The Festival Of The Dead EXT – BUILDING – NIGHT SUPER: Londinium, 122 AD. A heavy rainfall pelts against the rooftop of the building. INT – BUILDING – DRUSILLA’S ROOM Drusilla’s room is a one-room dwelling, lit entirely by candles and sparsely furnished. Drusilla stands by the lone window, peering into the street below. She wears a thin garment, which barely veils her naked flesh underneath. EXT – STREET A MAN, drenched from the rain and wearing a cloak, which conceals his face and is draped to his feet, passes beneath the window and turns into a passageway leading to an inner courtyard. INT – STAIRWELL The Man steps briskly up the stairs, stopping in front of a door on the landing. He knocks softly. The door opens and Drusilla appears. She smiles sensually as he enters and closes the door behind him. INT – DRUSILLA’S ROOM The Man lowers his hood but only Drusilla can see his face. They stand facing each other in silence for an awkward moment. Then, she reaches her hand out to him. DRUSILLA Do you have the money? From his cloak, the Man retrieves several coins and hands them to Drusilla, who smiles. She turns and walks to the table beside the bed and places them atop it. She turns back to face the man and removes her garment, allowing it to drop to her ankles. She steps from it and walks to the bed, reclining invitingly. DRUSILLA Come here. She runs her hand along her stomach and breasts. The Man turns away and extinguishes the candles on the table to his right, littered with plates and cups, while a lone candle on the table beside the bed still glows. From inside his cloak, the Man produces a long dagger and walks to the bed, holding the knife behind his back. He lays beside her. DRUSILLA Kiss me. Drusilla smiles innocently and closes her eyes as they kiss, unaware of the imminent danger. The Man leans back and thrusts the knife towards her neck, neatly slicing through it. Blood spurts across the wall and the night table. The candle is extinguished and the room falls dark. INT – SCIPIO’S VILLA – BEDROOM – NIGHT SCIPIO, a middle-aged, distinguished-looking man awakes in darkness with a start. He is alone and covered in perspiration. Trembling, Scipio sits up and wipes the sweat from his brow. Scipio rises and walks to the desk across the room. Sitting, he lights a candle and writes in his journal. SCIPIO (V.O) A soldier comes to accept death. Even to embrace it. But, there are no words to describe the carnage that I have been witness to. He stops briefly, then continues. SCIPIO (V.O) To the carnage that I have caused. Scipio pauses again, burying his face into his hands. He wipes his eyes. SCIPIO (V.O.) I see their blood in my dreams. (beat) Death is my shadow… He throws the journal aside and it tumbles to the floor. INT – SHED - DAY Scipio is seated, sorting grapes from large baskets. To his right is a pair of baskets with red grapes, barely filled. To his left, are several baskets filled with grapes that are rotten. Scipio reaches into the basket to his right and holds a grape between his fingers. SCIPIO Over ripe. Disgusted, Scipio tosses the grape into the basket to his left. Through the shed door, Scipio notices a caravan approaching in the distance. Four SOLDIERS on horseback are leading a covered wagon along the driveway to his villa, halting front of Scipio’s villa. EXT - DRIVEWAY The Soldiers arrive in front of Scipio’s villa and dismount their horses, standing rigid at attention. Stepping from the cart are two men, VERANIUS and CALPURNIUS. Veranius is a fat, balding man who lumbers when he walks while Pontius is gaunt with an aloof disposition. Veranius waves to Scipio as he approaches. VERANIUS Good morning, Scipio. SCIPIO It is good to see you, Senator. VERANIUS Allow me to introduce the Proconsul of Britannia. Magistrate Calpurnius Agricola. Veranius and Scipio nod to one another. SCIPIO To what do I owe the pleasure, Magistrate? CALPURNIUS There is a matter of grave concern to the Empire. Veranius takes Scipio by the arm, leading him away from the Soldiers where they can speak in seclusion. Calpurinius follows, lingering behind them. VERANIUS Your name was provided as one most suitable for the task. SCIPIO I suppose I should be flattered. VERANIUS Not in the least. The Governor of Britannia… (to Calpurnius) What is his name? CALPURNIUS Roscius Falco. SCIPIO Falco? VERANIUS You know him? SCIPIO I served as his Consul during the campaigns in Partha. CALPURNIUS That would explain why he recommended you. SCIPIO Recommended me for what? VERANIUS (softly) There have been several deaths in the city of Londinium. SCIPIO Deaths? What is it? A plague? CALPURNIUS Not a plague. Not exactly. Veranius turns his head to left and right, ensuring that no one can hear them. VERANIUS Keep your voices down! Several women have been slain within the last few months. The situation has become quite unacceptable. Scipio smiles. SCIPIO Unacceptable? You have a gift for understatement, Senator. CALPURNIUS Do you find this humorous, general? SCIPIO Not at all, Magistrate. Scipio turns and begins to walk to the shed. SCIPIO What does this have to do with me? VERANIUS We had hoped that you investigate these…circumstances. SCIPIO What makes you think I would want? CALPURNIUS Because the Emperor commands it. Scipio stops and faces Calpurnius. SCIPIO For my friend, I would consider it… Veranius places his hand on Scipio’s shoulder. VERANIUS Scipio. Look around you. This is just such an opportunity to prove your worth to the Emperor. SCIPIO I have nothing to prove to the Emperor. Or to either of you. CALPURNIUS But what of your family? Certainly, a man, if he feels no loyalty to the empire, should feel some sense of duty to his loved ones. Where are your wife and child General? I do not see them. Scipio turns to walk away, but Veranius stops him. VERANIUS Scipio. The Empire needs you. SCIPIO I have given the Empire all that it needs. CALPURNIUS It would be unfortunate general to return to Rome without you. Perhaps, it is time you decided if you are a loyal citizen of the Empire. Or if you are not. Scipio steps close to Calpurnius, face to face. SCIPIO Are you threatening me Magistrate? VERANIUS No one is threatening you General… CALPURINIUS Take it as you please. But, perhaps you should consider that there was a time when the name Scipio was respected throughout the Empire. For his bravery and his nobility. Not for cowering in Ostia amongst his vineyards, washing away his sins in wine. Scipio gives Calpurnius a hard stare, and then looks to Veranius. Veranius looks down at the ground, averting Scipio’s eyes. CALPURNIUS It would be a shame to have to return to advise the Emperor that we do not have your full commitment, General. Are you certain we cannot change your mind? Scipio stares coldly at Calpurnius. Veranius nods and smiles. EXT CLIFFTOP – WATCHTOWER - DAY Perched on a high cliff is a lone SENTRY, dressed in battle armor standing in the watchtower. His gaze is fixed out to sea. EXT SEA A Roman merchant ship slowly plods through the water, its bow lurching heavily in the rough waves. EXT MERCHANT SHIP The CREW works the lines and sails that billow in the strong wind. The HELMSMAN works vigorously at the tiller. Standing beside him is the CAPTAIN, who sights land on the horizon and smiles. CAPTAIN (to Helmsman) Britannia The Crew raises a signal flag as the ship approaches the harbor. In the distance, an identical flag rises from a building on the dock. EXT DOCK The Crew ties up the merchant ship to the dock. From the ship's innards, PASSENGERS and SLAVES emerge. EXT SHIP’S DECK Scipio steps out onto the deck. Beside him is his crippled slave, ABRAHAM, hunched deeply over a pair of crutches. He is young but looks years older. His clothes are mere rags. EXT DOCK SLAVES prepare baggage, tying saddlebags to mules. SLAVE #1 places containers on a litter behind a horse, while SLAVE#2 places a horseshoe on a horse leading a cart while SLAVE#3 attaches the horse to cart with a yoke around its neck. The horse bucks wildly. EXT ROAD The mule train weaves through the countryside along a rough and muddy road. At the head of the train is a pair of SOLDIERS followed by Scipio’s cart leading several pack animals led by SLAVES. EXT CART Abraham emerges from the rear of the cart, parting the flaps. Gazing at the land and sky, he shakes his head returns inside. EXT HAMLET Scipio emerges from inside the cart as the mule train passes through and impoverished hamlet. The CART DRIVER whips the horse and urges it on. SCIPIO How much further? CART DRIVER Some time yet. Scipio notices the HAMLET RESIDENTS watch the cart pass by in silence as they tend to their fires and livestock. SCIPIO Who are they? CART DRIVER Celts. You had better get back inside General. If they realize you are from Rome, they’re liable to kill you. SCIPIO Really? CART DRIVER They have done it to those less important than you. Scipio eyes the Cart Driver. The Cart Driver nods and Scipio returns inside the cart. EXT LONDINIUM BRIDGE – DAY As the cart crosses the bridge, a pair of SOLDIERS snaps to attention, noticing Scipio’s standard flapping in the wind. EXT LONDINIUM The cart enters the bustling city of London. VENDORS hawk their wares to PEDESTRIANS who have invaded the streets while CHILDREN play. WORKERS gather fish from the river and several groups of SOLDIERS move about the city on horseback. EXT GOVERNOR’S PALACE – COURTYARD The cart comes to a halt before an opulent building guarded by a pair of SOLDIERS at the huge main door. Awaiting them is CENTURION LEPIDUS. Scipio steps from the cart, helped down by the CART DRIVER, followed by Abraham. Centurion Lepidus escorts Scipio and Abraham inside. INT GOVERNOR’S PALACE – ATRIUM Scipio stands over a small pool located beneath an opening in the ceiling, Abraham beside him. Scipio looks at his reflection, rubbing his chin. Centurion Lepidus stands off near the entrance to a hallway. CENTURION LEPIDUS Wait here please. Centurion Lepidus exits the atrium. SCIPIO I am getting old Abraham. ABRAHAM We are all getting old. Scipio tours the room as SLAVES bring Scipio’s belongings into the atrium, directed by Abraham. Scipio admires the frescos on the walls and the mosaic tiles on the floor. From the hallway, GOVERNOR ROSCIUS FALCO appears, flanked by two aides. A behemoth of a man with a commanding air, he walks quickly to face Scipio. He eyes Scipio for a hard moment. Then, his face bursts into a wide smile. FALCO Publis Corneilius Scipio. How Long has it been my friend? Scipio and Falco shake hands and embrace warmly. SCIPIO Too long. FALCO How was your journey? SCIPIO It was well. But, the weather in Gesoriacum was far worse than I had expected. Now, you can answer the question no one could in Rome. FALCO What is that? SCIPIO What is so important for the Governor of Britannia to petition Emperor Hadrian himself to bring this broken down general all the way to Britannia from his comfortable villa? FALCO And away from his mistresses at that. Scipio laughs. SCIPIO Indeed. FALCO All in good time my friend. I have much to tell you. But, your journey has been a long one. Let us bring you food and wine. Falco smiles wistfully. FALCO (cont’d) It is good to see you again. SCIPIO And you my friend. Scipio and Falco shake hands again. FALCO Let us gather your things. Falco nods to his Aides who step forward to gather Scipio’s belongings. Instantly, Abraham stumbles forward, blocking the Aides’ paths. FALCO (to Scipio) Surely you don’t believe my hospitality to be less that what I would expect for myself. How can your slave here move all of your things alone? SCIPIO Abraham allows no one to oversee my things but he. FALCO (to Abraham) Do not concern yourself with it. I can assure you that your master’s things will be tended to with the greatest of care. Abraham looks suspiciously at Falco, then relents to the Aides who gather Scipio’s belongings. FALCO (to Scipio) How long has it been since you have had a most delectable fish sauce? INT RECEPTION ROOM - FALCO’S PALACE – NIGHT A MUSICIAN plays music in the lavish reception room, adorned with busts of various Emperors while SLAVES serve Falco and Scipio, who are reclining on long couches facing each other, a table between them festooned with wine and food. Abraham is seated at Scipio’s feet. The Musician finishes and Scipio and Falco applaud. The Musician bows and exits, followed by the SLAVES. Falco’s smile diminishes, his face weary. FALCO You wouldn’t believe the problems that I have encountered. The Tax Collectors! Their corruption is as rife as the stench of their shit. Scipio laughs. FALCO Plaetorius Nepos, my very own Fiscal Procurator. A friend of Hadrian’s no less. He has convinced the assembly that I am not acting for the welfare of the people. A demure FEMALE SLAVE approaches and pours wine into Scipio’s cup. SCIPIO You are as liable as any Governor to uphold the Lex lulia municipalis. Falco shoos the Female Slave away. She exits. FALCO As I have told them, time and time again. I am not the one who has mandated that only rubbish carts are allowed in the streets during day. The merchants complain as if I had visited treason upon them. SCIPIO Have you? FALCO Of course not. And don’t think that I am not sympathetic. But, I have the safety of the citizens to consider. Scipio laughs as he eats a piece of fruit, the juice dribbling from his chin. FALCO What’s so funny? SCIPIO You almost sound respectable. Falco laughs, not as heartily as Scipio. FALCO Enough about myself It has been a long time since you and I were in the East. How have you been my friend? SCIPIO I spend my days chronicling the campaigns. I tend to my vineyards. It is a simple life, with simple pleasures. FALCO How are Fabia and Cornelia? Scipio takes in a deep breath. SCIPIO It has been some time since I last saw them. They are both well, I would guess. Fabia has married again. Silence hangs over the room. Scipio reaches for a fig but Abraham slaps his hand away and takes it. He bites a small portion, chewing it longingly. Then, he hands it back to Scipio. FALCO Does he always taste your food before you do? SCIPIO Always. FALCO Why? SCIPIO Because he believes that someone is trying to assassinate me. FALCO (fearful) Is someone? Scipio shakes his head and reaches for some grapes, only to have them stolen away by Abraham. FALCO How do you tolerate him? Abraham spits grape seeds across the room and hands the bunch to Scipio ABRAHAM I am crazy. I’m not deaf. Scipio pats him gently on the shoulder. SCIPIO Abraham. Leave us. Abraham rises slowly. Scipio hands him his crutches and helps him gather his cloak. Abraham leans in closely to Scipio, speaking loudly enough for Falco to hear. ABRAHAM Don’t eat anything. SCIPIO I won’t. Falco is amused. He snaps his fingers and the Female Slave appears in the doorway. FALCO (to Abraham) I trust you will find your accommodations comfortable. Abraham leaves, escorted by the Female Slave. Falco’s face becomes grim. FALCO He is loyal. SCIPIO He is. FALCO And he is your friend. Falco rises and walks to the window. The rain outside is pouring in streams. A CRASH of thunder breaks the silence. FALCO Loyalty. Friendship. These Things have always been cherished by you. That is why I summoned you here. SCIPIO Tell me. FALCO I need your help. I need it badly. It began last year. Women began…dying. FLASHBACK – EXT ALLEY – NIGHT PROSTITUTE#1 is laying in a puddle of rainwater and her own blood, her stomach a gory mess. Her throat has been cut and her toga is bloodied and askew. FALCO (V.O) The first woman was killed in the late summer. A street whore, found only a short distance from the fort. Terrible things had been done to her. INT RECEPTION ROOM GOVERNOR’S PALACE – NIGHT SCIPIO What kind of things? FALCO Her stomach had been lain open. FLASHBACK – EXT ALLEY – NIGHT A SOLDIER stands a few paces from the body, vomiting into his hands. Falco stands over Prostitute#1, illuminated by SOLDIERS holding troches. Falco gestures to them, who cover the body with a blanket. SCIPIO (V.O) The perpetrator was never caught? INT RECEPTION ROOM – GOVERNOR’S PALACE – NIGHT FALCO No. The Urban Cohort’s Investigation is a travesty They came up with nothing. Thankfully, the Tribune resigned before he could be exiled. But, no one really cares about one murdered whore, do they? Scipio shakes his head as Falco begins to pace. FALCO Originally, it was assumed that a Celt was responsible for the killing. But now, I am not so sure. SCIPIO A citizen? FALCO Perhaps. The nearby Settlements were searched and some of the inhabitants were incarcerated and questioned. But, the killings continued. One after another. When the next was killed, she had been stabbed more than forty times. FLASHBACK – EXT DOORWAY – NIGHT PROSTITUTE#2, older looking is being fiercely slashed in the abdomen by an unseen assailant. Her face is aghast as she screams and her hands are raised defensively. FALCO (V.O) She was found at a warehouse along the Western docks, not far from her. Within site of my home. SCIPIO (V.O) Who found her? INT RECEPTION ROOM – GOVERNOR’S PALACE FALCO The Foreman did. He was questioned, but he was no killer. SCIPIO How many women, in total? FALCO Eight women. SCIPIO Eight? FALCO Eight in total. And all at night. The most recent victim had been found in her residence, literally ripped apart. The others had been found in the slum areas, north of here and near the fort. SCIPIO Do you suspect a soldier? FALCO I don’t know. But, the city is in a panic. SCIPIO So, this is why you have brought me here. FALCO As I said, I am in desperate need of your help. (beat) Hadrian is coming. SCIPIO The Emperor? To Britannia. FALCO In less than a month. Falco returns to his seat and pours himself more wine. FALCO It is a rather heavy rock that I find myself pinned beneath. I have sworn to protect the citizens and I have failed. The merchants want my head. And the Emperor is to be touring my province. Not to mention my problems with the Celts. SCIPIO What is it you want me to do? FALCO Catch this man. Whomever he is. Scipio stands. SCIPIO You can’t be serious. You need a special investigator from Rome, not a retired soldier. FALCO You were city prefect in Rome for four years. SCIPIO And that was because of our friendship. Why me? FALCO There was a time when the name of Publis Corneilius Scipio inspired fear and respect in enemies and friends alike. SCIPIO Those days are behind me Falco. FALCO Are they? Are they so far behind you that you no longer hear the crowds cheering your name. You were a hero of the legions. A hero of Rome. Falco steps across the room, standing face to face with Scipio. SCIPIO I was a butcher. FALCO Must you dwell on those things that belong in the past? You were a soldier. You carried out your orders as a soldier should. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Nor do I. Scipio turns away. FALCO Have you not wondered what it would be like to have a life like that again. To be proud of yourself. To have a family that is proud and not ashamed… Scipio turns, his eyes flaring with anger. Falco realizes that he has hit too close to the mark and cowers slightly. Scipio repossess himself. SCIPIO I have had a long journey. (more) Perhaps this is an issue best left until morning. FALCO Of course. SCIPIO Good night. My friend. Falco watches Scipio depart. INT. SCIPIO’S BEDROOM – GOVERNOR’S PALACE Scipio is writing in his journal, seated at the desk facing the window. He hears the SOUND of heavy footsteps and commotion in the hallway and excited CHATTER of voices. Scipio rises from the chair and steps into the hallway. INT. HALLWAY – GOVERNOR’S PALACE Falco, flanked by his Aides, steps briskly toward Scipio’s room, appearing ashen and shaken. SCIPIO What is it? FALCO There has been another. INT. ABRAHAM’S BEDROOM – GOVERNOR’S PALACE The Female Slave is astride Abraham, lying beneath her on the bed. Sweat glistens form their nude bodies. She screams with pleasure as she orgasms. Scipio knocks and quickly enters the room. Off guard and embarrassed, he retreats slightly. He clears his throat but it is unheard as the pair continues, moaning wildly. SCIPIO Abraham. They stop instantly. The Female Slave notices Scipio and cringes with fear. Cowering, she pulls the sheet over her body. SCIPIO (cont’d) Get up. Scipio exits the room, leaving the door ajar. ABRAHAM I already was. INT. ATRIUM – GOVERNOR’S PALACE Scipio enters the atrium where an argument is underway. Several SOLDIERS are standing with Falco. Among them is BELLISARIUS, a tall, rugged looking man – obviously in command. BELLISARIUS My Speculator has been acting Tribune of the Cohort! I have offered him to at your disposal but you have refused – FALCO I will not allow the army to control this investigation. BELLISARIUS Nonetheless, you can’t me blame this on me! Scipio joins Falco at his side. FALCO Ah! Scipio. (to Bellisarius) Commander. Allow me to introduce Publis Cornelius Scipio. General of the Eastern legions and former commander of the Urban Cohort in Lyon and Rome. He will be heading up the investigation from here on out. Bellisarius bows slightly. SCIPIO And you are? FALCO This is the Consul of the Londinium garrison, Centurion First Rank Bellisarius. SCIPIO Have your men been mustered to begin the search? BELLISARIUS I am not mustering my men from their beds for the sake of a mere whore.
Copyright © 2000 Shaun M. Goldsmith |