Screenplay
By
McKenzie Levie
EXT. CLERMONT CATHEDRAL FIELD - DAY
Autumn mist hovers above the bare and dry foothills surrounding the grey walled medieval CITY of CLERMONT, FRANCE in which there stands a CATHEDRAL and a FIELD behind it. There are noises of WOODWORKING coming from the field as CARPENTERS labor there sawing and chiseling wood. The lead carpenter, MEDERIC, who is tall, in his 30’s with long hair and a beard, picks up a finished beam. He is built like a soldier but is wearing a carpenter’s HOOD with a long pipet tucked into his belt. He carries the large beam of wood and sets it into place. He is building a STAGE.
TITLE CARD: “Clermont, France. November, 1095.”
MELIEE
(off screen)
What are you building there husband, a new theatre?
Mederic looks to the familiar voice which is a woman, MELIEE, who is in her 20’s, who is beautiful and petite, yet rugged and dressed in a long tunic and mantle. She walks towards him as he finishes setting a beam into place.
MEDERIC
It’s not my theatre. It’s the Pope’s. I’m just building a platform.
Meliee steps playfully onto the partially constructed stage.
MELIEE
There’s murmurs he’s been all over Christendom using his platform to generate support for some new endeavor.
MEDERIC
That’s what Popes do.
MELIEE
True. I just came to make sure that my fervent husband doesn’t get carried away by his words.
MEDERIC
Carried away? The Pope is not here to speak to me. Do you think they need carpenters in Rome?
MELIEE
Do you think he is here simply for church affairs? It’s not just monks and bishops that have gathered in our city. The iron men too, have come.
EXT. CLERMONT GATEYARD - SIMULTANEOUSLY
Meanwhile at the gate of the city, CHURCHMEN and PILGRIMS are arriving into the city and filling the streets outside the CATHEDRAL. Also arriving on HORSES with waving BANNERS are FRENCH KNIGHTS armored in shimmering maille shirts, uncovered and cinched at the waist with sword belts. Some wear conical nasal helms, others maille hoods, others just padded caps. The gathering TOWNSPEOPLE admire them as heros.
EXT. CLERMONT CATHEDRAL FIELD - CONTINUOUS
MEDERIC Continues working on the platform.
MEDERIC
To see the Pope, woman. They cannot all fit in the Cathedral. You know that is why I’m building this stage. Did you come just to pester me?
MELIEE
Yes. But I have also heard of the Pope’s private dealings. He has been in France for weeks recruiting for a new military endeavor.
MEDERIC
He is not a King or Lord. The Pope cannot call upon an army.
MELIEE
But he is Pope, the Lord is his Lord. And you see, the princes of Christendom are already answering his call.
The Cathedral BELLS begin to RING. Both Meliee and Mederic look up to the tower.
EXT. CLERMONT CATHEDRAL FIELD - LATER THAT DAY
The BELLS are still ringing but now some time has passed as both Meliee and Mederic are gone replaced by the completed STAGE canopied in gold fabric.
Throngs of people now assemble around the empty stage. CARDINALS in purple robes, followed by gold-chapped BISHOPS, and then the black robed MONKS. Behind them stand PILGRIMS of France and Normandy, and Spain. Behind them BARONS, KNIGHTS, and LAYMEN clad in armor, cloaks, and mantles.
MELIEE stands among the TOWNSPEOPLE on the outskirts.
As the BELLS cease, the Cathedral door is opened and POPE (URBAN II) steps out. The Pope is 65, bearded and adorned in white with a heavy pallium over his shoulder. He stands tall between two ATTENDANTS who wear all white garments and carry glittering crosses on high staffs.
The CROWD stirs awaiting the Pope’s words.
Meliee scans the crowd presumably for Mederic, who she does not see.
The Pope addresses the crowd.
POPE
Ye men of the Franks who live beyond the mountains! God hath favored you in many ways, in your happy land as in your steadfast faith, and valor.
MELIEE
(to herself)
He speaks in the common language.
POPE
We wish you to know what grievous cause has brought us to your land and what need has led us not only to you but to all the faithful. O sons of God, who have faithfully sustained the rights of the Holy Church most sincerely, there remains for you an urgent task which belongs to both you and God, in which you can show the strength of your good will. For you must hasten to carry aid to your brethren in the East who need your help.
Everyone in the crowd is visibly curious by the Pope’s ominous words.
POPE (CONT’D)
I have heard it many times. From the borders of Jerusalem and the city of Constantinople, ominous tidings have gone forth. A barbarous people, estranged from God, has invaded the lands of the Christians in the East and has depopulated them by fire, steel, and ravage.
As the Pope speaks, the scenes he describes unfold in the minds of his audience. They envision SCENES of an ENEMY ARMY, swarthy and war hungry, gathered in mass and attacking CHRISTIANS, who are fleeing in terror and being cut down.
POPE (CONT’D)
For the Turks are a pagan people and have attacked them and advanced far into Christian territory. They have seized more of the lands of the Christians, and have already defeated them in seven times as many battles, brutally slaying some and capturing into slavery many others. They have destroyed churches, and have devastated the kingdom of God. If it is not enough they have laid waste to the places consecrated by the miracles of our Lord and brutally attacked those pilgrims attempting to reach these places, know that if you allow them to continue much longer they will conquer God’s faithful people completely. Even now the Turks are torturing Christians, binding them and filling them with arrows. What shall I say of the ravishing of women. To speak of this is worse than to be silent. Even more so, a time will come when you will see your wives violated and your children driven before you as slaves out of the land.
The mood of the crowd rises with righteous anger. Some laymen begin to spit aggressively at the ground while others grit their teeth and ball their fists. Knights instinctively touch their swords causing them to rattle in their sheathes.
POPE (CONT’D)
Wherefore with earnest prayer, I, not I, but God exhorts you as heralds of Christ to repeatedly urge men of all ranks whatsoever, knights as well as foot soldiers, rich and poor, to hasten to exterminate this vile threat from our lands and to aid the Christian inhabitants in time.
Shouts of support now add to the growing energy of the assembly.
Meliee shows concern now as she scans the crowd for Mederic. She continues to listen.
POPE (CONT’D)
Let those who are accustomed to private war against their faithful neighbors now march against these infidels in a war which should begin now and be finished in victory. Let those who have been robbers now be soldiers of Christ. Let those who have fought against brothers and relatives now rightfully fight against barbarians. For all those going, there will be remission of sins if they come to the end of this life while marching by land or crossing the sea or in fighting the pagans. This I grant to all who go through the power vested in me by God.
Meliee continues to look through the crowd seeing hopeful faces of young LAYMEN enticed by the opportunity.
POPE (CONT'D)
Let nothing delay those who are going to go. Let them settle their affairs, collect money and when spring has come, Take up arms and go. Valiant sons, fear not torture, for therein lies the crown of martyrdom. It is better to fall in battle than to live to see the sorrow of your people and the desecration of your holy places. Lo, I see before you, leading you to His war, the standard bearer who is Christ!
The Pope’s words hang in the air. For a moment, no one can speak for they are so taken by the task laid out before them and both the legendary familiarity and foreignness of the places and peoples he has just described.
A voice is heard among the crowd.
ADHEMAR
(off screen)
I will answer the Lord’s call.
There is movement in the group of BISHOPS as space forms around a massive, bearded Bishop with white hair who looks nearly 60, ADHEMAR the Bishop of Le Puy. A path opens as he walks to the stage, steps up, and kneels before the POPE.
ADHEMAR
Should it please his Holiness and the Lord, I will undertake the armed pilgrimage to Jerusalem, suffering whatever hardships with gladness for the sake of God’s kingdom. I pray you grant me command over this army of Christ.
The Pope nods and blesses Adhemar. The two ATTENDANTS in white garments descend upon Adhemar like angels and fasten a RED CROSS to the Adhemar’s mantle.
POPE
Our well-beloved son Adhemar, Bishop of Puy, you shall be appointed head of this expedition. Whosoever shall offer himself to go upon this journey, and shall make his vow to go, shall wear the sign of the cross on his breast.
Another voice rises up. Eyes turn to a maille and silk clad old KNIGHT, the Count RAYMOND of Toulouse, who is in his 50’s with a war scarred face, grey long hair and trim beard.
RAYMOND
If God wills it, I too will join this army.
The Pope beckons Raymond to the stage.
POPE
God wills it.
Shouts of support now raise up from Raymond’s KNIGHTS.
KNIGHTS
God wills it!
Meliee’s eyes desperately search for Mederic. She begins to push through the moving crowd as more men begin shouting out that they are joining.
CROWD
God wills it!
The LAYMEN begin adding themselves to the army and pushing forward to get RED CROSSES. As if planned, the KNIGHTS begin to corral them into orderly lines. Meliee looks through them and sees the back of MEDERIC with his carpenter’s HOOD as he is walking away on the other side of the crowd. Meliee pushes her way out of the crowd and purposefully walks down the empty city street after him.
EXT. STREETS OF CLERMONT - CONTINUOUS
MELIEE hurries down the empty street after Mederic who has already disappeared. She reaches a home then pushes in the door.
INT. MEDERIC AND MELIEE’S HOME - CONTINUOUS
MELIEE enters the dwelling, looking through the dark for Mederic.
MELIEE
Mederic? Mederic?
A spark lights up a small wood stove. MEDERIC is standing over it, now stoking the fire.
MEDERIC
I am here Meliee.
Meliee shows some relief. A moment passes as the light from the fire illuminates the room.
MELIEE
(breaking the silence)
Well that was all quite a show. Who knew the Pope was such a bard?
More silence.
MELIEE (CONT’D)
Can you believe his grandiosity? You heard his plans? Mederic?
MEDERIC
I heard what he said.
MELIEE
And?
MEDERIC
I am thinking of going with the army. To Jerusalem.
She is crushed by his words.
MELIEE
Mederic. No.
MEDERIC
You ask me if I heard what he said, and I ask have you? As he told of our brethren in Christ suffering while we enjoy peace in France, only going to war against our neighbors. Now finally I am called to fight for God. How can I answer but yes that I will go?
MELIEE
Mederic please, you are not meant for the battle field. Die a husband’s death in comfort with your wife rather than a bloody soldier on some foriegn land.
MEDERIC
Do I not deserve the battlefield? Is it truly your wish I should live and die in comfort while others suffer?
MELIEE
You haven’t been in a battle since your youth. You don’t even have a sword!
MEDERIC
There is more to war than swords. Do you know what it takes to move such a force across such an expanse of varied terrain? At each city, there will be sieges with implements needing to be constructed.
Tears form in Meliee’s eyes. Her husband’s words continue to cut through her as she knows his decision is already made.
MELIEE
You speak as though you won’t be fighting, when it is more likely you will be marched into the heat of the battle.
MEDERIC
It is my intention to return to you and to France. The property of those joining the army is sure to be protected. And you, my wife.
Meliee buries her face in her hands. Mederic goes back to stoking the fire knowing he cannot console her.
Meliee quickly rises up, struck by some idea. She flips open the lid to a CHEST and pulls out SHEERS and RED FABRIC. She cuts STRIPS and steps towards her husband. With pins, she fastens two strips in the shape of a CROSS to the breast of his HOOD, steps back and turns around. Mederic takes his eyes from her and looks at the new addition. Tears of gratitude form in his eyes.
MEDERIC
Meliee, I--
Meliee turns around showing that she too is now wearing a RED CROSS on her breast.
MELIEE
I’m going with you husband.
EXT. CLERMONT GATEYARD - DAY
MELIEE leaves a conversation and walks through the GATEYARD passing KNIGHTS, FOOT SOLDIERS, and AMATEUR TROOPS and LAYPEOPLE assembling for departure. All are wearing RED CROSSES. Meliee too wears hers.
TITLE CARD: “Clermont, France. Eight Months Later”
Meliee passes TOWNSPEOPLE as they hold goblets of wine and honey up to the mounted knights. The hammer of the smiths can be heard over the busel. Merchant tables are set up with every type of item. Weapons, shields, food, baskets, chests and canvas bags are all being packed, loaded and strapped onto HORSES and CARTS.
Meliee continues through the yard and down the street reaching her and Mederic’s home.
INT. MELIEE AND MEDERIC’S HOME, CONTINUOUS
MELIEE enters and finds MEDERIC packing. She notices a new SWORD in a sheath with a belt leaning against a SHIELD on the wall.
MELIEE
Our traveling unit is assembling in the gateyard.
MEDERIC
I told you, you are not going with me.
MELIEE
For eight months you say this and yet you see I wear the same sign and have taken the same oaths. I am a cross bearer, like you my husband.
MEDERIC
It is too dangerous. There are too many hardships to endure. You see I have spent my entire earnings from the Cathedral on a new sword.
MELIEE
And what then will you be leaving your wife to live on? You leave not even a son to protect me. Is this why you leave me because we have not had children?
MEDERIC
Of course not.
MELIEE
You see entire families ready to depart on the sacred adventure, yet you find me unworthy of the holy pilgrimage?
MEDERIC does not answer but instead, finishes rolling his pack, opens the door and sets it outside. Meliee follows him outside.
MEDERIC
I am answering the Pope’s call to defend Chistendom with pure intentions. I am leaving you here to care for our home. Who else will watch it?
MELIEE
I have made arrangements with the neighbor who’s daughter who will take up our house with her new husband.
Meliee indicates a YOUNG COUPLE that is nearby and now watching them quarrel. The YOUNG WOMAN is noticeably pregnant.
INT. MEDERIC AND MELIEE’S HOME - CONTINUOUS
MEDERIC storms back inside where he begins to affix his new sword belt around his waist. MELIEE follows him in.
MELIEE
Who will take care of you when you are sick in camp and make sure you are fed when returning from days at the siege? Who will dress your wounds? You haven’t even any armor!
MEDERIC
I told you I have spent it all on this sword.
Meliee once again hurries to a chest which she opens and from which she pulls and presents a thick, quilted GAMBESON jacket already emblazoned with a RED CROSS on the breast. Mederic’s eyes widen at the useful and necessary piece of armor.
MEDERIC
Meliee.
Meliee spins around again, this time opening a cabinet and removing a small but hefty POUCH. The sound of COINS rubbing together piques Mederic’s interest. She holds the bag out to him but pulls it back as he grabs for it.
MELIEE
I have saved it for the expedition. Do you deny my usefulness as a companion?
MEDERIC
Of course not.
Meliee ties the pouch around her belt then goes to the bed from beneath which she pulls a PACK.
MELIEE
Then trouble me no more about it. You know there are many other women going. Half the city will be emptying. Half of Europe it seems.
EXT. CLERMONT GATEYARD - DAY
A short time later MEDERIC is in the GATEYARD, wearing his new gambeson but still with his carpenter’s hood. He stands packed and ready to march. Beside him, also packed and wearing a cloak and pack is MELIEE.
Others from the Pope’s address are present including ADHEMAR and RAYMOND. Raymond nods to a KNIGHT.
KNIGHT
We are moving out!
A HORN is sounded and the mounted KNIGHTS begin to ride out of the gate in columns. TOWNSPEOPLE drift flower petals down onto their steel bound heads. Behind them follow the FOOT SOLDIERS and behind them the MONKS, and LAYPEOPLE. Mother’s kiss sons, wives weep as their husbands let go of their hand and say goodbye to children. Those who stay lament while those who depart do so with secret gladness.
Mederic and Meliee begin to walk in the line.
MEDERIC
Do you know by which way we go?
MELIEE
We march West where we shall meet the other armies of christendom gathered at Constantinople. From there the Byzantine emperor shall then lead us into the holy land.
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN EASTERN EUROPE, DAY
MEDERIC and MELIEE walk in loose order with the other LAYPEOPLE. With them walks ARTALD, a seasoned man in his 60’s, who leads a HORSE loaded with spears, shields, and canvas sacks. Beside them, two brothers, BERNARD, who is 18, and ODDO,who is 24. Both are strong and handsome and clad in simple tunics. They also wear thick padded hoods and carry light packs and spears. Everyone is wearing a RED CROSS stitched to their breast.
BERNARD
How far is it to Jerusalem?
MELIEE
Three thousand miles.
BERNARD
How many have we walked so far?
MELIEE
Perhaps one thousand.
ODDO
Bernard, do not continue to pester these people with your impatience.
BERNARD
I am longing for the holy city, brother. I wish to see the walls set with jewels and its streets paved in gold. There, where we can cast off our sins like dirty robes.
ODDO
Brother, we know.
BERNARD
And how I long to protect the venerable places and those people suffering there from those accursed devils who do torment them. I shall slay those devils and take one of their swords. I have heard they carry ones with curves.
ODDO
It will match the curved thing you already carry, brother.
Artald laughs and Mederic smiles beneath his hood at this joke. Meliee laughs aloud which embarasses Mederic. Bernard stops, finally gets the joke, then hurries back up to the group.
BERNARD
You shall see brother, when I become a knight in the army of Christ. I will have my Jerusalem princess.
All laugh out loud at this, then quietly ponder as this too is their desire in some way or another. Bernard takes interest in the old Artald.
BERNARD
What about you old Artald? What is it motivating you all these thousands of miles? Do you not long for the holy city?
ARTALD
Aye, I have seen it. And I long to see her safe.
(Indicating his horse)
We are old, but we'll do what we can to assist the pilgrimage. Right now, we're looking forward to a few weeks rest in the camp outside Contantinople.
BERNARD
This has been an easy walk, old man. They are dumping food and good wine upon us in these places as we pass.
ARTALD
All the more reason to rest at Constantinople before we enter into less hospitable territory.
BERNARD
Why would we stop at Constantinople? This army marches directly for Jerusalem. We are God’s army.
ARTALD
God’s army or not, our leaders are mortals. They will surely delay with oaths and territorial disputes. While they tarry this old man and horse can take a break from all the walking.
Artald begins singing a hymn.
Artald’s voice carries on the wind and to the rear of the caravan where ADHEMAR and RAYMOND ride on HORSES in front of a well ordered contingent of armored KNIGHTS with spears held straight up and banners flapping in the wind.
RAYMOND
What do you think of the oath that will be offered by the Byzantine Emperor? I see no reason to concede to his demands.
ADHEMAR
Without his consent, we cannot cross the Bosphorus River on the other side of Constantinople. We will need the support of the Emperor for supplies and troops as we enter into Anatolia.
RAYMOND
We bring our own support. This army cannot be beaten in the open field and now four other armies now march to join us. The land is rich and has thus far provided all we could need and more.
ADHEMAR
We know not what lies ahead Raymond. We shall convene with the other armies. The others may have already sworn this oath leaving us no other choice by which we can advance.
RAYMOND
Who leads these armies?
ADHEMAR
Two armies, those of Hugh of Vermandois and Godfrey of Bouillon are encamped and quartered at Constantinople. Two others follow behind us out of France. It is reported that another force is being led out of Italy by a Prince Bohemond after he was inspired by cross bearing pilgrims he witnessed as they passed his army. It is also reported that he has already passed through into Anatolia after pledging his allegiance to Emperor Alexis.
INT. CONSTANTINOPLE ROYAL PALACE - DAY
Inside the ROYAL PALACE of CONSTANTINOPLE, surrounded by GUARDS sit assembled the Emperor, ALEXIUS COMNENUS, 50, bearded with dark hair, his daughter PRINCESS ANNA COMNENA, and the Byzantine General TACITUS, 50, who is wearing a gold prosthetic nose. Anna is recording the events.
TITLE CARD: “Constaninople. November 1096.”
TACITUS
Another army of cross bearers has arrived Emperor. They were seen adding to the encampments West of the city.
ANNA
Where are they from?
TACITUS
They are from France and are the original army assembled after the Pope’s address. They have been led by the Bishop Adhemar. It is he who has been given charge over the army and a Count Raymond. They seek access to the city and the merchants.
ALEXIUS
Send the merchants outside the walls. Only five cross bearers are to enter the city at once if they wish to visit the churches inside. And bring forth Adhemar and Raymond that they may swear on oath to return all conquered lands and cities to the Empire as will all swear to me before crossing the Bosphorus. What of the other army? What of these Frankish Baron and his brother?
TACITUS
They have continued to resist swearing your oath. Our men were met with violence upon attempting to escort the Frankish brothers from their camp to the palace.
Staring back at the Emporer are the French warriors clad in maille armor and mantles with red crosses on the shoulders, two brothers, GODFREY, who is 40, tall with long blond hair and beard, and BALDWIN, 25, a younger version with black hair.
GODFREY
Your foreign guards were met with violence after they killed members of a foraging party that departed from our camp.
ALEXIUS
Why do you forage when I offer you food for sale and a ferry to the asian shore? Your resistance was in good time during the winter but now will you delay your troops and waste the warring season? I am simply requesting an oath of your allegiance to me and the return of the lands that once belonged to the empire upon your conquering them. Even your king’s brother, Hugh has sworn this oath to me.
GODFREY
Of course, you sent him as your envoy to influence us into swearing lands to you. He is your prisoner though he came to us like a man who had won some great thing and bidding me to do the same.
Another man, HUGH OF VERMANDOIS, who is 45 and attired in French royal garments speaks up.
HUGH
I am no prisoner Duke Godfrey. We ought to have remained at home and not meddled in matters here but since we are here, we have sore need of the emperor’s friendship. If we do not gain it, matters will go ill with us.
GODFREY
You left your country as a king, Hugh, with wealth and a strong following. Now you have come down from that dignity like a slave.
Alexius stands up.
ALEXIUS
Enough! Were you not commanded by your Pope to aid this empire in returning those lands conquered by
(MORE)
ALEXIUS (Cont’d)
the Turks? And now you act out against me when I am merely reenforcing the oath you have already sworn with the crosses upon your breasts?
GODFREY
And what of your oath to lead these armies yourself into the East? Will you be even supplying a force of men?
ALEXIUS
I will not be crossing the Bosphorus river at this time. I shall send my men later to aid your armies. But as I said you must swear the oath that all lands and cities taken will be returned to me and the Empire.
Godfrey and Baldwin speak together away from the Emperor.
BALDWIN
How can we swear this oath brother? Are we to turn over Jerusalem to Byzantium? Are we to sacrifice our men for the glory of the empire?
GODFREY
No, brother. We were called by the Pope to aid our brethren in the East. These are our brethren in the East.
BALDWIN
We were called to fight for Christ’s kingdom and expel the infidel from his sacred lands. Will our sins be remiss if we die fighting as vassals for the empire?
GODFREY
We are not fighting for the empire brother but we are aiding it. The other armies have taken the oath and in doing so have been given access to the lands we seek. Without the oath, we will not be given passage.
BALDWIN
We are well armed and equipped. Can we not fight?
GODFREY
Against the men we came to aid? This is not the time to expend men and supplies. You have heard the emperor does not intend to enter into the Holy land. Nor can we depend on his relief force in the future therefore we should not assume he is likely to collect on his oath when we take the territory we seek. The oath does not change our mission but is necessary to advance it. Though as honest Christians we sought to avoid this oath, we can take it in earnest relying on the Emperor’s unlikeliness to uphold his end. I shall speak this oath and think no more of it for then we can then advance to Nicea and join the Normans in siege of the city.
Baldwin reluctantly succumbs to the decision. Godfrey then addresses the Emperor.
GODFREY
Surely you mean to have us moved out before the other armies arrive thereby risking our armies uniting
(MORE)
GODFREY (Cont’d)
here at your gates. If you will provide food and ferry, we will take the oath.
Anna quickly gets up and removes a DOCUMENT from her book and presents it to Godfrey.
ALEXIUS
Swear upon your cross.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE CONSTANTINOPLE - DAY
MELIEE, MEDERIC, ARTALD, BERNARD, and ODDO arrive with the others in their army to the CAMP OUTSIDE CONSTANTINOPLE. They are amazed at the size but then realize, to their dismay, the camp is being dismantled. All sit down to rest as Meliee goes to speak to a man taking down a tent and returns to the group.
MELIEE
The camp is being dismantled. Duke Godfrey has sworn an oath to the Emperor and has now been given permission to cross the river with his army. They have already begun to ferry across.
RAYMOND and ADHEMAR ride up and address them all.
RAYMOND
We shall remain here long enough to purchase provisions and then cross the River where we will then join the other armies. A Christian host has already crossed into Anatolia where they are laying siege to the city of Nicea. We depart in two days to join them.
Upon hearing the news, Bernard cheers while Artald grunts.
EXT. LANDS OUTSIDE NICEA - DAY
Days later, RAYMOND and ADHEMAR ride at the head of a column while passing skeletons with tattered clothes, some emblazoned with red cross.
ADHEMAR
Pilgrims that went ahead without the army.
They approach the walled city of NICEA next to a small LAKE. They observe the FIELD before the city which is filled with CAMPS being assembled while some contingents of FOOT SOLDIERS are training. KNIGHTS play with the excited HORSES underneath them.
TITLE CARD: “Nicea. May, 1097.”
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP AT NICEA - DAY
As RAYMOND and ADHEMAR approach the CHRISTIAN ENCAMPMENT outside the walls of the city, A hulking Knight, PRINCE BOHEMOND, who is 35 with black hair and beard rides with another younger knight, TANCRED, who is 30 and blonde, ahead of a small CONTINGENT OF KNIGHTS and approaches Raymond and Adhemar.
BOHEMOND
Count Raymond and Bishop Adhemar, I presume. And your army. I am Bohemond. This is my nephew Tancred.
RAYMOND
Yes, Bohemond. What is the status of the siege?
BOHEMOND
The garrison is quartered inside with only a few thousand men but they are well supplied though we have blockaded the gates. But your situation will soon turn dangerous as a scout has informed me that a large army of Turks trails yours.
At Bohemond’s words, an armored KNIGHT of Raymond’s army approaches and interjects.
KNIGHT
Count Raymond, Bishop Adhemar. The army is being attacked from behind. A large force of turks has amassed and have begun to envelop us from the rear.
RAYMOND
(to Adhemar)
They mean to destroy us before we can secure our encampment.
Raymond addresses the knight.
RAYMOND (CONT'D)
Assemble the foot soldiers and send them to the rear of the caravan. I will lead the knights to repel this attack.
BOHEMOND
We shall assist you.
Bohemond nods to Tancred as they ride off with their men.
EXT. JUST OUTSIDE THE CHRISTIAN CAMP AT NICEA - CONTINUOUS
Further back in the caravan, MEDERIC, MELIEE, ODDO, BERNARD, and ARTALD wait with the stopped caravan. They hear the sound of BATTLE coming from behind them.
BERNARD
What is happening?
ODDO
Be patient brother. We shall soon find out.
The KNIGHT dispatched by Raymond approaches and calls out before them and the others.
KNIGHT
I need foot soldiers at the ready. A large force is attacking the rear of our army. Assemble on me now!
Bernard’s eyes widen at the opportunity for battle. He drops his pack and runs towards the Knight with just his SPEAR. Oddo unstraps two SHIELDS from Artald’s horse then joins behind Bernard, handing him the extra shield.
Meliee looks at Mederic unsure of what he will do.
MEDERIC
Stay with Artald.
Mederic kisses Meliee’s forehead and pushes her toward Artald who nods back at Mederic. Mederic unstraps a SHIELD from the horse and places it on his arm then draws his sword from his sheathe and steps forward into the quickly growing group of SOLDIERS. Meliee watches as Mederic disappears behind the assembling bodies, spears and shields. She catches a glimpse of his carpenter’s hood as the knight readies the men.
KNIGHT
March to the rear. Stay in formation.
Meliee watches as the group marches away. Artald attempts to comfort her but instead she straps her pack onto the horse and chases after the soldiers.
MELIEE
I will be right back.
Meliee runs to the rear of the caravan where she continues to watch the men marching toward the battle.
EXT. LANDS OUTSIDE NICEA - CONTINUOUS
RAYMOND and ADHEMAR ride with a row of KNIGHTS. Behind them and inside the formation of CHRISTIAN FOOT SOLDIERS, MEDERIC, ODDO and BERNARD march next to each other, five rows from the front. As they march, a TURKISH ARCHER on horseback appears riding towards them on their flank.
The Turk is clad in a light tunic and turban wrapped around his head and dark face. He fires an arrow at the Christian soldiers and then rides off. The arrow misses the soldiers. Another TURKISH HORSE ARCHER appears, fires, and disappears. His arrow sinks into the arm of a FOOT SOLDIER.
KNIGHT
Shields up! Keep marching!
Another TURKISH ARCHER rides in and fires and then another TURKISH ARCHER follows him in the same way, sticking arrows in the Christian's SHIELDS. Bernard cannot contain his excitement.
ODDO
Easy brother. Keep composure in battle or you will find one of those arrows in you.
BERNARD
I have walked thousands of miles to slay these devils!
RAYMOND, now leading the men, calls out to them.
RAYMOND
Shields! Keep advancing!
The Christian foot soldiers continue to advance using their SHIELDS to cover them on all sides. The swift archers suddenly stop as before them now stands an organized ARMY of TURKISH CALVARY. For a moment the Christians observe their enemy, these men who they have traveled thousands of miles to fight. The Turks are armored in gold lined maille, some wear pointed helms. All carry round metal shields. Some carry spears while others hold curved swords.
RAYMOND
Charge!
Like a loosed arrow, the Christians Knights charge together. The front rows of knights engage with the advancing Turks causing a loud smash and ensuing echo of shields, swords and spears hitting against each other.
The Christians, in adrenalized fervor, quickly begin to overpower and cut down the Turks.
Bernard, Oddo and Mederic advanc with the army but they are still four rows behind the engagement. Bernard begins to push forward and is held back by Oddo.
ODDO
Brother! Hold your position. Do not break formation.
BERNARD
There will be no devils left to slay!
At his words, thunderous charges of armored CHRISTIAN KNIGHTS ON HORSEBACK strike both flanks of the Turkish soldiers. Through the spears and men, Bernard, Oddo, and Mederic witness the display of mounted knights mowing down the Turks. The Turkish cavalry formation disintegrates as their men fall dead or as they flee the assault. The men then witness the leader of the charge, BOHEMOND, as he turns his horse and his group of Knights around. The knights make a final sweep of the remaining enemy, then chase the routed enemy soldiers, slaying them at each opportunity. Bernard is eager to join in the pursuit, however, he is held back by Oddo.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP AT NICEA - DUSK
A while later, MELIEE and ARTALD sit at a well assembled CAMPSITE in front of a fire with a steaming pot on it when they hear the victorious SHOUTS of the CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS as they reach the camp. Meliee looks expectantly at the group of FOOT SOLDIERS as BERNARD and ODDO return with MEDERIC behind them. Meliee races to them, assessing Mederic for any damage.
MELIEE
You return from battle unscathed? Unhurt in any way?
She twists his face looking for wounds. Mederic grabs her hand and stops her.
MEDERIC
I am not wounded.
BERNARD
We didn’t even get to fight. Those knights killed all the enemy before we could.
ARTALD
Glory to God that we should have such a powerful army.
BERNARD
Am I not needed in the army of God? Have I come all this way to watch knights do battle?
ODDO
Ease yourself brother. You shall do battle. We have only just arrived into enemy territory.
ARTALD
You’ll get your opportunity for battle. This may be a long siege.
Artald points to the CITY which is surrounded by a moat and massive walls connected by hundreds of towers, then to the adjoining LAKE where a BOAT is bringing provisions into the city.
BERNARD
Surely I’ll be put to work building engines. Why should we not bypass this place and go directly to Jerusalem?
MELIEE
It is said that Nicea is the outpost to Anatolia and the pathway to Jerusalem. By capturing this city, there will be a secure route of passage for supplies, troops, and pilgrims to the Holy Land.
Raymond’s KNIGHT rides up and addresses the laypeople.
KNIGHT
Tomorrow we require all builders and foot men to report to the moat.
Bernard groans and kicks the ground.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF NICEA - DAY
MEDERIC carries a huge STONE in a line of men. He approaches the MOAT and throws the stone into it on top of a pile of other stones. ODDO appears behind him with his own stone which he throws into the moat. BERNARD finally drops a stone in with a line of men behind him. Mederic, Oddo, and Bernard turn and walk together to get more stones.
ODDO
Are you not enjoying war brother?
BERNARD
I could stay at home and carry stones.
MEDERIC
So could we all.
The men reach a PILE OF STONES and each pick up another stone. They carry them to the moat and each toss theirs in.
ODDO
But you wouldn’t be putting them in a moat to lay siege to a city.
BERNARD
I long for battle Oddo!.
MEDERIC
There’s more to war than swords.
Bernard ignores Mederic and stands at the edge of the moat.
BERNARD
I could jump this moat.
As he speaks an ARROW sinks into the ground at his feet. From the walls of the city, an ARCHER observes his shot. He loads another arrow onto his bow.
Oddo pulls Bernard from behind away from the edge of the moat and out of range of the arrow.
ODDO
Like arrows. And rocks. Get more rocks.
Oddo shoves Bernard away from the arrow fire and towards the line of rock carrying men.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF NICEA - DAY
Days later, at the same spot, the EARTHEN BRIDGE is complete. The CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS now begin to cross over it.
FOOT SOLDIERS carry MANTLETS; screens woven out of branches ahead of ARCHERS. Other FOOT SOLDIERS carry the posts of a TORTOISE; a short wooden shed open on the sides which covers other men, ENGINERS with shovels and picks and CROSSBOWMEN. They all inch along underneath the moving structure while SHIELDMEN guard the outside protecting those underneath.
BERNARD holds a shield at the front corner of the tortoise, protecting both ODDO and MEDERIC as they carry one of the posts.
TURKISH BOWMAN assemble quickly on the walls and begin rapidly firing arrow after arrow down on the advancing contraptions. Some arrows are lost in the branches of the mantlets, others stick into the roof of the tortoise, others into the shields around it.
A SOLDIER carrying a mantlet is struck with an arrow. An ARCHER takes his place, continuing to carry the mantlet, as the first man drops to the ground dead. Bernard, Oddo, and Mederic pass by the dead man. Bernard grips his shield tighter as the tortoise reaches the wall at the base of a leaning tower.
The Turks on the battlement begin heaving huge STONES off the walls. The stones slam onto the roof of the tortoise, against shields, and onto the bodies of the men carrying the mantlets. Some crawl to the safety under the tortoise.
ODDO
Keep your shield up brother.
The Engineers quickly begin digging at the ground next to the wall exposing the stones beneath the surface. Mederic joins the diggers. The Crossbowmen take turns firing arrows up at the men on the wall and then stepping under the tortoise to reload. The rapid firing and rocks from the Turks on the wall slows as now each arrow is quickly met with suppressing crossbow fire.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF NICEA - DUSK
Hours have gone by and the sun is setting. Mounds of dirt now surround the TORTOISE while the CHRISTIAN MEN underneath it are still digging.
Beneath the tortoise, the men now stand in a ramp of dirt lowering nearly ten feet and exposing dirt beneath the lowest foundation stone of the tower wall. Several men set huge WOODEN BEAMS at an angle into the ground against the wall. The other men dig at the hard earth and chip away at the stones of the wall, taking chunks out and sending them up through the hands of the other men. When enough stones are removed, the men once again take their positions at the posts. CROSSBOWMEN cover as the ENGINERS slather oil on the support beams against the wall and then light them on fire.
The TURKISH SOLDIERS on the wall watch as the Christian men hustle with the tortoise back across the earth bridge and to safety. The Christians turn back and watch the wooden beams burn. Eventually the beams snap and with a rumble, the tower collapses. The Christian men cheer as a path into the city appears to be open. The exhausted men look expectantly for contingents of armored men or loose foot soldiers to climb over the rubble.
The Turks, many stunned by the circumstance, now wait on the other part of the wall for the Christian’s next move.
BERNARD
Where are the other armies? Why are we not charging in?
The other men share his concern but not his enthusiasm. Bernard is nearly ready to charge on his own.
ODDO
Steady yourself brother.
MEDERIC
Perhaps they did not expect us to succeed in such a short time. We will report it and surely the armies will attack at first light.
The Turkish soldiers, seeing no threat from the Christian siege engineers, toss down huge HOOKS ON ROPES.
BERNARD
What are the devils doing now?
A group of Turkish soldiers hooks something and begins to pull it up. The men are stunned as the Turks pull up the body of one of the DEAD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS from the ground at the base of the wall.
BERNARD (Cont’d)
Now they defile our dead brethren. Mederic give me your sword.
Mederic holds his sword in the sheath. Oddo takes his brother by the arm.
ODDO
Brother, ease yourself. As you have been told, there is more to war than swords. We will attack with the army tomorrow.
The men watch as another DEAD CHRISTIAN SOLDIER is dragged up the walls by a hook and rope while the previous one, now stripped and beheaded, is tossed from the walls. Oddo and Mederic hold Bernard back.
ODDO (Cont’d)
Tomorrow brother.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF NICEA - JUST BEFORE DAWN
Before the sun rises the next morning, the same CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS including MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD stand staring at the tower. A formation of armored FOOT SOLDIERS stands next to them ready to attack. With them is RAYMOND, mounted on his HORSE.
As the sun rises and lights up the TOWER The Christians are stunned as the tower they had destroyed the night prior is completely rebuilt. Even the mounds of dirt are tamped level. TURKISH ARCHERS stand ready on the wall with bows drawn.
RAYMOND
This day is lost. Back to camp.
The Christian men turn away and begin walking back to camp as the Turks on the wall cheer.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP AT NICEA - DAY
Moments later, MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD return to camp where MELIEE and ARTALD are surprised to see them returning so soon.
MELIEE
What has happened? Have we breached the walls at the section you collapsed?
MEDERIC
The Turks have rebuilt it.
BERNARD
With the aid of demons no doubt. All while the knights slept in their beds when instead they should have been capturing the place.
.
As he speaks, they hear the noise of many hooves nearby. GODFREY, BALDWIN, Eustace, BOHEMOND, RAYMOND, and ADHEMAR ride by followed by small contingents of their KNIGHTS carrying their banners.
BERNARD
Where could they be going?
Moments later, the Barons and their knights ride back in the other direction, this time followed by the BYZANTINE GENERAL TACITUS and a group of BYZANTINE WARRIORS.
ARTALD
It is Byzantium. The emperor honors his oath.
BERNARD
What need have we of the emperor? What can Byzantium offer to the siege?
INT. BARON’S TENT OUTSIDE NICEA - DAY
Moments later, inside the Baron’s tent sit the leaders of the Christian Armies, ADHEMAR, RAYMOND, GODFREY, BALDWIN, BOHEMOND and TANCRED. Across from them sits TACITUS flanked by his GUARDS.
GODFREY
What can Byzantium offer to this seige?
TACITUS
We have artillery, rapid fire ballistas with heavy iron arrows. We also bring greek fire.
RAYMOND
What good are these things? My men destroyed a tower wall and in the night, they built it back up.
GODFREY
The Turks are able to bring in supplies at will on their boats and come and go over the water. Until this is stopped, nothing can be gained by blockading the city.
TACITUS
We have boats. There is a fleet of shallow water vessels on the river at Civitote. If you would again lead an attack on the walls of the tower while we shall perform an assault by sea and the city will be taken.
The Christian leaders consider the plan with some suspicion but agree.
GODFREY
Civitote is a two day march from here. The river it sits on does not empty into this lake. How will you get the boats here?
EXT. LANDS OUTSIDE NICEA - DAY
Days later, in the marsh lands between Civitote and Nicea, BYZANTINE and CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS toil at pulling the wooden, shallow bottom BOATS through the shallow water.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE NICEA - DAY
Days later, the BYZANTINE and CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS drag the BOATS down the road and past the Christian encampment. The men continuously set stripped LOGS in front of the boats, one after another allowing the boats to roll on top of them.
MELIEE watches as the boats and men pass by. She spots MEDERIC by his hood, lifting and setting a log with another MAN and ODDO setting the next log with BERNARD, who is complaining as usual.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF NICEA - DAY
The SOLDIERS drag and roll the BOATS across the moat bridge and finally push them into the water.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE NICEA - NIGHT
MEDERIC and MELIEE sit by the fire eating. Nearby BERNARD is visibly discouraged until ODDO comforts him.
ODDO
Tomorrow, brother. We have already been given our orders. We are to attack the wall with all the might of our army while Byzantium attacks from the sea. By evening we should all be inside the city walls.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF NICEA, NIGHT
Under the cover of darkness, near the wall outside the gate, TACITUS converses secretly with the TURKISH GOVERNOR.
TACITUS
Be assured, we will not let the body of the Christian army into the city. But you must convince the governor to surrender. He has my word that he and his family will be given safe conduct from the city. The garrison will be transported across the lake. It is quite simple; rule of the city will transfer from the Turks to the Emperor. The Christian armies will move on. But it must appear to them that we have taken the city by force.
The Turkish Governor nods with agreement and departs.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF NICEA - DAWN
The next day at first light, the CHRISTIAN ARMY begins their bombardment of the tower wall.
RAYMOND commands his army as they spray the tower with the BALLISTA and IRON MISSILES provided by the Byzantines. As CROSSBOWMEN and CATAPULTS bombard the tower, stones begin to fall from it. The tower looks as though it will soon collapse.
MEDERIC, ODDO and BERNARD and other Christian FOOT SOLDIERS carry a large wooden LADDER.
EXT. LAKE - CONTINUOUS
On the lake, the FLEET of Byzantine BOATS, loaded with WARRIORS, BANNERS, TRUMPETS and DRUMS steer toward the water gate.
Atop the walls above the water gate, the TURKISH GOVERNOR observes the fleet coming toward the city. He orders the gate opened.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF NICEA - CONTINUOUS
The Christian army continues to swarm the walls. MEDERIC, ODDO, BERNARD, and the other SOLDIERS reach the wall and set their LADDER up against it.
Bernard grabs the rung but before he can step on the ladder a cheer is heard from above as the BANNERS OF BYZANTIUM are unfurled from the top of the walls.
Many of the men and siege engines have yet to reach the wall but still a victorious shout arises from the confused Christian army.
BERNARD growls as he has once again missed combat.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE NICEA - DAY
Back at camp, MELIEE and ARTALD are once again surprised to see the group returning so soon and unscathed.
MELIEE
It must be some miracle you return to me so easily from danger. How is it possible?
MEDERIC
The siege has ended. The city has been given over to Byzantium.
INT. BARON’S TENT OUTSIDE NICEA - DAY
Inside the BARON’s TENT the Christian nobles, GODFREY, BALDWIN, RAYMOND, ADHEMAR, BOHEMOND, and TANCRED gather in council.
BALDWIN
I have said the emperor is not to be trusted. Do you suppose the city would fall so easily without some form of treachery? We have seen the Byzantine boats now escorting the Turkish garrison across the lake harmlessly.
GODFREY
We have all sworn the oath to return these cities to the empire.
BALDWIN
Then the army of Christ is as slaves to a temporal master.
The other leaders concur.
RAYMOND
And now we are forbidden entry to the city just as in Constantinople. We have toiled under the pretense that we would find provisions in the city after we captured it.
GODFREY
The emperor has sworn his oath. He will send provisions.
BOHEMOND
We should split the army.
The other leaders listen as he continues.
BOHEMOND (Cont’d)
Even if we receive the supplies promised by the emperor, a single force this size will wipe out the
(MORE)
BOHEMOND (Cont’d)
landscape we are traversing. It is my recommendation that we split our forces, trailing one behind the other by at least a day. My army will act as vanguard and leave at once.
RAYMOND
This plan is reasonable however neither army will make it across Anatolia without the provisions we expected to capture here.
They hear the sound of approaching carts from outside the tent.
EXT. BARON’S TENT OUTSIDE NICEA - CONTINUOUS
The CHRISTIAN NOBLES exit the tent to find a CARAVAN of HORSE DRAWN CARTS being led by TACITUS. The carts are filled with food, silks, skins of wine and water, and coffers of money.
TACITUS
As per his oath, the emperor has sent provisions and wealth to your armies under the condition that your forces do not enter the city. Nicea belongs to Byzantium. We will allow 5 or 6 Christians at a time to visit the churches inside and as agreed, the empire will provide food and supplies as you cross the arid lands of Anatolia.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE NICEA - DUSK
A short time later MELIEE returns to the camp of the Clermont laypeople where MEDERIC, ODDO, BERNARD, and ARTALD are resting. She carries with her some silk fabric loaded with food and skins. She removes pieces of FRUIT and hands one to each of the men.
MEDERIC
Where did you get this?
MELIEE
The Christian army is not allowed inside the city for fear we will plunder it but the emperor has sent provisions, fabrics, food, wine. They have given some out.
ARTALD
Wine?
Meliee tosses a WINE SKIN to Artald who happily indulges then passes the skin around the group.
MEDERIC
Any news about the army?
MELIEE
Yes, they are splitting the armies for the next leg of the march to conserve our supplies. Bohemond’s army will ride ahead. Godfrey’s and ours will follow sometime later.
ODDO
Why would they split us? What if we are attacked? Surely we will continue to be attacked by those horse archers.
ARTALD
It sounds like Bohemond’s army will be attacked if they plan to go first.
BERNARD
And what about us? We will be in the rear? Away from the fighting?
ARTALD
And away from the danger.
BERNARD
I did not come here to hide from danger. I came to face it, to
(MORE)
BERNARD (Cont’d)
fight, and become a knight should God will it. We must march with the vanguard.
(to Oddo)
Brother, we must.
ODDO
I do not intend to change armies.
BERNARD
And I do not intend to march as a simple pilgrim protected on all sides by knights. We are warriors in Christ’s army. Why should we not be at the front? Shall we trade righteous glory for safety?
Oddo takes a swig of wine and digests Bernard’s argument then concedes.
ODDO
Ok, brother. We will march with the first army.
BERNARD
God wills it, brother.
The wine skin goes around the group once again until it reaches Artald, who takes another swig.
ARTALD
Aye, God wills it. I too will go with you and the advancing army.
Meliee looks to Mederic. She can already tell that it is in his mind to join them but it is only her safety that holds him back.
MELIEE
We too will march with you.
The men are surprised by her statement but Mederic nods confirming what she has said.
MELIEE
Most of the food carts are traveling with the advance force so though it is more perilous, it is still a good decision.
MEDERIC
Are you sure?
MELIEE
It will be no different with the other army for me. They too have with them monks, pilgrims, women, children.
EXT. ANATOLIA OUTSIDE RUINS OF DORYLAEUM - DAY
Days later, BOHEMOND’S ARMY marches through red rolling hills under a blazing summer sun. Through a large field, flanked by a MARSH, the army moves towards the ruins of a small city among grey willows and green oaks.
BOHEMOND and TANCRED observe as the huge caravan line passes with KNIGHTS, MEN AT ARMS, black robed MONKS, sturdy PILGRIMS, and WOMEN clustered together around pack MULES. OX CARTS crawl by with loads of grain and fruit. After that miles of SPEAR TIPS bounce among iron covered heads. Bohemond and Tancred scan the surrounding area. There is a feeling of uneasiness among the men.
BOHEMOND
Do you feel it nephew?
TANCRED
Yes uncle. An attack is imminent. It is as if they are already here yet invisible.
The caravan keeps moving as their destination, the RUINS of the city of DORYLAEUM, becomes visible. Visible too is a fast riding knight, PAIN, headed toward Bohemond and Tancred.
PAIN
Prince Bohemond, our scouts have reported a camp of Turkish soldiers 3 miles from here. They number ten thousand. Mostly mounted men, archers. They mean to ambush our caravan.
As he speaks a barrage of ARROWS comes raining down on them. At least a half dozen of the arrows sink into the FOOT SOLDIERS in front of them. Some arrows deflect harmlessly off the armor of the men but a few hit their mark indicated by the groans of some men.
Bohemond and Tancred see the source of the assault as a small band of TURKISH HORSE ARCHERS in bright tunics with white turbans. The archers ride away only to be replaced by another group of TURKISH ARCHERS appearing and peppering the Christians with more arrows before riding away.
BOHEMOND
Shields! We are under attack!
Christian soldiers start to drop as the arrows sink into them.
EXT. ANATOLIA OUTSIDE DORYLAEUM - CONTINUOUS
Further back in the caravan, the FOOT SOLDIERS and LAY PEOPLE suffer the same style assault from more TURKISH ARCHERS. The lighter armored Foot soldiers and lay people begin to drop quickly under the arrows. Many begin to panic.
MELIEE, MEDERIC, ODDO, BERNARD, and ARTALD stop their march as they witness a group of TURKISH ARCHERS attacking the CHRISTIANS directly in front of them.
MEDERIC
Get the shields!
Artald loosens the tear drop shaped SHIELDS from the HORSE and hands them to Mederic, Oddo, and Bernard. Mederic pushes Meliee between the horse and himself.
MEDERIC
Stay next to the horse and behind our shields.
Artald too, pulls a shield from and begins to protect Meliee and the horse.
More LAYMEN fall to the ground around them as the arrow fire continues.
ODDO
Shield up brother. Here is the danger you desired.
BERNARD
These devils do not fight. They throw arrows and flee.
EXT. ANATOLIA OUTSIDE DORYLAEUM - CONTINUOUS
BOHEMOND and TANCRED now command their KNIGHTS in formation as more TURKISH ARCHERS continue to bombard them.
A group of the TURKS fires their arrows then flees while a few KNIGHTS respond by pursuing them with swords drawn. The three knights are quickly picked off by another GROUP OF ARCHERS.
A TURK with a FLAMING OIL SKIN throws it at one of the wooden carts of grain which immediately catches FIRE.
BOHEMOND
Tancred, order the men to quickly set up camp by the marsh. Get our supplies away from the enemy.
TANCRED rides off to relay the message as BOHEMOND calls out to the mounted knights.
BOHEMOND
Knights, form up on me!
Dozens of KNIGHTS on HORSES respond to his call as they quickly form into a unit. Another set of TURKISH ARCHERS appears and fires upon them.
BOHEMOND
The battle is at hand on every side! Go forward!
At his command, the mounted knights charge after the fleeing group of Turkish archers. The archers turn in their saddles and fire arrows back at the pursuing knights. The group of lighter and fast Turks make sharp turns and disperse causing some of the knights to break formation in order to chase after them. The pursuing knights are scattered as another group of Turks flanks them. The Turks keep distance from the lances and swords of the christians while continuing to shoot at the Christians with arrows. Knights and their horses fall dead around Bohemond.
Bohemond hears SCREAMS from the Christian camp as he observes that a TURKISH SOLDIERS have penetrated into the camp from the marsh behind it.
BOHEMOND
Knights back to me!
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP AT DORYLAEUM - CONTINUOUS
The KNIGHTS follow BOHEMOND to the camp where more TURKISH ARCHERS continue to decimate the unarmored LAYPEOPLE, MONKS, WOMEN, and HORSES.
They witness some Turks dismount and go inside the Christian’s tents to pilfer their supplies.
TANCRED rides to Bohemond.
TANCRED
Uncle, they are destroying our army piece by piece.
Bohemond scans the scene, witnessing more Turkish Archers continuing to mow down the Christians. The Turks now seem focused on the unarmored people and supply carts. He controls the tense horse underneath him, developing a plan.
BOHEMOND
I want a wall on the outside of the camp. Empty the carts and have them brought up as a
(MORE)
BOHEMOND (Cont’d)
barricade. I want every man, every knight, on foot, with a shield protecting the people, supplies, and horses in the camp until the other armies can reach us.
Tancred rides through the camp relaying Bohemond’s orders.
The Knights dismount from their horses and position themselves on the outside of the camp with their shields up.
Christian foot soldiers roll empty carts into place forming a wall around the camp.
Fresh TURKISH ARCHERS continue to ride in and shoot but the new formation of the Christians hinders them as now their arrows bounce off and stick into the armor and shields of the men doing them no harm. Their arrows can no longer reach the unarmored people at the center of the camp.
A TURKISH ARCHER that drifts too close to the Christian formation is ripped from his horse or stabbed with a spear.
Bohemond’s tactic flows back through the camp as more armored KNIGHTS dismount and surround the camp. They endure wave after wave of Turkish arrow assaults.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE DORYLAEUM - CONTINUOUS
MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD have joined the SHIELD WALL around the camp where they continue protecting themselves from the arrows. Numerous arrows protrude from their shields.
Bernard is surprised as he is joined at his side by the fully armored knight, PAIN, who is on foot. Other KNIGHTS join them until they are completely enveloped by the armored men. Bernard sees himself amongst peers as together they fend off another barrage of arrows. Though soon Bernard begins to assess his shortcomings in armor and weaponry compared to the knights.
Bohemond rides behind the line rousing the tired but adrenalized men.
BOHEMOND
Christians, we must hold! Relief is on the way.
A group of armored TURKISH CAVALRY appears before them. With a strong charge, the Turks attempt to penetrate the shield wall. The Turkish Cavalry is repelled by the furious fighting of the Christians. The few Turks that make it through the line are ripped from their mounts.
A Mounted TURK attempts to cut through with his sword but Bernard lunges forward with his spear striking him in the chest. The Turk falls from his saddle and his HORSE stops running. As the Turk’s body and SWORD are dragged on the ground slowly by the confused HORSE, the curved blade glimmers in the eyes of Bernard. The horse continues to tarry, tempting Bernard further. Bernard can no longer resist as he pushes through the line of Knights and out into the open field.
ODDO
Brother! Stop!
Bernard cannot stop. He finds himself alone outside the shield wall and recklessly makes his way toward the horse and dead turk. Another group of TURKISH ARCHERS suddenly appears and bears down on him. Bernard sees this as he attempts to wrest the curved sword away from the dead man. An arrow nearly misses Bernard as he feverishly works to retrieve the sword.
ODDO
Bernard!
PAIN
Let that fool go. He is lost.
Oddo, Mederic, and the others can only watch as Bernard finally frees the sword from the dead man and stands up. The group of TURKISH ARCHERS rides around him narrowly missing him with their shots. Bernard runs back to the shield wall, dodging the arrow of a mounted archer only to be struck full force by the HORSE of another. Bernard is knocked to the ground and stops moving.
ODDO
Bernard!
PAIN
Leave him. He is dead. Do you want to die too?
Oddo ignores the Pain and breaks out of their formation. He puts his shield up and carefully makes his way to his brother. Mederic follows Oddo to the outside and towards the downed Bernard. Mederic points to a large group of TURKS approaching.
As they reach the unconscious Bernard, Oddo takes a knee while Mederic holds his shield up. Bernard groans.
ODDO
He lives. Get him up.
Mederic continues to hold his shield up as an arrow sinks into it. Oddo puts the limp Bernard over his shoulder. The large group of Turks bears down on them as Oddo and Mederic hustle back to the line carrying Bernard. Bernard still clutches the Turk’s curved sword.
The line of Christian soldiers part for the men who quickly get behind it just as a thunderous stampede of KNIGHTS smashes into the TURKS sending dead bodies flying and live ones fleeing. Cheers arise from the shield wall as they see it is GODFREY and his KNIGHTS that have performed the charge and now chase and cut down the fleeing archers. GODFREY then turns to charge another group of ARCHERS riding in.
TANCRED
It is Duke Godfrey. We are relieved!
BOHEMOND
Perhaps.
Godfrey’s small force of knights is quickly occupied with a force of Turks, as another group of TURKISH ARCHERS appears and assaults the Christian line.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE DORYLAEUM - CONTINUOUS
Now safe and well behind the cart and shield wall, ODDO, MEDERIC and ARTALD set BERNARD face down upon the back of Artald’s HORSE.
The battle continues as all around them, WOUNDED and DEAD MEN are being brought into the camp. PRIESTS in white vestments deliver the final sacrament to some. Weeping, praying and singing can be heard.
MELIEE hands the men skins of water to drink and pours some on the unconscious Bernard.
MELIEE
Is he alive?
ODDO
By God’s grace alone. He is a fool.
Oddo pats his unconscious brother as he and Mederic walk back towards the shield wall where the Turkish archers continue their assault while the armored men hold the camp.
A TURKISH INFANTRY with many clad in maille with steel pointed helmets now presses in on the Christian defense penetrating into the Christian camp and near to Meliee, Artald, the old horse, and the unconscious Bernard.
Oddo and Mederic work together with the other foot soldiers and dismounted knights fighting in close combat against the Turkish infantry as more archers close in and rain arrows down upon the camp.
Meliee screams as she cowers behind Artald and his shield.
A TURKISH SOLDIER advances toward them with a sword.
Meliee’s scream gets the attention of Mederic and Oddo who now fight through the melee to get back to them.
The blade of the Turk comes down on Artald’s shield rocking him and Meliee back into the horse.
Meliee’s screams and the movement of the horse wake Bernard. Bernard regains his senses and slides down from the horse.
As the Turk cuts down again again at Artald-- BERNARD appears and blocks his blow with his CURVED SWORD. Bernard pushes the Turk’s blade up, kicks him in the gut then cuts the Turk at the neck. Bernard turns to the battle where Mederic and Oddo continue to struggle in the melee.
Oddo is being overwhelmed by a Turkish infantry soldier. He takes strike after strike on his shield. From beside Oddo, Bernard’s curved sword slashes across the neck and shoulder of the armored Turk cutting him down. Bernard stands beside Oddo until he sees Pain, struggling with two TURKISH INFANTRY. Bernard kicks one in the hip then cuts through him allowing Pain to strike and kill the other.
BERNARD
Wooo! God wills it.
As he shouts another massive FORCE appears on the horizon approaching fast. The weary Christians soldiers groan as they prepare for another element of assault.
BOHEMOND
Soldiers of Christ, you have earned that title today and whatever comes forth you shall bear and defeat as you have thus far!
As the force nears they discern that it is the other part of the CHRISTIAN ARMY led by RAYMOND and ADHEMAR.
MELIEE
It is the army of Count Raymond and Bishop Adhemar!
ARTALD
God is with us.
The weary foot soldiers cheer as the mounted KNIGHTS ride hard into the battle, smashing and cutting the armored TURKISH INFANTRY and the unarmored TURKISH ARCHERS with swords, maces, and spears. The Turkish soldiers begin a disorganized retreat, fleeing into the wilderness only to be chased and cut down by the Christian knights. Even the weary Christian foot soldiers join in the chase including this time both Bernard and Oddo.
EXT. TURKISH CAMP OUTSIDE DORYLAEUM - CONTINUOUS
The CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS continue to push the TURKISH SOLDIERS all the way back to their camp. The Turks continue to flee and abandon their camp and all their belongings.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE DORYLAEUM - NIGHT
As night falls, ODDO and BERNARD return among other SOLDIERS leading ANIMALS and carrying PLUNDER taken from the Turkish camp while ARTALD and MEDERIC are also returning from burying the Christian dead. They arrive at the fires of the victorious but somber Christian camp where MELIEE is tending to a steaming pot.
Bernard now wears the ARMOR of a Turk; a maille shirt and a steel helm. The curved SWORD hangs from his belt. He carries a fabric sack over his shoulder.
BERNARD
How do I look?
ARTALD
Like one of those devils.
A PRIEST in white appears and stands before them holding up a cross.
PRIEST
Lord Jesus, we do pray for the souls of the Christians killed here today that they may join you in the everlasting peace of heaven.
All stand and bow their heads until the Priest moves on to the neighboring group repeating the same words.
Bernard opens the fabric sack revealing plunder from the Turkish camp; gold cups, food, garments, and coins. Oddo carries two MAILLE SHIRTS one over each shoulder, then plops one down onto his arm and hands it to Mederic.
ODDO
It is used.
Mederic accepts the armor and nods with gratitude. Meliee takes the heavy armor shirt from him.
MELIEE
I will clean it.
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN ANATOLIA - DAY
Once again the CHRISTIAN ARMY and CARAVAN are on the move. The landscape is scorched by the summer sun and fires started by the Turks in order to decimate the land on the path of the army. BERNARD, ODDO, and ARTALD now wear turbans. MEDERIC still wears his carpenters hood. The men sweat while wearing their newly acquired MAILLE SHIRTS. MELIEE covers herself in white muslin.
ODDO
How is your new armor brother?
BERNARD
Heavy. And hot.
(To Artald)
Can the horse carry it?
ARTALD
Nay. He’s weary already with the load he’s been taking.
MELIEE
How is yours, husband?
MEDERIC
Not too heavy. But aye, it is hot.
Meliee wraps her white fabric around his armored body.
MELIEE
Perhaps if the sun weren’t beating down on it so. Well you’ll all be glad you’ve got it on when the Turks attack again.
ARTALD
If they attack. It seems they’ve changed tactics.
Artald points to a small TOWN that appears to be SMOKING.
BERNARD
The devils! They’ve burnt it like the last one.
ODDO
And surely poisoned any water in the area.
BERNARD
They know we are righteous and that is why they will not meet us in open battle. Instead they cause us to wither under this heat like beasts.
ODDO
There is more to war than swords, brother.
BERNARD
And now I can see. How long must we travel through these barren lands?
ARTALD
Do you long for the honey and wine of Europe?
Bernard does not respond.
MELIEE
It will be some time before we reach Antioch.
ARTALD
Aye, and it will be a hard march.
BERNARD
I have heard of Antioch.
ARTALD
It is the stronghold of Syria and the gateway to the Holy Land. It is the last obstacle in our path to Jerusalem. But to reach it, we will need to cross through lands more barren than these and over treacherous mountain paths.
BERNARD
At least we shall take the city swiftly with the full force of our armies.
ARTALD
It would be a miracle to take with any army for it is well fortified with impregnable walls and hundreds of towers. If there is a garrison at all, the city can be held for months but it’s likely they will know that we are coming and will have thousands of soldiers inside.
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN ANATOLIA - DAY
Behind them in the Caravan, RAYMOND and ADHEMAR notice the same burning town.
ADHEMAR
Another town burnt.
RAYMOND
It is my hope that these actions of the Turks will cause the local inhabitants to look upon our arrival with favor.
ADHEMAR
It is true, we may now find some support from the local Christians many who have already been suffering under the rule of the Turks.
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN ANATOLIA, DAY
Weeks later, the CHRISTIAN ARMY and CARAVAN continues on, dragging through the barren lands of Anatolia. To ease their hunger, some CHRISTIANS eat RAW GRAIN they find growing and chew LEATHER from their belts. KNIGHTS cut and drink the BLOOD of their HORSES and pack ANIMALS.
Due to heat and thirst, animals; HORSES, MULES, OXEN, and even DOGS, begin to drop on the road, unable to carry on. KNIGHTS who have lost their horses are seen riding on the back of OXEN while others walk on foot bearing the full weight of their armor, arms and packs. Within the caravan, some carry the DEAD BODIES wrapped in robes so as to bury them at night when the army stops to camp.
MEDERIC, ODDO, BERNARD, MELIEE, and ARTALD carry their own shields and packs as Artald’s HORSE is noticeably weakening and can no longer carry the load. Artald cups water into the horse’s mouth and urges him on. The horse and group hesitate as now before them stands a massive range of BLACK MOUNTAINS. The path of the caravan leads straight towards it.
BERNARD
We must traverse that?
ARTALD
Aye, it is the barrier before Syria. But I’m afraid our friend will not be able to traverse it with us.
The group turns to look at Artald, unsure of what he means. The horse’s legs begin to buckle as he lets out an exhausted grunt. Artald pulls the horse out of the caravan line. The others follow as the horse collapses on his side.
ARTALD
Easy boy. Good horse.
They all look on with tears in their eyes as the horse strains his head up to Artald who cups water from a skin into his hand and into the horse’s mouth. Meliee bends down and pets the horse’s head. She nods to Mederic who does the same and stands up. Oddo follows but Bernard resists though he is nearly crying.
BERNARD
He is just a horse.
ARTALD
(to the horse)
Aye, a good horse.
MELIEE
He has carried our supplies for thousands of miles. He has endured with us hardships of hunger, thirst, and violence. He is a member of Christ’s army.
Bernard’s mind changes from Meliee’s words and he too kneels by the horse and pets him. The horse looks to Artald as he lays his head down.
ARTALD
Aye, a good horse.
EXT. MOUNTAIN RANGE - DAY
Sometime later, MEDERIC, MELIEE, ODDO, BERNARD, and ARTALD continue on marching with the CARAVAN. As they approach the treacherous mountain path they had been expecting, they come upon some KNIGHTS on foot selling their heavy armor and equipment. One KNIGHT laments as he leaves his armor, unsold, on the ground and begins the mountainous trek. Oddo holds Bernard back from picking it up.
ODDO
We are heavy enough brother. Maybe too heavy already.
EXT. MOUNTAIN PATH - DAY
The CHRISTIAN CARAVAN inches along the mountain path. A group of FOOT SOLDIERS lift a MULE up over a jagged rock on the path. As they continue, the Christians clutch the rocks on a thin road alongside a cliff. They carry nearly nothing now but packs, weapons, and shields strapped to them.
Men shout as the MULE falls from the road into the unseen terrain hundreds of feet below.
MELIEE winces as they also witness a SOLDIER fall from the heights.
BERNARD shuffles along a precipice between ODDO and MEDERIC.
Suddenly Bernard slips, only saving himself by grabbing the ledge with one hand. His turkish HELM falls down into abyss. His curved SWORD slips out from his belt. He grabs it.
MELIEE
Bernard!
Oddo turns quickly and grabsBernard’s arm. He tries to pull him up but cannot.
ODDO
You’re too heavy. I’ll fall.
Mederic leans down to assist but cannot grab Bernard’s other arm since Bernard is still holding on to his sword.
ODDO
Bernard let that thing go!
BERNARD
Take it.
Bernard swings it up towards them, nearly cutting Mederic who dodges the blade.
ODDO
Bernard no! Will you die over some turk’s sword? Throw it away!
MEDERIC
There is more to war than swords, Bernard.
Mederic’s calm words sink in. Bernard tosses the sword down into the rocky abyss below then throws his arm up to Mederic. With help from both men, Bernard climbs back up onto the ledge.
EXT. MOUNTAIN CAMP - NIGHT
Later that night, the CHRISTIANS shiver in their camp on the empty mountain ledges. They are beaten by wind and without wood, they burn no fires. In the darkness, light voices are heard singing. The Christians curl up to one another comforted by the singing.
EXT. SYRIAN VALLEY - DAY
Days later, the hopeful SINGING is still heard the CHRISTIAN ARMY begins emerging from the mountain path into the foothills. The Christians behold groves of dark olive trees, sesame plantations, wide streams of clean and cold water, and a small unravaged town of dwellings. Some of the weary Christians fall to their knees.
LOCAL CHRISTIANS, both men and women wearing crosses around their necks come out from the town to greet them with wine, food, and water.
BOHEMOND and his KNIGHTS carefully lead the few precious HORSES and MULES that remain with the caravan.
EXT. LANDS OUTSIDE ANTIOCH - DAY
The CHRISTIAN ARMY carries on through the orchards of Syria nearing the walled CITY of ANTIOCH situated behind a RIVER.
TITLE CARD: “Antioch. October, 1097.”
EXT. WALLS OUTSIDE ANTIOCH - DAY
The gates of the ancient walled city of Antioch open as dozens of bewildered CITIZENS are ushered outside the walls by armored TURKISH SOLDIERS. Many of the citizens wear CROSSES around their neck signifying that they are Christians. The Christian men are carrying shovels or picks. An Armenian Christian man, HAKOB, who is 40, and his daughter, ELENA, who is 18, both with fair skin and dark hair, are among them.
As they are pushed out, Hakob sees a tower guard he knows, FIRUZ, and Armenian man dressed in Turkish armor, among other SOLDIERS on top of the wall.
HAKOB
(Yelling up to him)
Firuz, what is the meaning of this?
FIRUZ
You shall see.
Atop the walls is also the Governor YAGHI-SIYAN, a bearded Turk addresses them.
YAGHI-SIYAN
A large force of Christians approaches the city with intent to do us harm. It is my orders that you dig a ditch around the walls of the city to hinder their advances.
The Christians of Antioch begin digging. Hakob and Elena dig together.
ELENA
Why have you brought me out here to dig with the men, father?
HAKOB
It is my fear that it is no longer safe for us in the city. I have heard of this Christian army. They are mighty men from the West who come to relieve us from the rule of the Turks.
ELENA
And the governor fears we will aid them from within the walls?
HAKOB
Yes.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - DUSK
The CHRISTIANS OF ANTIOCH toil throughout the day until darkness begins to fall. As the MOAT is completed many of the Christians turn back to enter the city gate and go home.
However, as the last of the TURKISH SOLDIERS guarding them enter into the city before them, the GATE is closed leaving them outside.
HAKOB and ELENA watch as, from atop the wall, YAGHI-SIYAN addresses them again.
YAGHI-SIYAN
You can leave me the city until I see how things will be with us and the Christians.
Angry shouts arise from the Antioch Christians who begin pounding at the gate. Hakob notices FIRUZ atop the wall again.
HAKOB
Firuz, first you convert to the religion of the pagans for rank of tower guard and now you betray us? Firuz!
Yaghi-Siyan motions with his hands toward a SOLDIER who fires an ARROW at the feet of Hakob. Witnessing this, the crowd of Christians disperses from the gate.
EXT. RIVER OUTSIDE ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
HAKOB and ELENA take refuge under a tree next to the river.
ELENA
What are we to do now?
HAKOB
Tonight, we shall sleep outside under this tree.
ELENA
And tomorrow?
HAKOB
We shall cross the river and seek out the Christian army. They are our only hope.
ELENA
How will we cross the river? We have dug a moat in front of the bridge and we cannot swim across the river.
HAKOB
We will find a boat. There are many along the river.
The father and daughter fall asleep.
EXT. RIVER OUTSIDE ANTIOCH - DAWN
As the sun rises the next day, HAKOB tows a BOAT along the river, stopping at the tree where ELENA is just waking up.
They board the vessel and quietly paddle across the river.
Once across, they witness as the first of the CHRISTIAN ARMY begins to descend into the valley.
Hakob and Elena get close to the caravan, making sure to show their cross necklaces to the passing monks and laypeople. They see MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD who’s maille shirts shine in the sunlight, walking with MELIEE and ARTALD. Hakob and Elena approach them.
HAKOB
God be with you my Christian brethren.
ELENA
Are you knights?
Bernard quietly beams from the compliment.
HAKOB
Of course. They are knights of Christ.
ELENA
Where are your horses?
ARTALD
Many horses were lost on the way. Many of our knights now walk on foot.
ODDO
But we are not knights. We are merely soldiers in Christ’s army.
ELENA
Still, you come as saviours for the Christians of Antioch for we have been expelled from the city after news of your arrival. We were forced to dig a moat outside the wall as additional defenses.
HAKOB
It is true. We have crossed the river but many other Christians are stranded outside the walls. Where is your leader?
As he asks, BOHEMOND and TANCRED, once again mounted on HORSES, ride by with a few KNIGHTS.
ODDO
There. Prince Bohemond is our commander.
Oddo points toward Bohemond as he rides by. Hakob calls out to him.
HAKOB
Prince Bohemond! We are Christians from inside the walls of Antioch.
Bohemond spins his horse in the direction of the call and approaches Hakob.
BOHEMOND
You come from inside the city?
HAKOB
Yes, lord. We have been expelled by the Turkish governor for fear that we would assist your army.
BOHEMOND
And will you?
HAKOB
As much as we can, lord.
Bohemond nods for Hakob to follow him and the Knights. MELIEE nods to Hakob indicating that Elena is safe in their care. Hakob runs along to catch up with Bohemond and the knights.
EXT. OUTSIDE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
Moments later, HAKOB stands beside BOHEMOND overlooking the valley, river, and walled CITY. The city looks like a garden behind massive stone walls connected by hundreds of towers and a mountain behind it.
HAKOB
My lord, it is impregnable. No army on earth can encircle it. The garrison inside numbers five thousand. The river is too deep and fast to ford or to damn up with an earthen bridge. As you see we were forced to dig a moat.
BOHEMOND
(to Tancred)
Order camps to be set up within the first milestone.
TANCRED
Uncle, we shall be attacked daily.
BOHEMOND
And we too shall attack as often. We cannot risk our men being picked off as they walk from camp miles away each day nor can we allow those besieged the space to
(MORE)
BOHEMOND (CONT’D)
bring in provisions. As for encircling the walls, we will blockade the three main gates leaving those in the mountain.
(to Hakob)
Now, Christian of Antioch, how did you cross the river?
HAKOB
A boat. There are many boats along the river.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP AT ANTIOCH - DAY
A day later, the Christian camp sprawls across the valley opposite the river from the city. It nearly encircles the wall as all of the armies, that of Godfrey, Raymond, and Bohemond are stationed in sections outside each gate.
EXT. RIVER OUTSIDE ANTIOCH, DAY
It is RAINING and COLD while BOHEMOND and his FOOT SOLDIERS collect all the BOATS they can in the river and bring them to one area where they lash them together.
MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD work in their armor laying fresh cut planks of wood across the boats with the other. With the floating bridge complete, the men then begin to carry more wood and planks across. Mederic COUGHS.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE ANTIOCH, DAY
Two months later, the Christians are still camped outside the walls of ANTIOCH and it is still RAINING. Wind whips at the tents and faces of the Christians.
TITLE CARD: "Two Months Later"
MELIEE looks out from her patched tent with ELENA. ARTALD joins them.
ARTALD
How is he?
A COUGH comes from inside the tent behind Meliee.
MELIEE
He is not well. And the brothers?
COUGHS come from another tent.
ARTALD
Aye, not well. Who would be well after so much fighting with no nourishment? There is no rest in this rain soaked camp.
MELIEE
By God’s grace they shall heal. And we shall see Jerusalem. And France once again.
ARTALD
Aye lady. If God wills it.
MELIEE
The leaders are sending out a foraging party. Bohemond’s men.
ARTALD
Into the country? This time of year, they’ll find little out there but Turkish soldiers. And you can’t eat them.
ELENA
My father has gone out quietly to the nearby towns to see about some food.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - DAY
From atop the walls, YAGHI-SIYAN watches with FIRUZ as below them BOHEMOND with his ARMY of KNIGHTS as they depart from their camp.
YAGHI-SIYAN
They depart?
FIRUZ
They leave to forage. They have nothing in their camp. The remaining leaders are sick.
YAGHI-SIYAN
Then we shall sally out with the full weight of our garrison immediately. We will destroy them and end this siege of vagabonds.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE ANTIOCH - DAWN
The next morning, the CHRISTIANS shuffle about their camp in their muddy woolen cloaks, still suffering in the drizzling and cold weather.
MELIEE stands with ARTALD and ELENA outside their weather beaten tents. From inside the tents, the COUGHS of the other men are still heard.
INT. MEDERIC AND MELIEE’S TENT, CONTINUOUS
MELIEE ducks into the simple ‘A’ frame tent where MEDERIC is resting lightly wrapped in wool on a pile of mostly wet fabric. The tent is dripping in a few places. Next to him is the couple’s few belongings; their packs, Mederics ARMOR, and his SWORD leaning against his SHIELD. Meliee picks up the sword.
MELIEE
You have come this far husband. Do you intend to die and leave me to fight these devils for Jerusalem?
Meliee unsheathes Mederic’s sword which gleams in contrast to the bleak weather and tattered tent. Mederic laughs then coughs.
MEDERIC
No, wife. We shall see Jerusalem together.
MELIEE
And France?
Meliee sheathes the sword and moves to lean it back up against the shield stopping first to brush rain off of the shield.
MEDERIC
Aye. And France.
MELIEE
Even if we have to fight our way back?
As she is looking at the SHIELD, an ARROW pierces through the fabric of the tent and sticks into it.
ELENA pokes her head into the tent.
ELENA
The garrison has come out from the city.
MELIEE
Husband, we are under attack.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
The TURKISH GARRISON rides on HORSES, charging quickly out from the city gate and across the stone bridge into the Christian camp. They fire arrows into the tents as they approach.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP AT ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
The assault continues as the TURKISH SOLDIERS ride through the Christian camp, striking down any unprepared CHRISTIANS as the SOLDIERS hasten to get out of their tents and try to put on their armor.
ODDO and BERNARD, both bedraggled and visibly sick, stumble out from their tents. ARTALD hands them their SHIELDS and SPEARS.
ARTALD
No time for sickness. The enemy is upon us.
Other CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS, all looking sick, begin assembling around them as the sound of battle can be heard coming from nearby.
INT. MEDERIC AND MELIEE’S TENT - CONTINUOUS
Inside their tent, MELIEE assists MEDERIC in putting on his maille shirt, which she has kept clean and free of rust.
MELIEE
Husband, you are too sick.
Mederic shakes her off as he straps his sword belt to his waist and steps outside.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
MEDERIC joins ODDO, BERNARD, and a growing contingent of FOOT SOLDIERS.
Without command, they begin to walk towards the sound of battle.
MELIEE and ELENA stand close to ARTALD as they watch them depart.
ELENA
Those men were near death moments ago and now they rise up for battle. Surely they are supernatural men.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
The main body of the TURKISH GARRISON strikes with a hard charge into the camp of Raymond. Many CHRISTIANS, some even without armor and on foot fight back against the Turks.
ADHEMAR, mounted with his MEN, charges into some of the TURKISH SOLDIERS then engages in heated close combat. Even ADHEMAR’S BANNERMAN is engaged in fighting beneath the image of the Virgin Mary on Adhemar’s banner.
RAYMOND, also visibly sick, finally emerges from his tent and mounts his HORSE as he witnesses Bishop Adhemar’s bannerman slain and Adhemar’s banner captured by the Turks.
The CONTINGENT containing MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD reaches the battle as GODFREY too, rides into the melee with his KNIGHTS. The Turkish garrison are overwhelmed by the weary, sick and stone-faced Christians as they work together, surrounding individual TURKISH SOLDIERS and slaying them while keeping their HORSES. RAYMOND too leads his KNIGHTS into the melee.
YAGHI-SIYAN, witnesses all this from atop the walls and orders a retreat.
After a HORN sounds, the remaining Turkish Soldiers flee back across the bridge. They are pursued by Raymond and his knights who nearly reach the gate before the Turks can get inside and close it.
In a show of mockery, Yaghi-Siyan’s men hang Bishop Adhemar’s standard from the wall upside down.
Raymond looks to Adhemar, who shakes his head at the bad omen.
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN SYRIA - DAY
Meanwhile on the foraging expedition, BOHEMOND and TANCRED watch as their SOLDIERS comb through a forest. As they near the edge of the forest, they witness a massive line of TURKISH CAVALRY, HORSE ARCHERS, and FOOTMEN marching on the road toward Antioch.
TANCRED
A relief force for Antioch?
BOHEMOND
Aye. Sent to destroy the Christian army.
TANCRED
What do you intend to do?
Bohemond draws his sword from its sheath.
BOHEMOND
Stop them here. Quietly assemble the men.
Tancred nods then gives a strange WHISTLE catching the attention of the KNIGHTS.
Moments later, Bohemond’s army, in formation, rides down at the moving caravan and blasts into the Turkish line from the side. The unprepared Turks frantically attempt to form up and engage but cannot as Bohemond, Tancred, and the other soldiers cut them down and rip them from their horses. In a panic, the largest part of the Turkish force retreats back upon the road they came, leaving only the dead and the few battling who are shortly cut down.
Bohemond and his men gather what they can from the dead Turks but finding little else, they return to camp with mostly empty hands.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE ANTIOCH - DAY
At the Christian camp at Antioch, the battered GODFREY and RAYMOND observe as BOHEMOND’S SOLDIERS come back into camp showing signs of battle. BOHEMOND greets them as he rides to meet them.
GODFREY
You encountered the enemy?
BOHEMOND
Yes, a large force of Turks marching here to relieve the city. We engaged in battle and killed many and the remaining were sent back upon the road fleeing in terror.
RAYMOND
And so we are relieved from some unknown threat. Did you find food?
BOHEMOND
Little, save what the Turks carried and their horses which many of my knights were in sore need of.
RAYMOND
Then the army is lost.
BOHEMOND
But we have just saved it.
RAYMOND
Do these wretched men look saved? The garrison rode out in surprise upon your departure. We lost many men beating them back.
A KNIGHT bearing Godfrey’s emblem approaches.
KNIGHT
My lord Godfrey.
GODFREY
Speak. Do you bring news of my brother Baldwin?
KNIGHT
Yes, lord. He reigns now over a principality in the North from the city of Edessa where he and a few mighty knights have just held out against a strong force of Turks.
RAYMOND
What good is this Edessa to us? It is the same as desertion.
KNIGHT
Lord, that force of Turks which they have repelled now marches here. They number thirty five thousand.
The men all swallow the news.
RAYMOND
Our armies will be smashed against the walls.
GODFREY
We must enter the city.
RAYMOND
And how can we enter it? We have attacked the walls. Our men are hungry. Many are sick or withered from the winter. We too suffer.
BOHEMOND
We shall enter the city. But let it be agreed upon that whichever leader can win the city, with or without the help of others, it shall be he who is given charge over it.
GODFREY
Do you not consider yourself bound by your oath to Byzantium?
BOHEMOND
They have withdrawn their troops and we suffer without aid in provisions. What we take from now shall be ours to hold. Do you agree?
The men consider it and reluctantly agree to Bohemond’s plan.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - DUSK
As the sun sets, BOHEMOND sneaks across the BRIDGE OF BOATS from the Christian camp toward the city walls. With him is TANCRED, a few KNIGHTS and also HAKOB at his side.
They approach a section of wall where the guarding Turk, FIRUZ, sees them and begins to panic. Hakob yells up to him in a whisper.
HAKOB
Firuz! Firuz! We mean you no harm. We have come to speak with you.
Firuz calms himself and shows interest in Hakob’s words.
HAKOB
Firuz, this is Prince Bohemond. He is the leader of the Christian army.
BOHEMOND
Firuz. If you will aid us in entering the city, I will make you a wealthy lord.
HAKOB
Has your governor offered you this, Firuz? Has he offered you anything besides the watch upon the wall?
There is silence as it seems like Firuz is dismissing them, until he finally speaks.
FIRUZ
I will be a wealthy lord?
BOHEMOND
Yes. I will make you a lieutenant if you so desire it.
FIRUZ
I desire to command a garrison. And wealth.
BOHEMOND
You shall have it, if you carry out a plan to open your gate to us in three nights.
FIRUZ
Yes, I will open it.
Bohemond speaks Tancred quietly.
BOHEMOND
The other leaders cannot know of this arrangement but we must convince them to strike at all the gates at once.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - NIGHT
Three nights later, a contingent of KNIGHTS and FOOT SOLDIERS follow BOHEMOND, TANCRED, and HAKOB quietly across the BRIDGE OF BOATS towards the walls of the city. MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD, still weary from sickness, are among the foot soldiers ready to enter the gate. The sounds of battle can be heard from a distance as the other Christian armies attack the other gates.
BERNARD
Why are we not attacking? The others are attacking their gates. Can you not hear?
ODDO
Hold brother.
MEDERIC
I think we have seen this trick before from the Byzantine fleet at Nicea.
BERNARD
It is now known that the lake gate was simply opened to them. Are you saying we shall take this one without a fight?
FIRUZ, from upon the wall, observes the assembled men below with some concern. HAKOB whistles to him. Firuz sees Hakob below standing with Bohemond and the small contingent of knights.
HAKOB
Firuz, open the gates.
FIRUZ
No. Not now. You number too few. You cannot take the city with this number. I’ll be caught and punished. Go away!
HAKOB
Firuz!
Hakob’s cries are of no use as Firuz retreats into the tower.
Bohemond calls back to the footsoldiers.
BOHEMOND
Bring up the ladder.
Two of Bohemond’s KNIGHTS come from the rear with a LADDER made from wood and rope. The knights pass Bernard, Oddo, and Mederic as they reach the wall and push the ladder up against it.
MEDERIC
What happened to opening the gates?
Other men begin to balk at the task of taking the city with just one ladder. Bohemond sees this and pushes through the men to the ladder and begins to climb it.
BOHEMOND
By God’s favor, Antioch will this night be yielded to us.
With Tancred and his knights behind him, Bohemond ascends the ladder.
EXT. ON TOP OF THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH
BOHEMOND steps from the ladder onto the wall of Antioch where he finds no enemy soldiers. He, TANCRED and the SOLDIERS lining up behind him make their way quietly to the tower where after entering it, they drag FIRUZ out.
BOHEMOND
Open the gates Firuz. We are attacking on all sides.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
The CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS continue to climb the LADDER as MEDERIC reaches within a few men of it and looks up. Mederic coughs. ODDO pats Mederic on the back.
ODDO
By God’s favor, Mederic, we shall enter the city tonight.
From above they hear the sound of CRACKING as the ladder breaks and the men on it come tumbling down, falling on the men beneath them. Mederic, Oddo, and BERNARD stand just outside the pile of groaning men and broken ladder pieces.
MEDERIC
But not by this ladder.
BERNARD
Look, the gate.
A low WHISTLE is heard before the huge wooden GATE begins to open in front of them.
Instinctively the men hold up their shields but see no garrison behind the open gate. Bohemond’s voice booms from atop the wall to the men below.
BOHEMOND
God wills it! The city is ours!
Bohemond’s red BANNER is raised on the tower.
Bohemond’s HORN blows as the men rush unopposed into the city.
EXT. STREETS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
Dawn lights the dark streets as the CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS cut through any TURKISH GARRISON that they can find.
The Christians open the remaining gates allowing GODFREY, RAYMOND, and the whole of the CHRISTIAN ARMY to flood into the city.
BOHEMOND and his SOLDIERS pursue the TURKISH GARRISON through the city, slaying many, and pushing them back to the CITADEL, which is situated on the mountain still inside the city walls.
EXT. ANTIOCH CITADEL, CONTINUOUS
As they reach the Citadel, the TURKISH GARRISON lock themselves and the remaining city food stores inside.
BOHEMOND and his SOLDIERS attempt to break down the door as arrows are fired down on them from the citadel windows.
EXT. STREETS OF ANTIOCH, CONTINUOUS
Meanwhile some CHRISTIAN MEN, notably those poor criminals in the army, maddened by hunger and adrenalized by battle, tear through the streets of the city, slaying every Turk they can find, even CITIZENS. Groups and individuals occupy the squares and ransacked apartment stoops.
Some TURKS attempt to hide on the roofs but are pursued then thrown from them.
YAGHI-SIYAN attempts to escape with a small group of TURKISH SOLDIERS and baggage train of CAMELS but they are quickly pounced upon by a group of CHRISTIANS who carefully slay the Turkish Soldiers while leaving the horses and camels alive.
INT. ANTIOCH MOSQUE - CONTINUOUS
Some CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS carefully enter the deserted mosques expecting to find temples to the anti-christ, but inside they find nothing but burnt out candles and koran stands. They leave those places and return to the streets where the pillaging and celebration continues.
EXT. STREETS OF ANTIOCH - DAY
Later that afternoon, MELIEE, ARTALD, ELENA, and HAKOB cautiously walk into the city gate and through the streets of Antioch. They are shocked as they observe and walk through the aftermath of the sacking. They step over DEAD BODIES as CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS emerge from street side dwellings with arms full of a rug or silks or chest. They walk by CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS singing the streets as they come upon MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD who are returning from the citadel.
Meliee runs to Mederic and assesses him for injuries which he has none. Elena is happy to see both brothers.
Meliee indicates the dead bodies that litter the streets.
MELIEE
Husband, have you done this?
MEDERIC
Nay wife. I have slain no man in this place.
ODDO
With Bohemond’s men, we pressed the garrison back to the citadel which they hold in safety. Neither have I killed a man here.
BERNARD
Nor I.
Nearby ADHEMAR and RAYMOND ride through the streets with their horses too, stepping over dead bodies. Adhemar covers his face at the smell and sight.
ADHEMAR
What demons hath done this destruction? Surely not the pious lot we have journeyed here with. The Lord will punish us.
RAYMOND
It is perhaps His previous punishments that drove the men to such madness.
ADHEMAR
It is also true that they knew not what was within these walls but truly thought them devils needing to be slain. But this revelry surrounding it does trouble me and I fear we shall suffer for it.
BOHEMOND, TANCRED, and a small group of KNIGHTS meet Adhemar and Raymond in the street.
BOHEMOND
Their garrison still holds the citadel.
RAYMOND
Then the city is not taken. What good is the city with the enemy inside it, Bohemond?
BOHEMOND
It is an impregnable city.
RAYMOND
In which we are threatened inside by a strong garrison and from without by a massive army of them. We shall be besieged and cut off from the sea in a city with no provisions beyond what these men now gorge up on. What are we going to do when this field is full of an enemy army?
The men look out onto the empty field.
EXT. ON TOP THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - DAY
Days later, on the walls, BOHEMOND, RAYMOND, and GODFREY observe the massive CAMP of TURKISH SOLDIERS which fully encircles the walls of the city. The Turkish camp is rich and colorful with ornate pavilion tents. The Christians nobles observe groups of TURKISH SOLDIERS patrolling the exterior of the walls.
RAYMOND
Well Bohemond of Antioch, what do we do now? Are we safe inside your impregnable city between this vast army and the garrison in the Citadel, without a morsel of food to eat in the city and no way to leave it?
BOHEMOND
How many horses do we have between us?
GODFREY
At last count; a thousand. Perhaps seven hundred are battle ready.
BOHEMOND
It is my suggestion that we call up our best knights that they should be mounted. And with all others on foot we shall leave the gates and attack their army.
RAYMOND
We will be destroyed.
GODFREY
If we remain behind these walls, we will be destroyed. The warmer months are coming. Their numbers will only increase. It may be our only chance.
RAYMOND
To meet them in open battle outside the walls? What hope have we of defeating an army that size? And with what will? Our armies are weakened by sickness and hunger. They will fight for Jerusalem. But not for this.
GODFREY
Without defeating the force before us, we will not see Jerusalem. Bohemond is right. We must ride out against them.
RAYMOND
With what to drive our men? They’ve threatened to tear down the walls if we do not proceed to Jerusalem. They flee with ropes over the walls at night.
As he speaks, a KNIGHT approaches with a middle aged monk, PETER BARTHOLOMEW. Bohemond beckons for them to come forward and speak.
KNIGHT
Lords. This man brings strange news.
BOHEMOND
Speak.
PETER
My lords, I have been witness to a prophecy. In a dream in which I felt more awake than now, I was visited by Saint Andrew who showed me to the Church of St. Peter here in Antioch. There he did lift up the floor of the church and show unto me the spear that pierced the side of our Lord as he hung upon the cross. It was instructed upon me that if we dig beneath the altar, we shall find this holy relic.
The Christian leaders stand stunned by the story, disseminating the truth of it in their minds.
INT. CHURCH OF SAINT PETER IN ANTIOCH - DAY
Days later the Christian leaders are gathered in the Church of St. Peter where they stand over a hole being excavated. Dirt flies out of the hole onto piles. RAYMOND stands with ADHEMAR, GODFREY, BOHEMOND, TANCRED, and PETER BARTHOLOMEW, as SIX OTHER MEN work inside the hole shoveling.
BOHEMOND
They will find nothing in this hole. They have been digging all day.
ADHEMAR
Of which group of rabble did this Peter character come from?
RAYMOND
Lords, it is not of us to judge those who come as God’s messengers.
BOHEMOND
Do you believe they will find this relic then?
Godfrey kneels down to the hole catching the attention of one of the shoveling men who shakes his head.
GODFREY
Thus far they have found nothing but dirt.
Peter Bartholomew suddenly has an outburst.
PETER
Lords, let me into the hole. Allow me to dig.
As the Christian leaders raise their eyebrows to one another, Peter jumps into the hole. Dirt comes flying out after him as he feverishly shovels. Suddenly there is quiet and all wait as Peter emerges from the hole. To their surprise he wields a rusty SPEAR HEAD.
PETER
It is the spear that the Saint foretold. It is the spear that hath pierced our Lord’s side.
Bohemond and Tancred look skeptically at one another. Adhmear whispers as Raymond bellows.
ADHEMAR
It cannot be.
RAYMOND
It is the spear of destiny! The lance of Longinus! Open the doors.
The door to the church is opened revealing a large group of CHRISTIANS waiting outside.
EXT. CHURCH OF ST. PETER IN ANTIOCH, CONTINUOUS
PETER steps out of the church and holds the SPEAR HEAD up high for the CROWD.
PETER
Behold good Christians, it is the lance that hath pierced Christ’s side! By miracle and prophetic dreams, we have found it buried here beneath this church.
Murmurs come from the crowd.
RAYMOND
It is true. It is the lance of Longinus. God has willed us to find it that we may have the strength to face those enemies outside these walls. Good Christians, God wills it!
The crowd grows in fervor with Raymond’s words. They push in to see the spear.
CROWD
God wills it!
INT. KERBOGA’S TENT, DAY
Across the river, the Sultan KERBOGA sits in splendid armor with his EMIRS in his decorated pavilion tent. A TURKISH SCOUT steps before Kerboga and places a RUSTY SWORD, BROKEN BOW, and worthless SPEAR HEAD on the ground.
SCOUT
We have seized upon a small squad of Christians descending from the walls on ropes and confiscated these weapons.
KERBOGA
These are the warlike and shining arms which the Christians have brought forth to do battle with us?
Kerboga laughs at the miserable display.
KERBOGA (Cont’d)
(Speaking to someone else)
And what message do you bring from the invaders?
Also standing in front of Kerboga is HAKOB with a few of BOHEMOND’S KNIGHTS.
HAKOB
Our leaders wish to know why you have rashly and most haughtily entered their land, the land of the Christians? We think and believe that you have come because you wish to become Christians.
Kerboga and his Emirs laugh at this.
HAKOB
Or have you come for the sake of harassing the Christians in every way? Our leaders then ask you to quickly leave the land of God and the Christians which was long ago, by the blessed Peter the apostle converted to the worship of Christ. You are free to take away your belongings and animals.
KERBOGA
Your God and your Christianity, we neither seek nor desire and we spurn them absolutely. We have come to marvel at why your princes and nobles call this land theirs when we have conquered it from an effeminate people. Go back and tell your leaders that if they wish to become Turks in every way then we will make them knights.
HAKOB
This they will not accept. The leaders then bid you to send out a number of your choosing 1, 20, or 50, of your men of great valor to do battle with their men of the same number.
KERBOGA looks once again at the broken weapons on the ground.
KERBOGA
No. I will not meet this demand. Let the whole of their army come out. And those who we do not slay, those inside the city, they will be led away in chains to serve us and our children in perpetual captivity.
Kergoba dismisses Hakob and the Christian knights.
EXT. ON TOP THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - DAY
Days later the CHRISTIAN ARMY is assembled in contingents behind the gates of Antioch. MELIEE, ELENA, ARTALD and HAKOB watch with other LAYPEOPLE from atop the wall as the TURKISH ARMY is also assembled across the river and waiting for the Christians.
EXT. STREETS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
Within the contingent of Bohemond’s FOOT SOLDIERS are MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD. Like most of the other men, they still look sick but they are fully armored. With their gaunt faces and tattered and dirty clothes, they resemble an army of the dead. Behind them are Bohemond’s KNIGHTS, most of whom are on HORSES but some ride on CAMELS and OXEN. Ahead of them, a new BANNER is held up before the army. It is white with the HOLY LANCE stitched to it.
ODDO
Do you believe in the lance, Mederic?
MEDERIC
I believe in the Lord. That is all I need to believe.
ODDO
Then you must believe the path to Jerusalem is just beyond this army?
MEDERIC
Jerusalem or death.
BERNARD
We will not die today, brothers. Like the man who found the spear, I too have been visited in my dreams but by our Lord. He has promised victory to us and to aid us in battle.
Mederic and Oddo show concern over Bernard’s statements, but before they can speak, a CAMEL nudges Bernard. Mounted on the camel is Bohemond’s knight, PAIN. Pain notices Bernard.
PAIN
Aye, you’re the fool from the ambush. Where is your Turk sword?
BERNARD
I lost it in the mountains.
PAIN
Aye. I lost my horse in the mountains. I have seen you since. You fight well. Aye, if I fall today fool, my sword is yours.
Before Bernard can speak, a HORN sounds and the gate begins to open. The organized forces of the massive TURKISH ARMY are visible. From the walls above the lay people make and hold signs of the cross, blessing the Christian army as they pass out of the gates.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
Across the river, KERBOGA and his EMIRS sit atop a slender arabian HORSES with the entire massive TURKISH ARMY behind them including MOUNTED ARCHERS, INFANTRY,and ARMORED CALVARY. They observe as the CHRISIAN ARMY begins to emerge from the city.
EMIR
Shall we attack?
KERBOGA
No. Let them all come out first. Then we can be sure to slay them all and leave no force of theirs to carry on defense of the city.
Another Christian HORN sounds, then another contingent of FOOT SOLDIERS and KNIGHTS emerges followed by another HORN and another CONTINGENT led by GODFREY, then RAYMOND’S ARMY, then ADHEMAR’S KNIGHTS. Finally BOHEMOND’s column of KNIGHTS and FOOT SOLDIERS emerge from the gate.
MEDERIC looks back as the gate closes behind them.
EXT. ON TOP THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
From the walls, MELIEE notices MEDERIC by his faded hood in the formation of FOOT SOLDIERS. She points them out to ELENA.
They continue to watch as the CHRISTIAN ARMY with tattered clothes and armor, mounted on various beasts, gaunt and sick, march into formation outside the walls.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
With the CHRISTIAN ARMY now fully assembled, the gate shuts.
KERBOGA begins to question his previous decision in speaking to one of his EMIRS.
KERBOGA
Perhaps we should agree to their terms and select 50 warriors to match theirs.
EMIR
It is too late. They will no longer agree to this.
KERBOGA
Then we must attack. Send the mounted archers.
Kerboga’s Emir nods to a TURKISH SOLDIER who gallops down the line of TURKISH ARCHERS.
Within moments a small force of Kerboga’s mounted archers gallops towards the Christian lines, firing arrows as they ride.
The first group of Christian FOOT SOLDIERS immediately forms a shield wall, accepting the arrows in their shields while CROSSBOWMEN repel the Turkish riders. Behind them the lines of Christians begin to advance in formation.
Kerboga observes the counter to his archers and the formidable size and cohesion of the Christian army and begins to show fear. He speaks to his Emir again.
KERBOGA
Tell our leaders, if they see a flame at the head of our army, sound the horn as we are in retreat. For now, move the main forces back and bring forth their advance. Send a large party so as to encircle them as they advance against us.
The Emir quickly rides off, relaying Kerboga’s orders to the Turkish forces.
Kerboga’s MAIN ARMY begins a slow retreat as another unit of HORSE ARCHERS and TURKISH INFANTRY is dispatched along the river.
As the Turkish army retreats into the mountains little by little so too does the Christian army advance against it little by little.
Kergoba’s plan begins to take deadly effect as the dispatched force of MOUNTED ARCHERS and CAVALRY begins harassing the Christians from the side, firing arrows and dropping foot soldiers and knights.
MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD, move slowly inside the formation of foot soldiers as frequent arrows zip by and stick into their shields. The men outside of them begin to fall to the arrow fire. They can see as the main body of the Turkish army continues their slow retreat.
ODDO
Are they retreating?
MEDERIC
They are surrounding us. We shall be slain.
An ARROW whizzes through the air and lands with a thud in the rear of Mederic’s shoulder. Oddo looks with wide eyes as the shaft sticks into the air. Mederic, still standing, takes a moment then moves his arm in a circle.
MEDERIC
It did not go through.
Oddo pulls the arrow out, observes that it is clean and chucks it away.
ODDO
Good armor. Good Gambeson.
BERNARD
Brothers, we shall not die today. Behold, it is the army of Christ himself.
Bernard points to a mysterious CONTINGENT OF WHITE RIDERS descending from the mountain. The riders wear white and carry a plain white standard. Even their HORSES are white. They smash into the flanking force of Turks slaying and dispersing them.
EXT. ON TOP THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
From atop the wall, the MELIEE, ELENA, ARTALD, and HAKOB observe the distant battle intently.
MELIEE
Who is this force riding down from the mountains?
ARTALD
Perhaps they are Armenians.
HAKOB
No, they are not Armenians.
ELENA
It is an army of angels. They are aiding them in battle.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
The leaders of the Christians, BOHEMOND, GODFREY, RAYMOND, and ADHEMAR also behold the WHITE RIDERS attacking the TURKS and collectively order a MASS CHARGE from their ARMIES.
As a force together, the entire Christian army begins a full charge with FOOT SOLDIERS running, KNIGHTS galloping on skinny HORSES, and some mounted on CAMELS and OXEN.
As the Christians ride toward them, the TURKISH ARMY begins fleeing.
A TURKISH RIDER sets FIRE to a line of brush hoping to slow the Christian charge. The smoke hides the mysterious white riders but the sound of clashing steel is heard.
BOHEMOND
We will fight through the fires of hell! God is with us!
GODFREY
God wills it!
RAYMOND
God wills it!
The call echoes through the Christian army as the soldiers push through the smoke and fire and begin to catch up with the fleeing Turks.
ADHEMAR finds himself at the head of his KNIGHTS inside the smokey, flaming landscape. The scenery is too hellish to dismiss and even more so as TURKISH HORSE ARCHERS sporadically appear riding through the smoke, firing arrows, then disappearing.
ADHEMAR
What is this hell?
Adhemar is suddenly struck by an ARROW in his upper shoulder. He nearly topples from his saddle but is held up by his new BANNERMAN.
With the arrow still in his shoulder and weakening, he continues to lead his men on as they reach the Turks. There his knights engage the Turkish cavalry with their swords and send many more fleeing
KERBOGA sees the fire and his soldiers fleeing.
KERBOGA
That fire is not my sign. No retreat. Advance. Attack!
Kerboga’s EMIR repeats his call.
The main body of the Turks begins a charge toward the advancing Christians. Their advance is stalled as the charge runs into their own retreating Turkish soldiers. The panic and confusion sends the Turkish army into a disorganized flurry.
BOHEMOND and his mounted KNIGHTS reach the mess and pound into the stalled Turks. The Christian foot soldiers, including MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD join the melee where they work together pulling down the Turkish riders from their horses and running them through with sword and spears.
KERBOGA
Now it is time. Retreat. Sound the horn.
The Christians hear the TURKISH HORN sounding the call of retreat then watch as Kergoba and thousands of horsemen flee the field. The Christian men celebrate on the field, revived by their victory.
EXT. ON TOP OF THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
A cheer rises from the LAY PEOPLE on top of the walls as they hear the Turkish retreat.
MELIEE
We have won.
ELENA
It is another miracle.
ARTALD
Truly, God is with this Army.
ELENA hugs MELIEE. ARTALD and HAKOB celebrate with the others on the wall.
EXT. ANTIOCH CITADEL - DAY
At the CITADEL, the TURKISH GARRISON surrenders to BOHEMOND’S KNIGHTS. Bohemond’s banner is unfurled upon the Citadel.
EXT. STREETS OF ANTIOCH - DAY
Later that day, the CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS return to the city where they are met by the LAY PEOPLE emerging from the gate.
MEDERIC leads an arabian HORSE with ODDO and BERNARD beside him. They are greeted by MELIEE, ARTALD, HAKOB, and ELENA. Mederic hands the lead of the horse to Artald.
ARTALD
What’s this?
MEDERIC
He is yours. The spoils of battle.
ARTALD
You’re giving me this horse?
MEDERIC
Aye. He is young. You can even ride him.
Artald looks over the horse, already falling in love with him.
ARTALD
He is a good horse. An Arabian.
MEDERIC
You can convert him.
Artald laughs while graciously petting the horse.
PAIN rides nearby the group with TANCRED. PAIN is now mounted on a similar Arabian HORSE and leading his CAMEL. Pain slows and addresses Bernard.
PAIN
Aye, fool. You live.
BERNARD
Aye. God wills it.
PAIN
Aye. He wills that I should live too. So you cannot have my sword.
BERNARD
I have learned there is more to war than swords, lord.
PAIN
Aye. There is. Maybe you are not such a fool.
Tancred looks over the men and their armor.
TANCRED
Pain, are these men in our army?
ODDO
Yes, Lord Tancred. We are from France and came with Count Raymond.
BERNARD
We joined with you and Prince Bohemond after Nicea.
PAIN
Aye, they were in the shield wall at the ambush.
Pain winks at Bernard.
TANCRED
And they fight well?
PAIN
Aye, Lord Tancred.
TANCRED
We have lost many knights and now have an abundance of horses from the Turks. See to it they are properly outfitted as mounted soldiers.
Bernard is elated. Mederic and Oddo nod to the Christian leader. Tancred pulls at his reins and begins to ride away.
PAIN
Aye, come with us, you three. It looks like you may get a sword after all, fool.
Bernard runs to catch up with the knights on horses. Oddo hustles after him.
Meliee squeezes Mederic’s hand then pushes him toward them. Mederic stops and shows her his shoulder where the maille is pierced.
MEDERIC
Were it not for the thickness of the garment you made for me, I may have met my end.
Meliee kisses Mederic and again pushes him to join the others.
ELENA
And what are we supposed to do?
ARTALD
Let’s go see what the turkish tents have to offer. We can load up my new horse.
EXT. TURKISH CAMP OUTSIDE ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
MELIEE, ELENA, HAKOB and ARTALD leave the city gate and walk into the abandoned Turkish camp where other CHRISTIANS are already going in and out of the TENTS and carrying armfulls of the lavish PLUNDER. Others are leading small caravans of animals; CAMELS, HORSES, SHEEP, and GOATS.
EXT. STREETS OF ANTIOCH - DAY
Days later, a single church BELL rings slowly as MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD ride on HORSES and enter through the open gate of the city returning from patrol duty. They look healthy and are all three fully armored and outfitted with maille shirts, swords at their waste, nasal helms, spears and spurs. Bernard rests his hand proudly on the pommel of the knightly sword on his hip.
They dismount as they are greeted by a somber MELIEE, ARTALD, ELENA, and HAKOB.
MELIEE
The Bishop Adhemar has died.
INT. CHURCH OF ST. PETER IN ANTIOCH - DAY
A WOODEN CASKET containing ADHEMAR is lowered down into the open hole that was dug to find the Holy Lance.
After the casket is set, the Christian leaders, RAYMOND, GODFREY, BOHEMOND, and TANCRED each begin to shovel dirt into the hole burying the casket.
EXT. CHURCH OF ST. PETER IN ANTIOCH - CONTINUOUS
MEDERIC, MELIEE, ARTALD, ODDO, BERNARD, ELENA, and HAKOB walk together to the church where outside many LAY PEOPLE, MONKS, and KNIGHTS are gathered. Adhemar’s BANNER hangs from the wall.
ARTALD
How can this disaster now befall this lot?
MELIEE
That is not all, his army and another from France now depart.
BERNARD
They desert, now? The dogs.
MELIEE
Your lord Bohemond has also stated that he will not be traveling on to Jerusalem.
BERNARD
What is this?!
HAKOB
I have heard the same. He intends to reign over these lands with this city as his capital. He may send aid but he does not intend to join in the assault on Jerusalem.
ELENA
(to Bernard)
Will you stay in Antioch? As knights of Prince Bohemond?
The men consider their apparent choice to remain as knights there or to carry on to Jerusalem. Bernard is furious.
PAIN, mounted on HORSE, approaches them.
PAIN
(to Bernard)
Will you be joining in the march to Jerusalem then?
Oddo speaks for Bernard who is holding back his anger.
ODDO
We have heard Prince Bohemond does not intend to march to Jerusalem.
PAIN
Aye. That’s true.
Bernard can no longer contain his anger.
BERNARD
Why does Bohemond stay behind?
PAIN
It is a man like him that is needed to govern this city and hold these lands. It is just as Godfrey’s brother Baldwin has taken the lands of Edessa further North. We Christians now hold all the land from here to Byzantium.
BERNARD
I came for Jerusalem.
ODDO
I too. It is our desire to see the task through.
MEDERIC
Aye.
PAIN
Aye. Then I shall expect you when we ride out. Bohemond remains in Antioch, but his nephew Tancred goes on to Jerusalem. Our army is still strong. Godfrey too is still with us. We will follow behind Count Raymond who is sure to make a show of his departure.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH - DAY
Days later RAYMOND leads his knights BAREFOOT out of the gates of Antioch. He holds the LANCE BANNER high over his head. Behind him, FOOT SOLDIERS lead HORSES and are followed by the usual line of the Christian caravan including GODFREY’S ARMY then TANCRED’S ARMY. BOHEMOND watches them from atop the wall.
BERNARD and ODDO ride their HORSES while MELIEE and ELENA are together mounted on Mederic’s HORSE. MEDERIC walks along with HAKOB and ARTALD, who leads his HORSE who is loaded with supplies.
EXT. LANDS OUTSIDE TRIPOLI - DAY
The CHRISTIAN CARAVAN travels on a route near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
They near the CITY of Tripoli where MERCHANTS and gracious LOCALS, mesmerized by this army of Christ, come out to meet them.
BERNARD leads his HORSE while ELENA rides. Beside them, ODDO, ARTALD, HAKOB, MEDERIC and MELIEE walk with their HORSES.
BERNARD
Do they not fear us?
HAKOB
They view you as liberators.
ARTALD
That or they just want us to get on to Jerusalem without sacking their city.
ODDO
Where are the soldiers defending these places?
HAKOB
They do fear the great army of Christ which has in it’s command angels and has defeated the invincible forces of Kergoba. They have surely fled.
BERNARD
We must be near to Jerusalem, then?
Artald laughs.
HAKOB
It is still a long way.
EXT. THE ROAD TO JERUSALEM - DAY
For weeks, the CARAVAN continues on, trudging across the lands of Israel under the hot summer sun.
EXT. MOUNT JOY OUTSIDE JERUSALEM - DAY
Finally the weary but hardened Christians behold the object of their quest; the Holy City of JERUSALEM.
TITLE CARD: “Jerusalem. June, 1099.)
MEDERIC, MELIEE, ARTALD, ODDO, BERNARD, ELENA, and HAKOB crest MOUNT JOY and view the city. The CHRISTIANS that have arrived ahead of them are already celebrating the sight of the city. Banners are flying. People are singing. Men and women kneel and pray, lamenting and praising the three thousand miles and three years of hardships they have endured. Bernard can barely believe his eyes as he gazes at the towers, minarets, and domes sticking up above the tan stone walls.
ODDO
Jerusalem, brother.
ARTALD
(breaking the moment)
Aye. She is beautiful. But she’ll be hard to take.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - DAY
The next day, KNIGHTS and FOOT SOLDIERS are constructing large LADDERS. MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD are working on a section of a ladder, setting the rung into the hole and lashing it with rope.
They see that they are watched by ARAB SOLDIERS on the walls of the city.
MEDERIC
More ladders.
ODDO
Aye. But at least you know this one’s built well.
MEDERIC
Do you think we can breach the wall with just these few ladders?
ODDO
Our leaders do. Though it will be us climbing up them.
(to Bernard)
Lash your end good there Bernard. Bernard?
Bernard is no longer looking at Jerusalem but instead stares at ELENA who is standing at the edge of camp watching the men work.
BERNARD
If we had only one ladder, we could take the city. I will be the first one to climb up it.
ODDO
Brother, you will find death most certainly.
BERNARD
Nay brother. We cannot die for we are already in heaven.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - DAY
The next day, MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD stand fully armored and holding a LADDER behind a formation of FOOT SOLDIERS, ready to attack the wall.
A HORN is blown and with a SHOUT, the soldiers sprint towards the wall. They ignore the ARROWS that dart around them and stick in the ground. From atop the wall, ARAB SOLDIERS fire arrows down at them.
The Christians reach the wall and set the ladders against it. Mederic and Oddo hold the ladder as Bernard draws his knightly sword and steps up.
BERNARD
We are here brothers. This is Jerusalem!
Bernard rapidly climbs the ladder, reaching the top of the wall in seconds. Oddo and Mederic watch as Bernard engages with the ARAB SOLDIERS by himself.
EXT. ON THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
BERNARD stands on top of the ladder, fighting with two ARAB SOLDIERS. One Arab jabs at him with a SPEAR until Bernard grabs the spear handle and wrenches it out of his hands. Bernard turns the spear around and stabs it through the Arab soldier. Enthused SHOUTS arise from the CHRISTIAN KNIGHTS below as they witness this.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
KNIGHTS push through ODDO and MEDERIC and start climbing up the ladder.
EXT. ON THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM, CONTINUOUS
On top the ladder, Bernard’s sword flashes as he fights with two more ARAB SOLDIERS who are furiously swinging at him with their curved SWORDS. A KNIGHT climbs up the ladder next to Bernard and begins fighting alongside him. Bernard turns to see that it is PAIN. Together the two fiercely battle the growing number of ARAB SOLDIERS at their ladder. Bernard and Pain recieve blows to their armor but continue to fight and slay ARAB SOLDIERS.
Each one they slay is replaced by another so that they are unable to step onto the wall.
Bernard parries a strike above his head but in doing so, he is struck in his side by an Arab’s SPEAR. He cries out as another ARAB SOLDIER kicks him in the stomach sending him flying from the ladder.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
MEDERIC and ODDO see BERNARD falling from the ladder.
MEDERIC
Oddo! Catch him!
As Bernard falls, Oddo and Mederic position themselves underneath and catch him, dropping all three to the ground. Bernard, still adrenalized, immediately jumps up and begins to climb up the ladder. Oddo grabs him and rips him down.
ODDO
Brother, you are wounded.
BERNARD
No, it was only my armor.
Bernard shows them his side. Blood has soaked through on his white tunic and covers his hand. Through the broken rings of his maille shirt, they can see he is deeply wounded.
BERNARD
Let me go! Today we take Jerusalem!
Mederic assists Oddo in holding Bernard back then holding him up as the severity of his injury begins to set in.
ODDO
It is not this day, Brother. Another.
MEDERIC
The ladders are not enough.
From atop the ladders more CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS and KNIGHTS fall dead from the weapons of the Arab soldiers on the walls. Others waiting on the ground are struck by huge STONES being thrown from the walls. All of the Christian men begin to retreat.
Mederic and Oddo carry Bernard under each of his arms as they are pelted from behind with rocks and stones.
MEDERIC
This battle has ended. We must get him back to camp.
Bernard groans as Oddo and Mederic carry him away from the battle. Arrows sink into the ground at their heels. Mederic looks back and sees the other Christian soldiers jumping from the ladders and fleeing but also PAIN, laying at the base of the wall, with a spear through his chest. Pain is DEAD but smiling.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
MEDERIC and BERNARD carry the limp BERNARD back into their camp which is set up as usual. Upon seeing them, ARTALD, MELIEE, and HAKOB rush to assist them. ELENA holds back her tears then composes herself.
ELENA
Is he okay?
ODDO
Get his armor off and we’ll find out.
ARTALD
What got him?
MEDERIC
A spear.
The group struggles to shake the maille shirt off Bernard. They lay Bernard down on a cot and Artald looks into his wound.
ARTALD
This is a deep wound. But it stopped at his rib. See.
Artald points to the white inside the gore.
ODDO
Will he live?
ARTALD
If the wound is cleaned well, perhaps. Aye. He should live.
Bernard groans softly. Elena holds a skin of water to his lips and pats his forehead.
HAKOB
And you could not breach the walls?
MEDERIC
Nay. It cannot be done with just ladders. We will need real siege engines to do so and there is not enough wood here.
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE JERUSALEM - DAY
Days later, still at camp, MEDERIC and MELIEE are quietly talking. ARTALD is attending to the HORSES. ODDO is looking into the tent where ELENA is tending to the injured BERNARD inside. HAKOB enters the encampment having come from elsewhere with a load of supplies and food.
HAKOB
It seems another miracle has befallen this army.
MEDERIC
What is it?
HAKOB
A fleet of ships from Italy has landed on the coast. They have brought provision for us. Not
(MORE)
HAKOB (Cont’d)
only that, they have agreed to dismantle their ships so we can build proper siege engines.
GODFREY rides at the head of a line of CARTS carrying wood and calls out as he passes.
GODFREY
We need all carpenters and foot soldiers assembled to build siege engines.
Meliee smiles at Mederic as he gets up to go do the work. As he walks by, Mederic pats Oddo on the shoulder, who then joins him as they walk towards the carts.
Godfrey notices Mederic.
GODFREY
You are a carpenter?
MEDERIC
Aye, from France.
GODFREY
A God sent. Come with us.
After they leave, Meliee shows signs of weariness.
ARTALD
Take heart, lady. There is only one more battle.
MELIEE
It seems there is always one more battle. Each one I say goodbye to my husband knowing he may not come back. With each one my heart grows softer at the sorrows faced by this army.
Meliee looks to the BERNARD’S TENT where ELENA is repairing Bernard’s maille armor with fabric while BERNARD rests beside her. Meliee regains her composure.
MELIEE
One more battle.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - DAWN
Days later, as the sun rises, the Christian camp is empty.
Every Christian, including the NOBLES, KNIGHTS, MONKS, SOLDIERS and LAY PEOPLE stand in a line facing the walls of the city. They are clothed in simple tunics and all are BAREFOOTED.
BERNARD too is in line, leaning on ELENA with a fabric bandage wrapped around his midsection. A HORN sounds and the Christians begin to march around the city singing hymns and praying.
The ARAB SOLDIERS on the wall look on in confusion but then begin to mock the Christians.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - DAWN
The next day, the CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS are once again gathered in front of the walls. This time they are fully armored and a spectacle of men moving massive WOODEN TOWERS ON WHEELS toward the walls.
One GROUP moves a TORTOISE style engine toward the gate with a BATTERING RAM.
RAYMOND’s ARMY pushes a wooden SIEGE TOWER on wheels up to the wall.
GODFREY and TANCRED’s MEN together push another wooden SIEGE TOWER on wheels covered in WET ANIMAL HIDES across the dirt before the walls.
EXT. ON TOP OF THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
The ARAB GARRISON works frantically on the walls to repel the incoming assault. Some ARAB SOLDIERS shoot ARROWS, others throw ROCKS, and others throw FLAMING OIL SKINS at the CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS and the SIEGE ENGINES.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
RAYMOND and his SOLDIERS reach the walls with their WOODEN TOWER where it is bombarded with FLAMING OIL SKINS and catches on FIRE. The men pushing it abandon it as it burns.
INT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE JERUSALEM, BERNARD’S TENT - CONTINUOUS
Back at camp, BERNARD stirs at the sound of BATTLE. ELENA is still next to him repairing his armor.
BERNARD
Where is my sword?
ELENA
It is here, my lord.
BERNARD
That is my armor?
ELENA
Yes. I have repaired it for you. Though only with fabric since we haven’t the tools for maille work.
Bernard looks it over and sees that it is repaired well with layers of fabric.
BERNARD
It is repaired well. Thank you. Will you help me into it?
EXT. CHRISTIAN CAMP OUTSIDE JERUSALEM, CONTINUOUS
MELIEE, ARTALD, and HAKOB watch as ELENA carefully helps the injured BERNARD into his maille shirt. He winces slightly as she girds the sword belt tightly around his waist. Bernard steps out of the tent.
BERNARD
Strap a shield to me.
Artald picks up a shield and straps it to Bernard’s arm.
MELIEE
The others have gone with Godfrey’s siege tower and are attacking at the nearest gate.
Bernard nods then looks to Elena. Elena sighs with admiration as Bernard walks off to battle.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
Meanwhile outside the wall, MEDERIC and ODDO push at the wheel of the SIEGE TOWER with other FOOT SOLDIERS and KNIGHTS. Arrows and rocks rain down on them as they reach the wall and set the tower into place. The FLAMING OIL SKINS thrown from the wall bounce off the ANIMAL HIDES covering the tower and fall to the ground setting fires around the men.
Mederic and Oddo get behind the siege tower with GODFREY and his KNIGHTS. In the rear of the tower is a sloped LADDER leading up to the PLATFORM.
GODFREY
Valiant Christians, it is today that Jerusalem shall be yielded to us! It is here upon this wall that we will win the city!
With Godfrey in the lead carrying his crossbow, he and the knights begin climbing the ladder.
Mederic and Oddo reach their turn at the base of the ladder.
MEDERIC
Another ladder.
ODDO
Aye. I prefer when the gates miraculously open up.
BERNARD
(off screen)
Brothers, should we go up and join the battle?
Both Oddo and Mederic are surprised but pleased to see BERNARD joining them in the battle.
EXT. ON TOP THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
The ARAB SOLDIERS on the wall continue to attack the WOODEN SIEGE TOWER while the CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS fill into it. The Arab soldiers throw boulders at it and hack at it with their weapons. They jab their spears through openings in the wood.
INT. SIEGE TOWER PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS
On the upper platform of the wooden SIEGE TOWER, the weight of the men and bombardment loosen a section of the frame. GODFREY grabs the pieces and holds the detached wood joint together, while KNIGHTS shield themselves from barrage from the ARAB SOLDIERS. An ARAB SOLDIER tosses a FLAMING SKIN inside the tower causing FLAMES to go up around them.
GODFREY
Get the carpenter up here!
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
ODDO and BERNARD look at MEDERIC, having heard Godfrey’s call for a carpenter.
ODDO
God wills it.
MEDERIC
It seems so.
Mederic accepts his fate and charges up the ladder of the burning siege tower.
ODDO
(to Bernard)
You have the strength brother?
BERNARD
I have God. God wills it!
ODDO
God wills it!
Oddo and Bernard draw their SWORDS and climb up behind Mederic.
INT. SIEGE TOWER PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS
MEDERIC reaches the platform which is on FIRE, where he finds GODFREY holding together a corner WOOD JOINT. Mederic resets the wood joint and straps it together, repairing the tower and freeing up Godfrey.
GODFREY
Open the bridge!
EXT. ON TOP THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
THE ARAB SOLDIERS on the wall now watch in fear as the siege tower BRIDGE is opened.
GODFREY, surrounded by KNIGHTS, MEDERIC, BERNARD, and ODDO stand on the burning platform just a few feet away from the wall and ready to jump.
GODFREY
Have faith in God, men! The city is ours!
From the smoking, flaming tower, Godfrey fires his crossbow then leaps across to the wall. Bernard follows him with the knights and Oddo and Mederic behind them.
EXT. ON TOP OF THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
Now on top the walls of Jerusalem, GODFREY, his KNIGHTS, MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD all engage in tight hand to hand combat with the ARAB SOLDIERS. The Christian men overpower each of their weaker Arab counterparts sending the other Arab soldiers fleeing and jumping from the walls. More CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS jump to the wall from the burning SIEGE TOWER filling the wall with Christians.
Godfrey holds his sword high as the CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS find stairs and reach the ground inside the city.
EXT. STREETS OF JERUSALEM - CONTINUOUS
The gates of the city are opened allowing more waiting CHRISTIAN FOOT SOLDIERS to swarm into the city and chase after the fleeing ARAB SOLDIERS.
EXT. STREETS OF JERUSALEM - DAY
Hours later, MELIEE, ARTALD, ELENA, and HAKOB cautiously enter the city gates expecting to see similar horrors as in the aftermath of Antioch. Instead they find pious looking soldiers, some with stains of blood on their dirty white tunics and armor, praying and standing in humble reverence on the streets of the Holy City.
MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD, all with swords now sheathed approach them. Meliee rushes to hug Mederic. Elena hugs Bernard. Artald and Hakob beam with admiration at the warriors.
ELENA
The warriors of Christ. They live.
ARTALD
Aye. They do. And they have taken the Holy City.
MELIEE
Where are the dead? We did expect to see them strewn about the streets as in Antioch.
MEDERIC
They have restricted the slaughter of the garrison to the temple grounds.
MELIEE
Then it seems you have attained the object of our desire. All of Europe will be celebrating what you have done here.
MEDERIC
Aye. What we all have done.
ARTALD
Aye, he speaks the truth. This is the army of Christ.
EXT. STREETS OF JERUSALEM - DAY
Days later, MELIEE, dressed in fine silk, is touring through the streets of Jerusalem, touching the stones of the buildings and cherishing her steps. She listens to BELLS as she begins to sing along with a hymn.
MEDERIC
(Off Screen)
How are you finding the Holy City, my wife. Is it to your liking?
She spins to find MEDERIC standing before her and looking clean and more knightly than ever. He is armored with a fresh surcoat emblazoned with the new coat of arms for Jerusalem; one large cross with four others surrounding it. He still wears his carpenter’s HOOD.
MELIEE
I find it small and dustier than I had imagined. But it is no less Holy. I feel reverence with every step on these streets where our Lord did walk.
MEDERIC
But it is not your desire to stay.
MELIEE
If it is your desire, husband, then it is mine. But in truth, I long for the green countryside and towns of our home in France. Do you now consider your oath to the expedition fulfilled? You have answered the Pope’s call and a safe path for pilgrims is open. Jerusalem is in Christian hands. But what am I asking? I can see you are a knight in Christ’s army now.
Mederic considers what she has said while looking at his new life; the armor, regalia, sword, and then the buildings of Jerusalem. Meliee leaves Mederic to his thoughts and begins softly singing again.
A small group led by two KNIGHTS approaches them. As they near, they see it is ODDO and BERNARD. Bernard is holding ELENA’s hand while HAKOB walks next to her acting somewhat fretful.
ODDO
We have news.
BERNARD
Elena and I are betrothed. To be wed.
Hakob says nothing, but he is obviously both upset and proud of this news.
MELIEE
(nudging Mederic)
His Jerusalem princess.
Meliee hugs Elena while Mederic and ARTALD congratulate Bernard.
ODDO
That is not all. A vast army has been assembled by the sultan of Egypt. Thirty thousand men now march on us here in Jerusalem.
The hardened but weary group steady themselves after hearing this.
ODDO
The leaders have agreed to ride out against them and surprise them with an open field battle.
MELIEE
One more battle.
EXT. CLERMONT CATHEDRAL FIELD - DAY (1119)
Years later, a HOODED MAN, sits on the PLATFORM behind the CATHEDRAL in Clermont, France. Next to him is an old ARABIAN HORSE. He looks out into the field where TWO BOYS,aged about 10 and 8, are playing. The boys notice the man watching them and run over to him.
TITLE CARD: “Clermont, France. Twenty years later.”
YOUNGER BOY
Will you tell us about the Crusade and the city of Jerusalem?
OLDER BOY
It is not just a city. It is a kingdom.
YOUNGER BOY
Tell us about when the knights rolled a flaming tower up to the walls and jumped over and slayed the saracen guards.
The YOUNGER BOY climbs up onto the platform and jumps off of it, imitating the warriors of his story.
OLDER BOY
Did you really do that?
OLD MAN
Aye. We did.
MELIEE
(off screen)
Bernard! Oddo!
The boys look up.
A woman steps out into the field. We see that it is MELIEE. Decades have passed but she has hardly aged. She is still beautiful and rugged.
MELIEE
Leave your father with me. You two go play.
YOUNGER BOY
But mother--
Meliee shoots him a stern look which causes the boys to run off into the field, fighting invisible Saracen as they go. She sits down next to the old man who pulls his hood back revealing himself to be MEDERIC.
MEDERIC
I don’t mind.
MELIEE
You’ll stir yourself up with your stories and soon enough we’ll find ourselves climbing through the mountains on the way to Antioch.
MEDERIC
Antioch.
The tone of his word tells of their hardships there.
MELIEE
And Jerusalem.
She speaks with the tone of romance as they remember their friends including moments after the fall of Jerusalem;
EXT. JERUSALEM CHURCH - DAY (1099)
BERNARD and ELENA are being wed by a PRIEST on the steps of a CHURCH while ODDO, HAKOB, MELIEE, MEDERIC, and ARTALD stand with them.
EXT. FIELD OUTSIDE ASCALON - DAY (1099)
MEDERIC, ODDO, and BERNARD, who now ride as mounted KNIGHTS with the CHRISTIAN ARMY, charge into a line of EGYPTIAN CALVARY. The Christians pursue the Egyptians as they retreat.
EXT. STREETS OF JERUSALEM - DAY (1099)
With a gesture to her stomach, MELIEE indicates to MEDERIC that she is PREGNANT
EXT. OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM - DAY (1099)
RAYMOND leads his ARMY out of the gate and away from the city.
On top of the wall is GODFREY, adorned royally, and the few KNIGHTS that remain to protect the new kingdom. ODDO and BERNARD stand among them. Next to Bernard stands, ELENA. Beside them HAKOB and ARTALD.
MELIEE and MEDERIC wave to them as they depart with Raymond’s army.
EXT. CLERMONT CATHEDRAL FIELD - CONTINUOUS (1119)
MELIEE
Do you think of them?
MEDERIC
Aye. Very often.
MELIEE
It’s like they are already in heaven, like saints, living amongst the Holy places and protecting them.
Meliee sits down next to Mederic. They sit in silence, remembering their friends.
MELIEE
We could go back.
MEDERIC
It is a place of dreams for us now. I do not expect we would return from the expedition.
MELIEE
Nor do I.
Meliee and Mederic watch the BOYS play fighting in the field.
Suddenly, a YOUNG MAN, who looks like Mederic runs behind the Cathedral.
YOUNG MAN
Mother. Father.
MELIEE
Artald, what is it?
ARTALD
I come with news. There are knights in town and they are recruiting for an expedition to Jerusalem. It is my desire to go.
THE END