.

11. Ext: AL'ARISH

SAFI moves further into the city. Eventually he reaches a heavily
guarded tent area. Tents all around. Safi recognizes this as the
main area. The Palace is still under construction. He continues to
look for the main tent where King Aalam of Al'Arish is.

SAFI continues to search until he finally comes up on what looks
like the master tent. Lights flicker. He listens but the voices are muffled.
The tent is large. Safi makes his way to the entrance but it's very
heavily guarded. He moves to the side of the tent and TESTS FOR
WEAKNESSES at the bottom of the tent. He finds none.

He makes his way back around to the entrance and can see inside.
He sees several people just sitting. They're completely covered and
adorned in different pattern shrouds.

Safi
Quietly to himself
Seek… very strange.

11b. Ext: away from main tent – Carpet stand

He moves away from the entrance. He makes his way to a CARPET
STAND closed up for the night, one of the carpets hanging outside
slowly gets PULLED off its wire. The carpet disappears.

Soon SAFI is back at the entrance to the tent. He's covered like
the Seeks and strolls passed the guard. He sits near the Seeks.
Now he can spy. He sees a group of men that look important and
listens in.

Int: Time Passes:

A short while later Safi had heard enough. He makes his way toward
the entrance of the tent. He steps outside.

10. Entrance to Main Tent

TWO GUARDS grab him. Da'Wud steps in front of him and PULLS
the carpet off.

Safi
Da'Wud, you!

Da'Wud
Safi, what a pleasant surprise.

Safi
You are the one who is telling these people when to strike

Da'Wud
Yes my friend. Very sorry.

Int: Safi and Da'wud

Safi
You are a trader!

Da'Wud
And you are a spy. And spies are met with death!

Safi
Shah will stop you!

Da'Wud
And how would he do that if he does not know our plan?

Safi
You can kill me Da'Wud but Shah will find out. He will come here and
he will kill you!

Da'Wud
You forget Safi, I know you. The soldier that you brought with you, the
one you had waiting at the entrance to the city… the only secrets he
holds he will be telling Ala.

Safi
Angry
Da'Wud, you are a snake! Shah is a good king. You would turn on a good
king. You are an evil, treacherous, trader!

MUSIC! (MODE)

3. (Fight Scene – Choreograph)

SAFI pulls away from the soldiers that hold him. He pulls his
sword and CUTS two of them down. But Da'Wud pulls out a knife
and stabs Safi twice. Safi is going down.

3. End fight scene

Other solders grab his arms but they can see he's dying and let
him go.

Da'Wud
I may be evil Safi but I am no trader. I love Ma'an. It has been my home
for thirty years.

Da'Wud leans down by Safi so that no one can hear him.

Da'Wud cont.
Quietly
You see, I really don't care about Al'Arish. I wish to be king of Ma'an.
King of her treasures, her gold and silver. King of her people.

SAFI lies on the ground almost dead.

Da'Wud cont.
…King of her beautiful women. And then… I will bring the people of Al'Arish to
add to the wealth of Ma'an.

SAFI is almost dead.

Da'Wud cont.
It's really too bad Safi, I think Shah really liked you.

SAFI dies.

Da'Wud cont.
Throw his body to the Lions!

AL'ARISH SOLDIERS carry Safi's body out…

Cut:

Ext: on top of the Dune

BETHSHAL is waiting, watching. Suddenly about ten Al'Arish soldiers
ATTACK Botein. He tries to fight them off but there are too many.
He is stabbed several times.

13a. Ext: Top of Dune – Looking at the Al'Arish from Bethshal's
vantage point

13_a. POV – Night

BETHSHAL watches as his dead friend is carried off to who knows where.
He runs down the dune and MOUNTS his Camel.

BETHSHAL RIDES his camel around the city to the South. He dares
to ride near the City

13_b. Ext: South of Al'Arish – Not yet midnight – dark

BETHSHAL rides near an obscure part of the city. There he sees it. Four
Al'Arish soldiers carrying Safi's limp body out. They throw Safi's body
over a wall. BETHSHAL can hear the definite sound of LIONS
DEVOURING Safi's body. He runs back to his camel and rides
off to Ma'an.

Aalam (Ruler of Al'Arish)
Da'Wud, what if king Shah finds out, surely he will know his friend is
missing soon?

Da'Wud
It will take several days for him to confirm this. By then we will have attacked
him again. And this time, we will take them completely by surprise!

Cut:

Int: Night – Shah's throne room – dark

A KNOCK on Shah's door. He wakes. He lights a lamp near his
bed and goes to the door. He opens it. The hall outside his room
is dim. His guard addresses him.

Shah
What is it Taimur?

Taimur
Forgive me my king, one of your soldiers, Bethshal wish an audience
with you, he says it is urgent.

Shah
Wipes his eyes
Send him in.

Beat:

Bethshal enters. He SPEAKS to the king by the door.

Bethshal
Crying, terrified
Please forgive me my king, I know it is late.

Shah
Bethshal, it is late. What is wrong, why are you crying?

Bethshal
Beat
Your friend my king… my great leader, Safi… is… he is dead my king!

Shah
No!

SHAH grabs Bethshal by his arms.

Shah cont.
Are you sure?

Bethshal
Safi took myself and another soldier with him to spy out Al'Arish. I was
to wait and watch from the dune West of the city.
HE CRIES
Botein… was to wait and watch for anything near the entrance of the city.
Several Al'Arish soldiers killed him…
CRIES MORE
My friend, Botein. When I saw this I hurried to the South side of the city, hoping
to see Safi.

CRIES MORE.

Shah
And?

Bethshal
I saw Al'Arish solders carry Safi's body out.

Shah
…No…

Bethshal
Crying
His body… became… food for their lions…

SHAH tries to hide it but HE CRIES silently at the loss of his friend.
SHAH sits on his throne. Bethshal, who is the next in charge of
the soldiers?

Bethshal
Thinks
Turhan my king!

Shah
I know this man…
Thinks
…Go, wake him, bring him to me now.

Bethshal
Yes my king.

BETHSHAL leaves. Shah covers his face and cries for his friend again.

Ext: Night – late – Turhan's Tent

A GUARD stands at the entrance to Turhan's tent.

Adhil
Stops Bethshal
It is late fool. What would you have Turhan for at this hour?

Bethshal
Safi is dead. Turhan is now the leader of the Ma'an soldiers. The king wishes an
audience with him immediately.

Turhan
Comes out
I hear your words Bethshal, are you sure of this?

Bethshal
Lowers his head
I saw it myself great leader.

Turhan
Guard, keep watch of my tent. Bethshal, accompany me to the kings room.

TURHAN AND BETHSHAL leave together.

Cut:

Int: Kings throne room – dark – small lamp

A KNOCK at Shah's door.

Shah
Come!

TAIMUR opens the door for Turhan.

Taimur
Turhan to see you my king.

Shah
Send him in.

TAIMUR ushers Turhan in. Then he closes the door behind him.
Turhan kneels and bows.

Shah
Rise Turhan and come to me.

TURHAN walks up to Shah.

Shah cont.
As you have no doubt heard, Safi… is dead.

Turhan
I mourn for him and for you my king, he was also my friend.

Shah
Turhan, we have ridden into battle together on many occasions have
we not?

Turhan
Yes my king.

Shah
Turhan… do you believe me worthy of this position? Worthy to be king
of Ma'an?

Turhan
More than any other king that I have known.

Shah
Good, you are the leader of the Ma'an army now. Tomorrow we
will attack Al'Arish. I need you to prepare the men tonight. Please tell
them to forgive me for cutting their time at home short. Tell them why
we do this.

Turhan
They will not care my king. They will understand. They have wished to take
Al'Arish for a long time.
Beat
Al'Arish soldiers… killed my only son. My wife still mourns.

Shah
Angry
Al'Arish has taken too much from us Turhan! Tomorrow, Al'Arish will fall
and we will take all that we desire from it!

Turhan
SALUTES by putting his FIST across his chest
I go to make ready my king.

SHAH returns the salute the same way. Turhan turns and leaves.

Ext: early morning – dusky – parade grounds – Ma'an

The soldiers are in formation. Shah rides a horse and parades in
front of his men inspiring them.

Shah
Inspirational tone
Al'Arish has taken too much from us…

Soldiers JEER!

Shah cont.
Today we take it back!

JEERING.

(CRESCENDO)

Shah cont.
Today Al'Arish will fall to Ma'an !

CHEERING!

SHAH takes his horse, He signals Turhan. They stay in formation
but follow Shah. They parade into the desert.

Ext: Ma'an Soldiers – Desert – Still moving – morning – hot – sunny

IHTSHAM rides up by Turhan.

Ihtsham
Spies great one.

Turhan
I saw them. Ride forward and tell Shah.

IHTSHAM rides up by Shah.

Ihtsham
My King, we've been spotted.

Shah
Are you sure?

Ihtsham
I am sure.

Shah
Tell Turhan that we ride South. Then immediately attack from the West.

Ihtsham
Yes my king!

IHTSHAM rides back to Turhan.

Int: Al'Arish Palace – Noon – Sunny – Hot

BIRDUN (A Al'Arish soldier) is out of breath.

Aalam
Birdun, what is your hurry?

Birdun
…The Ma'an soldiers, they come from the West my king. They are almost
here!

Aalam
Frantic
I… I'll… get Da'Wud!

DA'WUD is already riding up.

Da'Wud
…I am right here Aalam, what disturbs you?

Aalam
The Ma'an king, he and his soldiers come from the West. They
are near.

Da'Wud
Damn…
Thinks, speaks to himself
Safi must have brought more men to spy. Good move Safi…
Pause, then looks at Aalam
Ready your men for battle! We will attack them at the entrance to
the city!

Aalam
But… there is no time Da'Wud!

Da'Wud
Angry, knocks Aalam off his horse
Go you fool, do as I say, quickly!

AALAM JUMPS back on his horse, embarrassed, but RIDES towards
his army's quarters.

Ext: Dessert – Noon – East of Al'Arish

TURHAN RIDES up to Shah.

Shah
Who was the young soldier you sent to inform me?

Turhan
Ihtsham, he is my best warrior.

Shah
Your best but he is so young.

Turhan
Young yes, but well trained. I've no man that could best him. I fear,
even myself. He is deadly accurate with the bow and arrow. Better than
any man I have ever seen. And almost as unstoppable with the Scimitar.

Shah
You trust him?

Turhan
With my life my king.

Ext: Shah's Army – Approaching the Eastern Gate of Al'Arish

Ext: Inside eastern Gate of Al'Arish – A little after noon.

AALAM AND DA'WUD have organized to attack to the West.

Aalam
Who is the king of Ma'an?

Da'Wud
Shah… I have known him since he was a boy…
Pause
…I was his father's closest friend.

Aalam
Was?

Da'Wud
His father is dead now. But his father was an Arabian Knight. He taught
Shah everything he knew.

Aalam
Dangerous?

Da'Wud
Put it this way Aalam, no man should fear him.

Aalam
Really?

Da'Wud
Army's… Army's should fear him. There is no one man that can
best him.

Aalam
And we are to attack him, again, after he defeated us the last time?

Da'Wud
The Gods are with Shah but his soldiers are just men Aalam. They bleed
and die like any other.
C.S.
Let us attack now!

Aalam
His men defeated us Da'Wud, not just Shah.

Da'Wud
Looks at Aalam
Do as I say Aalam! Do as I say!

AALAM calls out to his men.

Aalam
Attack… Attack!

(Camera show the gate from inside Al'Arish).

The gates SWING open. Aalam's Army's RIDE out with a LOUD JEER!

DA'WUD AND AALAM ride out behind them. Aalam's soldiers attack
with LOUD CRIES! Eventually they stop. They go silent. Birdun
RIDES back to Aalam.

Birdun
I swear my king, the entire Ma'an Army… they were approaching!

Aalam
It's ok Birdun.

Da'Wud
No it's not!

DA'WUD CUTS Birdun across his chest. Birdun FALLS off his horse.
Birdun looks up with anger and question on his face. He favors his
wound.

Da'Wud
To Birdun
Next time you lie to me, it will be your head!

BIRDUN, with help from fellow soldiers, GETS UP and back on his
horse. Aalam and Da'Wud ride casually back into the city together
ahead of the army's.

Aalam
Looks at Da'Wud, Da'Wud ignores him
I don't believe Birdun was lying Da'Wud.

Da'Wud
Whatever. Call your men back.

Aalam
Yes… I believe I will.

DA'WUD looks at him as he rides back like, "Do you really think you're
still in charge?" AALAM'S SOLDIERS begin to move back into the
city. As they come in, they see Shah's men TAKING tactical advantage.
AALAM cries out!

3. (Fight Scene – Corriograph)

Aalam
Charge! Charge! Quickly, before they take too much high ground!
Charge!

Da'Wud
Looks at him
Bravo Aalam, bravo.

DA'WUD RIDES away quickly to avoid the conflict. SHAH'S
SOLDIERS have taken advantage of the time Aalam's army
gave. They have already taken the East side of the city and
are DIGGING in.

AALAM'S SOLDIERS try to ATTACK with bow, arrow and sword.
Shah's soldiers counter attack. Shah's Archers FIRE on the
Al'Arish soldiers. AALAM'S HORSEMEN are many but not
ready. Shah's Archers CUT THEM down in droves. Before long,
half of Aalam's men are dead.

SHAH sees Da'Wud. Shah desperately tries to get to Da'Wud.
But the BATTLE is thick and he is unable to get through.
Da'Wud disappears. SHAH'S ARCHERS take aim again
and DOWN many more of Aalam's men. Shah's Archers
eventually have leave their positions, draw down on
ropes and ATTACK the remainder of Aalam's men with
sword.

Before long, Shah's army take the city. They take a few
prisoners. Aalam and Da'Wud are nowhere to be found.

3. (end fight scene)

SHAH RIDES up to Turhan.

Shah
Have you seen the king Turhan?

Turhan
I have not my king.

TURHAN CALLS out!

Turhan cont.
Have any of you seen the Al'Arish king?

IHTSHAM RIDES up!

Ihtsham
I believe I have my king. I believe he has ridden into the center of the city!

Shah
Turhan, Ihtsham, bring one of your best men and follow me.

Turhan
Yes my king!

LOOKS at Ihtsham

Ihtsham
Alnitak?

Turhan
Yes!

Ihtsham
Yells out
Alnitak!

ALNITAK RIDES over to Ihtsham.

Alnitak
Sir?

Ihtsham
You are with us.

ALNITAK follows the other three into the city.

Ext: evening – Hot – City Center

Fancy tents, the same ones where Safi was killed, gathered
together in front of a palace under construction. The four
DISMOUNT and DRAW their swords.

THEY rally behind Shah who carefully enters the tent village.

Shah
Looks around
Tents, the palace is still being built. Cut through them, find King Aalam.
Watch out, he will surely have his best men with him.
To Turhan
I believe Da'Wud was here!

Turhan
Are you sure?

Shah
Yes, be careful my friend, he is a snake but his venom is deadly.

SHAH and Turhan take their own path, CUTTING through
the tents on foot. The other two meet with two of Aalam's
men and engage in BATTLE.

4. (Fight Scene - Choreograph)

THEY quickly DISPATCH the two Al'Arish guards. SHAH and
Turhan come running but the mêlée is over.

4. (End Fight Scene)

SHAH AND TURHAN smile at the brilliance of their fellow soldiers.

Shah
Come, we will continue.

Turhan
Points
There, an entrance.

THE FOUR MEN move in cautiously.

INT: Inside the palace – Dark

SHAH takes a torch from the wall. The other men follow suit.

Shah
Be careful, there will be warriors in hiding.

THEY move cautiously through the palace corridors. Before
long, a bright light aluminates a large room. Ten men ATTACK.

5. (Fight Scene – Choreograph)

SHAH AND TURHAN are unbeatable. Ihtsham and Alnitak are
very good. Shah and Turhan take on several at a time. Ihtsham
and Alnitak hold their own against one man each.

SHAH dispatches his attackers by either running them through
or cutting them down with fatal blows from his sword. TURHAN
is cutting his attackers down one by one.

IHTSHAM finally runs his attacker through and runs to help
Alnitak. Between Ihtsham and Alnitak the Al'Arish soldier
doesn't have a chance, Alnitak runs him through.

THE FOUR MEET. The Al'Arish soldiers lay dead or dying. They're
about to continue on their search when Da'Wud and four more
Al'Arish soldiers come in.

Shah
Da'Wud!

Da'Wud
King Shah, I trained these men myself. They are the best at what they do!

Shah
Da'Wud, why?

DA'WUD dashes in, sword drawn. His men follow suit. Da'Wud
ATTACKS Shah.

Da'Wud
As he fights
I was your fathers best friend. I was to be the next Arabian Knight! And I
should have been king of Ma'an!

DA'WUD strikes at Shah. Shah DEFENDS but is still contemplating
Da'Wud's statement.

Shah
As he defends
Da'Wud, I left for a long time, my father's palace had all but fallen. I
was not chosen to be king, I fought… …I fought my way into the kingship
of Ma'an. Ma'an's people and soldiers asked me to be king!

Da'Wud
I was the one who attacked Ma'an. I was going to take over as king,
until you showed up!

Shah
As he fights
You were my father's best friend!

Da'Wud
Yes, but he wouldn't hear of it. Your father wouldn't hear of me being
a king when he was gone. He became ill. He was fading. So I helped
him along. I killed your father!

Shah
No, you Da'Wud? I will…
Shah charges Da'Wud
…kill you!

DA'WUD KNOCKS Shah's sword away. One of Da'Wud's men
engages Shah. Shah must fight Da'Wud and another man. They
keep him busy.

DA'WUD breaks away from Shah leaving his man to defend
against Shah but he's no match. Da'Wud jumps in with one
of his men and tries to kill Alnitak but Alnitak is too good and
holds them both off.

SHAH begins to best his attacker and eventually kills him.
He joins in with Alnitak and fights Da'Wud again. The fight
draws them apart. Turhan is busy now with Da'Wud and
one of his men. Turhan sees the Al'Arish King peak in. There
are two guards with him. Aalam pushes the two guards into
the fray.

Turhan
Yells to Shah
My king, the Al'Arish king.

KING AALAM ducks back into the nether reaches of the palace.
Shah knocks his man down and takes off after Aalam.

INT: Shah – Palace corridors – dark

SHAH cautiously moves through the corridor looking for Aalam.
On several occasions he is ATTACKED by guards hiding in the
darkness but he is always ready and dispatches them easily.
SHAH proceeds cautiously.

Shah
To himself
Ala, lead me in the right direction.

ATTACKED again! But the fight is over quickly. Shah is
unstoppable. He moves on.

Shah cont.
To himself
I must be going the right way. I keep drawing fly's.

Finally he comes to an opening in the corridor. A fancy
door in front of him. Two guards block his way.

Shah
Move aside and I will let you live.

THE TWO GUARDS look at each other and laugh a little. Then
they proceed to ATTACK Shah. Shah bests them quickly. HE
TRIES the door but it's locked and heavy. Shah steps back,
and with brute force, CHARGES the door, crashing through it…

INT: Aalam's Throne Room – Torch light

There is a WOMAN with Aalam. Shah rolls on the floor and
jumps up ready to fight. Four more Al'Arish guards ATTACK
Shah. Aalam stands back holding his concubine in front of him.

THE AL'ARISH guards are good but Shah takes them all on
with swashbuckling vigor.

Cut:

INT: Back at the other fight – Da'Wud and his men.

Another one of Da'Wud's men is dead. Turhan cuts down
the two guards that Aalam pushed in. TURHAN AND
DA'WUD face off. Ihtsham and Alnitak take on the last
of Da'Wud's soldiers and join Turhan against Da'Wud.

DA'WUD has no chance. They fight him into a corner.
Da'Wud fights with everything he has but they're cutting
him up.

Cut:

INT: Aalam's Throne room

ONE GUARD is down. Shah deals with the other three.
They BATTLE fiercely.

Cut:

26b. SHAH

DA'WUD is forced into a corner of the room by the three.
Turhan gets cut. He looks at his cut and charges in angry.
TURHAN takes over the battle from the other two.

Da'Wud
While fighting
You fight well Turhan, but not as good as your leader, Safi!

Turhan
I will kill you Da'Wud.

Da'Wud
Not today!
He jumps up on a windowsill
You have no leader now. I killed Safi!

Turhan
I am the leader of the Ma'an Army now, no thanks to you.

DA'WUD looks out the window. He smiles and fights
Turhan. When there is a break in the fighting, Da'Wud
jumps. THE THREE look out the window and down
about forty feet. Da'Wud's men were waiting for him
with A CART full of straw. It's night but they can HEAR
the men and the cart dash off into the night.

THEY look at each other.

Cut:

SHAH:

Just as the Camera picks up again, Shah kills two more
of the guards. Only one guard left. Shah FIGHTS relentlessly.

Eventually Shah runs him through. Only Shah and Aalam
now. Aalam moves away from the girl. Shah ATTACKS Aalam!
Aalam is good, he ducks Shah's blow and picks up a sword
behind him.

SHAH BLOCKS from behind.

Cala
To Shah
Watch out, he's good.

Aalam
Shut up woman!

THEY face off. Aalam gives Shah a fight. They SPAR. Shah
shows more skill and strength. Eventually he KNOCKS the
sword out of Aalam's hand. Aalam still faces off with Shah
but without a sword.

SHAH smiles and THROWS his sword down. Aalam is a
big man. They meet in hand to hand but Shah is much
stronger and a perfect fighter. EVENTUALLY SHAH is
behind him and has Aalam around the neck. Aalam
struggles but can't break Shah's iron grip.

AALAM is almost out. CRACK! Shah snaps his neck. Shah
lets go and Aalam DROPS to the ground dead.

(End fight Scene)

Shah
To himself
Turhan!

But just as Shah is about to chase back to Turhan, Turhan
APPEARS at the door.

Shah
Turhan, thanks be to Ala.

Turhan
Wounded
Forgive me my King, Da'Wud has escaped.

Shah
Looks at Cala
Aalam has a palace but nothing to adorn it with accept this woman.

TURHAN looks at her, she's radiant.

Turhan
He need not adorn his palace with anything else.

CALA shy's.

Shah
Looks at her
Indeed.
Looks at Turhan
Turhan, you and your men have won the day. You may take Al'Arish
for yourselves if you wish.

Turhan
Alas my King, a fine gesture but… I think my wife might not wish
to share our bed with another woman. I must decline.

Shah
Laughs a little
You are a great soldier and a great man Turhan.

Turhan
The Al'Arish have many things. I would have some of it if you permit
my King.

Shah
Smiles
You must take from Al'Arish and be the first of your men. Then tell
your men, Al'Arish has taken much from us, Al'Arish is theirs to take
back.

Turhan
I will do this, thank you great king. Is there anything that you desire?

Shah
Thinks
No, but I have no wife. I will see if this woman is worthy.

Turhan
Very good my king!

TURHAN leaves.

Shah
Looks at Cala
I will take you, you will be my prize today!

HE grabs her arm…

Cala
Pulls away, hides her face
I am… not worthy.

Shah
Why?

Cala
I have… been defiled… too many times.

Shah
By Aalam?

Cala
Yes.

Shah
I thought you were his wife.

Cala
No, only… a tool for his pleasure.

Shah
A slave?

Cala
Yes.

Shah
Where are you from?

Cala
Al Karak.

Shah
Al Karak, Such a great kingdom, surely they have Army's?

Cala
We were a small kingdom. Aalam and the man from which Aalam
would walk in the shadow of, took our kingdom and killed my father
the king. And maybe my mother, though I think she may be alive.

Shah
You are… a princess?

Cala
I was… Princes Cala of Al Karak.

Shah
Was, why are you not still a princess?

Cala
I have been defiled. Nothing more than a slave woman now. And certainly
not worthy of King Shah of Ma'an.

Shah
Thinks
I… will say who is worthy to be with me and who is not! Today, you are
worthy. Tomorrow, maybe not but today you belong to me, now come!

Cala
Pulls back again
Wait!

Shah
For what now?

Cala
Come with me, there is something I wish to show you.

Shah
Woman, it is late, I am tired…

Cala
…Trust me, you will want to see this.

Shah
Exasperated
Very well, lead the way…
Pauses, grabs her arm again
…No tricks.

Cala
Laughs a little
Just come.

SHE pulls him along.

Int: Misc Room – Dimly lit

CALA OPENS the door to the room. They enter. The room is
lit by two torch bowls. A large MARBLE BOX sits alone.

Shah
A marble box, so what?

CALA takes the two torch bowls and DOUSES them. Now the
marble box glows in the darkness.

Shah cont.
Now THIS is interesting.

Cala
Aalam coveted it. No one was to go near it. Not even the snake that
led him around.

Shah
Da'Wud!

Cala
Yes, that was his name. Aalam was fooled by his cunning wit. I was
not. Da'Wud was after what was in the box. Da'Wud asked Aalam how
to open the box. Aalam would never tell, he would only jest.

Shah
I'm surprised that Da'Wud did not kill him.

SHAH looks the box over.

Cala
Aalam led him to believe there was indeed a way in. Da'Wud would have
kept him alive until he knew how to get in.

Shah
Do you know what gives the box it's light?

Cala
Aalam used to talk in his sleep. If I understood correctly, it is a lamp.

Shah
Looks at her

A lamp! Then there must be a way in or the oil would run out.
There must be air that gets in . A lamp would have no flame if
there was no air.

Cala
Watches him
If that is true, then its secrets are even more of interest to me.

Shah
Looking more intently
What do you find interesting?

Cala
Many have tried to find a way in. Aalam used to get drunk and would
dare his friends to find a way in. It gave him a great laugh as they
never could.

SHAH looks at her like "And?"

Cala cont.
No one ever got in.

Shah
Stands up
A lamp has only one purpose. To put a box around it would take away
its purpose. The man who did this would be a fool.

Cala
Not such a fool if what you say is true.

Shah
What?

Cala
A lamp needs oil and air. If there is not way in, where does the oil and
air get in?

Shah
Astounded
…How indeed. The lamp inside burns without oil or air…

Cala
I believe it to be so my king.

SHAH examines the box more. He TAPS on its sides with his
knuckles. Then sits on the ground at the side of the box. With
as much strength as he can muster, with both feet, he KICKS
at the side of the marble box.

SHAH RECOILS in pain as the box does not break or even move.
He looks at her. She shrugs her shoulders. He gathers himself
and tries again. HE RECOILS in pain again but the marble
box has sustained no damage and does not move from its place.

HE TAPS on the side of the box with his knuckles again. He looks
dumb-founded at it. He sits back again, closes his eyes, and puts
himself in a meditation trance. After a moment, his eyes open.
He KICKS at the side of the box! This time it CRACKS.

CALA looks shocked. He KICKS again and again. The side of the
box begins to CRACK more and more. AGAIN AND AGAIN!
Finally, in slow motion, the side of the box COLLAPSES.

HE lies back exhausted. Cala cautiously moves over and looks in.
A LAMP. Big, brown, not regaled with gems or gold, very plain.
But the lamp continues to burn its light.

Shah
It looks…

Cala
…Old.

Shah
Yes.

Shah
Looks at her
Can we touch it?

Cala
You can!

Shah
Smiles a little
Ok.

SHAH reaches into the box slowly. He finally touches it but
PULLS his hand back quickly.

Cala
Startled
What, What happened?

Shah
Thinks
…Nothing.

Cala
Oh.

SHAH reaches in again. This time he touches it more. He
eventually picks it up and pulls it out of the box.

Cala
Is it heavy?

Shah
No, no more than any lamp.

Cala
It's not very… pretty. Blow it out.

SHAH blows the flame out but it re-ignites. Shah looks at Cala,
Cala shrugs. He tries again. The flame comes back. SHAH takes
a deep breath and blows the flame as hard as he can. For a
second, the light is out.

SHAH, satisfied with himself, looks at Cala. Cala smiles at him
but then her face turns shocked. SHAH looks at the lamp,
the flame burns again. Shah is shocked as well.

Shah
It doesn't look like it's really worth much. Accept for that GOLD BAND around
the base.

Cala
There is writing on the band.

Shah
Looks closer
Yes, you're right… but… I cannot read it.

Cala
I… it is Old Arabic. I cannot read it but I know of one who can.

Shah
Who?

Cala
Actually there are many…
She thinks
My mother, she could read it. We must find her!

Shah
Is she alive?

Cala
Sad
I do not know for sure. I have only heard rumors. Rumors that she
escaped. Then she went to a city called…
Thinks
…Bahrain.

Shah
Bahrain, I know of it. I will take you there.

Cala
Oh, great king, I could not ask it of you.

Shah
You do not have to. We will go at once, together.

Cala
It is only rumor. She might not actually be there. I have not seen nor heard of
her for years.

Shah
Only one way to find out.

Cut:

EXT: Outside Al'Arish – Dawn is breaking – Warm – Desert

TURHAN sits with his men. They have PILLAGED Al'Arish of
almost everything and LOADED it on anything they could find.
CALA and Shah walk out together. Turhan, Ihtsham and two
other men bring Shah his horse.

Turhan
We thought you had decided to live there my king.

Shah
Laughs a little
Forgive me Turhan, I was inspired to look at something.

Turhan
What did keep you then my king, if I may ask. Surely it was not the woman?

Shah
This.

SHAH holds up the lamp.

Turhan
Rides near to have a look
A lamp my king. It is not my place to say, but what value is an old lamp.
Surely there must be something of mine or my men's that would please
you more?

Shah
No, not yet.

Turhan
And it burns. It is lit my king. There is no need for it now. Blow it
out and save the oil.

SHAH smiles and looks at Cala. Cala smiles. He looks back at Turhan.

Shah
You blow it out Turhan.

CALA smirks. Turhan meanders around it wondering.

Turhan
A strange request my king but if you ask it.

TURHAN BLOWS it out.

Turhan cont.
There it is…

TURHAN'S eyes open wide. The flame re-ignites by itself. His
men LAUGH. He tries again. The same happens. His men
LAUGH louder. TURHAN BLOWS AND BLOWS but still
the flame ignites. His men are HYSTERICAL now.

Turhan cont.
It is a trick.

Shah
No trick my friend. I to was taken by this magic. I thought surely I
could blow it out.

Turhan
Eyes wide
It is the power of Ala!

Shah
Maybe. Though I've not much faith in Ala.
C.S.
Turhan…
Gestures to Cala
…This is Cala, She and I go to find her mother in Bahrain.

Turhan
Yes my king.

Shah
She has not seen her mother in years.

Turhan
Very good my king. Do you wish an escort?

Shah
No but if you would, find one of your men to lend Cala a horse.

IHTSHAM RIDES forward.

Ihtsham
Please Turhan, let me do this?

Turhan
Ihtsham, are you sure?

IHTSHAM climbs down from his horse and leads it over to Cala.

Cala
I do not wish to burden the kings men.

Ihtsham
Helps her up gladly
It is no burden princess. I wish to serve my king in any way I can.

Turhan
Ihtsham, you will ride with me.

Ihtsham
Looks up at her smiling
…And it is an honor to ride on the back of Turhan's horse.

Cala
Smiles kindly at Ihtsham
You are more of a man than most that I have met.

Ihtsham
Climbs up on Turhan's horse
Thank you princess. What are you the princess of?

Shah
She is the Princess of Al Karak.

CALA looks closer at Ihtsham.

Cala
Forgive me, have we met?

Ihtsham
I don't believe so princess but I to feel we have known each other.
Perhaps in another life.

Shah
To Cala
Woman, can you ride?

Cala
Which way?

SHAH points South. SHE RIDES the horse up on its
hind legs "Lone Ranger style", and takes off at a strong
GALLOP. THE MEN LAUGH. Shah enjoys the humor in it.

Shah
Turhan, get your men home. Let them enjoy their spoils. Give them a
great meal and give them time with their women!

Turhan
It shall be done my king!

Shah
Turhan, may Ala be with you!

Turhan
And with you my king.

SHAH RIDES off after Cala. The men CHEER as he rides off.

Turhan
Come my men, a good meal and quiet nights await you!

THEY ALL CHEER again and ride off.

Cut:

Ext: Desert – Mid Morning – Getting hotter – Bright – Slight wind

TURHAN leads his men back to Ma'an.

Turhan
To Ihtsham who rides with him
Ihtsham, are you crazy, that is the kings woman?

Ihtsham
But Turhan, I was telling the truth, I believe I have met the princess
somewhere before.

Turhan
A weak excuse for trying to win the heart of the kings woman. She is
ten years your senior.

Ihtsham
Turhan…
As they ride off
…I swear, I was not trying to…

Turhan
…Ok Ihtsham, I believe you.

Fade out:

Int: Bahrain – Early Evening – depressed – warm

SHAH and Cala ride into Bahrain together watching all
of the poor and depressed as they ride by. People watch
them, all are sad. AN OLD MAN steps in front of them.

Muzzer
Please, please, great king. Please help us?

SHAH AND CALA stop.

Muzzer cont.
Please, please…

Shah
…How did you know I was a king?

Muzzer
I have been around for too many years. You ride high upon your horse.
I know a king when I see one.

Cala
You are wise old man. What is your name?

Muzzer
I am Muzzer great queen.

Cala
I am not a queen but thank you for the kind words.

Shah
This is Cala princess of Al Karak, we seek her mother.

Muzzer
Thinks

There is a woman, she lives on the Eastern street. If I am correct,
she is also from Al Karak. She lives on the South side of the street.

One man, children and several other women. You will know the home
by two small ladders that climb to the roof.

Cala
We are grateful wise one, we shall not forget you.

Shah
We shall not forget you old one. You will not be hungry for long.

They begin to ride off.

Muzzer
Ala be with you great king.

SHAH looks back and smiles.

Cut:

INT: Dusk – East street

CALA and Shah can see the house. Several women and two
children work in front of the house. CALA is not sure which
one is her mother.

Cala
Calls out
SHIMSHAW!

ALL THE WOMEN look up. But one begins to step forward trying to
see who had called her name, then she sees…

Shimshaw
Cries out!
Cala!

Cala
Cries out!
Mother!

CALA JUMPS off her horse and runs to her mother.

Shimshaw
Crying and running with open arms
Cala, oh my God, Cala!

THEY embrace. It's a joyous reunion! Shah stops next to
Cala's horse. He is pleased. One woman CALLS for the others
to come out of the house. THREE MORE WOMEN, a middle
aged man and three more children COME OUT. Cala and
Shimshaw cry hysterically.

C.U. Of Cala and Shimshaw.

Shimshaw
Cala, Cala, we thought you were dead!

Cala
No mother, I am alive and I longed to be at your side for many years.

CALA looks around. She doesn't recognize the other women or the
children but she recognizes the man.

Cala cont.
Uncle?

HAMDOT smiles. She JUMPS into his arms.

Hamdot (One leg)
It is good to see you Cala.

CALA turns and embraces her mother again. They can hardly
believe they are together again. Shah has climbed down from
his horse and watches gladly.

Shimshaw
Cala, you must come inside and tell me everything.

CALA looks at Shah.

Cala

Wait mother, you must meet this man.

SHIMSHAW looks at him. He is extremely attractive.

Shimshaw
Cala, have you gotten married?

SHAH just smiles. Cala brings her mother to Shah.

Cala
Mother, this is Shah, king of Ma'an.

SHIMSHAW is shocked, but joyfully so. She kneels before him. The
rest of the women, children and the uncle also bow.

Shah
Please, all of you, do not kneel, it embarrasses me.

Cala
The King brought me to you.

Shimshaw
I am in your debt forever. We live humbly great king. Please come
in, I have bread and our water is fresh and cool.

Shah
Water…
Looks at Cala
…Water sounds wonderful.

Shimshaw
Brushes herself off
Cala, you bring a king to such a place?

THEY ALL go inside.

Int: Shimshaw's home – shadowy – dim

THEY all sip cool water.

Shimshaw
To Shah
King Shah, did you know that you have rescued the princess of Al Karak?

Shah
Yes mother, this was made known to me. And you, you are its queen?

Shimshaw
Blushes
All of these women were women of Al Karak. This is my brother
Hamdot. And the children are all children of these women. It is believed
that their husbands are all dead.

Shah
And how were you able to escape the Al'Arish attack?

Shimshaw
Recreate the scene – no dialog
A secret passage. But the Al'Arish soldiers found it and blocked our
way. My brother, quick with the sword, fought for all of us. I think Five
Al'Arish soldiers. He cut them all down so that we could continue
our escape!

Shah
A gallant man and a man above men. Hamdot, I commend you.

Hamdot
Recreate the scene – no dialog
Thank you great king but during the battle one of the Al'Arish soldiers
cut a great gash in my leg.

Shimshaw
He fought until all the soldiers were dead.

Hamdot
Recreate the scene – no dialog
I was unable to walk after that. The women carried me to safety. I have
only one leg now. I do nothing but sit around while these women tend to my
needs. What kind of man am I know.

Shimshaw
A great man Hamdot. If it weren't for you, we would all be dead. We
tend to you with grateful hearts.

The other women agree.

Hamdot
I have only one leg. A man with only one leg is not man at all.

Shah
Taken aback
Hamdot, who told you that?

Hamdot
Thinks
…My friends, many men.

Shah
You should find new friends.

Hamdot
But great king, I am but a pebble in the shoes of these women, I cannot
even protect them.

Shah
Hamdot, did you not keep all these women and children from death,
or worse?

Cala
Yes, it could have been worse.

Hamdot
…Yes, I suppose.

Shah
You help when you can?

Hamdot
…When I can.

Shimshaw
You help us all the time. One leg does not keep you from helping at all.

Shah
And who says you do not protect these women. Your mere presents is
enough to keep evil men away.

Hamdot
No, they all know that I have only one leg.

Shah
Has anyone ever tried to attack you or the women since you have
been here?

Hamdot
Think
No, no I don't believe they have.

Shah
Here or in the city?

Hamdot
No, I don't think so.

Shimshaw
No one has ever been attacked to my knowledge.

The others agree.

Shah
Hamdot, don't you see, just your being here detours men from casting
even one evil deed.

Hamdot
But I…

Shah
…Don't you know how these people think? A handsome man, good,
kind strong. A man like you, with only one leg is even more threatening than a
man with two.

These people think that a man with one leg, had lost the other in a
great battle! They fear you even more! They would not dare cast evil
against any in your care for fear that even with one leg, you are a
dangerous man.

Hamdot
Humbled
Your words are like cold milk to my ears great king. Although, it was
only one battle and the only one I was ever in.

Shimshaw
But brother… It was a great battle.

Shah
Hamdot, whoever told you that you were not a man because you
only have one leg is a fool, and he told you that because he fears you.
A man who tells such things should be dragged behind a horse, the horse
made to back up and shit upon him!

All laugh or snicker.

Shah cont.
Hamdot, you are a man above men. If you could ride a horse I would
put you at the head of one of my legions. One leg, two legs, one could only learn
from the man you are.

THE OTHER WOMEN agree and coo.

Shimshaw
Careful great king Shah, he may be a great man but soon his head will
not fit through the door!

ALL laugh.

Hamdot
I think maybe you are right great king. It is foolish to think that I am not a
man only because I have one leg.

Shah
Hamdot, you are a man but the truth is even if a man had no arms and no
legs, HE… is still a man.

Hamdot
I will carry these words for the rest of my days great king.

Shah
Good…
C.S.
Shimshaw, how many live her in Bahrain?

Shimshaw
Thinks
…About… a Thousand I think.

Shah
A Thousand, so few and yet all you eat is bread?

Shimshaw
We have no choice. Aalam, king of Al'Arish keeps us poor. He and
his soldiers raid our city. They know just when to come. They take anything
of value, animals, jewelry, sometimes even people.

Cala
Solemn
Mama… Aalam… is dead.

Shimshaw
What?

Cala
Aalam is dead. King Shah killed Aalam with his bare hands.

Shah
You need so longer fear Aalam again. He, his men and his entire
kingdom… are no more.

Hamdot
Praise be to Ala.

THE REST praise Ala as well.

Shimshaw
When other evil men hear that Aalam is no more, they will come.

Shah
Thinks
A Thousand you say?

Shimshaw
Approximately.

Shah
Thinks
…There are many homes in Ma'an. They are outside the palace but they
are still under my protection.
Thinks
…You and your people could come to Ma'an.

All are joyful.

Shimshaw
That is more than anyone could ask. I will extend my protection to
Bahrain… though…
Pause
…It may take time to get here with help.

Shimshaw
A wonderful gesture none-the-less.
C.S.
Great King, my home is humble but it is getting late would you stay with
us until the morning?

Cala
Yes King Shah, you may have my bed…
Embarrassed
…Of course… I… would not be… in it.

Snickering.

Shah
Your home is my home mother. I will stay until morning… and Cala,
will sleep in her own bed tonight… alone.

Snickers.

Shah cont.
I will sleep on the floor.

Some of the children speak up.

Child 1
We sleep on the floor great king.

Shah
There, you see, I will sleep on the floor with the children.

Shimshaw
King Shaw, I have no way to repay you for all that you have
done or will do. I would lay down my life for you but you only need ask.

Shah
Laughs a little
A warm place to sleep and cool water. This is all I could ask.
C.S.
But there is one thing that I might ask of you.

Shimshaw
Please… name it.

Cala
Gets up, heads out
I will get it.

CALA comes back in after just a second with the lamp. Cala hands
it to Shah, Shah hands it too Shimshaw.

Shah
There is a small band of gold around it's stand and an inscription.
Can you read it for me?

Shimshaw
Oh yes my king, of course.

SHIMSHAW views the inscription. Then she looks at Shah, then Cala,
then Shah and begins to cry.

Cala
Mother, what is wrong, what does it say?

Shah
Takes her hand
What is wrong mother?

Shimshaw
Still crying
He calls me mother. I think his words comfort me more than those
of Ala.

Cala
Mother!
She looks up
Ala, forgive her.

Shah
Please mother, what saddens you?

Shimshaw
I owe you my life. You ask of me, one simple thing but…

Cala
But?

Shimshaw
…I… I cannot answer your question. I cannot read it.

Cala
But mother, you told me that you could read Old Arabic.

Shimshaw
Old Arabic yes. This is ancient Arabic!

Shah
Laughs
Please mother, a misunderstanding. Surely there are others.

All laugh.

Shimshaw
Tomorrow I and the others will go about the city telling everyone of
your offer. I will ask around.

Shah
Good, tell them to be prepared to leave in two days. I will ride ahead
and prepare for you.
Pauses
Cala… you belong to your mother now. You do not belong to
me anymore. If you stay here in Bahrain, I will not be offended.

Cala
Thinks of something quick
But… I am yours King Shaw. You took me when you took Al'Arish,
I must honor that.

SHAH smiles.

Shimshaw
She is my daughter and I wish her to live in Ma'an with me.
Thinks
She will follow me there.

Shah
To Shimshaw
If that is your decision. Tell your people to take all that they can carry,
nothing more. You will lead them mother. Do you know the way?

Shimshaw
Pleased
I know the way.

Cut:

Int: Shimshaw's home – Morning – Warm

SHAH awakes. He sees Cala.

Shah
Sits up
Cala, why are you not with the other women telling about Ma'an?

Cala
Thinks
I was going to but my mother insisted that I stay here and take care
of you.

Shah
Smiles
I'm sure I could get bread and water myself.

Cala
Panders to him
But you are a king and a generous one. She insisted.

Shah
Not convinced
Cala I…

SHIMSHAW BURSTS through the door.

Shimshaw
Shah, I have news…
C.S.
Cala, what are you doing here?

SHAH gives Cala a look and smiles. Cala shy's and smiles.

Shah
Back to Shimshaw
What news?

Shimshaw
Oh… there is an old man that sits in the market place. I spoke to
him about your offer.

Shah
Yes…

Shimshaw
Oh… I asked him if he could read Ancient Arabic. He told me he could!

Shah
Good…
He grabs the lamp
Show me to him.

THEY ALL leave together.

Cut:

EXT: Bahraine – Market Place – Sunny – Warm – Morning

THEY DISMOUNT and walk up to the old man.

Shah
Sees him
I know this man. His name is Muzzer.
To Shimshaw
He directed us to where you lived.

Muzzer
Ah, Shimshaw, it is good to see you again, can we talk?

Shimshaw
To Muzzer
Some other time Muzzer, the King has a question for you.

THE OLD MAN can't see very well.

Muzzer
Great king, what question do you have for an old man?

Shah
Shows him the lamp
I…

Muzzer
Calls out
Ah!... Ah!… Praise be to Ala!

Shah
You…

Muzzer
…Praise be to Ala!

Shah
You have seen this before?

Muzzer
Still astonished
…Not… since I was a child
Looks from the lamp to Shah
…Can I hold it?

SHAH hands it to him.

Muzzer
Ah! Praise be to Ala, I have prayed that this would be found! Where
did you get it?

Shah
From Al'Arish, Aalam had it hidden there.

Muzzer
Ah… so that is where it was. Many believed that it was lost under the
moving sands of the dessert. It has not been seen for… seventy years.
There were many like it. But they are not real. Please tell me… can
you extinguish the flame, can you blow it out?

Shah
No… there is no way to blow it out.

Muzzer
Then… praise be to Ala, it is the real one!

Shah
The real what? What is it?

Muzzer
Serious
This… is the Lamp of Al Adene!

Shah
The ancient king?

Muzzer
Yes, have you heard the stories?

Shah
Some.

Muzzer
I only know of one.

Shah
Please, wise one, tell us.

Muzzer
It may not be true.

Shah
Or… it may be.

Muzzer
Looks at the Lamp
This lamp is over Eight-Hundred years old.

ALL are shocked.

Muzzer cont.
It is said that there were many lamps like it in those days. But the
other lamps like it were simple. They grew old and have long since gone back to the
sand from where they came.

It is said that the King, Al Adene, bought several of them to light the
darkness around his throne in the night. This lamp was only an ordinary lamp.
It burned oil and gave light.

This lamp was made when the Son of God roamed this region looking for
men to tell about God.

Shah
I was unaware that Ala had a son.

Muzzer
Not Ala. God… the God of Abraham, the Hebrew God.

Shah
Ishua?

Muzzer
Yes.

Shah
My father told me some of these stories.

(Act out as muzzer narraites)

Muzzer
Yes… there was a man that lived in this region. His name was Ge'nea.
(French sounding)
He was not a King but he was very wealthy. He was a follower of the
Hebrew God. He gave great amounts of his wealth to those in need. In time,
his wealth would dwindle.

Ishua heard of Ge'nea and sought to find him. When they finally met,
Ishua loved Ge'nea because of his love for God the Father. Ishua new of
all that Ge'nea had done for the people.

Ishua blessed Ge'nea with great power to give more to the
people. Ge'nea was pleased and offered a great prayer to God. Ishua
went on with the Eleven men that walked with him. Ge'nea walked throughout
the land blessing the poor with gifts from the father God and told them
about God.

One day, King Al Adene heard of Ge'nea and his great power,
and called for Ge'nea to have an audience with the King.
Ge'nea made his way and eventually stood before King Al Adene.
King Al Adene believed that Ge'nea was only a sorcerer and thought
to test him.

The King, for his entertainment, asked Ge'nea to perform magic for him.
Ge'nea answered and said that he could do no magic. That his power
came from God and he could only give what people needed.

Ge'nea told the King that he would grant him three wishes. King Al Adene
was not a believer. The King, unsure of the man, asked for his first
wish. It is said that the King asked to be King of the entire region.

Ge'nea told him that his wish would be granted. The King wanted
to have his wish granted right away but Ge'nea only said… wait. The King
waited. It is said that in only a few days, curriers were sent from every kingdom
in the land. All kingdoms submitted to his authority.

But the King was still skeptical. So he called Ge'nea before him once again.
It is said that King Al Adene's second wish was that he would have a Thousand
Beautiful wives.

Ge'nea told him that his wish would be granted. In a couple of days a
Thousand Beautiful women from all over the land came and pledged
to be his wives. He married all of them.

The King was amazed and called for Ge'nea again. When Ge'nea stood
before him, he asked for his third wish. He asked Ge'nea for more wishes.
Ge'nea told the King that he could not grant this wish. God only allowed
him to grant three wishes. Ge'nea told the King that he could still make
a third wish.

King Al Adene was angered and insisted. Ge'nea pleaded with the king,
that he didn't have the ability to grant more wishes. King Al Adene
was blind with rage. It is said, that in his rage, he made a wish in
haste. The king picked up one of the lamps from the floor and wished
Ge'nea into it!

Silence.

Shah
So there is a man inside this lamp?

Muzzer
I do not believe… a man… maybe a… spirit. Ishua heard about the
fate of his friend Ge'nea. Ishua went before King Al Adene. The
king made no amends. Ishua was angry and cursed the king,
"that when he died, his soul would be taken to the dessert caves and made
to dwell there for all eternity or…

Shah
Or… what?

Muzzer
Or… until a man with a good soul would kill the spirit of
King Al Adene.

Shah
Wise one, can you read what is inscribed on the gold band around
the bass of the lamp.

MUZZER turns the lamp to read the inscription.

Muzzer
Ah, this is the ancient language. The language of the Hebrews.
It reads: If a man possesses the Lamp and his soul is good,
that man belongs to the Lamp and the Lamp belongs to him.

It is written, if the Lamp belongs to a man and his soul is good,
he can call on the power of the Lamp. It is written, if the man's
soul is good, and he calls on the power of the Lamp, let him rub
the Lamp on its west side with his right hand and call on the spirit of
the Lamp to come forth.

It is written, if the man's soul is good and the spirit of the Lamp stands
before him, he will be granted three wishes. It is written, if the man's
soul is good, he may ask of the spirit of the Lamp his first wish.

It is written, if the man's soul is good, he may ask of the spirit a second wish.
It is written, if the man's soul is good, he may ask of the spirit, one final wish.
It is written, if the man's soul is good, upon his final wish he will have three
choices. It is written, if the man's soul is good, his first choice is to
ask of the spirit of the Lamp, a riddle. If the man answers the riddle correctly, he
will be granted three more wishes.

It is written, if the man's soul is good, his second choice would be to
simply ask the spirit of the Lamp for one last wish. It is written,
if the man's soul is good, his third choice would be selfless. The man
might choose to free the Spirit from the Lamp that is his prison. Thusly
exhausting his third wish.

It is written, upon the man's third wish being granted, he no longer
belongs to the Lamp and the Lamp no longer belongs to him. He
must then find another man with a good soul to give the Lamp to.

It is written, there are five laws.

MUZZER looks up smiling. Shah looks down at Muzzer.

Shah
And…

Muzzer
And… there is no more.

Shah
How am I to know of the five laws? Do you know them?

Muzzer
I'm sorry great king, I do not.

Shah
Frustrated
How will I know if I have broken one of the laws?

Muzzer
Shrugs his shoulders
I… don't know.

Shah
To Muzzer
Have other men used the Lamp?

Muzzer
Yes but I only know stories.

Shah
What do the stories say?

Muzzer
Five men had the Lamp. But only two of them were actually able to
use the power of the Lamp. The stories say, that of the two men,
one lived a long and fruitful life and simply died of old age. But the
other became a Serpent man. Again great king, only stories.

Shah
Comes back to reality
I do not wish to become a serpent.

Cala
You would not, you are a great king and you have a good soul.

Shah
Thank you Cala.
Thinks
This changes everything. Da'Wud will be after this lamp and will stop
at nothing to get it.
Thinks, looks at Shimshaw
Go, tell the people to be ready tomorrow morning. You will all Caravan
to Ma'an. Cala, come with me, I must pack and ride to Ma'an tonight.

Shimshaw
King Shah, will you make a wish?

Shah
Thinks
I have need of nothing.
Thinks
I will wait until I have needs.

The others around him act disappointed.

Shah
Looks down at Muzzer
Thank you wise one.

Muzzer
Looks up at Shah
It is my greatest pleasure to serve you my king.

Cut:

Int: Night – Shimshaw's house – lantern light

Shah
Packing, to Cala, quietly
I will ride through the night to Ma'an.

The others are still asleep.

Cala
Great king, it is very dangerous to ride through the dessert at night.

Shah
Smiles
I know the way and I will not stop.
Pulls on his pack
I will go now, the darkness will hide me.

SHAH heads outside.

34. Ext: Shimshaw's house – Cool – Dark – Midnight

SHAH loads his pack on his horse, then looks at Cala.

Shah
Cala, stay and help. Help with the Caravan.

Cala
Sad
Ok.

Shah
Pulls up her chin
Cala, please, do as I say.

Cala
I will.

SHAH:

SHAH CLIMBS on his horse and rides off.

Ext: Outside Bahraine – Dark – Dessert – Cool

SHAH stops and looks around. Then he rides quickly to Ma'an.

Cut:

Next Day:

Ext: Morning – Bahraine Market Place – Sunny – Warm

THE CARAVAN is formed. Shimshaw RIDES to the front next to Cala
and Hamdot. The few that are staying in Bahrain are old. They wave.
The Caravaners wave back. Shimshaw begins to ride into the dessert.

Fade out:

Time passes:

Ext: Dessert – mid afternoon – blazing hot – sunny

(The Camera picks up at the front of the Caravan).

CALA, SHIMSHAW AND HAMDOT are riding side by side.

Cala
Oppressed
Why must it be so hot? How much longer mother?

Shimshaw
Also oppressed
I think… six more hours.

Hamdot
Oppressed
That is too long. We're going to start losing people pretty soon.

Shimshaw
Maybe we should have gone at night.

6. (Fight Scene – Corriograph)

HAMDOT stops. He looks down as though he were listening for
something. Cala sees him and rides back to him. She watches
Hamdot for a second then calls for Shimshaw.

Cala
Mama!

SHIMSHAW sees them and RIDES back to them. She watches Hamdot.

Shimshaw
Hamdot, are you all right, what is it?

HAMDOT holds up a shushing hand. Pause.

Hamdot
…I… can hear… horses.
Pause, listening
There are… horse… coming this way.

Shimshaw
Panicked
From which way?

Hamdot
Beat
…I'm… not sure…
Beat
…But… they are… running.
Beat
…Lots of horses…

Cala
…Which way, which way are they coming from?

Hamdot
Turns to the East and points
There!

Suddenly an army of men on horseback CHARGE over a dune
from the East. The Caravaners begin to SCREAM and react. THEY
CHARGE the Caravan. But when they get closer, Da'Wud sees
something and stops. His entourage stops with him.

28_a. Da'wud

Da'Wud
Something is wrong. Some of the Caravaners are not moving. Not
panicking like the others.

When DA'WUD'S MEN get close enough Ma'an soldiers throw
off their disguises and aim bow and arrow. THEY FIRE on
Da'Wud's new army of Tabuk. Many fall. The Ma'an soldiers
re-string and fire again falling more of the Tabuk soldiers.

Finally some of the Tabuk soldiers get through. The Ma'an
soldiers have to fight with sword but they hold their own.

(Camera cuts to a view of a dune North of the fray)

SHAH and more soldiers COME over another dune and quickly
mix with the battle.

DA'WUD:

Da'Wud
Sees Shah
There he is.

DA'WUD looks over his shoulder and signals ten great Dark Knight's
to come forward. They RIDE up to Da'Wud's side, the metal from their
suits of armor and their weapons CLANK as they ride. Da'Wud points.

Da'Wud cont.
There… on the white horse, the one that no one can get near. That
is the King of Ma'an. Get him.

The Dark Knight's all carry heavy CHAINS. They begin riding slowly
but eventually begin to RIDE faster into the battle. Some of the
Ma'an soldiers try to stop them. The large men are invincible.
They plow through on their horse and cut down Ma'an soldiers
easily. They move toward Shah.

SHAH sees them coming. He sees that they are killing his men off.
He RIDES over to them. They try to CAST the great chains around
him but he's as strong as any of them and as good a warrior.

HE BATTLES all ten of them. Turhan sees Shah and quickly rides
towards them. The fighting is thick and Turhan must fight through.
IHTSHAM sees and begins to RIDE toward Shah as well but he must
also fight through the battle to get to them.

SHAH, while still fighting sees some of Da'Wud's men chase down
and capture Cala. Shimshaw sees this also and screams for her,
riding toward Cala!

Shah
Cala!

SHIMSHAW is almost killed by one of the Tabuk soldiers. She's
knocked off her horse. A Ma'an soldier CUTS him down before
he can kill Shimshaw. SHAH CRIES out to Cala…

Shimshaw
Cala!

…who is being hauled away but Shah can't get away. This distracts
him enough for the Knight's to get their CHAINS around him. THEY
succeed in PULLING him off his horse. Turhan and Ihtsham are still
fighting to get to him. SHAH is somewhat encumbered but still
fighting. The large knight's have trouble with him…

THE KNIGHT'S dismount. THEY eventually get more CHAINS around
him. The knight's watch. The weight of the chains is too much. Shah
struggles but FALLS over. THE KNIGHT'S get on their horses and
begin dragging Shah through the dessert. Turhan finally gets through
and charges the knight's.

TWO OF THE KNIGHT'S see him and turn around. Turhan CRASHES
into them, sword drawn. He BATTLES both of them. They are not
getting anywhere with Turhan but he's not getting anywhere with
them.

Eventually, Tabuk soldiers surround Turhan, he is distracted and
has to fight the Tabuk soldiers. The knight's ride off. IHTSHAM
gets close enough to use his bow and arrow. Before long, the
Tabuk soldiers fighting Turhan have either fallen to Turhan's
sword or Ihtsham's arrows.

TURHAN, IHTSHAM AND SOME OF THE MA'AN SOLDIERS give
chase but Tabuk soldiers thwart their attempt. They must battle
on.

(End fight scene)

Fade out:

Int: Tabuk Palace – Throne room

THEY bring Shah in heavy chains. They throw him down. Shah
looks up. Da'Wud sits on the throne.

Shah
Struggling
Da'Wud, why do you sit on this throne?

Da'Wud
Calmly
Shah, what kind of question do you ask, I am their new king?

Shah
Da'Wud, you are no king, nor will you ever be. You are like the
dessert snake, the only way you will ever be king is if a man turns
over the rock from which you hide under!

Someone laughs.

Da'Wud
Calmly
You are a great king Shah but I…

Shah
Barely able to talk
…Da'Wud, you have your kingdom now! Let me go to mine!

Da'Wud
Shah, you are wise but you must know, I'm not looking for a
kingdom anymore, yours or anyone else's.

Shah
…But you said…

Da'Wud
…I changed my mind! I want the Lamp!

Shah
Smiles
Then take it fool, and leave me be!

Da'Wud
Ah, yes, but you know that it would not work for me. That is why
I need you. "You belong to it, and it belongs to you. I am… inherently
evil. It would not work for me anyway. So… I need you to make
wishes for me.

Shah
And what makes you think that I would do this for you?

Da'Wud
Bring in the girl!

SOME GUARDS bring Cala in. They stand her before Da'Wud. She
spit's in his face. One of the guards slaps her so hard she falls.

Shah
Fuming Angry, to the guard
When I get free, I will kill you for that!

The same guard walks over to Shah, looks at him and slaps him.

Da'Wud
None of these men fear you Shah.
Pauses, looks at Cala
Now, you will make my wishes for me, or I will kill this girl.

DA'WUD walks over to her and caresses her hair.

Da'Wud cont.
…Slowly.

Cala
Angry
Do nothing for him Shah. Let him kill me! Do nothing for him!

Shah
Thinks
If you kill her, I will wish her back to life and I will wish death
upon you!

DA'WUD stands up, walks over and kneels by Shah.

Da'Wud
Do you know of the five laws?

Shah
I have… heard of them… but I do not know them.

Da'Wud
Stands up
I know them. Would you like to hear them?

Shah
They will only be lies from your lips!

DA'WUD walks over to one of the guards. The guard is holding the
Lamp. Da'Wud takes it from him and kneels by Shah again. He
turns the Lamp over. There are ancient Hebrew inscriptions on
its base.

Da'Wud
They were written here, on the bottom of the Lamp but I know them
well…

Stands and paces.

Da'Wud cont.
Let's see, "Law one, you cannot use the power of the lamp to bring someone
back to life. God reserves that power for himself."

Law two, you cannot use the power of the Lamp to make someone love you.
Law three, You cannot use the power of the Lamp…
Leans over so Shah can hear him
…To decide the fate of another man.

Stands back up and paces.

Law Four, you cannot use the power of the Lamp to become
like God. And Law Five, you cannot wish for more wishes.

BREATHS.

Now, call on the spirit or I torture her in front of you.

Cala
Do nothing King Shah, do not do it!

Shah
I…
He strains to look at Cala
…I must.

Looks at Da'Wud. Da'Wud puts the Lamp by Shah's hands.
Through the chains, he rubs the lamp.

Shah cont.
Spirit of the Lamp… come forth!

The flame that was the small light, grows large. It explodes into
a great ball of fire. Tabuk men move back. Soon the flame turns
into the Spirit. A huge man, muscular, bearded, levitating.

Ge'nea
I… am the Spirit of the Lamp. I will grant you anything you desire…
Looks at Shah in chains
What desire you?

Shah
To Da'Wud
What is your wish.

Da'Wud
I wish… that I had the power of the Spirit of the Lamp!

GE'NEA doesn't respond. He's angry!

Da'Wud cont.
Answer me Spirit!

Ge'nea
Looks down at Shah
I would but grant your wish, but you must ask it.

Shah
Tired
Very well…

Cala
…No!

Shah
Give Da'Wud power, equal to that of your own.

A long pause. DA'WUD looks on with child like anticipation.

Ge'nea
…I …cannot.

Da'Wud
What!

Shah
Spirit, why?

Ge'nea
It would be a violation of the fourth Law. I cannot make him like God.

Da'Wud
I demand it! It is my wish! You must answer it Sprit!

Shah
To the Spirit sarcastically
He demands it.

Ge'nea
It is not my law but Gods law that governs me. It is not a power
that I can bestow.

Da'Wud
Frustrated, angry
Damn!

Ge'nea
To Shah
You still have not asked of me, your first wish. What commandeth thee?

SHAH strains to look at Da'Wud.

Da'Wud
Thinks
I…
Thinks
I don't know, I don't know!

THE SPIRIT bursts into a ball of fire. The ball of fire explodes
and soon, the small flame becomes a light again. The Spirit
is gone. Da'Wud Ponders.

Tabuk Soldier 1
Great king…

Da'Wud
Still pondering in frustration
Oh… take them to this pit you speak of. Keep them there until I
think of something!

Tabuk Soldier 1
…And the Lamp my King?

Da'Wud
Put it… put it somewhere where it cannot be found by others. Now
go, all of you!

THEY ALL LEAVE. Da'Wud is in a funk. They haul Shah in his
heavy chains and Cala outside.

36. EXT: Behind the Tabuk palace – Cloudy – Warm – Night is breaking

Several of the Tabuk soldiers are standing with Shah and Cala.

(Camera does an Arial view looking down over the pits. We
need to suggest that the pits are large, round, about Twenty
Feet apart, and deep. Very Deep).

ELEVATORS of sorts, at the side of each pit. The guards forcefully
push Cala onto the elevator of the second pit and begin lowering
her in. Shah is furious at their mindless treatment of her.

Shah
Adlib Angry
Don't do that!

CHAINS and all, they PUT Shah, with some weight difficulties,
on the elevator and begin LOWERING him down.

(The Camera follows him down from a side view. From
the center out).

HIS decent is gradual at first, then picks up speed as though
they were just letting him fall. When he nears the bottom of the
pit, his decent slows until he is gently set down to the floor.

Tabuk – shaws pit – down in

HIS chains are heavy and cumbersome. Out of spite, he doesn't
move off the elevator platform. From above, they PULL a
different rope. Shah HEARS is but doesn't know what they're
doing.

HE feels the elevator being pulled up but it SPLITS in the
middle dumping him on the cold mud floor.

Shah
In a loud angry voice
Ala damn you to hell!

HE can barely move due to the weight of the chains and the
way they are awkwardly wrapped around him. SHAH is able
to MOVE himself into a sitting position against the wall. He sits,
sighs a breath. There is an echo but silent otherwise.

C.U. of Shah's face through the chains. His eyes move as he
looks around. SHAH'S POV looking around. Nothing for a
moment. Then he HEARS a faint voice.

Cala O.C.
Faint
Shah!

SHAH hears her but can't believe it.

Cala O.C.
Faint
Shah!

Shah
Cala!

Cala O.C.
Faint
Oh Shah, I hear you, can you hear me?

Shah
Yes Cala, but how?

Cala O.C.
Faint
There is a hole, about chest high. I can see day light at the other end
of it. Can you find it?

Shah
Struggling
It is… difficult!

HE uses his feet to MOVE himself around the pit.

Shah cont.
Keep calling!

Cala O.C.
Faint
I am here great king…
Beat
…I am here.

SHAH struggles to move. Her voice gets a little louder each
time he moves.

Cala cont.
…I am here my love.

Shah
Stops
What did you say?

Cala O.C.
Still faint but louder
I am here my king.

SHAH keeps moving.

Cala O.C. cont.
Can you still hear me?

Shah
Better, I believe I'm near the hole. Call again.

HER CALLS coming out above him.

Cala O.C.
I can you hear me my king?

SHAH stops, looks up, he can see the hole but his CHAINs are
too heavy for him to stand.

Shah
I hear you. I can see the hole but my chains are such, that I cannot
stand to look into it.

Cala O.C.
Faint
It is ok… there is nothing to see.

Shah
Hearing you is enough.

Cala O.C.
Faint
Hearing your voice my king, it warms my heart.
Pause
Are you alright?

Shah
I am for the moment accept these chains. They are such that I have not
the strength to move.

Cala O.C.
Faint
I'm sorry great king.

Shah
Laugh's a little
For what?

Cala O.C.
Faint
I believe you are here because of me.

Shah
I am here because of you. But I wish to be here.

Silence.

Shah cont.
Cala?

Silence.

Shah cont.
Cala?

Cala O.C.
Faint
I'm sorry my king, I was thinking.

Shah
What were you thinking about?

Cala O.C.
Faint
…Shah, do you still have the Lamp?

C.U. Shah's face. Shah's POV He looks around.

Shah
I… I do not see it. I don't believe it is here.

Silence.

Shah cont.
Cala?

Cala O.C.
Faint
I was thinking again…
Beat
…Muzzer read that the Lamp belongs to you and you to the Lamp.

Shah
Yes.

Cala O.C.
Faint
Well, maybe… you could… call for it. Maybe you could use its power
even though you are not near it.

Shah
Muzzer also read that it must be touched by my right hand.

Cala O.C.
Faint
Oh, yes… he did say that didn't he?
Beat
I also know… that you are the greatest among men.

Shah
Strange statement
Thank you Cala.

Cala O.C.
Faint
…If you had the Lamp, you could wish yourself free and then…
Pause
…And then you could find me and rescue me.

Shah
Smiles, thinks
…And I would, had I the power.

Cala O.C.
Faint
You…
Beat
You should try.

Shah
I would do this. I would do this if you ask it.

Cala O.C.
Faint
You must try, you must try.

SHAH rolls a little to where he is lying down. He closes his eyes.
He concentrates.

Shah
Begins to call the Lamp quietly
Spirit of the Lamp, if you hear me, come forth.

He listens for anything.

37_a. INT: Dark room – The Lamp sits

It sits with old dirty things, storage of sorts. The Flame still
flickers its light.

SHAH:

Shah
Again
Spirit of the Lamp, if you can hear me, come forth.

LAMP:

The flame begins to burn brighter. A strange light begins
to SWIRL around it.

SHAH:

Shah
Louder
Spirit of the Lamp, come forth!

LAMP:

THE LAMP is in MOTION. A large flame BURSTS out lighting
the store room.

SHAH:

Soon a smaller ball of fire appears in the pit with Shah. It EXPLODES
into a large fire ball…

Shah
Calls to Cala
I think… it's working!

Soon the fire ball gives way to the Spirit. He hovers.

Ge'nea
What commandeth thee great king of Ma'an?

Shah
Spirit, I would for my first wish.

Ge'nea
Command it.

Shah
I have a question before I tell my wish.

Ge'nea
Ask it.

Shah
Can I wish for two things at the same time?

Ge'nea
You cannot. But you may ask for your second wish and then your
first.

Shah
Good, the princess of Al Karak is in the adjoining pit.

Ge'nea
Yes.

Shah
I wish that you would free her from the pit.

Ge'nea
Where would you wish me to free her to?

Shah
Thinks
Her mother's side.

Ge'nea
It will be granted.

GE'NEA CLAPS his hands together with outstretched arms. A
fire ball APPEARS. Cala appears in the FIRE BALL.

Int: Large dimly lit room – Ma'an Palace – Early afternoon

There are people all around from the Caravan. PEOPLE FROM
MA'AN are helping them, mending wounds, feeding, giving
water. Shimshaw is also helping when suddenly a small fire
ball APPEARS next to her.

SHE stops to look at it. The small ball of fire lights up the
room. Everyone is startled but watch. The small fire ball
explodes into a large one. People YELL and SCREAM. They
run away or back up.

The large fireball settles to the ground and dissipates.
When the fire is gone, Cala sits somewhat stunned. SHIMSHAW
sees her and cries out her name. She almost dives on her
with joy!

Bahrain man
Where… where did you come from?

37. Int: Tabuk pit – Shah and Ge'nea

Ge'nea
She is now with her mother.

Shah
Is she ok?

Ge'nea
She is well.

Shah
Then may I have my first wish?

Ge'nea
Command it.

Shah
I wish to be free of this pit.

Ge'nea
Where can I free you to great king?

Shah
The princess Cala's side.

Ge'nea
It will be granted.

THE SPIRIT CLAPS his hands together as he did before.

A small fire ball APPEARS near where Shah lies. It then
explodes into a large one. It ENGULFS Shah and Dissipates.
Shah is gone. The spirit is also gone.

38_a. Int: Ma'an Room – Caravaners

EVERYONE has gathered round to help Shimshaw and Cala
when the process REPEATS. Only this time there are two
fire balls.

THEY both EXPLODE into large ones. When they dissipate
Shah lies in Chains and the Lamp lies next to him. EVERYONE
gathers around Shah.

Shah
Cala!

Cala
Shah!

SHE falls CRYING at his side.

Cala cont.
King Shah, you fool, you only have one wish left!

Shah
Cala.

Cala
Yes my King, anything.

Shah
Please find someone to get me out of these chains. They're
suffocating me?

Cala
Calls out
Find Turhan! Find Turhan!

SOMEONE leaves the room quickly.

Shah
Cala.

Cala
Yes my king?

Shah
Please stay with me.

EVERYONE laughs a little.

Cala
I would not think of it my king. I would not leave you.

Shah
Thank you.

TURHAN and some of his men ENTER the room. They rush
to Shah's side.

Turhan
Looking at Shah
Praise Ala. You are here… but…
Pause
…How?

SHAH can barely speak.

Cala
Sees the lamp
It was the Lamp. He wished us free of the Tabuk pits!

Turhan
Looks
How does a lamp set you free?

Shah
Turhan?

Turhan
Yes my king.

Shah
Get me out of these chains.

Turhan
Yells out
Find a black smith, immediately!

Ihtsham
There are four in our kingdom, which one?

Turhan
All of them!

IHTSHAM runs quickly out.

Cut:

INT: Ma'an Throne room – Late Night – lamp light

SHAH sits while Cala tends to his cuts and bruises from the
chains and the burns from the blacksmiths.

Shah
Cala, your hands are like silk to my skin.

Cala
And your skin is fine to the touch… where is not burnt.

SHAH stands up. He walks over to the Lamp and picks it up.

Cala
Great king, what are you going to do?

Shah
I'm going to make my third wish.

Cala
But… great king, I hope you would not squander it.

Shah
Looks at Cala romantically
It will not be squandered.

HE rubs the Lamp.

Shah cont.
Spirit of the Lamp, come forth!

Again, a small ball of fire LIGHTS the room. Then it explodes
into a large one. Soon the Spirit appears.

Ge'nea
Great King of Ma'an, wish upon me your third and final.

Shah
Spirit of the Lamp, do you know my wish?

Ge'nea
I can hear your thoughts but only if you would have me do so.

Shah
I would… Hear the wish of my thoughts Spirit.

Ge'nea
Any wish would I grant for the great king of Ma'an but of this…
I cannot.

Shah
Saddened
But Spirit…

Ge'nea
…It is forbidden according to the second law.

Shah
Hangs his head
It was but the only wish I have. It was the perfect wish.

CALA puts her hand on Shah's shoulder.

Ge'nea
Great king Shah, you are the finest king I have ever known.

SHAH looks up somewhat surprised at his comment.

Ge'nea cont.
I have known many great kings but you are far the greatest…
You have a good soul.

Shah
Spirit.

Ge'nea
Might I impart wisdom unto you?

Shah
Down
Of course Ge'nea

Ge'nea
This wish that you would have me grant…

Shah
…Yes?

Ge'nea
You did not need the power of the Lamp for it to come true.
It already has.

Shah
Surprised
It… it has?

Ge'nea
It came true the moment you and the princess were first together.

Shah
What?

SHAH looks at the Ge'nea with a facial expression that asks
"Should I go for it?" THE GE'NEA smiles and bows his head.
Shah goes over to Cala and looks deeply into her eyes.

Cala
My King, do I have something in my teeth?

Shah
You have beautiful teeth, but I am not looking at your teeth.

Cala
Blushes, becoming swooned
The… what… are you looking… at… Great King Shah of Ma'an?

Shah
Your eyes.

Cala
Looks away, blushing
Is there… something… about… my eyes that you…

SHAH makes her look at him. Their eyes meet in passion again.

Shah
Your eyes are like the deep blue oceans that surround the sand.

Cala
King Shah, you are… making me…

Shah
Kneels before her
Cala…

CALA can barely contain herself.

Shah cont.
…Would you be… Queen of Ma'an?

Cala
But King, I have been…

Shah
…I do not care Cala. I have never met a woman that has been the answer
to my greatest wish. Please Cala…

HE bows his head.

Cala
Speechless
I…
Beat
…Yes… yes of course great king!

HE stands, she lunges to kiss him.

Cut:

INT: Great Room – People are Sleeping

The door to the room bursts open. Cala runs to her mother
and wakes her. In doing so she wakes others around her.

Cala
Mother… mother… you must awake…

Shimshaw
What, is there something wrong?

Cala
No… mother… King Shah has asked me to marry him!

SHAH stands behind them now.

Shimshaw
Jumps up
To mar… are you sure?

Shah
She is sure mother.

Shimshaw
Cries out
My daughter is to marry the King!

Everyone CHEERS.

Fade out:

Int: Tabuk Kingdom – Throne Room – Night

DA'WUD is frustrated and calls for his highest ranking soldier.

Catchun (Catch – oon)
With a hiss in his voice
Yes my king?

Da'Wud
Bring the Ma'an King to me, and get the Lamp, I have decided to
make a wish!

Catchun
Yes my king.

CATCHUN leaves.

Ext: Tabuk Palace courtyard – night – dark

CATCHUN enters the courtyard with a torch and walks up to his 2nd
in charge soldier.

Catchun
Bisale?

Bisale
Yes Great one?

Catchun
Get the Lamp and meet me at the pits.

Bisale
Yes great one.

Cut:

Ext: Pits – Night – Dark – Cool

CATCHUN is LOWERING the elevator into Shah's pit.

Catchun
Calls down
Crawl scorpion, crawl onto the lift, the king desires your presence!

Nothing.

Catchun cont.
Come on you dessert snake, I haven't got all night!

Nothing. He YELLS louder!

Catchun cont.
Hey! Ma'an King!

An Echo only. CATCHUN walks over, picks up a lamp
from off it stand. He looks down to pit and drops the lamp in.
It falls almost disappearing into the darkness. When it finally
HITS the bottom of the pit it bursts. There is enough light to
see that the pit is empty.

Catchun cont.
How?

Just then BISALE RUNS up.

Bisale
Great one!

Catchun
Still looking into the pit
…Don't tell me, the Lamp is gone…

Bisale
…Ye… how did you know?

CATCHUN is still looking in the pit. Bisale looks in also.

Bisale cont.
Oh.

Catchun
I'm dead.

Cut:

Int: Tabuk Throne Room

THE TWO TABUK SOLDIERS stand before Da'Wud. (Conversation
already in progress)

Da'Wud
…Are you sure?

Catchun
Humbly
Yes my king, I am sure.

Da'Wud
The Ma'an king… and the Lamp?

Bisale
Taken my king, from the stores.

Da'Wud
Thinks
Maybe… did you check the other pit?

Catchun
Surprised
I… no my king, in my haste to tell you, I did not.
Kneels, bows his head
…Forgive me my king!

Da'Wud
Who was guarding the pits?

Catchun
Looks at Bisale
We have… never needed to guard the pits there is no way out.

Da'Wud
Thinks
I hadn't thought to ask.
Looks at Catchun
You my friend, have never had a prisoner like King Shah before.
Thinks
…I may have another theory. Take me to these pits.

Cut:

Ext: Pits – Night – dark – cool

THEY'RE all holding torches. Da'Wud looks down into the first pit.

Da'Wud
This was the pit the King was in?

Catchun
Yes my king.

The fire is out. They can't see into the pit. Da'Wud throws his torch
in. It finally LANDS and gives enough light to illuminate the bottom
of the pit. Clearly it is empty.

Da'Wud
Take me to the other pit.

Catchun
Points
It is right over there my king.

They walk over. Catchun pulls another torch from its stand and
drops it into the second pit. When it LANDS it becomes clear
that Cala is not there either.

Bisale
He climbed out and rescued her!

DA'WUD looks at Catchun.

Catchun
The walls of the pits are smooth as ice.

Da'Wud
Put your fo… man on the Kings lift and lower him down.

Bisale
But great king…

CATCHUN grabs Bisale and pulls him over. He forces Bisale onto
the lift.

Catchun
Get on fool!

BISALE gets on, Catchun begins to LOWER Bisale down. As
CATCHUN is lowering Bisale, Da'Wud calls to Bisale.

Da'Wud
Yelling down
When you get to the bottom of the pit, try to climb out if you can!

Bisale
Yes my Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!

Time Passes:

BISALE is at the bottom of the pit. (Camera is still up
top with Da'Wud and Catchun).

Cut:

Int/Ext: Floor of the pit – Pitch black

(Now camera is in the pit)

BISALE lights a torch, he waves it around to see the walls. He
sets the torch down and tries to find a place to climb. BISALE
tries to CLIMB the wall even though there is nowhere to grab on.

Cut:

TOP OF PIT

Da'Wud
Calls down
Can you climb out?

Bisale O.C.
Faint
It is… quite impossible my king!

Catchun
Yells down
Are you sure?

Bisale O.C.
Faint
Quite sure great one!

Int/Ext: Bottom of pit

BISALE takes his torch and steps back on the lift.

40. TOP OF PIT

Catchun
Your theory my king?

Da'Wud
Your fool answered one. The only possible way they could have gotten out
was to use the Lamp.

Catchun
But I thought he had to rub…

Da'Wud
…I thought so as well.
Thinks
…Which means… that he wished both of them out, which two, means…
he has only one wish left.

Catchun
Only one my king?

Da'Wud
Thinks
Get your fastest rider. Send him to Ma'an. Tell him that he is to determine
whether or not the King has only one wish left.

Catchun
Yes my king.

CATCHUN AND DA'WUD begin to walk away talking… Bisale is
still in the pit.

37. INT/EXt: Down in the pit

Bisale O.C.
Faint
Ok… you can pull me up now…

Silence.

Bisale O.C. cont.
Ok… I'm ready!

Silence.

Bisale O.C. cont.
Great one… my king… is anyone up there?

Silence.

Bisale O.C. cont.
Oh sh…

Cut:

Ext: Soldiers area – Cool – Fires – Smokey – Getting lighter out

CATCHUN looks around the camp but sees no one that he likes.
Eventually he sees the ten dark knight's off by themselves. Catchun
walks over to them. They pay no attention to him. Finally one looks up.

Fear (The leader)
What do you want fool?

Catchun
Fairly dark and evil himself
Watch your tongue knight!

THE KNIGHT springs up, sword drawn and at Catchun's throat. Catchun,
a seasoned soldier himself, does not flinch.

Fear
It is YOUR tongue that will be lost, still inside your head fool!

CATCHUN displays a long knife. Fear sees it.

Fear cont.
So, you are a warrior are you. Think you could have killed me with that
before I cut off your head?

Catchun
One day… we shall see.

Fear
One day… I look forward to!
Pauses, pulls his sword back
You have my respect but you cannot speak to the knight's.

FEAR walks away.

Catchun
I speak…

FEAR is in Catchun's face again, sword drawn.

Fear
…I told you…

Catchun
…For the king!

FEAR looks for a second, then backs off and goes back to what he
was doing.

Fear
Ignoring Catchun's presence
What does the king ask?

Catchun
The king asks that a strong rider go to Ma'an to determine the amount of
wish the king has left.

Fear
Is that all?

Catchun
I could ask someone else if none of your men are up to the…

Fear
…Who told you to come to the dark knight's?

Catchun
It was… my own decision.

Fear
Still attending to what he was doing
If the king asks it…

Catchun
He does.

FEAR calls one of the other knight's.

Fear
Fire!

FIRE stands up.

Fear cont.
Answer the kings call.

Fire
Dark Voice
Yes great one!

FIRE walks over to their huge horses and MOUNTS. He gives
Catchun a look and RIDES off.

Fear
Tell the king.

Catchun
I will.

CATCHUN walks a little and then turns.

Fear cont.
We will meet again.

Fear
I promise it.

Cut:

Ext: Ma'an Palace – Façade – Early morning

6. Int: Shah's throne room

SHAH wakes up next to Cala

Shah
Cala.

Cala
Exhausted
Whhhaaat?

Shah
Wake up.

Cala
Ok my King but why?

SHAH gets up and picks up the Lamp again. Cala strains and looks
at him.

Shah
Looking at the Lamp
I know what my third wish will be.

Cala
More awake now
How… do you know?

Shah
I saw it in my dream.

Cala
Can you tell me?

Shah
Looks at her
You are my wife, I can tell you anything… right?

Cala
I… I guess so. So… what was your dream?

Shah
My dream was of many things but one was of the Lamp. I am to
answer the riddle.

Cala
Goes to his side, desperate
Shah, you are a wise king but…

Shah
…You do not trust me?

Cala
If you answer incorrectly…

Shah
…I would not ask you to stay married to a snake.

Cala
…If you answer correctly…

Shah
…Then, my dreams will be answered.

Cala
And mine?

Shah
What dreams have you?

Cala
That yours are answered.

Shah
Smiles, rubs the Lamp
Spirit of the Lamp, come forth.

THE SPIRIT APPEARS in his usual way.

Ge'nea
What is your command great King Shah?

Shah
I am ready for my third wish.

Ge'nea
I know of it.

Shah
I must ask you a question.

Ge'nea
Ask it.

Shah
Tell me the truth Spirit, is there truly anyone who can answer
this riddle?

Ge'nea
I will always tell you the truth, the truth will set you free.

SHAH'S not sure what to think of that.

Ge'nea cont.
Many men have known the answer to this riddle but they are long dead
now. There is but one now, who knows the answer.

Shah
Can a man believe his dreams?

Ge'nea
If he is a good man and has a good soul.

Shah
Looks at Cala

For my third wish, I would ask of you Spirit, the riddle that I might be
granted three more wishes.

Ge'nea
Only three have asked in Eight-Hundred years. Only one answered
correctly.

Shah
I am ready.

Ge'nea
Great King of Ma'an, this riddle has two parts and thusly, requires
two answers. The first part of the riddle… what was the name of the first
born son of king Al Adene?

The second… Who did the first born son of Al Adene call father?

Shah
Hm.

Cala
The questions are impossible to answer!

Shah
Not impossible.

Cala
I… really?

Shah
I must ask of you still another question.

Ge'nea
Ask it.

Shah
The son of God, it was… a man… by the name of Ishua?

Ge'nea
Correct.

Shah
The stories of Ishua speak of twelve followers?

Ge'nea
Correct.

Shah
But… at the time when Ishua cursed king Al Adene, Ishua only
had eleven followers?

Ge'nea
Correct.

Shah
Then, if I am to trust my dreams, the name of the first born son of
king Al Adene… was Judas.

Pause.

Ge'nea cont.
Correct.

CALA sigh's relief.

Shah
Ishua only had eleven follower at that time, so king Al Adene's first
born son… Judas was the Twelfth follower of the son of God?

Ge'nea
Correct.

Shah
But since king Al Adene fell out of favor with all of his kingdom because
of the curse Ishua put on him, Judas had to change his name.

Ge'nea
Correct.

Shah
Looks at Cala smiling
You see, now, we go by one name. Our second name is our stature
and then where we are from. I am Shah, King of Ma'an. You are Cala,
Princess of Al Karak.

CALA shrugs her shoulders.

Shah cont.
…But Eight-Hundred years ago they…
Looks at the Spirit
…went by one name and then the name of their father.

Ge'nea
Correct.

Shah
So, since Judas could not carry his real fathers name, he chose
the name of another man.

Ge'nea
Who was?

Shah
Pause
Iscariot. Judas, son of Iscariot.

Ge'nea
Looks at Cala
You have married, a wise man…

CALA looks at Ge'nea with bated breath. Ge'nea pauses.

Ge'nea cont.
…For I must grant the King three more wishes.

CALA almost faints into Shah's arms with relief.

Shah
See… you did not have to be married to a snake after all.

Cala
Looks up at him
You… my King… are indeed wise.

Shah
But… Ge'nea, you… you have to stay a slave to the Lamp again.

Ge'nea
It is a small price to pay for the wisdom of a great king. I am
glad to serve.

Shah
I… I will not forget this Ge'nea

GE'NEA explodes into a ball of fire and retires to the Lamp.
Shah passes out.

Ext: Ma'an – East Side – Dawn – Palace Façade

FIRE, the dark knight, RIDES towards the palace. An arrow STICKS
in the sand in front of his horse. Fire stops, unfazed, and looks to
see who fired it.

A voice CALLS to Fire from a high palace wall.

Turhan
From the Palace wall
I remember you! You took my King!

Fire
Calls back
Yes!

Turhan
What is your business?

Fire
I am to inquire of your King.

Turhan
Leaves, then comes back
Approach the main gate of the palace. I will meet you there.

FIRE RIDES on.

Ext: Ma'an palace – front gate – getting lighter – cool

FIRE, in all his hellish candor, rides past the people of Ma'an. They
fear the very sight of him. He stops in front of the main gate of the
palace.

Huge wooden doors OPEN. Several Ma'an citizens gather round
for curiosity sake. TURHAN comes out. He looks up at the
menacing knight on his horse, then SNIFFS the air.

Turhan
Good god man… you stink!

Fire
Waste my time and I shall cut you in half!

Turhan
With what, your stench?

People LAUGH, fire smiles an ugly dark sinister smile. Then he
quickly draws his huge sword. People jump back. Ma'an soldiers
DRAW theirs. TURHAN neither flinches or draws.

Fire
Loudly
With this!

Turhan
Amused but not afraid
With that…
Pause
…You would certainly cut something in half.

Pause.

Turhan cont.
What is your inquiry?

Fire
My king… wishes to know if your King still has one wish
remaining?

Turhan
Wait here, I will ask him.

FIRE pulls out a large hourglass, turns it over and SLAMS it down
on a nearby post.

Fire
You have until the sand runs out to get my answer! Then…
I will get it myself.

Turhan
Feigning serious, mocking
Well now, we wouldn't want that would we?
Beat
I shall return quickly.

TURHAN leaves. The Ma'an soldiers stay and keep an eye on Fire. Fire
smiles at them.

ONE OF THE MA'AN SOLDIERS COUGHS at the stench emanating
from Fire.

Time Passes:

TURHAN Returns.

Turhan
I have your answer.

Fire
Speak it!

Turhan
The King… does not have one wish left.

Fire
Too bad, I will tell my king.

FIRE is about to ride off when Turhan stops him.

Turhan
Wait! …I'm not finished.

Fire
Angry
You waste my time infidel!

FIRE turns the hourglass over.

Fire cont.
Answer quickly!

Turhan
Calmly
The King does not have one wish left… he has three wishes
left.

Fire
What… That is impossible!

TURHAN quickly draws his sword and CUTS Fires hourglass
in half.

Turhan
Stern, unafraid
Apparently not. Now go and tell your king. And take your
stench with you!

PEOPLE LAUGH.

Fire
We will meet again Ma'an fool!

Turhan
Good, and when we do I will take you prisoner, bring you back and
give you a bath.

PEOPLE LAUGH. FIRE looks around, then smiles at Turhan.

Fire
Until then fool!

FIRE RIDES off.

Cut:

Ext: Tabuk Palace Façade – morning – bright

Int: Tabuk palace throne room

FIRE is kneeling before Da'Wud on his throne. Conversation
already in progress.

Da'Wud
Contemplates
…So… he answered the riddle.

Catchun
He could be lying my king.

Da'Wud
I do not believe so.

Fire
But how my king?

Da'Wud
On his third wish he asked for the riddle. He answered it correctly
and now… he gets three more wishes.

Fire
I see my king. You will wish us to capture him again. Shall I
prepare the knight's for battle?

Da'Wud
Thinks
No…
Beat
…But tell them to be ready, we're going in search.

Catchun
In search of what my king?

Da'Wud
The Lamp

Fire
As you wish.

FIRE leaves.

Da'Wud
Looks at Catchun
Yes, Surely he will squander wishes on us if we attack. But there is
one. One so powerful that Shah could be made to succumb to
my desires.

Catchun
Who my king?

Da'Wud
The man that asked for the riddle but answered wrong. The man
who would be half man, half snake!

Catchun
I have heard of this but I did not believe.

Da'Wud
Thinks
I must believe the man exists.

Catchun
Then if such a man exists, some of the stories I have
heard may be true?

Da'Wud
Yes… the stories say he is large, powerful, fast, deadly, wise and…
he would know the power of the lamp.

Catchun
I have also heard stories that say no man can come
near him. All that have tried have died.

Da'Wud
Yes… I have also heard this.

DA'WUD thinks.

Catchun
Then we must win his favor.

Da'Wud
Thinking
We shall… promise him one wish. He will surely wish
to become a man again.

Catchun
A good plan my king. One wish for Tabuk, one for the snake
man and one for you.

Da'Wud
Out of the corner of his eye
…Yes… yes, that's right… a wish for everyone.

Catchun
Excited
Then we must find this man!

Da'Wud
Excited
Gather your Army's, we leave for the dead sea tomorrow
morning!

Cut:

6. Int: Shah's throne room – morning

SHAH AND CALA embrace each other. Shah continues to
swoon her even after they are married.

Shah
…Do you like baubles?

Cala
Yes, do you have baubles?

Shah
Yes.
Thinks
But for you, I would give something special.

Cala
Like… what?

SHAH pulls away. He walks over to a stand and picks
up the Lamp.

Cala
King Shah, are you going to wish for something?

Shah
Actually… not yet. I wish to ask Ge'nea a question.

SHAH rubs the Lamp.

Shah cont.
Spirit of the Lamp… come forth!

GE'NEA appears in usual fashion.

Ge'nea
What commandeth thee?

Shah
I only desire wisdom.

Ge'nea
Ask it.

Shah
Please spirit, the dessert caves, are they… the same… are
the dessert caves actually… King Solomon's mines?

Ge'nea
They are the same.

CALA is pleasantly surprised.

Shah
Do you know where they are?

Ge'nea
I do.

Shah
Are there vast riches there?

Ge'nea
Riches, abundant.

CALA covers her mouth in shock.

Shah
Spirit of the Lamp, does the soul of King Al Adene dwell
there?

Ge'nea
The soul of king Al Adene doth dwell there and his soul doth
defendeth the treasures of King Solomon.

CALA is perplexed.

Shah
What else must I know about this phantom?

Ge'nea
He is powerful, and… almost impossible to see, hear, or feel. Few
men have found him. None have lived. But… if you can kill the soul
of King Al Adene, all that is in the mines belongs to you.

Shah
He is but a mirror of himself now. An apparition, how can a man
kill him?

Ge'nea
You must find the Crown of Solomon. When you put the crown
upon your head, you will be able to see… the soul of king Al Adene.
With the crown upon your head, you may strike him down with your
sword.

Cala
Runs to Shah begging
Shah, you cannot do this. Any treasure you have will suit me.
I would be honored to wear it.

Ge'nea
Do you wish to know the future great King?

Shah
Curious
Do I need to know the future spirit?

Ge'nea
If you do not gain the treasure of Solomon, Da'Wud will have it.
And with this great wealth he would become the ruler of all the land
and rule as a tyrant.

SHAH looks at Cala. Cala still doesn't want him to
risk his life.

Cala
You should not my king. Let Da'Wud have it!

Shah
But my queen, he would become ruler over all.

Cala
I don't care, I only wish to have you alive.

Shah
Thinks
Cala, do you not remember how Aalam kept you?

Cala
I… I do not… understand my King.

Shah
Aalam was a fool, Da'Wud was the reason you were Aalam's
Concubine. Da'Wud is the reason your kingdom fell. Da'Wud
is the one who killed your father… and…

SHAH hangs his head. Cala consoles him, she embraces
him.

Cala
What great king?

Shah
Da'Wud killed my father also.

Cala
Holds him tight
Forgive me my love, I did not know.

Cala
But you are a King, and a King should have a crown.

Shah
Smiles, looks at Ge'nea
Can you provide me a map spirit of the Lamp? A map that
will guide my steps to the dessert caves?

Ge'nea
Great King, to grant you a map would be to grant you a
wish.

Cala
I know!

Shah
Speak it my queen.

Cala
Find a map, a good map. Then with quill, ask Ge'nea to guide
your hand upon the map. Ge'nea could speak it and you
could use the quill and ink to stretch a line to the dessert
caves.

SHAH looks inquisitively at Ge'nea. Ge'nea bows his
head in affirmation.

Shah
Ge'nea, is Da'Wud still in Tabuk?

Ge'nea
Da'Wud has departed but he caravans to the Dead Sea. You will
get there before him.

SHAH looks at Ge'nea dumbfounded.

Shah
Why the dead sea?

Ge'nea
To find one who could strike down the King of Ma'an.

Cala
What?

Shah
Who?

Ge'nea
A demon, his name is Xerxes. (Zurk-Zees)

Shah
Thinks
We must go! Thank you spirit!

THE SPIRIT of the Lamp RETREATS back into the lamp.

Shah cont.
Cala, is Muzzer here in Ma'an?

Cala
Yes, he rode with my mother.

Shah
Get him! We will caravan to the caves. You must catch up to us.

Cala
Yes my King!

CALA dashes out.

Int: Corridor – Outside Shah's room

Shah
Calls his guard
Taimur!

Taimur
Yes my King?

Shah
Find Turhan, quickly!

Cut:

Time Passes:

Ext: Tabuk Caravan – Dessert – Early Evening – Hot

DA'WUD AND CATCHUN ride together. The dark knight's follow.

Catchun
This beast we seek, I am told he has killed all the men that have tried
to approach him.

Da'Wud
Yes… I heard that also.

Catchun
Then, how should we approach him?

Da'Wud
Cynical
You have many men, surely your men can stop him?

Catchun
I fear… that even many men have tried.

Da'Wud
Do not worry Catchun, if that does not work, we will not
waist men, I will send in the Dark Knight's with their
heavy chains.

Catchun
But my king, no man…

Da'Wud
…Catchun, with all your doubt, how is it that you lead the
Tabuk Army?

(Camera shows the Dead Sea ahead).

Catchun
Points, excitedly
There, ahead my king!

Da'Wud
That must be the Dead Sea. There is a city ahead, someone
there must know where to find the beast.

THEY ride into the city of Masada. Da'Wud speaks as
they ride.

Da'Wud
Tell your men to take food and water anywhere they wish. If anyone
stands in their way, they have my permission to kill.

THE SOLDIERS OF TABUK pillage the homes around them. An
old man approaches Da'Wud.

Betelgeuse
Please, please, my people have so little.

Da'Wud
Digs at his fingernails
…And this concerns me… why?

Betelgeuse
Please, tell your men to leave something.

Da'Wud
Tell me old man, we search for the man half man, half
snake. Do you know of him.

Betelgeuse
I… I know of this man but I know not where he is. There is a
Temple up the Jordan River in a small city called Meribah. It sits
on the top of the sea. The Temple monks may know where
this man is.

Da'Wud
The… very North end of this sea?

Betelgeuse
Yes great one.

Da'Wud
To Catchun
Gather your men. We will make for this… Temple.

THEY begin to gather and ride out.

Da'Wud cont.
Tell someone to kill that old man.

CATCHUN orders the old man killed. The people around the
city are shocked at what they see. The old man lay dead in
the street.

DA'WUD AND THE TABUK ARMY begin to CARAVAN out of
Masada. As they caravan out, the towns people see the Dark
Knight's as they pass. They are suddenly quiet and watch in
horror as the Knight's leave.

Cut: or Fade:

Time Passes:

Ext: Ma'an Army Caravan – Late afternoon – Sunny – Hot.

DA'WUD:

Da'Wud
To Catchun
What is that ahead of us, high on that mountain?

Catchun
Looking
I… I do not see great king.

Da'Wud
Points
There, just above where the sun breaks.

CATCHUN still can't see it right away.

(Camera shows a distant but great temple/palace of
sorts, on the side of the mountain ahead of the caravan).

Catchun
Ah, now I see it my king!

Da'Wud
Could that be our temple?

Catchun
It has to be, there is nothing else here.

Ext: Outside Main temple gate – Early Evening – Sunny – Hot

TWO GUARDS, very large men, guard the main gate. Da'Wud's
caravan pulls up and stops. A man in the temple comes out
to greet them.

Sindar
Good day my friends, welcome to Khirbat Qumran. I am Sindar,
one of the temple masters. How may I be of service to you?

SINDAR stands next to Catchun. Catchun pauses and then
from his horse, KICKS the man in the chest, KNOCKING
him to the ground.

Fight scene - choreograph

THE TWO GUARDS approach ready for action. But two of
the Dark Knight's, Fire and Steel, intervene. They ATTACK
the two guards. The two guards are fierce warriors but no
match for the two knight's. The knight's cut them down
after only a moment of battle.

End fight scene

CATCHUN is on the ground and has Sindar precariously
around the neck with a knife to it. ANOTHER MAN comes
out of the temple. Several others follow.

Manchien (Temple master)
What is this?

MANCHIEN sees Sindar held captive and the two temple
guards dead.

Manchien cont.
This is holy ground, a temple of God! Do not desecrate this
place!

Pause.

Manchien cont.
You must leave! You must leave now!

CATCHUN THROWS Sindar to the ground cutting his throat
in the process. Catchun then takes Manchien by knife around
his throat. The other monks stop. They are shocked and afraid.

Da'Wud
To Manchien
Who… are you?

Manchien
Throat restricted
I… am… Manchien… I am… the… supreme… temple master!

Da'Wud
Calm, takes the leather off his hands
We don't want trouble, we simply seek information.

Manchien
…In …formation… and you killed… for it?

CATCHUN C.U. pulls his knife tight against Manchien's throat.

Catchun
You speak to the king of Tabuk. You will address him properly
and speak only when spoken to.

Manchien C.U.
Yes, yes, forgive me great king.

Da'Wud
I really don't care but whatever.

Manchien
…What… information do you seek… great… king?

Da'Wud
The man, half man, half snake, do you know of him?

Manchien
…I… yes great king!

Da'Wud
Where does he dwell?

Manchien
…The Snake… man…

Catchun
…Answer quickly fool!

Manchien
…There is… a narrow… road… along the… East… side of the
Waters of the Dead Sea… It is… sand… and lies between the
waters… and… the cliffs.

Da'Wud
Yes?

Manchien
There is a great… cave… high up… on the cliff. It… will…
take… several… hours… to get… to it.

Da'Wud
How high up?

Manchien
…The height… of… half… your caravan… great king.

Da'Wud
Hm… have you ever seen him?

Manchien
No one… has. Death comes… to all… who… try!

Da'Wud
To Catchun
Bind him. We will make camp here for the night. In the morning
we will seek the cave. Before anyone sleeps, gather rope and
timbers from the temple to make a lift. We will bring this one along.
If he is lying to us, we will kill him there.

Catchun
Yes my king.

CATCHUN is very strong and lifts Manchien off the ground before
binding him. The Tabuk army begins to MAKE camp. SOME OF
THE TABUK SOLDIERS go into the temple to get timbers. Some
of the monks try to stop them but are knocked aside or killed.

Cut:

SHAH'S CARAVAN:

SHAH shows the map to Turhan as they ride. Cala and Ihtsham
join them to look on. Conversation in progress.

Turhan
…I believe I have been to this place. I was a child. I had no
idea what this place was.

Shah
I to was there. My father and the Arabian Knight's took me
there, though I know not why.

Cala
It will be night soon, will we continue?

Shah
Yes but if we get lost, I will simply call on the Spirit of the
Lamp to guide us.
C.S.
How is Muzzer?

Cala
He is well. He is with my mother in a wagon that has a tent upon it.

WAGON:

MUZZER AND SHIMSHAW are inside the back of the wagon.
They seem happy.

(Camera pulls back and zooms out and up to show a higher
view. Show the huge Ma'an Caravan and the dessert around
them).

Cut:

Next Day:

Ext: Tabuk Caravan – Dessert – Mountains – Morning – Hot

THE TABUK CARAVAN is MOVING along the narrow sand road
between the Dead Sea and the steep cliffs. They move precariously
as they are very close to the sea.

CATCHUN still has Manchien tied up. Catchun pokes Manchien
with the end of his sword.

Catchun
How much longer Christian monk?

Manchien
I… I am not sure, perhaps another hour.

Catchun
Pokes him again
You lie, you die!

Manchien
I… have no reason to lie to you. We will get there.

Catchun
I'm going to kill you anyway.

MANCHIEN cringes.

Cut:

50. Ext: Ma'an Caravan

SHAH looks at Turhan as they ride. Turhan watches
diligently.

Shah
Do you watch for the Tabuk army?

Turhan
Or any others that might see this place we are going to.

Shah
You look nervous Turhan.

Turhan
Forgive me my king… cautious perhaps.

Shah
Chiding his friend
I think you are nervous.

Turhan
Looks around
…Nervous is what has kept me alive so long my king.

Shah
Laughs a little
We have a great Army at our disposal. Relax Turhan, if there
is someone else out there, I fear you will worry them to death.

Turhan
Smiles
I have never lost a battle my king. Because I worried. I guess
you could say, I worried them to death.

SHAH laughs.

(Camera catches the other lead characters riding behind
Shah and Turhan).

Cut:

Time Passes:

Ext: Tabuk Caravan – Noon – hot

MANCHIEN has been looking up and watching.

Manchien
Points up
There!

ALL stop. All look where Manchien is pointing.

(Camera reveals a huge cave opening).

Huge and high up!

Da'Wud
To Catchun
Do you have men that can climb?

Catchun
Yes my king…
Calls out
…Climbers!

THE CLIMBERS come forward, take ropes and begin SCALING
the cliffs to the cave opening.

Catchun
What shall I do with the monk?

Da'Wud
When the lifts are built, send him up into the cave. Let him
speak to the serpent man.

MANCHIEN shows hopelessness on his face.

Cut:

Time Passes:

The lifts are done.

Da'Wud
To Catchun
Well… send him up.

CATCHUN DRAGS Manchien over to one of the lift and THROWS
him on one.

Manchien
This will serve no purpose, I have no influence with this man!

THEY start to haul him up.

Da'Wud
Calls up to him
Then ask your God to save you!

MANCHIEN starts to pray. Catchun and some of his
men laugh.

Cut:

Time Passes:

MOUTH OF CAVE

THE CLIMBERS AND TABUK SOLDIERS look at Manchien.

(Camera shows the immensity of the cave).

Tabuk Soldier 6
Pushes Manchien
Go… go!

MANCHIEN nervously begins to walk in.

DA'WUD:

Da'Wud
To Catchun as they watch
Well, we'll see.

Several minutes go by.

Da'Wud cont.
Have we been led astray?

Then THEY hear a SCREAM from the cave.

Da'Wud's POV.

As THEY watch, the opening of the cave, Manchien is SHOT
out like a cannon ball. They watch him plummet into the sea.
DA'WUD and Catchun look at each other. Catchun then
looks up.

Catchun
Well my king… what now?

Pause.

Da'Wud
Gather One-Hundred of your best men. Put them on the lift and
get them up there… quickly.

Catchun
I think it would be a waste of good men my king.

Da'Wud
Looking up
Probably.

Cut:

Time Passes:

DA'WUD - Da'Wud's POV:

(Camera shows many men standing near the edge of the
cave opening, swords and shields at the ready).

Catchun
Yells up
Send them in!

Mouth of cave:

THE MEN start to move deeper into the cave. All are terrified.

DA'WUD - Da'Wud's POV.

DA'WUD AND CATCHUN watch. A few moments later, Tabuk
soldiers shoot out of the cave in clusters, screaming as they
plummet into the Lake.

Catchun
Looking up
This isn't working my king.

Da'Wud
Nope.

DA'WUD looks back at Pain. Pain rides up next to Da'Wud.

Da'Wud cont.
Do you think you can do this?

Pain
With all of us up there… maybe.

DA'WUD bids him go. Pain rally's the knight's.

Cut:

Ext: Tabuk Soldiers – Mouth of Cave – Mid afternoon – Sunny – Hot

THE TABUK SOLDIERS are struggling to haul Pain and the
other knight's up with their heavy chains and armor.

Cut:

53b. MOUTH OF CAVE

EVEN MORE SOLDIERS are hauling the last of the knight's
up.

Fear
Let's go catch a snake!

THE TEN KNIGHT'S enter the cave with sword and shield AT
the ready. As they get deeper in, they begin to see the light
of many torches. The huge cave opens up to an even larger,
cavernous room.

53c. Int: Large cave room – torch lit – at the other
end of the mouth.

THEY look around but don't see the man but they do see
Humon bones, armor, and some gold treasure like items.

7. (Fight Scene – Choreograph)

Suddenly one of them is SCOOPED off the ground by the
tail of a huge snake! The snake-man tries to fling the knight
out of the cave but the knight hangs on.

Soon the other knight's are FIGHTING the snake man.
He's huge. The size of three large elephants. On top, he
is a man but muscular and immense. Down to the bottom
of his torso. The rest of him is like a large snake.

THE SNAKE-MAN has a massive sword. He, despite his
lack of a man's legs, is a superb swordsman and defends
against the knight's well. The knight's try to get their massive
chains around him but he tosses them off like feathers.

It seems as if he's causing great harm to the knight's
but they just keep getting up and fighting.

Cut:

DA'WUD:

Da'Wud
To Catchun
What is going on up there?

Catchun
I hear things but…

DA'WUD RIDES up to the lift and dismounts. He steps on.

Da'Wud
Take me up.

Tabuk Soldier 2
My king, are you sure, it's very…

Da'Wud
…Yes I'm sure, take me up, quickly!

THEY haul him up. As he gets higher he looks down. His expression
is one that shows that he doesn't really care for heights.

As he gets closer to the mouth of the cave, he hears the sounds
of the BATTLE inside.

MOUTH:

DA'WUD steps out of the lift.

Tabuk Soldier 3
Comes to attention
My king!

Da'Wud
What by Ala, is going on in there?

DA'WUD pulls himself up, to get his gumption up and starts back
toward the serpent.

Soldier 3
My king, do not go in there!

DA'WUD waves him off and disappears into the darkness of the cave.

Cut:

Int: Cave – Dark

As DA'WUD approaches the battle, he can see the knight's are not
loosing but not gaining any ground.

Da'Wud
Thinks, calls out loudly
King Xerxes!

7. (End fight scene)

The fighting stops. Xerxes, DROPS the knight he has in his tail.
He looks to see who called his name. ONE OF THE KNIGHT'S
gets up to attack but Da'Wud stops him.

Xerxes
In a deep, almost spirit voice
Who… are you?

Da'Wud
I… am Da'Wud, king of Tabuk.

Xerxes
Laughs a little
Is that supposed to mean something to me?

Da'Wud
I am the only living descendant of King Al Adene.

Xerxes
King Al Adene is the reason I am. I should kill you.

Da'Wud
You could but… I know who has the Lamp.

Xerxes
Thinks
You have my attention.

Da'Wud
To the knight's
Let them go.

Xerxes
I tried! They would not leave!

DA'WUD signals them out. The knight's leave.

Xerxes
To Fire, stern
You!

FIRE stops, the others stop with him.

Xerxes cont.
You stink! Make sure to take your stench with you!

FIRE smiles his evil smile. The knight's leave into the cave tunnel
darkness. Then he looks at Da'Wud.

Xerxes cont.
You… you know my name?

Da'Wud
You were once a great king… if what I have read is true.

Xerxes
Loudly
I was, I was a great king!
C.S.
Why did you not just tell me why you came, why did you attack me?

Da'Wud
Thinks
I… am a controlling man. I would control everything, even a sna… a man such
as yourself. I was… mistaken, forgive me.

DA'WUD bows

Xerxes
You are forgiven…
C.S.
…What about the Lamp?

Da'Wud
Ah, yes, I know who has it.

Xerxes
Who?

Da'Wud
A king… King Shah of Ma'an.

Xerxes
Thinks
I know of Ma'an, it is the birth place of the Arabian Knights. This King… Shah,
I've not heard of him.

Da'Wud
He is… very powerful… and very wise. He is, as I have found, a force to be
reckoned with. And… he has the Lamp!

Xerxes
What do you want with me?

Da'Wud
You… my friend, are powerful. You could make him submit and give away wishes
to us.

Xerxes
Has he made wishes yet?

Da'Wud
He has, actually, made three wishes.

Xerxes
Angry, Loud
Then you waste my time, he can make only three wishes!

Da'Wud
…But… upon his third wish… he did not befall the same curse as yourself.

Xerxes
Then… he has three more wishes?

Da'Wud
Yes. And he's not used them yet as I have heard.

Xerxes
If I help you?

Da'Wud
I will grant you one of my three wishes. The second…

Xerxes
I would wish to be… what I was before… a man.
Beat
…But then… I could not hold him. If he is truly as powerful as you say, I would then
be of no use to you.

Da'Wud
You would use your great strength to squeeze all but his last breath out of him.
My knight's would garnish my last wish from his dying body.

Xerxe
And what of me then. I will be but a mere man.

Da'Wud
A great man!

Xerxes
Defeated
How?

Da'Wud
You were a great king once, you will be again.

Xerxes
Yes…
Gets louder
…Yes… I will. I will be a man again and I will be a king again!
C.S.
One condition?

Da'Wud
Name it.

Xerxes
I… I do not want anyone to see me like this. You must carry me under
cover until we reach Ma'an.

Da'Wud
A minor task.

Xerxes
You will have two wishes, what will you wish for?

Da'Wud
Thinks
…Control… and great wealth.

Xerxes
Great king, do not squander a wish on wealth. Grant me my wish
and I will give you the wealth of the world!

Da'Wud
Curious
How?

Xerxes
I know where king Solomon's mines are.

Da'Wud
Intrigued
Intriguing. And you know how to get at it?

Xerxes
I do not know the sorcerers words but we can make king Shah
ask it of the spirit of the Lamp.

Da'Wud
Yes… that would work.
C.S.
What about the soul of Al Adene, is the story true?

Xerxes
Laughs a little
All you have to do is look at me. That should be enough to give you
your answer.

Da'Wud
Good point, so what will we do?

Xerxes
Thinks
You… you are a descendant of King Al Adene, are you not?

Da'Wud
Yes… yessssss.

Xerxes
He would know this about you.

Da'Wud
I'm sure of it! It was meant to be!

Xerxes
We must go!

Cut:

50. Ext: Shah's Caravan – Dessert – Early evening

Cala
To Shah
Is it much further?

SHAH looks at his map.

Shah
If this map is correct we should be very close.

SHAH dismounts and pulls the Lamp from a satchel on his horse.

Shah cont.
Spirit of the Lamp… come forth!

THE SPIRIT does his appearance thing.

Ge'nea
What is your command?

Shah
A question.

Ge'nea
Ask it.

Shah
Are we close to the caves?

Ge'nea
Points
There, at the foot of the mountain.

All around them, a sigh of relief.

Shah
Spirit, what must I do to gain access to the cave?

Ge'nea
Stand at the foot of the mountain and face it. Say… "Se sam me"

(Say-som-may)

Shah
Se sam me?

Ge'nea
Correct.

Cala
Doesn't sound too hard.

Ge'nea
Say it loudly… and watch!

Cut:

53b. Ext: Cliffs – knight's – Lift – Early Evening

THE DARK KNIGHTS have all come down from the cave and are
battered. They MOUNT their horses.

Cut:

52. CATCHUN

Catchun
To the knight's gruffly
Where is the king?

PAIN MOUNTS his horse. He looks at Catchun slowly.

Fear
Responds to his tone
What?

Catchun
The king you fool, where is the king?

THE OTHER KNIGHT'S just look on.

Fear
Fool?

Catchun
Bold
Yes you fool, answer my question!

PAIN looks at the knight's, then back at Catchun.

Fear
One, be wary of your tongue. And two, I do not answer to you.

Catchun
Snaps
Yes you do!

8. (Fight Scene – Choreograph)

CATCHUN tries to kill Fear. Fear draws his sword quickly and blocks
Catchun's swing.

Fear
You… will die!

Catchun
Attacks again
I don't think so!

THEIR swords clash. Upon their horses, they dance around, jabbing
and slashing at every close encounter. FEAR proves quickly to be the
better warrior. Catchun, in his determination, grows weary. Fear isn't
even breathing hard. Catchun swings and misses.

FEAR uses his foot to knock Catchun off of his horse. Catchun gets up
and takes a stance. FEAR dismounts calmly. Catchun attacks again
but Fear slashes him while stepping out of his way.

TABUK SOLDIERS gather round to watch. Catchun is exhausted. Fear
waits. Catchun musters up his last bit of energy. He ATTACKS again
but his forward momentum throws him farther than he wished. Fear
steps aside and DECAPITATES Catchun.

8. (End fight scene)

All stand looking at Catchun's severed corpse. Fear GETS on his horse.

Fear
Calls out
What fool would take his place?

Tredesh
Rides forward
I great knight.

Fear
Who are you?

Tredesh
I am Tredesh.

Fear
Good, you are now the commander of the Tabuk Army. Anger me and your
head will lay beside his.

Tredesh
I will command it well.

FEAR AND THE KNIGHT'S start to ride away.

Pain
Yells back
I don't care, just don't try to give the Dark knight's orders.

Tredesh
Watches the knight's ride off
I… will not.

Cut:

Ext: Cliffs – Lift – Early evening

DA'WUD:

TREDESH RIDES up and addresses Da'Wud.

Tredesh
Have you any orders for the Tabuk army my king?

Da'Wud
Confused
Now… where is Catchun?

Tredesh
Dead my king. He chanced to battle with the leader of the
dark knight's.

Da'Wud
Pain?

Tredesh
I believe so my king.

Da'Wud
So, who are you?

Tredesh
I am Tredesh my king, I will take the place of Catchun. I am
here to serve.

Da'Wud
Matter of fact
Too bad.
C.S.
Stay close. Prepare the men to leave, we go to Ma'an.

Tredesh
Yes my king.

Cut:

Ext: Dessert – Night – Cool – shah – At the foot of the dessert
mountain

Shah
We will set up camp here. We will commence tomorrow.

Turhan
Very good my king.

TURHAN rides off.

Cala
Looks around
Strange place.

SHIMSHAW AND MUZZER walk up. Shah unpacks his horse.

Shah
Pondering
I know this place.

Cala
You do?

Shah

Yes… my father brought me here when I was very young,
though I do not remember why.

Muzzer
I also know this place. These mountains were once sacred.

Shimshaw
Were you and your father alone?

Shah
If I remember correctly, we were with the Arabian Nights.

Muzzer
The Arabian Knights. Everything was peaceful until they disappeared.

Shah
True.
C.S.
Come, let us ready our camp.

Cut:

Ext: Dessert – Da'Wud's caravan – Night – huge wagon Tent –
dessert

Int: Tent

DA'WUD and Xerxes talk. Conversation in progress.

Xerxes
…No! We must not wait! We must go at once!

Da'Wud
But why, it will still be there tomorrow. We'll be able to see
better, the sun will shine…

Xerxes
No… it is a short ride to the dessert Mountains from here. We
can be there by night-fall. Then we can rest. I fear… we must go
now!

Da'Wud
Oh, very well.

DA'WUD steps outside the tent.

Cut:

60. Ext: Dark – caravan.

Da'Wud
Calls for Tredesh
Tredesh… Tredesh, come here, at once!

TREDESH runs up. Sleepy

Tredesh
Yes my king?

Da'Wud
Pauses, double-take
I… were you sleeping?

Tredesh
Yes my king.

Da'Wud
Did I tell you, you could sleep?

Tredesh
Dumbfounded
…I… no.

Da'Wud
I would throttle you in your sleep next time!

Tredesh
Yes my King, forgive me.

Da'Wud
Get everyone up, we're leaving… now!

Tredesh
Now, but my king…

Da'Wud
…Now Tredesh.

Tredesh
Ok, now.

Cut:

Ext: Shah's camp – Night

TURHAN AND SHAH are speaking with each other. (Inaudibly) Then
Shah turns and enters his tent.

Int: Tent – Dim lighting

Cala
Organizing their tent, sees Shah
I've never…

Shah
…Never what?

Cala
You know, in the middle of the dessert.

SHAH takes her in his arms.

Shah
Here, there, it is a gift to be with you anywhere my queen.

Cut:

Time Passes:

52. Ext: Da'Wud's Caravan – Dessert – Dark

DA'WUD AND TREDESH are at the head of the caravan. They see
tracks, and footprints.

Da'Wud
To Tredesh
Xerxes was right!

TREDESH shrugs his shoulders.

Cut:

Time Passes:

58. Ext: Shah's Camp - Dessert – Dark – A deep slumber –
some small lights

Cut:

58_b. Ext: Da'Wud's Camp – Dark

DA'WUD and his caravan have set up camp. Da'Wud speaks to Fear.

Da'Wud
…So king Shah should gain access to the mine. After he goes in, I
and Xerxes will follow your men and my men will keep the Ma'an army
from blocking the entrance.

Xerxes
That's good…
Pause, looks Da'Wud in the eye
…Do not forget your promise.

Da'Wud
My friend, after all you have done for me, never would I forget,
you will get your wish.

Cut:

Ext: Da'Wud's camp – Fire – Late – Dark – Dessert

SEVERAL OF THE TABUK MEN have gathered around the
fire. Fear and his men join. The Al Arish men go quiet and
watch as the evil knight's walk up.

Tredesh
Taken aback, to Fear, Pauses
Don't you have your own fire to go to?

Fear
No. We like yours.

Tredesh
Your man stinks. Go away and take the stinking one with you.

Fire
Stands up
Is there anyone here brave enough to make us leave.

Fear
We're always game for a battle!

Tredesh
No one…
Beat
…We saw what you did to Catchun. But when we get our
wish, you will not be so big.

Fear
Your wish?

Tredesh
Yes, our wish, did you think we made Da'Wud our king because we liked him?

FEAR Thinks. Start counting on his fingers.

Fear
Da'Wud…

Tredesh
…What?

Fear…
Beat
…He promised the beast a wish.

Tredesh
So?

Fear
He promised my knight's and I one wish.

Tredesh
Thinks
That's…

Fear
…Three wishes.

Tredesh
Yes, and he would certainly keep one wish for himself.

Fear
Inspired
Most certainly.

Tredesh
Emboldened
It seems our illustrious king wishes to double-cross.

Fear
Or… he plans to give one wish to the beast…

Tredesh
…And…

Fear
…One wish to us. We are to join him in the caves, leaving you
and your Army to wait outside to defend the entrance. I think
he only double-crossed you!

Tredesh
PULLS his sword, angrily
There are a Thousand of us and only Ten of you!

Pain
But we are like one Army!

9. (Fight Scene – Choreograph)

THEY begin attacking each other. A fight breaks out. Da'Wud
awakens and pokes his head out to see what the ruckus is.
TWO ALMOST NUDE WOMEN, only wrapped in blankets, run
out past Da'Wud in fear.

Soon, several arrows come at his feet and through his tent.

Da'Wud
Oh for…

HE ducks back inside, gets his sword and goes looking
for Tredesh.

Da'Wud cont.
Tredesh! Tredesh! Where…

HE sees Tredesh in the midst of the battle.

Da'Wud
To himself
Is no one Loyal anymore?

DA'WUD enters the battle swinging!

Cut:

58. Ext: Shah's Camp

59. INT: Shah's tent

CALA wakes, she peers around then listens.

Cala
Nudges Shah
Wake up!

Shah
What is it now?

Cala
That…
She listens
That sound…

SHAH listens a second.

Shah
It is the wind.

Cala
No, it is not the wind!

SHAH listens again. Then he jumps up, grabs his sword and dashes out of the tent.

Shah
It is the sound of…

58. Ext: Outside Shah's tent

Turhan
Already out, sees Shah
I hear it also my king.

THEY look off over a sand dune. A light illuminates the sky.

Cala
Peaks out
What is it?

Shah
It sounds of…

Turhan
…Battle!

Shah
Yes.

Turhan
That light, it is the light of a battle for sure.

Shah
You know your battles well Turhan. Get everyone up…

…MEN are already emerging from the darkness, swords, bows
and arrows, battle dress ready.

Pherkad
…We are ready great leader.

Shah
Your men astound me Turhan. Let us spy out this war.

THE MA'AN MEN follow Shah and Turhan. Some to horses, some
on foot. They join ranks. Ihtsham joins them.

Ihtsham
Do we seek to find out what is over the dune?

Turhan
We do, let us ride.

THEY all begin to pull out.

Shah
Quietly!
Turns back to address Cala
Stay here my queen.

Cala
Ah… yeah!

Cut:

Ext: Shah and men assemble at the dark side of a dune.

Cut:

Ext: Al Arish Fight

The fight goes on.

Cut:

61b. SHAH

Turhan
It is the Tabuk army.

Shah
Yes, Da'Wud must be down there somewhere.

Pherkad
They war among themselves.

Ihtsham
Yes, it is not surprising.

Shah
Quietly
Turhan, do you have horn blowers?

Turhan
Several.

Shah
Good, we have time, position your men strategically. When I give
the signal, the horn blowers will sound. Archers approach first, top of the dune,
then the rest of us attack.

Turhan
Very good my King.

TURHAN runs off.

Cut:

60. Ext: tabuk Fight

DA'WUD fights off several of the Tabuk men. He finally
gets to Tredesh. He pulls Tredesh aside.

Da'Wud
Tredesh, what the hell is going on?

Tredesh
We…

Then TREDESH realizes that it's Da'Wud. Feeling betrayed, he attacks
Da'Wud. Da'Wud must defend himself and eventually kills Tredesh.
Da'Wud sees that the Tabuk men are going after the Dark knight's.

HE continues to occasionally have to fight off the Tabuk soldiers.
He's an expert swordsman and dispatches them easily. Soon a
HORN SOUNDS, THEN ANOTHER, then another. The Tabuk men
begin to slow their fighting. More HORNS SOUND. Soon the melee
stops altogether.

THE DARK KNIGHT'S look to see who the horns are from as well.
Ma'an archers stand atop the dune illuminated by the fire light.

Shah O.C.
Calls out from behind the dune
Da'Wud, your men are great warriors but they make too much
noise!

Da'Wud
Calls back
It was all part of the plan King Shah!

Fear
It was?

DA'WUD AND THE TABUK ARMY begin to move toward the dune.
Shah's archers fire and hold them at bay, taking out many of them.
FEAR charges anyway causing the Tabuk men to charge as well.
Fear takes three flaming arrows to the chest but his armor
protects him.

FEAR looks down at them, he pulls them out and continues to
charge. THE TABUK MEN are still many and charge the archers
on the dune. As soon as they do, Shah releases the rest of his
men to counter.

Soon THE DARK KNIGHT'S are in the fray and are turning the
tables. SHAH AND TURHAN fight together. Two, then Three
of the Dark knight's get through to Shah and Turhan.

SHAH AND TURHAN are a good match for the knight's.
Shah and one of the knight's are on the ground doing battle.
Shah is giving him the fight of his life!

TURHAN battles the other two still on horseback. The knight's
are deadly but they've never fought the likes of Turhan.
OTHER TABUK SOLDIERS join their fight but soon Ma'an
soldiers intervene. Several of the other knight's join the
fight. Turhan and Shah are now outnumbered.

FIRE directs most of the knight's to attack Shah. Turhan
meets up with Fire.

Turhan
Stinking one, come for your bath?

FIRE smiles, then attacks. Fire and Turhan engage. Shah
is holding his own but he's fighting Five knight's now.
Soon a ball of fire APPEARS, then it explodes. Ge'nea appears,
draws his sword and joins the fight against the knight's.

GE'NEA fights at Shah's side and evens the odds. Ge'nea is powerful
and fast with the sword. GE'NEA backs off three of the knight's.
Shah handles the other two. Turhan and Fire battle on. Turhan
is big enough, good, and tricky.

TURHAN grabs the bit in Fires horse's mouth. The horse rears
up pulling Turhan off his horse but throwing Fire off as well.
TURHAN is still holding the bit of Fires horse. The horse is
throwing him around. Fire is trying to take advantage of
Turhan's position but Turhan has a plan of his own.

As the horse is flailing Turhan around he manages a whistle
to his own horse. Turhan's horse turns, rears up and KICKS Fires
Horse. Fires horse gets pushed. Turhan uses this to let go and
drop on top of Fire!

FIRE is huge, twice the size of Turhan but Turhan is mighty.
Turhan is on Fires back. Fire has everything he can do to throw
Turhan off. Turhan hangs on. Eventually TURHAN has his own
legs wrapped around Fire. He begins to pound Fire about his
head, neck and chest. Turhan squeezes with his legs cutting
off Fires breathing.

FIRE backs up to the edge of the dune and falls backward,
crushing Turhan under him. Turhan is only stunned and
regains his senses quickly. FIRE has almost lost consciousness.

TURHAN takes advantage of Fires momentary lapse in
total consciousness. Turhan arm locks Fire around the
neck and begins to squeeze. TURHAN continuous to
squeeze. Fire is flailing all around but begins to tire. Eventually
Fire drops to his knees. Turhan is on him squeezing. Fire is
losing consciousness.

When TURHAN is sure Fire is almost out, he pulls his sword
and rears back to cut off his head when two of the knight's
come in and attack Turhan. Fire is out cold (No pun intended)
and flops over.

TURHAN is battling Sting now. Several of the other knight's join in.

Cut:

Ext: Dusky – Dessert

Ge'nea
To Shah
Run!

THE SPIRIT continues to do battle with the remaining Five knight's.

Ge'nea cont.
I have them, run and enter the cave!

SHAH runs, leaps on his horse and rides quickly toward the mountain.

Shah
As he rides by
TURHAN!

TURHAN sees Shah, WHISTLES for his horse as he's battling with
the knight's. The horse comes running and CRASHES into the knight's,
knocking them all down.

TURHAN does a running leap on to his horse and rides as fast as he
can behind Shah.

9. (end of fight scene)

Cut:

SHAH:

SHAH rides quickly passed his camp. Cala is with her mother and Hamdot.
Cala mounts her horse and rides after Shah.

Shimshaw
Terrified
Cala no!

SHIMSHAW AND HAMDOT ride after her. The knight's see them riding
off and all ride off after.

Ge'nea
Cheers for Shah
Go, go my King!

GE'NEA does his disappearing thing. The Lamp also disappears.
SEVERAL OF THE AL ARISH AND MA'AN SOLDIERS eventually
catch on and begin making their way to the cave running or
on horseback.

ALL OF THE DARK KNIGHT'S are riding fast together to catch
up with Shah who has left everyone in the dust.

EXT: Shah – Foot of mountain

SHAH reigns in his horse and stops at the foot of the mountain.
He jumps down from the horse.

Shah
Stretches out his arms
Se… Sa… Me!

The mountain in front of him begins to unfold and rumble
(Open to computer graphics ideas here) Soon the passage
into the mountain is open and exposes its huge gaping mouth!

THE OTHERS have gathered. The knight's are coming up fast.
Shah Turhan and Ihtsham dash in. CALA, Shimshaw and
Hamdot follow. The knight's RIDE UP, DISMOUNT and enter,
swords drawn.

Cut:

INT: solomons Cave – Tunnel – Dark – Cool

SHAH AND CLAN are moving carefully, cautiously down through
the huge round. THEY hear sounds. Hamdot is on crutches but
sword drawn. The tunnel doesn't seem to end.

Eventually they start seeing ancient mining equipment. Then
human bones. They walk carefully toward an opening. Ihtsham
lights a torch. The light from the torch illuminates a huge
room filled with gold and treasures the likes of which they've
never seen.

They're all amazed, stunned, and just look around in awe. They
can see that there are other openings that lead to other rooms,
obviously also filled with treasure. THE DARK KNIGHT'S quietly
enter the room and spread out surrounding Shah and his
companions.

IHTSHAM notices and nudges Turhan. Turhan looks at Ihtsham,
then looks at what he's looking at. Shah catches on. Soon all
of Shah's clan realizes they are surrounded.

Shah
Why do they not attack?

Turhan
I do not know.

Cala
They are working a strategy.

Turhan
Str… what?

Ihtsham
She means they're setting up to trap us.

Turhan
Oh.

Shah
Cautious
Turhan?

Turhan
Yes my King?

Shah
I'm actually glad you asked that question because I did not
know either.

TURHAN laughs a little. The knight's are backing them up to
another tunnel. Suddenly XERXES appears. He makes a
loud NOISE LIKE A GROWL. He coils his tail around Shah.
He's so powerful that Shah can't move!

XERXES uses one of his huge arms and bats Turhan
and Ihtsham out of the way. THE KNIGHT'S contain them.
Fire catches Turhan around the neck with sword in hand.

Enter – Da'Wud.

Da'Wud
Str… what?

Cala
Strategize.

Da'Wud
A rich vocabulary, the princes is educated.

Cala
Cries out
Let him go!

XERXES squeezes tighter. Shah groans in pain.

Da'Wud
Steps in front of Shah
Still have three wishes?

Shah
Barely able to speak
Yes!

65b. TURHAN

TURHAN sits with Ihtsham, the knight's guarding them. Turhan
glances behind at Ihtsham. Ihtsham is hiding a bow and arrow.
Turhan sees and smiles.

65c. DA'WUD

Da'Wud
Good, then I am ready for my first wish.

XERXES squeezes even tighter. Shah is powerful but the snake
man is crushing him. SHAH CRIES OUT.

Xerxes
Looks at Da'Wud
I'm barely squeezing. I could squeeze him in half without breaking
a sweat.

Cala
Please Da'Wud, I will…

Da'Wud
To a knight
…Shut her up!

THE KNIGHT puts his hands on Cala's shoulders and FLATTENS HER.
Then he puts his foot on her, mashing the breath out of her. SHIMSHAW
screams and tries to get to her but another knight stops her with his
sword. She backs off carefully.

Shah
Straining to speak
You… will… pay… for… that!

Da'Wud
Looking at her, he looks back
Grant my first wish and I will let her up.

Shah
Groans
…What… do you… wish for?

Da'Wud
Good… now call the spirit!

Shah
Struggles to speak
S…pirit… come… forth!

THE LAMPS location is revealed when the flame grows brighter.

(Ge'nea appearance sequence)

Ge'nea
What commandeth thee?

Da'Wud
Good, now, great king, tell him that I wish to be the ruler of the
entire region.

SHAH, looking pitiful, looks down at the spirit.

Shah
Yes… Spirit…

Pauses.

Da'Wud
Angrily
…Ask it!

Shah
…Spirit…

SHAH asks for a different wish.

Shah cont.
…Put the crown of King Solomon on my head!

Da'Wud
What!

Ge'nea
I will grant it.

Da'Wud
No!

DA'WUD'S CLAN cries NO as well. THE SPIRIT claps his hands
together. The gem encrusted crown (Designers liberty) appears
on Shah's head. XERXES coils tighter, almost crushing Shah to
death. Cala, still under the foot of the knight calls out for Shah.
The squeeze knocks the crown off of his head. The crown mixes
in with other things on the floor and disappears.

Cala
NO!

Da'Wud
To Xerxes
Don't kill him, not yet!
Looks at Shah angrily
That was a foolish thing to do!
To Xerxes
King Xerxes, is there still strength in you?

Xerxes
I could divide him into three pieces…!

Fear
To Da'Wud
There are only two wishes left!

Da'Wud
You will get your wish knight, I will give you mine.
To Xerxes
King Xerxes, what is your wish?

Xerxes
Tell him… tell him to transform me back into a man again.

Shah
Let… me… be!

Da'Wud
I'm sorry great King, what was it you said? King Xerxes, could
you let off a little so our great King can speak?

XERXES gives but only a little. Shah lets out a breath and sucks
air! Then Shah breaths heavily.

Da'Wud cont.
Now…
Signals the knight to pull Cala up
…Ask it or I will have your queen killed!

Shah
No… please!
To the spirit
Grant the beast his wish, make him a man again!

THE SPIRIT doesn't speak for a moment. He looks around. He
looks disturbed.

Da'Wud
Grant it spirit, I command it!

Silence, no one says anything.

Ge'nea
…I… cannot.

XERXES AND DA'WUD are furious!

Xerxes
WHAT?

Da'Wud
Crying out
You must grant it, you have no choice!

Xerxes
To the knight
Kill the woman if he denies me again!

THE KNIGHT holding Cala draws his giant sword and holds it
ready.

Ge'nea
I cannot.

Xerxes
WHY?

Ge'nea
You are under the curse of God, your fate is sealed.

Xerxes
I am not dead, look, I breath like a man, my heart pounds!

Ge'nea
You are under the curse of God. You are, as a man, God's curse
prevents it.

10. (Fight scene- Choreograph)

Turhan
NOW!

IHTSHAM jumps out, bow and arrow aimed. He LETS GO
THE ARROW! Turhan simultaneously flips the knight that has
him around the neck and tackles the three knight's in front
of them, grabs Cala and carries her near Ihtsham.

THE OTHERS run with him. The arrow sticks in Xerxes neck.
Ihtsham lets fly another. It hits Xerxes right arm! XERXES
CRIES OUT. Shah can feel the beasts grip loosen. Shah gets
one hand free. Hamdot hops over and tosses a sword to Shah.

IHTSHAM fires another at one of the knight's. It hits him
in the back behind his shoulder. It slows the knight down.

Cala
To Ihtsham
I know where I have seen you!

Ihtsham
You do?

Cala
Yes, we were children, I met you and your father during the
Byzantine war!

Ihtsham
Yes, I remember, I remember that you were very beautiful
then.

Cala
Yes and I remember you gazing.

TURHAN is hand to hand with one knight. Ihtsham jumps up and is
firing arrows at anyone who looks like they're getting too close to
Shah. SHAH takes his sword and plunges it into the giant tail around
him. Xerxes cries out and drops Shah.

XERXES pulls the arrow out of his neck. Ihtsham fires an arrow
at another knight. It hits him in the chest but his armor keeps it
from going too far in. He pulls the arrow out.

Unfazed, HE continues toward Ihtsham, Cala and Hamdot. Turhan
beats down one knight and is about to kill him when the other six
attack him. THE INJURED KNIGHT with the arrow in his shoulder
is unfazed as well but as he's walking past Ge'nea, Ge'nea
clothes-lines him knocking him out!

XERXES is slithering after Shah at amazing speed. As he chases
Shah, he pulls the arrow out of his arm.

Shah
Calls to Ge'nea as he's running
Spirit!
Ge'nea turns to look
…I wish for the restoration of the Arabian Knight's!

THE SPIRIT CLAPS HIS HANDS together.

THE SIX DARK KNIGHT'S freeze. The other knight's freeze.
The knight dueling with Turhan and Ihtsham stops and freezes.
The one passed out rises and stands like a statue.

The fighting goes on but everyone is trying to see what the
Dark knight's are doing. Ge'nea smiles and folds his arms.
The heavy armor falls off of the knight's and turns to sand.
Their Ork like appearance changes to that of human men.
They begin to shrink down.

After a few moments, the Ten Dark knight's become Ten
Arabian Knight's!

FEAR is actually Shah's father. But the Arabian Knight's are
woozy and appear as though they've just awakened from a
deep sleep.

Shah
Cries out
Father!

SHAH'S FATHER, still woozy, doesn't realize that Shah is
calling to him.

Da'Wud
Father?
To Xerxes
The Arabian knight's, kill them, kill them!

XERXES takes his giant sword and starts towards the Knight's still
gaining their composure. Da'Wud charges as well.

Da'Wud
As he's charging
Where are my soldiers?

XERXES stops, something is holding him. He turns to look. It's
Shah. He's holding the end of Xerxes tail. XERXES, tries to
throw Shah but Shah, though getting jerked around, isn't moving.

TURHAN runs over and cuts off the end of Xerxes tail. XERXES
CRIES OUT! He is still able to swing his bloody tail enough to
knock Turhan through the air. Now THE ARABIAN KNIGHT'S
are together and take notice of what's going on. Two of the
Knight's jump in front of Da'Wud and begin battling with him.

THE OTHER EIGHT run to help Shah with Xerxes. SHAH sees
an opportunity and runs up the back of Xerxes. He LEAPS and
begins fighting Xerxes upper body.

XERXES is huge and powerful but this time Shah is muscling
him back. Xerxes finally throws Shah off. But just as he does,
some of the Arabian Knight's are there and fighting the beast.

SHAH lands hard but he has landed by Xerxes huge Scimitar.
Shah gets up, picks up the huge sword and as he's running,
like an Olympian, HEAVES the giant sword at Xerxes.

It spins through the air. Shah then charges at Xerxes. Xerxes
is giving the Knight's a fight. The Scimitar hits Xerxes in the
back. Shah tackles him, pulls the sword out and cuts Xerxes
in half right where his snake body meets his human one.

Tail still flailing, his upper body falls to the ground. The other
two Knight's have Da'Wud restrained. Everything stops. Shimshaw,
Cala, and Hamdot come out of hiding. Turhan walks over to Shah
who is looking down at what's left of Xerxes.

10. (End Fight scene)

XERXES lays on his back, almost dead. Xerxes with his last few
breaths reaches a hand to Shah.

Xerxes
Dying
Great King…

SHAH takes his huge hand.

Xerxes cont.
…I… am…
Coughs
…Grateful…
Coughs again
…You… have… freed me.

Shah
Xerxes… KING Xerxes

Xerxes
Once… a king.

Shah
Once a great king.

Xerxes
Once…
Coughs
…But you… you are the greatest…

Shah
Kneels
It is I who kneels before the greatest.

Xerxes
Forgive me… I am a bitter man.

Shah
I…

Suddenly an unseen force knocks the two knight's holding
Da'Wud, sending them flying. Turhan runs over but the force
knocks Turhan away. SHAH and the rest of the Arabian
Knight's try to run to Turhan's side but they are knocked
away as well. The unseen force then knocks Da'Wud down.

SHAH figures it out. He searches for the crown. Cala calls
secretly out to him waving the crown in her hand.

Cala
Here! Here it is!

SHAH gets up and runs for it but is flattened by the poltergeist.
Da'Wud, in the mean time has gotten up, picked up a sword
and is about to kill an unassuming Turhan.

A dagger is hurled through the air and sticks in Da'Wud's
back. One of the Arabian knight's had thrown it. Ihtsham
fires an arrow at Da'Wud and hits him in the left shoulder.

Al Adene O.C.
STOP!

ALL stop. Al Adene's ghost speaks by Da'Wud somewhere.
The booming voice is dark, deep and loud.

Al Adene O.C. cont.
…Do not kill him yet.
To Da'Wud
Who are you?

Zafir (Shah's father)
Walks over by Da'Wud and interrupts
…Are you… the soul of King Al Adene?

Al Adene O.C.
I am.
Turns his attention to Da'Wud
…Now again, who are you?

Da'Wud
Fearful, in pain
I… I am a descendant of Al'Adene, I am Da'Wud.

Al Adene O.C.
I know no Da'Wud!

Zafir
Looking around
Great king, we are in your service.

Al Adene O.C.
I know you. I chased you out of here many years ago.

Zafir
Yes, yes, I believe that was me.

Al Adene O.C.
And yet you return?

Zafir
I… do not remember the latter of my life. I do not know why I am
here accept that this… is where the Arabian Knight's hid at
one time.

Al Adene O.C.
All One-Thousand And One of you.

Zafir
There were a great many of us at one time.

SHAH takes advantage of the distraction and sneaks toward the crown.

Zafir cont.
Why… are you here King Al Adene?

Al Adene O.C.
I was cursed…

Zafir
By who?

Al Adene O.C.
By the Son of God.

Zafir
Thinks
Curse… spell, it does not matter to me. Give us all room and we will
leave.

Al Adene O.C.
NO!

Zafir
But…

Al Adene O.C.
…Once you enter the mines of Solomon, you do not leave! Where is the
Lamp?

DA'WUD gingerly gets up, walks over and picks up the lamp.
Bleeding, he staggers over by Zafir
and holds the Lamp up in the air.

Da'Wud
Here!

Al Adene O.C.
Set it down.

DA'WUD sets it down.

Al Adene O.C.
To Ge'nea
Get back in the Lamp spirit, there will not be any more wishing today!

(Ge'nea disappearing sequence)the spirit Still not seen…

Al Adene O.C. cont.
King… whoever you are.

Shah
Shah, great king, I am King Shah.

SHAH is standing by Cala, she carefully hands Shah the crown
behind her back.

Al Adene O.C.
After I have killed everyone in here, you will grant me my wish
through my descendant. If he is truly my descendant.

Shah
Let everyone go accept Da'Wud and I, and I will grant your wish.

Al Adene O.C.
Angered
You will make no demands. You have no choice.

Shah
Standing by Cala
I have a choice.

Al Adene O.C.
Laughs
And what choice do you have, you cannot see me. I am
more powerful than even the beast!

(Fight scene – Choreograph)

SHAH jumps out sword pulled but one hand still behind
his back.

Shah
Show yourself then… coward!

Al Adene O.C.
Laughs
I thought you were a smart king but you are a fool!

Shah
Come out if you're so powerful!

Al Adene O.C.
Amused

I could show myself but even if I did, you could not kill me.
I am a spirit.

Shah
Swings his sword around
Come out coward!

Al Adene O.C.
Laughs
What will you do, cut the air?

Al Adene's voice is near Shah. SHAH quickly dons the crown.
Al Adene calls out!

Al Adene O.C. cont.
WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?

Shah
Now I can see you.

Al Adene O.C.
Maybe.

Shah
POV Sees Al Adene
There, there you are!

SHAH chases after the spirit. The spirit just laughs. AL ADENE,
now seen, swoops away through the air. Shah can't get near
him. Shah thinks. He runs over and picks up the Lamp. He rubs it.

Shah
Spirit come forth!

Al Adene
NO!

Al'adene Swoops down. ge'nea appears.

Shah
I will make my last wish!

AL ADENE tries for the Lamp. Shah can see him. When Al
Adene gets close enough Shah swings. Al Adene's spirit
dashes out of the way.

AL ADENE'S SPIRIT knocks the Lamp out of Shah's
hand. The Lamp rolls out to the middle of the room. Shah
watches him go after it.

AL ADENE'S SPIRIT picks up the Lamp. What he wasn't
counting on was Shah coming up behind him. SHAH strikes!
He severs Al Adene's head from his body. An explosion.
Shah is knocked away.

ALL look on. Shah shakes it off and gets up.

Zafir
Calls for Al Adene's spirit
King!
Pause, looks around
King Al Adene!

Al Adene's body appears momentarily but quickly turns to
ash and is swept away by the air.

Shah
He is no longer here… father.

ZAFIR looks at Shah!

Zafir
No, he is…
Beat
I had a son… his name was… Shah!

Shah
I am Shah father. I am your son.

THEY hug! Cala runs out to Shah.

Cala
Relieved, she hugs him huge
My King, you are alive!

THE OTHERS gather around. The other Knight's are behind Zafir.

Zafir
How did we…

Shah
Holds up the Lamp
Da'Wud, Da'Wud used the Lamp to turn you into evil knight's.

Zafir
Looks at Da'Wud
You… you were my friend!

Da'Wud
I…

Zafir
You were responsible for the deaths of so many of the Arabian
Knight's. When I found out…

Da'Wud
Crawling now
…Yes… yes Zafir, I was the one…
He lowers his head
…I am the one, please forgive me.

Zafir
Looks at him
Forgi…

Shah
Yes, forgive him father.

Zafir
Looks at Shah, Shah looks back
Forgive him ey?

Shah
Yes father, forgive him.

Zafir
Pulls his sword
I release you from your bonds as a man!

ZAFIR swings but Da'Wud, injured, is still able to move.
Da'Wud pulls the Dagger from his back and lunges at Zafir.
But SHAH was ready. Shah kills Da'Wud by running him
through. Da'Wud watches them, falls back and dies.

Fade out:

Ext: Outside the cave – in front of the mountain – Mid afternoon – clear –
Sunny – Hot

SHAH'S SOLDIERS have mopped up the Tabuk army. Many are dead,
the others tied up.

Zafir
To Shah
…So there is room at your palace for me and my men?

Shah
Yes plenty of room father.

Zafir
Good, I believe we will stay with you.

Shah
Good.

Cala
Yes, that is good Father.

Zafir
Father, I am not your fa...
Beat
...Oh, you are my son's...

Shah smiles proudly.

Turhan
Sir, may I present to you the queen Cala of Al Karak.

Zafir
My son... marries a queen. Now I know he is a king.

SHAH notices a carpet rolled up under Zafir's arm.

Shah
What treasure do you bring from the mines father?

Zafir
Oh, this…

He unrolls it
It is a magic carpet.

Shah
A ma… father, in your years as a dark knight, you have lost your
mind. It is a mat for your feet when the sand is wet.

Zafir
Smiles
You think?

ZAFIR lays the carpet on the ground. He sits upon it.

Zafir cont.
Rise… rise.

The carpet lifts him off the ground. Shah is amazed. As he
looks around, several of the other Knight's have done the same.
Zafir looks at Shah and smiles.

Zafir cont.
You don't expect us to walk back to your palace do you?

SHAH is flabbergasted. Zafir hands him a carpet.

Zafir cont.
This is for you my son. There are many. All of your men
can use one. They will even lift your horses.

Shah
Father, this is… how come I never…

The Lamp is still in Shah's arms. He looks down at it.

Shah
He rubs it
Spirit come forth!

(Ge'nea appearance sequence)

Ge'nea
What is thy wish my King?

Shah
Ge'nea, I have all I could wish for. My wife, my father,
great wealth. And yet I have but one wish left.

Ge'nea
You do indeed. What commandeth thee me?

Shah
Looks at Cala
This Lamp has been the cause of much hatred and war.
Men have died just to have it.

Ge'nea
Yes, this is true.

Shah
Pauses, then looks at Ge'nea
You are free.

Ge'nea
I… I believe I did not hear you correct great King.

Shah
You are free. You are no longer a prisoner of the Lamp. Go and
seek all that you wish. For my last wish, I will you free.

A majestic LIGHT SWIRLS about. The Ge'nea is caught up in it.
The Lamp TURNS TO SAND. The Ge'nea is slowly settled to the
ground. The light dissipates. The Ge'nea speaks to Shah. But
Shah doesn't understand him. Muzzer walks up.

Muzzer
He speaks the ancient language now. He is mortal.

Shah
What did he say?

Muzzer
He said that you will be gifted for all time. He is eternally
grateful to you.

GE'NEA bows.

Shah
Happy, holding Cala
Good luck to you spirit.

GE'NEA rises up. Another light swirls around him. He is taken
up to the Heavens. All watch for a moment.

Zafir
Take your beautiful bride on the carpet with you.

SHAH AND CALA sit on the carpet, one in front of the other.

Shah
Rise carpet, rise.

The carpet lifts them off the ground. They all laugh with great
happiness.

Zafir
Am I to ride myself? Who will ride with me?

Shimshaw
I will… Zafir.

Shimshaw runs over and climbs behind Zafir on his carpet.

Zafir
A beautiful women to ride with, how much more perfect could t
his day be?

Cala
Mother.

ZAFIR'S carpet carries him and Shimshaw off into the sky
toward the palace. The other Knight's follow on carpets.

Cut:

Ext: In the sky

First ZAFIR AND SHIMSHAW appear flying their carpet. Then
Shah and Cala on one side behind them as in a flying goose
formation. Turhan on the other.

Behind Turhan in V (vee) formation is Ihtsham, then Muzzer,
then the other Knight's.

(Camera pans back and zooms out and up revealing the
rest of the V formation. The Ma'an army with their horses.
The V formation grows bigger as the camera zooms out).

Roll credits:

End Movie