Chapter 6 Below the Falls (Screenplay)

EXT. Kindred and Pandora row as twilight descends. Earlier the howling of wolves drove them to depart the falls. Their few belongings are stowed in a locker under the bow. Kindred rows slowly as the current carries them downstream. He listens and his senses strain for signs of danger.

She sits facing him on the stern seat, holding the tiller, watching him rhythmically pull the oars. He has a stroke that seems well practiced. She reflects on what has happened before and since their meeting. They were chaotic times, driven by frantic efforts to deal with the most terrifying of circumstances. She has been beset by fear, exhaustion and numbing cold. She has made decisions reflexively, with little time for thought. First impressions, made in haste, are now afforded a chance for closer scrutiny.

A dark prophecy had come to pass, one long anticipated. Their meeting had taken place under great stress and remaining alive has been the focus of her awareness.

KINDRED: I'm thinking it might be best if we travel by night and rest during the daylight hours. I'm worried we might be spied by a trained eagle or hawk, maybe even a raven. Then there are the mounted patrols. I suspect we'll come upon a cart path along one of the banks.

PANDORA: Is having suspicions about Kindred's identity. He seems more than he lets on, more a courtier or soldier..., a farmer? I think not.
PANDORA: "For a farmer, you've a glib tongue. My experience with farmers is that they speak little, and go to bed early."

KINDRED: "In my land they're a jolly lot, and find time for enjoying good fellowship."

PANDORA: "So what do you talk about when you're not about in the fields or mucking the hogs?"

The rain beat down steadily. The mood of the conversation slowly begins to transition from small talk.

"The weather mostly, will the rains come early or late, will the harvest be gathered before the snow begins to fall... that sort of thing."

"Are you married?"

"No..."

"Why not, a handsome fellow like you?"

"I had an eye for a girl once but she took interest in my brother."

"Your brother?"

"Plenny, my younger brother."

"What's your family name?" (He thinks about the signet on his family's coat of arms, it's a flexing bicep.)

"Armstrong, he answers"

"Hmmmm, Kindred Armstrong, sounds like something that harkens back to blacksmiths or soldiers."

"Perhaps, sometime in the distant past, but these days we're only growers.., you know wheat, barley and of course farm stock."

"How did you respond when your girlfriend ran off with your brother instead?"

"Greta was not my girlfriend and she did not run off. I was not surprised, indeed, I rather expected it."

"How so?"

"Well because Plenny has a way with the ladies, and that trait seems to have skipped me all together."

There is a pause and he tries to change the subject.

"May I ask a question?"

"Feel free."

"As you show interest in me, so I've been wondering about your. Who exactly are you anyway? How is it that someone of high birth, finds herself deep in the woods pursued by a pack of wolves?

"I might ask you the same question, Kindred Armstrong... what brought your boat to the river's edge, in my time of greatest need?"

"I was floating along, the fish weren't biting and I decided to try my luck further down the river. And you?"

"I was walking in the woods when suddenly, I heard the wolves behind me, barking from afar.

"Indeed! A promenade in the woods, barefoot and in a ball gown..."

"I wasn't wearing a ball gown... It was the style of dress I commonly wear in court. As for bare feet, I lost my slippers in flight. Had I anticipated the wolves I'd have worn something with laces."

"It was six o'clock in the morning, my lady, a bit early for a promenade... if you don't want to tell me why, don't feel obliged, but please, I'm no fool."

"I treat you Kindred, as the person you represented yourself to be. And I take umbrage at your tone. It's not for you to question me like a magistrate. I'm unchaperoned, a woman of honor, taking care what I relate to a commoner, a stranger that."

"Relate what you wish, my lady, but don't treat me like a bumpkin."

"I can see now that I mistook you at first glance. Who are you Kindred Armstrong? If not a bumpkin then what?"

"I was wrong in letting you think me a farmer. It was a misrepresentation. No, I'm not a farmer... but more I'm not at liberty to say."

"Nor am I. But I'll tell you this. I'm fleeing an evil more threatening than a pack of dumb wolves. Are you another form of that same menace?"

"I've no idea, regarding the menace you refer to. No, I'm on a quest.

"You expect me to believe that... a quest? Tell me, Sir Bumpkin, about this mysterious boon?"

"First you tell me, Princess High Brow, about this great and evil menace that threatens you."

"Why should I trust you with my confidence, when it's clear you aren't taking me seriously."

"If I were this thing you fear, I suspect you'd have discovered it by now."

"Your behavior has been reprehensible. You lied about your identity."

"I didn't lie, My family is landed and the wealth we enjoy derives from agriculture. We grow things, hence "growers." "

"A dissembling misrepresentation. A man of honor speaks the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

You must know men I've yet to meet and your house must be one of great virtue.

Never mind who I know and from whence I come from. I was taught the standard a gentleman should strive for.

This is leading nowhere

No, it's leading to redemption. I see hope for you Kindred, if that's your real name. But I'll not abide someone who is no more than a common liar. If we are to continue together we must begin our relationship anew. I'll forgive your deceit and give some rein to my arrogance. Had I realized you were well bred, my behavior might have been different.

"I doubt that, but I "suppose it's a start."

"So, in recognition, I propose we begin a new relationship built upon a foundation of honesty and trust."

"Go on."

"Well. since a man is expected to provide leadership... you can take the first step." Why were you at the riverbank yesterday morning?"

"I was in search of the Magical Realm."

Wa......

"My turn, Same question."

"My home was attacked by minions of Monk Stephen and I was fleeing for my life.

"Now that's a revelation worth gnawing on, proof perhaps that we finally share something in common.

"Indeed? So, if it's not an idle fishing trip, why's a man of your station in search of the Magical Realm?"

"I'm seeking an ally to join the Fertile Kingdom against an enemy we share."

Well that's a good start. It's been a long day, Goodnight Sir, whatever your real name is.

Good Night, MYYY LAAADY." Gunther would have been proud.