Witch

Witch 

FADE IN

INT. COUNCIL MEETING CHAMBERS - DAY

The BARON (40s, good hearted) and his small council members, AMO (30s, appeals to personal side of things) and ENO (30s, constantly plotting), discuss matters of state.

AMO

My lord we are in dire need of binding. The estate is losing people. You are losing people.

ENO

Fight wars to protect these people, yet they give thanks never lasting.

BARON

No, there are no need for heroes of war, only one who is present to govern them. So, what ails my people?

AMO

My lord?

BARON

Why do they leave? Travel elsewares? There’s no shortage of foods.

Amo and Eno shake their heads.

BARON

Then what?

AMO

(hesitantly) My lord, I’ve heard it asked, “What profit is to become of one who stays compared to that of one who goes?”

ENO

But there are rising rumors of shadows and occultism growing in our surrounding wood. I believe that to be the cause for our depletion. Many fear what is unknown, and much is unknown of witchcraft.

BARON

Rumors? How sound have rumors been when we were told the goblins of Brimania were moving into Esthero? How sound were the rumors of Gareth’s betrayal of the high Duchess?

Eno and Amo exchange a concerned glance.

ENO

My lord, rumors are what the people act on. Gareth was deemed guilty and sentenced before he met the courts.

AMO

And it stayed with him there after.

ENO

Despite reality.

BARON

And the Etherothis who marched into Brimania never returned.

Baron looks out the window.

ENO

My lord, call for action and bring the people something, if only a feeling of security. They will again appreciate all you have done.

Baron stares at subjects below.

AMO

(desperate for attention) It is not as if you have done these people wrong, my lord. You have indeed done them great service many a time over.

ENO

 I myself, would not wish to work under any other, as I would not see so fair or compassionate a being as yourself.

Baron, leans into the table.

BARON

Eno, Amo... I must know before anything is to be done, how real is this threat of witchcraft?

Eno and Amo trade another glance. All jolt attention to:

The Baron’s two KIDS and a FRIEND burst into the room laughing, chasing one another.

Baron catches one of his kids, LANA, pulls her on his lap.

BARON

(light hearted) Lana, what have I told you about playing in here?

LANA

(repeating) Not while you’re having your meetings. Sorry fada.

BARON

 It is alright. Try to avoid it again.

Lana nods her head. Baron looks to his younger child, BRIE.

BARON

Brie. It’s good to see you up again.

Brie shyly smirks at her dad. Baron smiles at their friend, AMIE.

BARON

Hello Amie. Are you all having fun?

Amie curtseys.

AMIE

Yes, my lord.

BARON

Good. (to Lana) Go and play outside. I’ll meet you soon.

Baron kisses Lana on the cheek, sends them away. The children run out the way they came in, laughing.

Baron watches them, doesn’t look at Amo or Eno.

AMO

 Wonderful children my lord. So good to see them playing with the butcher’s girl again. Seems children get over petty squabbles rather quick.

Eno moves to talk. A quick glance from Amo stops him.

BARON

 All to see them happy... What’s become of the butcher’s son? Walth must be what, fifteen now?

Eno shakes his head as he has no idea who Walth is. Ano looks down at this lack of connection.

AMO

 I fear he may be among those who wish to leave. Doubtful though, that it be for any reason which holds relation to you.

Baron is concerned by this news.

ENO

My lord, what of this threat to your people?

BARON

I need to know how real it is before I commit to anything. Confirm these rumors, or don’t, I need cause before any action.

EXT. WOODS - DAY

WALTH, (Teens) angry, ready for war, practices fighting on a tree with a stick.

Walth stops as Baron approaches.

WALTH

My lord...

BARON

You won’t do much good with your feet right next to each other.

Walth, embarrassed and angered, continues to hack the tree.

Baron studies Walth’s movements and actions. Notices a packed bag next to him.

BARON

What do you plan to do once you’ve left?

Walth, startled, recalls the bag, kicks it behind the tree.

WALTH

Forgive me my lord, it’s not to do with you, nor the estate.

BARON

I know. I found my father repugnant at times too, but that didn’t make him a bad man. SO, what’s your plan?

WALTH

Kill the witches...

BARON

(quietly) The witches.

WALTH

... Then, travel North to fight at Gresh Hall.

Baron nods respectively at Walth’s naiveté.

BARON

Kill the witches, be a hero, go off to fight in great wars... All young men’s fevered dreams. You’d have more luck finding work East in Korbat. Dwarves don’t care about outsiders, or titles you’ve won. And I don’t think any title will be won with a stick.

Walth observes his weapon, peeks back to the tree, then to Baron.

WALTH

... Your fevered dreams too?

BARON

Yes, they were my dreams once as well.

WALTH

Only yours came true... my lord. You lived out your honor and glory.

Baron approaches Walth.

BARON

 Not through wars. My honor resides here, in the wellbeing of the estate, and in you, your family.

WALTH

But I want to fight. I’m tired of feeding and cleaning these animals. I’m tired of doing nothing. There is no glory in the pigs!

BARON

There is no dishonor in the pigs.

A pause, Walth weakly returns to the tree.

BARON

If this is indeed your course, trod it true.

Walth lightens up.

BARON

 I would only ask that you find a teacher, and a real weapon.

WALTH

(exasperated) Thank you my lord. I, I, I ah...

BARON

And leave these witches to me.

Walth bows his head. Baron nods back, turns, walks away.

BARON

(to himself) If there are any.

EXT. FARM – LATER

A dead pig, pale blue eyes, blue and white vein-like scars across its body, lies in a pile of hay.

The Baron looks down in disgust. Eno less disgusted.

ENO

They say it has inflicted all the livestock we hold. There is nothing left.

BARON

(repulsed) Take them a mile from the estate. Burn them all, then burry the ash. Make sure not to touch them, we don’t know what it could do. And burn your gloves and clothes.

ENO

At once my lord. I’ll assemble some men.

Eno departs. Baron stares into the pig’s eye.

INT. COUNCIL MEETING CHAMBERS - DAY

GARM (30s, athletic, female, Middle Eastern looking, she’s seen a lot of battles, light leather armor, braid, and shaved on one side of head).

We observe her up and down as:

ENO

My lord the Baron Crody Lupiro of Norstadin Estate, granted by the Duchess of Korbat in greater Esthro, I present you, Garm Sirrolnlinn Adoba of Southern Itan’r, renowned witch hunter.

Amo more uncomfortable than Baron with their resolution. Eno smug.

AMO

I thought we resolved against the use of a witch hunter.

ENO

The Baron and I agreed otherwise.

GARM

 I am not a witch hunter. Not all magi are maleficent. Many spend lifetimes learning the trade for good.

BARON

 So, then you are -

GARM

- A problem solver, my lord. Many call me a monster slayer. It just appears that your problems may be witches.

BARON

(to no one in particular) ... Our, problem solver is here only to observe and determine the origin. Nothing more without proof.

Baron and Garm exchange a mutually understanding glance.

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Walth excitedly listens. Amie pulls his arm off screen.

AMIE

C’mon Walth.

EXT. ESTATE - DAY

Walth spies on the Baron and Garm from afar as Lana, Brie, and Amie play behind him.

The Baron and Garm stand on the edge of the woods. They discuss inaudibly.

Amo approaches them. The Baron nods to Amo, bows his head slightly to Garm, and leaves with Amo.

EXT. WOODS - CONTINUOUS

Walth approaches Garm as she walks, investigating the ground.

WALTH

You’re the witch hunter.

Garm, continues walking.

GARM

No.

WALTH

 But you do hunt them?

GARM

If they boast harm to others.

Walth fruitlessly tries to gain her attention.

WALTH

You’re going to need help.

GARM

Haven’t before, don’t see why I need it now.

Walth stops. Garm continues, searching the ground. A beat before Walth follows her again.

WALTH

 I know these woods. Better than anyone.

Garm looks to Walth. A deep breath as she looks around.

GARM

Can you track?

WALTH

Yeah... kind of.

GARM

Need to be better than ‘kind of’... Can you fight.

Walth puffs out his chest.

WALTH

Yeah. Better than those here.

GARM

What do you want kid?

WALTH

I want to help you.

GARM

Not many care about monster hunters until a monster needs to be hunted. What do you want?

WALTH

I want to get out of here. There’s nothing for me. And I’m willing to do this work, any work. So long as it takes me far off from here.

Garm scrunches her face, picks up two sticks, throws one to Walth who almost drops it.

GARM

Let’s see what you got then.

EXT. ESTATE - DAY

Brie, Lana, and Amie all run and play. Amie, bumps into Eno, gazes up at him.

ENO

You should watch where you’re going little girl. Something could happen to you.

Eno touches her head.

ENO

Now run along. Don’t keep them waiting.

Amie runs after her friends. Eno smiles diabolically.

INT./EXT. STABLES - DAY

Amo and the Baron look down at a dead horse, infected like the pig.

Amo worried, Baron angry, stares into the horse’s eyes.

EXT. WOODS - DAY

Walth put on his ass. He’s an easy opponent for Garm.

Garm’s stick pushed into Walth’s chest. An interested look from Garm says: “It’s over.”

Walth smacks the stick away, rolls, only to be hit on his side as he stands.

He charges her. Garm steps out of the way, tripping him, whacks his back as he falls.

Walth breaths heavily. Garm tosses her stick aside, motions for Walth to follow, walks off. Walth shoots up after her.

INT./EXT. STABLES - DAY

Baron and Walth lock eyes as Walth and Garm advance. Amo horrified at the sight. Baron holds attention on Walth, judges his reactions as:

Walth disgusted and frightened, collects himself. Garm pulls Walth with her to inspect without touching anything.

Baron stares into the horses eyes.

FADE TO BLACK.

CUT TO:

EXT. WOODS - MID MORNING

A MAN runs holding SOMEONE in his arms. Huffs and puffs.

INT. ESTATE BEDROOM - MORNING

Baron forcing happiness enters his daughters’ room. Baron’s face turns horrified. Screams.

Garm and Walth rush in. Lana and Brie, dead, like the pig and horse. Eyes pale blue. Walth stops Baron from touching them.

EXT. WOODS - MID MORNING

Man runs, looks back.

INT. ESTATE BEDROOM - MORNING

Enraged, Baron stands, wiping tears. Floats out of the room. Garm and Walth right behind him, draw their weapons.

INT. HUT - MID MORNING

Man interrupts the HERBALIST. Clears a table, places the person he’s been carrying who we still don’s see on it.

Herbalist frantically tries to continue work and shoo them out.

HERBALIST

There is no leaf that can save her. This like many things is beyond me.

MAN

You must help her!

HERBALIST

It is not my fault you bumpkins are illuded by what is simple herbalry!

MAN

Dando!

HERBALIST

This is a dark magic! I am no mage or sorcerer! Take her elsewhere!

EXT. WOODS - MID MORNING

Weapons drawn, Baron, Walth and Garm chase the man. Baron furious, Walth excited, Garm focused.

Eventually, Man grows tired, falls to his knees, crying. The three surround him.

Walth turns horrified, broken, and lost as it’s revealed to be his father carrying his sister, the BUTCHER and Amie.

Amie, dead, worse than the Baron’s kids, eyes pale blue. Scars appearing on Butcher’s hands and forearms only.

Fuming, Baron rears his sword, swings it through the back of the Butcher’s neck.

CUT TO BLACK