PRINCE OF THIEVES - Daily Script

PRINCE OF THIEVESStory by

Pen Densham

Screenplay by

John Watson&

Pen Densham

FIRST DRAFTTrilogy Entertainment Groupin association with: July 10, 1990WARNER BROS. INC. © 19904000 Warner Boulevard WARNER BROS. INC.Burbank, California 91522 All Rights Reserved

PRINCE OF THIEVES

FADE IN:

SUNSET

The glowing orb ripples like a blood-red eye.

BLACK, ROBED FIGURE

A face of the ages. Dark, wrinkled skin. Wizened,almond eyes. He howls at the sun. His voice ECHOESacross the sky. The Moslem call to prayer.

Hundreds of feet below his tower, a mud-walled city ofminarets and mosques. A human ants' nest. Scurrying totheir devotions.

EXT. TWELFTH-CENTURY ARAB CITY - ESTABLISHING SHOT

INT. DUNGEONS - SUNSET

Pervasive blackness. Moans of men in pain. Drippingwater. Rats. Filth. The nadir of human degradation.

Bedraggled white men, POWs from the Crusades, cagedtogether with Arab cutthroats. Jailers wrench twocrusaders from their cell. ROBIN OF LOCKSLEY and PETERDUBOIS. Their appearance reeks of long imprisonment, butremnants of their noble heritage still glimmer in theirfaces. Peter is so frail he can barely walk.

INT. TORTURE CHAMBER - SUNSET

A furnace. Torture instruments glow red hot. Chainedvictims. A massive INTERROGATOR scrutinizes the twowhite men. Indicates a rat-faced lowlife, who points atPeter, jabbering in Arabic.

INTERROGATORHe says you stole his bread.

PETERIt is a lie. I caught himstealing ours.

The lowlife jabbers some more. The Interrogator debates.

INTERROGATORCut off the infidel's hand.

The jailers haul Peter to the chopping block.

(CONTINUED)

2.

CONTINUED:

ROBINNo!... I took the bread.

PETERThat's not true.

ROBINThey're not interested in truth.You are too weak, Peter. Youwould not live through it.

The Interrogator stares into Robin's eyes.

INTERROGATORSacrifice for the weaker? Hownoble... As you wish... Cut offthis one's hand as well!... Butfirst...

He indicates an Arab prisoner, who is dragged forward.His struggling hand is laid on the executioner's block.

INTERROGATORShow them the courage of Allah.

The prisoner's face braces for the pain. A red-hotscimitar flashes down. The hand flips into a basket.Twitching.

Robin is next. His composure fails. He flops to hisknees, crying. The Interrogator laughs. The jailersunlash the thongs on Robin's hand. They stretch it out,forcing it down. Robin goes limp, sobbing. Petercatches his eye... Robin winks.

The scimitar. Drawn from the coals. Spitting flame.Arcs down. Robin is suddenly galvanized.

ROBINAnd this is English courage.

He hurls his holders aside. Swings upward, driving hisfast into the executioner's throat. Grabs the sword.

Slash. His thongs melt like butter. A jailer leaps athim. Steaming, the scimitar slices into the man's chest.

Despite his bindings, Peter wrestles the Interrogator.Knife pressed to his throat, Peter is forced against thefurnace. At the last second, he flips the man into thefire. Screaming.

PETERThat's for five years of hell.

(CONTINUED)

3.

CONTINUED:

A jailer aims a scalding blade at Robin's back.

VOICE (O.S.)Behind you!

Warned, Robin ducks away. Slams the jailer's head intothe wall.

Peter frees himself, but they are still outnumbered.While fighting, Robin acknowledges the man who shoutedthe warning. An imposing, shaven-headed SARACEN.Heavily-muscled arms and chest, covered in tattoos. Evenhis bald head is ornamented.

ROBINYou speak English?

SARACENThe king's own. Set me free.

PETERNo, Robin.

SARACENFor pity's sake. Mine is asentence of death.

Robin sidesteps, propelling a guard into a pit.

PETERDon't trust him.

Two more guards attack, yelling fury. Robin eyes thecurved scimitar.

ROBINWhat I would give for an Englishsword. This is a pruning hook.

A guard swings at him with a giant axe. Robin slashes...shears the axe handle in two.

ROBINHmm! Not bad.

He runs the man through. Peter loses his sword. Hisopponent moves in for the kill... Peter grabs tongs fromthe fire and smolders his opponent with a backhand.

Commotion outside. RAISED VOICES and RUNNING FEET.

SARACENFree me and I will show you a wayout.

(CONTINUED)

4.

CONTINUED:

ROBINWhy should we trust you?

SARACENIf you don't, you are dead men.

ROBINHe makes a point.

The door bursts open. More guards rush in.

ROBINA good point.

He slashes the man free.

PETERRobin!

ROBINWhatever blood is in his veins, hedoes not deserve to die here.

SARACENThis way!

He beckons them to the back. A hidden door leads into atunnel.

INT. SEWERS - NIGHT

They wade through foul water up to their waists. TheSaracen leads... A snake lashes out for his face. Robinlops off its head.

SARACENYou are fast, my friend.

ROBINFive years I've waited for thesmell of free air. That makes aman fast.

Guards drop down from above, carrying torches. Blockingthe way.

SARACENYou will need to be yet faster.

A narrow opening to their left... they splash through.Half running, half crawling in the dank water. Firearrows land around them. The orange smoke is choking.

(CONTINUED)

5.

CONTINUED:

SARACENPoison air. Hold your breath.

Flames illuminate the walls, alive with a loathsome massof crawling slime. Peter falls. A pursuer descends onhim, thrusting a blazing torch at his face. The Saracenintercepts the blow. Grabs the man's neck, SNAPPING itwith one mighty twist.

PETER(coughing)

Thanks. I misjudged you.

SARACENSave your breath.

Gasping for air, they find the tunnel veers steeply down-ward. A slippery, granite tube. Losing purchase, theyslide headlong. Sharp, rusted spikes jut out from thewalls ahead.

Robin grabs at the walls to break the fall. No use.They're picking up speed. He turns his sword crossways,bracing it against the sides of the tunnel, as a brake.Sparks fly. The sword cuts into Robin's chest... but itworks.

SARACENAllah be praised.

ROBINAmen, brother.

A bloodcurdling scream. A pursuing guard tumbles downthe sewer chute. The three men press themselves againstthe wall. The man hurtles by... is impaled on thespikes.

A draft of fresh air from the roof of the tunnel. Usingthe spiked guard as a ladder, Robin climbs. Removes agrating.

EXT. ARAB STREET - NIGHT

Robin's head appears... ducks back down, as a squad ofmounted soldiers thunders right over him... he reappears.All clear. They're outside the prison wall. Robin helpsPeter up.

ROBINGod willing, we may now be safe.

(CONTINUED)

6.

CONTINUED:

Swoosh. An arrow pierces through Peter's chest -- firedfrom the prison wall. He reels... Robin leads him underthe wall for protection. Shouts of alarm. Soldiersapproaching.

ROBINCome, Peter. We must hurry.

Raising his sword, Peter faces the oncoming soldiers.

PETERIt is mortal. Leave me.

ROBINHold on to my shoulder.

Peter shakes him off.

PETERMy mother... my little sister.Tell them I love them. Tell themI died a free Englishman.

Robin looks despairingly to the Saracen.

SARACENHis wound is by the heart. Wecannot save him.

Robin knows it's true. Peter pulls an insignia ring froma hidden pouch in his clothes. Thrusts it into Robin'shand.

PETERTake this to my sister. Swear youwill protect her for me... Swearit, Robin!

ROBIN(reluctantly)

I swear it.

Summoning hidden resources of strength, Peter charges atthe oncoming soldiers, brandishing his sword.

PETERFor England.

He fells the first Arab. The Saracen pulls Robin away.

SARACENCome now! Do not fail your friend.Make his sacrifice an act of honor.

They vanish into the night. Fighting like a man pos-sessed, Peter is swallowed in a sea of enemy soldiers.

7.

DESERTED ALLEY - LATER

Robin and the Saracen catch their breath.

ROBINFarewell, friend. God speed youon your way.

SARACENOur way is together. With thespeed of Allah.

He grins. This strange man has a sense of humor.

ROBINI go to England.

SARACENThen I go to England.

ROBINEngland? Why?

SARACENYou saved my life. I must staywith you until I save yours.

ROBINGo your own way. I relieve you ofyour obligation.

SARACENOnly Allah can do that.

ROBINAnd if I don't want you?

SARACENYou have no choice... unless youthink you can kill me.

He grins broadly. Offers his hand.

SARACENMy name is Aslan.

Resigned, Robin takes the proferred hand.

ROBINRobin of Locksley. You know ashort route to England, Aslan?

CUT TO:

8.

EXT. LOCKSLEY CASTLE (NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, ENGLAND)

Eerie shapes. Weaving. White light on water. The moonreflected in the moat of a small castle. Towers shroudedin night mist. Smoke curls from a chimney.

SUPERIMPOSE: LOCKSLEY CASTLE, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, ENGLAND

INT. LOCKSLEY CASTLE - NIGHT

FIRE CRACKLES in an open hearth. Hams and a half sheephang, smoking. An old DOG SNORES at the fireside. Abone clunks on the floor, waking him.

VOICE (O.S.)Enough of that din, Remus. Ican't think.

Licking the bone gratefully, the dog looks in the direc-tion of the voice... Grey. Proud. Distinguished. LORDLOCKSLEY.

Seated at a table, wine goblet in hand, he pores over awonderful illustrated Bible. Reading to himself forsolace and strength. Empty chairs surround the vasttable. A deep sense of loneliness. He glances at aportrait over the fireplace... Robin.

The dog jumps. Hackles rise. O.S. SHOUTS. Locksleyunsheathes a dagger. Obscures it in the folds of theBible. The door bursts open. A peasant, ragged,desperate, KENNETH.

KENNETHMy Lord! Help me.

He's bleeding from a face wound. Another man grabs himfrom behind. Locksley's craggy-faced retainer, DUNCAN.Older than his master, but still strong, he holds Kennethback.

DUNCANYou must wait... I am sorry youwere disturbed, Master.

KENNETH(high anxiety)

My Lord, please!

LOCKSLEYIt is alright, Duncan.

(to Kenneth)You are Kenneth of Cowfall?

The peasant falls to his knees.

(CONTINUED)

9.

CONTINUED:

KENNETHThey've taken my Gwen. Mydaughter.

LOCKSLEYWho has taken her?

KENNETHMen on horses. In masks.

(touches his wound)We tried to stop them. My son isdead.

EXT. LOCKSLEY CASTLE - NIGHT

Steam pours from the nostrils of a black charger. LordLocksley mounts, in armor. Duncan attempts to detainhim.

DUNCANYou cannot go alone, Master. Letme ride for help.

LOCKSLEYThat may be too late. Kenneth,lead the way.

He kicks his horse into motion.

DUNCANMaster, stay! There is an evilmoon tonight.

LOCKSLEYGood will overcome, Duncan. Trustin that.

Duncan looks up. Crosses himself. Dark clouds raceacross the moon.

CUT TO:

EXT. WOODED TRAIL

Kenneth checks the ground. Locksley waits.

KENNETHThey came this way, my Lord.

LOCKSLEYOnward then. What is this place?

(CONTINUED)

10.

CONTINUED:

KENNETHNearby the Gregor Caves.

Locksley reacts -- a hint of fear. They move on...Ahead, the hillside glows, rimmed in eerie light.Strange primitive CHANTS, wafted on the wind. Locksleyties his nervous horse to a tree.

Parting undergrowth, Kenneth creeps forward. Cries out.He's face to face with the maggot-eaten skull of a goat.

Beyond it, a gruesome host of half-skinned human skulls,all arranged on stakes. Some male, others with rottingfemale tresses, staring eyelessly into the night.Kenneth turns to run... A hand grabs him.

LOCKSLEYSteady, man. They are to dissuadethe faint of heart. Think ofGwen.

From the crest of the rise, they peer down into thecraggy valley. A cave opening, ablaze with flames leersat them like the mouth of hell. Before the cave, acircle of stones. A miniature Stonehenge.

A medieval orgy. Men and women in masks and looserobes. Dancing. Drinking. Reveling. Pure carnality.Lord Locksley and Kenneth watch in horror. Faces ashen.

KENNETHDruids.

LOCKSLEYI trusted we were rid of such evila century ago.

An unearthly SCREECH. A creature leaps into the circleof stones. Grotesque gargoyle head, horns, fur-coveredarms and legs. A living Hieronymous Bosch DEMON. Itsclawed hands slash across a reveler's back, drawingblood in vicious streaks. The creature tastes the blood.The reveler is ecstatic.

KENNETH(petrified)

Is it the devil?

LOCKSLEYIf it is, I have some Christiansteel that will test his hide.

He draws his sword. A crucifix sculpted into the hilt.A girl is dragged from the cave. Kenneth buries hishead.

(CONTINUED)

11.

CONTINUED:

LOCKSLEYGwen?

Kenneth nods.

The Demon shrieks, dervishing around GWEN, who iscarried onto the central plinth stone. A pagan altar,the shape of an elephant's head with its trunk raised. Amasked figure stands at the head of the altar. The highpriest of the dark rite.

The girl's body shudders as blood-red liquid is forceddown her throat. The Demon's voice is husky and hideous.

DEMONCome, my virgin flower.

Hypnotized by the creature's voice and snake-like move-ments, Gwen stretches herself out. A single beam ofsunlight slices through the mist, like a laser. Thefirst light of the rising sun, it strikes directly on thealtar, tracking down towards the girl's heart. TheDemon's raised talons close in on the white flesh of herneck. Gwen's eyes are open wide, in a trance. The crowdof revelers encircle the plinth. Awed anticipation...

A warrior's yell!

Sword raised, Locksley THUNDERS in on his CHARGER. Theterrified crowd parts. The Demon screams like a banshee.

DEMONKill him! Kill him!

The followers throw themselves at Locksley. He beatsthem off. The high priest issues orders to armed guards,who run to intercept. One aims a spear. Locksley hacksthe shaft in half. Cuts men down left and right.Reaches the altar stone.

LOCKSLEYGwen! Up, girl, up!

Gwen shakes off her trance. The Demon launches itself atLocksley. Talons rip flesh from his face. With all hisstrength, Locksley hurls the creature down.

LOCKSLEYIn the name of God!

His broadsword swings in a mighty arc. Slices across thegargoyle's skull. Clean through half the face...Impossibly, the demon rolls back to its feet.

(CONTINUED)

12.

CONTINUED:

The head is an elaborate mask -- beneath are the yellowskin, white hair, and burning red eyes of an albinocrone. Screaming vitriol, the hag is unharmed.

Momentarily stunned, Locksley regains his senses, haulsthe girl onto his charger. The guards close in.Locksley spurs his horse. Rides for an opening.

The masked high priest stands resolutely in his path.Brandishing a burning branch. The horse is freaked.Rears. Locksley and the girl are thrown.

Unarmed, Locksley charges the man. Slams him into thecave wall. The mask falls. Locksley gasps inrecognition.

LOCKSLEYNottingham!

The SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM. Powerful build, black beard,cruel intensity in every feature.

NOTTINGHAMYou are an unwelcome surprise,Locksley.

LOCKSLEYThe King shall hear of this,Nottingham.

NOTTINGHAMI think not.

Locksley is surrounded. One by one the men reveal theirfaces. Locksley backs up in shock, recognizing them.

LOCKSELYGod help us.

NOTTINGHAMOne day all England will worshipwith us.

LOCKSLEYNever.

The crone spits venom in his face.

DEMONI am Mortianna. You will die withmy name on your lips.

Locksley's agonized cry fills the valley. On the hill-side, Kenneth averts his eyes. Turns to run. Fivemasked figures block his way.

13.

EXT. ENGLISH SHORE - DAY

A twelfth century French sailboat at anchor. A cross onits sail.

A longboat rows to shore. Robin stands in the prow, ina pilgrim's hooded robe. He gazes at the approachingland. Unable to wait, he leaps into the surf and wadesto the beach. He kneels, pressing his hands and faceinto the soil.

ROBINHome. Thank you, Lord.

Aslan steps from the boat, sniffing the air. The Frenchsailors keep their distance from him. Robin takes hishand.

ROBINMy friend, you have escorted mehome. I beg you to free yourselfof your vow. Return with theboat. I know how heavy yourheart must be, this far from yourfamily and native land...

ASLAN (SARACEN)Because I love them so dearly,I cannot dishonor them.

A sailor creeps up behind Aslan, club in hand.

ROBINI thought you'd say that.

He nods to the sailor, who swings the club down. TheSaracen sidesteps, grabs the man's arm and flips himinto the surf. He turns a cold stare on Robin.

ASLANNo man controls my destiny.Especially not one who attacksdownwind and stinks of garlic.

Robin laughs. The Saracen remains intense.

ASLANIf our positions were reversed,I would have done the same.Only I would have succeeded.

He smiles broadly. Robin claps him on the shoulder.

ROBINCome, Aslan. By nightfall we willcelebrate your honor when we dinewith my father.

14.

EXT./INT. PEASANT'S COTTAGE - DAY

CRASH! An armored foot splinters the door of a farmer'shovel. Children scream and run. A soldier clubs atthem, laughing.

Outside. More soldiers. Some on horses, others on foot,with leashed hounds. Pillaging. Vandalizing.Searching.

GUY GISBORNE: An impressive figure on horseback.Strikingly handsome -- except that one of his ears ismissing. We recognize his face from the Druid ceremony.He coldly addresses a pregnant woman with a child in herarms, FANNY.

GISBORNEYou owe the sheriff three bushelsof flax.

FANNYYou starve us. First the drought,now you take what food we haveleft.

GISBORNEFor starving people, you lookfat enough.

SOLDIER(emerging from the hut)

He's not here, sir. None but thewoman and children.

GISBORNE(to Fanny)

Where is your mate? The manthey call Little.

FANNYHe died last winter.

GISBORNEIs that so? We hear he is verymuch alive. Hiding out in theforest. He probably ran awayto escape your scolding tongue.

The soldiers join in his laughter. Incensed, Fannypounds her fist on his legs. Gisborne kicks her down.

FANNYNorman swine!

A BOY of 12 springs from nowhere, thrusting a hay fork atGisborne's throat.

(CONTINUED)

15.

CONTINUED:

FANNYNo, Wulf! Don't! 'Twill onlymake it worse.

Wulf backs off. Nostrils flaring with repressed hate.

GISBORNESeize him!

While two soldiers grab the Boy, others examine hishiding place. A secret thatched door, built into theside of a haystack... a bow and quiver... and a deercarcass. Gisborne dismounts.

GISBORNEThis is Lord Nottingham's deer.Is this how you repay the Sherifffor his protection?

WULF (BOY)Like a wolf protects sheep.

FANNYI killed it. We needed the meat.

GISBORNEPoachers hang. Either he dies oryou die.

WULFMy mother lies to protect me.

FANNYNo, Wulf!

Gisborne drags the boy to the carcass.

GISBORNEYou have deprived us of a hunt,boy.

He cups his hand in the deer's blood. Smears it onWulf's face.

GISBORNEThe hounds know the scent well.

He tosses his bloody glove to the dogs. They tear ateach other in their effort to rip at the glove.

GISBORNERun, boy. Like a deer. Give ussome pleasure before you die.

(CONTINUED)

16.

CONTINUED:

To the accompaniment of the HOUNDS' savage HOWLS andthe horrified screams of his family, Wulf runs.

GISBORNEUnleash them!

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DUSK

Nearing home, Robin is buoyant. The Saracen, brooding,walks two paces behind him.

ROBINWhy must you walk in back of me?

ASLANIn your land am I not the infidel?The unbeliever, the instrument ofevil?

ROBINOur races have fought for ahundred years to prove that point.

ASLANThen I trust it is safer to appearas your slave than as your equal.

ROBINFor an 'infidel' you have uncommonclarity of thinking. Yet yourefuse to tell me about your homeand family.

ASLANThose are my burdens.

ROBINYou speak my language. You havethe diplomacy and honor code ofa nobleman. I ask again, whywere you to be executed?

The Saracen maintains a moody silence.

ROBINSo, I must continue with myguesswork. You are highborn?Probably... You fell from favor...Clearly... Why? You broke thelaw? You were a rival for power?... A woman?

(CONTINUED)

17.

CONTINUED:

The Saracen reacts, almost imperceptibly.

ROBINBy the Lord, that's it!

Aslan is silent, but Robin knows he's right.

ROBINThey say there are Arab women ofsuch beauty that they can possessa man's mind, that he would bewilling to die for them. Isthat not so?

Ignoring him, the Saracen stops. Examines the darkeningsky.

ASLANIt is close to sunset.

ROBINYour people must marry womenchosen for them by others, right?

No reply. Aslan unfolds a prayer rug.

ROBINWho is she? The Mullah's daughter?... Another man's wife?... That'sit!

ASLANEndless clouds. Is there no sunin your cursed country?

ROBINYou dog! You painted old dog!What is her name?

ASLANWhich way is East?

ROBINHer name?

ASLANEast?

ROBINHer name?

ASLANEast?!!!

Robin folds his arms. A standoff.(CONTINUED)

18.

CONTINUED:

ASLANDamn you!... Jasmina.

ROBINAh, Jasmina! Is she beautiful?

ASLANWhich way is East?

ROBINThat way.

Aslan throws his rug on the ground. Kneels.

ASLANAre you sure?

ROBINI would know blindfolded. I'mfive miles from home... Was sheworth it?

ASLANWorth dying for.

Robin stands smiling over him as Aslan begins hisprayers... BAYING of HUNTING DOGS... In the distance, theboy Wulf runs toward them, ducks behind a tree and clubsthe leading dog with a branch. The other hounds closein... panting with exhaustion, Wulf swings into thebranches. A hound savages his leg.

The soldiers surround the tree. The boy clambersprecariously onto the highest branch... Robin surrep-titiously steals a crossbow from one of the soldiers'horses.

GISBORNEYou're not playing by the rules,boy. Deer don't climb trees...Perhaps he thinks he's a gamebird. Shall we teach him to fly?Cut it down!

The soldiers hack at the trunk. The tree quivers.

ROBINHold!... I am curious as to whatmanner of creature is so fearsomethat it takes six men to attackit.

Shrouded in his pilgrim's hooded cloak, he approachesthem.

(CONTINUED)

19.

CONTINUED:

GISBORNEStand back, stranger. This is noaffair of yours.

ROBINHave we treed the devil himself?Let me see... Ah ha! A small boy.A truly dangerous animal.

GISBORNEI advise you to move on, pilgrim.This is the Sheriff's land.

ROBINWrong. This is my land, and mytree. Therefore, whatever is init also belongs to me.

GISBORNEI grow dangerously tired of yourwit... Chop it down!

ROBINThe man who strikes that treedies.

He glances nervously at Aslan, who's still at hisprayers. The men stop in mid-swing. More surprisedthan scared. Gisborne gestures to the largest of them.

GISBORNEChop down the hooded fool.

ROBIN(backing up)

Perhaps we could discuss this.

The soldier raises his sword. Robin lifts his cape...the crossbow. Shoots from the hip. The bolt thudsthrough the man's armor. He's dead before he lands.

GISBORNEKill him!

ROBINAslan! It's time to redeem thatvow.

GISBORNESet the dogs on him!

(CONTINUED)

20.

CONTINUED:

Aslan ignores him, lost in his prayers. Robin lifts theother arm -- a second concealed crossbow. WHUMPF! Thebolt flips the dog handler into the vicious pack. Deador not, he soon will be. Robin unsheathes his sword.

ROBINAslan, get off your damn knees!I have four of them cornered.

The Saracen remains head down. Or did we see him steala glance? Gisborne signals his men to attack. A wave offlashing steel.

ROBINI hope there's enough of me tosatisfy you all.

Backed up to a tree, he grabs a branch and kicks out.Two men fly back. He lunges at a third. His swordstrikes flesh. Robin sidesteps and hurls the fourthonto a sharp tree stump.

Gisborne thrusts. Robin reacts too slowly. Blood flowsfrom his arm. His sword falls.

ROBINAslan!!

Gisborne is on him, sword pressed to his back. Robinfreezes.

GISBORNEWell, hooded stranger, allow meto know your name before I run youthrough.

A moment of silence... Like lightning, Robin spins,kicks out Gisborne's legs. Slams one foot on the man'ssword arm, the other on his throat. Throws back hispilgrim's hood.

GISBORNERobin of Locksley!

ROBINOn your knees, Gisborne. Pray.

He obeys. Robin raises his sword.

GISBORNEPlease, Locksley! No!

Robin drives the point into Gisborne's rear. The manleaps.

(CONTINUED)

21.

CONTINUED:

ROBINNow get off my land. And tell yourcousin the Sheriff what happens tohis scum when they pick on mypeople.

Gisborne takes off, colliding with Aslan as he folds hisrug. Reacts in shock at the sight of the strange Arab.Keeps running.

ROBIN(to Aslan, furious)

You worthless savage! You travelten thousand miles to save my life,then leave me to be butchered.

ASLANI will fulfill my vow when Ichoose.

ROBINWhich does not include prayertimes, meal times, or any timeI'm outnumbered six to one!!

ASLANYou whine like a mule. You arestill alive.

ROBINBarely.

Aslan examines Robin's wound. Dismissive.

ASLANA flesh wound. Why did you lettheir leader go?

ROBINAfter six years of the stench ofdeath, I have no stomach forneedless blood on my hands.

Wulf climbs cautiously from the tree.

ROBINHave no fear, boy.

The boy nervously eyes Robin and the Saracen, fingeringa crucifix around his neck. Runs off into the woods.

ASLAN(laughing)

The conquering hero returns.(CONTINUED)

22.

CONTINUED:

ROBINHa! It was you he was scared of.

Aslan's humor is infectious. Robin's anger relents.

ROBINCome, my strange friend. Beyondthat hill lies the prettiestlittle castle in all Christendom.Warm hearths, hot food, real beds.

ASLANWith feather pillows?

ROBINWith feather pillows. Warm andsoft like Jasmina's embrace.

EXT. LOCKSLEY CASTLE - NIGHT

Ruins. The moon hovers ominously over the once-proudcastle. Burned to the ground. Gutted and deserted.Towers demolished. Moat drained. Robin stares, struckdumb with horror.

The dark courtyard. Heartsick, Robin stumbles overdebris.

ROBINFather! Hello!

His VOICE ECHOES around the fallen battlements. Aslanplaces a hand on his shoulder and points... Suspendedhigh on a tower wall is a decaying human corpse.

CLOSE - MEDALLION

round the corpse's neck. The Locksley crest.

ROBINNoooooo!

A paroxysm of rage and grief. He smashes furniture.Slams his fists relentlessly into the wall. Pained,Aslan looks on.

ROBINI should have been here.

Spent, he leans against the wall. In the silence, theyhear an eerie TAPPING. Robin draws his sword... Ahunched, old man emerges, walking with the aid of a staff... Duncan.

(CONTINUED)

23.

CONTINUED:

ROBIN(shaking him)

Damn you, Duncan. Why didn't youcut him down?

DUNCANMaster Robin, is it you? Amiracle. I thought God hadabandoned us.

ROBINYou left my father to hang likea common thief, carrion for thecrows.

ASLANEasy... Look at him.

Duncan steps into the moonlight. His face crudely-scarred.

ROBINWhat has happened?

DUNCANThey say they captured himworshipping with the Druids. Hesigned a confession before theBishop of Hereford.

ROBINDid they have witnesses?

DUNCANJust one. Kenneth of Cowfall.The Bishop decreed all the Locksleylands forfeit.

ROBINDid you believe the charges?

DUNCANNot even when they took my eyes.

ROBINWho did this to you, Duncan?

DUNCANGuy of Gisborne. With the sherifflooking on.

Robin holds the old retainer to his chest. Stares intothe night in silent rage.

24.

EXT. NOTTINGHAM CASTLE - NIGHT

Marked contrast. A forbidding fortress. Cliff-likebattlements.

INT. NOTTINGHAM CASTLE - NIGHT

Face like thunder, Guy of Gisborne strides up curving,stone steps. A long corridor leads to a guarded oakdoor.

SENTRYSir Guy. His Lordship is not tobe disturbed.

GISBORNEAway, fool.

He shoves the Sentry aside.

EXT. CASTLE BATTLEMENTS - NIGHT

Torches illuminate Nottingham's face. Chilling crueltyin Manson-like eyes. Seated, his manicured hand dis-tractedly strokes a semi-naked girl. She sits at hisfeet like a frightened dog. When Gisborne enters, shecovers up.

NOTTINGHAMWho bade you cover up?

He smashes his fist into his chair. She timidlyuncovers.

NOTTINGHAMCousin, I trust you justify yourintrusion with news of profoundvalue.

His attention is riveted on a dark niche in the corner ofthe courtyard. UNEARTHLY SOUNDS emanate from the black-ness.

GISBORNEI met a hooded man today. He bademe warn you not to harm hispeople.

NOTTINGHAMHis name?

GISBORNERobin of Locksley.

(CONTINUED)

25.

CONTINUED:

NOTTINGHAMHa! The prodigal son returns. Heis a whelp. This girl could besthim.

GISBORNEThis whelp bested five of my menin the blink of an eye.

NOTTINGHAMYour men were probably drunk. Yetyou survived, cousin?

Heavy scorn. The sheriff pats Gisborne's hand like achild's. The voice from the darkness becomes a loudCHANT. A wrinkled, monkey-like figure dances INTO VIEW,wearing a necklace of human fingers. You might thinkshe was a hundred years old, if not for her incredibleagility. MORTIANNA.

GISBORNE(stunned)

You brought her here?

NOTTINGHAMQuiet!

The crone's fingers dart into a bag. Emerge with awrithing, SQUEALING mass... a PIGLET. A knife flashes.Blood spurts into an ornate, sacred platter.

The girl flinches in horror. Mortianna shakes the con-tents of a pouch across the bloody dish. Carved bonedice -- Runes.

She rattles the platter. The rune symbols dance intrails of blood. Eyes vacant, mouth frothing, she hissesout her incoherent visions. Nottingham follows her everymove. A connoisseur.

NOTTINGHAMWhat do you see?

MORTIANNAChange the seat of power.

NOTTINGHAMLondon?

MORTIANNAChange it.

NOTTINGHAMMove the capitol to Nottingham?Excellent. How?

(CONTINUED)

26.

CONTINUED:

MORTIANNAAlly with royal blood.

NOTTINGHAMPut someone on the throne and rulethrough him? Who?

MORTIANNAThat is not revealed.

The idea takes shape in Nottingham's mind. Mountingintensity.

NOTTINGHAMAlly with royal blood. What elsedo you see?

MORTIANNAArmies.

NOTTINGHAMWhose?

MORTIANNAYours. Men and weaponry in greatnumgers.

NOTTINGHAMAnd victory?

MORTIANNAMuch blood will be spilled.

NOTTINGHAMWhose?

CLOSE SHOT

A dice splashes blood. Lands -- a death's head symbol.Mortianna hammers the platter. The dice spins and landsagain. Again the grinning skull.

BACK TO SCENE

The tray smashes to the ground. The hag runs atGisborne.

MORTIANNAWho have you seen?!

She shakes him. Screams spittle in his face.

(CONTINUED)

27.

CONTINUED:

GISBORNE(freaked)

No one. I have seen no one.

MORTIANNAYou lie! A man... A painted man.

NOTTINGHAMWhat is wrong?

MORTIANNAI have seen my death.

She whimpers. Spins, as if fearing invisible intruders.

MORTIANNAThe painted man. He haunts mydreams.

GISBORNELocksley has a companion. A dark-skinned foreigner. He had themarked skin of Islam.

Mortianna trembles like an epileptic. Eyes wide withterror.

MORTIANNAKill them! Kill them!

She throws herself at Nottingham for protection. Hecaresses her. Gisborne is thunderstruck.

NOTTINGHAMCousin. Prove to Locksley thatyour survival was his last mistake.

MORTIANNA(frantic)

And the painted man! Kill him.

NOTTINGHAMKill them both.

He continues to stroke her. Her trembling subsides.

NOTTINGHAMYou have done well, Mortianna.Exceedingly well. No one shallharm you, I swear it.

Mortianna reaches out bloodied fingers towards the younggirl, who shrinks away. Nottingham gently takes thegirl's hand.

(CONTINUED)

28.

CONTINUED:

Draws it to his mouth, as if to kiss it... and bites downviciously, drawing blood. The girl screams.

NOTTINGHAMNow, my child, Mortianna's kisseswill seem soft, like an angel's.

(to Mortianna)Take her. You have earned her.

Mortianna grabs the terrified girl's wrist. Drags heraway.

GISBORNEIt is madness bringing the haghere.

NOTTINGHAMFear not for my sanity, Guy. Forin madness, there is great power.

EXT. LOCKSLEY CASTLE - DAWN

Red shards of sunlight slice through mist-shrouded trees.Robin hammers a crude cross over a hillside grave.Heads bowed, Duncan and Aslan stand at his side.

ROBINOur last words in this world werespoken in anger. He called theCrusades a foolish quest, said itwas vanity to force other men toour religion. He was right.

(looks to Aslan, then back to the grave)

Please forgive me, Father.

DUNCANHe loved you till the end, youngmaster. He never gave up hope ofyour return.

ROBINI failed him. I should have beenhere at his side.

DUNCANYou must leave, head north tosafety. Gisborne will surely seekrevenge.

ROBINLeave me.

(CONTINUED)

29.

CONTINUED:

DUNCANI know what you're thinking. Butone man can achieve nothingagainst so many. You would needan army.

ROBINLeave me.

ASLANCome, friend.

He leads the old man away.

CUT TO:

GRAVE SIDE - LATER

Pouring rain. Robin stands drenched at the grave side.Aslan watches from the shelter of trees. Duncan heats astale chunk of bread over the ashes of a small fire.

DUNCANHe still stands vigil?

ASLANLike a rock.

Duncan offers half the bread to the Saracen.

DUNCANA curse on the Saracens! Were itnot for their ungodly ways, hewould never have left. This wouldnever have happened.

ASLANIt surprises me that one whocurses others so readily has livedso long.

DUNCANI do not recognize the style ofyour voice, friend. Are youIrish? A Cornishman?

ASLANEr... no.

DUNCANWhat manner of name is Aslan then?

ASLANA fine Saracen name.

(CONTINUED)

30.

CONTINUED:

DUNCANLord, no!

He chokes in shock. Spitting bread.

ASLANLord, yes. But eat in peace. Itake no offense.

(glances at Robin)By the prophet! What is the mandoing?

Robin raises his dagger over his wrist. Aslan runs tohim.

ASLANWait!

Too late. Robin slashes the dagger across his palm.Rain and blood mingle. Streaming onto the grave.

ROBINI swear by my own blood. I willnot rest until I have restored myfather's name.

(a whisper)... Or until I am dead.

EXT. FOREST PATH - DAY

Ooze sucks at feet. The three men stomp through mud andrain.

ROBINWe make a fine army, do we not,Duncan? A blind man, an Arab, anda fool.

ASLANA fine, wet army. I have neverwitnessed a storm of such duration.When does summer come to thisland?

ROBINThis is summer.

ASLANThen Allah truly is great.

ROBINWhy, pray?

(CONTINUED)

31.

CONTINUED:

ASLANNo food, no shelter, and weatherthat would curse the end of theearth. We will all quickly bedead, and I shall be rid of myvow.

They approach a stone wall, surrounding a thatchedmansion.

ROBINYou despair too soon, Aslan. Weshall find food and shelter hereamong friends.

ASLANWhat is this place?

ROBINPeter's home. It is nearly sevenyears since we left here together.

EXT. DUBOIS MANSION - DAY

Robin pounds on the door. A hatch opens. An OLD WOMAN'sface.

OLD WOMANNo beggars!

The hatch slams shut. Robin pounds again.

ROBINOpen up!

A pause. The hatch slides back.

ROBINTell the mistress of the housethat Robin of Locksley is at herdoor.

OLD WOMANHer ladyship is not at home.

She slams the hatch again. Robin jams in his hand.

ROBINAagh!

He shouts through the hatch, over his bruised fingers.

(CONTINUED)

32.

CONTINUED:

ROBINIs the child Marian at home?

OLD WOMANMaybe she is. Maybe she isn't.Remove that hand.

Robin refuses. She waits imperiously behind the lockeddoor. Robin reluctantly withdraws his hand. Instantlythe hatch slams.

ASLANThe hospitality here is as warm asthe weather.

They wait, shivering... The door opens a crack.

OLD WOMANLeave your weapons.

The three start forward. Her bony finger points atRobin.

OLD WOMANJust you.

INT. DUBOIS MANSION - DAY

The hall. Deer heads. Boar heads. Portraits ofancestors.

OLD WOMANWait here.

He waits. CREAKING FOOTSTEPS on the balcony.

GIRLWho are you?

Dim lighting. Robin cannot make out who it is.

ROBINI am Robin of Locksley.

GIRLYou lie. Robin is dead.

ROBINI may meet my maker soon from lackof sustenance. But for now I amreal enough.

(CONTINUED)

33.

CONTINUED:

GIRLStep into the light. Turn around.

ROBINBy heaven, am I to dance next?Who are you?

GIRLI am the maid Marian.

ROBINThen show yourself, child. For weknew each other well.

GIRLWith the king away, these arelawless times. There are outlawsvillainous enough to kidnap andransom a relative of his.

ROBINYou know I am not one of them.Besides, I am sworn to protectyou.

GIRL(laughs)

Protect me? Robin of Locksley wasnothing but a spoiled bully.

ROBINAllow that years of war and prisonmay change a man. Step forward,Marian, so I may see how you havechanged.

She moves into the light... Fat. Rotten teeth. Ugly assin.

ROBINEr... the years have been kind.

GIRLThank you. Now remove yourselffrom this household.

A figure steps behind Robin. Sticks a sword in his back.

GIRL(turning away)

As you can see, we are alreadywell protected.

ROBINWait, Marian! ...ouch!

(CONTINUED)

34.

CONTINUED:

The sword is jabbed into his back. Robins faces the man-- clad in back, with a metal fighting mask.

ROBINYou are truly courageous againstan unarmed man.

The figure gestures towards the door. Robin sidesteps.Slams an elbow. The sword drops. Slides across thefloor. Robin moves for it, but the man intercepts,drawing a dagger.

Robin darts to the wall. Rips off an antlered deer head.Defends himself as the attacker slashes at the horns.

OUTSIDE

The SOUND of the fight indoors. Aslan hurls himself atthe door. It doesn't give.

INSIDE

Chunks of horn fly. Robin parries and thrusts. Thehorns get shorter. Robin retreats.

Left with just the nubs, Robin hurls the deer head atthe mask. Gaining advantage, he charges. Grabs thedagger hand, smashes it into the wall. The knife drops.Robin wrenches off the mask.

Long hair tumbles down... a beautiful YOUNG WOMAN.

The front door CAVES IN. Aslan stumbles through... justin time to see the woman's knee fly up into Robin'scrotch. Robin folds. The battle is over. The youngwoman stands over Robin.

YOUNG WOMANAs she was saying, we haveno need of your protection.

Robin croaks through clenched teeth.

ROBINMarian.

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN

Liquid tumbles into a goblet. The three men at a tablein the kitchen.

(CONTINUED)

35.

CONTINUED:

The fat girl, SARAH, who pretended to be Marian, serves.Flashes a lusty smile at Aslan, who glances at Robin --"Help!" Marian arrives. In a gown. Stunning. Animpish grin.

MARIANI trust Lord Locksley hasrecovered from his indisposition.

Aslan laughs. Robin glares.

EXT. DUBOIS MANSION - DAY

Rock-strewn hills. Grazing sheep. Sun peeking throughclouds. Robin and Marian walk. Anger and anguish inher voice.

MARIANWhy would he wish me to beprotected by the boy who burnedmy hair when I was a child?

ROBINWe were together five terribleyears in a Saracen prison.

MARIANHow do I know you didn't abandonhim there to save your own skin.

Robin hands her Peter's ring. She is shocked.

ROBINMarian, I'm sorry.

MARIANI will forward your condolencesto my mother.

She turns her back. He searches for a way to reach her.

ROBINOn my return, I found my fatherdead. The Sheriff denounced himas a Druid and took our lands.

MARIANThe people fear the Druids so muchthey'd believe anything.Nottingham would have me burned atthe stake as a witch if he thoughthe could possess my property.

(CONTINUED)

36.

CONTINUED:

ROBINWhy do you not join your motherin London? You would be saferthere.

MARIANI will not retreat. Besides, Ihave no interest in life at court.Gossip-mongering and curryingfavor. Here I am my own person.

ROBINThe you must allow me to be yourguardian.

MARIANI do not need a guardian.

She turns to face him. Streaming tears.

MARIANMy brother is dead. You cannottake his place.

Robin grabs and holds her.

ROBINMarian, I don't want to replacehim.

MARIANWhat do you want?

Their eyes meet... a sudden intimacy between them. Robinmoves closer. Marian begins to respond, then pulls away.

MARIANThis is wrong.

She runs back to the house. Robin stares after her.Aslan appears in the doorway with Duncan.

ASLANRobin! The old man hears horses.Approaching fast.

He runs to a bluff... a column of soldiers snakes up thehillside.

ASLANTwenty or more. In battle armor.

MARIANSoldiers coming here? Is thisyour protection?

(CONTINUED)

37.

CONTINUED:

ROBINI killed some of the Sheriff'smen. I fear I have placed you indanger.

MARIANI can take care of myself. Thereare horses in the stable. Go!

Aslan runs into the stables.

ROBINI'm not leaving.

Marian ices him with a glare. Aslan reappears, with twobareback horses. Soldiers appear on the crest, led byGisborne... With a mischievous grin, Marian runs to thesoldiers.

MARIANStop them! They're stealing myhorses!

ROBINDamn the girl! Aslan, can youride?

In answer, Aslan grins. Leaps onto a horse. With asingle swift move he hoists Duncan up behind him and digsin his heels. The mare leaps forward, and over theestate wall.

ROBINHe can ride.

He heads his horse at the wall. It stumbles. Barelyclears it. Stones fly. Robin struggles to hold on.

Marian stands directly in Gisborne's path.

GISBORNEYou have been sheltering outlaws,Lady Marian.

MARIANThey're thieves, you imbecile.Bring back my horses, or theSheriff will know of yourcowardice.

Gisborne knows she is lying.

(CONTINUED)

38.

CONTINUED:

GISBORNEYou're lucky he didn't steal yourvirtue too.

(to his men)A crown to the man who brings meLocksley's head.

He leads the pursuit. A SOLDIER hangs back. GrabsMarian's hair.

SOLDIERA kiss for me, Saxon bitch.

MARIANKiss this!

She unsheathes the dagger from under her skirt. Jabsthe blade into his wrist.

MARIANTry me again, if you want toleave a hand behind.

Shocked and pained, the man gallops away. Marian looksdown at her dagger hand. It shakes violently.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREAM

Water erupts under hooves. Aslan fords a stream. Duncanhangs on for dear life. Robin strives to keep up. Halfa mile behind Gisborne splits up his men.

Trying for a short cut, Robin finds himself at thesteepest part of the river gorge. His horse balks at thedrop. Robin flails at his mount with hands and feet. Itbacks away.

ROBINDamn you, animal!

Aslan shouts from the far bank.

ASLANTreat it like a woman.

Robin continues to hit his horse and hurl abuse. Closingin, the soldiers unfurl their crossbows. A flight ofBOLTS WHISTLES ominously close to Robin. He must jump ordie.

ASLANHave you never had a woman?Gently, man. Soothe it!

(CONTINUED)

39.

CONTINUED:

ROBINOf course I've had a woman!Come on, pretty one.

He pats the horse soothingly. The animal edges forward.

ASLANSoftly. With your knees.

ROBINI know! I know!

The soldiers reload. Robin urges the horse at the steepdrop.

ROBINEasy, easy.

Another wave of crossbow bolts. Robin launches thefrightened animal into space. Hooves flail... touchdown. Scramble up the other bank. Robinenthusiastically pats the horse's neck.

ROBINI love you!

The first two pursuers misjudge their leaps. Theirmounts land sprawling in the riverbed.

GISBORNE(yelling)

Robin of the Hood! Son of thedevil worshipper.

ROBINWhat is your pleasure, Gisborne?

GISBORNEIt was I who strung your father'scorpse to the castle gate. Mypleasure will be in doing the sameto you.

ROBINYou survived one meeting. Our nextwill be your last.

GISBORNEYour father died a coward, cursingyour name and squealing like astuck pig.

ROBINThat's a lie!

(CONTINUED)

40.

CONTINUED:

Incensed, he is losing his judgement.

ASLAN(shouts)

Come, Robin! He is trying toanger you into a trap.

A shaft pierces the flank of Robin's horse. It rears infright. Robin clings on. Six soldiers, the men Gisbornesplit off, are climbing the embankment towards him.

Robin regains control. Rides right at them. Scattersthem, and takes off again. Gisborne yells at his men tofollow.

Robin and Aslan ride flat out. Open land turns to scrub.Seeing no followers, Robin pulls up and dismounts.

ROBINWe have lost them. I'll lame thismare if I ask her to go any farther.

He gently extracts the shaft from his horse. Aslan openshis pouch. Pulls out two shiny clear pebbles and a squareleather hide. Rolls the pebbles into the tube and holdsit to his eye. A primitive telescope.

Robin watches, curious.

SCOPE POV

Through the scope we see the movement on the hill behindthem.

BACK TO SCENE

ASLANHere they come. Look.

Robin puts the device to his eye...

SCOPE POV

The soldiers are close!

BACK TO SCENE

He reacts in shock. Prepares to defend himself. Thenrealizes they are still in the distance.

(CONTINUED)

41.

CONTINUED:

ROBINIs this Arab magic?

ASLANNo. Arab science.

He replaces the tube in his pouch.

ASLANHow did your uneducatedkind ever take Jerusalem?

ROBINGod knows!

Aslan laughs. Robin points towards an endless expanse oftrees.

ROBINWe can lose them in the forest.

DUNCANSherwood is haunted, Master.

ROBINEither we take our chanceswith the ghosts, or becomeghosts ourselves.

He remounts. They race into the trees. Gisborne's menthunder up,... slowing as they enter the forest. Peeringaround them in trepidation, they slowly rein in. Robinlooks back.

ROBINThey're not following.

Gisborne curses his men, urging them on.

GISBORNECome on, damn you! There areonly three of them.

SOLDIERIt's not the men we fear, sir.

Eerie HOWLING and RATTLING of bones. Aslan draws hissword.

DUNCANBanshees. They say they fly inyour mouth and suck you dry ofblood before you can scream.

He wraps his scarf over his mouth.(CONTINUED)

42.

CONTINUED:

ROBINBe quiet! Listen.

WIND GUSTS the trees in angry waves. Emits deathlySHRIEKS. The HORSES WHINNEY. Unnerved, Aslan smitesaround him with his scimitar. Wheels at the sounds,striking only air.

ASLANAllah protect us from the evilspirits.

Duncan clings to his back. Robin points.

ROBINBehind you!

Aslan slashes out, futilely.

ROBINNo, there! And there!

Aslan flails. Robin cracks up.

ASLANCease your mad laughing. I canfeel them.

Robin reaches into the branches. Pulls out a string ofhollowed wooden tubes -- WINDCHIMES. Dozens of suchstrings on all the trees. He blows over the hollow end.A low chilling MOAN.

ROBINHere are your ghosts, Duncan. Achild's toy put to good use. Youscare easily, my painted Saladin.

His laughter is broken by a piercing YELL. A red-jacketed figure swings down out of a tree on a rope.Catapults him to the ground.

The bushes are instantly alive. Shaggy, wild-eyed men,armed with cudgels, scythes and hayforks. Twelfth-century Hell's Angels. The red-jacketed young turk, WILLSCARLET, leaps around Robin.

WILL SCARLET(singing)

Ring around the rosie!

ROBINAslan!

Aslan makes no move to intervene.(CONTINUED)

43.

CONTINUED:

The woodsmen eye the bizarre stranger, keeping theirdistance from him. Will kicks at Robin, who tries tograb him. Will skips out of range. Robin falls.

WILL SCARLETAtishoo, Atishoo. We all falldown. Beg for mercy, rich man.

ROBINI beg of no man. Which of youscum has guts enough to faceme man to man?

VOICE (O.S.)Yeah, bollocks, mate.

Robin looks up... I mean up! A towering figure. Sevenfeet of grinning, muscled brute. The giant extends avice that passes for a hand. Hauls Robin to his feet.His eyes twinkle with merriment. His whole body shakeswhen he laughs, which is often.

JOHN LITTLEWhat are ya, m'old cock?

ROBINEr... Robin...

He pauses, checking the faces of the angry peasants.

ROBIN...Hood. Robin Hood. Who areyou?

JOHN LITTLEJohn Little. Bestman o' thewoods.

ROBINBestman? You lead this rabble?

WILL SCARLETWe waste time. Tax him.

ROBINTax? For what?

WILL SCARLETFor passage through Sherwood.

ROBINI will pay no tax. Besides, Ihave nothing but my cloak andmy sword.

(CONTINUED)

44.

CONTINUED:

WILL SCARLETA man who travels with two servantsand claims he's without money, iseither a fool or a liar.

Grabbing Robin, Little shakes him like a doll. SomethingCLINKS. Robin's father's medallion. Laughing heartily,Little rips it from Robin's neck and tosses it to Scarlet.

WILL SCARLETAnd this one is a liar.

(he bites the metal)Ahah! Gold!

The men cheer. John snatches the medallion back fromWill.

ROBINThat is sacred to me.

JOHN LITTLESacred to us too, mush. Thishere'll feed us for a bloomin'month.

Robin draws his sword.

ROBINYou will have to fight me for it.

JOHN LITTLEI'd love to, mate.

He grins hugely. A boy pushes his way through the throng.

WULFWait, father! I know him.

ROBINThis man is your father? Tell himhow I saved your hide from theSheriff's soldiers. That deservessome gratitude, I believe.

He reaches for the medallion. John pulls it away.

JOHN LITTLENaw ya don't, laddie.

WILL SCARLETYou must be Robin of Locksley.The blackguard who abandoned us toNottingham's plundering.

(CONTINUED)

45.

CONTINUED:

WULFBe careful, Father. He fightslike a demon. He walloped six o'Sheriff's men?

JOHN LITTLEIs that so?

Another grin. Licking his lips in anticipation, helunges for Robin's wrist. Wrenches the sword free.Bends it into a pretzel.

ROBINAslan!

Aslan shrugs. Robin swings a fist into the giant's gut.John doesn't flinch. Hoists Robin off the ground withone arm. Cannonballs the other fist into Robin'sstomach. Robin folds.

WILL SCARLETOh dear! The little rich boy islost for words. Thanks for thetaxes, Locksley.

JOHN LITTLEAnd for the laughs.

The woodsmen find this hysterical. They disappear intothe tree. Will administers one final kick beforeleaving. Robin staggers to his feet. Glares furiouslyat Aslan.

ROBINSon of an Arab whore! Once againyour assistance was invaluable.

ASLANYou seemed more in danger of losingyour pride than your life.

DUNCANI recognized some of the voices.Many were from your father's farms.

ASLANYour avenging army, my friend.

ROBINThat rabble?

ASLANAll they need is a leader.

(CONTINUED)

46.

CONTINUED:

ROBINThey have a leader. A very largeone.

ASLANDefeat him and they will followyou.

ROBINAllah has taken your brains.

DUNCANI hear the voice of a spoiledchild, Master Robin. I suggestyou cease your brave talk ofrevenge and flee to the north.

ROBINYou, too? You expect me tofight that behemoth?

DUNCANYour father would expect you toact like a man.

CUT TO:

EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY

A large tree trunk spans a swift-flowing river. Theragged band of woodsmen approach the makeshift bridge.Stop in their tracks. Robin stands on the bridge,brandishing a long wooden staff.

ROBINThis is my bridge. No one crosseswithout paying tax.

JOHN LITTLEJust bugger off, mate, huh?

ROBINIf you wish to cross, it willcost you a gold medallion.

JOHN LITTLEAin't I hurt you a bloody nufffor one day?

WILL SCARLETIf he's in a hurry to end hismortal misery, help him.

(CONTINUED)

47.

CONTINUED:

ROBINYou don't have the courage toface me again, John Little? Orshould I call you 'Little John'?

John grabs a hefty, gnarled staff. Strides to thebridge.

JOHN LITTLEAlright, m'old cock. You wannanuther good wallopin'?

His confidence melting, Robin glances back at Duncanand Aslan, who grins like a fan at a boxing match. Johnstorms at Robin. Staffs thrash. Driven back, Robinconnects a blow on John's foot.

The giant is off-balance. Robin follows up. Lands acouple to the ribs. John responds with heavy swings,which Robin blocks deftly. Back and forth, blow forblow, all blocked. John chuckles with every swing.Enjoying the time of his life.

Their staffs lock. It's strength against strength.Robin is no match. With one mighty thrust, Johnhurtles him into the stream. The woodsmen cheer loudly.Aslan watches impassively.

Robin scrambles back onto the bridge. John waits,grinning.

JOHN LITTLELil' wet behind the ears, mate?

WILL SCARLETDon't fool with him. Get him!

John charges. Robin fends him off, gets in some shotsof his own. John swings in a giant arc. Robin ducks.John loses balance and falls to his knees. Robin allowshim time to right himself.

John comes at him again, pummeling. Wood splinters fromthe impact. Brute force versus agility. Agility isbeginning to prevail, when Robin's staff splits in two.

JOHN LITTLESwimmin' time again, ol' chum.

The coup de grace. Lands heavily. Robin teeters.Falls. Disappears under the foaming water... does notre-emerge. John waits. The spectators rush to the bank.No sign.

(CONTINUED)

48.

CONTINUED:

JOHN LITTLEBloomin' shame. 'E were a brave'un.

Suddenly Robin arcs up out of the water. His hands clamponto John's ankles. Robin heaves with all his might.John topples headfirst into the water. Surfaces in panic.

JOHN LITTLEHelp! Cain't bloody swim.

He submerges again. Robin pulls his head above water.

ROBINDo you yield?

The terrified giant sputters. Goes under again, flailingwith arms and legs. Robin holds his head just above thesurface.

ROBINDo you yield?

JOHN LITTLEYes!

ROBINGood. Now put your feet down.

John struggles, then his feet hit bottom... The wateronly reaches his chest.

JOHN LITTLEI'll be buggered.

ROBINPay me the tax.

A tense pause while all wait for Little's reaction.

JOHN LITTLERobin Hood, ya got balls o' solidrock.

He hands Robin back the medallion. Chuckling loudly, heswoops Robin up in his arms and carries him to the bank.

EXT. SHERWOOD FOREST - NIGHT

A BONFIRE CRACKLES. The woodsmen drink, eat, argue, andfight. A rabble. John passes Robin a jug.

LITTLE JOHNMead. Made it m'self.

(CONTINUED)

49.

CONTINUED:

ROBIN(drinks)

A fine brew, Little John.

He spits black objects from his mouth. Dead bees. Johngrins.

LITTLE JOHNReal honey.

He takes the jug back. Sneezes royally, spewing all overthe brew. Oblivious, he hands the contaminated jug toAslan.

ASLANWith regrets, I decline.

LITTLE JOHNAn Englishman's mead not bleedin'good enough for ya?

ASLANOn the contrary. I thank you,but my faith prevents me frompartaking in such enjoyments.

LITTLE JOHNYour bloody loss, mate.

He swigs. Passes the jug on to Duncan, who drinksheartily. Wulf cautiously approaches Robin.

LITTLE JOHNWhat is it, boy? Speak up!

WULFI wanna thankee, Lord Locksley.I owes ya m'life.

ROBINYou owe me nothing, Wulf. I amglad I chanced by in time to help.

LITTLE JOHNC'mon, lad, drink! 'Twill puthair on your bloomin' chest.

Wulf tries the brew. The impact is instant. He turnsgreen and runs. His father cracks up.

ROBINTell me about your men, John.

John points to a short fellow with the build of a treetrunk.

(CONTINUED)

50.

CONTINUED:

LITTLE JOHNThis stumpy one 'ere's David o'Doncaster. We calls 'im Bull.

ROBINHow do you come by the name, Bull?

BULL'Cuz o' my size, Sire.

ROBINBecause you are short?

BULLNay. 'Cuz I be so long.

Proudly, he starts to pull down his pants.

ROBINNo, Bull. Save it for the ladies.

Drunken laughter. Robin turns to the next man at thefireside.

ROBINYour name, friend?

The man's bald pate blushes scarlet as he tries torespond, but he stutters too badly to get out acomprehensible word.

LITTLE JOHNThat be Hal Brownwell, but thelads call i'm Hal Hiccup.

The others make hiccup and belching sounds, and crack upat Hal's embarrassment. Hal strikes out angrily at histormentors.

ROBINHold! Hal, you have the face andhands of a farmer. I wager youare a strong and honest man, andI'd be glad to have you at my sidein a fight. The next man who makeslight of you will have to answerto me.

There is murmuring around the group, but no one electsto try it.

ROBINHow is it there are so many ofyou in hiding?

(CONTINUED)

51.

CONTINUED:

LITTLE JOHNWe're outlaws. Got prices on our'eads, every man jack. BlastedSheriff says we owes 'im taxes.

ROBINHow do you fare?

LITTLE JOHNWe get by, I reckon.

ROBINWhile the Sheriff steals yourland and your families starve?

LITTLE JOHNWhat in bloody blazes'd ya haveus do?

ROBINYour ghosts will only keep hismen at bay so long, my friend.Soon the Sheriff will hunt youdown and hang you. You mustfight back.

LITTLE JOHNWe show as much as a toe outsidethe forest, they'll slaughter uslike bleedin' sheep.

ROBINWe must organize. Win by guile.

LITTLE JOHN'We'? Ya lookin' to join us,matie?

ROBINNo. To lead you.

WILL SCARLETHa! I would never be led by theson of a Druid.

ROBINThere are many here who knew myfather to be a kind and generousman. I doubt that in their heartsthey believe him capable of such ahorror.

Murmurs of agreement from around the fire. Robin turnsto Will.

(CONTINUED)52.

CONTINUED:

ROBINWhat is your name, friend?

WILL SCARLETCount me not a friend, Locksley.

LITTLE JOHNStuff a flippin' cork in it, Will.The man's our guest.

Will gets up. Angrily pushes his way out of the group.

LITTLE JOHNThat there's Will Scarlet. Pay 'imno 'eed. 'E's full o' piss and wind.

ROBINHe is right to distrust me. I ama rich man's son. I have done nohonest labor. But today I am aspoor as any of you. Nottinghamhas stolen all that I own. Andwhen I killed Gisborne's men, I,too, became an outlaw.

LITTLE JOHNYa're full o'bloody wind an' all,mate. This 'ere load o' rubbishagin the Sheriff's bloomin' army?Ya must be bloody jokin'.

ROBINWe can win. And I believe we will.

LITTLE JOHNYa're a daft bugger, Robin Hood,but ya're a brave 'un, I'll giveya that. Drink up, laddie, cuztomorrow ya mayn't be so lucky!Tomorrow I shall best ya an' crackthat blasted noble head in two.

Laughing loudly, he throws back his head for a longdraught of mead.

EXT. WOODSMEN'S CAMP - SUNRISE

A steady trickle of RAIN drips from leaves onto the noseof the sleeping Saracen. He wakes, cursing. All aroundhim the woodsmen lie on the forest floor, covered withrags and hides coughing and sneezing. A sorry mess.Robin sits, brooding.

(CONTINUED)

53.

CONTINUED:

ASLAN(gloomily)

I have led you wrong. This is noarmy. These men live like dogs.

ROBINEnglish dogs. They can learn.

ASLANLearn what? To build kennels?

He sullenly stalks away. Robin shakes his head. Aslanis right. He rouses Duncan, who is asleep at his side.The old man groans awake, holding his head. Seriouslyhung-over.

ROBINToo much mead, old friend. Whatday is it?

DUNCANSunday, I believe.

ROBINGood. Do they still give almsto the poor at the mass?

DUNCANThey do. These days the need formercy is greater than ever.

ROBINThen I must ask you a favor.

EXT. ROAD TO NOTTINGHAM - DAY

Duncan walks alone, with the aid of his staff. Bodystooped, clothes ragged, a pathetic figure. Ahead isthe main gate to the walled city of Nottingham.

Fresh horse manure. A man's hand reaches into it andspreads it over his clothes. And his face -- Robin,dressed as Duncan.

EXT. CITY GATE - DAY

Robin taps his way through the crowd. Past the piercingstare of the armored GUARD at the gate.

GUARDHey, you!

Robin keeps going. A hand clasps his shoulder. Spinshim 'round.

(CONTINUED)

54.

CONTINUED:

GUARDDo I know you?

Robin gazes into space, trying to look blind. The Guardsniffs his soiled hand.

GUARDMy God, you stink!

ROBINPardon my blindness, sir. I'malways falling down.

GUARDYeech! Get away from me.

He launches a kick in Robin's rear. Robin hobbles away,hiding a smile. The Guard tries to wipe off his hand onthe wall.

INT. NOTTINGHAM CATHEDRAL - DAY

Jesus hangs from the cross. A magnificent stained glasswindow. In the ornate pulpit, the BISHOP OF HEREFORD,bedecked in ermine.

BISHOPWe beseech thy blessing, Lord, onall your people, but mostespecially on our noble LordNottingham. Grant him the wisdomto guide and protect our gloriouscity.

Nottingham and Gisborne sit piously among the congrega-tion of nobles and wealthy merchants.

BISHOPGrant him also the strength tobring to justice the lawless menwho threaten its safety. Helphim to stamp out the curse of thedread Druids who would seize fromus our children, even as wolvessteal the lambs from their mothers.

The rear of the church. Standing crushed together, thepoor and afflicted. Old and young. Starving children.Among them, Robin.

The sermon ends. As the nobles file out, the poor aregalvanized. Begging hands reach out.

(CONTINUED)

55.

CONTINUED:

VARIOUS1. Alms!2. Have mercy, milady.3. Pity, fine sir.4. For my baby.5. Etc.

The rich drop a few mites, sparking a mad scramble.Church officials roughly keep order. Marian passes somecoins to the mother of a small child. A hand grabs herwrist.

ROBINAlms for a blind man. For onewho cannot see your beauty.

MARIAN(recognizing him)

This is dangerous.

ROBINSo you care for my safety?

MARIANNo, for mine. I do not wishto be seen with an outlaw.

ROBINUnder the Sheriff's law, that'sa badge of pride.

MARIANHe's put a price on your head.

ROBINHow much?

MARIANA hundred gold pieces.

ROBINIs that all? I have not annoyedhim enough. Soon he will offerten thousand.

MARIANFor ten thousand I would turn youin myself.

(glances back at the Sheriff)

Nottingham is mounting an army.

ROBINHow do you know?

(CONTINUED)

56.

CONTINUED:

MARIANHe has rounded up every blacksmithin the county. He has them holedup in the castle making swords andarmor.

ROBINWhat is he planning?

MARIANI don't know, but there's no limitto the man's ambitions.

(as Sheriff heads towards them)

Go!

ROBINIf you need me, I will be withthe woodsmen. Send for me as'Robin Hood.'

MARIANRobin! Do something for me.

ROBINWhat?

MARIANTake a bath.

ROBINCare to join me?

With a grin, he slips into the crowd as Nottinghamarrives.

NOTTINGHAMYou shine like the sun, my lady.

He raises her hand, as he did the girl's in the castle.Kisses it.

NOTTINGHAMYou have been meeting with youngRobin of Locksley.

(as she tries to hide her shock)

My cousin tells me the knavedeprived you of some horses.

MARIAN(recovering)

Yes. A most disagreeableexperience.

(CONTINUED)

57.

CONTINUED:

NOTTINGHAMI deeply regret it, and I promiseyou he will be brought to justice.For subjecting you to suchtreatment, I will hang him fromthe walls with his own entrails.

That gleam of insanity. Robin watches from a distance.

MARIANI would like to see that, my lord.

The Sheriff places his hand possessively on her shoulder.

NOTTINGHAMMy dear, a woman of your refinementis not safe living alone. If youwould consent to bring yourhousehold within the city walls,I could give your needs my mostpersonal attention.

MARIANI thank you, Lord Nottingham, fromthe heart, but for now I prefer tostay in my family's ancestral home.My cousin, King Richard, will bedeeply moved to hear of yourconcern for my welfare.

NOTTINGHAMAlas, the King has many enemiesboth abroad and at home. I fearfor his safe return.

MARIANFear not, my dear Sheriff. He willreturn. When he does, he willwish to reward his faithful subjects.

The Sheriff smiles sourly and takes his leave. Mariandeflates with relief. The Sheriff walks alone towardsa side door.

BEGGAR(Robin)

Alms, my lord.

Nottingham makes to shove the man aside. With a swiftmove, the beggar grabs the Sheriff in a headlock.Slides Nottingham's own dagger to his throat and dragshim out of sight.

(CONTINUED)

58.

CONTINUED:

ROBINA hundred crowns, Sheriff? Youinsult me.

Nottingham starts to struggle. Robin draws blood.

ROBINRemember young Robin of Locksley,Sheriff? Meet Robin Hood. Yournemesis. Your avenging angel.

NOTTINGHAMIf you kill me, you will hang.

ROBINIf I kill you, I will hang happy.

NOTTINGHAMWhat do you want?

ROBINI want to give you a chance. Achance you do not deserve. Achance to right your wrongs.

NOTTINGHAMI'm listening.

ROBINFrom this day forward you willcease to tax my people. You willrenounce the charges against myfather, and you will return hislands to me.

NOTTINGHAMWhy should I?

ROBINBecause for every harm you do,I swear by God I shall visit onyou threefold in return.

NOTTINGHAMEmpty words.

ROBINI am here with a blade at yourthroat. As long as I live, youwill always know that I could behere again.

A YELL from across the church. Gisborne has spotted them.Robin digs the knife a little deeper.

(CONTINUED)

59.

CONTINUED:

ROBINYour answer?

NOTTINGHAMNever, fool.

ROBINThen it will begin..

Gisborne yells orders. Robin hurls Nottingham againstthe wall.

EXT. NOTTINGHAM CATHEDRAL - DAY

Robin runs to the courtyard and leaps on the Sheriff'shorse, which is held by a stunned groom. He ridesthrough the busy marketplace. A crossbowman trackshim. A sure shot.

Marian spots the danger. She fakes being tripped andstumbles into the bowman. His bolt flies harmlesslyinto the air.

MARIAN(innocently)

Please excuse my clumsiness.

Robin charges for the city gate. As he passes, he kicksthe guard who hasseled him into the wall.

EXT. WOODSMEN'S CAMP - DAY

Men gather around as Robin dismounts, admiring the horse.

ROBINA personal loan from the Sheriff.

ASLAN(furious)

You should not have left withoutme, Englishman.

ROBINHow so? You have not raised afinger to protect me.

ASLANBefore I had a choice.

ROBINIt was my choice to do this alone.

(CONTINUED)

60.

CONTINUED:

ASLANA foolish risk. If you had beenkilled, I would be cursed foreternity for failing to fulfilmy pledge.

ROBINAslan, if I didn't know better,I would swear you were worriedabout me.

EXT. NOTTINGHAM CATHEDRAL

The Sheriff maniacally spits out orders to Gisborne.

NOTTINGHAMStarve them out. Slaughter theirlivestock. I want to see Locksley'sown people fighting each other tobring him to us.

GISBORNEI swear he will not live to seethe next full moon.

EXT. HAMLET - DAY

A SQUEALING HOG is loaded onto a wagon. SOLDIERS roundup the livestock. An old FARMER protests.

FARMERGo' bless ya, sir. Leave us thesow. She's with young 'uns. Thenext litter'll feed us throughthe winter.

SOLDIERYou've heard of Robin Hood?

FARMERYes, sir.

The Soldier brutally kicks the old man to the ground.

SOLDIERThen pray he is brought to usbefore winter.


A trail of refugees. Women and children carry theirbelongings into camp.

(CONTINUED)

61.

CONTINUED:

Wulf runs to greet his mother and siblings. A contingentof woodsmen confronts Robin.

WILL SCARLETYou brought this misery on us,Locksley. We can barely feedourselves.

LITTLE JOHNSheriff hasn't left us a bloodypot to piss in.

ROBINThen we shall take from him andhis rich friends.

This provokes a barrage of protests. The men are angry.

WILL SCARLETBrave talk, Locksley. I say wetake the rich boy in.

Murmurs of general agreement.

ROBINWill, do you think the Sheriff willgive everything back after I amgone?

WILL SCARLETHe will give us the reward, andour pardons.

ROBINAlright, Will. You can take mein on one condition. You mustfight me. You may use the Sheriff'shorse and arm yourself as youplease. I will fight on foot.Unarmed.

WILL SCARLETUnarmed?

ROBINIf you lose, you will accept meas your leader. If you win, youmay take me in. Dead or alive.

WILL SCARLETDead, Locksley.

CUT TO:

62.

EXT. WOODSMEN'S CAMP - DAY (LATER)

Hands tighten a girth. Will confidently jokes with hiscronies. Woodsmen form a primitive circle of spectators.Little John and his wife, Fanny, keep to themselves,while Wulf openly talks with Robin, Aslan and Duncan.Robin is stripped to the waist, his muscled skin ravagedwith scars.

ASLANThis man has true purpose. Hemeans to kill you.

DUNCANAnd you have given him the means.

WULFWill is ruthless, Robin. Guardyour back.

ROBINI am grateful for your concern,friends, but I have to prove tothem it is possible to overcomeunequal odds.

(shouts)I am ready, Will.

Will bends, as if checking the horse's legs. Secretlygrabs a handful of sand. Swings into the saddle and digsin his heels.

Closing in, Will flings the sand in Robin's eyes. Robinclutches his hands to his face, blinded. Will spinsback to the attack.

His sword slashes. Reacting to the sound, Robin rollsaside. The men cheer like a big fight crowd.

Robin's POV is blurred. Ducking the blade, he grabsWill's arm. A blow glances off his shoulder.

Robin falls to his knees, still blinded. Will ridesright at him, to trample him. Robin scrambles away.Will wheels his horse. A flashing hoof grazes Robin'schest.

Robin leaps to his feet and yells at the top of hislungs. Panicked, the HORSE rears, WHINNYING wildly.Will struggles to stay in the saddle. Loses his sword.

Robin seizes the moment and runs to a water trough.Douses his face. Yells at Will.

(CONTINUED)

63.

CONTINUED:

ROBINCome on, you little piss pot.Do your worst!

Will grabs a spear from a bystander. Robin stands hisground. Will lunges, Robin sidesteps.

ROBINThe horse is smarter than you are,Will.

Some of the men laugh. Will is incensed. Robin ducksand weaves, easily evading Will's repeated charges.Robin ducks right under the horse's belly.

ROBINHere, Will! You aim like a girl,Will!

Will stabs wildly, more and more frustrated. Laughterspreads, as Robin plays hide and seek around the horse'slegs. Grabbing the end of the spear, he clowns a tugof war.

Enraged, Will strains and tries to kick Robin away.Suddenly, Robin lets go. Unbalanced, Will flies back-wards off his mount.

Robin snatches the spear and raises it over his fallenadversary. The crowd falls silent. Robin strikes. Thepoint quivers in the ground below Will's crotch. Willwriggles in terror. Impaled, his pants rip open.

ROBINThank the Lord you are not endowedlike Bull.

The crowd is convulsed with laughter. Robin catches hisbreath. Does not see Will, who grabs a heavy staff andruns at him. A strong hand grasps Will's arm as he isabout to strike.

LITTLE JOHNBollocks, Will. Jus' bugger off,eh?

Overpowered, Will relents. With a defiant glance, heskulks away.

LITTLE JOHNYa got us by the short and curlies,Robin Hood. Now let's hear what yagot to bleedin' say.

(CONTINUED)

64.

CONTINUED:

Robin scans the faces. He has their attention.

ROBINNottingham has taken from useverything we own. Now we aregoing to start taking from him.

LITTLE JOHN'Ow in bloody blazes are we gonnado that?

ROBINWe are going to tax him.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. FOREST ROAD - DAY

Autumn. The forest is a mosaic of green, gold, orange,and red. A giant eye in a circle of glass. Aslan, histelescope raised.

ASLANHere they come.

ROBINHow many?

ASLANTwo wagons. Twenty escort.

ROBINTwenty? They usually have five.

He grabs the telescope.

SCOPE POV

A phalanx of mounted soldiers, a cart loaded withbarrels, and a tax wagon. The wagon is an armored box onwheels, with crossbow slits in the side. Guy of Gisbornecommands the escort.

BACK TO SCENE

ROBINThis is no ordinary convoy.

Bull calls up from below, where a ragged group of woods-men lies nervously in ambush.

BULL'ow many?

(CONTINUED)

65.

CONTINUED:

ROBINEr, about ten.

(then, to Aslan)Why scare them? They can't countanyway.

ASLANAnd they call me the barbarian.

ROBINLet's go.

Together they run down the hill, keeping low.

Gisborne eyes the forest. The beer cart is steered by afat red-faced FRIAR, raucously singing hymns and quaffingfrom a jug, which he repeatedly dips into one of thebarrels.

ARROWS WHISTLE in. The Friar yells and drops his jug. Asoldier is hit. At the forest edge, four woodsmen reloadtheir longbows. Dressed in green, their facescamouflaged.

The mounted soldiers charge them. The woodsmen run intothe trees. As the horsemen close in, the runners leapinto a trench. Lift up matted screens of brush andgrass. It's as if they disappeared. The soldiers slashwildly at the thick screens.

More arrows fly. More soldiers fall. The others spinin confusion, trying to discern the enemy. More woods-men break from cover. Run down a narrow path. Gisborneurges his men to pursue. They ride in single file,beating their way through the tangled branches.

The runners dive into the trees, as other men haul onropes, raising a giant screen in the soldiers' path. Thehorses swerve, on the edge of a twenty-foot drop to theriver gorge. Momentum carries many of them over thecliff.

BACK ON ROADWAY

Robin and Aslan swing down from the trees onto the taxwagon. Kick down the two drivers and take the reins,steering the wagon off the road. The archers inside areunable to fire at them.

Little John leaps onto the beer cart, sending the Friarhurtling back among the barrels. The Friar slams hishead and drops unconscious. John whips the horse,driving the cart after Robin. Another camouflage screenis lifted into place, covering their route.

(CONTINUED)

66.

CONTINUED:

Gisborne races back to the road... the wagons are gone.He rides frantically back and forth. Searching andcursing.

EXT. FOREST CLEARING - DAY

Robin climbs onto the tax wagon's roof. Angry shoutsfrom inside.

ROBINSurrender your weapons. I giveyou my word you shall go free.

In answer, a swordblade jabs up through the roof, nearhis feet.

ROBINAh, I feared as much.

He signals to Aslan, who steers the tax wagon into theriver. Water floods in through the slits. Inside,panic. Drowning rats.

The bowmen scramble out. What they see stops them dead.Both banks are men in green, longbows aimed directly atthem.

CUT TO:

COUNTRYSIDE

Sparks. An axe pounds into the lock of a strongbox. Thelock snaps. Little John pries open the lid. Reacts inastonishment. The trunk is filled to the brim withglittering gold coins. The woodsmen press around.Cheers of celebration.

LITTLE JOHN(awestruck)

I'll be buggered.

ROBINThis treasure had a purpose. Wemust find out what.

He turns at the sound of a brawl from the Friar's cart.The Friar is at the bottom of a struggling heap of bodies.

ROBINGet off him. He's a man of thecloth.

Robin drags the men off. The Friar clambers to his feet.Around him are strewn battered and winded woodsmen.

(CONTINUED)

67.

CONTINUED:

FRIARThe Lord's blessing on you, kindsir. These sinners were attemptingto steal these libations destinedfor the monks of St. Catherine's.

He indicates his cargo of barrels.

ROBINIt appears to me, Reverend Friar,that many of the libations havefound their way into your ownesteemed person.

Ignoring him, the Friar mounts the cart.

FRIARA thousand pardons, sir, but dutybeckons. I must hasten on.

ROBIN(grabbing the bridle)

A moment, my reverend friend. Youtravel with poor company when youtravel with Nottingham's soldiers.

BULLAye, tax him.

This sparks a chorus of comments.

ROBINMy men are thirsty and have muchto celebrate.

FRIARLord bless me, sir, are these yourmen? I had mistook them forcommon thieves. Kindly stepaside.

ROBINSurely the Lord has the charity tospare a few barrels to goodChristian men.

The Friar relents, loosening his grip on the reins.

FRIARWell, sir, if you wish them toshare in the good Lord's brew...

Casually reaching under the seat, he pulls out a club.Smites Robin with it.

(CONTINUED)

68.

CONTINUED:

FRIAR... you must best me for it.

Robin staggers. The Friar whips up the horse. Dazed,Robin grabs for the fat man's leg. Gets a holy sandalfull in the face.

FRIARGiddyup, nag!

The Friar's horse, as obese as his driver, slowly raiseshis head from the grass and ambles forward. Robin runsafter them and dives at the Friar, toppling him from thecart.

ROBINYou leave when I say.

Scrambling to his feet, the Friar glances skyward.

FRIARProtect me, Lord.

He sweeps his foot, knocking Robin's legs out from underhim. Hurls his full body weight on top of him. Whooomf!

FRIARYield!

He bounces on Robin's stomach. Robin can barely breathe.The woodsmen are enjoying the spectacle.

FRIARConfess that Friar Tuck is abetter, holier, and braver manthan thou art, knave.

ROBINNever! Whoomf!

FRIARYield, I say! Yield to FriarTuck.

Desperate, Robin bites the Friar's leg. Tuck howls.Robin extricates himself, grabs for a weapon. Smashesthe Friar's head with his drinking jug.

ROBINYield yourself!

He dives onto the Friar and hammers his head into theground.

(CONTINUED)

69.

CONTINUED:

ROBINYield to Robin Hood.

Tuck holds up a hand in surrender. Robin eases off.

FRIAR(feeling his head)

Thank you, Lord, for teaching mehumility.

ROBINWell, Friar Tuck. We have needof an honest man of God, tominister to these men and theirfamilies. What do you say?

The Friar struggles to his feet. He reviews the motleyfaces of his potential flock. His eyes light on thegrinning Saracen.

FRIARI'd rather roast in hell.

He punches Robin in the gut.

CUT TO:

FRIAR TUCK

strapped into the traces, pulls the beer cart. Sweatingprofusely, grunting with strain. His horse contentedlyfollows.

ROBINGiddyup, Friar.

He flicks the reins, steering the cart into camp. Womenand children rush to greet their men. Jeer the ropedsoldier-prisoners. The Friar checks out his flock. Awoman curtsies, another crosses herself, children touchhis robe in wonder.

ROBINWhat do you say now, Tuck? Hereare the meek of the earth.

Tuck surveys the hopeful, hungry faces. The littlehamlet of half-built huts. He folds his hands in amoment of prayer.

FRIARThe Lord moves in mysteriousways. I accept.

(CONTINUED)

70.

CONTINUED:

ROBINYou will not regret it.

FRIARAye, but you may.

CUT TO:

EXT. WOODSMEN'S CAMP

A blazing fire. Deer carcasses roast. Tuck's barrelssupply the refreshment. Robin and Aslan pass out coinsto each family.

ROBINBuy yourself a new son, Stephen.

FARMERThankee, Robin.

Little John and Bull approach. John indicates the twoprisoners roped to a nearby tree.

LITTLE JOHNCain't get a bleedin' squeak outa'em, Rob.

BULLThey'd be spittin' it out goodif they'd knowed anythin'.

LITTLE JOHNReckon the Cap'n knows summat, Rob,but stubborn ol' cocker 'e is.

ASLANPerhaps it is time for someheathen persuasion.

CUT TO:

CAPTAIN OF SOLDIERS

stares up at Robin defiantly.

CAPTAINSpare your breath. I know nothing.

ROBIN(reasonable)

I believe you. But this Arab here,he's got it into his barbarianbrain that you know a whole lotmore than nothing.

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

71.

CONTINUED:

ROBIN (CONT'D)And when he gets like this,he's very hard to reason with.

With a hair-raising war cry, Aslan leaps INTO VIEW.Stripped to the waist, brandishing his scimitar. TheCaptain tries to back away. Robin tries to restrainAslan, is hurled aside. Snarling, drooling at the mouth,Aslan explores the Captain's body with his hands. Abutcher checking meat.

ROBINI strongly advise you to talk.He hasn't eaten in weeks.

CAPTAIN(rising terror)

What does he want?

ROBINYou.

CAPTAINFor Godsakes, get him off me!

ROBIN(very deliberately)

No, Aslan... not this one, Aslan.... How about this other one?...Fatter, yes... more meat.

The other soldier, who definitely has more flesh on thebone, is struck dumb with horror, as Aslan turns hisattention to him. With one swing of his sword, Aslanslices through the man's ropes. Drags him to his feet.Little John runs over.

LITTLE JOHN(urgent)

No, Robin, no! They be God-fearin'men.

ROBINI cannot stop him, John. Besides,if they will not tell what theyknow, then they must pay the price.

LITTLE JOHNKill 'em aye, but not like this.'Tain't Christian.

Blood-curdling SCREAMS from behind the wagon where Aslanhas dragged his victim. The Captain's face pales. Thensilence.

(CONTINUED)

72.

CONTINUED:

The demented Arab slowly reappears. Blood drips from hislips. He munches the flesh from a long bone, on the endof which is the soldier's glove... the man's arm.Turning to Robin, Aslan shouts in Arabic and gesticulateswildly at the Captain.

CAPTAINWhat does he say?

ROBINWell, roughly, he says that hedoesn't care for the way yourfriend tastes, and he wants you.

CAPTAINNo, God, no! I'll talk. Justkeep him away. Keep him away!

BEHIND WAGON

Bull holds the other prisoner, muffling the man's mouthand trying to suppress his own laughter. Beside themlies a large chunk of venison. The man is unharmed,except that he's missing a glove.

INT. WOODSMAN'S HUT - NIGHT

The walls shake with Little John's laughter.

LITTLE JOHNSure changed the color of 'isbritches, didn't 'e?

ROBINThanks to our cannibal friend.

Aslan repeats his wildman act, munching on a chunk ofvenison.

LITTLE JOHNGonna laugh my bloody balls off.

BULLWhy'd the Sheriff be sendin' goldnorth o' the border?

ROBINTo hire mercenaries. The Celtsare savage tribesmen, trainedto kill from birth.

(CONTINUED)

73.

CONTINUED:

LITTLE JOHNAye, the Romans built a bleedin'great wall to keep 'em out.

BULLWhat does 'e want wi 'em?

ROBINSince he also has every Smithin the country working in hiscastle, we can assume he isplanning a little war.

LITTLE JOHNAgin' who?

ASLANEngland.

INT. CASTLE ARMORY - NIGHT

Sparks. Smoke. Sweat. The Sheriff inspects his weaponfactory. His eyes glint with the reflections of thesmithy's fires.

A DOOR CRASHES open behind him. FOOTSTEPS. Paying noheed, he draws a sword from a furnace. It's blade white-hot.

GISBORNEWe were ambushed. In SherwoodForest.

Nottingham tests the sword against an anvil.

NOTTINGHAMSpanish steel, cousin. So muchstronger than our native blades.Any losses?

GISBORNEAll the men are gone.

NOTTINGHAMYet again you are the solesurvivor, cousin? Interesting.And the gold?

GISBORNEWell, it er... disappeared.

(CONTINUED)

74.

CONTINUED:

The Sheriff looks at Gisborne for the first time.

NOTTINGHAMRobin Hood?

GISBORNEThey were woodsmen, dressed ingreen.

NOTTINGHAMRobin Hood.

He places a hand reassuringly on his cousin's shoulder.

NOTTINGHAMCousin, we must be strong. Wecannot allow this outlaw to makefools of us.

Without warning, he drives the blade into Gisborne'sbelly.

NOTTINGHAMAnd I cannot allow a lieutenantto fail me.

(turning to the horrified smithy)

It is indeed fine steel.

EXT. VILLAGE - DAY

A small procession. Tuck drives his cart, Bull the taxwagon. Both vehicles laden with supplies. Wulf and Halpass out flour, chickens, blankets, clothing to thevillagers. Their weapons are prominently displayed.Tuck swigs from a jar, passes it to an old villager.

FRIARGod bless you, sir.

VILLAGERAn' Go' bless Robin 'Ood, friar.They says as 'ow none o' theSheriff's cronies dare go withinmiles o' Sherwood for fear o'havin' their pockets pinched.

FRIARAh, the good Lord giveth and thegood Lord taketh away.

OLD WOMANUnless Robin Hood takes it first!

(CONTINUED)

75.

CONTINUED:

Laughter. The procession passes two of the Sheriff'smounted soldiers. They glumly watch as Tuck raises hisjug in greeting.

FRIARGood morrow, brothers.

EXT. FOREST POOL - DAY

Water, sparkling with sunlight. Bursts, as Robin divesin naked. He luxuriates in the cool water... HOOFBEATS.He attempts to hide... too late. Four horses emerge fromthe trees. Bull and Hal, with Marian and her servantSarah sandwiched between them. Bull has a black eye.Marian jumps down.

MARIAN(to Robin)

How dare you!

ROBINGood morning, Lady Marian.

In response, she starts pelting him with stones.

MARIANYou send men to drag me from myhome in the middle of the night,like some slave girl? Is thisthe way the famous Robin Hoodtreats a lady?

ROBINAh well... er, let me finish thisbath you wished me to take. ThenI'll explain.

MARIANI demand an explanation right now!

ROBINIf you will be patient, I couldspare your propriety by...

MARIANI will decide when my proprietyis compromised.

ROBINAs you wish.

(CONTINUED)

76.

CONTINUED:

He wades bare-ass naked out of the water towards her.She casts a contemptuous look over his muscled body,glistening with water.

MARIANHow dare you expose yourself tome?!

She slugs him. Robin stumbles backwards into the water.Bull grins, gesturing to Sarah and pointing to his ownblack eye.

BULLThe big 'un did the same to me.


An arrow flies into a bull's-eye, crudely marked on atree. Little John lowers his crossbow, delighted athis shot.

LITTLE JOHN(to Wulf)

Right m'lad. Let's see how closeyou can git to that bugger.

Wulf takes aim. His arrow slices clear through hisfather's arrow, splitting it in two. Little John slapsWulf on the back and beckons everyone over.

LITTLE JOHNTake a gander at this 'un, mates.Never seen nuthin' like it inmy bloomin' life.

Robin leads Marian through the camp... the beginnings ofa village -- women doing laundry, kids playing, men prac-ticing archery and swordplay, others working on defenses,camouflaging a giant pit. Marian is impressed, but notabout to admit it.

MARIANThis better be damned important.

Robin leads her into a hut. Inside is a trove of cap-tured loot -- purses, jewelry, weaponry, fancy coatsand... the treasure chest. At Robin's nod, Bull throwsback the lid. Marian is speechless.

ROBINNottingham robs the poor. Werob Nottingham and give back tothe poor.

(CONTINUED)

77.

CONTINUED:

MARIANDo you think he's going to letyou get away with all this? Theman is without mercy. He willannihilate you.

ROBINSomebody has to take a stand.

MARIANYou're taking a stand with thelives of these people. Theseyoung ones.

A beat. She checks the faces. Her eyes meet Robin's.Is there a hint of concern for him also?

MARIANWhat do you want from me?

ROBINNottingham was sending this goldto buy reinforcements from theCeltic tribesmen. We need towarn King Richard.

MARIANNottingham would not darechallenge the King.

ROBINThe King is not in England tobe challenged, is he? While heis away, he may lose his country.

(Marian masks her concern)

You are Richard's cousin. Youcan get word to him. He wouldbelieve you.

MARIANNow you want me to participatein your folly?

A little girl approaches, holding a bouquet of wildflowers. Touched, Marian kneels to accept the offering.

CUT TO:

BOUQUET

protrudes from Marian's saddle. She is mounted, readyto go. Sarah giggles as she takes her leave of Bull.

(CONTINUED)

78.

CONTINUED:

ROBIN(to Marian)

I am sending Duncan with you.Give him some warm food and areal bed. I grow tired of hisbellyaching.

DUNCANHah! I have endured more hardshipin my lifetime than any man here.

Robin laughs and speaks to Marian in a stage whisper.

ROBINDon't tell him I told you, buthe may be useful to you. Thereis no one to whom I would ratherentrust your safety.

MARIANDuncan, you are most welcome.

Taking the lead rein from Duncan's horse, she rides away.

ROBIN(calls after her)

Will you send word to the King?

MARIANI'll think about it.

INT. DUBOIS MANSION - DAY

A globule of red liquid. A signet ring. Marian sealsa letter.

INT. BISHOP'S CASTLE - DAY

The letter is held in the pudgy, jeweled fingers of theBishop of Hereford. A lavish office.

MARIANIt is a personal matter, my Lord,but one of vital importance.

BISHOPI understand, my dear lady.This is my most trusted emissary.

He hands the letter to a solemn courier.

(CONTINUED)

79.

CONTINUED:

MARIANYou will travel to Franceimmediately. You must give thisdirectly into the hands of theKing, and him alone.

The courier bows in acknowledgement. Marian indicatesSarah.

MARIANMy lady-in-waiting will accompanyyou.

Surprised, the courier glances at the Bishop.

BISHOPMy dear, I could not vouch forher safety. The journey is fraughtwith danger.

MARIANI appreciate your concern, myLord, but Sarah is an accomplishedrider. I must insist that shegoes along.

BISHOP(a beat)

As you wish.


An informal council of war. Robin uses a stick in thedirt.

ROBINWe have to be ready to move campat any time. The only way we canbe attacked is from the NottinghamRoad. We hide lookouts in thetrees, here and here. If theysee soldiers, they shoot warningarrows. Whistles by day, fireby night.

Wulf runs up to Little John in panic.

WULFFather! Come quick. Mother'sdying.

80.

INT. WOODSMEN'S HUT - DAY

Fanny Little writhes in agony. John rushes in. Tucklooks up from Fanny's side.

FRIARThe child comes early.

Fanny screams. John kneels beside her, taking her head.

LITTLE JOHNHush, m'lass. Ya'll be fine.

FANNY'S not like t'others, John. OhGod, it pains me so.

LITTLE JOHN(angrily, to Tuck)

Ya're sittin' thar like a fatsow. Help her, man, help her!

FRIARI am doing all I can.

Aslan appears in the doorway, with Robin. Whips back theblanket. Fanny's chest is covered with black squirmingcreatures.

ASLANBy Allah, leeches!

He starts to pull the parasites off. Tuck jumps at him.

FRIARGet away from her!

Aslan pushes him away, continuing his work.

ASLANBlood is like air. If she losesblood, she and the child will die.

John is paralyzed with confusion. Tuck appeals to Robin.

FRIARHe lies. He is the devil's seed,sent to lead us astray.

ASLANFool, both the Bible and the Koraninstruct us to preserve life.

Tuck raises an arm to strike Aslan. Robin blocks theblow. Aslan gently touches the mother's stomach.

(CONTINUED)

81.

CONTINUED:

ASLAN(soothing)

Your baby has not turned. Itcannot be born without help.

FRIARWhat do you know, you damnedsavage?

ASLAN(to John)

If you will allow me, I can helpher. It will not be withoutdanger.

FRIARDo not listen to him! He willkill her.

ASLANIf you do not listen to me, shewill certainly die. And thechild, too.

Fanny cries out. John looks to Robin, pleading foradvice.

ROBINThe good Friar has done all hecan. I suggest you let the Arabtry.

(as John is undecided)

If I am wrong, and they die, thenyou may take my life.

John's eyes meet his wife's. She nods.

LITTLE JOHNSo be it.

FRIARThen it will be on your head.I have warned you.

He storms out. All business, Aslan speaks to Wulf.

ASLANBring me a needle, thread, water,a skinning knife, and burningashes.

Wulf runs to obey. John looks horrified. Robin easeshim outside, then returns to Aslan's side. Theywhisper.

(CONTINUED)

82.

CONTINUED:

ROBINWhat are you going to do?

ASLANThe child must be taken out bythe knife.

ROBINThe knife?

ASLANI have seen it many times withhorses.

ROBINHorses? By the Lord, what areher chances?

ASLANAfter wasting so much blood...not good.

ROBINNow you tell me!

Wulf runs back in. Aslan holds up a piece of wood.

ASLAN(to Fanny)

Are you ready?... Bite down onthis... Robin, hold her steady.

He lifts the red-hot knife from the ashes.

OUTSIDE

Little John paces. Wulf comes out of the hut. Familieshover and wait. From inside, MUFFLED GROANS.

FRIARI tell you, the barbarian iskilling her.

John moves to the hut. Wulf restrains him.

INSIDE

The mother heaves, then drops.

ROBINIs she gone?

(CONTINUED)

83.

CONTINUED:

Aslan ignores him, keeps working over Fanny's body.Robin cannot watch... a WAIL! Aslan mutters somethingin awed Arabic.

ROBINWhat did you say?

Aslan holds up a bloody struggling infant.

ASLANIt is a boy.

The mother revives. Aslan places the child on herbreast.

ASLANYour son, my lady... Robin, holdher skin together while I sew herup.

He picks up the needle and thread. Robin's eyes turn tothe woman's abdomen... He faints.

CUT TO:

LITTLE JOHN

marches among the cheering families, holding his newbornchild high for all to see. Tuck sits miserably to oneside. Bloody and exhausted, Aslan appears at the hutdoor. Tuck jumps to his feet, drawing his knife.

Heads turn. Tense silence. Robin appears, unsteadily,behind Aslan. Watches, ready to intervene. Tuck staresat Aslan. Raises his blade... and slices down acrosshis own wrist.

FRIARThis day God has taught me a finelesson.

He hands Aslan the knife and extends his bloodied wrist.

FRIARI would be honored.

Aslan slices his own wrist. The two wrists clasptogether in the universal sign of brotherhood. Everyonecheers.

FRIARYou are a good man, my barbarianfriend.

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

84.

CONTINUED:

FRIAR (CONT'D)We shall open a barrel togetherand I shall do my damndest tosave your heathen soul.

ASLANAlas, I am not permitted...

FRIAROur God made this brew, brother.I merely combined the ingredients.Do you dare to insult his works?

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

Hooves fly along a track. Sarah and the courier. Thecourier reins in, Sarah draws alongside.

SARAHWhat is wrong?

COURIERMy horse seems to be favoringa foreleg.

Sarah leans down to look and the courier cudgels heracross the neck. She falls from the saddle, unconscious.

INT. DUBOIS MANSION - MARIAN'S CHAMBER - NIGHT

Flickering candlelight. Marian is alone, reading. Asudden gust extinguishes her candle. HAMMERING andSHOUTING from a distant part of the house. Unnerved,she calls out.

MARIANWho is there? Duncan!

INT. DUBOIS MANSION - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Marian enters stealthily. A candle in one hand, adrawn dagger in the other. Something leaps at her!...A cat, looking for scraps on the kitchen table. Sheshoos him down.

MARIANOff, Nicodemus. Go find mice.

She sighs with relief... is grabbed from behind. Amasked SOLDIER.

(CONTINUED)

85.

CONTINUED:

SOLDIERWe meet again.

He reveals a large scar on his wrist -- removes hismask -- the man who attacked her earlier. He prodsher with his sword.

SOLDIERDrop your blade.

MARIANYou are still overmatched, soldier.

She drops the sword. He hurls her against the table.Lays his blade against her chest.

SOLDIERYou owe me favors, wench. Bareyour breasts... or I will do itfor you.

Resignedly, she raises a hand to loosen the string on herdress. With the other hand she reaches behind her, grabsa pepper bowl. Flips the contents into his face.

Screaming, he grabs his face. She reaches for herdagger. He slashes with his sword. She backs to thefireplace, grabs a spit of roasted chickens... drivesthe point clean through his chest.

He stares in shock at his own blood pouring from thecooked fowls pinned to his breast... FOOTSTEPS... maskedsoldiers converge from both sides of the house, draggingthe servants. Duncan is shoved through the door.

DUNCANI am sorry, my lady. There weretoo many.

She stares at the invaders with studied calm.

MARIANIs there something you need,gentlemen? I remember no maskedball on my calendar.

CUT TO:

AERIAL SHOT

FLYING LOW OVER treetops, OVER an expanse of green,intersected by brown roads and tracks. We are LOOKINGAT a detailed scale model of Sherwood Forest in...

86.

INT. CASTLE CHAMBER - NIGHT

The Sheriff and SIX BARONS are gathered around the model.These are the men who revealed their faces to LordLocksley in the Druid ceremony. Nottingham toys witha white rat on his arm.

REDHEAD BARONForget about Locksley. He is nothreat.

NOTTINGHAMHow can we control all England ifwe cannot control our own county?The people are turning him intoa hero.

GREYBEARD BARONIt is impossible to attack himin the forest. We have triedeverything. He is cunning.

NOTTINGHAMThen we will be more cunning. Imust be rid of him. We may notbe able to intercept his nextwarning to the King.

Sounds of COMMOTION outside. The door swings open.Framed in the doorway is a colossus in black armor.His helmet is the head of a dragon. He slowly raises thevisor. Deep tribal scars on his cheeks. Implacableferocity in his eyes.

CELTIC CHIEFTAINI want the heads of the men whostole my gold.

NOTTINGHAMWelcome, sir. We were discussinghow to rid ourselves of those verymen. The outlaws who band withRobin Hood.

REDHEAD BARONMy Lord Nottingham, I must protest.It is a mistake to ally ourselveswith foreigners.

GREYBEARD BARONWhat can these Celts do that wecannot?

(CONTINUED)

87.

CONTINUED:

The Chieftain strides across to the fire. Grabs aburning log. The Baron backs away in fear. The logspits sparks as the Chieftain raises it above his head...and drives it into his own palm. He stares unblinkingat the Baron, holding the log to his hand for a fullthree seconds.

An awed silence. Nottingham grins, delighted with thedemonstration. He deposits his white rat onto the model.

NOTTINGHAMThis rat Hood has hidden out inthe forest. He resists all ourassaults with traps and devices,while he robs us blind. We mustbring him out and destroy him.

The rat has scurried into the shelter of the model trees.The Chieftain watches impassively, then calmly touchesthe log to the model. The trees ignite... the RATSQUEALS in terror and runs. The Chieftain cuts off itsescape, setting fire to more trees... again... andagain. The Sheriff watches the flames, fascinated.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. WOODSMEN'S CAMP - NIGHT

The campfire. Aslan shrieks a war cry. Dervishes 'roundthe fire, swigging from a jug. Equally drunk, the Friarfollows, howling, mimicking him. Robin and the otherswatch in amusement. Tuck scoops another jug and hands itto Aslan.

FRIARCome, you son of Saladin. A toastto all of Jehovah's children. Thesaved and the damned.

ASLANThis must be a truly evil potion,to make the soul feel this good.

He downs the entire jug in one long draught. Refills it.

ASLANCome, holy man. A toast to allof Allah's children. The truebelievers and the fat infidels.

Tuck laughs and drinks. Aslan sways and topples at theFriar's feet. Heaves up all over the holy sandals. Tucklooks at Robin.

(CONTINUED)

88.

CONTINUED:

FRIARHow can these Arabs hold Jerusalemwhen they can't even hold theirbrew?

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. FOREST LANE - DAWN

A masked soldier gallops along. Hurls a bundle to theground.

EXT. WOODSMEN'S CAMP - DAWN

The Friar and the Saracen lie head to head on the deweygrass. Tuck snores. Robin shakes Aslan, who grabs forhis weapon. The hangover hits him like a mallet. Heclutches his temples.

ROBINThe dancing demon! Good morning.

ASLAN(wincing)

If it was Jehovah who created thisbrew, he is truly wise. He builtthe punishment into the crime.

An ARROW WHISTLES into a tree. Robin reacts.

ROBINThey need help.

EXT. FOREST LANE - DAY

Bull and Hal are crouched in the roadway, over a body.Robin runs up with Aslan. He kneels beside them. Thebody is Duncan. Robin clasps a dead hand... Silence.Fighting his emotions.

BULLA bloke wearin' a mask o' theDruids rode by. Tossed 'im down.

ROBINAre you sure it was a Druid mask?

(as Bull nods)Damn them to hell! They must haveMarian. Do you know where theymeet?

(CONTINUED)

89.

CONTINUED:

BULLThe Gregor Caves, I 'eard tell.

ASLANWe will go there.

ROBINNo! You stay here, dammit! Iwill go alone.

ASLANYou forget yourself. I am notyour servant.

ROBINThen be my friend. There arewomen and children here in greaterneed of your courage.

ASLAN(considers)

Take my eyes, then.

He hands Robin his telescope.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAVES

SQUAWKING ominously, CROWS burst from the trees. Robinrides up the path to the caves that his father took.Checks the ground. Horse tracks. He dismounts, movescautiously forward.

POV THROUGH SCOPE - CIRCLE OF STONES

No one visible. Debris. Smoke rises from ashes.Remnants of a recent ceremony.

BACK TO SCENE

Robin climbs silently down the rocks into the stonecircle. There is blood on the sacrificial altar.Through the opening of the cave, he spies a woman's form,lying face down.

ROBIN(under his breath)

Marian!

(CONTINUED)

90.

CONTINUED:

He runs forward. Turns the body over. Skin chalk-whitefrom loss of blood... Sarah! A shadow falls acrossRobin. Before he can react, a cudgel stuns him intoblackness.

INT. CAVE - DAY

Robin's eyes -- he wakes. Squints around him, the darksmoke-filled recesses of the caves. The walls weave.Eerie WATERY sounds, like the CRIES of drowning men.He tries to stand.

VOICE (O.S.)Robin!... Robin!

A figure in a flowing white robe. Angelic. Floatingtowards him... Marian. He tries to speak her name.Reaches out his hand.

MARIANDeath is not to be feared,Robin. Embrace it.

Her LAUGH ECHOES around the cave, as if hundreds of lostsouls are laughing with her. Robin crawls away, cover-ing his ears. Marian lifts his face to hers.

MARIANDrink this.

Weakly, Robin tries to push away the cup. Her handgrips his chin, forcing his mouth open.

MARIANDrink.

The liquid trickles over his lips. He tries to focus.Her features are BLURRED, her voice hypnotic.

MARIANLook at me. Listen to me. Youbelong to me. Your soul is mine.You will obey my every word. Doyou understand?

Her face is inches from his. He tries to pull away, hissubconscious sounding alarms.

ROBINWhy, Marian?

(CONTINUED)

91.

CONTINUED:

MARIANBecause you love me. Say it.You love me.

(as Robin struggles)Say it!

ROBIN(sinking)

I love you.

MARIANKiss me.

He gives himself to her. Their lips meet... somethingchanges in his vision. Her eyes glow red. Her facestarts to shrivel -- He is kissing the wrinkled lips ofMortianna.

He pulls away... strong arms grab him. He shakes hishead, trying to make sense. Through his BLURRED vision,we see he is surrounded by masked men.

ROBIN(slurred)

Where is Marian?

MORTIANNAShe is with friends.

(cackles)Your resistence is strong, butuseless. Sign this.

(as quill is forced into his hand)

You are a Druid like your father.You consort with the devil. Yourconfession will be witnessed bythe Bishop of Hereford.

A guard forces Robin's hand across the page... thencries out, clutching his back... An arrow lodged be-tween his shoulders.

In the cave mouth are Wulf, bow in hand, Bull kneelingbeside Sarah's corpse, and Aslan.

MORTIANNA(horror)

The painted man!

Aslan's war CRY RICHOCHETS off the cave walls. A curvedscimitar in one hand, a straight English sword in theother, his arms are lethal windmills. The masked guardsare cut down left and right. Mortianna retreats, scurry-ing into the depths of the cave.

(CONTINUED)

92.

CONTINUED:

Bull joins the fray, charging like his namesake, howlingin rage, flailing at heads with his quarterstaff. Wulfstays in the mouth, picking off men with deadly accuracy.

A furious melee. Bull and Aslan mow down the enemy likehay, battling far superior odds. Soon they are the onlytwo left standing. Bull peers cautiously into the dark-ness. Behind him, one of his victims crawls back to hisfeet... and lunges.

ASLANBehind you!

Too late. A sword is driven through Bull's gut. Aslangrabs the attacker by the neck and pile-drives him intothe cave wall. The man's SKULL CRACKS against the rocks.

Aslan runs to Robin's side, as Wulf hurries to Bull's.Robin is slumped against a rock.

ROBIN(groggy)

Marian?

Aslan runs to the back of the cave, searching. Wulf iscrouched beside Bull, who murmurs his dying words.

BULLYa be sure Sarah gits a Christianburial. Promise me, boy.

WULFI promise.

Aslan stumbles at the edge of a deep crevasse. Far be-low he sees Mortianna, clambering down the steep rock.For a second their eyes meet. She hisses -- venom,hatred, fear -- then is gone.

EXT. GREGOR CAVES - DAY

Aslan carries Robin outside. Robin is staggering,glassy-eyed, mumbling incoherently. His arm blocksthe light from his eyes.

ASLANThey have poisoned you. Thereare herbs that can alter a man'sbrain. I know of only one cure.

He drops to one knee, slams Robin violently across theother. Slaps him on the back and forces his fingersdown his throat.

(CONTINUED)

93.

CONTINUED:

ASLANIt worked for me this verymorning.

(as Robin heaves)You will thank me for this later.

EXT. COUNTRY LANE - DAY

Distant THUNDER. Three horses. First Wulf's, leadinganother with the bodies of Bull and Sarah draped acrossits back. Aslan rides the third, with Robin propped upin front of him.

ROBINYou have fulfilled your vow. Nowyou can leave.

ASLANYour gratitude warms my heart.

ROBINYou ignored my request.

ASLANIt is fortunate that I did.

ROBINBecause of you, another good manis dead.

ASLANHe urged me to bring him. He wasa brave man and I grieve for him.Praise be to Allah that I do notgrieve for you also. Or for mybroken vow.

ROBINTo hell with your damn vow.

ASLANI am glad you are feelingbetter.

Ahead of them, Wulf shouts and reins in. He points intothe distance. A huge cloud of smoke is darkening thesky.

ROBINThe forest! Ride!

94.

EXT. SHERWOOD FOREST - DAY

Fire. Blazing rampant.

Along a hillside are hundreds of crossbowmen with firearrows. At a shouted order, another wave of flamingarrows ignites the trees.

Behind the crossbowmen are two figures on horseback.One is the Sheriff, in full armor. The other is theblack-clad Celtic chieftain. He sits as still as a rock.


Chaos. Acrid black smoke pours across the clearing.Disarray. COUGHING, SCREAMING, confusion. Little Johnvainly attempts to instill calm.

LITTLE JOHNYa'll be jus' fine. Lil' smokeain't gonna kill ya.

Scared and injured woodsmen careen out of the trees.Full retreat.

WILL SCARLET(running up)

It's burning for miles, John.It's hotter than hades, and themdamn screens ain't worth nothing.

Two woodsmen, blinded and choking, stumble into one oftheir own camouflaged pits. Hideous screams as they'reimpaled on hidden stakes. John tries to gather the able-bodied men to his side.

LITTLE JOHN'Ere, lads... Over 'ere! We mustmake a stand.

Most of them keep on running.

LITTLE JOHNDamn y'all! Ya're no more usethan a load o' wet farts.

WILL SCARLETWhere's that damn Locksley? I'llswear he betrayed us.

LITTLE JOHNBollocks, Will. Quit yer bloodybellyachin'.

Hal runs to join them, stuttering.

(CONTINUED)

95.

CONTINUED:

HALC... cccc...

LITTLE JOHNC... ccc? What the bloody hellya sayin'? Cows?... Cowards?...

HALCccc... elts!

WILL SCARLETCelts? Where?

HAL(pointing behind him)

Gggg... God help us.

EXT. HILLSIDE - DAY

Celts, arrayed behind their Chieftain. An awesome sight.Clad in hides and skins, painted arms and faces, head-pieces the faces of wild animals. Standing in eeriesilence. A loud CLAP of THUNDER. Nottingham rides upto the Chieftain.

NOTTINGHAMI want prisoners.

The Chieftain does not turn his head.

CHIEFTAINWe came to fight.

NOTTINGHAMNevertheless, I need prisoners.

With only a short flick of his head, the Chieftain spits.Nottingham waves his arm, signalling his own foot sol-diers to advance. The Chieftain raises his sword.Instantly a tumultuous chilling roar from his warriors.They charge forward.


The bloodcurdling cry fills the sky. Amidst the smokeand chaos, Little John's small band is gathered at theedge of the clearing.

WILL SCARLETWhat are we gonna do, John?

(CONTINUED)

96.

CONTINUED:

LITTLE JOHNStop 'ere and flippin' well fight'em, that's what. Whadya say,lads?

Half-hearted support from about a dozen men, includingTack.

LITTLE JOHNNay, reveren'. Ya best be goin'wi' the wenches.

FRIARThis holy man believes in doingGod's work with his hands.

He snatches a quarterstaff. John slaps him on the back.The men are encouraged.

LITTLE JOHNLet's give 'em a bloody goodwallopin' an' all, lads.

EXT. FOREST ROAD - DAY

Aslan reins in. In the valley below, the forest isablaze. The Sheriff's armed hordes swarm over the em-battled woodsmen.

ROBINWulf, stay here. I need yourhorse.

He climbs onto Wulf's horse, steers it right at the heartof the enemy... Aslan blocks his way, grabbing his reins.

ROBINWhat are you doing? Out of myway!

ASLANI saved your life. I will notlet you give it away for nopurpose.

ROBINOut of my way, damn you!

ASLANDoes the witch still havepossession of your senses? Ifwe meet up with the survivors wemay yet give them some help. Anddo some damage to the enemy.

(CONTINUED)

97.

CONTINUED:

Robin debates. Relents. They urge their horses intoa gallop.


The Sheriff's men stomp through the burning forest.From the other side of the flaming trees, Little John'smen pick off shots with their longbows. They retreat,turn and fire again.

They back into a clearing... The Celtic mercenariescharge at them across the open ground. The woodsmendrop their bows. Hand-to-hand combat. Woodsmen arebeing decimated.

Little John storms and shouts, cutting down the enemy,inspiring his men. The Scotsmen are awed by this giant.Tuck is confronted by a wild-eyed Celt.

FRIARSurely you would not harm a manof the cloth?

The man swings, Tuck sidesteps.

FRIARYou would? Then to hellfire withyou.

He pummels the man to the ground with his staff.

The woodsmen are broken into two groups. One group,including Will, is surrounded and surrenders. The othersfight on.

Bleeding from several wounds, Little John is surroundedby four Celts. He spins, challenging them, spitting outexpletives. Defiant to the last... suddenly hisattackers are hurled aside. Robin rides right throughthem, slashing with his sword.

LITTLE JOHN'Bout bleedin' time, mush.

Tuck is driven to the ground... his assailant is deliver-ing the lethal blow, when Aslan cuts him down. Tuckglances heavenwards.

FRIARThank you, Lord.

(an afterthought)And thank you, Allah.

(CONTINUED)

98.

CONTINUED:

Aslan is a wild man. Steering his horse with just legsand knees, he strikes out with both swords to left andright. The momentum is turning. Wulf appears at theedge of the clearing. Starts picking off stragglers.His father spots him.

LITTLE JOHNGit the bleedin' 'ell outa there,ya li'l bugger.

Distracted, he doesn't see a Celt swing at his back...but Wulf's arrow pierces the man's adam's apple. Hefreezes in mid-air, before toppling at John's feet.

When John turns back, Wulf is being dragged away bythree of the Sherrif's men. He attempts to pursue, butis intercepted by two more Celts... and struck down.

Aslan charges between the two Celts. Slashes downwith both swords. Both men topple to the groundsimultaneously.

Suddenly all is quiet. The smoking clearing is a massof fallen bodies. Only four men seem to be alive.Robin, Aslan, Tuck, who is slouched against a treegasping for breath, and Hal, who kneels clutching hiswounded shoulder.

Robin dismounts and runs to Little John. Overwhelmedand exhausted, he slumps over the giant's unmoving form.

LITTLE JOHNDon't 'ee start bleedin'blubberin', or ya'll make mebloody vomit.

Robin manages a relieved smile. Aslan strides over.All around them lie slain Celts and woodsmen.

ASLANIt was a fiendish mind thatplanned this campaign.

EXT. SHERWOOD FOREST - DUSK

A shovel breaks dirt. Beyond exhaustion, Robin digs agrave. The clearing is transformed into a cemetery.Tuck blesses the bodies of Bull and Sarah. Aslan dragsa Celt's corpse into a grave. Throws the man's armorand weapons into a growing pile.

(CONTINUED)

99.

CONTINUED:

ROBINYou were an honor to yourcountrymen today, Aslan. Youfought better than twentyEnglish knights.

ASLANThis war is the God of Abrahamagainst the forces of evil.

ROBINWell, the war is over.

He stares across the desolate clearing.

ROBINThere is too much blood on myhands.

INT. CASTLE DUNGEONS - NIGHT

A heavy key turns in a lock. Bolts drawn back. Fol-lowed by guards, Nottingham enters the torture chamberwhere the captured woodsmen are chained, among themWulf and Will Scarlet. Putrid ankle-deep water on thefloor, walls encrusted with dried blood and grime.Nottingham walks up to the FIRST MAN. Wry smile.

NOTTINGHAM(wry smile)

Would you prefer pain or death?

FIRST WOODSMANDeath.

Dignity masking his terror. Nottingham appears toconsider.

NOTTINGHAMTorture him.

The man is dragged away by guards. The next PRISONER --

NOTTINGHAMAnd you? Pain or death?

SECOND WOODSMAN (PRISONER)(pure terror)

... Er... pain.

NOTTINGHAMTorture him... you see, it makesno difference.

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

100.

CONTINUED:

NOTTINGHAM (CONT'D)You will all be tortured. You willall tell me all you know aboutRobin Hood, and then you will allbe hanged. Then we will catch yourbeloved Robin Hood and do the sameto him.

WILL SCARLETI will kill him for you.

WULFWill, no!

Nottingham strides up to Will, drawing his sword.

NOTTINGHAMWhy would I need you?

WILL SCARLETAll your attempts to kill himhave failed. Your army failed.Your Celtic mercenaries failed.

Nottingham places his sword point against Will's throat.

NOTTINGHAMAnd you can succeed?

WILL SCARLETI am one of his men. He wouldnever suspect me.

WULFHe knows you always hated him,traitor.

WILL SCARLETHe is a trusting fool. He willbelieve me. If he doesn't, hewill kill me and you have lostnothing.

Nottingham slides his blade between Will's teeth.

NOTTINGHAMIf you fail, I will personallycut out your lying tongue.

He withdraws the blade. Will tries to smile.

WILL SCARLETAnd if I succeed?

(CONTINUED)

101.

CONTINUED:

NOTTINGHAMHis friends will..

(to a guard)... torture him!

He turns back to Will. A smile of mock apology.

NOTTINGHAMIt will look better.

EXT. SHERWOOD FOREST - NIGHT

A winter's night. Bitterly cold. Sad figures huddledaround a small fire. Fanny tends to John's wounds, theirlittle ones asleep by their feet. John drinks and passesthe jug to Tuck, who numbly shakes his head. Toodepressed even to drink.

Aslan folds his prayer rug and walks over to Robin, whosits alone, staring vacantly into the darkness.

ROBINMy pride brought us to this.

ASLANNo, friend. It was you who gavethese men pride.

ROBINI gave them nothing but falsehope. Tomorrow we will disperse.These people can move south andstart over. You must go home andwin your Jasmina.

ASLANAnd you?

ROBINI am no longer your responsibility.

ASLANThat is for me to decide.

ROBIN(raging)

Damn you, Arab. I want you out ofmy life. Can't you understandthat? Go home. Go back to yourown kind.

Aslan stares at him, then turns away. Not the time forargument. Robin fingers his father's medallion... ripsit from his neck.

(CONTINUED)

102.

CONTINUED:

ROBINDamn you, too, Father. You reareda coward and a fool.

He hurls the medallion... it catches on a low-hangingbranch.

CUT TO:

NOVEMBER MOON

Watery, full. The FOCUS SHIFTS TO the medallion,dangling in its center... the last thing Robin seesbefore his eyes close into troubled sleep. The whitemoon against the black sky...

DISSOLVE TO:

ITS NEGATIVE IMAGE

-- a black circle against a white sky. An executioner.The round medallion has become a noose.

In the noose appears Wulf's face. The executioner haulson the rope and Wulf's features contort in the agony ofdeath. Another noose, another face... Duncan. Another-- Bull. Another -- Marian.

MARIANKiss me, Robin.

The noose tightens on her neck. As she dies, her faceshrivels into the cackling features of Mortianna.

Next, Robin's father. He stares accusingly right AT us.

LOCKSLEYWhy have you betrayed me? Why?

Before he pulls the rope, the executioner peels back hishood... It is Robin. Gloating, he hauls on the rope.His laughter blends with that of Mortianna in a hideouscacophony.

DISSOLVE TO:

ROBIN'S FACE

DISTORTED in water. The LAUGHTER BECOMES the sound ofa RUNNING RIVER. Robin is washing, trying to drive awaythe horror.

(CONTINUED)

103.

CONTINUED:

The first streaks of light fight their way through athick, morning mist. Out of the mist steps a figure,at first indecipherable. Aware of his presence,Robin looks up.

ROBINWill! I thought you were taken.

WILL SCARLETI was.

ROBINHow did you escape?

WILL SCARLETI promised to kill you.

ROBINAnd will you?

Before Will can answer, Little John runs up. GrabsWill's throat.

LITTLE JOHNI'll wring yer scrawny neck, WillScarlet. I'd be doin' yer abloody favor an' all.

Quickly, others arrive. Aslan, Tuck, Hal, Fanny, withkids clinging to her skirts.

FANNYAfore ya kill 'im, John, ask 'imif Wulf be still alive.

Will is choking, unable to speak. John loosens his holdjust enough for Will to splutter out...

WILL SCARLETY... e...

LITTLE JOHNGit us a rope, Hal, and we'll putthe bleedin' weasel outa 'ismisery.

ROBINJohn, wait. Let us hear what hehas to say.

LITTLE JOHNNo bugger 'scapes the Sheriff,'nless 'e's linin' 'is bloomin'pockets.

(CONTINUED)

104.

CONTINUED:

ROBINA traitor sneaks in and out undercover of darkness. Will walked inand announced himself.

LITTLE JOHN(dismissive)

Aye. 'E always did 'ave balls o'brass.

HALLet's sss... string 'im up.

ROBINLet him speak.

John reluctantly moves his hold from Will's neck to hisshoulders.

LITTLE JOHNSearch 'im, Hal. 'E'll 'ave abloody blade on 'im somewheres.

Will eyes the accusing faces. Hal searches, lifts Will'sshirt. His whole skin is lacerated with deep gashes andfresh burns.

LITTLE JOHNBugger me.

He steps back. Ready to listen.

WILL SCARLETI bring a message from Nottingham.Our men are to be hung in thesquare on Saturday. At high noon.

FANNYWhat about my boy?

WILL SCARLETThe boy, too. Ten men in all.

Fanny drops her head on John's shoulder.

WILL SCARLETTheir deaths are a warning.Anyone who associates with theoutlaw Hood is to suffer the samefate. Man, woman, or child. Evenanyone who so much as utters hisname.

(CONTINUED)

105.

CONTINUED:

FRIARRobin Hood! Robin Hood! RobinHood!

(chuckles)May as well be hung for a sheep asa lamb.

WILL SCARLETThe hangings are to be part of thecelebration for the Sheriff'smarriage.

LITTLE JOHNMarriage, eh? What lucky wenchgits to play with the Sheriff'scodpiece?

Will turns his gaze directly on Robin.

WILL SCARLETLady Marian.

FRIARHe takes a bride of royal blood?

LITTLE JOHNAye, and then with King Richardgone, he takes the bloody throne.

Everyone reacts with shock. Only Robin appears unsur-prised.

ROBINYou were to use this news to getclose to me, and then kill me?Right, Will?

WILL SCARLET(sly grin)

Not straightway, of course.

ROBINWhat is your intention, Will?

WILL SCARLETThat depends on you, Locksley.

ROBINHow so?

WILL SCARLETI've never trusted you, that's nosecret. What I wanna know is, areyou gonna finish what you started?

(CONTINUED)

106.

CONTINUED:

Robin is on the spot. All eyes on him. Will presses hispoint.

WILL SCARLETWill ya stay and keep us fightin'till every man jack of us is dead?Or will you run like the spoiledlittle rich boy I always took youfor?

ROBINYou present quite a choice. Whatwould you have me do, Will?

WILL SCARLETIf you run, I will kill you.

ROBINAnd if I stay, will you all staywith me?

Robin checks the other faces.

ASLANTo the end, friend.

FRIARIf my heathen brother stays, Istay.

HALMmmm... meee... tttt...

He can't get it out. Little John covers Hal's mouth.

LITTLE JOHN'E's in. We're all bloody in.Daft buggers.

ROBINThere's your answer, Will. Wefinish it.

EXT. NOTTINGHAM TOWN SQUARE - DUSK

Ten gallows, silhouetted against the setting sun. Theblack-armored Celt tests a gallows, springing the hatch.A heavy sack dangles from the rope. Grim-faced peasantswatch. Among them -- Fanny Little.

107.

INT. DUNGEON - DUSK

The sound of the gallows ECHOES inside the damp, stonewalls. Wulf and the other woodsmen are chained to ringsin the floor. Wulf lifts his eyes to a chink of lighthigh in the wall. The purple sky is turning black. Hefingers his wooden crucifix.

WULFIf it be your biddin' that this bemy last night o' life, Lord, gimmethe pluck to die proud. An' look'ee kindly on my folks an' theyoung 'uns.

The light in the cell melts to total darkness.

DISSOLVE TO:

BRANCHES

Sunlight glistens on frost-laden branches. A COCK ROBINCHIRPS.

EXT. SHERWOOD FOREST - DAWN

In the troubled human realm, Tuck says his morningprayer.

FRIARLord, grant us the courage toendure, and if you're as smart asI believe you are, grant usvictory... and the victuals tocelebrate it with.

Aslan is crushing charcoal into a mixture of yellowpowder, which is turning black. Tuck approaches.

FRIARWill you pray with me, son ofAllah?

ASLANI have prayed for you, often, mybrother. But, let us put prayeraside and help our gods in a morepractical manner. I must revealto you the mysteries of the blackpowder.

Tuck takes a bowl of the powder close to the fire toexamine it. Aslan snatches it back... Before Tuck canreact, Robin walks up.

(CONTINUED)

108.

CONTINUED:

ROBINWill it work?

Aslan throws a handful of powder into the firel A fire-ball rips ten feet in the air... Tuck falls on his assin terror.

ROBIN(impressed)

You are truly a wizard.

ASLANThere is no such thing. But ifthere was...

(chuckles)... I would surely be one.

Robin reaches out and shakes Aslan's hand. A moment ofbonding. He moves on to the others, clasping each man'shand as he speaks.

ROBINWe have no armored knights, noglorious banners. But I amhonored to be going to battle inthis company. Today we fight notjust for the lives of our friends,but to save all England.

A moment of tension before Will takes the proferred hand.

ROBINWe may be only six men, but...

FANNYSeven!

She strides towards them from the trees.

LITTLE JOHNWhat in blazes ya doin', woman?Where's the little 'uns?

FANNYThem's safe, wi' my mother.

(pushes past Little John)

Robin, I been to town an' seen thescaffold and the guard towers.

LITTLE JOHNYa gone bleedin' cracked, girl?

(CONTINUED)

109.

CONTINUED:

FANNYYou go an' birth eight babies andthen you can come an' tell me'bout hurtin', ya big ox. I ain'tgonna sit aroun' an' let one o''em die, neither.

LITTLE JOHNYa should be bloody well mindin'the other seven. Tell 'er, Rob.

Robin starts to draw a diagram on the ground with astick.

ROBINFanny, show me the exact locationof the scaffold.

Little John double-takes.

EXT. NOTTINGHAM - DAY

The gallows. Swathed in a pink glow. A brilliant,wintry morning. Breath billows from the mouths of thesentries.

INT. NOTTINGHAM CASTLE - CORRIDOR - DAY

Boots clack confidently down a stone corridor. TheSheriff decked in wedding finery. He enters...

INT. CASTLE CHAMBER - DAY

... Mortianna's apothecary. Dark, smoke-filled. Foulthings in jars. Animals in cages, waiting to meetunspeakable ends. Marian is strapped in a chair, flankedby two armed guards.

NOTTINGHAMHow is my bride?

Marian smiles as he leans toward her... and spits in hisface.

NOTTINGHAMAh... You are overwhelmed withhappiness.

He slowly wipes off the spittle... and slaps her hard.

(CONTINUED)

110.

CONTINUED:

MARIAN(calm, uncowed)

I will never marry you.

Mortianna emerges from a dark corner, bearing the gobletshe used at the Druid ceremony.

MORTIANNAHold her!

Marian struggles against her bonds.

MARIANGet away from me, you disgustinghag. I will not... augh!

The guards viciously restrain her, forcing her mouthopen. Mortianna pours the blood-red liquid down herthroat. Marian fights, gagging and choking... until thedrug takes its effect. She slumps forward. Nottinghamwatches with amusement.

NOTTINGHAM(to Mortianna)

When we are married, thirty of thenorthern barons will pledge metheir support as king. As youpredicted.

Mortianna squats on the floor besides a platter of blood.Clasps the dice-like runes.

NOTTINGHAMWhat do you see in the portents?

Mortianna rocks on her heels, clutching her taloned handsto her sides. She chants, fingering the bloody stones.

MORTIANNAThe union. The blood of the lionand the house of Nottingham. Newfaith. New power. New souls.

She stares at Nottingham, her red eyes demented.

MORTIANNAIf there is no union, there willbe darkness, despair, death.Ours!

NOTTINGHAMDi not give me riddles, woman. Weare to be married within hours.How can we be in danger?

(CONTINUED)

111.

CONTINUED:

MORTIANNAThe blood does not lie.

NOTTINGHAM(shouting)

Tell me how it will result.

MORTIANNAI have told you what I know.

NOTTINGHAMConfound you, crone. Without myprotection, the people would huntyou down, rip out your black heartand burn it.

Mortianna runs at him. Points her bony finger at hisheart.

MORTIANNAWithout me, you are nothing. Youare straw, a fleabite, a speck.

(as Nottingham laughs)

Laugh, fool. I birthed you fromthis body. I stole a babe in thisvery castle, and killed it so thatyou might rise in its place. Youare my son.

(Nottingham is too shocked to react)

Together we are strong. Now isnot the time to doubt. Now is thetime to believe, to be bold. Thebold will prevail.

EXT. CITY GATE - DAY

Masses stream in. They give wide berth to a Celtic war-rior in a boar's head helmet. Soldiers prod and harnessthe passing peasants. Tuck drives a cartload of barrels.A GUARD stops him.

GUARDWhat you got there, Father?

FRIARThe Lord's finest brew for thegood Nottingham's fighting men.It has a mighty kick.

(CONTINUED)

112.

CONTINUED:

GUARD(smiling)

I'll warrant. Pass.

EXT. DUNGEON GATE - DAY

Wulf blinks at the sunlight as the prisoners are led out.Holds his head high. Soldiers hurl abuse, the people aretoo cowed to show support. Fanny glances at her son,crosses herself and scurries into the castle, unnoticed.

On horseback, encircled by guards, the Sheriff and hisbaron cronies watch the outlaws progress with cruelamusement. A yell attracts Nottingham. Will is beingshoved back by guards.

WILL SCARLETSheriff! My Lord Sheriff! I haveword for you! Of Robin Hood!

Nottingham shouts to one of his mounted guards, who ridesover, grabs Will by the collar, and drags him to hisside.

NOTTINGHAMAh, the turncoat. Did you succeed?

WILL SCARLETI found his lair, but alas he stilllives.

The Sheriff strikes down with his armored hand. Willcrumples.

NOTTINGHAMStretch his neck with the others.

Hands yank Will to his feet. Dazed, he tries to speak.Disinterested, Nottingham turns away, until he catches...

WILL SCARLET...He... He... is here!

NOTTINGHAMLocksley, here? Where ?

Will struggles to get free of his holders.

WILL SCARLETCall off your dogs.

NOTTINGHAMRelease him!... Now, where is he?

(CONTINUED)

113.

CONTINUED:

WILL SCARLETI want your word, in front ofthese witnesses. If I tell you,I will go free.

NOTTINGHAM(scoffs)

We will find him.

WILL SCARLETHe is concealed. He is going tofree the prisoners and stop thewedding.

Nottingham's jaw tightens. Eyes the prisoners, thescaffold.

NOTTINGHAMPut Hood in my hands, you go free.

WILL SCARLETWith the reward. Ten thousandcrowns.

NOTTINGHAMDamn your worthless hide! Justtell me where he is.

WILL SCARLETThe reward!

The parade of prisoners reaches them. Seeing Will, Wulfcharges at him, screaming in blind rage. Soldiers grabWulf. Throw him down, kicking and beating. Voices inthe crowd plead to let him be. Someone tries tointervene, gets hurled down.

NOTTINGHAM(to Will)

You'll get your reward. Whereis he?

CUT TO:

EXT. SCAFFOLD

Tuck urges his ancient nag towards the scaffold with hiscargo of barrels. The crowd parts unwillingly.

FRIAROut of the way. Make way forthe Lord's business.

(CONTINUED)

114.

CONTINUED:

Across the square, Will points urgently in Tuck'sdirection.

EXT. CITY WALL - DAY

A massive oak stands near the southern wall. A largefigure climbs to its uppermost branches. Little John.He scrambles from the tree, starts to climb the wallitself. He slips frequently.

EXT. CITY SQUARE - DAY

The prisoners are led to the scaffold, where the hoodedexecutioner waits, along with the Chieftain. Wulfstaggers, from his beating.

Nottingham's men encircle Tuck's cart. He watches themnervously.

EXT. CITY PARAPET - DAY

Fanny lowers a knotted rope over the battlement. Farbelow, John clings to the outer wall. Above him it'ssheer, without footholds. The rope doesn't reach hisfingertips. He stretches, loses balance. Falls...desperately grabbing at the rope. He swings, clingingby one arm, his body smashing into the wall.


Will leads the Sheriff to Tuck's cart.

NOTTINGHAMStep down, friar.

FRIARAs you wish, sire. Is theresomething amiss?

NOTTINGHAMThis man claims you have outlawsconcealed in these barrels. Amongthem the cursed Robin Hood.

Tuck glares at Will with unconcealed hatred.

FRIARThis man will rot in hell as aknave and a liar. These arelibations for the celebrationof your lordship's nuptials.

(CONTINUED)

115.

CONTINUED:

NOTTINGHAMBreak one open!

FRIAR(nervous)

Why waste fine vintage, my lord?

A cask is shattered... wine torrents out.

WILL SCARLETTry another. There are manybarrels, only a few outlaws.

A drum roll. The Sheriff's attention turns to thescaffold, where the first victim is escorted up thesteps -- Wulf.

Tense, Tuck pulls a tinder box from his robes, strikesa flame.


John strains, heaving his giant frame up the rope. Henears the top, just as a SENTRY approaches. Fanny blocksthe man's view.

SENTRYWhat is your business, woman?

FANNYAin't doin' no 'arm, m'dear.Likes a good 'angin', I do. Luvlyview up 'ere, ain't it?

She gestures below. The Sentry looks, then turns back toher... notices the rope. With all her might, Fanny ramshis head into the stone battlement. Twice. Three times.He slumps unconscious.


Wulf crosses himself as the executioner steers him to thenoose. A hush falls... except for a rotund old woman whois barging to the front. And a WOUNDED SOLDIER, his headbandaged, who eases her path, striking out with his tree-branch crutch.

WOUNDED SOLDIERGive room for a fightin' man andhis ma. Step aside, or I'll makeya. I wanna see the bastards walkon air.

116.


John struggles over the battlement. Collapses.

FANNY'Bout time, ya gurt lug.

She wrenches the longbow from his back, fumbles for anarrow.

FANNYWe be too late.


The scaffold is impregnable. Celts and their Chieftainguard the platform itself. The Sherriff's men surroundthe base.

The executioner encircles Wulf's neck with the noose.

SPARKS! Tuck ignites a fuse-cord leading to one of thebarrels.

A hand tightens the noose... Another grasps an arrow.

The executioner's eyes glint through the slits.

Nottingham intently watches Wulf.

The Chieftain stands, impassive.

Fingers close on a bowstring... the fuse-cord burns.

Wulf steps to the trap, ready to plunge. His eyes close.

An arrow flies... slices through the executioner's eyeslit.

The executioner falls. Little John celebrates... butthe Chieftain leaps forward... releases the trap.

Wulf's body plunges. The rope snaps tight.

Little John yells. Fanny screams.

A figure leaps onto the platform... the wounded soldierthrows aside his crutch... Robin!

Wulf dangles, strangling. His hands wrench at thechoking cord.

(CONTINUED)

117.

CONTINUED:

The burning fuse-cord reaches the barrel. Tuck hurls thesmoking barrel thundering towards the Sheriff... Spottingit, Nottingham urges his horse over his own men in hiseffort to escape.

The Chieftain smites at Robin... his blow is blocked...by the Celt with the boar's head.

KAABOOM! The GUNPOWDER in the barrel EXPLODES. Spewingsmoke and wood. SCREAMS of panic. Soldiers fly. Massconfusion.

Amidst the smoke... Robin's sword slashes through Wulf'srope. He hauls him onto the platform.

Another figure on the platform... the old woman. Slashesthe ropes of the other prisoners. Whips off her wig...It's Hal. He passes out weapons from a bundle under hisarm.

HALHere... By God... Let's fight 'em!

WOODSMANHal! What happened to yourstutter?

HALIt's gg... ggg... g..oh crap!

A guard attacks, Hal fells him.

HALTake that, ya mug.

No stutter this time! The woodsmen join battle with theguards.

The Chieftain cudgels his Celt attacker across the head.The boar's head helmet tumbles... revealing Aslan.

CHIEFTAINImpostor! You dishonor the clan.

Aslan retreats, fending off the Chieftain's shatteringblows.

FROM PARAPET

John and Fanny peer down as the smoke clears. They watchWulf struggle to his feet. A Celt sneaks up behind him.

LITTLE JOHNFight fair...

(CONTINUED)

118.

CONTINUED:

He aims. Grits his teeth... picks off the Celt with ashaft.

LITTLE JOHN...Or don't fight at all.

ON SCENE

Robin leaps and swings from gallows to gallows, kickingout, slashing down. Sends two Celts hurtling down thetrap hole.

Will battles the Sheriff. A reprise of his own fightwith Robin, the roles reversed. The Sheriff, armed andmounted, flails at Will, who, unarmed, dodges in andaround the horse's legs.

Aslan and the Chieftain are locked in mortal combat.Aslan stumbles back and falls. The Chieftain swipes athis head. Aslan rolls aside. The sword smashes wood.

Tuck surrounded, rolls another smoking BARREL... ItEXPLODES.

The Greybeard Baron spots Little John and Fanny on theparapet.

GREYBEARD BARONUp there! No mercy, shoot them!

Crossbowmen on the opposite parapet fire. Bolts ricochetall around Little John and Fanny.

ON SCAFFOLD

Wulf guards the steps, beating back all comers.

ON SCENE

Aslan evades the charging Chieftain. Drop-kicks asoldier, takes his sword, and whirls back at theChieftain. His blows have no effect on the Scot's blackarmor.

The Sheriff rears his horse... hooves flail.. knockingWill to his knees. The Sheriff lunges... Desperate, Willgrasps the sword, ignoring the pain... a tug of war.Blood pours from Will's hands, where the blade cuts in.He suddenly lets go... Nottingham topples from hishorse. Will leaps on him.

(CONTINUED)

119.

CONTINUED:

WILL SCARLETPain or death, you butcher?

The Sheriff's men drag Will off before he can choke him.Raging, Nottingham climbs to his feet. Will is held byfour men.

NOTTINGHAMHere's another message to RobinHood, written in your blood.

He drives his sword repeatedly, insanely, into Will'sbelly.

WILL SCARLETIt's over, fool. You can kill mybody, but you cannot kill ourspirit.

He finally drops... Nottingham heads for the castle.

Robin attempts to follow. He swings from the noose,using the rope to vault over the surrounding soldiers.As he lands, he is waylaid by one of the barons and hismen.

REDHEAD BARONIt's Hood! Get him!

The Chieftain knocks Aslan down. Aslan loses his sword.

CHIEFTAINI am iron. I am rock. I am yourdeath.

Aslan spots one of John's arrows protruding from a deadCelt's back. Scrambles over and tears it out.

ASLANYou talk too much!

He leaps... rams the arrow through the Chieftain'smouthpiece... out the back of his neck. The Chieftaingrabs his helmet, trying to rip it off. He topples,his life's blood gushing from both sides of his neck.Aslan plants a foot on the slain warrior.

ASLANEnglishmen! I am not one of you,yet I fight for you. Against atyrant. Join me now. Join RobinHood.

The onlookers are inspired. Grabbing weapons from fallensoldiers, many join the fray.

(CONTINUED)

120.

CONTINUED:

Nottingham runs through the castle gate. Angry peasantspursue.

NOTTINGHAMLower the portcullis! Now!

A guard winds down the giant gate. Nottingham hurls himaside.

NOTTINGHAMToo slow, fool!

He hacks at the ropes. The gate slices down like aguillotine, pinning soldiers and peasants alike.

Fighting his way towards the gate, Robin sees with dismaythat the portcullis is closed. Weakening, he staves offthe redhead baron's vicious assault. Suddenly peasantsare swarming over his attacker. The baron is dragged offand trampled down.

ROBINFriends! We must raise the gate.

EXT. CASTLE PARAPET - DAY

Crossbow bolts fly. Little John ducks and weaves, whilespinning and firing at the men advancing at him from bothsides.

LITTLE JOHNCome on, ya ckicken-'earted buggers.Ya milksops, ya bleedin' pansies.

He can't shoot fast enough. As they descend on him, heleaps from the battlements onto a soldier's back. Grabshis sword.

LITTLE JOHNExcuse me, m 'old cock. Ya mindif I borrow this?

He's backed up against a battlement, outnumbered five toone.

EXT. CASTLE GATE - DAY

Robin and the others try in vain to lift the portcullis.

INT. CASTLE - MAIN CORRIDOR - DAY

The Sheriff marches through, issuing orders.

(CONTINUED)

121.

CONTINUED:

NOTTINGHAMSeal the entrance. Guard it withyour lives. ... Bring the bishopto my chapel.

INT. CASTLE CHAMBER - DAY

Surrounded by flickering candles, Marian sits before amirror. In a white wedding gown. Her eyes faraway,lifeless, in deep trance. Mortianna sensuously combsthe bride's hair with her taloned fingers. TheSheriff's face appears in the reflection.

NOTTINGHAMCome! It is time for the union.

The guards roughly haul Marian to her feet. She isoblivious.

INT. CASTLE CHAPEL - DAY

Once, Christian, now blasphemously transformed to thepractice of black magic. The crucifix on the altar isupside down. Marian stands before it, between theSheriff and Mortianna. The Bishop is dragged in.Frightened. The BATTLE SOUNDS ECHO.

BISHOPThey are rebelling. We mustescape.

NOTTINGHAMMarry us. When I am declared king,that rabble will not dare go againstus.

BISHOPIs is madness to delay.

Mortianna screams and slashes her talons across theBishop's outstretched hands. Blood flows.

MORTIANNAFace them, or face me.

EXT. CASTLE GATE - DAY

Robin leaps onto Tuck's cart.

ROBINLight all the barrels, Tuck.

(CONTINUED)

122.

CONTINUED:

Robin snaps the reins, steering the rumbling cart acrossthe yard. Bouncing in the back, Tuck lights barrels.FUSES smoke and CRACKLE.

ROBINJump!

Tuck jumps. Robin steers the wagon at the gate. At thelast second, he slashes the reins and leaps onto thehorse's back... The BARRELS EXPLODE! The portcullis isblown to kingdom come.

Out of the smoke, Robin rides the old nag like a charger.Leads his cheering, ragged fighters through the open gate.

INT. CASTLE KITCHENS - DAY

Fanny is chased into the kitchens by a vengeful soldier.He grabs her and pushes her into the open cooking fire.Desperate, she grabs a poker and smashes him over thehead. The servants stare in shock... A chef comes atFanny with a knife.

EXT. CASTLE FORECOURT - DAY

Hal and the others battle against huge odds. Morepeasants join them, daring to take on the Sheriff's hatedmen. Aslan's a whirlwind, striking out in alldirections. Each blow for a cause.

ASLANFor Allah!... For Jehovah!For brotherhood!... Forjustice!

INT. CASTLE HALLWAYS - DAY

A door SLAMS back. Robin bursts through. Alone, againstthree attackers. He swings a soldier around. Holds himas a shield, using the man's own sword against hiscompanions. In seconds, all three are down and Robin isoff and running.

Down corridors, searching. Soldiers and armed servantsconverge to block his way. Robin strikes, vaults, flingsstatues. Up the stairs... topples a suit of armor downon his pursuers.

ROBIN(grabbing a servant)

Where is she? Where is LadyMarian?

(CONTINUED)

123.

CONTINUED:

The man refuses to speak. Robin looks up the corridor,sees six men guarding the private chapel's arched door-way.

ROBINAh! There is my answer.

He hurls the man aside... The armed guards charge him.

INT. DUNGEONS - DAY

Carrying a flaming torch, Tuck runs down the dark passage-ways. Before him, an awesome sight... dozens of pitifulmen in cages. Suddenly he is confronted by the jailer.A cruel behemoth of a man, carrying a spiked club.

FRIAR(pious)

My son, there is a holy war beingwaged outside. Release all thesewretches and God shall surely findyou a place in heaven.

JAILERI'd rather go to hell!

WHAM! Tuck takes the lethal cudgel full in the chest.Flies back.


Sweating, fearful, the Bishop rushes through the service.

BISHOP...your bodies to be bound inimmortal wedlock. Do you, MarianDubois, take...

The chapel DOORS SHATTER inward.

Robin backs in, bloodied, fencing with four remainingsoldiers. He smashes one by swinging the heavy door intohim, hurtles a pew at another. He springs off anotherpew, taking down a third.

ROBINMarian, run! It's me, Robin.Run!

Marian remains immobile. Mortianna moves to her side.Robin is struck in the thigh. Like a vulture, theSheriff waits. Tiring, blood pouring from his leg, Robinprepares to fight him.

(CONTINUED)

124.

CONTINUED:

ROBINI warned you, I would find you nomatter what.

NOTTINGHAMNo companions? No army? You rushto your death for the sake of awoman. Lust has turned you into afool... Recognize this, Locksley?

He raises his sword to reveal its handle. A crucifixsculpted into the hilt... Robin's father's sword.

NOTTINGHAMAppropriate I should use it tokill you with, don't you think?

He lunges. A savage, accomplished swordsman, with firein his eyes. Exhausted, Robin is driven back, parryingdesperately.

INT. DUNGEONS - DAY

Tuck picks himself up from the floor. The jailer isamazed.

FRIARThe Lord helps those who helpthemselves.

Grinning, he pulls open his robes, revealing chest armor... and a miniature powder keg. He holds it to hisflaming torch and tosses it to the jailer... Stupified,the man catches the smoking bomb.

FRIARGive my regards to the devil.

The KEG ERUPTS, blowing the jailer through a wall.

EXT. PARAPET - DAY

John is in deep trouble, but undaunted.

LITTLE JOHNYa gutless bloody sissies.

Someone attacks his assailants from the rear. The tideturns.

LITTLE JOHNWulf! I told ya to keep outa thefightin'.

(CONTINUED)

125.

CONTINUED:

WULFSorry, Father. Couldn't helpmyself.

LITTLE JOHNWell, ya'll get a bloody goodwallopin' if we get 'ome... Fornow, let's see how well I taughtya.

Wulf sends an attacker plummeting off the parapet.

EXT. CASTLE FORECOURT - DAY

A crossbow bolt strikes Hal between his shoulder blades.He falls. The Sheriff's soldiers are regaining theadvantage. The peasants are giving up, dropping theirweapons.

HALNo! Fight on. Fight!

He sees a familiar pair of holy sandals marching towardshim. Tuck leading a barefoot army. Dozens of raggedprisoners, armed with chains and torture implements.

FRIARSinners, beware! God's avengersare at hand.

Dying, Hal manages a weak smile.

HALGo' bless ya, Tuck.

Tuck flails a chain at a Celt.

FRIARRepent, heathen!

The man spins to strike back... freezes... grinning...Aslan!

INT. CASTLE - KITCHENS - DAY

The chef raises his knife. Fanny appeals to the wholeroom.

FANNYListen! Outside, your countrymenrise against the Sheriff.

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

126.

CONTINUED:

FANNY (CONT'D)Is there one man or woman herewho does not hate him? Who hasnot suffered at his hand?

(to the chef)Turn that on the Sheriff and hisbullies.

A deadly pause. A woman cook dumps the giant weddingcake right over the chef. Suddenly it's havoc. Flyingfood and cutlery.


A full-scale riot. The populace has turned. Into thefray comes Fanny Little, leading a rabble of servantsand kitchen staff, fighting with pots, pans, brooms,knives, hooks, and bedpans.

INT. CASTLE - CHAPEL - DAY

Nottingham slashes maniacally. Robin is cornered,weakening.

NOTTINGHAMYou should have stayed away,Locksley. Fools like you neverlearn.

A blow slices Robin's arm. His sword flies from hisgrasp. Nottingham gloats. Two of his men scramble backto their feet. Robin is beat... a war cry! Aslan,followed by Tuck.

ASLANAli akbar!

FRIARAmen!

MORTIANNA(seeing Aslan)

Agh... the painted one!

Nottingham glances over... a split-second opportunity!...Robin lashes out. Kicks the Sheriff in the gut, chopsdown his sword hand. His father's sword clatters to thefloor.

Whirling swords in each hand, Aslan attacks the othermen. Robin pile-drives Nottingham into the wall.

(CONTINUED)

127.

CONTINUED:

The Bishop makes his escape. Tuck blocks his path.

FRIARSo! You sold your soul to thedevil?

BISHOPNo, I swear it, in God's name.

FRIARBlasphemer! You accuse innocentmen of Druid worship while youpractice the black arts yourself.

The Bishop surreptitiously draws a dagger from his robes.

A taloned hand grips a spear... Mortianna creeps up onAslan.

ROBIN(glimpsing her)

Watch out!

Aslan spins... too late. Screeching, Mortianna drivesthe spear into Aslan's side. He cries out and slides tothe floor.

Nottingham uses Robin's distraction to regain his sword.Back on the defensive, Robin tries to evade the blows.

Mortianna drags Marian out onto a balcony. Robin cannotpursue. In acute pain, Aslan struggles to his feet.Grasping the spear where it enters his side, he pulls withall his strength.

The Bishop, concealed dagger in hand, approaches Tuck.

BISHOP(innocently)

I am sure you would not strike aman of the cloth.

FRIARThink again!

Without an eyeblink's pause, Tuck punches the Bishop sohard, he flies back THROUGH a stained-glass WINDOW.

EXT. CASTLE - BALCONY - DAY

Mortianna hauls Marian against the battlements. Peersdown at the battle. She spins in shock at Aslan's voice.

(CONTINUED)

128.

CONTINUED:

ASLANWhat you fear is not below.

He charges at her with the bloody spear. She screamshideously as he thrusts it right through her chest.

Her madness is superhuman. With strength beyond allreason, she crawls up the spear's shaft, forcing itfurther through her body in her effort to get at him.Clutching, screeching, hissing.

Her talons groping at his face, Aslan strains to thelast ounce of his will and heaves her over the battle-ments. With an ear-splitting shriek, she plummets tothe ground.


Sword raised, Nottingham has Robin backed against thealtar.

NOTTINGHAMWhat can your puny God do foryou now?

The blade comes whirring down... clang! It's blocked.Robin has the altar's crucifix in his hand.

He swings it again, slamming Nottingham across thetemple. The Sheriff hits the floor. Robin grabs hisfather's sword. Raises it two-fisted. Nottingham triesto squirm away.

ROBINThis is for my father.

He drives the sword down, like a stake, right throughNottingham's heart. The man shudders, and is still.

Robin stands over him. Drained. Tuck rushes outside.Kneels at Aslan's side. Robin spots Marian swaying onthe edge of the steep parapet.

EXT. CASTLE BALCONY - DAY

Robin grabs Marian, pulling her back. Carefully liftsher face. Her lifeless eyes suddenly flash. She lashesout. A spitfire.

MARIANLet me go! Who are you?

(CONTINUED)

129.

CONTINUED:

ROBIN(restraining her)

I'm your sworn protector. Anyway I see fit.


Robin emerges from the castle. Draped over his shoulder,Marian is kicking and beating at him. He reaches thefountain in the center of the square and tosses her intothe freezing water.

She leaps to her feet, yelling. Slips and tumbles back.Water streams from her bridal gown. A crowd gathers,enjoying the show.

MARIANRobin? Oh God, is that you?

She stumbles out of the fountain... and storms at him,pounding her fists on his chest.

MARIANHow dare you?!

Robin grins at the crowd.

ROBINI think she's feeling better.

Marian looks about her... the chaotic aftermath ofbattle. Reality gradually sinks in. She folds againstRobin's chest.

Little John arrives, his huge arms enfolding Wulf andFanny.

LITTLE JOHNWe done it, mate. We clobberedthe buggers.

FANNYAre you 'urt?

ROBINIt will mend.

He spots a group kneeling beside the fallen body ofAslan. His smile fades. He runs over. Cradles Aslan'shead.

ROBINAslan, my friend.

(CONTINUED)

130.

CONTINUED:

ASLANI'm going home the easy way,Robin.

FRIAR(shaking Aslan)

You die on me, you son of satan,and I swear I'll bury you as aChristian in St. Catherine'sCathedral with a thousand monkschanting prayers for yourmiserable soul. You hear me?

ASLAN(weakly)

I have no strength, Brother Tuck.

FRIAR(kicking him)

A fine friend you are! By thegrace of Allah and Jehovah wehave won the day, and you want togive up the ghost. I'll pickleyour remains in mead, lay youin your grave with a pig for acompanion, and mark it with across as big as this castle.

ASLANPlease! It hurts when I laugh.

FRIARSee. There's life in the heathendog yet.

ROBIN(laughs)

Here, Tuck. Look after him. Youdeserve each other.

Robin stands, Marian joins him. Around them cheeringgrows, till the whole crowd is in unison.

CROWDRobin Hood! Robin Hood!

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CATHEDRAL - DAY

A VOICE ECHOES from the vaulted roof. A wedding is inprogress.

(CONTINUED)

131.

CONTINUED:

FRIAR (O.S.)By the power vested in me byGod's holy church, I nowpronounce you husband and wife.

Tuck is performing the ceremony before the happy couple.

FRIARYou may kiss the bride.

The husband draws back the bride's veil. Robin andMarian. They kiss... long.

FRIAR(whispers)

Hurry. We waste good celebrationtime.

They break the embrace, turn to the congregation andstart down the aisle. They pause at the front pew,where KING RICHARD and members of his court are sitting.Robin bows, Marian curtsies.

KING RICHARDMay I kiss the bride?

ROBINWho would dare refuse his king'srequest?

KING RICHARD(kissing Marian's cheek)

You look radiant, cousin.

ROBINWe are deeply honored by YourMajesty's presence.

KING RICHARDIt is I who am honored, LordLocksley. Thanks to you I stillhave a throne.

They continue down the aisle, past the smiling congre-gation. Waiting by the door is Aslan. He and Robinembrace.

ASLAN(whispers)

My friend, a word of advice...Ride her better than your horse.

Robin laughs.

132.

EXT. NOTTINGHAM CATHEDRAL - DAY

WEDDING BELLS PEAL. Robin and Marian step out into thesunlight. The crowd cheers. At a signal from LittleJohn, the ex-outlaws shoot flaming arrows into the sky...

FIREWORKS...

FADE OUT.

THE END

Date post:	01-May-2023
Category:	Documents
Upload:	khangminh22
View:	2 times
Download:	0 times

PRINCE OF THIEVES - Daily Script

Documents