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EPISODE 2
“TORNADO”
~ ֍ ~
PROLOGUE
FADE IN:
EXT. ROAD TO THE FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN—BEFORE THE SUNRISE
Ilmi walks along the road. From time to time he looks back. He walks barefoot with boots and a canvas bag thrown over his shoulder. Ilmi hurries on. He begins to talk out loud.
ILMI
If I walk quickly, I will reach the Mountain top by noon and will have time to climb it and get back down before nightfall! I’ll see my Golden Palace and be home by evening!
The road gets steeper. Ilmi stops, pulls a jug of water out of his bag and drinks from it, then continues his journey. Sharp stones begin to appear on the road. Ilmi stops to put on his boots, then quickly continues.
EXT. ROOT OF THE MOUNTAIN—CONTINUOUS
The road suddenly ends and Ilmi stops. Directly in front of him lies a Large White Boulder, and beyond to the left a narrow path leading to the Mountain pass. He mutters out loud.
ILMI
I will not follow the path on the left side. I heard it leads to a gorge through which shepherds usually follow with sheep to the Far Pasture in the Distant Valley. I need to continue straight, up the Mountain . . .
POV: Ilmi looks up and sees the almost unassailable steepness and height of the Mountain in front of him.
It is so high! I have never been this close before—
Ilmi sits to rest on the Large White Boulder and looks down at his village and orchards. Then he peers up at the high cliffs behind him.
ILMI
It is such a big the Mountain . . . How can I ever climb to the top?
HIGH WIDE: the first rays of the sun illuminate the horizon. Ilmi stands up resolutely.
ILMI
Hey! I will get to the top today and see my Golden Palace!
CLOSE ON: a small emerald butterfly sits on the large White Boulder, lingers for a moment, and then flies on.
ILMI
I want to be like you! Then I can wave my hands as wings and go up! Ilmi waves to the butterfly and laughs. When I have my own wings. . . .
ILMI’S MEMORIES:
UNUS (V.O.)
Start all that you do with joy and confidence! Success comes to everyone who loves and believes in what he is doing.
PRESENT TIME: Ilmi takes out from his bag a piece of bread that he secretly took in the morning. He breaks off a small piece and leaves it on the Large White Boulder.
ILMI
Mom says that you need to think about others and share what you have. (smiling) Even if it is only a little!
Ilmi repacks the remaining bread in his bag. He also leaves his pitcher with some water and, along with the bag, places them next to the Large White Boulder.
When I’m back in the evening, I’ll collect them.
He looks up and picks out a high steep trail. It has large and small ledges and cracks with stunted bushes sticking out of them. Off in the distance, he sees a small, old, but hardy Tree, high up above on
a little ledge.
ILMI
If you can get there, then so can I!
CLOSE ON: Ilmi comes to a vertical incline, clamps his hands to the first ledge, and pulls himself up . . .
EXT. MOUNTAIN – CONTINUOUS
HIGH WIDE: the weather starts to change. A light white fog descends and the wind picks up. The strange light mist becomes dense and hot, quickly covering everything around.
CLOSE ON: Ilmi slowly climbs up the steep Mountain side trying not to look down. The wind starts gusting. The scratchy sand rides with the strengthening wind and painfully scours Ilmi’s face and hands.
HIGH WIDE: the sky is now white and the sun can only be seen as a big pale yellow disc.
END OF PROLOGUE
__________________
~ ֍ ~
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. CLIFF OF THE MOUNTAIN—MORNING
Ilmi once again pulls himself up and gathering all his strength, climbs to the next small ledge. At the very edge of this ledge grows the old Tree, dried up by the sun and winds, the very one that Ilmi had seen standing when at the foot of the Mountain.
ILMI
How did you grow up here?
The wind pauses. Ilmi stands on a narrow ledge of the cliff on the high Mountain. The sky is covered with white dense fog.
CLOSE ON: suddenly a stone under Ilmi’s foot dislodges and Ilmi nearly falls off the cliff. The stone rolls down and carries away other stones, just like a stone waterfall.
POV: Ilmi looks down and cries, smearing scratchy sand across his face as he wipes away his tears.
ILMI
Like stone tears . . .
Ilmi turns to the Mountain and cries out.
I will not return until I can climb to your top!
A gust of wind unexpectedly blows and pushes Ilmi down. He manages to grasp the gnarled old Tree growing out of a crack in the ledge.
POV: Ilmi looks up at the top of the Mountain.
ILMI
I’ll be at your top! I will find my Golden Palace!
Again the wind pushes Ilmi down but he holds tightly to the tree. Ilmi hears a scream in the sky.
Looking up he sees White Eagle. White Eagle flaps his wings to descend onto the rock ledge.
CLOSE ON: White Eagle looks closely at Ilmi.
ILMI
You again . . . Good for you! You have wings . . .
White Eagle flaps his wings and flies away, goes to the Mountain face, and starts climbing again.
A strong gust of wind throws Ilmi back. At the last moment, Ilmi manages to again grab the Tree.
He holds onto the Tree trunk so tightly, after several attempts by the wind at blowing Ilmi off the ledge.
The sky quickly turns dark gray. The noise of the wind gets even louder. A dark dense veil closes all around him. Ilmi loses consciousness.
INTERCUT BETWEEN: INT. OLD OSTLER’S HOUSE—NOON
Abir looks out the window. OLD OSTLER comes into the house. He shakes off sand and dust and washes his hands and face. Abir silently gives him a towel. Old Ostler sits at the table. Abir puts plates of food on the table in front of him. The wind howls outside making the window rattle.
/Old Ostler is a man around sixty-five years. He is of medium height and gray-haired. He has a tight build. He looks like an unsure person who has poor health./
OLD OSTLER
(anxiously)
The fat is in the fire. It’s been a long time since there has been such a strong wind. It seems that
there might be a Tornado.
Abir stops. She is silent and listens attentively.
ABIR
(smiling)
It will be . . .
Old Ostler doesn’t pay attention to her smile.
OLD OSTLER
In the Unus family, the eldest son Ilmi, disappeared. . . . Unus, together with some men of the village, went all around, but he has not been found. Unus went alone to the Mountain. . . . He didn’t take anyone with him. He said it was dangerous. He said he would not return home without his son.
Abir leaves the table and looks out the window.
CLOSE ON: outside the window, she can hardly see anything because of the wind carrying sand and dust. Abir smiles.
OLD OSTLER
Do you hear me?
ABIR
Of course, I do, my dear.
Abir hides a smile and approaches Old Ostler.
I’ll go out into the yard for a minute . . .
OLD OSTLER
(in surprise)
What? In the courtyard?!
ABIR
I’ll be back soon.
OLD OSTLER
The wind is so strong! It will knock you down!
ABIR
Do not be worried, my dear . . . I’ll be back soon.
She kisses Old Ostler on the forehead and strokes his back.
I need to go out.
Abir goes out from the house.
EXT. YARD BY OLD OSTLER’S HOUSE—NOON
Abir stands in the yard. Strong gusts of wind make her cling to the pillar at the gate. Abir looks out into the distance and onto the barely visible Mountain. She screams.
ABIR
Wind, give me your power! I need your strength . . . Help me! I want to do what I have dreamed
about for so many years . . . I have the power, but I need even more. Even more . . . Give it to me!
EXT. CLIFF OF THE MOUNTAIN—WITHOUT TIME
Soft white light fills everywhere. Ilmi opens his eyes and sees that he is standing and still embracing the old Tree tightly. He slowly unclenches his pale fingers and looks around in surprise. All he sees is a white light mist and he hears nothing. It seems as if time has stopped or has left altogether.
ILMI
What is it?
Ilmi looks around again, he sees no one, but at the same time feels that everything is alive.
It is amazing . . . Where am I?
POV: Ilmi looks at the Tree that saved him and begins to talk with it.
ILMI
You saved me. Thank you! You know . . . You’re very strong! How could you grow here, on the very edge of the cliff? Why do you live here? Where did you get so much strength?
Ilmi slowly moves his hand along the wrinkled gray trunk, up into its branches that are whimsically intertwined with each other and covered with rare dark green leaves. Behind him comes a familiar voice. It is Ilmi’s grandmother SAFA.
/Safa is Ilmi’s grandmother. She was the wife of Icram. She died some years ago when she had around fifty-five years. Safa was a tall beautiful woman with white hair and big eyes./
SAFA (O. S.)
Ilmi, you are right, it is so strong a tree.
Ilmi looks around. Not far from him stands his grandmother Safa.
ILMI
Grandma?! Where have you been all this time? Why did you leave us?
SAFA
(smiling)
There . . . Everyone leaves in their due time.
ILMI
No! I remember. You said, “I’ll go Home.” I heard you say that! Mom and Dad also said so . . . Where’s your new Home?
SAFA
Here.
ILMI
It is very strange. But it’s good here! Grandma . . . I love you . . . I want to stay with you always!
Ilmi hugs Safa. She hugs him.
SAFA
I love you too my dear! And you are right. It’s nice here . . . But you’re only a guest.
ILMI
Why? I like it here. And I have always been happy with you!
SAFA
You have your home my dear and my home now is here.
ILMI
(offended)
Why? Why did you leave us for this home? Why don’t you want to live with us? It was so good to be together with you . . . We miss you . . . And . . . Do you know how many people miss you and remember your hands? Who will help them now?
SAFA
The time will come when your sister will help. Now those in need must understand that they can help themselves because everyone has the power to do that.
ILMI
What do you mean?
SAFA
(smiling)
Oh, my dear Ilmi! I love your question “Why?”! Well . . . You yourself decided to climb this Mountain . . . Yes?
ILMI
Yes of course! I wanted to find my Golden Palace! Grandma! You know, the one I see at nightfall . . .
This Golden Palace is so beautiful! When the sun sets over the edge of the Mountain, it appears and then disappears. . . . Amir, Baht, and Yasira don’t believe me. They laugh at me, but I believe what I see . . . . Grandpa also told us about it. I want to find this Golden Palace! You know, grandma . . . This Palace has a big White Hall with golden cupolas . . .
Ilmi starts to whisper. He puts his palm on his heart.
Nobody knows about this . . . But I know it . . . here.
SAFA
Yes, my dear. The heart always knows . . . This Golden Palace has the White Hall as you say. . . .
This Hall is amazing, big, and grand. It is made of white marble. It really has seven golden cupolas.
And also, in the middle of the other Hall of Golden Palace stands the White Throne.
(smiling)
Whoever can climb the Mountain and opens the Golden Gate, will be able to enter this Palace . . .
ILMI
I want . . . I will . . .
SAFA
Anyone who enters the Palace, and sits on the White Throne will be able to learn the Secret. . . .
Once he knows this Secret, he will become Ruler of the World.
ILMI
And . . . Whoever becomes Ruler of the World can do whatever he wants. Right?
SAFA
Yes . . . He will be the one to whom everything is subject. Because he will be Ruler of the World.
Safa looks closely at Ilmi.
Ilmi . . . Tell me . . . Why do you want to become Ruler?
ILMI
I want to make everyone on Earth happy!
SAFA
Do you want to make the whole World happy?
ILMI
Yes! I want it so much! Teacher at school always says that there are
many wars and much hunger all around. I do not know what war and hunger are, but I
feel in my heart it is so harmful. Why should anyone have to suffer them? Grandpa, Dad, and Mom say that we are happy because we have love and peace, and there is food. . . .
I want everyone to have love, peace, and food!
Ilmi goes on talking. His voice is gathering strength and ringing like a bell.
ILMI
I asked Teacher at school what I needed to do in order that all people on Earth be happy.
Teacher replied that everyone wants to be happy, but it’s very difficult to become happy. I asked him: “Why is it difficult? All people want peace and not to be hungry, don’t they?” But Teacher said this is difficult because not everyone understands this. I asked again how it can be done, but Teacher replied that the answer to this question has been sought for many many years. He said, he also has no answer.
Ilmi pauses, then continues.
Grandma! I don’t want to wait for many years! I want to become Ruler of the World and make
all people on Earth are happy.
Safa approaches Ilmi and kisses his head.
SAFA
My dear . . . If you want to find Golden Palace, then go forward! But never take offense at those who do not believe in Golden Palace. Although your Palace is real, not everyone sees it.
ILMI
Why?
SAFA
Everyone sees what they believe.
ILMI
Grandma . . . I see my Golden Palace because I believe?
SAFA
Yes, my dear!
Ilmi pauses for a moment.
ILMI
Grandma. . . . How can I find the road to Golden Palace? It is very difficult and scary to climb up.
SAFA
(smiling)
There is no road . . .
ILMI
(in surprise)
Why? If Golden Palace is so high, why is there no road to it?
SAFA
There is only a special Way and everyone makes his own Way to Golden Palace.
ILMI
Grandpa also says this! You know, he started to tell us a fairy tale
about Golden Palace last night. He just did not finish it. . . .
SAFA
(smiling)
Why?
ILMI
(embarrassed)
Because my brothers and sister began to make noise and Mom said that it was time to sleep.
Grandpa promised that he would tell us what happened the next evening.
SAFA
Wonderful! And when you return home, you will learn more about this Way. . . . My dear, I think the whole family is now looking for you, right?
ILMI
(lowering his head)
Yes . . .
SAFA
So it’s time to return. Ilmi, take care of your loved ones! They love you and worry about you.
Do you know this?
ILMI
Yes. I know . . . I will go back. Sorry, I will go back home.
Ilmi looks around.
Grandma, I have another question.
SAFA
(smiling)
Only one more “Why?
ILMI
You said, “My home is here.” But I don’t see it. Where is your home?
SAFA
I help people with good deeds, so my home is wherever I can do them.
ILMI
(grumbling)
Why didn’t you help me as I was climbing up? You know how difficult it was!
SAFA
(smiling)
I know. . . . But you can do many things yourself. My dear boy, you are very strong.
ILMI
What about this Tree?
SAFA
Yes. All trees have the power of Earth, but this Tree is special.
Safa goes to the Tree and pulls out a little leather bag fastened to a string. She takes a small piece of the Tree’s bark and places it in the bag. She then drapes the string onto Ilmi’s neck so that the little leather bag dangles onto his chest. Ilmi touches the little leather bag.
ILMI
It is warm . . . Thank you, Grandma!
SAFA
Carry it always near your heart . . . It will help you. When you go on your Way to Golden Palace,
remember about this Tree. When you have difficult times, remember your little bag and hold it in your hand. Then you will have the power from this Tree to support you.
ILMI
Grandma . . . If I always have this bag, I will always be protected!
SAFA
(smiling)
You know . . . The strongest protection is always in yourself.
ILMI
What is it?
SAFA
This is the Love in your heart. This is an understanding of the value of Life on Earth. . . . This little bag, with a small piece of this Tree, will remind you of this.
ILMI
That’s why I should always carry it with me!
SAFA
Wonderful! And also . . . you can pass it on to another.
ILMI
When? Who is it?
SAFA
Your heart will tell you when and who. Listen to your heart. Your heart knows . . .
Ilmi carefully takes the little leather bag in his hand and starts to study and examine the gold-threaded design embroidered on it.
ILMI
Beautiful . . . Grandma! Why . . .
SAFA
Do you want to know the meaning of this tracery?
ILMI
Yes!
SAFA
(smiling)
Everything has its time. . . . There will be a time when you understand this.
Ilmi thinks about it, then looks at his Grandma meaningfully and begins speaking earnestly.
ILMI
Thank you very much . . .
SAFA
You can give your respect and gratitude to the Tree now. This Tree will help you now and will be of
help you many more times.
ILMI
Grandma . . . Trees feel. I know. But . . . What do I need to say?
SAFA
Your heart will tell you.
Ilmi goes to the Tree, gently hugs it, and whispers.
ILMI
Tree! I know . . . . You’re alive. You have saved me! Thank you . . .
Ilmi stands for a long time, pressing himself against the tree with his whole body. Then slowly let’s go and turns to Safa.
Grandma, I feel its warmth! Strange . . .
SAFA
Because the Tree loves you . . .
ILMI
Grandpa said this too. And Dad . . .
SAFA
It’s time for you to go to them, my dear! They wait for you . . .
ILMI
I will go. Grandma . . . can I ask you? Just one?
SAFA
(smiling)
What do want to ask, Ilmi? I know you! Ask away!
ILMI
Can I jump on the clouds? Oh, I really want to!
Safa laughs out loud. Her sonorous laughter fills everywhere. Ilmi laughs with her. Then there is a gentle ringing. The ringing is at first barely perceptible, but it grows louder and higher.
EXT. ILMI’S FAMILY HOUSE—MORNING, THREE DAYS BACK
The weather begins to deteriorate. The bright blue sky turns white. The confused children, Mariam with tear-stained eyes, and Unus are standing beside the couch where Icram is sitting. Unus is silent.
MARIAM
We looked everywhere for him! He is nowhere!
ICRAM
I think . . . he went to look for his Golden Palace.
MARIAM
What is this Golden Palace?! The younger brothers and sister look at each other.
Icram peers out the window where the top of the Mountain is visible. Mariam also looks out the window and continues to cry even harder. Unus goes to Icram and talks quietly to him about something. Then he returns to Mariam.
UNUS
Mariam, prepare a bag with food and water for me. Believe all will be well. I’m going to the Mountain. I’ll be back when I find our son.
END OF ACT ONE
__________________
~ ֍ ~
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INTERCUT BETWEEN: EXT. VILLAGE OF ILMI’S FAMILY—NOON
HIGH WIDE: the weather begins to deteriorate. The bright blue sky turns white. Winds start up, at first light, then with more and more strength. A quiet barely audible, but very heavy rumble is heard in the
distance. Sand appears in the air.
EXT. VILLAGE OF ILMI’S FAMILY—CONTINUOUS
Women, children, and old people of the village are hiding in their houses with tightly closed windows and doors. The shepherds have brought their sheep from the near pastures and have hidden them in the barns.
EXT. EDGE OF THE VILLAGE—CONTINUOUS
Unus and nine men gather at the edge of the village. Unus looks at the white sky and then at the Mountain.
/First Man, Second Man, Third Man, and Fourth Man are villagers./
FIRST MAN
Unus, we searched the banks of the river and the orchards, but there is no sign of your son.
SECOND MAN
And . . . The wind has hidden all traces on the road.
THIRD MAN
I went close to the near pastures, but I couldn’t find your son. They are silent.
FOURTH MAN
How can we help? Please, What can we do?
UNUS
I am so grateful to everyone for your support. Thank you very much! All my family is very grateful for your help!
SECOND MAN
You know! We are always ready to help you!
UNUS
I know! Thank you . . . Unus is silent with head down, thinking, then he looks up resolutely.
I go to the Mountain. The men mutter with worry.
FIRST MAN
Unus, you are going alone?
THIRD MAN
Maybe we’ll go to the Mountain with you?
FOURTH MAN
It is too dangerous to go alone.
FIRST MAN
We’re coming with you.
UNUS
No, I go alone. I will be back when I find my son.
EXT. ROAD TO THE MOUNTAIN—NOON
The wind grows ever stronger. Unus slowly walks down the road into the wind, covering his face with
a scarf. A bag of water and food hangs on his back. Unus raises his head and sees, far off on the horizon, a long gray pillar. The pillar looks like a long rope as if someone has decided to tie the Earth to the Sky. The quiet, barely audible rumble grows louder. Unus stops and looks carefully at the pillar.
UNUS
It’s like a Tornado . . . I remember it from my childhood . . .
UNUS’S MEMORIES: INT. BIG ROOM IN ILMI’S FAMILY HOUSE—EVENING
More than twenty-five years ago. Unus sits near the round stone fireplace and listens to Icram’s tale of a Tornado. /Unus (boy) is a boy of ten years old. Icram is around forty years old./
UNUS (BOY)
Dad, what is the pillar of death?
ICRAM
It is a Tornado. It looks like a pillar. The Tornado carries death and destruction, so it is called the pillar of death.
UNUS (BOY)
Where does it come from?
ICRAM
Nobody knows . . . They say that it is a terrible force of the wind. It is so strong that it raises sand, dirt, trees, stones, houses, people, and animals from the Earth. This wind creates a pillar and sucks up
everything in its way. Anyone sucked into this pillar of death perishes or disappears without a trace.
UNUS (BOY)
Dad, how can people defeat it?
ICRAM
I think that if you ask “how”, you will find the answer.
UNUS (BOY)
I will!
ICRAM
The person defines the force itself. This force has no borders. . . . If you say, you can.
Unus shakes his head and returns from his thoughts.
PRESENT TIME: EXT. ROAD TO THE MOUNTAIN—NOON
HIGH WIDE: the sky quickly darkens and the noise now turns into a deafening roar.
Unus stands on the road and watches as a dense gray pillar approaches him. Again comes childhood memories.
UNUS MEMORIES: EXT. ILMI’S FAMILY ORCHARD—EARLY MORNING
Unus (boy) strokes the dried branches of an old tree in the orchard. His mother, Safa, is standing beside him. It is springtime. /Unus (boy) has around ten years old./
UNUS (BOY)
It was so beautiful . . . I’m so sad . . .
Safa hugs him.
SAFA
Birth and death are two sides of life, son.
UNUS (BOY)
What do you mean?
SAFA
Everyone born on earth will also die.
UNUS (BOY)
Why do some die sooner and others later?
SAFA
Everyone has his own time and Way.
UNUS (BOY)
Do trees and animals also have their own time?
SAFA
Of course. Only people have a choice . . .
UNUS (BOY)
What do you mean?
SAFA
Only people can choose which Way they will go.
UNUS (BOY)
And how can I find my Way? How do I make a choice?
SAFA
The heart always knows the right answer, son. It will tell you.
UNUS (BOY)
Does the heart know how to speak?
SAFA
Of course! Only you need to learn to hear it.
UNUS (BOY)
How can I learn?
SAFA
When you walk along your Way, you are joyful and happy, and you do not get tired, even if
this Way is not easy.
UNUS (BOY)
And if my Way is sad?
SAFA
Then ask your heart “Why am I taking this Way?”
UNUS (BOY)
You mean, why do I need to be going this Way?
SAFA
Yes. Just ask your heart, “Why do I need to be following this Way in my life, what is it bringing into my life and you will find your answer. This is the question for the owner of life, my son! The owner of his life always has the right to choose.
UNUS (BOY)
And if I do not make my choice?
SAFA
Then, son, your choice will be made by others.
UNUS (BOY)
No! I will be the owner of my life and will make my own choices!
PRESENT TIME: EXT. ROAD TO THE FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN—NOON
POV: Unus stands in the middle of the road and looks at the fast-approaching gray pillar carrying destruction and death. Visible within the terrible funnel are stones and pieces of trees. Against the
mounting roar, Unus hears Safa’s voice.
SAFA (V.O.)
Your son is behind you . . .
Unus looks around, but there is no one. Again he hears her voice.
SAFA (V.O.)
Remember, what you don’t have inside, will never touch you outside. Unus crosses his arms over his chest and stands in the middle of the road, legs wide apart. He doesn’t have fear. He has big faith in his power.
HIGH WIDE: the Tornado comes very close and suddenly freezes like a huge enraged beast preparing to pounce on the small figure of a man who is in his way. Unus extends his right palm forward, like a shield in front of him.
UNUS
I, Unus, say to you, go away! It immediately becomes quiet. The Tornado stops like a scared beast.
I know your strength and you know mine. You are chaos. In me is peace. . . . What does not exist in me, will not touch me. Go away!
HIGH WIDE: the huge gray pillar continues to stand and vibrate as if reflecting and comparing: whose strength was greater . . . Then the Tornado slowly turns and heads toward the gorge, leaving behind terrible traces of destruction. The hum gradually subsides.
CLOSE ON: Unus opens his eyes with difficulty, and slowly wipes his face which is completely covered with barbed sand. All around is gray from a thick layer of sand. Unus looks around. The Tornado had gone off to the side and as if playing, and had scattered huge stones on the road some meters from him.
UNUS
(laughing)
I am alive!
EXT: FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN—CONTINUOUS
Unus looks around. The road ended. Straight ahead of him is the Large White Boulder. The narrow path was off to the left that led to the gorge through which shepherds usually passed with sheep to the Far Pasture in the Distant Valley. Unus looks around again for his son’s tracks but finds nothing. He sits down on the Large White Boulder at the foot of the Mountain.
CLOSE ON: bending down to shake the sand out of his shoes he suddenly sees a familiar pitcher peeking out from beneath a layer of sand. Unus frantically rakes the sand with his fingers and finds Ilmi’s bag.
UNUS
My son was here!
POV: Unus begins to search again looking for even the slightest traces of his son, but finds nothing. He approaches the rock face of the Mountain. He places his hands on the rock face and speaks to the Mountain.
UNUS
I know that my son was here and you, Mountain also know this. Tell me, where is he? I know that you can hear me . . . I’m the same as you. I too live on our Earth. You have your Way and I have my Way. You’re from earth made from sand and stones. . . . I know that when my time comes, I too will become grass, earth, and sand . . . Tell me, where is my son? It’s too early for him to become earth. Give me a sign, show me where my son is . . . I ask you. Help, please . . .
END OF ACT TWO
__________________
~ ֍ ~
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. UNUS MEMORIES: ORCHARD—BRIGHT SUN
CLOSE ON: Unus lowers his head and closes his eyes.
UNUS’S MEMORIES: EXT. YARD BY ILMI’S FAMILY HOUSE—DAY
/Unus has around twenty-five years. Next to him is Mariam. She has around twenty years. /
Ilmi, a one year old child, stands swaying on the grass. Unus stands away a few steps. He crouches to his knees and calls Ilmi. The child makes several tentative steps toward him. Unus and Mariam laugh happily.
PRESENT TIME: EXT. THE FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN—NOON
CLOSE ON: Unus lowers his head and closes his eyes.
UNUS
(whispered)
I ask you . . . Help . . .
Unus raises his head and screams.
Ilmi! Ilmi!
POV: Unus sees White Eagle in the sky. The eagle descends lower and lower before sitting on a lonely Tree growing high on the very edge of a ledge. Unus looks at the path to the left, leading to the gorge. White Eagle sharply calls. Unus raises his head and looks back at the eagle. Suddenly, very close to the Tree, he sees a barely perceptible little figure clinging to the roots of the tree. It is Ilmi.
INTERCAT BETWEEN: EXT. GORGE IN THE MOUNTAIN—NOON
Five shepherds, slowly urge a large herd of sheep to the village from the valley through the narrow gorge. Suddenly ahead of them, at the beginning of the gorge between the two rocks, appears a huge gray pillar. There is no time to drive the sheep back into the valley. The sheep, feeling danger, gather together and freeze with fear.
HEAD SHEPHERD
Go to the right! Take cover under the Mountain ledge! All the shepherds start trying to drive the sheep, but the sheep do not listen and mill about without the herd moving. /Head Shepherd has around fifty
years. He is tall and strong./
HEAD SHEPHERD
Go to the ledge! Leave the sheep, run!
HIGH WIDE: the shepherds leave the sheep alone in the middle of the gorge and run to the right and safety of the rock ledge. All the terrified sheep follow the shepherds under the ledge of the Mountain in a great flow. The next moment the Tornado, mixing stones, sand, earth, and trees into one terrible funnel appears in the center of the gorge.
CLOSE ON: the roaring finally subsides and the sky gradually becomes lighter. The Tornado leaves a trail of devastation. It’s hard to believe that just a few minutes ago there were trees growing and a carpet of lush green grass. The shepherds inspect their sheep and thank Head Shepherd. /First Shepherd and Second Shepherd have around forty years.)
FIRST SHEPHERD
If it were not for you, we would no longer be here . . . We would be dead . . . Thank you! The other shepherds support his words.
SECOND SHEPHERD
Ten sheep were gone. The rest are all accounted for and well.
HEAD SHEPHERD
Luckily we made the right choice. Now it is time to go home.
TIME CUT: the shepherds slowly drive the herd along the long narrow gorge path. At the end of the narrow gorge begins a stone river.
YOUNG SHEPHERD follows behind the herd and looks at the river of stones. /Young Shepherd has around sixteen years. He is tall and thin. This is his first long herd-feeding journey and he is fatigued because of the recent terrifying experiences, so hardly sees what is around him./
YOUNG SHEPHERD
Oh! No! It’s terrible . . . I forgot! There’s still a terrible stone river ahead . . . The shepherds laugh. Head Shepherd stops.
HEAD SHEPHERD
Don’t be afraid! Nothing is scarier than what we left behind! And you behaved like a hero. You were not scared. Why are you scared now? Huh? The shepherds laugh.
YOUNG SHEPHERD
(embarrassed) I . . . I just . . . Head Shepherd turns around and moves to the back of the herd.
Approaching Young Shepherd he slaps him on the shoulder.
HEAD SHEPHERD
You really are a hero. Remember this Tornado . . . Let it be for you an example of the strength of
nature, which must be respected, and the strength of the person who is in you. Now let’s go, soon we will arrive at the foot of the Mountain and the road will be easier.
Head Shepherd again slaps Young Shepherd on the shoulder. The other shepherds chuckle and also encourage Young Shepherd.
EXT. NARROW PATH OF THE GORGE—AFTERNOON
The shepherds climb the narrow path and make it to the road. Young Shepherd follows last.
POV: Young Shepherd lifts his head up and sees White Eagle in the sky.
EXT. FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN—CONTINUOUS
While staring, he stumbles and falls. Rising and rubbing his bruised knee, he now sees, near the Large White Boulder at the very foot of the Mountain, a canvas bag and next to it a pitcher carried by sand.
YOUNG SHEPHERD
Hey! Look at this!
The shepherds gathered around the Large White Boulder and look at what Young Shepherd had found.
HEAD SHEPHERD
Strange . . . It does not look like someone lost these. Rather, they have been left . . . Why?
The shepherds slowly look around. Skittish after the Tornado, the sheep gathered in a heap and wait for the shepherds. The shepherds hear the scream of White Eagle in the sky. They look up and see Unus high up on the narrow rock ledge.
EXT. ROAD TO THE VILLAGE – EARLY EVENING
The shepherds quickly drive the sheep along the road. Unus and the Head Shepherd take Ilmi in turns. Ilmi’s face is pale, his eyes are closed but his colorless lips are smiling. The shepherds and Unus stop for a minute.
YOUNG SHEPHERD
How can you wake him?
HEAD SHEPHERD
He cannot be woken. . . . He will open his eyes when the time is right.
Head Shepherd looks at Unus. Unus nods and takes his son back to his arms. Unus looks back and sees the sunset. The last rays are delayed for a minute, and at the Mountain’s summit, Golden Palace shines brightly. Unus stands and takes in this miracle.
UNUS
(whispered)
Thank you, Mountain . . . Thank you, White Eagle! I don’t know who you are . . . But I know that you all know . . . Thank you!
The shepherds stopped nearby and are waiting for Unus.
INT. INTERCUT BETWEEN: ILMI’S FAMILY HOUSE—EARLY EVENING
Three men finish cleaning up the broken trees in the yard of the house. The house of Ilmi’s family has not been harmed. Icram sits on the porch and peers into the distance. The sun sits at the top of the Mountain and, in its last rays, at the summit of the Mountain blazes in gold colors. Icram whispers softly, tears in his eyes.
ICRAM
I know that you cannot take him to your place, Mountain . . . It’s too early for him. . . . Our Ilmi has a great Way ahead . . . Help him. Please. . . .
Men approach Icram, hear his words, and remain silent. Icram notices them.
ICRAM
Thank you from all our family!
The men nod their heads.
MARIAM
Please dine with us as gratitude from our family.
The men thank her but refuse. They say goodbye to Icram and Mariam and leave.
EXT. THE STONE STOVE IN THE YARD—CONTINUOUS
Mariam peers into the distance and cries.
MARIAM
You look at the Mountain all of the time! I can’t look anymore!
The second day has already passed, and no news! Tell me, where is compassion? I hate this Mountain! Why did it happen?! Why did the Mountain take Ilmi? Why?!
Icram goes to her.
ICRAM
Do not let tragedy make its way into your heart. Keep peace in your heart, Mariam. . . . Believe in hope. What you do not believe will never touch you . . .
MARIAM
(in despair)
What are you saying? Yes! I hate this Mountain! But I have my love for Ilmi!
Is my love not enough? Tell me ?!
ICRAM
These words are not from your heart . . . These words you speak are from fear. Let it go . . .
Leave only love . . . Fear diminishes the power of love . . .
Mariam wipes away his tears.
MARIAM
It’s not easy! I am a mother! And I . . .
ICRAM
Yes. You are a mother. But you can do it because you are a mother. You have a big heart. . . . Remember. When you cry, you are crying about yourself . . . Think about others! Open your heart . . .
Save Love . . . Love is light, Mariam. Love is like a bright star in the night . . .
That is what is needed for Ilmi and Unus . . .
Mariam, wiping away her tears, starts to leave. Amir, Baht, and Yasira quietly approach. They stand silently near Icram and Mariam.
YASIRA
(sadly)
Grandpa, Mom, why haven’t the men eaten yet?
ICRAM
They know the rule: you can not leave an empty plate.
MARIAM
I understand . . . Thank you . . .
Mariam wipes away tears and turns to the stove.
AMIR
Grandpa, what does that mean?
ICRAM
It means that you need to think about others, not only about yourself.
YASIRA
Why? We have food in the closet!
Yasira pauses in mid-sentence, and carefully peers into the distance.
YASIRA
(whispered)
Grandpa . . . Grandpa! Mom!
Yasira is ringing in full voice.
They’re coming! They’re coming!
In the distance, a herd of sheep appears on the road followed by shepherds. Unus is holding Ilmi in his arms.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
END OF EPISODE 2