The Shroud on 22/10/2009 at 20:23

---

Hey all. As some of you might recall from quite a while back, I've been working on a script for a live-action TDP movie for some time now. A lot has happened since then. I'm currently having a director look over the script, and I was wondering if any of the fan community would be interested in seeing an excerpt of it?

bukary on 22/10/2009 at 20:47

---

Definitely!

Echelon5 on 22/10/2009 at 22:26

---

Absolutely!

Echelon5 on 22/10/2009 at 22:44

---

I'd love to read it!

The Shroud on 23/10/2009 at 04:46

---

Alright, seeing as how at least a few people are interested, I'll post an excerpt of the script here. For those of you unfamiliar with screenplay-format, the following may appear a little odd to you - rest assured, this is the proper style of a script. The text in CAPS are cues to the art/lighting/sound director/props/etc. that something special is needed, and the liberal spacing is intentional and correct.

That being said, feedback and criticism (provided it's civil and constructive) are very welcome, as this is a chance for all of you to lend your input. I've been an avid Thief fan since TDP first came out, and am a long-time TTLG'er (8 1/2 years now) with my own opinions and perspectives of the Thief series, but that doesn't mean I'm infallible. So your feedback is relevant.

A stern word of warning to my fellow canon-fanatics: although you'll notice a great deal of content transcribed purely from the canon (large sections of intros and trailers from all three games, as well as sizable portions of the gameplay itself), do not expect an exact copy of Thief missions and gameplay experiences as we all know and remember them. A movie is not a game, and certain adjustments are necessary when doing a conversion to the big screen, whether for time-constraints or other reasons.

Having said this, that which can and should be preserved in pure form (and fortunately, that happens to be the vast majority of TDP's storyline and gameplay) has been. That which cannot has at least been fitted in indirectly, in some shape or form, where feasible.

The screenplay is 120 pages in length (standard format - 2 hrs screen time). I'll show the first 12 pages (12 minutes). Hope you like it. ;)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

[CENTER]"THIEF: THE DARK PROJECT"[/CENTER]
[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]FADE IN:


INT. GRAND ARCHIVE - KEEPER TEMPLE

THE DRONE OF A MUTED DRUMBEAT, A LOW HORN, AND RHYTHMIC
PERCUSSIVE TINKLING ECHO SOFTLY THROUGH THE GLOOM, evoking an
eastern monastic ambiance [refer to "Thief: the Dark Project"
(TDP) intro].

f.g. ANCIENT TEXT APPEARS -- after a reading moment, EACH OF
THE FOLLOWING PHRASES FADES INTO THE NEXT PHRASE:

"Ye shall not rob from the house I have built,

"or commit any theft or unrighteousness,

"lest ye be cast down and driven into the earth forthwith,

"and the land of the heathen consume you.

--The Book of the Stone"

A HUGE MONASTERY CHAMBER envelops us, its shadowy depths
DIMLY LIT BY FLOATING BLUE ORBS OF LIGHT. Runic patterns
inlay the polished stone floor. Towering bookcases dominate
the walls and numerous dark passages honeycomb each level.

Dozens of dark-cloaked monks make their appointed rounds.
Some scale ladders to high bookshelves, others file tomes,
and a few disappear into the gloomy corridors.

The AMBIENT DRONING FADES as we FOLLOW A MONK to a vaulted
SCRIBARIUM where numerous brethren quietly scribe in books
(see TDP, intro to "Lord Bafford's Manor").

Sitting alone at a table, ELDER MAYAR, 60, writes in a large
tome. Wearing a KEYHOLE-EMBLEM RING, he pens the last of
several paragraphs in arcane script. He sets his quill in an
inkwell, closes the tome, and takes it to a large wall-safe.

Mayar places the tome in the safe and shuts it. He turns a
key in the central lock and heavy bolts crank into place. As
he removes the key, OUR VIEW OF THE SAFE BLURS AND FADES TO
BLACK, EXCEPT FOR THE KEYHOLE WHICH EMITS BRIGHT LIGHT.


ZOOM INTO THE KEYHOLE

GRADUALLY, AN ETHEREAL, UNDULATING CHORUS OF ORGAN TONES
(refer to TDP, intro to "A Keeper's Training") CRESCENDOES as
ANCIENT TEXT APPEARS. After a reading moment, EACH OF the
following PHRASES FADES into the NEXT PHRASE:

"The most promising acolyte left us, not out of the lesser
folly of sentiment,"

"but the greater folly of anger."

"His heart was clouded, and his balance was lost,"

"but his abilities were unmatched."

"Even then, we knew to watch him most carefully.

--Keeper annals"[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[RIGHT]FADE TO:[/RIGHT]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]EXT. STREET BAZAAR - A MEDIEVAL CITY - NIGHT - ESTABLISHING

Traders bargain for goods in the COBBLESTONE PLAZA.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
I was a kid --[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]EXT. ALLEY ENTRY TO STREET BAZAAR - THE CITY - MOMENTS LATER

YOUNG GARRETT, 9, hunches in a dirty overcoat, gazing
anxiously through the rolling wheels of passing oxcarts. He
scuttles out, crossing the street.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
-- no parents, no home --[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]EXT. STREET BAZAAR - THE CITY - MOMENTS LATER

While haggling with a customer, a bread merchant glimpses a
flash of movement. He spins around to find a loaf of bread
missing and hails two Hammerite patrolmen, whose breastplates
bear red hammer insignia (see TDP, Hammerite concept art).[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
-- running messages and picking
pockets to keep my ribs from
meeting my spine.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]Fleeing with the loaf, Young Garrett hides behind some
baskets, eluding the pursuing Hammerites.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.) (CONT'D)
One night I saw a man. Folks just
passed him by like he wasn't there.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]As the young urchin devours his bread, he sees MAYAR, 40, who
stands alone, observing the crowd. People pass right by the
hooded monk, oblivious to his presence.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I thought he must have something
valuable, so I snuck up on him and
made a grab.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]Young Garrett stealthily approaches the cloaked man, and
attempts to snatch his belt purse. Mayar seizes the boy's
wrist and turns to the youth, his cowl shadowing his face.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]MAYAR
(coolly)
That's not for you.

YOUNG GARRETT
Please, sir, I'm hungry. Don't tell
the Hammers, I promise --

MAYAR
(insistent and even)
What is your name, boy?

YOUNG GARRETT
Garrett.

MAYAR
You have talent, lad.[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]E.C.U. - MAYAR'S RING-HAND GRIPPING YOUNG GARRETT'S WRIST

THE SOUND OF A DRONING HORN GRADUALLY CRESCENDOES AND RISES
IN PITCH (see TDP, intro to "A Keeper's Training"). Young
Garrett tries to tug his hand free.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]YOUNG GARRETT
Let go of me, old man!

MAYAR
To see a Keeper is not an easy
thing -- [/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]CLOSE - MAYAR'S SHROUDED FACE[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]MAYAR (CONT'D)
-- especially one who does not wish
to be seen. We have a need for
those as gifted as you.[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]ANOTHER ANGLE

Mayar releases his grip and Young Garrett rubs his wrist.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]MAYAR (CONT'D)
If you've grown tired of how you
live, then follow me -- and we will
show you a different way.

YOUNG GARRETT
Leave me alone!

MAYAR
As you wish.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]Mayar turns and moves among other people down a CROSS STREET.
Young Garrett ponders the bazaar, then turns to watch Mayar.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
I caught up with him just before he
vanished into the crowd. It was the
beginning of a very long education.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]As Mayar moves nearly out of sight, the youth dashes after
him. Upon reaching him, Mayar nods and leads the boy on.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[RIGHT]FADE TO:[/RIGHT]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]INT. STUDY HALL - KEEPER COMPOUND - DAY

Now clad in the Order's garb, Young Garrett sits among other
acolytes with open books of archaic text, elaborate diagrams,
and hieroglyphic runes.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
I was instructed in academics,
sciences, and cryptology of ancient
glyphs.[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]INT. STEALTH TRAINING ROOM - KEEPER COMPOUND - NIGHT

Young Garrett, now 10, sneaks cautiously through the shadows
of a gloomy vaulted chamber, darting behind pillars and
maneuvering stealthily past Keeper sentries. He skulks low,
scurries between cover, rolls, and freezes against walls.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
I was taught how to move unseen and
unheard, and obscure myself even in
plain sight.[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]INT. PHYSICAL TRAINING ROOM - KEEPER COMPOUND - DAY


MONTAGE

A) With eyes closed, Young Garrett, now 11, poises steadily
on a narrow balancing beam as Mayar walks around him below.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
And I was trained in all sorts of
physical skills.

MAYAR
The essence of balance is
detachment.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]B) ADOLESCENT GARRETT, 12, advances carefully along the beam,
his eyes again closed. He begins a slow, cautious cartwheel.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]MAYAR
To embrace a cause --[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]C) YOUNG TEEN GARRETT, 14, cartwheels quicker on a thin
balancing rod with eyes closed, while Mayar circles below.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]MAYAR
-- to grow fond or spiteful --[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]D) TEEN GARRETT, 16, cartwheels and flips atop a higher rod,
his eyes again closed, as Mayar paces below him. The boy
falters and tumbles to the mat, rolling to break his fall.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]MAYAR
-- is to lose one's balance, after
which, no action can be trusted.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]Teen Garrett rises to his feet and looks at Mayar.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]MAYAR (CONT'D)
Our burden is not for the dependent
of spirit.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]Aggravated, Teen Garrett turns back toward the balancing rod.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[RIGHT]QUICK FADE TO:[/RIGHT]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]EXT. OBSTACLE COURSE - REAR COURTYARD - KEEPER COMPOUND - DAY


MONTAGE

A) Teen Garrett, now 17, climbs rapidly up a rope.

B) Teen Garrett runs and flips across gaps between ramparts.

C) Teen Garrett bounds his way upward between two walls.

D) Teen Garrett, now 18, swims quickly across a pool.

E) Teen Garrett dashes and pole-vaults over an obstacle.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
As years passed --[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]EXT. ARCHERY RANGE - REAR COURTYARD - KEEPER COMPOUND - DAY

Teen Garrett, now 19, strings an arrow and aims at a target
while Mayar observes. The boy shoots, hitting the bull's-eye.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
-- I progressed --[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]EXT. REAR COURTYARD - KEEPER COMPOUND - NIGHT

Crouching on a high window-ledge, Teen Garrett jimmies the
window's latch with a dagger, opens the window, and slips in.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
-- learning techniques of
infiltration --[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]INT. A KEEPER'S STUDY - KEEPER COMPOUND - NIGHT

Using a lock-pick, Teen Garrett unlocks a file cabinet.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
-- and espionage.[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]INT. TEEN GARRETT'S ROOM - KEEPER COMPOUND - NIGHT

LIGHTNING AND THUNDER CRASH close by outside a large FIFTH-
STORY window, accompanied by HEAVY RAIN. Teen Garrett packs
clothing, a book, a rolled tool-wrap, and a dagger in a
knapsack. He pulls a large, black hooded-cloak from a closet.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
But while the Keepers were training
me to be one of them --
[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]Donning the cloak, Teen Garrett removes a coiled rope with a
grappling hook from under a blanket on a closet shelf. With
the knapsack over his shoulder, he opens the bedroom window
and secures the grappling hook to the sill.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]GARRETT (V.O.)
-- I found -- other uses for those
skills.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]Gripping the rope, Teen Garrett drops backward out the
window. LIGHTNING AND THUNDER CRASH.


INT. A KEEPER'S ROOM - KEEPER COMPOUND - MOMENTS LATER

With his back to the window, a Keeper reads by CANDLELIGHT in
this THIRD-STORY room.


SEEN OUT THE WINDOW - TEEN GARRETT'S SILHOUETTE

streaks downward on his rope and disappears.


EXT. BACKDROP OF GRAY-BLUE MISTS

THIEF THEME MUSIC PLAYS (see TDP intro). MISTS SWIRL and
SHADOWS INTERTWINE -- SOME CONGEALING INTO OPENING CREDITS.
MUSIC AND CREDITS CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING MONTAGES
AND SERIES OF SHOTS, while RUNES RAPIDLY FLEET in the b.g.


MONTAGE

A) f.g. LAYER: the following PHRASE MATERIALIZES, then
RECEDES into the b.g. after a quick reading moment: "The
paths of thief and god are worn as one in the earth"

B) f.g. LAYER: FLOATING HIEROGLYPHICS DISSOLVE IN and FADE
into the b.g. while a SATYR'S SILHOUETTE stands amidst FOGGY
WOODS, its tail swaying as LEAVES BLOW BY. The VIEW DARKENS.

C) f.g. C.U. LAYER: a GLOVED HAND unrolls a tool-wrap of
intricate lock-picks, skeleton keys, and a coil of wire.

D) f.g. E.C.U. LAYER: a LOCK-PICK is inserted and manipulated
in a BRIGHTLY LIT KEYHOLE.

E) f.g. LAYER: an ARMORED GUARD'S FACE with his POLEAXE held
in view. As his eyes shift slowly from left to right, a BLACK-
CLOAKED FIGURE passes silently down a TORCH-LIT HALL a short
distance behind him and disappears into a DARKENED CORRIDOR.

F) f.g. SLOWLY GLIDING LAYER: a DRAWN PICTURE OF A ROBED
PROPHET HOLDING OUT A BRIGHTLY HALOED FORGE-HAMMER TO BANISH
A WINGED DEMON, WITH A KINGDOM LOOMING BEHIND THE PROPHET AND
WOODS RISING BEHIND THE DEMON (see TDP game art).

G) f.g. SLOWLY GLIDING LAYER: a PARCHMENT WANTED-POSTER
SHOWING A DRAWN BLACK-CLOAKED FIGURE READS: "THIEF wanted
for the theft of the gems of Sarnoth." The words "STOP" and
"THIEF" MATERIALIZE AND LINGER INTO THE NEXT SHOT.

H) f.g. E.C.U. LAYER: GARRETT'S HOODED, SHADOWED FACE --
SHOWING ONLY DARTING EYES -- which then EXITS STAGE RIGHT.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[RIGHT]CUT TO:[/RIGHT]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]SERIES OF SHOTS

A) f.g. LAYER: a RED-CLOAKED SENTRY holding a POLEAXE stands
guard before a DARK ARCHWAY and PILLARS with a LIT CANDELABRA
nearby. A DARK SHADOW CASTS OVER HIM AND HIS SURROUNDINGS.

B) f.g. E.C.U. LAYER: IN THE SHADOWS, a BLACK ARROW is slowly
drawn back along a BLACK SHORT-BOW as the QUIET CREAK OF A
BOWSTRING SOUNDS. The arrow is fired with a WHOOSH.

C) f.g. LAYER: the STREAKING ARROW knocks over the
candelabra. Hearing it fall, the sentry turns to investigate.
While his back is turned, a SHADOW FLITS PAST behind him.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[RIGHT]QUICK FADE TO:[/RIGHT]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]MONTAGE

A) f.g. C.U. LAYER: SOUND OF BLADES BEING DRAWN as THREE
GRIM, RED-CLOAKED GUARDS WITH SWORDS SLIDE QUICKLY INTO VIEW.

B) f.g. LAYER: SATYR'S SHADOWED FORM amidst WOODS and FLOWING
FOG, as the FOLLOWING PHRASES LINGER INTO THE NEXT SHOT:
"Woe be to him that defies the tree", "for he shall be cast
out into the world", "through the veils of pain and fire"

C) f.g. LAYER: the words "broken" and "SILENCE" FADE IN AND
OUT as a BLACK-CLOAKED FIGURE dashes down a MEDIEVAL CITY
STREET AT NIGHT and disappears into the distance.

D) f.g. C.U. LAYER: a SATYR'S SHADOWED FACE with the
TRICKSTER'S SIGIL (see TDP, intro to "The Sword") engraved on
its forehead, amidst RUSHING FOG. Its FOREHEAD PARTS WITHIN
THE SIGIL TO REVEAL A LARGE THIRD EYE. MISTS WIPE THE VIEW.

E) f.g. LAYER: LARGE BLOCK TITLE: "THIEF" followed by
SUBTITLE: "THE DARK PROJECT"[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[RIGHT]FADE TO:[/RIGHT]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]EXT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - A WINDY NIGHT - ESTABLISHING

Cloaked and helmeted sentries, armed with halberds, stand
guard before the front gate of a TOWERING MEDIEVAL MANSION.
The CITY'S ROOFTOPS surround the mansion and rise into the
FOGGY distance. A TITLE READS: "LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR"


EXT. ROOFTOPS ADJACENT TO BAFFORD'S MANOR - MOMENTS LATER

As the WIND PEAKS, a figure (GARRETT, 29) shrouded in a long,
black, hooded-cloak leaps from a rooftop and lands quietly
crouched on the manor's high west rampart. He keeps still for
a moment, glances south toward the gate, then darts north.


EXT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - FRONT GATE - MOMENTS LATER


SEEN FROM THE GATE - IN THE DISTANCE, THE CLOAKED FIGURE

dashes along the rampart and disappears behind the manor's
west wall [refer to "Thief: Deadly Shadows" (TDS) intro].


EXT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - WEST COURTYARD - MOMENTS LATER

In the background behind a patrolling guard, the shrouded
figure leaps from the rampart to the manor's second-story and
bounds silently up the wall's architecture to a DIMLY LIT,
arched window. Jimmying open the window, he climbs inside.


INT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - WEST CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER


SEEN BEHIND A PATROLLING, CHAINMAILED GUARD - THE FIGURE

slinks out of a SHADOWY chamber and dashes soundlessly up the
TORCH-LIT passage. Reaching an iron door at the north end, he
listens, then discreetly opens the door and slips inside a
LIT library study -- closing the door silently behind him.


INT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - NORTH CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER

Emerging from a LIT doorway, the cloaked figure crouches and
quietly shuts the iron door, then scurries noiselessly across
the marble-floored corridor and obscures himself in a SHADOWY
alcove beside an east hall-opening.

Moments later, a chainmailed guard with a key dangling from
his belt enters the corridor from the TORCH-LIT hall to the
east. As he passes the hidden figure and turns south, the
intruder deftly snatches his key and darts into the hall.


INT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - NORTH HALL - MOMENTS LATER

Dashing east up the carpeted marble hall, the figure turns
north down a short set of stairs to a foyer-like space with
hanging banners and iron doors at each side. Listening at the
west door, he quietly inserts the guard's key in the lock.


INT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - AUDIENCE CHAMBER - MOMENTS LATER

A TORCH-LIT chamber surrounds us, with banners, statues,
armor-suits, and antique weapons on display. Plush rugs cover
the inlaid tile floor. At the north end, a burly, chainmailed
THRONE-ROOM GUARD stands before a heavy iron door.

As the guard idly hums, sucks his tongue, sighs and shifts
about, he doesn't notice the FAINT LIGHT within the southwest
doorway-enclosure SUBTLY BRIGHTENING, then DIMMING again --
hinting at the unseen door silently opening and closing.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]THRONE-ROOM GUARD
(mumbled, Cockney accent)
I don't see why I should have to be
the one down here in the cold and
the dark and the damp.[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]E.C.U. - IN THE SHADOWS, A BLACK "WATER-ARROW" WITH A
TRANSLUCENT, BLUISH, CRYSTALLINE ARROWHEAD (SEE TDS INTRO)

slowly draws back along a black short-bow. The crystal
GLIMMERS FAINTLY IN THE TORCHLIGHT, then shoots forward.

While the guard's attention is idly focused on the east part
of the room, the arrow streaks from the southwest doorway-
enclosure -- embedding dully in the corner-torch's embers.
Within seconds, the torch's FLAME GUTTERS AND DIES OUT.

The guard coughs obliviously as the SOUTHWEST CORNER DARKENS.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]THRONE-ROOM GUARD
(grumbles to himself)
And the people up above me, they
get all the light and all the
favors, and hell, I haven't had a
thing to eat in days.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]While the guard's attention is focused elsewhere, the cloaked
figure creeps through the SHADOWS along the west wall, aims
another WATER-ARROW, and fires at the northwest torch. The
arrow pierces the torch's kindling and the FLAME SLOWLY DIES.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]THRONE-ROOM GUARD
(mumbles agitatedly)
And when are they going to bring me
my dinner -- that's what I wanna
know, when are they going to bring
me my dinner?[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]As the TORCHLIGHT FADES, the figure flits north -- casting a
brief SHADOW over the room. The guard turns in alarm.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]THRONE-ROOM GUARD
What's there![/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]Drawing his sword, the guard searches the GLOOM carefully,
but doesn't notice the shrouded figure's form amidst the
darkened statues and suits of armor. When the guard's back is
turned, the figure slips silently from his hiding place.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]THRONE-ROOM GUARD
Hello? Is someone there?[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]The room is utterly still. Puzzled, the man furrows his brow.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]THRONE-ROOM GUARD
Hmmm, musta been imagining things.[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]Sheathing his sword, he relaxes and resumes his watch. The
moment he turns his back, the cloaked figure emerges behind
him and smacks him forcefully over the head with a blackjack.
The guard grunts and collapses to the floor, unconscious.

Stepping over the guard's body, the shrouded figure moves to
the heavy iron door, which emits BRIGHT LIGHT from its
KEYHOLE. Inserting a pair of lock-picks into the keyhole, the
intruder patiently picks the lock and opens the door.

As the door opens, a BRIGHT, LAMP-LIT chamber appears with a
large throne upon a center dais. Gold and silver treasures
line the walls. Beside the throne stands an ORNATE SILVER
SCEPTER CROWNED WITH A MAGNIFICENT, GLITTERING RUBY.


INT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - THRONE ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Entering the chamber, the intruder lifts the scepter from its
holder and raises it before his face -- HIS EYES REFLECTING
THE RUBY'S BRIGHT GLEAM above his mask. He pulls down his
mask, finally revealing his smirking face.

Garrett suddenly jerks his head south as a knock comes from
the southeast door of the audience chamber. Quickly producing
a black length of cloth, he hurriedly rolls up the scepter.


INT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - NORTH HALL - MOMENTS LATER

Outside the audience chamber, a BAFFORD GUARD holding a plate
of food and mead knocks on the southeast door.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]BAFFORD GUARD
Ollie? Open up.[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]INT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - AUDIENCE CHAMBER - MOMENTS LATER

As Garrett drags the unconscious guard into the throne room,
the other guard's voice is heard through the southeast door.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]BAFFORD GUARD
Got your food here. Ollie?[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]INT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - NORTH HALL - MOMENTS LATER

As his knocking goes unanswered, the guard balances the plate
of food while fumbling for his key, muttering in annoyance.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]BAFFORD GUARD
Worthless lout. I swear --[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]Unlocking the door, he heads briskly into the chamber.


INT. LORD BAFFORD'S MANOR - AUDIENCE CHAMBER - MOMENTS LATER[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]BAFFORD GUARD
(calls out on his way in)
-- if you've gone dozing off again,
the Captain'll have your --[/CENTER]

[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]As the guard enters, the chamber appears vacant. The throne
room's door is closed. Garrett is nowhere to be seen.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]

[CENTER]BAFFORD GUARD
Ollie?[/CENTER]


[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT]SEEN BEHIND THE GUARD - AS THE MAN SCANS THE ROOM, GARRETT

watches, suspended above the southeast entrance with his feet
braced between the walls. Dropping soundlessly to a crouch on
the carpet, he slips into the entry-passage and disappears.[/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT]
____________________________________________________________________________________________________