Two weary teens make their way across a swampy marshland. A low hum is heard in the distance. It can barely be heard above the crickets and croaks. The two teens wordlessly nod to each other. They reach a clearing and breathe a sigh of relief.
Two weary teens make their way across a swampy marshland. A low hum is heard in the distance. It can barely be heard above the crickets and croaks. The two teens wordlessly nod to each other. They reach a clearing and breathe a sigh of relief.
Two weary teens make their way across a swampy marshland. A low hum is heard in the distance. It can barely be heard above the crickets and croaks. The two teens wordlessly nod to each other. They reach a clearing and breathe a sigh of relief.
Two weary teens make their way across a swampy marshland. A low hum is heard in the distance. It can barely be heard above the crickets and croaks. The two teens wordlessly nod to each other. They reach a clearing and breathe a sigh of relief.
Written by Copyright (c) 2014 First Draft 8/25/2014 EXT. MARSH - SUNSET TWO WEARY TEENS make their way across a swampy marshland. Their faces are matted with grime and their backpacks clatter with each step. A sound catches SAM's ears and causes him to pause. He motions to his friend JAKE to stop moving. SAM Did you hear that? JAKE Hear what? SAM Shh! Listen. A low hum is heard in the distance. It can barely be heard above the crickets and croaks. JAKE We've been at it for hours, man. Let's just turn back around and try to find our way out of here. I know we didn't quite find all seven things, but six out of seven isn't bad. SAM What are we gonna tell my sister when we get back? That we gave up when we were a few feet away from the stuff that could've saved her life? JAKE But the sun's setting and face it, we're lost. SAM Look, let's just make it to that forest over there and search around for a bit. Then I promise we'll head back. SAM points to the nearby forest, the sun's dying rays shining through treetops. They move forward a few paces before the hum is heard again, louder. SAM (cont'd) There it is again! (CONTINUED) (Printed with an unregistered version of Fade In) JAKE stops too this time. The two teens wordlessly nod to each other. Cautious but curious, the boys creep forward, gently pushing aside blades of shoulder-high grass. They reach a clearing and breathe a sigh of relief. A MONK is meditating with eyes closed. He sits, legs crossed, next to a statue of a wolf. He appears to be oblivious to the approaching boys, but his meditation abruptly stops when the boys reach him. JAKE Excuse me mister, we're kind of lost and trying to find our way out. No response. An uncomfortable period of silence follows. JAKE (cont'd) Can you help us? Silence. SAM We're looking for something called Demon's Horn. The MONK'S eyes shoot open. SAM (cont'd) It's some kind of plant or bark or something. Do you know where I could find some around here? MONK What did you say you were looking for? SAM Demon's Horn. It's supposed to grow around here somewhere. MONK It does. Over there. The MONK motions toward the forest. MONK (cont'd) I can take you there. Follow. He gets up, bows to the statue, says a few words of prayer, and starts walking. The boys are quick to follow. CONTINUED: 2. (Printed with an unregistered version of Fade In) EXT. FOREST - NIGHT The party reaches the entrance of the forest. The trees in the entrance are ominously hunched forward. SAM So it grows in here? What have you heard about it? What's it supposed to do? MONK Some have said the entire village of Maniewo was burned to the ground in just the hopes of finding Demon's Horn. I have seen many things in the marsh, but the one thing I know is that Demon's Horn turns the most upright of men into monsters. I too once searched. JAKE And what happened? What are you doing out there sitting by yourself in the marsh? MONK (beat) We all have sins we must atone for. Those who journey always end up with dusty feet. I have been sitting, meditating, waiting for repentance. With you, my prayers have been delivered. JAKE To SAM ( ) I don't know, this sounds dangerous. Maybe we should come back tomorrow when the sun's up. SAM Fine, you can go if you want, but I made a promise to my sister. Jake thinks hard, his brow creased with concern. JAKE So did I. Forget it, I'm sticking with you. Besides, someone has to keep you out of trouble. JAKE (cont'd) To MONK ( ) So what's exactly in this forest? (CONTINUED) 3. (Printed with an unregistered version of Fade In) MONK Hell is empty and all the devils are here. Unperturbed by this warning, SAM follows the MONK into the thick of the forest. JAKE sighs and follows. Their forms are swallowed up by the blackness of the forest. CONTINUED: 4. (Printed with an unregistered version of Fade In)
