CONAN THE BARBARIAN
Written by
Thomas Dean Donnelly & Joshua Oppenheimer
Based on the writings of
Robert E. Howard
October 7, 2009
OVER BLACK:
In the darkness, we hear the solitary sound of a HEARTBEAT,
resounding like a drum.
NARRATOR (V.O)
In between the years when the
oceans drank Atlantis and the rise
of the Sons of Aryas, there was an
age undreamed of, when shining
kingdoms lay spread across the
world like blue mantles under the
stars. Hither came Conan, the
Cimmerian: a thief, a slayer, a
king born of battle.
Muffled sounds, as if underwater, echo: CLANGING swords, the
guttural CRIES of combat.
UNBORN BABY
Eyes closed, floating at peace within red glow of the womb.
Suddenly, a flash of steel, as a sword pierces the womb, its
tip not an inch from the baby's head.
As the sword is ripped out, light streams in from outside, we
travel with it, into the DIN of BATTLE.
EXT. CIMMERIA - MUDDY FIELD - DAY
A blonde-haired, armored AESIR RAIDER withdraws the bloody
sword from the stomach of ISLENE, a wild-maned Cimmerian
beauty, many months pregnant, now clutching her bloody
stomach.
Across a muddy battlefield, the air a maelstrom of falling
snowflakes and embers from trees aflame, the powerfully built
CORIN rallies his fellow CIMMERIANS, until he spots Islene.
CORIN
Islene!!!
Wielding a broadsword, runes etched into its surface, Corin
cuts a bloody path through his enemies, his eyes never
leaving Islene.
The Aesir standing over Islene LAUGHS as she claws at the
earth behind her, trying to pull herself away.
AESIR
Now, now little whore. Did I get
you or your little one?
2.
Islene's hand reaches back once again -- and it finds a
fallen warrior's SWORD. In one fluid motion she swings the
sword around her body and drives it into the gap in the
Aesir's armor -- at his groin.
ISLENE
I'd ask you the same.
The Aesir HOWLS in agony, raising his sword to deliver the
killing blow -- when another sword pierces his chest. The
Aesir falls, revealing Corin standing behind him.
Corin throws aside his horned helmet, and falls to his knees
beside Islene, checking her wound. When he pulls his hands
back they are coated in blood.
Their eyes meet. Torment. Loss. They both know. She pulls a
knife from the folds of her pelts, puts it in his hand.
ISLENE (CONT'D)
Take your child.
CORIN
I cannot.
Islene looks to her naked belly. The baby inside presses
against its womb, a visible impression on her flesh.
ISLENE
There is no time, husband. I would
see my child's face.
Islene's eyes flutter as she struggles. Corin lowers the
knife. Islene's eyes lock with Corin's as he puts the knife
to use. Never once does she scream.
A moment later, Corin lifts the crying, blood-covered BOY up
through the falling snowflakes to Islene's lap.
ISLENE (CONT'D)
A boy. He will be strong. A warrior
with no equal.
CORIN
Do not speak, love.
ISLENE
You have never been able to still
my tongue, and you will not this
day. He will be wild, Corin. You
must temper him.
She shares one kiss with her child, its first taste not of
mother's milk, but of her blood.
3.
ISLENE (CONT'D)
(FADING)
Conan. His--name--is--Conan.
CONAN
The boy's eyes are as deep and blue as the Eastern Sea.
TITLE CARD: CONAN
CUT TO:
EXT. CIMMERIAN VILLAGE - DAY
A small Cimmerian village lies in a heavily forested valley,
a redoubt from the icy mountains surrounding it.
Round wooden huts surround a stone-lined pit, where young
CIMMERIAN BOYS, ages 12-15 stand. Pollen drifts through the
air, giving it an ethereal haze.
At the center of the pit URAN, an elder Cimmerian warrior
speaks.
URAN
A Cimmerian warrior is like any
other man. A Cimmerian warrior
feels hunger. He feels cold. Like
other men he may lie and cheat.
(stares the boys down)
But when a Cimmerian warrior
hungers, he hungers only for the
blood of his enemy. When he feels
cold, it is the cold steel of his
sword. When he lies, he lies in
wait for his enemy. And when he
cheats, he cheats death itself!
Uran stops at the end of the line, where a boy stands a good
two heads smaller than the rest. He is no more than eight,
but his face is as stoic, driven.
URAN (CONT'D)
Conan! You are too young to be
here. Withdraw.
CONAN, determined, doesn't move an inch. The LARGEST TEEN
menacingly steps up to the smaller boy.
LARGEST TEEN
He said leave, motherless whelp.
4.
The hulking teen goes to shove Conan, but Conan pulls his arm
towards him, lashing out with his other hand, punching the
teen in the throat.
The large boy goes down hard, hands and knees, gasping for
air.
A smattering of LAUGHS erupt from the boys, quickly silenced
by Uran's stare. Uran hands out RIVER STONES to each boy,
ending with Conan. The boys know what to do: they put the
large stones in their mouths.
URAN
In the black crag in the high pass
stands a wooden training sword. The
one who claims it, with stone still
in his mouth, will have earned the
right to train with the warriors.
The boys look at each other, sizing up the competition.
URAN (CONT'D)
Well? What are you waiting for?!
And off they run. They knock each other down, punching the
other's stomachs, each trying to force the other to expel
their stones. One or two succeed.
Most of the remaining boys run for the trail that winds high
into the mountains. But a few head right for the sheer cliff
face.
Conan follows the ones headed to the cliff.
CLIFF FACE
And when the Cimmerian boys climb, it is a sight to behold.
They find cracks we can barely see and scale the smooth rock
face as though it were a ladder.
The hulking teen reaches for the same handhold as Conan,
trying to knock him off. Conan swings with one hand and finds
another path. In moments he is ahead.
EXT. FOREST - DAY
Conan is in the lead as he crests the cliff top, the bigger
boys right behind him.
They race through the forest, heading uphill --
When Conan spots movement ahead. He pauses --
5.
And the largest teen elbows past Conan, into the lead. The
boy runs two paces more and suddenly flies off his feet, an
AXE lodged squarely in his forehead.
All the boys stop. Out of the dense forest come
FOUR PICTISH SAVAGES
Covered with fearsome war paint and armed with dual hand
axes, the rotting heads of their enemies are slung at their
waist.
The boys spit out the rocks in their mouths and YELL. They
turn and run in the opposite direction.
Only Conan doesn't move, even as another boy pulls at him.
CIMMERIAN BOY
Conan! Run!
But Conan simply pulls the axe from his large boy's skull. He
turns to face the Picts, his eyes burning.
The Picts LAUGH and CHARGE CONAN.
CUT TO:
LATER
Corin arrives with Uran and other armed CIMMERIAN WARRIORS.
They get a brief glimpse of a single PICT, escaping in the
other direction. One of the Cimmerians takes off in pursuit.
Corin desperately searches for his son.
CORIN
Conan? Conan?!
Conan steps forward from out of a thicket, his body covered
in Pict blood. Three PICTS lie massacred, the bodies hacked
to pieces.
CORIN (CONT'D)
What have you done, boy?
Conan walks past the other stunned Cimmerians, up to his
father. Conan SPITS OUT the bloody stone from his mouth.
CONAN
They killed one. I killed three. I
am a warrior now.
Uran and the other Cimmerian men exchange worried glances.
Looking at the carved up bodies of the Picts, they are
aghast. Conan looks confused. Why aren't they happy?
6.
CORIN
A warrior? What you have done a
jackal would do. Never a warrior.
CONAN
They would have done the same --
CORIN
As I said, jackals.
(TO URAN)
He is not ready. I will forge him
myself.
CUT TO:
TRAINING MONTAGE:
Conan is tested under Corin's watchful eye:
- Forced to sleep in the snow, while his father keeps warm
inside.
- A heavy boulder on his shoulder blades while he balances on
wet river rocks.
- Climbing a cliff face, his bare hands leaving blood behind
on the jagged rocks.
INT. CIMMERIAN FORGE - DAY
Flames reflect in the blue eyes of Conan as he works the
bellows of the forge. Sparks buzz like angry fireflies as he
stokes the blaze.
Corin sharpens a sword, perfecting it. Conan cannot take his
eyes off it, stepping away from the bellows.
CORIN
Stoke your fire, boy.
Conan slams the bellows closed, anger rising.
CONAN
"Stoke your fire, chop your wood."
I have slept where wolves dare not.
I have balanced a thousand river
stones. When will you teach me the
sword?
Corin stares his son in the eyes. Judging.
7.
CORIN
Think you're ready? Then tell me:
what is a sword's purpose?
CONAN
To slay ones enemies.
CORIN
No. That is what it does. Its
purpose is why you use it.
He tosses Conan two lumps of ore.
CORIN (CONT'D)
Tell me, which makes the best
sword?
Conan takes the two lumps, testing them. He hands his father
back one.
CORIN (CONT'D)
The stronger ore, eh? Then we shall
make a sword of it, and tomorrow
you will show me what brute
strength yields.
CUT TO:
EXT. FIELD - DUSK
With a setting sun silhouetting the two, Conan attacks Corin.
Conan attacks with fury. Corin defends with grace. Until the
boy overextends and Corin slashes down a counterattack that
SHATTERS CONAN'S SWORD.
Corin simply turns and walks away, leaving Conan to puzzle
what happened.
Corin lowers his sword and walks away, leaving Conan to
puzzle what happened.
INT. CORIN'S FORGE - NIGHT
Conan works the bellows, putting his back into it. Corin
places both ores in the furnace where they begin to melt.
CONAN
Why did it break?
8.
CORIN
Because it had no life.
CUT TO:
Sparks fly as Corin pounds on the glowing edge of the sword
with hammer. Corin nods at Conan, who sprinkles the glowing
blade with ash.
CORIN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
The strongest blade isn't made of
the hardest steel, boy. The hardest
ore is what a man will die for. It
is strong and unyielding. It
neither cowers nor concedes. But
without the softer ore, it can be
shattered like glass.
CUT TO:
Steam rises as Corin lowers the blade into a freezing slack
tub, only to place it right back into the flames.
CORIN (CONT'D)
The softer ore is what a man lives
for. It is flexible and lasting. It
survives, even against the greatest
of foes. But too much of the soft
ore, the blade will not cut deep
enough when it must.
CUT TO:
Corin fashions the blade's hilt, engraving the guard and
pommel. It is a work of art.
CORIN (CONT'D)
A sword must be tempered, the two
ores united through fire and ice.
Through its suffering the sword
comes to hold both life and death.
Corin hands Conan the sword.
CORIN (CONT'D)
Now tell me, what is this sword's
purpose?
Conan furrows his brow, trying to puzzle the answer. He
can't. Corin's disappointment shows. He takes the sword from
Conan's hands.
CORIN (CONT'D)
This one is not ready yet.
9.
Blood rushes to Conan's face but he says nothing. He rushes
out.
EXT. MOUNTAIN LAKE - DAY
Frustrated, Conan slashes through a field of reeds, cutting
everything within reach of him, expending his rage.
Behind him something moves in the forest. We catch just a
glimpse of the PICT, the same one that escaped Conan in the
earlier scene.
Conan's instincts cause him to spin around -- but then
there's nothing there.
INT. CIMMERIAN SCOUT POST - DAY
Built into the side of a huge tree, fifty feet up, this
wooden structure houses two CIMMERIAN SENTRIES. A BIRD CRIES
in the woods, causing one of the sentries to investigate.
THWICK! He suddenly stands up straight, unmoving. The one
still sitting in the structure notices.
CIMMERIAN SENTRY
See something?
The standing sentry falls backwards, revealing an ARROW
piercing his right eye. Shocked, the remaining sentry reaches
for the WARNING HORN mounted on the wall.
But as he reaches for it, his shadow becomes three
dimensional, MORPHING into
A SHADOW SCOUT
A thin, feral humanoid, bodies covered in tattoos, from the
deepest jungles of Zingara. The scout lashes out with his
black sword and cuts straight across the sentry's throat.
This Shadow Scout's name is REMO.
EXT. SCOUT POST - DAY
Remo exits and stares down at CHEREN, a BLIND ARCHER clad in
lamellar armor and a conical sedge hat. Cheren has an arrow
notched and ready, but somehow he knows not to fire.
Cheren lowers his bow and lets out a BIRD WHISTLE --
10.
And the forest comes alive. The forces are an odd
combination; massive KUSHITE TRIBESMEN, dark-skinned savages
from the savannahs of Kush, and a LEGION OF AQUILONIAN
MERCENARIES, heavily armored knights drawn from the cities of
Aquilonia.
Their leaders, respectively, are the six foot-five Kushite
chief UKAFA, gold-toothed, his body painted for battle, and
the handsome, silver-armored Aquilonian LUCIUS.
UKAFA
That's the last of their guard
towers.
LUCIUS
All this sneaking around for a
lowly tribe of barbarians.
KHALAR SINGH (O.S.)
This lowly tribe of barbarians have
buried every warrior ever to set
foot on this land, Lucius.
KHALAR SINGH, a warlord atop a black horse, rides through the
fog-shrouded trees.
He bears a nomadic visage, with tanned skin and almond-shaped
eyes. While his voice is calm, his eyes burn with malice.
LUCIUS
That is only because they have
never faced my legion.
Khalar regards Lucius with amusement.
KHALAR SINGH
Then show us. But should you fail,
remember the plan.
Lucius scowls as he delivers a bow to Khalar Singh.
EXT. CIMMERIAN VILLAGE - DAY
Corin walks out of the forge, looking around for Conan.
Various other Cimmerians go about the daily routine, but
Conan is nowhere to be seen.
CORIN
Conan?
11.
Corin looks to the ridge above the village, noticing a thick
fog creeping in. The fog curls and eddies, something is out
there.
Suddenly, Lucius and his legion of silver-armored warriors
burst out of the fog, attacking with speed and strength.
But the Cimmerians are hardly caught flat footed. In seconds
they are armed, and they counter the charge with a furious
charge of their own.
SLAM! Sword and bone collide as the two enemy fronts smash
into each other. And the battle devolves into one-on-ones --
Where the barbarians have the upper hand. Uran and Corin lead
the main push of battle-frenzied barbarians as they swing
their huge broadswords, extending their reach advantage over
the Aquilonian's shorter weapons.
And quickly, the Aquilonian's numbers are cut in half. Corin
squares off against Lucius himself. Lucius is sweating.
Worried. It wasn't supposed to be this hard.
LUCIUS
Retreat!
As a unit, the Aquilonians race back into the woods. In
seconds, the Cimmerians give chase in wild pursuit.
CORIN
Wait! Hold your ground!
But it's too late, nearly half the Cimmerian warriors are
gone on the chase.
EXT. CLIFF FACE - DAY
Lucius and the Aquilonians race up to a sheer cliff face.
Nowhere left to run. They turn to see the Cimmerians
gathering in front of them.
URAN
Death is in the air, invaders. Can
you taste it?
LUCIUS
(SMILES)
Indeed. I savor it.
Uran notices something is wrong. His eyes go skyward. Atop
the cliff stand Cheren and a dozen more of his blind archers,
bows at the ready with FLAMING ARROWS.
12.
They let the arrows fly, streaking balls of flame heading
right for the Cimmerians. But they do not hit them. They hit
the tree trunks beside them.
And for a moment, the Cimmerians look relieved, until they
notice small bags of a black substance tied to the arrows.
The flames lick at the substance --
KABOOM! The forest erupts into flames as the Cimmerian
warriors are burned alive.
EXT. MOUNTAIN LAKE - DAY
Conan spins, started by the sound of the explosion. He sees
flames rising above the treetops beyond.
He races back home.
EXT. CIMMERIAN VILLAGE - DAY
Corin sees the flames in the distance as well. Suddenly,
Ukafa and his Kushite warriors erupt out of the forest. Armed
with fearsome barbed spears they charge the remaining
Cimmerians, savage against savage.
But the Kushites are not alone. From behind the Cimmerians
comes, AKHUN, a massive four hundred pounds of flesh, wearing
loops of chains like armor, leads his turbaned TURANIAN
HORSEMEN into the village.
The Cimmerian WOMEN arm themselves, but the Horsemen attack
with NINE TAILED WHIPS pulling their swords from their hands
and dragging them to the ground.
The Horsemen quickly gather up the women while Ukafa and his
men keep the Cimmerian warriors all too occupied.
CONAN
Conan rushes through a river, now tinged red with blood, and
reaches the far end of the village.
Huts burn, women are chained, only a handful of Cimmerians
still stand. Lucius and his Aquilonian mercenaries are
helping the Spearmen slay the wounded.
Conan grabs a fallen sword and rushes for the nearest
Aquilonian and RUNS HIM THROUGH. A ZINGARAN spots him and
rushes him with his spear. Conan readies himself for the
CHARGE --
13.
When the Zingaran loses his head, lopped off by Corin's
blade.
CONAN
Father!
CORIN
Come.
Corin, sporting a deep gash to his abdomen, pulls a reluctant
Conan from the battle, back toward the forge.
INT. FORGE - DAY
The flames of the forge still burn as Corin pushes Conan into
the room. He bolts the door behind him.
CONAN
Do we need more weapons?
Corin drops his sword, then struggles to lift a heavy grating
in the dirt floor. Beneath it a trough of cooling water leads
under the hut and away from the village.
CORIN
Go. There is a hunting lodge in the
North Pass with provisions.
CONAN
No! I will fight!
Corin grabs Conan by his tunic, pulling him up to his face.
Corin's eyes are half-crazed.
CORIN
This fight is over, but yours has
just begun. You wanted to be a
warrior of the tribe, Conan--now
you must be its last.
CONAN
Father, I am not afraid to die.
CORIN
Good. Make your death have purpose.
BOOM. Something slams at the door. It does not budge. Again,
BOOM.
A shadow appears under the door, sliding into the forge, and
MATERIALIZING into the form of Remo. Remo quickly slides away
the bolt.
14.
In rush enter Lucius and Ukafa. Corin and Conan face their
attackers, fighting in close quarters. Lucius rushes at
Conan, only for Conan to duck under his attack and --
THROW HIM IN THE FIERY FORGE. Lucius SCREAMS in agony, rising
up to reveal half of his formerly handsome face burned to a
crisp.
Corin fights Ukafa to a standstill, until Remo emerges from
the shadows behind him and drives a short sword into his
back.
Corin falls to his knees.
CONAN
No!
Lucius delivers a massive backhand, sending Conan flying
backwards -- and demolishing one of the Forge's main support
beams.
Half of the forge comes crashing down on top of Conan,
pinning his bleeding form to the ground, just a few feet from
his fallen father.
Enraged, Lucius turns his anger to Corin, raising his sword
to deliver the killing blow.
KHALAR SINGH (O.S.)
I said I wanted a word with him.
Lucius stays his hand as Khalar Singh steps into the forge.
Beside him stands the PICT who escaped from Conan earlier,
grinning from ear to ear.
Khalar Singh hands him a bag of gold.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
As promised.
PICT
(strange dialect -
SUBTITLED)
Their heads. You promised me their
heads.
KHALAR SINGH
All you wish, once we are gone.
The Pict nods and heads off, drawing his knife. Khalar Singh
stares down at Corin, sizing him up.
Corin lifts up into a sitting position, back to the forge.
15.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
I take no pleasure in this day,
barbarian. Your people are fierce
warriors, deserving of every story
told of them. But now you must
choose the story for yourself. I am
Khalar Singh. My army is handpicked
from the best Hyboria. My second,
Ukafa, and his Kushite horde. Remo
and his Shadow Scouts from the
jungles of Zingara. And countless
others. They all had a day like
this one. They all chose a way
forward.
Into the forge walks Cherin and Akhun. The lieutenants stand
behind Corin, eyeing Corin with malice.
Corin catches a glimpse of Conan, buried but staring back at
him, unable to move. Corin quickly turns away, careful not to
give his son away.
CORIN
What is it you want?
KHALAR SINGH
I seek neither gold nor steel, but
flesh and blood. The last of a
royal line that goes back three
thousand years.
Corin LAUGHS.
CORIN
Royalty in Cimmeria? Never. Each
man is free here.
KHALAR SINGH
But I seek a woman.
Khalar looks outside the door of the forge. The Cimmerians
women are being herded by the slavers.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
A queen in hiding. Point her out
and you'll spare the lives of your
own. Perhaps even your wife?
CORIN
My wife was killed, long ago, by
swine such as you.
Khalar nods, understanding.
16.
KHALAR SINGH
Then our stories began in the same
place, Cimmerian. I too lost my
wife to marauders. How many men, in
how many lands have suffered so?
The only answer is power, strength
unfettered, the kind of which can
unite all Hyboria under a single
crown. That is the legacy I seek.
Will you join me?
It's a powerful, convincing speech. But Corin holds his
tongue, unmoved.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Very well. Then death will be your
story. Your men will die. And your
women too, when I am done with
them. None will survive to carry
your name forth, and over time,
even your enemies will forget you
ever were. You will be wiped from
the pages of history.
(to his men)
Take your blood, but leave the
kill.
One by one, the lieutenants beat and stab Corin, taking
pleasure in his pain.
Conan struggles, trying to move, to yell, to do anything
other than lie there. But a huge timber lies upon his back,
pinning him to the ground.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Fariq! Come!
Entering the wrecked forge is FARIQ, the six year old son to
Khalar Singh. He stares at Corin's bleeding form with the
dispassion of a sociopath.
Khalar picks up THE SWORD Corin and Conan had forged
together, the one Corin took away. He admires it, then hands
it to his son. He keeps a hand on it as it is too heavy for
his son to lift alone. He instructs his son as if teaching
him multiplication.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Before you lies our enemy. His
tribe waits for him in the beyond.
What would you do?
17.
FARIQ
I would cut out his eyes, father,
so that he will not find them. So
he will wander the afterlife
forever.
Khalar smiles.
KHALAR SINGH
Show me your strength, Fariq.
Without it, you will never rule.
With it, you will never be
forgotten.
Fariq DRIVES THE SWORD INTO CORIN'S EYE. Corin doesn't make a
sound. Once Fariq has ripped out Corin's eyes, Khalar runs
Corin through.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
You have your desire. Death has
found you.
Corin spits out his last words, also meant for Conan.
CORIN
Soon -- it comes for you.
CONAN'S POV
Conan glimpses around the faces of Khalar and his men, each
image seared into his memory as if ablaze.
KHALAR SINGH
Burn this place. It no longer
exists.
CUT TO:
EXT. CIMMERIAN VILLAGE - DAY
The forge is lit afire from a half dozen torches, thrown onto
its roof and inside its windows. Khalar and the other watch
as the building roars into flame.
INT. FORGE - DAY
Smoke fills the air. Conan struggles, still unable to move.
He COUGHS, dying.
But then the fire collapses more of the forge, and the
falling beams shatter the one that pins Conan to the ground.
18.
Slowly, painfully, Conan drags himself into the cooling
trough that runs beneath the hut.
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. CIMMERIAN VILLAGE - DAY
Conan exits the forge only to see the entire village burning.
The bodies of everyone he has ever known litter the
landscape. Nothing stirs. Until he hears a strange CHOPPING
SOUND.
THE PICT
Conan spots the Pict, who is decapitating a dead Cimmerian
warrior, adding to the collection of heads at his tattooed
waist.
The Pict doesn't notice as Conan slips up behind him, then
RUNS HIM THROUGH.
As the wide-eyed Pict dies, Conan takes the sword and CUTS A
NOTCH into his arm.
DISSOLVE TO:
NOTCHED ARM
Where there was once a single notch, there are now FIVE such
notches, on a much broader arm that struggles to pin another
powerful looking arm.
INT. BAR - MESSANTIA - NIGHT
A raucous bar on the Argossean waterfront. Out the window we
see a port lined with Shemish galleys and junks from Kush.
The bar is filled with the hearty sailors and merchants of
those ships, and those who desire to part them from their
hard-earned money; Zamoran thieves, Hyborean mercenaries and
Brythunian whores. Most of them watch the arm wrestling match
taking place at the back of the bar.
A pair of CITY GUARDS, short swords sheathed at their sides,
enter the bar and are immediately summoned over by the
harried BARKEEP.
BARKEEP
He's back there.
The barkeep motion to the arm wrestlers.
19.
CITY GUARD #1
What's this one done?
BARKEEP
What's he done?! What hasn't he
done? He's bedded six of my whores
and finished off three casks of
mead--and he hasn't paid so much as
a silver piece for it.
CITY GUARD #1
So have your men deal with him.
BARKEEP
I did.
Behind the bar, six men each hold down two HULKING MEN
YELLING in agony as their horribly broken arms are snapped
back into place.
CITY GUARD #2
Sounds like a real problem. Too bad
we have other places to be right
now.
The Barkeep shakes his head, knowing the routine. He slips a
pair of silver pieces into the soldier's hand.
BARKEEP
Just get that behemoth out of here.
The two City Guards make their way to the back of the bar.
His back to them, the DRUNKEN MAN they're after struggles to
pin his opponent, cobras beneath each of their wrists, ready
to strike at the loser. A pair of voluptuous WHORES watch,
caressing the Drunken Man's sinewy back.
The Drunken Man YELLS in fury as he SLAMS the other man's
hand down upon the cobra, which immediately bites its prey.
As the soldiers arrive, the drunken victor throws his tankard
of ale at the Barkeep, who's now back behind the bar.
DRUNKEN MAN
Piss-water! You'll serve my friends
and I your best, barman, or you'll
taste steel!
CITY GUARD #1
Time to leave, northerner.
The Drunken Man turns as the City Guard puts a hand on his
shoulder.
20.
CONAN
The gangly fifteen year old boy has grown into a powerfully
built man, broad-shouldered with sun browned skin lined with
battle scars. Only the piercing blue eyes and square cut
black mane remain from the boy we last saw.
Conan stands to his full height, looming over the smaller
City Guards, who instinctively take a step back.
CONAN
No, my small friends. It's time to
die. Now--
Conan sways. The room spins. He falls on his face.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Who's first --
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Conan, unconscious, is dragged down the street by the two
City Guards.
CITY GUARD #1
(STRUGGLING)
By the gods, he's as heavy as a
horse.
CITY GUARD #2
Even a dead horse smells better
than this.
EXT. PRISON YARD - NIGHT
The City Guards drag Conan into a broad prison yard. Many of
the INMATES are shackled together, hacking with picks at the
rock walls on their work detail. Those in no condition to
break rock are left in their own filth to rot. Some are even
dead already, the rats gnawing at the remains.
INT. PRISON GUARDHOUSE - NIGHT
The two City Guards drag Conan into the guardhouse, where a
LIEUTENANT sits eating his dinner.
The Lieutenant doesn't even bother to look up from his meal.
21.
LIEUTENANT
What's the charge?
CITY GUARD #2
Public drunkenness. Another damn
hill ape who can't handle his
liquor.
LIEUTENANT
Is that so, boy? How do you plead?
Conan yawns in response. One of the City Guards slaps Conan,
hard, across the face. Conan slowly opens his eyes.
CONAN
Where's the Captain of the Guard?
SCREAMS OF PAIN come from down the hall, past a locked door.
LIEUTENANT
In the cells, interrogating a
prisoner. And you'll get the same
if you don't answer. You're accused
of public drunkenness. How do you
plead?
CONAN
In truth, I've been guilty of much.
Jewels stolen from the crowns of
kings, men's heads split in battle
for the price of a night's drink.
But through that I've searched and
waited and hunted my prey.
Suddenly Conan shifts upright, looking more sober than he did
a moment ago.
CONAN (CONT'D)
But drink? Haven't had a drop all
night.
The guards holding Conan up by his arms, suddenly find those
arms wrapped around their heads. Twist, twist. SNAP. SNAP. He
breaks both their necks in an instant.
The Lieutenant is horrified. He goes for his sword. Conan
bats it out of his hand, slamming his head against the back
wall.
CONAN (CONT'D)
The key to the cells.
22.
LIEUTENANT
I don't have it. There's a guard
inside the door. Only he can open
it.
Conan picks up the Lieutenant's sword.
LIEUTENANT (CONT'D)
You can't kill me! He'll only open
the door for me!
A FLASH OF STEEL as Conan delivers a blow.
CUT TO:
INT. CELLS - NIGHT
A GUARD sits on a stool next to a heavy metal door. Behind
him, the CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD beats a chained ONE-EYED
PRISONER to a pulpy mess.
There's a KNOCK at the door.
GUARD #1
What is it?
MUFFLED VOICE (O.S.)
Need to see the Captain.
The Guard exhales, frustrated. He stands up, getting his keys
out. He stops. Opens the small EYEHOLE to see into the other
room.
The Lieutenant stares back at him.
GUARD #1
Fine, fine.
He opens the door--
Only to see Conan standing there, holding the decapitated
head of the Lieutenant.
The shocked Guard goes for his sword. Conan swings the
Lieutenant's head, smashing it into the Guard's jaw and
putting him down for the count.
That's when the Captain of the Guard turns around. And WE
RECOGNIZE HIM! He's LUCIUS, the disfigured Aquilionian who
was one of Khalar Singh's lieutenants.
LUCIUS
Men!
23.
From around a corner come five more Guards, drawing their
weapons. Lucius draws his as well.
LUCIUS (CONT'D)
You've made a huge mistake, ape.
You'll never make it out of this
place.
CONAN
I came for you, Lucius.
Lucius nods to the guards, who advance on Conan.
LUCIUS
You talk as though you know me,
ape.
CONAN
I do. And I am no ape. I am
Cimmerian.
As recognition crosses Lucius' face, Conan springs into
action. He KICKS the table at the men, sending the knives and
other torture implements flying right into the first guard.
The second guard tries leaping over the falling table. Conan
just grabs him in midair and throws him even faster into the
iron bands of the prisoner cells.
Lucius lunges at Conan, Conan steps in on him, grabbing his
sword hand. In a show of strength, he twists Lucius' own
sword until points down at the floor, then THRUSTS IT THROUGH
LUCIUS' FOOT AND DEEP INTO THE WOOD FLOOR BELOW.
Lucius BELLOWS in pain, pinned to the spot.
The next three Guards rush forward, forcing Conan to deal
with three weapons attacks at once.
The first to strike swings a mace and chain that wraps around
Conan's sword and he tries to yank it free from Conan's grip.
Instead, Conan pulls him in a wide circle, sending him flying
into a wall-mounted torch. The guard burns like dry kindling.
The second to strike hits Conan on his sword hand, carving a
deep gash and causing him to drop his sword.
Conan turns to face him, eyes filled with rage. The guard's
face goes pale. Conan head butts him with all his might and
the guard goes down, bleeding from mouth, nose and ears.
24.
However, the last Guard is upon Conan before he can react.
The powerful soldier uses the shaft of his poleax to lift
Conan off his feet and back against the far wall, pinned by
the neck.
Conan struggles to breathe, the polearm shaft driving his
throat into the wall. The thickness of the Cimmerian's neck
gives him time to reach into his bracer, pulling out a hidden
knife which he buries into the Guardsman's eye.
CUT TO:
Lucius SCREAMS in pain as Conan pours water on the burning
guard, and lifts the table back onto its legs. Then he pulls
the sword out of the floor, a thick plume of blood rising out
of Lucius' now liberated foot.
Conan takes Lucius' face and smashes it against the table.
Lucius looks, aghast, as Conan takes his injured hand and
places it over the torch flame, searing the wound closed. The
Cimmerian never even bats an eye.
LUCIUS
What do you want? Who are you?
Conan turns his face to the burnt side.
CONAN
I'm the one who made you pretty.
LUCIUS
Impossible! You're dead!
Conan shows Lucius the FIVE SCARS running down his forearm.
CONAN
No. I am death. And I came a long
way for you.
Conan lifts the sword.
LUCIUS
Wait!! Wait!!
(CONAN PAUSES)
I can tell you where the rest are.
CONAN
Where?
LUCIUS
The end of the earth. You kill me,
and you'll never find them.
25.
CONAN
Who are you offering?
LUCIUS
Who do you think? All of them.
Ukafa, Remo, Cheren, Akhun -- and
Khalar Singh himself. But you have
to swear you won't kill me.
Conan thinks about it.
CONAN
You have my word. You tell me where
I will find Khalar Singh, and I
will not kill you.
Conan lets Lucius go. Lucius hobbles to his chair.
LUCIUS
He is in a city called on the edge
of the Eastern Sea. On the edge of
Hyboria. Khor Khalba.
Conan looks him in his eyes, sizing him up. He likes what he
sees. In a flash, Conan grabs Lucius' head again, yanking it
back, exposing his throat.
LUCIUS (CONT'D)
You gave your word!
Conan rips a SMALL KEY from a large keyring. He drops it in
Lucius' throat. The big man chokes instantly. A second later,
Conan pours ale from a flagon down his throat as well.
Lucius swallows the key, gasping for breath as Conan releases
him.
LUCIUS (CONT'D)
What are you doing?!
CONAN
Toasting, to our deal.
Conan swings his sword and cuts the One Eyed Prisoner from
the wall.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Go. You are free.
One-Eye looks at his wrists and ankles, still hobbled by
shackles.
ONE-EYED PRISONER
I won't get far like this.
26.
Conan hands him a fallen Guardsmen's sword.
CONAN
The key to your shackles sits in
the Captain's gut. Happy hunting.
The One-Eyed Prisoner grins with malice. As he closes in on
the terrified Lucius, Conan heads for the door.
LUCIUS
Barbarian! I had your word! You
said you would spare my life!
CONAN
No. I said I wouldn't kill you.
We hear Lucius SCREAMS OF PAIN as Conan walks out into the
night, cutting another notch into his arm.
CUT TO:
EXT. DESERT SANDSTORM - DAY
KHALAR SINGH looks older. Worn. He squints as he stares into
a howling sandstorm.
UKAFA trudges through the deep sand to reach him. The
sandstorm is so blinding we don't see him until he is less
than five feet away.
UKAFA
Khalar Singh, we've lost half our
cavalry legion, and still Fariq
presses on! We must turn back!
KHALAR SINGH
He says the Queen is here.
UKAFA
He leads us in circles. He knows
nothing of leading an army --
KHALAR SINGH
Take care, Ukafa. You hold a
special place in my kingdom, but
blood you are not.
UKAFA
My apologies, Khalar Singh. I am
simply concerned for your army.
27.
KHALAR SINGH
And I would gladly sacrifice every
last man to get my hands on the
Queen. And in that respect, Fariq
has my confidence. He knows more of
the legends of Acheron than anyone.
Suddenly, two forms race at them from the blinding sand. REMO
and FARIQ. No longer a child, Fariq is now a man in his
twenties, but he is hardly the strong warrior his father is.
His frame is slight, his eyes beady.
FARIQ
Father, they are here! The hidden
oasis, just as it was written.
Khalar Singh looks to Remo for confirmation. The misshapen
and shadowy Remo nods.
EXT. CAVE TUNNEL - DAY
Remo and Fariq lead Khalar and Ukafa into a natural tunnel
carved out of rock. Inside, the sandstorm no longer rages.
And on the other side of the tunnel --
EXT. OASIS - CONTINUOUS
A protected rock oasis, heavy vegetation crawling up the
encircling cliff walls, herds of sheep grazing on fields of
grass. At its far end, beyond a deep blue pond, lies a Greek-
influenced monastery and several tiled-roof, mud-brick
houses.
And moving between the pools are MEN and WOMEN going about
their simple chores. They wear long flowing white linen robes
and turbans.
The air and sand are perfectly still within the perimeter of
the oasis. But beyond it, the sandstorm rages all around,
sand hurled violently hundreds of feet into the air, swirling
around the oasis as though it were the eye of some mystical
hurricane, protected by an unseen force.
A row of robed YOUNG WOMEN kneel in front of one of the
reflecting pools, quietly reading from prayer books and
softly striking their right breast with a left hands wrapped
in thorns.
One girl, ILIRA, mischievously taps the shoulder of the girl
next to her with her thorn. The girl, TAMARA, squeals in
pain, angry her prayer was interrupted.
28.
Ilira is the fun-loving dilettante of the relationship.
Tamara the studious good girl.
TAMARA
Stop it! I'm trying to pray!
ILIRA
I'm bored.
TAMARA
Then hit yourself.
Tamara hits Ilira back with her thorn. Ilira SQUEALS, then
hits a grinning Tamara back. Tamara grabs her, but as they
TUSSLE--
FASSIR (O.S.)
Is that how one shows penitence?
Both girls instantly stop as FASSIR appears behind them.
Fassir is an elder monk and leader of the monastery. He
shakes his head, both out of fondness and disappointment.
FASSIR (CONT'D)
I expect more from a queen.
ILIRA
I'm sorry, Fassir. I just tire of
saying the same prayer every day.
FASSIR
Then you should be able to
translate it from its original
Acheronian.
Ilira's face scrunches, unsure. Tamara steps in to help Ilira
save face.
TAMARA
Of course she can. She even taught
it to me. "Never again."
FASSIR
Go on.
TAMARA
Never again will we stand by as
darkness consumes the world. Never
again will innocents suffer for
others' power. Never again will the
Queen suffer so Acheron may rise.
29.
FASSIR
Very good, Tamara. You must have
taught her very well indeed, Ilira.
A smile on Fassir's face confirms he knows the truth.
Suddenly, the monastery's BELL RINGS OUT. A moment later, a
temple EXPLODES in flames.
Pouring out from the swirling sands come Khalar Singh's army.
Cheren and his archers stand atop Khalar's
MAN OF WAR
A massive siege engine atop which CHEREN and his archers fire
FLAMING ARROWS. The arrows arc down and explode as they
impact the tiled roofs.
Sitting at the highest point of the Man Of War, Khalar Singh
likes what he sees.
CHAOS
The monks scatter in every direction, but wherever they turn,
more troops burst out of the swirling sand.
A small handful of armed MONKS display acrobatic martial arts
prowess as they battle with Khalar's heavily armed forces,
but they are vastly outnumbered.
Fassir grabs Tamara.
FASSIR (CONT'D)
The Queen must not be captured.
Take her out the North Gate.
Quickly!
Tamara grabs Ilira and pulls her through the flaming
battleground. Zingaran warriors cut down the monks while
Turanian horsemen concentrate on the women.
ILIRA
We can't leave them.
TAMARA
If you are caught, everything we
live for is lost!
WHIP! A whip encircles Ilira's waist. A massive TURANIAN
pulls her to him. Tamara grabs the whip, pulling Ilira the
other way. But she is no match for the huge slaver. He yanks
on the whip pulling both of them to him --
30.
Only then does he notice Tamara's unsheathed knife which she
plunges into his throat.
She frees Ilira and they run.
INT. NORTH PASSAGE - CONTINUOUS
A thin alleyway at the rear of the monastery, leading away
from the din of battle, towards a rear gate of the oasis.
Tamara and Ilira run for the gate, only for the shadows of
the alleyway to move and shift -- REMO and three of his
shadow scouts.
They advance on the women, drawing dark shortswords.
REMO
No swords. Khalar needs them alive.
TAMARA
Good to know.
Tamara lunges for the nearest shadow scout with her knife,
but when she strikes, she hits nothing but shadow. It reforms
behind her and grabs her.
Another grabs Ilira. Tamara launches her body into the air,
executing a backflip that puts her behind the shadow scout. A
quick knife strike and he goes down.
And with one continuous motion, she vaults over the shadow
scout holding Tamara, cutting his throat as well.
Remo and the remaining scout give chase, blending in and out
of shadows. But each time they strike, Tamara defends Ilira.
They near the far end of the alleyway, the North gate looming
ahead with the desert beyond.
Remo blends into another shadow --
EXT. MAN OF WAR - CONTINUOUS
Remo materializes out of a shadow atop the Man Of War, next
to Cheren, the archer.
REMO
The north gate. Destroy it.
Cheren and the other archers turn their fire to the gate at
the end of the passage. They fire a volley of fiery arrows.
31.
INT. NORTH GATE - CONTINUOUS
Tamara and Ilira run for the whirling sands just ahead --
when the flaming arrows land before them.
Ilira hesitates.
TAMARA
Run!
ILIRA
We'll die!
TAMARA
We'll die if we stay!
She locks eyes with Ilira, who nods. Together they run right
for the arrows.
But at the last minute, Ilira falters. She falls to the
ground.
Tamara turns to see Ilira lying in the gateway a moment too
late.
THE ARROWS EXPLODE causing a cave in that closes the gateway.
EXT. SANDSTORM - CONTINUOUS
Tamara falls to the sand as the gate collapses behind her.
She looks back, only to see that Ilira didn't make it.
TAMARA
NO!!!
EXT. MAN OF WAR - CONTINUOUS
Khalar Singh stares at the cloud of destruction at the north
tunnel.
There, one form hurries into the swirling sandstorm.
KHALAR SINGH
Who was guarding that gate?
REMO
It was I, Lord.
32.
KHALAR SINGH
Take four legions. Hunt her. Before
I hunt you.
CUT TO:
EXT. DESERT - DAY
Tamara stumbles through a stretch of barren wasteland, the
plumes of the oasis' sandstorm now off in the distance behind
her.
The sun mercilessly beats down upon her face, her lips are
already chapped. She falls to her knees, unable to go on.
She looks up, as the heat streams off the desert floor,
creating a swirling mirage. Through which the silhouette of a
rider appears, followed by others.
SLAVER CARAVAN
The horse-drawn carts of the caravan are lined with iron
bars, and behind the bars are a bevy of young women, mostly
looking worse for wear.
The HEAD SLAVER rides ahead, and walks up to the heap of
white cloth that is Tamara.
TAMARA
Water -- please --
He lifts her barely conscious head, eyeing her features, a
greasy paw examining her body. He smiles.
HEAD SLAVER
The gods are good.
(to the other slavers)
Chain this one in my cage. She'll
be the prize of the auction in Khor
Kalba.
CUT TO:
EXT. OASIS - NIGHT
The Man of War dominates the center of the oasis, its torches
illuminating the scene before it. Akhun and the Turanians
hold chains connected to the twenty women monks, kneeling,
with their wrists chained to their neck collars.
In front of them kneels Fassir, beaten and bloodied.
33.
Khalar Singh, Fariq, and Ukafa step down from the Man of War.
Fariq carries with him a large iron box with ornate carvings
on it.
KHALAR SINGH
All these years searching the ends
of the earth. And here you are.
Just a two day ride from Khor
Kalba. I can scarcely believe it.
FASSIR
(in Acheronian, to monks)
Say nothing.
KHALAR SINGH
(IN ACHERONIAN)
Yes. Say nothing. Maybe he doesn't
know who we are. Maybe he's not
looking for the Queen.
Several of the women look up at him, shocked.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
That's right, my brethren, you have
been lied to all your lives. Told
you must hide yourselves, told you
were alone. I want you to look at
me, and see me for what I am. A
brother. A friend. I have come not
to hurt you, but liberate you.
FASSIR
You come for your own dark
purposes, to raise Acheron.
KHALAR SINGH
Yes. I come to resurrect the
greatest empire Hyboria has ever
known.
FASSIR
An empire of evil, soaked in blood
sacrifice and the blackest of
magic.
Khalar Singh becomes infuriated, eyes blazing.
KHALAR SINGH
Have you hidden from the world so
long that you cannot to see? Blood,
magic, death: it is everywhere.
Acheron is no different than any
other kingdom, but for its glory.
(MORE)
34.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
And in place of that glory, you
offer shame? I knew shame, but that
was before I was shown my true
lineage.
Khalar draws closer to the women, looking them each in the
eye.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
When I was but a child, raiders
destroyed my village, cut our
fathers to ribbons, and burned our
women as sacrifice to foreign gods.
Those few who survived, we ran for
our lives, chased into caves at the
edge of the Eastern Sea, left with
nothing to live for. But then we
discovered it. Acheron. The temple
that spawned an empire. We learned
that we were not broken goat-
herders on a desolate coastline. We
were the sons and daughters of
kings.
(stares in Ilira's eyes)
And queens.
He motions to Fariq, who brings the iron box forward.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
For thirty years I have searched
for you. In that time I built both
an army and empire, but they are
nothing compared to what we can
create together. We can raise
Acheron again. Never again will we
hide like rats. Never again will we
watch as our loved ones are
slaughtered. I call forth the
Queen. Stand and join me, and this
day will have a joyous end.
No one moves.
FASSIR
You would have all the world
suffer, as you have suffered. We
will die before we help you.
KHALAR SINGH
Yes. You will.
He nods to his son. He paces in front of the female monks,
the box in front of them.
35.
FARIQ
The caves beneath Khor Khalba
contain all manner of creature,
many -- altered -- by centuries of
blood magic. But one, in
particular, has developed a special
connection to the blood. A thirst.
It is said that only the Queen of
Acheron itself can resist its
embrace.
He stops, one woman away from Ilira.
FARIQ (CONT'D)
So what say you? Will you be the
lucky one, or will you tell me who
is?
A tear falls down her face, but she stays silent. There's the
sound of SLITHERING as Fariq opens the box. She stares down
inside the box --
AND SCREAMS.
CUT TO:
TAMARA
She awakens to the SCREAMING of a whipped SLAVE GIRL.
EXT. DESERT - DAY
Tamara's eyes are met by a dozen others, SLAVES of every
color, chained together with her in a CAGED WAGON. The SLAVE
TRADER swings his whip twice more, hitting the cowering women
in the cage.
SLAVE TRADER
Wake up, slags! Smile! A new owner
approaches!
Tamara makes eye contact with the Slave Trader.
TAMARA
Let me go. I promise you'll be
rewarded.
The Trader just laughs, leering at her.
SLAVE TRADER
And I would sample that reward,
fair one, but you wear white.
(MORE)
36.
SLAVE TRADER (CONT'D)
Tell me, have the stars aligned and
delivered a virgin slave into my
care?
He eyes her lasciviously. Tamara turns away and does not
answer.
SLAVE TRADER (CONT'D)
No matter. I'll know soon enough.
(TURNS AWAY)
Good day, sir! A lone rider in a
desolate land. The perfect customer
for what I sell.
CONAN
Rides out of the sun, his massive form silhouetted by the
bright desert sky. He stares at the slave wagons.
SHEMISH WOMAN
Please, master! Your gold can free
me from this hole! I can bring you
PLEASURE--
The Slave Trader immediately WHIPS her, incensed.
SLAVE TRADER
Silence whore!
The Slaver goes to whip her again, but before the blow can
fall, Conan grabs his arm. The Slave Trader looks furious,
but Conan's size holds him back.
CONAN
Khor Kalba. Which way?
SLAVE TRADER
This is the road to Khor Kalba.
Ahead. Past the Great Wall.
The Slaver nods to the east and Conan releases his arm.
The Slaver continues whipping the slave. Conan just rides on -
- not his problem.
But as Conan passes Tamara, for a brief moment their eyes
meet. Something about her. Conan stares a moment, then spurs
his horse on.
Just then, the ground around them RUMBLES. Horses rear, the
women SCREAM. Conan turns and looks up. His eyes go wide.
ENORMOUS BOULDERS
37.
Coming thundering down the hills on all sides. The SLAVERS
see them a moment to late.
SLAM. Several of the horses and carts are smashed by the
rolling boulders.
Conan kicks his horse, trying to outrace the boulders. But
when the wagon next to him is hit, its axle spears his horse
in its side, and Conan goes down.
Pissed, he draws his sword. The Slavers scramble around the
broken wagons, in chaos.
Only a pair of wagons still stands. One of them holds Tamara.
CONAN
Use your whips on the horses' legs!
The Slavers are confused. Then they notice
TURANIAN HORSEMEN
racing down the hill, behind the boulders.
As the riders bear down upon the slavers, the Slavers do as
they're told, entangling the legs of the first wave of
horses, throwing their riders.
More than a few riders SNAP their necks as they're driven
into the desert floor. The remainder fight hand to hand, and
are cut down by either Conan's blade or the slavers' tulwars.
But their victory is short lived --
As a SECOND WAVE OF RIDERS comes thundering towards them,
before the Slavers can re-establish their perimeter. The
riders start cutting the slavers down where they stand.
CONAN
Conan lodges his sword in a still-rolling boulder. As it
rolls, it pulls him up on top of it. From this height, Conan
launches himself down at the horsemen below.
WHAM! He knocks a rider off his horse, Conan landing square
in the saddle. He kicks the horse straight at the other
riders. They don't see him coming until it's too late. He
cuts them down where they sit.
The last remaining CARAVAN DRIVER whips his horse team,
trying to pull his wagon out of the fight. Conan spins to see
a FLASH of steel and the rider's neck plumes in blood as he's
decapitated.
38.
Which is strange since the cavalry are nowhere near the
wagon.
REMO
The explanation comes as the shadow behind the driver MORPHS
into Remo, the spindly Shadow Scout. He takes the reins,
stopping the wagon.
Conan spots him, recognition in his eyes.
CONAN (CONT'D)
You!
There's a SCREAM. Conan turns to see the other two SHADOW
SCOUTS already hacking their way through the slaves on one of
the caged wagons. A Shadow Scout gets to Tamara, only to have
her FIGHT BACK.
Tamara kicks the first Scout in the face, slamming his head
into the bars. However, the second one clubs her unconscious
from behind.
CONAN
Leaps from his horse, launching his body at Remo. Remo dives
and rolls away. Small and misshapen, he is nonetheless very
fast.
Conan strikes again. Again Remo dodges out of the way.
The Shadow Scouts draw swords, but Remo waves them off,
speaking in the broken language of a savage.
REMO
The girl! Bring her to Khalar!
Conan launches an all out attack. Remo leaps over his sword
and vaults Conan, landing on his back. He draws his sword,
preparing to cut Conan's throat --
When Conan hurls his body backwards, into one of the huge
rolling boulders. The impact crushes Remo and he loses his
grip.
Conan spins to strike again, only to see Remo MELT INTO THE
SHADOW OF THE BOULDER.
Conan turns his attention towards the other two Shadow Scouts
as they drag the unconscious Tamara away.
39.
Conan mounts one of the cavalry horses and gallops towards
the Scouts. They see him coming and let go of Tamara. THEY
MELT AWAY INTO HER SHADOW AND DISAPPEAR.
CUT TO:
TAMARA
Dazed, she struggles to her feet. Conan appears beside her,
his dagger out. Tamara gasps in fear but Conan only reaches
out and breaks the lock on her chains.
CONAN
Who are you?
TAMARA
I am nobody.
He cuts the bonds on her feet. Tamara rises up, the battle
scene revealed to her.
Dead bodies of the Slavers and Turanian horsemen lie sprawled
in every direction. Tamara takes in the gruesome sight,
shocked.
CONAN
Many died to capture nobody.
(motions to his horse)
Get up.
TAMARA
And if I don't wish to ride with
you?
EXT. DESERT - DAY
Conan rides his horse, Tamara trailing on foot, wrists
tethered to Conan's saddle by a long rope. Tamara looks
exhausted.
They reach a gallery of broken columns, spires of fossilized
coral that juts out of the desert.
TAMARA
Stop! I want water.
Conan just keeps riding.
CONAN
Perhaps the slavers took your
orders. I don't.
40.
TAMARA
I never knew men could be so cruel.
Now I wonder if the world is filled
with animals such as you.
CONAN
You speak of animals as if they
were less than men. But animals
don't stab their brothers in the
back or steal their mother's only
possession. And they never lie.
TAMARA
I haven't lied.
Conan get off his horse, unties Tamara and gives her a water
sack. Tamara greedily drinks down the water.
CONAN
Very well. Give me your name.
TAMARA
I am Tamara Amelia Karushan. And
you?
CONAN
I am Conan.
TAMARA
Conan? That's it?
CONAN
What more names do I need?
Conan then grabs Tamara around her waist, putting her atop
his horse. He then mounts behind her, their bodies close.
Conan's mouth is only inches from her ear as he speaks.
CONAN (CONT'D)
There is only one truth I need from
you, Tamara Amelia Karushan. Why
does Khalar Singh want you?
Tamara looks away, but doesn't respond.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Then let's hope it's for your
cooking.
EXT. CAMPFIRE - NIGHT
A campfire amidst several large boulders, a line of windmills
on the horizon.
41.
Tamara struggles to manage a cooking pot over a blaze. Conan
comes over and smells the pot; his face scrunches from the
odor.
CONAN
Trying to poison me?
Tamara steps back and gets down on her knees, her hands
clasped.
CONAN (CONT'D)
What are you doing?
TAMARA
Before we eat, I must pray.
CONAN
Crom! What would you pray for? That
a bone may not get stuck in your
throat? No words nor gods will give
you one more moment than fate
allows you.
TAMARA
Then you have no faith. And I am
sorry for you.
CONAN
I need no pity.
TAMARA
But you do. You live in a world
that is harsh and short. Where fate
is unyielding and hope is a cruel
joke. I live in a world with a
purpose that guides me, where faith
sustains me.
Suddenly, Conan KICKS DIRT PAST TAMARA, ONTO THE FIRE. The
fire goes out, plunging everything into darkness.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
Why did you--
Suddenly, there's the sound of FIGHTING. Grunting, blows
being interchanged, then a LOUD SNAP AS BONES ARE BROKEN.
A moment later, the flames of the fire are stoked up again,
revealing Conan standing over the groaning REMO. The other
two SHADOW SCOUTS are dead.
Tamara instinctively jumps back.
42.
CONAN
Don't worry. His back is broken. He
won't be slinking away this time.
As Tamara gapes at Remo, Conan simply pulls the cooking pot
off the fire.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Now, let's eat.
TAMARA
But -- what about him?!
Remo GROANS in pain.
CONAN
I enjoy a little music with my
meal.
DISSOLVE TO:
AERIAL SHOT - POV - SOARING
Across steep valleys and up jagged peaks we race into steep
and unforgiving mountains. Far off, we hear a pair of
thunderous booms, almost like the sound of a heartbeat.
THUMP, THUMP.
Cresting over a set of peaks, a gorge is revealed below, and
BENEATH IT--
EXT. ACHERON - NIGHT - MOVING
A city carved out of the purple granite of a mountainous
gorge. Hundred-foot towers rise up, their pinnacles crafted
to depict ANGRY, GOD-LIKE FACES.
As we pass one of the faces, again we hear the sound of a
thunderous heartbeat, now closer. THUMP, THUMP.
We GLIDE DOWN past hundred foot high pillars of flames,
towards the growing sounds of SCREAMING and WAILING.
The streets of Acheron are lined with thousands of SLAVES,
young and old, chained together, toiling under the lash of
their cruel masters, the
ACHERONIAN WARRIORS
Towering over the slaves, the warriors are a fearsome sight.
Their armor, crafted from the bones of their defeated
enemies, rises to a mask which covers much of their features.
43.
Only the red irises of their eyes peer through. That and
their pitch black skin.
The slaves hobble down the main boulevard, their naked feet
splashing in streams of BLOOD which flow from the
ACHERONIAN PYRAMID
Up ahead looms a colossal pyramid, surrounded in a semi-
circle by five massive statues. As we grow closer the
grotesque surface of the pyramid becomes clearer, one hewn
from cracked bone and empty sockets.
The thunderous heartbeat seems all around us now. THUMP,
THUMP.
The three hundred foot high edifice is made ENTIRELY OF
THOUSANDS OF HUMAN SKULLS. Many of the skulls still drip with
blood, pouring down from the pyramid's crest, where stands
A BLACK THRONE
Images of snakes gorging themselves on hapless victims are
carved in bas relief into the throne's surface.
Standing before the throne, surrounded by BLACK ROBED PRIESTS
are a man and woman, mere shadows in the silhouette of
torches.
The HEAD PRIEST and his ACOLYTE approach with TWO CROWNS. One
is made of GOLD, the other of IRON.
The Gold crown goes on the head of the man. For the woman,
the Iron crown is placed on her head.
And suddenly, THUMP, THUMP. IRON SPIKES SHOOT OUT OF THE IRON
CROWN PIERCING THE WOMAN'S FOREHEAD, HER SCREAMS ECHOES
THROUGHOUT THE CITY.
Blood streams down the woman's face as she turns toward the
torchlight.
IT IS TAMARA.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAMPFIRE - NIGHT
Tamara leaps up, startled. Her face is covered in sweat, her
eyes as terrified as the victim from her dream.
Nearby we hear screaming of another type. Remo.
44.
EXT. OPEN FIELD - NIGHT
MUFFLED SCREAMS. We pull out of Remo's wide mouth, stuffed
with cloth, trying to bellow in uncontrollable agony.
A hand comes in and pulls out the cloth. It's Conan.
REMO
Please! Mercy!
CONAN
You are more fit to inflict torture
than to endure it. Your life is not
nailed to your spine as my peoples
are.
We PULL OUT, revealing that Remo arms are spread-eagle,
attached to ropes pulled taught by opposing tree limbs.
Conan nudges him with the point of his sword. Remo SCREAMS in
agony, then speaks in his savage, broken dialect.
REMO
Stop! Stop! I know how make you
rich! Rich! You hear name Khalar
Singh? You have what he want. The
girl, yes? Khalar give you anything
for her. More!
CONAN
Why would he?
Remo pauses, not wanting to answer. Conan put the blade back
to Remo's neck.
REMO
She could be the one.
CONAN
One what?
REMO
The one. The Queen.
Conan's mind races, remembering Khalar's words from long ago.
CONAN
A queen in hiding.
REMO
Yes! Yes! I sent to find her. Bring
her. He wait for me now, at Great
Wall. He pay you anything. More!
45.
CONAN
So I should ransom her to your
master? Not exactly loyal -- but
still, a good idea.
Conan pulls out a sheet of handwritten paper from Remo's
tunic.
CONAN (CONT'D)
You'll help me deliver it.
EXT. GREAT WALL - NIGHT
Torchlight dots the heights of a fifty-foot high stone wall,
erected between giant rock formations, an impassable barrier
that runs countless miles.
The wreckage of old siege equipment dots the hillside before
the wall.
EXT. CATAPULT - NIGHT
An aging catapult looks down upon the wall below. Slowly, it
begins to turn.
Conan pushes the catapult until it aims towards the Great
Wall.
We hear MUFFLED SCREAMS, and find Remo tied to a boulder
cradled in the catapult. Conan pulls the gag out of Remo's
mouth.
REMO
Please! Please! I help you! I do
anything you wish!
Conan stuffs a parchment in his mouth. He takes out his sword
and cuts another NOTCH into his arm.
CONAN
Good. Die.
He then cuts the rope and WHOOSH! The catapult fires tossing
Remo and the rock he's tied to high into the night sky.
EXT. GREAT WALL - NIGHT
BOOM! Patrolling SOLDIERS are crushed beneath the massive
rock as it reduces a section of wall to rubble.
CUT TO:
46.
KHALAR
Stares down at Remo's broken body. Ukafa and Fariq stand
beside him.
KHALAR SINGH
He brought a message?
Ukafa hands him the bloodied parchment. Khalar reads it.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Gold, for the girl. A ransom, for
me to deliver in person.
UKAFA
I'll find them -- and come back
with their heads.
FARIQ
You let the girl escape once,
Ukafa. What makes you think you can
do better now?
UKAFA
I did what?
FARIQ
I found the monastery. It was my
understanding that you were in
charge of its capture --
Ukafa's anger grows.
KHALAR SINGH
Enough! We will take no chances. We
will pay this thief what he wants,
and more.
EXT. BRIDGE TO NOWHERE - NIGHT
Conan returns from the nearby hills, carrying a pair of
rabbits he's hunted and skinned.
He looks around, surprised not to find Tamara. He hears a
yelp from nearby and walks to a dirt path beyond the
clearing.
TAMARA
She's tied up and gagged and she's wormed her way this far,
muddying and scraping herself all along the way. She lets out
a frustrated grunt as Conan simply picks her back up and
carries her back to the outcropping.
47.
He pulls the gag from her mouth and drops a skinned rabbit at
her feet.
CONAN
Here. Eat.
Tamara squirms away from the carcass, disgusted.
TAMARA
Couldn't you at least cook it
first?
CONAN
Fire draws attention.
Conan tears into his rabbit, chewing on the raw meat.
TAMARA
Does it bother you, blood on your
hands?
CONAN
The only blood on these hands I
claimed with my own sword.
TAMARA
What does that mean?
CONAN
Clean hands mean nothing. Kings and
Queens claim more lives than I will
ever meet, and not a drop is
spilled in their presence.
TAMARA
What are you talking about? I've
done no harm to you. I've done no
harm to anyone.
Conan confronts her, enraged.
CONAN
You lie. You are the very reason my
people are dead.
TAMARA
Are you mad? I never met your
people.
CONAN
But Khalar Singh has. He destroyed
my people, looking for you.
Suddenly Tamara understands.
48.
TAMARA
The one who came for us? His name
is Khalar Singh?
CONAN
You know this.
TAMARA
We did not know who sought us, only
that we were sought.
CONAN
You hid from him. And while you
did, others died in your place.
TAMARA
If we did not hide, countless more
would have been killed! You do not
know what purpose he has for our
queen.
CONAN
And I do not care, for he will not
live to see it bear fruit!
Tamara is shocked.
TAMARA
Wait -- you seek to kill this
Khalar? We have the same aim. He
takes my queen to Khor Kalba. I
have sworn an oath to protect her.
I can help you.
CONAN
Enough lies.
Conan puts the gag back in her mouth and binds her hands.
EXT. ROCK RIDGE - NIGHT
Conan watches the Great Wall silently, absently playing with
a DAGGER in his hand as he gauges the many guardposts along
the wall. The archers. The barrels of oil. The cavalry.
He feels eyes upon him and looks down at Tamara, still bound
and gagged, her eyes burning holes in his forehead. Conan
pulls out her gag.
CONAN
You will keep quiet.
49.
TAMARA
What use is talking? You won't
believe a word I speak. I only want
to know this -- how will you kill
Khalar? You are too big to play the
assassin.
CONAN
You will be the lure that will draw
me close. Then I will scale the
wall and cut him down where he
stands.
TAMARA
And the archers and cavalry? They
will be napping?
CONAN
They will not be a problem.
Tamara thinks about it.
TAMARA
No. Not good enough.
Conan is shocked by her brazen response.
CONAN
Did I ask?
TAMARA
Should you fail, I'll be left
without a weapon, helpless in my
enemies hands. Let me help, Conan.
Conan responds by putting the gag back in her mouth.
CONAN
I will not fail.
But still Tamara glares at him -- and we can see the hint of
Conan's resolve bending.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. GREAT WALL - DAY
Khalar Singh stands atop the wall, awaiting Conan. Fariq
draws close.
FARIQ
Let me take care of this thief,
father. He's beneath your notice.
50.
KHALAR SINGH
He killed Remo, likely his cavalry
legion as well. Whatever he is, he
is more than a mere thief.
Then, off in the distance, at the far edge of the desert
clearing, two figures step out from amongst the boulders.
CONAN AND TAMARA
Conan holds a squirming, but bound Tamara.
CONAN
Be still!
Conan thrusts Tamara in Khalar's direction.
CONAN (CONT'D)
(yelling to Khalar)
I have what you want! Where's my
gold?!
KHALAR
Khalar reaches down and lifts a heavy sack of gold coins.
KHALAR SINGH
(YELLING BACK)
Triple your price. Come and claim
it.
GATES OF THE WALL - MOMENTS LATER
The gates open and Khalar strides out into the clearing.
CONAN AND TAMARA
stand a hundred feet ahead.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Send her to me.
CONAN
Send the gold.
Khalar Singh throws the gold sack. It lands halfway between
them. He sends Tamara ahead, her mouth gagged.
But the moment Tamara reaches the gold --
From out underneath the sand, FOUR HORSEMEN rise up out of
the desert floor. They each bear weighted nets and spiked
lances, and they surround Conan.
51.
The first rider gallops towards Conan who simply LOPS OFF THE
HORSES FRONT LEGS. As the beast collapses, Conan crushes the
rider's skull with his broadsword.
The next two riders attack together, but Conan dodges their
nets and rips away one of their spears, only to lodge it into
the other rider's chest. He dives at and tackles the first
rider, TOPPLING HIM, ALONG WITH HIS HORSE. He snaps the
second rider's neck.
The last rider comes at Conan, who horizontally slashes RIGHT
THROUGH THE HORSE'S NECK AND THEN THE RIDER'S NECK. Both
human and animal head tumble to the desert floor.
All four riders are dead, in a matter of seconds.
KHALAR
Smiles. He's got Tamara by the neck.
KHALAR SINGH
You're fast. But are you fast
enough?
Conan's eyes go to the top of the wall, where CHEREN and his
archer prepare to fire. Conan rushes forward as the flaming
arrows stream toward him.
EXPLOSIONS rip through the air where Conan was, throwing up a
huge dust cloud.
Conan bursts out of the dust cloud, lunging in an attack.
But Khalar Singh is not there. He has withdrawn inside the
gates.
Baring his teeth, Conan runs at the wall itself.
Cheren and the archers let loose another volley at Conan, who
evades and strikes away the falling arrows with his sword.
Explosions fill the air, but none of them scorch Conan as he
REACHES
THE GREAT WALL
Conan hits the base of the wall at full stride, like a
mountain lion. Reaching out, he launches himself up, taking
half the vertical of the wall in a single leap.
Digging his hand into the seam of the wooden beams, he stops
only to vault up again, taking the forty foot wall in two
upward bounds.
52.
WALL WALK
Conan leaps upon wall walk, the passageway atop the Great
Wall.
FARIQ
Tries to hide his surprise. Even as he draws his sword, Conan
takes out the four SOLDIERS in his way.
FARIQ
You should have run, while you
could.
Conan looks at the sword. It strikes a chord in him. IT IS
THE SWORD HIS FATHER FORGED! Enraged, Conan charges the
slight Fariq.
Fariq partially parries the attack. He's obviously well-
trained, but he's no match for Conan. The tip of Conan' blade
cuts a large gash in Fariq's cheek.
KHALAR SINGH
Fariq!
Khalar Singh arrives, grabbing his son by his collar and
flinging him away from the barbarian. Fariq struggles to
stand, trying in vain to hide his embarrassment.
Conan and Khalar Singh size each other up on the narrow wall
walk.
CONAN
I was wondering what it would take
for you to stop cowering.
KHALAR SINGH
I wasn't cowering. I was studying.
You're quite gifted with a sword,
but it's not from schooling. Your
speed and power makes up for a lack
of -- finesse. I've seen such
fighting before -- Cimmerian.
Enraged, Conan charges Khalar Singh. He swings down on Khalar
Singh's head, only when the sword reaches it, it finds
nothing but air. Khalar is fast.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Cimmerian it is. Now it makes
sense. You came for blood, not
gold.
53.
Conan responds by lunging in, swinging his broadsword in a
broad arc, with all his might. Even in the small space,
Khalar's lateral speed is dizzying. He sidesteps Conan's
attack and backhands Conan's face with the flat of his
tulwar.
Conan's resolve wavers momentarily, knowing Khalar could have
just as easily sliced his throat.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Your people barely afforded me a
challenge. You're little more than
beasts.
Conan comes at Khalar with twice as much fury, smashing
entire posts as he hacks at the warlord, who simply evades
the attack.
Down the wall walk they move, Conan attacking while Khalar
seems complacent enough just to defend.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
You've come a long way, barbarian,
only to fail.
Khalar ducks Conan's last wild swing and gashes Conan twice,
both deeply in his midsection. Khalar then KICKS Conan,
sending the Cimmerian slamming onto the rock parapet.
CRUNCH. Conan lands directly on his back, his sword
clattering away from him. Khalar's men back away into a
circle. Conan struggles to get on all fours.
Khalar KICKS Conan in his shattered chest, lifting Conan off
the ground with his might. He follows up with a devastating
punch to Conan's face, one which lands like a piledriver.
CRUNCH.
Conan can only bleed as Khalar looms over him.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
So much for vengeance.
(to his soldiers)
Get me oil -- and a torch.
Soldiers quickly bring over a bucket of oil and a lit torch.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Is that really the best you could
do? Is that as far as you could
think ahead? Just rush in and kill
me?
54.
Behind Khalar Singh, Conan spots Tamara being brought up, her
hands bound. Her eyes show an intense fear, but resolve as
well.
TAMARA' HANDS
Between the bonds she slips down a blade. It's CONAN'S
DAGGER. She quickly cuts her bonds.
With all the attention focused on Conan, no one is quick
enough to stop her as GRABS THE TORCH FROM THE SOLDIER,
LIGHTING THE ARROWS IN CHEREN'S QUIVER.
Cheren spins around, sees the flames reaching his pitched
arrows.
CHEREN
No!!
But it's far too late. Tamara hits the floor, beside Conan.
BOOM.
EXPLOSION
The blast sends parts of Cheren flying in every direction.
Ukafa, Fariq, and the wall guards are flattened by the
concussion.
Khalar Singh, who was standing closer to the explosion, is
THROWN AGAINST THE WALL!
KHALAR SINGH
The warlord slowly rises, his head pounding from the
explosion. He looks up. The entire parapet is on fire.
He grits his teeth and climbs the wall.
ATOP THE WALL
A thick wall of flame rages before Khalar. Conan and Tamara
are gone. He looks over the far side of the wall, where two
figures on horseback ride off into the distance, Tamara
holding Conan atop the horse.
Ukafa and Fariq rise and see what Khalar Singh sees.
KHALAR SINGH
Ukafa, you will take half our
forces North, to the Sea. I will
take the rest South.
FARIQ
What of me, father?
55.
KHALAR SINGH
You will return to Khor Kalba. You
will feed the women to the beast
until you find our Queen.
FARIQ
I will not. I will track the
barbarian with you --
Enraged, Khalar Singh grabs him by the back of his head,
pulling him in close.
KHALAR SINGH
You think I care what you wish?!
You want to play warrior? It is not
in you. One day you will be king,
but warlord, never.
FARIQ
I can. Let me prove it to you!
KHALAR SINGH
You will not risk your life again.
You are my line, my successor. You
will not throw away all that I have
worked for.
A smile creeps up on Ukafa's face, watching Fariq's
embarrassment. He withdraws hastily, all eyes on him.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
(without looking at Ukafa)
If I find you smiling before you
bring me the girl, I will take
every tooth I see.
Ukafa buries the smile as Khalar turns to the wall of flames
left in Conan's wake.
CUT TO:
INT. CORIN'S FORGE - NIGHT
The flames become the blaze of the forge.
CORIN (O.S.)
More wood boy! We must test the
steel with our fire.
Conan, a young boy again, kneels beside the woodpile, pulling
OUT LOGS--
56.
But when he hands them to his father, he notices his father
is covered with sword wounds, cut and bleeding.
CORIN (CONT'D)
What are you waiting for? The fire
is dying.
Conan turns back to the wood pile. Instead of wood, the pile
is full of the bodies of those he recently killed: Lucius,
Remo, etc.
The young Conan struggles to push the first body onto the
forge. Still the fire diminishes.
Conan turns and there is no more wood. And no more bodies.
CONAN
It's not enough. I've failed you
father.
CORIN
It will never be enough, Conan.
CONAN
I don't understand --
He spins. Behind him TAMARA stands, a look of sadness on her
face.
CORIN
Through suffering, you will learn
your purpose, boy. And you have not
begun to suffer yet.
INT. ROOM - NIGHT
Conan's eyes pop open. He inhales sharply, gripped by the
dream.
The room is dark, surrounded by thick draperies. Conan lies
on a straw bed with white sheets, soaked through with his
sweat. He looks to his wounds, all bandaged.
He rises--a bit too fast because he falls back to his bed.
TAMARA
I wouldn't move so fast. I bound
your wounds as best I could, but
I'm no healer.
Conan looks over to discover Tamara sitting nearby.
57.
CONAN
Where am I?
TAMARA
On the Wasp. You told me where it
laid, just before you passed out.
Though I can't say as I feel much
safer here.
Conan's response is to rise again, his face contorting in
pain.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
Don't embarrass me with thanks, I
only saved your life.
CONAN
You were -- adequate.
Conan pulls aside one of the thick draperies that surround
his bed. Behind it lies a staircase, which he ascends.
EXT. ZINGARAN GALLEY - NIGHT
Conan steps out onto the deck of a sixty-foot djunk,
traveling quickly down a wide and powerful river.
ARTUS
Look what we have here. A hill ape
in over his head.
Conan spins to see the rough, brightly dressed Zamoran pirate
ARTUS leaping down from the quarterdeck, his sword out.
The other ZAMORAN PIRATES draw near as well. Tamara sees the
scene, suddenly uncomfortable.
CONAN
I was just wondering what that
smell was.
(sniffs near Artus)
Now I know.
ARTUS
We take no stowaways. Only paying
passengers. You've best be laden
with gold.
CONAN
If it's metal you seek, perhaps
you'd settle for steel.
58.
In a flash Conan's sword lunges forward. CLANG. It meets
Artus's, sparking as they collide. Artus LAUGHS.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Still fast Artus.
ARTUS
Fast, deadly, charming, rakishly
handsome.
(to the pirates)
All hail Conan!
PIRATES
All hail Conan!
Artus slaps his hand on Conan's back and Conan winces in
pain.
ARTUS
Sorry, friend. Looks like you've
had a rough road.
CONAN
It won't get easier. Khalar Singh
lives. He'll be coming for me and
the girl.
ARTUS
Good. We're scrapping for a fight
these days.
CONAN
This one may be more than you wish.
I need you to get me close to Khor
Kalba.
Artus rubs his beard.
ARTUS
Rest up. We'll get you there.
Conan withdraws to his room.
INT. ROOM - NIGHT
Conan collapses on the bed as Tamara follows him inside.
TAMARA
We go to Khor Kalba?
CONAN
I do.
59.
Conan puts a brawny arm over his tired eyes.
TAMARA
No. We do.
CONAN
Just leave me to sleep.
But Tamara doesn't leave, forcing Conan to respond.
CONAN (CONT'D)
You would risk your life for
royalty? Why?
Tamara pauses, realizing she must trust Conan to gain his
help.
TAMARA
Because she represent freedom, not
just ours but all Hyboria's. What
do you know of Acheron?
CONAN
A tall tale. Meant to scare
children.
TAMARA
It is no fable. It's my people's
history. Acheron was an empire that
swallowed all of Hyboria, led by
the King and his legion of demon
warriors. Unstoppable. Insatiable.
Immortal. But still it had one
weakness. For the true power of
Acheron laid not with its King, but
the Queen. Every twenty years, a
new queen from the royal line would
be coronated with a crown of iron.
Spikes would pierce her, slowly
drain her precious blood, and
through her suffering Acheron would
remain invincible. Until one of my
ancestors, an Acheronian himself,
put a stop to this tyranny. He and
others spirited the new Queen away,
hiding her from the empire and all
those who would raise it again.
CONAN
What care I for queens and empires?
Conan turns to head back to his bed. Tamara grabs him,
incensed.
60.
TAMARA
Didn't you hear me? This evil faces
us all. All of civilization will
fall if the army of Acheron is
raised again.
CONAN
I heard. Only I would happily put
all of your "civilization" to the
torch myself.
TAMARA
But -- you owe me a debt, you
thankless oaf!
CONAN
My only debt is to my people. And
it still lies unpaid.
EXT. MAN OF WAR - NIGHT
The enormous siege vessel lies before a burning PORT CITY.
A SAILOR, crying, grovels on his knees before Khalar and his
men.
SAILOR
It was a pirate ship. They left as
soon as the girl and the large one
boarded.
KHALAR SINGH
Which way did they sail?
SAILOR
North.
Khalar is surprised.
KHALAR SINGH
Are you certain?
SAILOR
Yes, please, I'm telling you the
truth!
Khalar nods to one of his men, who slits the Sailor's throat.
Khalar turns to his FALCONER, with the huge bird of prey on
his arm.
61.
KHALAR SINGH
Send word to Ukafa. They come to
him by sea.
The Falconer nods and heads off. Khalar looks to his
soldiers.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Find me a warship.
CUT TO:
EXT. GALLEY - NIGHT
The ship sails like a ghost over black water, the stars lit
up impossibly bright. Artus finds Tamara sitting near the
bow. He hands her a steaming bowl of food.
ARTUS
Try not to taste it going down
would be my advice.
TAMARA
You've known Conan long?
ARTUS
We sailed with him for a while. I
would like to say I know the man.
TAMARA
He is a riddle to me.
ARTUS
Aye, he's that too.
TAMARA
We have the same goal. Why will he
not trust me?
ARTUS
Why would he? He's a stranger in
every land he trods. A man with no
home, no people, none but the
company of ghosts. And he bears the
weight of their deaths every moment
of every day.
TAMARA
That is no way to live.
62.
ARTUS
He doesn't live. I've seen in him
great mirth, only to watch it
smothered by greater melancholy. He
owes a blood debt, and he can
entertain no other joy, no other
cause, until it is fulfilled.
TAMARA
And yet you call him friend, and
risk death to help him.
ARTUS
Let me tell you something of Conan.
He will never lie. He will never
break a trust, once given. And he
will never, ever give up.
TAMARA
He's a stubborn ass.
Artus LAUGHS.
ARTUS
He is that, lass. He is that.
CUT TO:
INT. DUNGEON - THE PIT - NIGHT
AKHUN and his Turanian slavers lead the female monks into a
large circular chamber, lit by many torches. Before them lies
a PIT, dark and foreboding, with a bamboo grid placed atop
it.
Fariq enters, an AIDE holding the iron box he used earlier.
Fariq has a bandage on his face where Conan struck him, and
he looks even more angry and malevolent than before.
FARIQ
Here we stand again. Will the queen
reveal herself, or must another
innocent suffer?
Fariq walks past the row of women, each recoiling. He slaps
one. Then another, his rage only building.
FARIQ (CONT'D)
My father, he tires of your
charade. He grows impatient. But I
have no such haste. I enjoy
watching you squirm.
63.
Fariq passes Ilira, slowing his pace. He closes in on the
YOUNGEST FEMALE MONK, a true innocent with terrified eyes.
FARIQ (CONT'D)
Perhaps you'd like to see the end
your sisters faced back at the
monastery?
Fariq slowly opens the box before her.
ACHERONIAN BOX
In the darkness of the box slithers a grotesque TENTACLE. The
tentacle is severed, but still alive, thirsting for blood.
Terrified as she is, the young monk says nothing. Fariq
closes the box.
FARIQ (CONT'D)
No? Your fear is not enough yet?
Let's try harder.
Fariq nods to the slavers, who unchain her from the rest.
FARIQ (CONT'D)
I've read all there is to know of
mighty Acheron. Why would true
Acheronians protect a traitor to
their own? You once held the entire
world in your grasp, now you hide
and cower like pitiful mice.
He pushes the girl. She falls to the grid, the sound echoing
down into the pit.
AN INHUMAN GROWL emits from the darkness. Something comes.
The girl looks below.
FARIQ (CONT'D)
And mice are meant to be swallowed
whole.
Suddenly, a MASSIVE TENTACLE, ten times the size of the one
in the box, comes hurtling up through the grid. It grabs the
young monk, its barbs ripping into her, dragging her into the
darkness below.
Her SCREAMS echo.
FARIQ (CONT'D)
What was in the box could only
drink from you one at a time. But
the beast of Acheron, it will claim
four of you this night.
(MORE)
64.
FARIQ (CONT'D)
Who will spare the rest and tell me
which of you is the queen?
Not a single woman moves, resolved. Ilira catches herself,
but also stays silent. She looks up to see Fariq staring at
her.
CU - ILIRA'S EYES
Her pupils widen in fear as Fariq's cold stare bores into
her.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
I am here, swine.
Fariq turns -- only it is another FEMALE MONK that glares at
him.
FEMALE MONK
I am the one you seek.
Fariq smiles.
FARIQ
At last. Some bravery. But of
course, you wouldn't expect me to
take your word, would you?
As the Fariq reaches for her--
CUT TO:
INT. GALLEY - ROOM - NIGHT
Tamara awakens with a SCREAM, her body resting against the
curved hull of the ship.
TAMARA
No!!!
Tamara looks around with a panicked look, until she realizes
where she is.
CONAN (O.S.)
I hope I awoke with less clamor.
Their roles reversed, now it is Tamara's turn to see Conan
sitting nearby, drinking from a flask of mead.
TAMARA
You're drinking? You were near
death this time yesterday.
65.
CONAN
Is there a better reason to drink?
Tamara actually manages to LAUGH.
TAMARA
Do you think--I could try some of
that? I'm curious of its taste.
CONAN
You've never tasted mead?
Tamara shrugs, embarrassed. Conan hands her flask. She takes
a deep swallow, some spilling out over her cheeks. But she
doesn't cough, and smiles brightly afterwards.
TAMARA
It's good.
Conan reaches for the flask, but Tamara ignores him, taking
another swig. It quickly loosens her tongue.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
Let me ask you something. Once
you've killed Khalar and claimed
your vengeance, then what? You will
be free from your ghosts. What of
your future, Conan?
CONAN
I have no future. It died with my
people, as I should have.
TAMARA
So your life is penance? For what,
for living? And when you too die,
what do you believe happens then?
Conan just shrugs, taking back the mead.
CONAN
Nothing.
Tamara, her tongue loosened by drink, laughs.
TAMARA
Nothing? I couldn't live without
some kind of belief in the world
after this.
CONAN
I believe in the cold of steel, the
warmth of flesh. All else is fairy
tales.
66.
TAMARA
Perhaps. But I still die with faith
in my heart, belief in something
greater than one's self. What will
you die with?
CONAN
Purpose. I die with purpose.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ZINGARAN GALLEY - MORNING
Tamara steps out onto the deck, grabbing her pounding head.
Her first hangover. She hears a THUMPING sound, followed by
ANOTHER, and walks towards the side of the deck.
Tamara looks overboard, to the water below.
TAMARA'S POV
THE RIVER IS FILLED WITH BODIES! Bloated, they float in blood
red water as flies buzz around them. One of them hits the
hull of the boat. THUMP.
Tamara blinks, unsure if the vision is real -- but then she's
joined by other PIRATES who gape at the bodies below.
PIRATE 1
To stations! To stations!
Tamara turns and up ahead spies --
BLACK WARSHIP
The larger warship cuts through the water, manned by a legion
of rowers. On the deck of the warship, UKAFA and his SPEARMEN
stand. The SAILORS get the most out of the billowing black
sails. The ship gains fast.
THE GALLEY
Conan exits his room, sees the danger. Artus appears at his
side.
ARTUS
What do you think? They have us
outnumbered, but we might beat
their speed.
67.
CONAN
That is what they wish. They drive
us to another force, approaching
from the south.
ARTUS
Then we fight?
CONAN
No. We give them what they think
they want.
(to the Pirates)
About ship! Now!
The pirates leap into action, tacking and turning the galley
with great speed and efficiency.
THE WARSHIP
Ukafa smiles, his gold teeth shining. The ship's CAPTAIN
stands beside him.
CAPTAIN
They're turning to run.
UKAFA
Good. We only need stay close.
THE GALLEY
Is turned around now, fleeing. ARCHERS from the Warship fire
arrows that barely reach the Galley. The Pirates dodge the
few that land on deck.
Tamara reaches Conan and Artus. She's worried to say the
least.
ARTUS
And now?
CONAN
Let us show them why she is called
the Wasp.
Artus smiles. He was hoping Conan would say that.
TAMARA
Why is she called the Wasp?
ARTUS
Open astern! Load the stinger!
The Pirates rush to the back of the ship.
68.
THE BLACK WARSHIP
The Captain stares ahead, confused.
CAPTAIN
They are doing -- something.
Sure enough, the stern of the ship begins to part, revealing -
A MASSIVE CROSSBOW
Mounted with a barbed harpoon, fifteen feet long.
CONAN
Fire!
They fire the weapon. The harpoon races for the bow of the
Warship, a thick rope trailing it. It smashes into the wood,
ripping through it like it was paper.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Rip her apart!
The Pirates grab the heavy rope and run, pulling the rope,
and the harpoon back towards the Wasp.
As it's pulled out, the barbs of the harpoon rip a wider hole
in the warship.
WARSHIP
The Captain and crew are in a panic. Men rush to patch the
gaping hole in the hull.
SAILOR
We're taking on water!
CAPTAIN
Hard to port!
UKAFA
No. Let them fire again!
CAPTAIN
We will sink.
Ukafa guts the captain with his spear.
UKAFA
So be it.
(to his spearmen)
Get below. Be ready.
GALLEY
69.
The pirates load the harpoon in the crossbow device a second
time.
CONAN
Fire!
It fires, smashing again into the wooden hull of the Warship.
WARSHIP - INSIDE
The harpoon lodges deep inside the hull -- where Ukafa and
his spearmen wait.
UKAFA
Now!
They rush forward and grab onto the harpoon.
GALLEY
ARTUS
Bring her back!
Again, the pirates pull the harpoon back out. It falls into
the water as they pull on the rope tied to it.
They do not notice Ukafa and his dozen spearmen clasping the
very same rope as its pulled toward the Galley.
Artus looks at the Warship. It's foundering and sinking
quickly.
ARTUS (CONT'D)
She's dead in the water!
A CHEER goes up among the pirates --
And then one PIRATE takes a spear through the chest. All eyes
turn to the side of the Wasp, where Ukafa and his men climb
aboard.
Conan's eyes alight with fury.
CONAN
Good. I was growing weary with
boredom.
Conan motions to a pair of pirates.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Hide her below.
BATTLE
70.
The Spearmen rush to the attack. The pirates spring to the
defense of the ship, countering the Spearmen with cutlass and
dagger. Ukafa marshals his men as a fierce battle rages.
UKAFA
Find the girl!
The Spearmen quickly make their way to the interior of the
galley, throwing the dead bodies of the pirates overboard.
CONAN
Conan grabs the nearby jib, swings over, and plants both feet
in the face of one of the spearmen, knocking him over the
side.
ARTUS
The sea captain proves dangerous in his own right, grabbing
the head of one of the Spearmen and violently pulling it down
to the gunwale of the ship, impaling the Spearman's eye on a
handspike.
UKAFA
The massive warrior shows incredible speed as well, dodging
one cutlass attack only to turn the weapon upon another
pirate.
CONAN
The Cimmerian cuts through a Spearman, his gaze focused on
Ukafa. Ukafa stares right back as he runs through a pair of
pirates. Finally, the two warriors stand only feet apart.
The two warriors eye each other with satisfaction. Ukafa's
frightening, sharpened gold teeth shine as he smiles.
UKAFA (CONT'D)
We are each the last of our tribe,
Cimmerian. Yours dies this day.
Conan responds by lunging forward, swinging his sword in a
broad arc. Ukafa is just as quick, stepping back and allowing
his spear to block the swing.
Ukafa whirls the war spear in great circles, forcing Conan to
parry, stepping back beyond the spear's reach.
The two powerful warriors trade blows back and forth, neither
able to gain the advantage.
71.
UKAFA (CONT'D)
Your head will top my spear today,
but know Khalar's pig son will soon
share your fate.
Ukafa tries to spear Conan through the chest, and Conan
decides to drop his sword, grabbing the spear as it passes by
him.
Conan then pulls on the spear, throwing Ukafa off his
balance, towards Conan. Conan then kicks the warrior in the
chest, hurtling Ukafa backwards.
Now Conan turns the spear on its master. Ukafa, unarmed, is
forced to backpedal as Conan thrusts the spear at him. A pair
of close misses leaves Ukafa with gashes on his chest and
arm, but he manages to knock the spear from Conan's hands.
The battle goes to hand-to-hand. It's primal, each of them
covered in blood. Ukafa bear hugs Conan, then resorts to
using his teeth to bite into Conan's shoulder.
Conan YELLS IN PAIN, butting Ukafa's head and knocking him
back. Conan falls to the stern of the ship, his back against
the harpoon crossbow.
Ukafa shakes off the head butt, and sees his spear nearby. He
picks it up.
UKAFA (CONT'D)
Now finally, you die.
He raises up to hurl the spear through Conan, only to see
Conan manning the harpoon, NOW TURNED TO FACE UKAFA.
The crossbow fires and the harpoon punches a massive hole
through Ukafa, its momentum throwing him off the galley, into
the sea beyond.
TAMARA
She hides inside a small compartment of the ship. She hears
FOOTSTEPS walking past, then returning. An ARM suddenly
reaches in and grabs her.
As she's pulled out, Tamara SCREAMS right in Conan's face. He
doesn't even flinch.
CONAN
Time to go.
72.
EXT. GALLEY - NIGHT
The battle ended, the pirates toss the dead Spearmen into the
sea and prepare to make sail again.
Meanwhile, Conan lashes his sword to his back, standing by
the gunwales with Tamara and Artus, a SMALL DINGHY waiting
below.
ARTUS
I could get you closer. Another
half day along the coast --
CONAN
I need you head west, to draw off
our pursuers. I'll find another
path to Khor Kalba.
ARTUS
So be it. Swift wind at your backs.
EXT. DINGHY - DAY
Conan rows away from the galley with powerful strokes.
TAMARA
So you are taking me with you to
Khor Kalba.
CONAN
I never said that. But I won't
leave a virgin onboard a pirate
ship, alone.
TAMARA
I -- but -- who said I was a
virgin?
Conan just shakes his head as a parting fog reveals a large
Colossus head, the fallen remains of an enormous statue,
lying agape on the shoreline.
INT. COLOSSUS HEAD - DUSK
Conan pulls off his jerkin, revealing a torso rippling with
muscles.
CONAN
We'll rest here until morning.
73.
TAMARA
Will I awake alone? Do you intend
to leave me?
CONAN
I would do you a kindness. Khor
Kalba will bring only death.
TAMARA
Please, Conan. Artus told me of how
you lost your tribe. I too had to
watch as my people were taken from
me.
Conan ignores her, gathering wood for a fire.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
All I ask is that you let me travel
with you. I too have a purpose. I
must get to the queen. I would
rather you kill me here, than fail
her again.
Conan continues collecting, infuriating Tamara.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
I was wrong about you. You are no
fearless warrior. Your heart is
closed to all but fear -- and hate.
Conan draws flint, starting the fire. Only once his task is
complete does he answer Tamara.
CONAN
We leave at dawn. I will not break
stride for you. Not once. I will
get you into Khor Kalba. Beyond
that I have my purpose, and you
yours.
Tamara offers a thankful nod, her anger subsiding.
TAMARA
Nice fire. Does it mean you'll
actually cook the meat this time?
CUT TO:
EXT. KHALAR SINGH'S WARSHIP - DUSK
Khalar looks at the destruction of Ukafa's warship, the
bodies filling the water. Khalar spots Ukafa's dead body
floating there, harpoon still lodged in his chest.
74.
The ship's CAPTAIN approaches.
CAPTAIN
The pirate ship sailed to the west.
Even under full sail it'll be no
easy task to overtake her.
Just then, a FALCON approaches. The Falconer retrieves it, a
parchment tied to its talon. He passes it on to Khalar Singh.
Khalar Singh reads it, a smile creeping upon his face.
KHALAR SINGH
Fariq has done well.
(to the Captain)
Head east, back to Khor Kalba.
CAPTAIN
But our chase points the other way.
KHALAR SINGH
The chase is over. They come to me
now.
EXT. FOREST - LATE DAY
Tamara watches Conan from a distance. He silently stalks prey
with nothing more than a knife.
A BOAR
Its ears listen intently, aware. Suddenly, it bolts.
CONAN
Is just as quick, racing through the forest on a intercepting
course with the great beast. He leaps over a fallen log,
throwing his dagger with a sweep of his arm.
The boar goes down, the blade through its jugular. Conan
walks up to the struggling beast, showing no satisfaction as
he mercifully SNAPS its neck.
INT. COLOSSUS HEAD - NIGHT
The great haunches of the beast roast over the fire. Conan
turns the meat.
Behind him, Tamara approaches. She has cleaned herself up,
her white robe translucent in light of the fire, her wet hair
glistening.
75.
Conan can't help but notice her supple skin, her curves. He
stops chewing.
Tamara notices. Embarrassed, she turns so that he can only
see her side. Conan returns to his food.
TAMARA
What were the women of your tribe
like, Conan?
CONAN
They fought beside the men.
TAMARA
So they were equals. And your
mother?
CONAN
She died in battle, even as I was
born.
TAMARA
So you never knew her. It was the
same with me. I've always known
being a mother was somehow not my
fate. But--
Tamara falters, unsure. But Conan's quiet eases her.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
You said earlier Khor Kalba will
bring only death. Were you trying
to scare me, or do you really
believe our end lies there?
CONAN
I don't lie.
Tamara nods, having heard as much about Conan. She turns back
to face him, no longer hiding her body.
TAMARA
Then we don't have much time. Your
mother perished too young, but at
least she died having known the
touch of one who cared.
Tamara steps closer to Conan.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
So -- do you care, Conan?
Conan rises to her, his broad form looming over her slight
build.
76.
But Conan shows surprising gentleness as he removes her robe
and pulls her naked body into his, their mouths meeting in a
desperate kiss.
LOVE SCENE
Conan lies atop Tamara by the fire, their sinewy limbs
intertwined, fingers locked together. He thrusts into her,
causing her face to contort in pleasure and pain.
The fire grows brighter as Tamara rolls on top, undulating as
their pace quickens. Tamara CRIES OUT in ecstasy.
AFTERMATH
Tamara stares into the fire, her body wrapped around Conan's.
She gently caresses the notched scars cut into his arm.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
I've only ever heard you speak of
what you'd die for, Conan. What
would you live for?
Conan, his eyes closed, keeps them shut.
CONAN
Do you ever tire of talking? Let me
rest, woman.
Tamara reaches down between Conan's legs. His eyes open.
TAMARA
I thought that may work.
Conan growls and pulls himself atop Tamara. Looking down at
her face, her hair loose and wild, she's beautiful in the
soft glow of the firelight.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
I see you clearly now, finally,
after all this time.
(she kisses him deeply)
I would be that which you live for,
Conan, if you would have me. You
may have faith in nothing, Conan --
but I have faith in you.
Conan lowers himself back down upon her.
DISSOLVE TO:
77.
EXT. MOUNTAIN RIDGE - DAY
Conan powers his way to the top of a high ridge, spotting
down in the vista below:
KHOR KALBA
Surrounded on three sides by the coastline, the stone
fortress of Khalar Singh rests on a plateau, overlooking a
bustling, tented city below.
Conan spots a long CARAVAN of packed camels working their way
towards town, driven by DESERT TRADERS from Shem.
CONAN
We'll slip in, along with those
traders. But you'll need a change
of clothes, those monks' robes will
draw attention.
Tamara looks down at her loose-fitting robes.
TAMARA
What will I wear?
EXT. KHOR KHALBA - ENTRANCE - DAY
The caravan rides up to the walled entrance to the city,
guarded by Khalar's troops. Blended in amongst the others,
Conan now wears the elaborate head scarf and clothes of
Shemish traders, obscuring all but his eyes.
TAMARA
Tamara is dressed like a Shemish serving girl, her taut body
barely covered by silken drapings. She glares at Conan,
miserable.
TAMARA
I don't understand why I couldn't
be dressed as you are. I look like
a whore.
CONAN
And what better disguise for a
monk?
Conan tugs on the rope for the camel to move faster. The
Camel BRAYS and rears. Conan yanks harder and the camel flies
forward, its eyes wide.
Conan meets its eye.
78.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Do not test me, beast.
TAMARA
Is there not a living thing you can
be at peace with?
They ride into the city, past the troops.
EXT. KHOR KHALBA CITY - ENTRANCE - DAY
Conan and Tamara walk through the town's teeming market, a
otherworldly bazaar replete with animal sacrifices, veiled
faces and not a hint of morality.
STRANGER
A FIGURE, his form hidden beneath a cloak, spots Conan and
Tamara as they enter, and begins to follow them.
WOODEN PLATFORM
The city ends at the sheer cliff wall at the bottom of the
plateau. There stands a WOODEN PLATFORM that is lowered by a
massive winch, unloading a cavalry regiment and then raising
back up to the fortress above.
CONAN
It's probably only way into
Khalar's fortress. I'm sure it is
heavily guarded at all times, day
and night.
TAMARA
So we must try to scale the cliff.
CONAN
And dodge arrows as we do so?
Conan motions up to the winch. Standing beside it are a half
dozen of the four-armed ARCHERS.
CONAN (CONT'D)
During the day, we'd easily be
spotted on the climb. And it would
be useless to even attempt at
night. No, we must find another
way.
STRANGER'S POV
As Conan continues around the base of the mesa, the Figure
following Conan is joined by TWO OTHERS.
79.
ALLEYWAY
Conan and Tamara reach a less crowded area of the village
when a VOICE rings out behind them.
VOICE (O.S.)
Halt.
Conan spins, sword at the ready. From out of the shadows
comes a pair of MEN, their beady eyes fixed on Tamara.
CONAN
Thieves. You'll regret finding me.
VOICE (O.S.)
I think not.
From out of the shadows steps the ONE-EYED THIEF, the same
one who Conan saved from Lucius' beatings. He smiles at
Conan, lifting a KEY from a rope around his neck
ONE EYED THIEF
It took longer than you think to
cut this out of Lucius' stomach.
After all that work, I figured I'd
keep it -- for old times' sake.
INT. THIEVES' TAVERN - AFTERNOON
A rundown hall, built beneath the city. Wooden supports hold
up the buildings of the entire city block overhead.
And within the hall, a gathering of THIEVES and ROGUES.
They're a flinty collection, many of them missing fingers or
even hands, evidence of Khalar's cruel justice.
They eat and drink, sharing tales and tips, WENCHES and
SERVING WOMEN their cautious eyes following the Cimmerian
outsider.
The One Eyed Thief takes them to an open table, and
immediately three of the serving women descend upon Conan,
caressing him.
Tamara watches this, jaw dropped, and manages a COUGH, even
as a SERVING GIRL delivers mead to the table.
Conan just smiles as he enjoys the silky bodies of the nubile
women, their breasts practically framing his face.
80.
CONAN
What? Do you wish to join in?
CUT TO:
Conan cleans mead from his face, scowling at Tamara, as the
One-Eyed Thief uses the tabletop to explain the fortress.
ONE EYED THIEF
--so you were right about the
platform. You'll be long dead
before you make it top. Same with
scaling the cliff. There's no known
way to break into the fortress.
CONAN
So that's it?
ONE EYED THIEF
I didn't say that. I just said
there's no known way in -- because
no one has ever tried to. But
breaking out -- that's another
story. It's not much easier, but
it's possible.
The One Eyed Thief offers the same gap-toothed grin.
ONE EYED THIEF (CONT'D)
You just need to find someone crazy
enough to show you the way.
INT. SEWERS - NIGHT
Tamara is the last to follow Conan, the One Eyed Thief and
the three THIEVES from before down a short ladder. Below lies
a darkened catacomb, lit only by their torches.
ONE EYED THIEF
These catacombs run underneath the
entire city, even to the cistern
that drains out from the fortress
dungeon.
Tamara's foot drops into knee high water. She immediately
grabs her nose.
TAMARA
Catacombs? You mean sewers.
ONE EYED THIEF
Piss and shit are the last things
you need to worry about down here.
81.
Tamara eyes the muddy water, nothing visible beneath its
murky surface.
INT. OTHER SEWERS - NIGHT
The group wades through the water, single file. Conan notices
HIEROGLYPHICS and carvings on the wall of the catacomb.
Massive creatures of the sea, dark sorcery, ritual sacrifice.
CONAN
What is it?
TAMARA
A warning. These catacombs are
connected to the sea. It says that
the beasts of Acheron protect its
secrets.
CONAN
Not from me.
Conan presses on, into the darkness.
INT. CISTERN - NIGHT
The catacomb widens out to a giant circular cistern, its
walls rising up high into the darkness. As the torches bring
light to the space, we see HUNDREDS OF DEAD, ROTTING BODIES.
As Conan and Tamara walk forward, the One Eyed Thief and the
other stop at the entrance.
ONE EYED THIEF
Sorry, friend. We stop here. We've
heard too much about what lies
within to go any further.
Conan simply nods and the thieves depart. Conan raises his
torch, illuminating the near wall.
TAMARA
Where now?
CONAN
Around. Up.
Conan heads off one direction, leaving Tamara to navigate the
other half. Her torch illuminates the grizzly path ahead. She
inhales deeply and takes her first step.
CONAN
82.
Following the slick wall, he passes many DEAD BODIES, but
only one catches his eye. He stops before it.
DEAD WARRIOR
Nothing more than a skeleton, picked clean by the rats. But
he still bears his leather armor, and a horned helmet that
resembles his father's own.
Conan takes the helmet and places it on his head. It fits
perfectly.
TAMARA
Tamara is gingerly making her way through the knee high
sewage water and the dead bodies submerged within.
TAMARA
Oh!!!
Tamara leaps up, swinging the torch down towards the water.
Conan, nearby, unsheathes his sword.
CONAN
What?
TAMARA
Something touched me. Something
slimy.
Conan walks over, the torchlight revealing something on
Tamara's leg. It's a SLUG, which he flicks off.
CONAN
Crom! Stop wasting time.
But when Conan steps forward, something ROILS THE WATER right
before him. He spots a HUGE TENTACLE just before its
submerges back into the water.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Crom indeed.
Then Tamara SCREAMS as another tentacle rises up from the
water, wrapping around her waist. Tamara grabs hold of the
wall as the tentacle tries to pull her underwater.
Conan immediately SLASHES the tentacle, pulling Tamara away.
The squirming decapitated tentacle squirts black blood
everywhere, the knee high water seems to come alive with
roiling intensity.
Conan spins, finding a circular stone staircase tiled into
the far cistern wall.
83.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Let's go.
EXT. CIRCULAR STAIRWAY - CISTERN
As they work their way up the circular stairwell, towards a
thin shaft of firelight up ahead.
INT. DUNGEON - NIGHT
Carved out of solid black rock, both sides of the broad
corridor are occasionally punctuated by thick steel doors,
leading to prison cells.
Conan and Tamara emerge from a sewer drain, pushing their way
to the floor of the hallway. The heavy darkness presses in on
Conan's torch like a sentient, animate thing.
The floor of the corridor is lined with DEAD BODIES, in
varying states of decay. There are buckets, filled with
entrails and feces, upended. Tamara put her hand over her
mouth.
Conan continues down the hallway. He and Tamara begin to hear
the sound of EERIE CHANTING.
TAMARA
What is that?
Up ahead, the torch-lined dungeon plunges into darkness as
the torches end. Conan holds up his own torch, struggling to
peer into the black void.
CONAN
Nothing good.
Conan takes a step forward when suddenly a POWERFUL WIND
blows out his torch. A moment later, there's the sound of A
GATE WHISTLING DOWN AND CRASHING INTO THE GROUND.
In the darkness, comes a DEEP, EARTHY CHUCKLE.
VOICE (O.S.)
Welcome.
A HOST OF OIL LIGHTS SUDDENLY COME UP, revealing that the
gate that closed behind them was actually just a door to a
vast CAGE built around a massive PIT.
84.
INT. THE PIT - NIGHT
The same pit where Fariq sacrificed the female monk, only
now, a half dozen COMBATANTS stand on the grid above the
void.
Hanging high above the pit, in baskets, lie other PRISONERS,
including Tamara's fellow female monks. Several of them YELL
out Tamara's name as they see her.
And watching everything, from an amphitheater above the cage,
is the massive Akhun and several of his slavers.
AKHUN
Which ever one of you slaves gets
me the girl, lives.
The Combatants all close in on Conan and Tamara, each taking
a different plank way to get to them.
CONAN
(TO TAMARA)
Stay behind me.
Tamara steps behind Conan, who blocks the others' path to
her.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Who dies first?
The first two COMBATANTS attack as one, the first wielding a
short sword, the other a pike. The pikeman thrusts first,
Conan deftly stepping aside, then pulling the pike, sending
the wielder off balance and into the abyss.
The prisoner with the short sword doesn't fare much better,
as Conan evades his swipe and decapitates him with a single
blow.
TAMARA
Tamara sees that the prisoner baskets are suspended by the
top half of the metallic cage. She begins scaling the cage,
her eyes set upon the imprisoned monks.
CONAN
Three more COMBATANTS step in to replace the fallen duo.
Conan readies himself as the first one steps up, only to have
the combatant suddenly grabbed by a ENORMOUS TENTACLE, much
like the one Conan cut through earlier.
TENTACLED MONSTER
85.
Up from the darkness of the pit comes a gargantuan monster; a
gigantic octopus-like behemoth, with multiple tentacles that
feed a pulsing black orifice lined with razor sharp teeth.
The creature reaches out and grabs another SCREAMING
combatants, lowering him to its mouth and devouring him in
its gnashing maw.
The creature reaches for Conan, who ducks underneath the
tentacle, the slices it off. He immediately turns back to
check on Tamara -- and he discovers she's not there.
He looks up to see Tamara scaling the cage, now nearly fifty
feet directly above him.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Crom!
AKHUN
The massive warrior spots Tamara getting close to the
prisoner baskets and motions to his two Jailers.
AKHUN
Get her!
TAMARA
She's reached the base of the chain supporting one of the
baskets when she spots the two Jailers closing in, climbing
towards her from either side.
CONAN
Spotting Tamara overhead, Conan tries to keep beneath her,
evading the swarming tentacles while balancing on the rickety
planks.
TAMARA
She's scaling down the basket supporting chain when the first
Jailer reaches out to grab her. She reacts by GASHING his
eyes, and as he instinctively grabs them, he FALLS TOWARDS
THE PIT.
CONAN
Conan barely dives out of the way as the fallen Jailer
SMASHES through the plank he was on, forcing Conan to jump to
another.
Just then another COMBATANT comes swinging for the Cimmerian,
forcing him to defend while still not balanced.
86.
TAMARA
The next Jailer grabs her, pulling her off the cage. He
struggles to pull towards a nearby exit hatch when she BITES
HIS EAR OFF.
The Jailer drops Tamara, who SCREAMS as she falls.
CONAN
Conan spots Tamara plunging towards him. In one swift move,
he SLASHES his opponent, ducks underneath a writhing
tentacle, and reaches out to GRAB TAMARA BY THE ARM AS SHE
FALLS. His shoulder nearly pops out, but he manages to hold
onto Tamara.
TAMARA
She swings above the chasm, the gnashing teeth of the monster
below her. Only a single splintering plank holds her and
Conan aloft.
CONAN
With a grunt, he swings Tamara and throws her to safety, at
the edge of the pit.
But as he gets to his feet, he spots the massive Akhun
entering the arena.
AKHUN
The giant warrior grins as he boards the same plank as Conan.
He thrusts his thunderous legs down, causing the plank to
bend and warp.
Conan struggle to balance on the undulating plank, but his
training in Cimmeria serves him well.
Akhun smiles and step closer, again thrusting down with his
legs. Conan's balance is thrown, but there's no other plank
close enough for him to jump to.
AKHUN (CONT'D)
You'll make a nice meal.
Akhun steps down on the plank one last time, but this time
Conan uses the momentum to SPRINGBOARD UP INTO AIR.
Conan soars into the air, his cat-like reflexes keeping him
focused as he lands right before the stunned Akhun. With one
great slash of his blade, Conan eviscerates Akhun.
87.
Akhun's innards drop out of his belly as he falls into the
abyss, only to be snapped up by the massive beast.
CUT TO:
INT. ARENA OF THE PIT - LATER
Conan lowers down the last of the baskets. Tamara use a sword
to smash open the lock, freeing the prisoners inside.
Tamara shares hugs of joy with the other monks of her flock.
The women look worn, but unbroken.
TAMARA
Where is Ilira?
FEMALE MONK
She was taken away by Fariq.
TAMARA
Then I'm too late.
One of the stronger looking women, an ELDER MONK, steps
forward.
ELDER MONK
No. She was just taken this
morning. It's not yet midnight,
and Khalar still must bring her to
the cave of Acheron.
Tamara nods and the women begin to ARM THEMSELVES. Conan
shakes his head at the rag-tag group.
CONAN
You're going to fight Khalar's
troops? Just you?
The Elder Monk grabs and nearby pike and twirls it expertly
about her body, clearly well versed in it use.
TAMARA
Cimmerians aren't the only women
who know how to fight. And to kill.
Tamara looks at the other monks.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
Our duty was to keep the queen
safe. We failed. But if Khalar
brings her to Acheron, it will rise
again -- and all our peoples'
sacrifice is for nothing.
(MORE)
88.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
So if the queen is not free by the
stroke of midnight -- she must be
already dead.
The other monks nod and they start to head off. Tamara is the
last to head off, her eyes burning into Conan's.
CONAN
You want my help again.
TAMARA
No. You kept your word, I'll keep
mine. I pray you fulfill your debt.
Tamara kisses Conan's cheek one last time and heads off.
INT. CATACOMBS - NIGHT
The monk travel in single file, the Elder Monk leading the
way. Suddenly, she stops, motioning to an entranceway ahead.
ELDER MONK
(WHISPERING)
Guard.
TAMARA
(WHISPERING)
Don't kill him. We need to find out
which way Ilira was taken.
The Elder Monk nods and slips up ahead. We hear a SMASH.
INT. CATACOMB ENTRANCEWAY - NIGHT
The stunned GUARD lies before the assembled monks. Tamara
glares down at him.
TAMARA
Tell us where the last girl was
taken.
The Guard just LAUGHS at them through bloody teeth.
CONAN (O.S.)
Let me ask.
The Guard's face drops as Conan steps out from the darkness.
TAMARA
Your debt --
89.
CONAN
Will be where your queen is.
Tamara smiles. She knows it is a half truth.
INT. FORTRESS - THRONE ROOM - NIGHT
As Conan and the monks enter, the throne room is empty,
scattered light barely illuminating the expansive chamber.
Ilira sits on the throne, crown on her slumped head. Tamara
runs over to her.
TAMARA
Ilira!
She raises Ilira's head, only to discover lifeless eyes.
Tamara cradles her best friend's face.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
She's dead. It's over.
VOICE (O.S.)
Not yet.
Before the monks can react, ARROWS STREAK OUT FROM THE
DARKNESS, killing them all. Only Conan is quick enough to
dodge his arrow by diving aside.
When he comes up, Khalar has Tamara, his sword at her neck.
Several ARCHERS stand behind him, at the ready.
KHALAR SINGH
It's only begun. Because that one
was not the heir to Acheron.
Khalar smiles down at Tamara.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
She is.
Slowly, what he's saying dawns on her.
TAMARA
No. It can't be --
KHALAR SINGH
Secretive, the traitors of Acheron.
It wasn't easy, but Fariq finally
wrung honesty from the girl. That
poor innocent was forced to live a
lie, even as the truth was kept
from the queen herself.
(MORE)
90.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
(TO CONAN)
And you did the rest, barbarian. My
thanks for delivering the Queen to
me.
TAMARA
No!
Suddenly, a trap door opens beneath Conan and drops down in
the darkness, landing with a heavy THUD.
INT. FORGE - NIGHT
Conan awakens to the familiar sound of a hot blade SIZZLING
as it hits the cooling vat.
But this is no dream of his father's forge -- as he looks up
to see Fariq holding a sword, its tip still red hot, the
flames of the fortress's forge behind him.
Conan's thrusts forward, only to find his armed chained
around a heavy mortar and stone pillar.
Fariq strokes his newly acquired scar.
FARIQ
At last you awaken, Cimmerian. It's
been hours you've made me wait for
my fun.
Conan says nothing, but his eyes scan the room, taking in
everything.
FARIQ (CONT'D)
You made me lose face in front of
my father. That wasn't wise. But
what should I expect from a
Cimmerian?
CONAN
A swift end!
Conan strains at the chain, ripping the skin beneath his
shackles -- but a thin wisp of mortar comes loose from the
pillar.
FARIQ
Hardly. But that is a difference
between you and me. A swift end
would be a mercy I do not intend to
grant. No, you must suffer for your
transgressions.
(MORE)
91.
FARIQ (CONT'D)
You must beg for your suffering to
end. Just as your people did.
He waves the glowing sword tip in front of Conan's face.
CONAN
You lie. I was there. My father
never uttered a sound.
Fariq LAUGHS, amused.
FARIQ
You were there? What were you
doing, warrior? Watching your
father die, without saying a sound?
Taking your eyes will be justice
indeed, coward.
Fariq pushes the hot tip of the sword against Conan's skin.
Conan's face reddens with pain, but he doesn't utter a sound.
But as Conan pulls on his chains -- more mortar falls. As
Fariq turns back to place the sword in the forge, Conan
notices one of the bricks the chains are fastened to is
LOOSE.
CONAN
I saw my father die. Slain by one
who can only kill men already on
their knees.
Fariq turns, his eyes blazing. He glances over at the two
GUARDS by the door, who try not to listen.
FARIQ
I've killed many in battle, cur.
CONAN
Really? Then why did your father
not let you face me before, when I
had sword in hand. He thought you
unequal to the task.
Fariq responds by pushing the red hot blade against Conan's
chest. Conan just YELLS back at him.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Coward! Prove your strength!
Again, Fariq pushes the hot blade against Conan's skin.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Take my eyes, coward -- if you can.
92.
Fariq yells and thrust the tip of the sword at Conan's head.
Conan lifts his manacles, forcing the blade up into the brick
holding his chain.
Then Conan pulls on the chains with all his might, loosening
the heavy brick, which falls to the ground.
In one powerful movement, Conan begins SWINGING the chain
with the mortar block on the end, a homemade ball and chain.
The two Guards come forward, sword drawn, only to meet with a
CRUNCHING blow by Conan's weapon. Both their heads get caved
in.
Fariq rushes Conan, getting in too close for Conan's wide
swings. Conan simply meets Fariq's sword with the heavy
chains, then encircles Fariq's neck with the steel bonds.
Fariq CHOKES, falling to the ground, gasping for air. But
Conan doesn't kill him -- yet.
THE FORGE
A vat of molten steel bubbles in a cauldron within the forge.
Conan uses tongs to lift the cauldron out.
FARIQ
Conan kicks him onto his back. Fariq's last vision is that of
Conan, tipping the cauldron, the hot iron descending toward
his eyes. Fariq SCREAMS.
Conan reaches down and picks up Fariq's sword. THE SWORD
CONAN'S FATHER MADE FOR HIM.
EXT. SEA PENINSULA - NIGHT
By torchlight, Khalar Singh leads his black-armored PERSONAL
GUARD, two dozen men strong, across a rocky peninsula,
jutting out into the sea. On the back of Khalar's horse,
bound, rides the helpless Tamara.
As they round a large rock spire they spy a fearsome and awe
inspiring sight. A massive SKULL, seemingly a natural rock
formation, rises over the peninsula.
As they ride closer, we can make out one more detail -- the
mouth of the skull is actually a massive door, at least sixty
feet high, and seemingly made up of jagged bone. It has the
appearance of teeth, completing the skull illusion.
93.
INT. ACHERON CAVE - NIGHT
It takes the full complement of soldiers to open the enormous
doors. Khalar Singh rides in. Moonlight from the huge eyes of
the skull illuminate terrifying faces in the darkness. Faces
of demonic warrior statues.
At their feet lie the decaying bones of human skeletons, too
numerous to count.
TAMARA
This is no empire, only a
graveyard.
KHALAR SINGH
You see only with your eyes.
Khalar nods to his men. Two Guardsmen take their torches and
light other torches set in the walls. It sets off a chain
reaction. As far as the eye can see torches ignite revealing
the true scope of this place.
An enormous cave, the walls lined with monumental columns
that frame countless bas relief carvings of demonic origin.
And at the far of the cave, an ALTAR sits beneath a raised
THRONE, surrounded by a SACRIFICIAL POOL. The pool is empty.
Khalar turns to his guards.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Close the gates and stay here. Send
my son to me when he arrives.
(motioning to two of them)
You two, come with me.
THE ALTAR
Khalar dismounts at the sacrificial altar, carved of out of
purple-shaded rock. Around its edges are deep channels, for
the blood of its victims. And on its four corners -- shackles
of bone.
KHALAR SINGH
The Acheronians had a wonderful
sense of balance, don't you think?
For one to ascend to royalty,
another must fall.
With the flick of a wrist, Khalar cuts Tamara's bonds.
94.
Tamara head butts him, struggling to escape, but Khalar
absorbs the blow effortlessly. He throws Tamara upon the
altar, his two guards shackling her in place.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
For a hundred generations the kings
of Acheron were crowned, and the
queens were sacrificed.
Khalar snaps his fingers and two guardsmen bring an ornately
carved BOX MADE OF BONE, laying it before the altar. Like a
Chinese puzzle box, Khalar manipulates the carvings of
skulls, sacrifices, and creatures until the box UNLATCHES.
And from the box he lifts two items. A CROWN OF GOLD and A
CROWN OF IRON. The crown of gold is magnificent, ornately
detailed gold that glows in the firelight.
But the crown of iron is terrifying. Huge rough spikes extend
from it in every direction. It looks more like a weapon than
a crown.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
What a day for you. This morning
you were a handmaiden. Tonight, you
are a queen giving birth to an
empire.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAVE ENTRANCE - NIGHT
Bloodied and weary, Conan approaches the Skull Rock. He has
nothing more than his sword, his loincloth and a small BURLAP
SACK tied to his hip.
He stumbles, falling to his knees. His wounds have taken a
grave toll. Still he stands and presses on.
He pushes on the doors. They do not budge in the least. He
puts his shoulder to the doors -- his every muscle straining
to their utmost. Again -- no movement.
Conan backs away, taking stock of the surroundings. He climbs
up the side of the rock.
INT. ACHERON CAVE - NIGHT
Khalar Singh CHANTS in Acheronian. Ancient, harsh words, as
he lifts the two crowns overhead, offering them to the
statues of dark gods all around.
95.
TAMARA
Stop. You don't know what you are
about to do.
KHALAR SINGH
But I do. For thirty years I have
dreamed of this day. The day our
people rise from the ashes.
Khalar Singh continues his chant and places the gold crown
upon his head. As he does so, the light from the moon
reflects off the crown, bathing the sacrificial pool in an
unnatural glow.
THUMP-THUMP. A deep and foreboding sound echoes throughout
the cave, shaking everything like an earthquake. It sounds
like the heartbeat of a giant.
Khalar next places the iron crown around Tamara's head. She
thrashes and struggles but to no avail.
Once the crown is around her head -- THUMP-THUMP! The spikes
around the iron crown grow shorter AS THE SPIKES DRIVE
THEMSELVES INTO HER HEAD. She SCREAMS in agony.
Blood drips from beneath the crown, flowing into channels
around the edges of the altar.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
It begins. You give birth to an
empire.
EXT. THE SIDE OF THE SKULL - NIGHT
Conan climbs -- muscles straining -- slipping -- hanging on
by one hand -- and climbing again.
THUMP-THUMP. The statuary shakes, indeed the whole earth
does. Conan nearly slips, but keeps his grip.
CONAN
Crom.
He reaches the eye of the skull.
REVERSE ANGLE
With the moon over his shoulder, Conan stares down at the
unholy sight before him. We pull back revealing Tamara, her
blood draining from her body.
96.
INT. ACHERON CAVE - CONTINUOUS
Tamara, her face pale from blood loss, begins to pray in
pained whispers.
KHALAR SINGH
It's good that you pray. Gods will
be here soon.
Tamara struggles to speak, her body wracked with pain.
TAMARA
He'll--be---here--sooner.
KHALAR SINGH
Who?
CONAN (O.S.)
Me!
Khalar turns to see the outline of Conan, framed by the
moonlight, looking down at Khalar from atop of one the
warrior statues. A thick vine dangles nearby, Conan's route
down from the cave roof above.
Conan then leaps down to the skeleton covered floor before
the altar. It is a killing floor.
The two Guardsmen leap for him, but Conan dispatches them
with a pair of strikes. Both fall down dead.
Conan meets Tamara's eyes, a look of determination,
assurance. He starts toward the altar.
KHALAR SINGH
I will say this for you, barbarian.
You are hard to kill.
CONAN
Let her go.
KHALAR SINGH
You've faced me before and lost.
What do you think has changed now?
CONAN
My purpose.
Conan lunges for Khalar, their swords meeting with a flash of
sparks. They fight to a brief standstill when ---THUMP,
THUMP.
THE ALTAR
97.
Tamara writhes in pain as the spikes drive deeper into her
head. More blood pours forth. The blood in the channels
speeds up and finds the channel leading down to the
sacrificial pool.
Conan makes another movement toward the altar, but Khalar
nimbly blocks his path.
KHALAR SINGH
You are strong, Cimmerian, but we
both know you are not my equal.
Conan takes the burlap sack wrapped at his hip pulls it off.
CONAN
Once you used my father to teach
your son a lesson about strength.
Now let me teach you.
Conan tosses out what is inside. It falls to the ground,
rolling to Khalar Singh's feet.
FARIQ'S HEAD
Khalar looks down at the ground -- at the head of his beloved
son, his eyes gone, replaced by molten metal. Khalar trembles
in shock and rage.
KHALAR SINGH
No.
Khalar reaches for the severed head, giving Conan a brief
window to rush to Tamara's side. Conan tries to lift her off
the altar, but the bone shackles still pin her down.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Cimmerian!!!
Enraged, Khalar CHARGES Conan throwing all his skill and
force into an all-out attack. Conan simply sidesteps it, then
shatters the bone shackle holding one of Tamara's wrists.
Before he can shatter the other, Khalar charges again.
Khalar swings, Conan spins, his blade catching Khalar's just
inches from his face. Conan throws Khalar off him, knocking
the warlord back ten feet. Khalar's attack is feral,
uncontrolled. He's lost his balance.
Spinning and striking blindly, Conan smashes the second
shackle on her wrist. He continues his motion, bringing his
sword around to meet Khalar's next strike.
98.
Now Khalar looks like the enraged amateur, and Conan the more
polished warrior. Their battle takes them away from the
altar.
With her hands free, Tamara struggles to pull the spikes out
and remove the crown.
THE KILLING FLOOR
Conan repels another Khalar attack, this time striking
Khalar's chest and drawing blood. The Guardsmen arrive from
the other side of the cave, drawing their swords.
Khalar waves them off, his fury aimed at the Cimmerian.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
The Queen. Shackle her!
THE ALTAR
In agony, Tamara pulls one of the spikes out, then another.
She pushes with all her might, lifting the crown of iron off
her bloodied head --
When the Guardsmen charge her, pin her down, and force the
crown back on.
THUMP, THUMP! The crown spikes imbed themselves even deeper
as Tamara SCREAMS. The blood now fills the channels of the
altar.
WE FOLLOW the trail of blood, down the side of the altar, in
a spiral channel around the leg, and in a wide circle around
the altar until reaching the channel's end --
THE FIRST DROP OF TAMARA'S BLOOD TOUCHES THE SACRIFICIAL
POOL. It BOILS instantly, multiplying itself exponentially,
bubbling forth and filling the entire pool.
AND ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE. A massive earthquake jolts the
entire cave.
THE KILLING FLOOR
As Khalar Singh and Conan battle, the ground beneath them on
the wide cave floor CRACKS and SPLINTERS.
THUMP-THUMP! The earthquake intensifies and the entire floor
of the cave GIVES WAY, tumbling into an incredible abyss.
Conan and Khalar alike grab onto the only rocks they can
reach to prevent them from falling further.
99.
Conan ends up against one of the walls on the side of the
cave. Khalar clings to the rocks on the edge of the sacred
pool.
Their bodies are illuminated by a fiery glow. They look
below, searching for the source of the glow.
ACHERON
Another two hundred feet deep lies the golden spired city of
ancient Acheron. The cave is but a forechamber, the slightest
taste of the true glory and horror of Acheron.
And as they stare down into the ancient city, the shadows
there MOVE.
Is it a trick of the light? No. Whatever the dark forms are,
they are coming this way, climbing the tallest demonic spires
and leaping impossibly far to climb up after Conan and Khalar
Singh.
Khalar gazes down at the city with wide eyes.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
Beyond my dreams --
THE ALTAR
Tamara, her body's blood nearly drained, is still shackled to
the altar, which now teeters over the edge of chasm, poised
to fall into the fiery depths.
TAMARA
Conan!!!
CONAN
On the other side of the abyss, Conan spots her and scales
the cave wall, up to a tiered plateau. He moves quickly,
trying to get to Tamara.
KHALAR SINGH
Khalar watches, entranced, as the first of the creatures
rises out of the pit. They climb the walls like insects,
clinging to the walls, their heads swiveling like a praying
mantis.
ACHERONIAN WARRIORS
The look like the statues above -- a hybrid -- part human,
part demon. Their skin is a perfect black, armor carved of
black bone, faces once human but now demonic with blood red
eyes and gnashing teeth.
100.
They advance on Khalar Singh, who is furthest down now that
Conan climbs upward towards Tamara.
KHALAR SINGH
(IN ACHERONIAN)
I am Khalar Singh, King of Acheron.
I command you to kneel!
And this demonic horde advances right for him, their razor
sharp teeth bared. Unsure, Khalar grips his tulwars tight.
The demonic creatures draw close, and they -- kneel. They
climb out of the abyss and immediately lower their heads
before Khalar Singh.
Out of the corner of his eye, Khalar spots Conan, drawing
near.
KHALAR SINGH (CONT'D)
(IN ACHERONIAN)
Show him the might of the army of
Acheron!
But they do not rush to follow the order. They stir. One of
them with more ornate bone armor than the rest looks over at
Khalar's Guardsmen.
ACHERONIAN COMMANDER
(IN ACHERONIAN)
First, we feed.
Its voice is somewhere between a whisper and a hiss.
KHALAR SINGH
Fine. Take your fill. I will kill
him myself.
CONAN
Conan is on an intercept course with Tamara, leaping across
chasms from statue to statue. Just below him, the first wave
of Acheronian Warriors reach the Khalar's remaining
Guardsmen.
KHALAR'S GUARDSMEN
Khalar's Guardsmen, who have been watching the events with
mouths agape, realize the danger too late. The horde of
Acheronian Warriors leaps on them and a massive battle ensues
between the demonic warriors and the soldiers.
CONAN
His climbing is dizzying, reminiscent of his youth scaling
the cliffs of Cimmeria.
101.
KHALAR
Intercepts Conan just below the altar, his tulwars at the
ready.
CONAN
Your story ends here.
The two warriors square off, fighting even as they cling to
the statues.
ACHERONIAN WARRIORS
The demon warriors not only slay Khalar's Guardsmen, but rip
their still living bodies apart, dousing themselves in the
blood of their victims. It is a violent ritual, both
Bacchantic and gruesome.
KHALAR
Launches himself at Conan, his tulwars sparking off the stone
statuary. Conan leaps to another statue, parrying the blows.
Khalar overextends himself, and Conan's sword just barely
misses his throat.
Khalar pulls back, tries to settle himself. Conan's eyes
narrow, he knows what Khalar is doing.
CONAN (CONT'D)
Like a woman, Fariq cried and
begged me to spare him.
Khalar ROARS in rage, launching an all-out offensive. Conan
backs up slowly, waiting for his moment.
And it comes quickly. Conan ducks below the tulwars and CUTS
Khalar across the stomach. Khalar loses his balance and
falls, one hand grabbing a protruding statue arm, dangling
over the abyss.
Conan raises his sword to finish the job.
TAMARA (O.S.)
Conan!!!
Conan glances down. The Acheronian Commander drank his fill,
and now moves to the altar itself, his claw stroking Tamara's
body. With one touch, the shackles open. He and the
Acheronian Warriors drag her pale body toward the abyss.
Khalar grins up at him through bloody teeth.
102.
KHALAR SINGH
They take her to a place you can
never follow. Who will you fail,
Cimmerian? Your father or your
woman?
Conan leaps down to the altar. The Acheronian Warriors
attack. Standing atop the altar, Conan cuts down all comers,
cutting his way through the enemy, working his way to Tamara.
CONAN
Tamara!!
They leap on Conan, impossibly fast. They stab him. They cut
him. But he does not stop. Even wounded, he throws them into
the abyss.
And he reaches Tamara, just before the Commander drags her
below. He grabs her arm. The Commander grabs her other arm,
baring his shark-like teeth.
BLAM! Conan punches him in the mouth with his free hand and
the Commander falls into the abyss.
The bloody Conan pulls Tamara up into his arms. Only for
Tamara to scream.
TAMARA
Conan!
Conan spins just in time as Khalar strikes. Khalar's tulwar
narrowly misses, and Conan counters. His father's sword runs
Khalar Singh through.
Khalar's body falls into the abyss.
But the Acheronian Warriors surround them. Thousands climb
out of the abyss, teeth bared, closing in on the wounded
Conan. Tamara, badly weakened herself, grabs Conan.
TAMARA (CONT'D)
Conan, you know what you must do.
Kill me.
CONAN
No.
TAMARA
It is the only way to end this. My
death gives others life.
CONAN
I cannot.
103.
TAMARA
You must. Your parents both
understood that purpose. Now it is
yours. Live, Conan.
A tear falls from Tamara's face. The demonic warriors prepare
to strike.
Conan drives his sword into Tamara's heart. The crown spikes
retract and it falls from her head, tumbling into the abyss.
BOOM! A seismic explosion shakes everything, an unearthly
GUST OF WIND pulling the Acheronian Warriors back down into
the abyss.
ACHERONIAN CAVE
The cave begins to fall, massive sections of the roof
dropping in to decimate the pyramid and the city below.
ALTAR
Conan pulls Tamara's body away, even as the world descends
into dust and debris.
EXT. CAVE ENTRANCE - NIGHT
Khalar's HORSE stands near the entrance. Conan puts Tamara's
body carefully atop the horse, then mounts it himself. He
positions her in front of him, his arms encircling her.
Conan gives her lifeless body one last kiss, her blood
staining his lips red, as his mother's did as a child.
EXT. HIGH PLATEAU - DAWN
A blazing sun threatens to explode over the nearby mountains.
Conan holds a single torch in his hand. His look is hard.
Grim.
We pull back to reveal a funeral pyre, Tamara's body atop it.
Conan places the torch to the pyre. It quickly spreads.
We move in, closer and closer upon Conan's ice blue eyes, a
blazing fire erupting in them. A fire that will never be
extinguished.
TAMARA (O.S.)
Live, Conan. Live.
FADE TO BLACK.
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