The Aeneid: The Battle For Rome

By

Steven Sanchez

The Aeneid By Virgil

Tradition Pictures

1461 S. Canfield Ave. Suite #4

Los Angeles, CA 90035

Produced by Matthew Einstein

EXT. TYRRHENIAN SEA - NIGHT

Early in the night. Darkness slowly approaches.

AENEAS’ SHIP: Silence. Just the sounds of the oarsmen

paddling against the water. The people’s focus is strictly

on Aeneas, standing on the stern of the ship, as he glances

out at the ocean.

ASCANIUS (V.O.)

No one said a word. The looks in

their eyes begged for answers. Time

passed, not a soul, including

myself, had the spine to ask.

After a second of hesitation Achates rises and moves toward

the stern. The attention is on him. He quietly approaches

Aeneas’ back. Gently places his hand on his shoulder.

ACHATES

Aeneas, they’d like to know what

happened. They have the right to

know.

Aeneas turns his head to the side, eyes his hand, and then

looks at Achates with a straight face.

ACHATES (CONT’D)

I’m sorry my king.

He removes his hand, turns, and in a shameful manner he

returns back to sit in his original spot.

At the stern Aeneas continues to look out into the ocean.

CLOSE ON Aeneas face. His lips extend slightly, a little

smile. He turns to observe the people. They immediately

react by giving him their notice.

AENEAS

(beat)

I went into the underworld. It was

beautiful as it was terrifying and

ugly. I witnessed images that no

mortal soul would ever wish to see.

Acts being done that only deserve

to live in nightmares.

They’re shocked by his words.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

Despite the dreadfulness I

experienced, I saw peace and

serenity taking place in front of

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 2.

AENEAS (CONT’D) (cont’d)my own eyes. I must say, the land

that were sailing towards...

(points in the direction of

the horizon)

... that’s what will be waiting for

us. Peace and serenity.

This livens them up.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

Once we land, our suffering ends.

Our misery is long gone and a

feeling we’ll never endure again. I

had a peek into the future. The

future is ours my Trojans. That’s

all you need to know, for now. The

future is ours.

Aeneas turns around to look back at the sea, with a

satisfying smile. The people’s eyes examine each other. They

don’t know how to take this information at first. Seconds

pass, everyone shares the same expression of delight. Except

for Ascanius.

ASCANIUS (V.O.)

I hope he is right.

We move up higher towards the sky as the three galleys sail

away. Then we TRANSITION TO...

EXT. GARDEN - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

...the image of the galleys projects on a flow of water,

then the image fades away. PULL BACK to reveal it’s a water

fountain. Juno stares into the fountain and when the image

is gone she turns and walks away, and ends up in the middle

of the garden. Outraged. Her body shakes with anger and

hostility. She paces back and forth right to left in a

psychotic fashion.

JUNO

(to herself)

That cursed race I loathe, their

fate crashing with mine. Why

couldn’t they die on the plains of

Troy? The fires cremating them. No,

through the shops of war, through

walls of fire, they’ve found a way!

(hysterical, manic)

What am I to believe my powers

broken down at last, glutted with

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 3.

JUNO (cont’d)hatred, now I rest in peace? Oh no,

when they were flung loose from

their native land I dared to heart

those exiles through the breakers,

battle them down the ocean far and

wide. I’ve spent all power of sea

and sky against those Trojans.

She stops. Her face quivers.

JUNO (CONT’D)

I, powerful Juno, wife of Jupiter,

now a wretched mess, I endured it

all, I stooped to any tactic, and

he still defeats me, Aeneas!

Her eyes widen, displaying a look of unsettling joy.

JUNO (CONT’D)

I’ll do what needs to be done, by

any means, whether I receive help

or not, even if I have to clash

with my fellow Gods, or my lover, I

choose to not quit. Relentless I

should be, putting an end to the

Trojans. I’ll interfere, drag

things out, delay events, provoke

anarchy and war, to destroy them

root and branch, the people of

either king. What a price they’ll

pay for them making me doubt my own

power. Venus’ son will be a Paris

reborn, responsible for a funeral

torch to consume a second Troy.

She looks up and in her view is the palace of Olympus.

Releases a subtle, malevolent laugh.

EXT. BEACH - LATIUM - DAY

MORNING the Trojans are setting up camp on the shore. The

ships resting on the sand. The people are scattered around.

Picnicking, exchanging plates with food, pouring wine into

the cups. Nothing but the sounds of mouths biting into their

food.

In the distance at the edge near the jungle, Aeneas rests on

his knees, alone, eyes closed, hands clasped together, with

a wreath on the ground in front of him. He’s praying. A

moment passes, he stands up, turns to face one of the

galleys.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 4.

GALLEY: Achaemenides sits there, wrists tied in rope,

devouring a piece of bread like an animal.

Aeneas heads over to his people. He approaches a sitting

Achates as he eats his food.

AENEAS

Achates.

ACHATES

(looking up at him)

What is it sir?

AENEAS

Get Achaemenides and bring him to

me.

ACHATES

Certainly sir.

He puts his plate down and goes to the galley.

GALLEY: Achaemenides sees Achates nearing towards him.

Standing over him.

ACHATES

Get on your feet. Aeneas wants to

see you.

GALLEY: Achaemenides rises.

Aeneas stands, watching Achates escorting Achaemenides to

him.

ACHATES (CONT’D)

Will that be all sir?

AENEAS

(beat)

Both of you follow me.

He leads them into the jungle. They follow behind him.

On the beach the Trojans’ eyes track them as they enter the

jungle. Ascanius turns to eat his food. He looks up and

notices something -- all the Trojan men and women are using

their bread as tables to assist their plates and cups.

Suddenly they express their true hunger by also eating their

bread. Ascanius barely chuckles. Beroe, Nisus, Euryalus,

Sergestus, and Cloanthus sit around him, eating.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 5.

BEROE

What is it?

ASCANIUS

That she-beast predicted it, we’d

get so hungry that we’d eat our

platters. Look.

They recognize it, he’s right. They release small laughs

while Euryalus looks away, with an expression of

despondency.

JUNGLE: Achates and Achaemenides continue to follow Aeneas

deep into the wilderness. He stops and so do they. Beat. An

uncomfortable feeling.

AENEAS

I should’ve done what I’m about to

do a long time ago. I regret for

having to do it this way.

(to Achates)

Achates, hand me your sword.

He hesitantly pulls his sword out of his sheath and hands it

to Aeneas. Achaemenides’ face is covered with fear.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

Lift your hands up.

Achaemenides slowly raises his hands. They’re shaking. He

whimpers a little. A tear slides down his cheek.

ACHAEMENIDES

(emotional)

I guess I should’ve saw this

coming. The only way to pardon

death is by death itself. If this

is my ultimate punishment, then so

be it. I reckon that my past sins

should never be forgiven. I

understand, all I ask is that you

make my death quick, so I don’t

have to suffer again.

AENEAS

Silence and do as I say.

Achates looks like he didn’t expect this. Achaemenides’

hands are in place. His eyes are closed. Takes a few deep

breaths. Aeneas aims his sword at him. HE SWINGS HIS SWORD

UP AND THEN DOWN...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 6.

CLOSE ON Achamenides’ face. He opens his eyes. He’s still

alive. He studies his entire body, no blood, not even a cut.

He examines the ground and sees cut pieces of rope. He sees

his hands, no longer tied, free. Aeneas advances toward him.

AENEAS

You’ve suffered long enough. By

your misdeeds in war and from what

I put you through. I hereby give to

you your freedom.

Achaemenides is surprised to hear those words.

ACHATES

My king how can you...

AENEAS

(to Achates, interrupts)

Enough!

(to Achaemenides)

You’ve been through it all. Bound

and detained you shall be no

longer. You’re a free man now. From

what I know Greeks inhabit parts of

this land, a good life you can make

for yourself here. You deserve it

because you’re forgiven.

ACHAEMENIDES

(tentative)

Thank you.

AENEAS

I accept your thanks. Now go.

Confused and uncertain, very slowly he takes a few strides

away from Aeneas. He stops. Beat. Looks back and returns to

face him.

ACHAEMENIDES

I must say that I don’t know where

to go. And no one back home is

waiting for my arrival. I have

nothing. I promised you before I’d

express my gratitude toward you for

saving me. I ask you with all my

will, please accept me into your

life as a Trojan.

Aeneas and Achates react with astonishment.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 7.

ACHAEMENIDES (CONT’D)

You unknowingly gave me something

that I knew for sure would be taken

away from me, my life. I am forever

indebted to you for your lenience

toward me.

(passionate)

I may have Greek blood but if you

invite me into your world, I shall

spend the rest of my remaining days

living as a Trojan, fighting like a

Trojan, honoring the Trojan way.

Please.

Beat. Aeneas looks deep into his eyes.

AENEAS

Achaemenides...I accept you as one

of us.

ACHATES

Aeneas, you’re not really going

to...

Aeneas throws his hand up cutting him off.

AENEAS

From now on, you’re Achaemenides,

the Trojan.

ACHAEMENIDES

(grabs him by the shoulders

and hugs him tightly)

I thank you from the depths of my

heart.

AENEAS

Go on and join the others.

Achamenides releases him and rushes off into the jungle

heading toward the beach while shouting in jubilation.

Achates stares at Aeneas with distasting bewilderment.

ACHATES

How could you make such a choice?

Did you even bother to think of the

implications that your decision

would have, at all?

AENEAS

Indeed, and I support what I did.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 8.

He steps up closer to Aeneas’ face. Gazing deep into his

eyes with passionate anger.

ACHATES

But I can’t, not as a Trojan,

neither as a friend. Explain to me,

please, for I am bemused by your

recent actions and choices. Has

this journey of ours made you

stronger and trustworthy, or has it

weakened you, to now you’ve lost

your mind? Because this is absurd.

The Aeneas I’ve always known

would’ve never made that type of

choice ever.

AENEAS

(calmly)

If that’s how you see it, then it

means I’m doing something right.

ACHATES

(taken aback)

Elaborate to me this instant. For I

think I don’t know you anymore.

That Aeneas, my friend, was nothing

to me but a lie...

Aeneas gets up in his face with his voice growing louder.

AENEAS

(interrupts)

Well good! The Aeneas I once was is

the one I don’t want to be anymore.

I went into the underworld. All the

myths and fables you may have heard

about, were all true. I saw what I

was supposed to see. Death.

(he’s got his attention)

I had a glimpse into what happens

to people like us in the afterlife.

Don’t you get it? We’ve murdered

people, we’ve shed blood, whether

if it was in offense or defense, we

still killed, and that is still

sin. I don’t want that life

anymore.

(he grabs Achates by the

shoulders)

That’s why I’m relinquishing my

title and appointing you as my new

commander of our recent and future

army.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 9.

Achates struggles to respond.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

Congratulations my friend. Who

better to be a fine commander than

you?

ACHATES

I don’t know what to say.

AENEAS

(smiling)

Don’t say anything, just be proud.

ACHATES

Why are you doing this?

AENEAS

Because I feel I can make an equal

powerful statement as a ruler with

my words than by the use of my

sword. I desire to handle my

affairs by the way of a diplomat. I

never want to step back onto the

battlefield ever again. I award you

this opportunity as a gift for you

always being there by my side. Not

as a warrior, more than a friend,

but as a brother. Your title may be

as commander, but since no more

wars await us, you’ll be able to

live like me, like a king.

They hug each other. Unexpectedly something grabs Achates’

awareness. Aeneas turns around to face the direction of

Achates’ peripherial

BEACH: the Trojans continue to eat. Then, Aeneas and Achates

step out of the jungle with their hands up, defenseless.

Emerging out of the jungle is a GROUP OF ARMOR WEARING,

SPEAR DRAWN SOLDIERS/GUARDS ON HORSES. The Trojans become

alarmed.

AENEAS

(to the Trojans)

Halt! Don’t move!

They follow his command. A suspenseful atmosphere.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

(to the soldiers/guards)

Is there anyone of higher authority

that I may speak to?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 10.

VOICE (O.S.)

Yes, me.

A pathway is created for an ELDERLY MAN on horseback who

motions toward Aeneas. This man’s specific dress conveys

nobility, provided with a long beard, and his voice, face,

and demeanor implies the traits of a man in charge.

VOICE

My name is Drances, ambassador of

the kingdom of Latium and its king,

Latinus, and lord of the high

council. To whom am I speaking?

AENEAS

Greetings, I am Aeneas, and the

last king for the remaining

Trojans. Trespassing on your land

was never our intent. We appear

before you in absolute peace for we

believe that destiny led us to your

kingdom.

Drances’ mouth drops in awe.

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - LATIUM - DAY

The Trojans, consisting of Aeneas, Achates, and Prince

Ilioneus, and the Latium people are walking on a trail.

Drances and half the soldiers/guards lead the way, the

Trojans in the middle, and the rest of soldiers/guards track

behind them.

ACHATES

(concerned)

Are you sure they can be trusted?

AENEAS

(confidentally with a smile)

Undoubtedly.

They continue down the trail as it leads to the walls of the

IMPERIAL CITY.

EXT. IMPERIAL CITY - LATIUM - DAY

The gates rise up, revealing the huge COURTYARD. Busy,

occupied, loud, and crowded, but the ambiance of this place

is appealing to the eyes of the Trojans. The treatment of

the people toward each other, their clothing, and the lavish

appearance of the bailey with its decorations is a sight of

pure enchantment.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 11.

MARKET: people deal with each other in a friendly, orderly

fashion.

FIELD: the Trojans turn to their side to see YOUNG SOLDIERS

of tremendous fitness, training. Hurling honed javelins,

horse racing, wooden sword bouts, archery.

INT. CASTLE - LATIUM - DAY

The doors open. They enter. Drances and the soldier/guards,

on foot, guide the Trojans down the

HALLWAY...

...the Trojans are trapped in captivity by the awesome aura

of the huge columns they pass, hundreds of them supporting

the very high ceiling -- rows of tall statues made of cedar

wood -- displays of battle-axes, enormous deadbolts,

javelins, shields, and figureheads of ships are aligned on

the walls. They proceed into the

THRONE ROOM

where in the lavish, hallowed hall, KING LATINUS, old,

overweight, but with a brawny build, decked in an

extravagant garb, while his wife, QUEEN AMATA, stunning in

her radiant dress, the most attractive middle aged woman

ever, sit on their thrones.

They make their way to the bottom of the steps. A few of the

guards/soldiers stand near the Trojans. They’re own their

knees. Drances strides up the steps.

DRANCES

Greetings, my king and queen.

He bows before them.

LATINUS

Drances, explain as to why I owe my

time in the presence of these

strangers?

Drances leans into his ear, whispering. Within seconds

Latinus’ eyes raise up and quickly settles his heed on the

Trojans. With each passing second Latinus’ expressions

change several times but his attention remains on them.

ACHATES

(in a low voice)

I’m not so sure about this.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 12.

AENEAS

(in a low voice)

Stop worrying, that’s an order.

Before it rubs off on me.

Drances leans up and moves away from Latinus. He stands up.

LATINUS

I’ve been informed on your

identity. I know who you are and so

does my city. I’ve heard all about

your voyage. Now, Trojans, tell us

what is that you want, what has

brought you here? Was it an error

in your navigation? Were you driven

off course by storms or by other

misadventures?

Aeneas is about to speak until Prince Ilioneus puts his hand

up.

ILIONEUS

(to Aeneas)

Allow me.

(to Latinus)

Your royalty, I’ll speak for our

king, Aeneas of Troy. We have not

arrived in your country driven by

any winter storm, or mistaken our

landing place, or misreading the

stars. We have come on purpose,

under no compulsion. We were swept

away by the flood of war, and since

then we have traveled countless

miles over the sea in search of a

simple resting place. We ask only

for water to drink and air to

breathe, and a place to settle

safely. It will be no disgrace for

you if you shelter us, and you will

achieve no passing attention from

us, but rather our undying

gratitude. The fates, and all their

power, have ordered us to search

and find this place. By Aeneas’

life, and by the right hand with

which he was sworn loyalty to his

friends and fought his enemies, I

promise you this, Italy will not

regret that she welcomed Troy.

Latinus stands motionless.

13.

INT. BANQUET HALL - CASTLE - NIGHT

An assortment of tables decorated with golden plates of

fruit and cooked meat. Countless servants wander about with

trays in hand, and pouring wine into cups.

A huge social gathering. An exquisite setting. The Trojans,

all of them adorned in clean, glaring garments, walk about,

some eating, some interacting with the company that’s there.

The place is packed.

The doors are open and rows of people file into the hallway.

It’s loud. So many people it’s challenging to move around or

converse. The pageantry is bewildering to where not one

person, especially the Trojans, that is remotely quiet or

inactive. Accept for Aeneas, who saunters the area, coming

across as an outsider. He hears someone calling his name

above the many voices.

Latinus does his best to squeeze his way through the horde

of people, moving toward Aeneas.

LATINUS

Aeneas! There you are. Come with

me, there’s some people I want you

to meet.

He accompanies Aeneas out of the hall.

AENEAS

I can’t thank you enough for your

accommodations. Especially clothing

my fellow Trojans.

LATINUS

Keep your thanks, it was my dearest

pleasure.

They enter the

HALLWAY

where it’s a little more quiet. Off to the side stands an

entourage, to themselves, as other people pass them. They

appear to be royalty, too. Latinus and Aeneas walk up to

them.

LATINUS

Aeneas, these folk come from Ardea.

This is Turnus, king of Ardea and

its townspeople, the Rutulians. And

another member of the high council.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 14.

Turnus, good-looking, great physical stature, but the way

he’s representing it he’s coming across with a overconfident

presence, further enhanced by his brash smile.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

This is, uh, Mezentius, Turnus’

close friend.

Mezentius, tall, intimidating, a smug stance, face covered

in dark hair, he seems the type that’ll snap if someone told

him the wrong thing.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

This is Lausus, Mezentius’ son.

Lausus, a young face, but the body of a man, resembles and

is a mirror image of his father.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

This lovely young lady is Juturna,

Turnus’ sister.

Juturna, exquisite beauty, the rhythm of her blinking eyes

and red lips are alluring. Any man would be captivated by

her graciousness.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

And this fortunate fellow is her

husband, Numanus. They’re

newlyweds.

Numanus, possesses an innocent, upright, genteel nature,

more of a lover than a fighter.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

Everybody, this is Aeneas of Troy,

its last king. The traveler of the

sea lands in my kingdom, what a

concept to fathom.

TURNUS

(to Aeneas)

On behalf of all of us, it’s an

honor to meet you. The story of

your expedition I must say is a

fascinating tale.

(to Latinus)

I take it that he’s the reason you

put on this extravagant ceremony.

LATINUS

Of course it is. It’s been a long

time since a phenomenal man of his

stature has walked these halls.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 15.

TURNUS

(tries his best to keep it

together)

Well, how lucky we are.

AT THE BANQUET HALL Ascanius sneaks passed the people the

best he can. Holding onto his outfit tightly. He reaches

another

HALLWAY

to meet with Atys. Ascanius reaches under his garment, and

pulls out an unopened bottle of wine. They both laugh in

youthful glee. Ascanius opens it, and they both take big

gulps, and release satisfying exhales.

AT THE BANQUET HALL Achaemenides looks down,and surveys the

long table filled with a buffet of food. Scoping out his

choices. In seconds, he grabs whatever he can, consuming

what’s in front of him. Within moments his mouth is full of

food, cheeks extended to the point where they’re red. Tears

of exhilaration stream down his face. To be polite he puts

his hands over his mouth. Soon a LADY walks near him,

snatching up some grapes, and then she looks at him with

disgust.

ACHAMENIDES

(muffled)

Sorry.

She walks away as if she was offended. He doesn’t care

because he’s in a state of joy.

Latinus and Turnus meet with Amata in the middle of the

hall. She sticks out her hand, he embraces it by giving it a

gentle kiss.

TURNUS

Queen Amata, always a pleasure, and

how stunning you are, not like I

expected any different.

AMATA

Always gratified to hear your kind

words.

Drances appears, stumbling as if he were drunk.

DRANCES

Turnus, you’re here, I thought we

already put the children to sleep.

Turnus bites his lip, keeping his composure.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 16.

TURNUS

Oh Drances, don’t you know by now

your jokes don’t rattle me.

DRANCES

I don’t need jokes when your very

name is a punchline.

Drances walks away with a smirk and then laughs, leaving

behind a scent of discomfort.

LATINUS

Excuse him, he can be very direct

at times. I believe it was the

wine.

TURNUS

He made the wise choice to direct

himself away from me.

LATINUS

Come on Turnus, you know his humor.

You both serve on the council. He

never has insult behind his

remarks.

TURNUS

I’m not sure if I can believe that.

An awkward silence.

AMATA

Well, I’m departing to the cellar

to request more wine.

LATINUS

Don’t be too long, I’m about to

make a toast moments from now.

Amata kisses Latinus on the cheek and leaves. Beat.

LATINUS

Well, I’m going to meet with

Aeneas, that’s if I can find him.

Aeneas!

He steps away leaving Turnus by himself. He turns his head

and sees Amata about to enter the hallway until she stops,

twists her head around, and staring directly at him.

Projecting to him a seductive expression. Beat. She turns

forward and continues onward.

HALLWAY: Aeneas, alone, gazes up at the statues and weapons

situated along the wall. He can’t take his eyes off of them.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 17.

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)

Breathtaking isn’t it?

Aeneas turns and sees a YOUNG WOMAN, long, smooth dark hair,

a ravishing face, veiled in a glimmering dress, at the end

of the hallway. She paces toward him.

AENEAS

Pardon me.

YOUNG WOMAN

The display. I can see how one

would be enamored by it at first

glance. It does look pretty, I

admit, but its fantastic appearance

is a curtain to conceal the truth

behind these exhibits.

AENEAS

What do you mean?

YOUNG WOMAN

(talking with conviction)

These men, who we revere killed

people. The swords they used sliced

through flesh, leaving behind

trails of blood and memories of

slaughter. It doesn’t matter who’s

the victor or victim, it affects

both participants whether

physically or emotionally. It’s

unthinkable to imagine that this

country and others under the dome

of the world had their foundations

evolve by war and carnage.

By his expression her words blow him away.

INT. CELLAR - CASTLE - NIGHT

Inside the dark, barely lit cellar, at the wall at the end

of a row of wine barrels, Turnus has Amata’s back pinned

against the wall, making out with her passionately. She

moans in delight.

AMATA

I hate how we can only be intimate

under these circumstances.

TURNUS

It won’t be for long.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 18.

AMATA

You don’t find it rather

frustrating that I have to nominate

you as a prospect for you to court

my daughter’s hand in marriage in

order for you to be close to me.

TURNUS

It is, but what keeps me going is

the notion that Latinus’ time is

running out. With no successor to

the throne, he’s left with no

choice but to hand over the throne

to me, his son-in-law. But once I

have Latium in my grasp, our love

will be made known. We won’t have

to hide no more.

Her hand caresses his face.

AMATA

We must leave, people will grow

suspicious and Latinus is about to

make his toast soon.

They adjust their clothes and head out of there.

INT. HALLWAY - CASTLE - NIGHT

YOUNG WOMAN

These statues, and relics, this

entire wall celebrates violence.

Barbarity has existed in the past,

it does now in the present, and we

worship it. It’s sad to think that

in order for kingdoms to be born

and heroes to rise, lives must be

put to end.

He observes her with interest.

YOUNG WOMAN (CONT’D)

People come by all the time to view

these artifacts. They see greatness

and tradition. With me, what I see

is slaughter, greed, and

corruption. What’s worse, with all

the great queens from our past,

none of them are memorialized on

this wall.

Aeneas scans the wall, she’s right, there isn’t any.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 19.

LATINUS (O.S.)

There you two are. I’ve been

looking everywhere for you both.

He strides to them.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

So I take it that you’ve already

met my daughter.

AENEAS

(dumbfounded)

She’s your daughter?

LATINUS

Yes she is, you didn’t introduce

yourselves?

AENEAS

Converse we did, exchange names we

did not.

LATINUS

Well then, this is my daughter,

Lavinia.

He kisses her on the hand.

LATINUS

Lavinia, this is our guest of

honor, Aeneas, king of Troy.

LAVINIA

(shocked)

You’re Aeneas, the one I’ve heard

so much about.

AENEAS

That’ll be me.

Her eyes express captivation toward him.

LATINUS

Well what did I miss? What have you

two been dialoguing about?

LAVINIA

(sarcastically)

Nothing important, just mentioning

how our society and many others

have been cultivated through

carnage, and we take weapons used

to harm others and hang them up on

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 20.

LAVINIA (cont’d)our walls so we can venerate their

exploits, and create morals out of

them for people to abide by to

disguise the truth and horrors of

their real usage.

An unpleasant pause. Latinus laughs and wraps his arm around

her shoulder.

LATINUS

Apologies on behalf of my daughter.

She’s made quite a reputation for

herself for being...outspoken.

(beat)

How about we return to the rest of

the guests, we don’t want to keep

them waiting.

They progress out of there.

INT. BANQUET HALL - CASTLE - NIGHT

Latinus and Amata stand on a platform, overlooking everybody

else, their cups in their hand. All the people are standing

up.

LATINUS

Everybody, raise your drinks. I’d

like to propose a toast to Aeneas

and his Trojans.

They all follow.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

What you have asked for, we will

give you. We accept, your friends

and family. As long as I am king,

you will have land as fertile and

riches as abundant as you ever had

in Troy. As for you, and Aeneas,

let you approach us as our friend,

our guest, our ally. You will find

nothing but the friendliest

welcomes, and I myself will take

your hand in peace, for now and

always. To Aeneas and the Trojans!

EVERYBODY

Aeneas and the Trojans!

They salute him by raising their cups high, and take long

sips. Beat. Once they’re all done drinking they all cheer.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 21.

ASCANIUS (V.O.)

The king kept his word. We went

from Trojans to citizens of Latium.

MONTAGE - LIFE IN LATIUM

INT. STABLES - DAY

Latinus displays his horses to Aeneas and a group of

Trojans. Latinus holds onto the reins, and hands it over to

Aeneas, who possesses the most healthy, best looking horse

of them all.

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

Outside the palace walls, Aeneas and Latinus stand and

observe a band of workers constructing a variety of huts. In

their early infancy.

ASCANIUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Within days, homes for us were

being crafted.

DISSOLVE TO -- the huts completed. A nice looking community.

ASCANIUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

At the end of several laborious

weeks they were finished.

EXT. FIELD - COURTYARD - DAY

Ascanius, Atys, Nisus, Euryalus, Achaemenides, Sergestus,

and Cloanthus sport Latium battle uniforms, participating in

mock fights and competitions such as sword fighting,

archery, spear-throwing, racing, and boxing. Either with

each other or soldiers of Latium.

ASCANIUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

They accepted us into their

military.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - CASTLE - DAY

At a long table, sits Drances, Turnus with Mezentius

standing behind him, and several others in attendance. In

front of the members at the edge of the table stands Latinus

with Aeneas beside him.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 22.

ASCANIUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

In just a short amount of time

Latinus made a bold move.

LATINUS

(to the council members)

I announce to you all, that I

hereby welcome Aeneas into our

council and grant him his

membership.

Aeneas is shocked by the news. Latinus shakes his hand. The

other members stand and clap for him. In moments they swarm

to him, congratulating him with smiles. Except for one who

remains seated, and wears a mask of surprise, Turnus.

EXT. COURTYARD - DAY

MARKET: the Trojans roam about. Nisus and Euryalus, holding

hands, stroll around. Beroe stands near a jewelry selling

tent, trying on different kinds of jewelry, enjoying

herself. Achaemenides bounces from one stand to the next,

scoping out the various items for sell with excitement.

Ascanius and Atys rove by, and see some young women flashing

them smiles, they become smitten. All the Trojans there wear

similar clothing of the Latium people.

ASCANIUS (CONT’D)

They embraced us with open arms.

They supplied us everything we

could’ve asked for. Latium was now

home.

Making their entrance into the courtyard is Latinus, with a

cortege of guards surrounding him, with Aeneas by his side.

The people serve both of them smiles and looks of

admiration. They create a pathway for them, making them look

mighty. Aeneas holds his head up high, taking it all in and

relishing every second of the attention.

ASCANIUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

(looking at Aeneas)

By how he looked and carried

himself, I believed him. I felt our

troubles were through. No more war,

death, or traveling. The peace he

talked about was here.

Ascanius’ smile soon fades away.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 23.

ASCANIUS (V.O.) (CON’D)

But I have seen this image before.

Last time it didn’t go in our

favor.

END MONTAGE

PULL BACK on this image to reveal...

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - DAY

...the image displayed on the floating globe with Venus

viewing it with a joyous smile.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - CASTLE - NIGHT

A council meeting takes place.

LATINUS

That’ll be it for today councilors.

We’re adjourned.

The members rise from their seats while Turnus heads over to

Latinus and places his hand on his shoulder.

TURNUS

Latinus, I’d like to bring forth to

you something but in private,

please.

LATINUS

Yeah sure.

The rest of the members exit the door. Drances is the last

one out, but turns to see Latinus closing the door.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

Don’t mind us, we won’t be long.

Latinus shuts the door and gives Turnus his attention.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

What is it Turnus?

TURNUS

I have to release my feelings, I’ve

held my breath for too long. Lately

I’ve been lost in perplexity

concerning your handling of Aeneas

and the Trojans. Allowing a

different culture from another part

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 24.

TURNUS (cont’d)of the world to settle within our

home at the rate you did. One must

be puzzled by your intentions.

LATINUS

There’s no need to fear, Turnus.

Everything is fine.

TURNUS

But I’m not easily convinced by

that notion. So excuse me if some

are questioning your abnormal

behavior.

The conversation gets heated.

LATINUS

There is no abnormalities here,

Turnus. No need for you to feel

concerned.

TURNUS

It’s just that you’ve never done

anything like this before.

LATINUS

I’m aware of my past and you have

no reason to remind me. Everything

I do is for a purpose, and whether

or not I chose to reveal or conceal

it is my entitlement.

TURNUS

(beat)

There’s something you’re not

telling us. You’re hiding

something. You have an agenda that

you’re trying to keep secret.

He gets up in his face.

LATINUS

I don’t have to explain myself to

you. Every choice I’ve made up into

this point hasn’t failed me yet, so

I don’t see where it is that I

should change my way. We’re done

here. Good night Turnus.

Latinus storms out of there and shuts the door. Turnus,

solo, stands shaken up with rage.

25.

INT. HALLWAY - CASTLE - NIGHT

Aeneas gazes at the wall of weapons and statues. Latinus

appears.

LATINUS

Aeneas, you’re still here.

AENEAS

Sorry didn’t mean to overstay my

welcome.

He walks to him.

LATINUS

Don’t apologize. I pass this

hallway everyday and once in a good

while it requires my fullest

attention and time to embrace them,

and admire them.

AENEAS

This shrine brings back memories. I

look at these statues, weapons, and

relics, and I think that my very

own Troy had their own, and I’m

just afraid our legacy will erase

into obscurity.

LATINUS

Greatness can never be eradicated.

Those statues and weapons are what

they are because of what those men

did. Without their stories these

things will just be objects with no

meaning. Their sacrifice loyalty,

and honor is what will be

remembered. The same goes for you

and your Trojans. Artifacts won’t

need to be made for people to

acclaim your efforts. Your very

names embody strength and valor,

and your lives are ones to emulate.

AENEAS

I appreciate that.

LATINUS

I’m just relieved that my daughter

didn’t alter your view towards this

shrine.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 26.

AENEAS

No not at all but she did offer me

a perspective.

LATINUS

Well she’s established herself for

affecting people in that fashion.

She can be very extroverted,

forthright, and complicated.

They both chuckle.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

Actually one of my fondest memories

was when the townspeople staged a

protest against my verdict of going

to war. And my daughter, the

princess, had the audacity to

disguise herself amongst the mob of

people and rally along with them,

shouting obscenities towards me.

Her punishment was unlike any

other.

They laugh.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

Our relationship has been strained

at times. It’s just that she’s a

passionate young woman. She has my

persistence and her mother’s

ambition. When combined together

the result is a valiant individual

who’s tough to tame at times, but

nonetheless I love her so very

much.

AENEAS

You must feel proud.

LATINUS

I am. Actually she reminds me of

you in many ways. The same of kind

of perseverance and will. It’ll

take a very special man to tolerate

her enthusiasm and spirit, but

adore her for it. And I believe

that man is you. You’ll make a

great husband to her and a great

future king to Latium.

He immediately turns his head.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 27.

AENEAS

What was that?

LATINUS

You informed me that destiny and

fate brought you to my country. I

believed it and I have this whole

time.

AENEAS

Please let me explain...

Latinus steps closer to him.

LATINUS

(interrupts)

You don’t have to because I’ve

known all along. Why do I know? For

a good length of time, the queen

and I have been scouting a perfect

suitor to court our daughter into

matrimony. The process has been a

disaster. My son died young,

leaving me no heir to take my

place, and sadly that time is

coming soon. My prime slips away

with each passing day. Finding a

suitable husband for my daughter

and king is my main priority.

FLASHBACK

MONTAGE - FINDING A HUSBAND AND KING

INT. THRONE ROOM - CASTLE

SHOTS OF multiple faces of YOUNG MEN, DRESSED IN ROYAL GARB,

kneeling before Latinus, Amata, and Lavinia.

LATINUS (V.O.)

Many have come all across Italy to

prove their worth.

SHOTS OF Lavinia each time, angrily rising up and storming

out of there.

LATINUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Whenever my wife and I were sold,

Lavinia wasn’t and she made it

known.

Turnus, kneels before them. Amata gives him a smile. He

returns one to her.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 28.

LATINUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Our last choice was Turnus. Since

Ardea is close by, and with him

being a friend and council member,

it was logical to side with him.

Lavinia emotionally dashes out of there.

LATINUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

And again she didn’t handle it

well.

INT. SHRINE - CASTLE

Latinus, peacefully, kneels down in front of a laurel tree.

Eyes closed, hands together.

LATINUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Whenever I felt lost, when I needed

answers, I would pray to this

laurel tree. I preserved it’s

sacred leaves when I was laying the

foundations to this city and

dedicated it to Apollo. I prayed

and the foliage never responded.

INT. HALLWAY - CASTLE

Latinus speaks with an old SEER.

LATINUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

In dire desperation, I consulted

with my own trusted soothsayer.

The seer shrugs his shoulders.

LATINUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Even he had nothing for me.

Latinus’ face exhibits distress.

LATINUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

I had run out of options for

assistance. Except for one.

29.

EXT. MOUNTAIN - NIGHT

Latinus hikes up a steep mountain trail, with a long stick

in hand, and a huge knapsack strapped on his back.

LATINUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

I sneaked out of the castle, and

made my way to the mountain where

my father, the God, Faunus,

resides. Yes, I’m like you, I’m

half immortal, too. Him having a

talent for prophecy, I sought

recourse from him.

He reaches the land on top of the mountain. Surrounded by

dark copse, and a spring that spews out foul-smelling

vapors. A haunting atmosphere. His face is covered with

nervousness.

LATINUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

This place is scary during the

nighttime. We have a tradition for

those brave enough to pursue the

mountain. They must sacrifice a

hundred sheep, strip off their

shaggy skins, spread it on the

ground and lay on it, breathe in

the vapors before you sleep. Faunus

will wake you up with his answer.

In the middle of the thicket, Latinus reaches into his

knapsack, pulls out a huge blanket made of sheep skin and

lays it on the ground. Vapor shoots from the ground and we

see particles floating in the air and entering Latinus’

nose. Soon his balance is thrown off, his view becomes

dazed, and he flops on top of the sheep skin, closes his

eyes, and is out.

BLACK SCREEN

MOMENTS LATER a booming breathing sound echoes in the air.

Latinus immediately jolts up, wide awake. His eyes inspect

the area.

LATINUS

Faunus?! Father?!

He looks one way -- nothing. Turns around the other way --

nothing. Then he circles around...standing above him is

FAUNUS, horns out of his head, legs of a goat, similar

looking to Pan. Latinus doesn’t move. They stare at each

other for a long time. In a blink of an eye Faunus is gone.

Leaving Latinus by himself.

30.

END FLASHBACK

INT. HALLWAY - CASTLE - NIGHT

LATINUS (CONT’D)

My father foretold the arrival of a

foreigner and an army, moving with

a common purpose to be masters of

my citadel. A son-in-law, with his

companions, will come from a

foreign land. Because of the

children that he will father, his

descendants will rule the whole

world as it turns beneath their

feet, our name will be famous among

the stars. That’s you Aeneas. I

didn’t know who it would be in the

beginning, but when it was you that

stepped foot onto my land, I knew

it was you.

AENEAS

How strangely convenient that is.

LATINUS

I know. This is all fate. I know my

time to exit the world is arriving,

but to know that I’m going to leave

my daughter and kingdom in your

hands, I can say with complete

confidence that I can rest in

absolute peace.

He sticks his hand out, waiting for Aeneas to shake his

hand. He’s about to until...

LAVINIA

(upset)

So you’re just going to hand me

away, just like that, without my

consent or permission?

They both look directly at her at the end of the hallway.

LATINUS

Lavinia! It’s not like that.

LAVINIA

I thought you accepted these

Trojans because you

genuinely wanted to aid them. This

whole time they were players in

your grand scheme. And so am I.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 31.

LATINUS

Please, don’t see it in that light.

LAVINIA

Is my love just a competition to

you? Am I just some trophy, a prize

to be won?

LATINUS

Silence yourself! I’m trying to do

what’s best for you, and for this

country.

LAVINIA

No you’re not. It’s all about what

you want.

She rushes out of there. Latinus chases after her, leaving

Aeneas alone.

IN ANOTHER HALLWAY Latinus tries to open a door by turning

the knob. Nothing, it’s locked.

LATINUS

Lavinia open the door this instant!

Lavinia, please, this is no joking

manner, open the door! Lavinia!

He keeps trying but nothing.

AMATA (O.S.)

How could you do this?

He turns and sees Amata standing before him.

AMATA (CONT’D)

You have decided to give away our

daughter to the Trojan refugees.

LATINUS

I was going to tell you myself...

AMATA

(interrupts)

So it’s true. Do you have no pity

for your daughter? Did you ever

consider what it would do to you,

me, or her, even Turnus?

LATINUS

I knew of all the possibilities and

outcomes that could unfold.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 32.

AMATA

(emotional)

Then why would you do it? Hand your

daughter off to a man where death

has cursed the women who loved him.

Since he became king of the

Trojans, all the lives that have

been lost that he admitted. Then

there’s the fall of Troy. What more

proof should be presented for you

to realize that this is a mistake?

You gave Turnus your word. You

betrayed him.

LATINUS

(passionate)

This is prophecy. What is happening

is for a reason. It’s destiny. Yes

I’m tentative on what could happen,

but I’d be a fool to go against the

word of my father, but to dispute

fate.

AMATA

(enrage)

I don’t want to hear this prophecy

rubbish. If you do this you’ll

sentence your daughter and this

kingdom you built to death.

LATINUS

(beat)

Then that’s a risk I’m willing to

take. More like an act of faith.

Amata’s body weakens by his response. In a state of

disbelief.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

I don’t want to hear any more from

you concerning this. I know what’s

best. I’m always right because I’ve

done what’s right.

AMATA

(on the verge of tears)

What will you do with Turnus?

LATINUS

I’ll inform him when the time is

right. I will go about this alone,

without any interference. This is

my affair to deal with, mine alone.

End of discussion.

33.

He goes away. She’s by herself, dripping tears.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - CASTLE - DAY

Latinus is with Drances. The door flies open, Aeneas bursts

in.

AENEAS

King Latinus, may I have word with

you?

Latinus gives Drances a look for him to leave and he does.

Drances steps out of the room and closes the door.

LATINUS

What is it Aeneas? By the sounds of

your breath and the look in your

eye it seems to me it’s urgent.

AENEAS

It is. I was wondering, with your

permission may I have the duty of

speaking with your daughter, on my

own?

Latinus displays a glance of surprise.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

From reminiscing about yesterday,

maybe the sitaution wasn’t

conudcted rightfully. That was most

likely not the most ideal time and

place to reveal something of that

magnitude. And it was probably best

she found out in a much better way

than what did happen. I feel it’ll

be best that I make it up to her

and explain for yesterday’s

unpleasant scene. And the way she

may feel about you at this present,

probably being in her company would

be unwise. Leave it to me, if

that’s okay with you, sir?

Beat. He’s in thought.

LATINUS

You’ll be able to find her where

she usually is when she’s upset

with me.

34.

EXT. GARDEN - KING - NIGHT

Aeneas walks onto a patio. He marvels at the sight of this

lush, beautiful garden. Growing fruits and vegetables. A sea

of female servants picking the food off the small trees. He

telecscopes the rows, trying to pick out Lavinia, and finds

her, picking apples and putting them into a basket. He moves

in her direction.

AENEAS

Good morning to you.

LAVINIA

(not pleased to see him)

What do you want?

AENEAS

Yesterday was an unfortunate

circumstance. All that happened and

was said was done in an

unnacepptable fashion. I know that

I am to blame, and because of what

it’s done to you and your father,

I’d like to make it right at least

between us. With your approval, I’d

much enjoy if you accompanied me on

a picnic.

(he throughs his arm up afraid

of a mistaken response)

This is by no means a disguise for

marriage talk or anything remotely

close to that. I would just like to

have a quality meeting between you

and I. Where it’s just us and not

to be disturbed by anyone else. I’m

not asking for the princess, I’m

asking for Lavinia. Not on behalf

of me, Aeneas, but from one

Laurentian to another, just as a

friend. Please.

Beat. She ponders this for a moment.

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

Aeneas and Lavinia ride on horseback on a trail through the

forest. She’s wearing a royal dress. Beat. He can’t take his

eyes off her. He examines her.

AENEAS

I must say, the way you communicate

to your father, how you deal with

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 35.

AENEAS (cont’d)your king, the insight and

intellect behind what you voice.

It’s unlike what I’m usually

accustomed to. I’m fascinated by

you.

LAVINIA

(beat)

Thank you for that.

AENEAS

If you don’t mind me asking, I’d

like to know where your character

stems from, and how you became to

be?

She’s in thought, pause, it feels like she might not

respond. Aeneas senses it and is about to say something

until...

LAVINIA

I lost my brother when I was child.

He lived long enough to have a few

short breaths. I would’ve been a

few years older than him. The king

was distraught by the loss. Taking

a great amount of time to recover.

When he was in the womb, that’s all

my father could muster, how he was

going to raise it, teach it to

fight, and prepare him for the

throne. All that was taken from

him, and me. To fill in the void I

was in a way thrust into the role

of son. He taught me to fight,

hunt, to work, to be strong, to

defend what I believe. Now that I’m

older, and no heir to the throne,

he pushes me into a role that every

conventional woman has been through

with my status. Letting her father

and king decided her life companion

and future for her. I don’t want to

be that kind of woman. My father

raised me to be my own person, and

it feels that all he taught me has

evaporated. That’s why I speak the

way I feel, and most of the time my

father and most in the community

don’t agree and support what I say

or do. Sometimes I act and say what

I think my brother would do if he

were here.

36.

The mood has shifted to emotional. Lavinia appears to be

holding back her emotions. Aeneas doesn’t say anything.

Beat. They continue to follow the trail.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Deep in the forest. A deer stands next to a tree. Suddenly a

spear darts in the air and becomes impaled into the tree

trunk. The deer scatters. Atys runs over and pulls it out.

ATYS

My God I almost had it.

ASCANIUS (O.S.)

Silence. I’m targeting it now.

Ascanius has his bow and arrow in place. Aiming the arrow at

the deer. He’s about to release until...

ATYS (O.S.)

Ascanius, get over here!

ASCANIUS

(annoyed)

What is it?

ATYS (O.S.)

Come here now, it’s your father!

Ascanius puts it down and leaves. Atys, kneeling down and

hiding behind a bush observes something. Ascanius appears.

ASCANIUS

What did you call me for?

ATYS

Ssshhh! Get down and look.

He points to the

BEACH

where in a picturesque view Aeneas and Lavinia are sitting

on a blanket on the shore, plates of food, and looking out

at the ocean.

ATYS (O.S.)

It’s your father and the princess.

FOREST: Ascanius kneels down and is shocked.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 37.

ASCANIUS

What’s he doing with her?

BEACH:

AENEAS

I hope you’re father doesn’t mind

us being here unguarded.

LAVINIA

I leave the palace walls all the

time. Most people do. We’ve been in

a state of peace for a long time.

That temple near the castle, an ode

to Mars, has double doors made of

brass and iron that we call the

Gates of War. For a good duration

they’ve never had to be opened.

There’s no worries on my father’s

part, accept trying to find me a

husband.

AENEAS

That was very brave of you to

reveal yourself the way you did.

LAVINIA

I’ve never done that before. It was

the first time I felt compelled to.

AENEAS

I can relate. Gathering up your

feelings for so long. You want to

release them, then it becomes a war

of questions of why and who can you

tell?

LAVINIA

Everybody knows your story Aeneas.

AENEAS

But have you heard it personally

from the man who’s lived it?

She doesn’t say a word.

AENEAS

Exactly. I believe it’ll be fair

that I disclose my past so you’re

not the only one exposed.

(he takes a deep breath)

It all began after the fall of

Troy.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 38.

FOREST: Atys and Ascanius continue to watch.

DISSOLVE TO

A passage of time. He continues to speak.

AENEAS

And that’s what led me to your

country. That’s been my story up to

now.

She’s unmoved, not blinking, a barely bitten apple she holds

in her hand, like a statue.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

I didn’t intend to ramble like I

just did, excuse me for that. I

thought it would be best to inform

you who I am. I know too well about

loss, and being put into a role

that your uncertain about. Maybe

you and I aren’t too different. I

believe that’s a good thing.

She doesn’t respond. In awe by his story. He scopes the sky.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

It’s getting late, we must head

back.

He gets to his feet and heads for his horse.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Ascanius, upset, rises and takes off. Atys follows.

ATYS

Ascanius where are you going?

EXT. TROJAN VILLAGE - COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT

Everybody is out and about. A huge fire in the middle of the

village. They’re cooking meat. People eating. Socializing.

Aeneas sits at a table with Achates, Prince Ilioneus, and

other familiar members of his crew. He’s not eating,

talking, something is on his mind.

ACHATES

Aeneas, is everything okay?

All eyes on him. Beat.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 39.

AENEAS

I’m going to rest. Have a splendid

evening.

He evacuates the table and strolls away. AT ANOTHER TABLE,

Ascanius sees his father walk away. Atys shakes his head

sideways at him, indicating no, don’t do it. Ascanius leaves

the table. Follows him. Aeneas enters his hut.

INT. AENEAS’ HUT - NIGHT

Aeneas prepares his bed. Ascanius walks in.

AENEAS

Ascanius, hello?

ASCANIUS

Hello, father, don’t mean to

intrude.

AENEAS

Oh you’re not. What is it?

ASCANIUS

Just wanted to know how your day

was?

AENEAS

It was productive, not eventful

enough for an exciting telling.

ASCANIUS

(sarcastic)

Really, not as eventful as having a

picnic, unguarded, at the beach

with the princess, just the two of

you. Telling her your story.

AENEAS

(beat, uncomfortable)

How did you...

ASCANIUS

I was hunting father. Then I

stumbled upon your meeting.

(upset)

Do you honestly think it’s best to

fall back in love again?

AENEAS

This is not a loving manner. It was

only a friendly interaction.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 40.

ASCANIUS

I’m not so sure of that. We all

know what happened last time when

you were in love.

He turns his back on him about to exit until...

AENEAS

Son, the mistakes of the past won’t

be repeated this time.

ASCANIUS

(beat)

I wish I can believe that. Only

that, with you...it’s

unpredictable.

He steps out of the tent. Aeneas puts out the fire on the

candle. Darkness.

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT

A YOUNG PRIESTESS, CALYBE, IN RELIGIOUS ATTIRE, steps out of

a LOG CABIN. A COUPLE accompany her out. They place their

hands together and bow to her gracefully.

COUPLE

Blessings to you.

Hands together, Calybe bows to them, peacefully. She gets on

her horse and rides away.

MOMENTS LATER she’s on the trail heading for the Imperial

City. The atmosphere feels unsettling. She hears something,

she looks up, a raven flies above her. One shoots past her,

alarming here. Then another, and another. It stops. Until..a

huge flock of ravens swarm at her. The horse runs off the

trail, out into the middle of the countryside, galloping

fast. She’s screaming on the top of her lungs in fear.

CALYBE

(shouting)

Help me Gods, help me!

She tries to cover her face while using her hand to swat at

them. She falls off the horse, and lands on the ground, as

it continues to gallop away. The ravens continue to attack

her as she takes off for the...

FOREST

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 41.

where they encircle around her, more and more are coming.

She’s standing there screaming, using her arms as a shield

but not working. The ravens cut her face and hands, blood

coming out the wounds. A horrifying sight.

BLACK SCREEN

EXT. CITADEL - ARDEA - NIGHT

ESTABLISHING SHOT of the citadel resting on top of a

mountain, overlooking Ardea, a minor version of Latium.

INT. TURNUS’ BEDCHAMBER - CITADEL - NIGHT

Turnus rests soundly on his bed. The moonlight flashes

through his window. He turns to his side, and barely opens

his eyes. Suddenly Calybe is standing in the light, staring

at him, quietly. He wakes up, on the verge of screaming

until she moves toward him and puts her hand on his mouth,

silencing him.

CALYBE

(angry)

Turnus, are you going to allow all

your hard work to be wasted, and

the kingdom that might have been

yours handed over to Trojan

colonists? King Latinus is denying

you the wife and dowry and kinship

that you had expected, and giving

it to a foreigner. Making you look

a fool as if you were meaningless.

These barbarian interlopers from

abroad must be destroyed to leave

Latium in peace. Propose to him

your resistance and if the king

refuses, let him see to what it is

to have Turnus as his enemy.

She removes her hand. Turnus, in shock, responds.

TURNUS

I am beyond surprised. How is a

priestess of Latium able to enter

my bedchamber and command orders at

me in my citadel, you must be...

She’s fed up with his rant, she places her hands on his

face, forcing him to look deep into her eyes.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 42.

CALYBE

Look into my eyes, see what I see.

IMAGES: the Imperial City of Latium up in flames. People

being put to slaughter at the hands of the Trojans. An

absolute massacre. Swords stabbing and killing Latinus,

Amata, and Lavinia. Aeneas approaches a rampart to stare out

at the countryside, he witnesses all nearby villages

consumed by smoke. He looks down at the coutryard to see the

mayhem continuing. He smiles.

Suddenly Turnus comes to his senses.

CALYBE (CONT’D)

That’s what awaits Latium if you

don’t act. If the king doesn’t

comply, then call to arms.

Within a blink of an eye, she’s gone. Turnus, so astonished

he can’t move, he looks out the window and sees a raven fly

by.

EXT. LATIUM - DAY

Turnus, on horseback, bolts into the Imperial City. Riding

with urgency through the courtyard.

EXT. CASTLE - DAY

At the colonnade, Latinus interacts with two OLDER

PRIESTESSES, and two ELDERLY SHEPHERDS. Turnus appears.

Latinus notices. He shakes hands with the shepherds and then

bows to the priestesses. They disperse. Turnus and Latinus

meet with each other and tread along the colonnade.

LATINUS

Oh Turnus, what a coincidence. I

was about to invite you over. Now

that you here, I got something

important to tell you.

TURNUS

(on edge)

So do I, it’s urgent. Do you mind

if I speak first?

LATINUS

Sure, speak your mind, by your tone

of voice it seems serious.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 43.

TURNUS

Yes it is. A priestess from your

chapel came to my bedchamber last

night. She appeared before me and

revealed to me a prophecy...

(he stops, and lowers his

voice)

...that Latium will burn along

other cities if you hand the

kingdom over to the Trojans.

Latinus looks confused.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

She even informed me that your plan

was to strip me of my candidacy as

suitor to your daughter and as your

next heir.

Even more confused. Beat.

LATINUS

Was it Calybe?

TURNUS

Yes.

LATINUS

That is absurd and impossible.

TURNUS

What do you mean?

LATINUS

First, I didn’t tell many, let

alone one of my priestess about my

selection of suitor and heir. But

most importantly, those priestesses

I was just consulting with informed

me that last night Calybe went to

bless a sick child out in the

country, and never made it back.

Then those shepherds told me they

saw her corpse in the middle of the

forest. And I’m to believe she went

all the way to Ardea to give you

information I never publicized to

her and a false prophecy?

TURNUS

(beat)

It’s not false, sir. She was there.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 44.

LATINUS

Silence.

TURNUS

It’s the truth, we’re all going to

die...

LATINUS

(interrupts)

Enough!

(he leans in closer to him,

serious)

Listen closely, yes it’s true, I

wanted to summon you here to notify

you that I did revoke your

nomination, myself only, not a

priestess, how she knows is beyond

me. I strongly advocated for you

until fate made me choose

otherwise. I saw a prophecy myself,

from Faunus, and nowhere was there

any indication of brutality and

genocide from the Trojans.

Withdrawing your name was a

challenge for me, but now with your

false claims and allegations, it

gives me confidence in the

credibility of my choice.

TURNUS

(desperate)

Sir, don’t do this...

LATINUS

(interrupts)

I must. To dispute me is one thing,

but to question fate, a God, my

father, especially in the midst of

this tragedy to me is unsuitable to

rule my kingdom and be my

son-in-law. Now I will bring this

to the council, and it’s best you

be absent for awhile until you

straighten out your priorities.

Farewell, Turnus.

Latinus turns away and walks into the castle, leaving Turnus

by himself in a shadow of sorrow and disappointment.

45.

INT. TOWER - CASTLE - DAY

Latinus, from above, sees Turnus ride out of the Imperial

City. Drances shows up behind him.

DRANCES

You made the right choice. Don’t

consider a second to regret it.

LATINUS

You overheard didn’t you.

He shakes his head up and down, indicating yes.

LATINUS (CONT’D)

From all the years you’ve known him

your reception of him is cold. Why?

DRANCES

He’s a son of a mortal man, and a

nymph, with no inheritance of

demigod features. His whole life

he’s felt entitled to the world’s

sympathies for his mortality. I

can’t respect that. He’ll never

match your greatness as a ruler or

equal the potential of Aeneas.

INT. HALL - CITADEL - ARDEA - NIGHT

In the middle of the hall, candles radiating small glares

providing very little light, stands a circle of a few men.

Turnus slowly makes his presence known, along Mezentius.

TURNUS

My dearest thanks for your

presence. I call this meeting under

drastic conditions. If this is

everybody then I’ll start.

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)

Not without me.

The men’s faces turn to see, coming into the light are two

greatly defined, gorgeously striking, YOUNG WOMEN, fierce

but sexy in their skimpy loincloth outfits, similar to

Amazons. One of them struts into the circle while the other

steps off to the side. The men can’t stop staring at them.

TURNUS

Oh Camilla, an honor for you to

join us.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 46.

CAMILLA

For you Turnus, anything.

TURNUS

Good. I’ll proceed. I call this

meeting to inform you on a

troubling conception. It’s been

known that Latium has warmly

received the famous Trojans into

their homeland. A priestess from

Latium appeared in my bedchamber

last night, she revealed to me a

ghastly vision of slaughter and

murder to the citizens of Latium,

my home, your homes, and any other

civilization associated with

Latium, all at the hands of the

Trojans.

CAMILLA

How is that possible?

TURNUS

I was the chosen suitor for King

Latinus’ daughter, Lavinia, which

would’ve led me to the throne as

the next king of Latium. Then the

Trojans appeared, that’s when

things changed. Latinus told me of

a prophecy he witnessed of peace

and order if he handed over his

daughter and kingdom to that horrid

Aeneas.

MAN 1 IN CIRCLE

Did you bother to tell him what you

saw?

TURNUS

I certainly did, earlier today. He

responded by calling me a liar and

suspended me from the high council.

The priestess told me that if he

refused my plea, that a call to

arms must be made.

MAN 2 FROM CIRCLE

You’re arranging for a coup.

TURNUS

(beat)

Yes. An overthrow must be done to

stop these beasts. She confided in

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 47.

TURNUS (cont’d)me to take a stand, but I can’t do

it alone, not without my closest

friends and allies.

He walks over to man 1, it’s CAECULUS, wearing a cap of fawn

wolf-skin, a rural appearance in shepherd clothing.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Caeculus, the founder of Praeneste,

and leader of the army of

shepherds.

Then moves to man 2, CLAUSUS, every inch of him is pure

muscle, a body and look for fighting.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Clausus, born from the ancient

blood of the Sabines, your mighty

force is so huge that the ground

cowers under the tramping of their

feet.

And goes to the old OEBALUS, but still fit for his age.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Oebalus, king of Capreae,

succeeding his father’s reign,

extending your region leaves no

reason to judge your abilties based

on your age, because you’ll put

them to shame.

Slides to UFENS, a lengthy, thin body, but a tough face.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Ufens, from the mountain town of

Nersae, king of the Aequi,

fortunate in battle and an

admirable reputation from working

in the fields.

Then stops, puts his hand on Camilla’s shoulder, gazing into

her eyes.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Camilla, there aren’t enough words

to describe your uniqueness. Leader

of warrior-women and master

hunters. Can equal the same prowess

of her male counterparts.

He returns back to his original position.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 48.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Along with my trusted companion

Mezentius, his son, and...

(points at the other woman)

...Camilla’s friend, Acca. All of

us together, along with our troops,

no force on earth can stop us. We

can dictate the future.

OEBALUS

You’re mandating an all out

invasion. It can lead to a bloody

war. Is this the most logical

choice?

TURNUS

My friend it’s the only one. We

will not be remembered in history

as the ones that let our country be

trampeled by false prophecies and

tyranny, when prevention was

possible, but we were cowardice to

act. I refuse to accept that as our

legacy. Our activities may seem

questionable, but are supported by

the noblest intentions. I never

have led you all astray or into a

zone of dread, faith you rightfully

have of me, and it’s the same now.

In this most pivotal time of

desperation, determining the fate

of this era lies within our hands.

Will you join me?

Beat.

We see the sunrise, giving light to a bright day as it

quickly dissolves into an image of sundown.

EXT. COURTYARD - ARDEA - NIGHT

Camilla with Acca are huddled next to their band of female

hunters. Acca leans into Camilla’s ear.

ACCA

Are you sure this is the right

thing?

CAMILLA

Why do you ask?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 49.

ACCA

We’re hunters, not soldiers. We

have a code. Men don’t bark orders

at us, and decide our actions and

choices. You formed that creed. And

we’re doing the opposite of that.

CAMILLA

He saved us. For that we should be

eternally grateful. We owe him a

debt.

She turns forward and faces the citadel where

ON THE RAMPART

Turnus appears and scopes out the entire courtyard. It’s

immensely filled with rows and columns of people, men and

women, different clothing and races, and brandishing an

assortment of weapons.

TURNUS

(a loud voice)

Friends and allies, closest to my

city and heart, I welcome you. From

the mountains of Nersae to the

river of Amasenus, we have been

brought together for our most

decisive move yet. News of the

arival of the Trojans and them

immigrating into Latium has

unraveled throughout this country.

But what hasn’t been casted is the

fact that Latium, my city, and

yours is doomed to execution by

Trojan swords, driven by a lust for

power.

A loud gasp is shared through the crowd of people.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

It’s true, I saw it with my own

eyes, clearly. I witnessed the

carnage. Death and enslavement to

us all will happen if we don’t rise

and protect our birthright.

(they all cheer, his voice

raises higher)

Our heritage and way of life shall

not fade by the clutches of these

horrendous drifters who leave

destruction in their path. That’s

why I call every single last one of

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 50.

TURNUS (CONT’D) (cont’d)you to arms. The priestess

instructed me that if Latinus

doesn’t accept my cry for defense,

then it’s him who’ll need a defense

against me...us. He’s made his

verdict, and now we make ours.

Together, we’ll revolt and open the

Gates of War and unleash a

rebellion, one that will shake even

the Gods.

ARMY OF PEOPLE

(throwing their hands and

weapons in the air)

Yeah!

TURNUS

No one deserves the right to come

to our land and manipulate us in

giving up our home. This is for

your freedom, your livelihood, your

existence. To arms - Italy must be

protected! Expel the intruders!

Trojan and Laurentian, it doesn’t

matter, we will go against them

all!

A huge roar of applause. Everybody unleashing mighty battle

cries. FROM THE RAMPART Turnus looks down at Camilla, quiet,

as they exchange smiles.

INT. LAVINIA’S BEDCHAMBER - CASTLE - NIGHT

Lavinia looks into a mirror as she pulls a hood over head,

wearng a cloak. She blows out the candle on the table near

her bed.

EXT. CASTLE - NIGHT

Dead of night. Absolute silence.

INT. AENEAS’ HUT - TROJAN VILLAGE - NIGHT

Aeneas is awake. Suddenly he hears a noise outside his hut.

Alarmed. It grows louder. It sounds like footsteps. A

cloaked figure enters the hut. Aeneas bolts his torso up.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 51.

LAVINIA

Aeneas, I’m sorry...

(she pulls down the hood)

...it’s me.

AENEAS

(relieved)

Lavinia, what are you doing here?

LAVINIA

I had to see you.

AENEAS

This late? Does the king know...

LAVINIA

(interrupts, motions to him)

I thought about what you said, at

the picnic. Maybe it’s true, you

and I are not so different. I’ve

done some reflecting about what we

shared with each other.

They both sit on the edge of the bed.

LAVINIA (CONT’D)

I didn’t give love a chance,

because I thought it was forced or

the prospects weren’t worthy. At

times it was because I was scared.

But from spending time with you,

listening to your past, has given

me a change of heart.

EXT. RAMPART - CASTLE - NIGHT

A GUARD yawns, tired, and then an arrow pierces through his

neck. Another GUARD gets an arrow through his chest, falling

forward off the rampart.

INT. AENEAS’ HUT - TROJAN VILLAGE - NIGHT

LAVINIA (CONT’D)

My father taught me to never

question destiny. That the Gods

know what’s best. The loss of my

brother made me question my faith,

whatever lied next in my path I

constantly called into question.

But a relationship with you, in

this instance, they might be right.

52.

EXT. RAMPART - CASTLE - NIGHT

More GUARDS, struck by arrows or javelins, fall dead.

OUTSIDE THE GATES a line of gigantic siege towers roll

closer to the gates.

INT. AENEAS’ HUT - TROJAN VILLAGE - NIGHT

LAVINIA (CONT’D)

(her voices become intimate)

I feel like I’ve known you before.

Somehow, spiritually, we’re

connected. Maybe it’s a sign of

something. Is it love? All I know

is I’m tired of living hopeless. If

a courthsip between us is my

destiny, you as my husband, I’m

willing to give it a chance.

EXT. RAMPARTS - CASTLE - NIGHT

The siege towers lean against the walls. Ufens with his

troops exit the tower and scatter around like ants.

INT. AENEAS’ HUT - CASTLE - NIGHT

AENEAS

Listen, Lavinia, I don’t want to

compulse you into this. I’m all to

familiar with debating fate, and

resisting auguries, because it

doesn’t work in my favor. I’ve been

in love before, and travesties have

happened because of it. I don’t

want to bring that upon you.

LAVINIA

I don’t care. I’m tired of being

confined in fear. I want to be free

from that control, and I believe

you Aeneas, the future king of

Latium, can free from that.

53.

EXT. COURTYARD - CASTLE - NIGHT

Troops secretly disperse over the bailey. Two GUARDS get

stabbed with swords. The gates raise.

INT. AENEAS’ HUT - TROJAN VILLAGE - NIGHT

She leans forward, inches from his lips, until...screams

fill the air. Loud. Aeneas rushes outside.

EXT. TROJAN VILLAGE - NIGHT

AENEAS’ POV: a flurry of people invade his village, carrying

torches and weapons. Trojans yelling in fear, running in all

directions. END POV.

COUNTRYSIDE: A massive stream of soldiers, on horseback,

race toward the Imperial City.

EXT. COURTYARD - CASTLE - NIGHT

A flood of soldiers spill into the bailey.

EXT. TROJAN VILLAGE - NIGHT

Chaos erupts. The huts are torched. Turnus’ soldiers chase

after Trojan men and women.

EXT. COURTYARD - CASTLE - NIGHT

Some of the tents in the market and houses are up in flames.

Battle screams and shouts of terror ring the air. Laurentian

guards and soldiers fall dead like snow at the cause of

arrows, javelins, and swords.

EXT. TROJAN VILLAGE - NIGHT

Lavinia, scared, looks behind her and sees smoke rising

above the walls. Aeneas grabs her.

AENEAS

We must leave now!

They run through the village. A soldier tries to cut him, he

dodges it, punching him to the ground, another soldier

swings his sword, Aeneas kicks him sending him flying

against a tree. He sees another coming at him and body slams

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 54.

him to the ground. He gets up, grabs her hand and they

continue running.

Achates, Sergestus, and Cloanthus form a circle, their backs

touching each other, swords in hand. They all strike who

assault them, dropping them with ease. Ascanius shoots

arrows in all directions, hitting attackers accurately.

Achaemenides sways his sword, eliminating soldiers with

skill.

Aeneas and Lavinia rush to his horse. They get on it and

ride through the village. He stops.

AENEAS

Trojans, to the beach!

They proceed out of there.

EXT. COURTYARD - CASTLE - NIGHT

The Imperial City slowly transforms into a vision of

despair. Innocent people scurry around, the ground stains

with blood. Caeculus, Clausus, and Oebalus wear masks of

delight while butchering every soul in sight.

Camilla tosses a javelin mid-air, strikes a man directly in

the chest, watches with a celebratory smile. Lausus, shows

his young savagery by slicing and dicing Laurentian flesh.

Mezentius, takes out a handful of men with one swing of a

sword, and licks the blood off his blade

INT. ROYAL BEDCHAMBER - CASTLE - NIGHT

Latinus and Amata, in bed. He wakes up and goes to the

window.

LATINUS

What is all that raucous?!

LATINUS’ POV: he witnesses all the anarchy unfolding in the

courtyard. The death and the flames horrifies him. END POV.

AMATA

What is it Latinus?

He moves to her.

LATINUS

We must leave. It’s dangerous.

Hands held, they try to bolt through the door and are met by

guards.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 55.

GUARD

Stay in your room, my king.

LATINUS

What’s the meaning of this?

GUARD

We’re being attacked. Go back into

the room. It’s safer.

The guard shuts the door on him.

EXT. BEACH - NIGHT

Aeneas and Lavinia make it to the shore where the ships are

at. Lavinia gets off the horse. A great portion of the

Trojans appear. Aeneas sees Achates and other faimliar

Trojans but not Ascanius.

AENEAS

(worried)

Achates, where is my son?

He shrugs his shoulder. He rides into the fiery jungle.

EXT. COURTYARD - CASTLE - NIGHT

The troops descend to the castle.

INT. HALLWAY - CASTLE - NIGHT

A cluster of guards have their spears aimed at the doors.

EXT. CASTLE - NIGHT

A handful of soldiers use a battering ram to beat against

the doors.

INT. HALLWAY - CASTLE - NIGHT

The guards observe and hear the thunderous pounding.

Trembling slightly. Moments pass and then the doors fling

open. Unleashing a tsunami of soldiers. An unrelenting

tornado of combat. Time flies as they lay waste to the

Laurentian guards.

56.

EXT. TROJAN VILLAGE - NIGHT

A forest fire. Ascanius searches for a way out. A tree

tumbles in front of him. In the distance a soldier has a

javelin aimed at him, about to release until...Aeneas’ horse

runs him over, Aeneas grips Ascanius, and throws him onto

the horse as they ride away.

INT. DRANCES’ BEDCHAMBER - CASTLE - NIGHT

The door slams open. Drances stands on the other side of his

bed, pissed. Camilla walks over to him.

INT. ROYAL BEDCHAMBER - CASTLE - NIGHT

Latinus and Amata hold each other tightly. The door breaks

down. Mezentius enters. An ominous smile. He moves toward

them.

EXT. BEACH - NIGHT

All the Trojans are on the ships. They look out and see

Aeneas’ horse leaping out of the jungle. Galloping closer to

the ships. A spear pierces through the horse’s leg. It

collapses. They fall off the horse, smacking hard on the

ground. The horse kicks and screams in agony. Ascanius holds

his leg in pain.

ACHATES

(from the ship)

Aeneas!

Aeneas glances at the jungle and hears a rumbling sound. It

crescendos. He sees a whole company of soldiers on horseback

emerging out of the jungle and coming towards them. He

assists Ascanius to his feet.

AENEAS

Let’s go Ascanius.

He puts Ascanius onto his shoulders, carrying him exactly

the way he did his father at the fall of Troy. They hustle

toward the ships. The horses gaining on them.

SHIPS: the Trojans cheer them on.

Hurling spears and javelins barely miss them. Finally they

make it to a ship. They hop onto the deck. The horses are

several yards away. The sails are up. The Trojans push the

ships out to sea before the horses stop near the water. The

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 57.

oarsman paddle their best. Slowly swimming away. They look

toward the beach and watch a projectile of spears and

javelins shooting at them.

AENEAS

Incoming!

SHIPS: they do their best to protect themselves. Some raise

their shields while others curl up into balls and hit the

deck, arms wrapped around their heads. A few casualties get

hit and fall into the ocean.

MALE VOICE (O.S.)

(coming from the beach)

Halt!

AENEAS’ SHIP: once it stops, Aeneas stands and glimpses at

the shore and stares eye-to-eye with...Turnus.

TURNUS

(to his soldiers)

To the Imperial City.

They ride off into the jungle. The ships sail away into the

night.

INT. AENEAS’ HUT - TROJAN VILLAGE - NIGHT

The Penates slowly melt away. The face on Venus’ statue

turns into liquid.

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT

A raven soars above the carnage. The night dissolves as the

sun rises.

INT. BEDCHAMBER - CASTLE - DAY

Amata faces Turnus.

AMATA

(yelling)

A coup! That was your plan the

whole time?!

TURNUS

It was not my first option. Calybe

instructed me that if Latinus

dismissed my claim, that I must

rally against him.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 58.

AMATA

To this extreme?

TURNUS

I had to. Those were my orders. He

expelled me from the council. The

whole kingdom would’ve been in

jeopardy had I not done anything.

AMATA

(emotional)

Yeah but you didn’t do anything to

save my daughter and now her life

is in jeopardy in the possession of

the Trojans.

Beat. She cries. He brings her closer to him, devotedly.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Again, this was for us. I didn’t

mean for this to happen, a last

resort if you may. Your husband and

king brought this. But I will find

and rescue your daughter, and seek

vengeance against those kidnappers.

I promise you that. And once I kill

them and bring her back, our

glorious reign shall begin.

He kisses her.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

I forbid you to interact with

Latinus. I prefer that you avoid

his insults. You don’t owe him an

explanation. Let me deal with him.

EXT. TYRRHENIAN SEA - DAY

The three galleys drift through the foggy sea caused by the

forest fire.

AENEAS’ SHIP: on the deck the Trojans sit, crying, upset,

moaning, and pouting.

NISUS

What in the hell was that?

AENEAS

(stands up)

It was Turnus. I saw him.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 59.

ACHATES

Why would he do such a thing?

AENEAS

It’s beyond me. I’m not surprised

if Juno was behind this.

BEROE

Then let us pray to the Gods for

salvation.

AENEAS

We can’t.

PRINCE ILIONEUS

Why not?

AENEAS

Because I left the Penates at my

hut.

The mood is down after hearing that. Euryalus springs to his

feet.

EURYALUS

(furious)

You said our wandering was through

with. There’ll be no more

conflicts. The future was secure.

You told us that. You promised us.

AENEAS

I did.

EURYALUS

Then why did it happen again?

AENEAS

I don’t have an answer for that.

EURYALUS

(paranoid)

That’s baffling, because you seem

to have an answer for every

occassion. Now your mind is blank.

Where are we to go? We have

nothing.

Nisus restains him.

NISUS

That’s enough Euryalus. Sit down

and breathe.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 60.

He returns to his spot, sits, and tries to calm himself.

ASCANIUS

He’s right, father. What are we to

do? The Gods have failed us, the

prophecies lied to us, and our home

betrayed us.

AENEAS

No they haven’t. Latium is our

home. Trojans, we must still

believe.

No one says a word or reacts.

LAVINIA

I know of a place.

Their heads raise up once they hear that. All eyes on her.

AENEAS

Where?

LAVINIA

Not far from here there is a

community of Greeks that have built

a town in the hills which they call

Pallanteum after their founding

father. Their king is Evander.

A very concerning pause.

SERGESTUS

Greeks, please don’t tell me your

serious.

LAVINIA

Latium is allies with them.

CLOANTHUS

Are you even aware of our history

with them? There’s no way they’ll

consider allowing us onto their

property. An absolute joke this is.

LAVINIA

They’ve had a rivalry with other

Latins for quite some time, mostly

with Turnus. It’s possible that

they may contemplate acquiring a

treaty from you.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 61.

AENEAS

(beat)

How far is this place?

Everyone is surprised.

ACHATES

My king you’re not really thinking

about it are you?

AENEAS

What other options do we have. The

possibility of a treaty is good

enough for me.

(he steps forward to her)

Now where is this place?

LAVINIA

We just follow the river upstream.

It lies next to the Tiber.

AENEAS

Then Pallenteum it is.

INT. JAILHOUSE - LATIUM - DAY

Turnus, followed by Mezentius and Camilla, walk down the

hallway of a dungeon, lit by torches that hang on the walls.

Suddenly a hand reaches out to them, stopping them. They

turn to see Drances in his cell, pressed against the bars,

enraged.

DRANCES

You atrocious creature, demon,

blood hound, traitor, disgrace,

sinner!

They all laugh. Drances spits in Turnus’ face. He slowly

wipes it off him.

TURNUS

Will someone silence him for me.

Camilla lifts the end of her spear and smacks him in the

face with it. He flies and lands on his bed in pain,

covering his bleeding face with his hands.

They continue down the hallway at the end. They stop in

front of a cell. Cowering in the corner is Latinus.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 62.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Morning to you.

He waves them off.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Let us be.

They depart.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Poor you. To think I tried to

prevent you from this. Had you

listened to me.

Latinus rises and strolls over to the bars.

LATINUS

You told me you saw a vision of

mayhem and genocide from the

Trojans. Instead it was done by

you, you slayed my guards, some of

the townspeople...

TURNUS

(interrupts)

No, I averted genocide. Latium,

Ardea, and all of Italy would’ve

been annihilated by them if it

weren’t for me. Those deaths were

accidental fatalities. I did a

favor, I should be rewarded.

LATINUS

I should’ve taken Drances’ word. He

was right all along. A spoiled

critter you are. Born from the womb

of a nymph, no powers, and a

lifetime of feeling the world owes

you an apology. You viewed your

humanity as a weakness. This was

never about protecting Italy, you

wanted the throne for yourself for

your personal regime...

TURNUS

(interrupts)

Silence! Don’t you dare insult me

and my life. You just can’t bare

the truth that I’m right and you’re

wrong. You can’t stand to know I’d

make a better king than you, and

that’ve I’ve been a much better

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 63.

TURNUS (cont’d)

lover to the queen than you ever

were.

Latinus’ face is drenched in shock.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Yes, I never wanted your daughter.

Speaking of, because of your

selfish pride now she’s been

catpured by the Trojans.

LATINUS

She’s alive. The Trojans have her.

TURNUS

Yes.

He smiles, it’s annoying to Turnus.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Cancel that smile this instant. I

don’t know where they are, but I

promised my queen, my love, that’ll

I’ll find them and rescue her, but

not until my sword is covered in

Trojan blood.

EXT. COURTYARD - CASTLE - DAY

Several siege towers and an assembly of men on ladders lean

against the Gates of War. Mezentius stands on the ground,

overlooking, and barking at them. They’re taking a part a

hundred bronze bolts and iron bars.

TURNUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

The Gates of War will open. To

declare the Trojans as our enemies.

The gates swing open. It turns out thousands of Turnus’

soldiers spectate the event. Everyone there cheers.

INT. ROYAL BECHAMBER - CASTLE - NIGHT

Turnus and Amata make love.

TURNUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

And when I bring her back, the

world will witness my rule, with

Amata by my side.

64.

INT. JAILHOUSE - LATIUM - DAY

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Then afterward, you’ll be allowed

to die.

He walks away. Latinus grips the bars.

LATINUS

Turnus, you’ll never cast me out!

You won’t rid me! Never!

INT. CASTLE - DAY

Turnus spots the laurel tree that Latinus prays to. He whips

out his sword and slices it in half. He walks away,

delighted.

EXT. TIBER RIVER - DAY

AENEAS’ SHIP: they see walls, battlements, and rooftops on

the land in the distance.

LAVINIA

This is it.

Their prows reach the bank. AENEAS’ SHIP: Achaemenides walks

over to Aeneas.

ACHAEMENIDES

Excuse me, Aeneas, I reckon it be

best if I spoke to them as your

envoy. As a Greek they’ll probably

be more willing to allow a chance

for us to access their home.

AENEAS

Very thoughtful and wise.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - DAY

FOREST: Achaemenides sees an olive tree and snatches off a

branch.

AT THE WALLS Pallenteum guards are on patrol on top of the

parapet. They see Achaemenides drawing near. They become

alarmed.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 65.

GUARD

Halt!

Achaemenides stops.

YOUNG MALE VOICE (O.S.)

At ease, relieve yourself, I’ll

handle this.

The gate rises. Stepping out, is an attractive young man

with a defined body, this is PALLAS. Accompanied by a

retinue of guards and men likely to be of higher authority

based on their clothes. They stop in front of Achaemenides.

PALLAS

I am Pallas, son of King Evander of

the Greek city Pallanteum. To whom

am I speaking?

Achaemenides hoists up the olive branch.

ACHAEMENIDES

My name is Achaemenides. I too am a

Greek but I’m here as an emissary

representing the Trojan King

Aeneas. Take this olive branch as a

token of a truce with your people

and permission to enter your city

to speak with your father.

EXT. GROVE - PALLANTEUM - DAY

A festival takes place. Tables all around, a buffet of food

and drinks, people feasting, men, women, and children dance,

a band plays music. At the end of the grove, on a throne

wrapped in lion skin, observing the event sits

a white-bearded, middle-aged man, comprised of an

appearance of a past combatant while exuding a comforting

sensation. This is KING EVANDER.

Striding to the grove is Pallas along with his entourage,

followed by Aeneas, Lavinia, and all the Trojans. Once the

Greeks catch sight of them they all stop and watch. The

music ends. All the attention is on them.

PALLAS

Continue on with the festivities.

Nothing. He walks through the field, the people create a

pathway for him. Still quiet. The Trojans see Pallas

conversing with Evander. An awkward pause further enhanced

by unpleasant stares. Pallas signals for them to come over.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 66.

Achaemenides takes a step when Aeneas stops him and acquires

the olive branch. He proceeds down the pathway. A tense

moment for both cultures. Aeneas kneels in front of Evander

and elevates the olive branch.

AENEAS

My lord, I count myself fortunate

to approach you and hold out this

sign of friendship. I don’t need

ambassadors to represent me for a

complicated diplomacy. I come

myself, as a suppliant to your

door. It’s clear we have a shared

history, my Trojans and your

Greeks. Rivals of ten years. A

victory you received by destroying

my beloved Troy. But in my view, no

victory could be gained on either

side when death claimed both of our

people. Through aches of

remembering that fateful moment, I

was able to heal myself deep within

and retain my hope through

forgiveness. And I ask the same

from you. Why? Latium was meant to

be our permanant home, but we were

driven out by the wrath of Turnus,

which I’ve been informed is a foe

of yours. We managed to escape

along with the princess. Whatever

happened to the king and queen is

unknown. Latium is under his

control now. We plan to return and

reclaim it, by any means. All I

politely ask of you is that

you accept our truce, a place to

rest our heads and fill our

stomachs and we’ll continue on

searching for allies to help us

take back our home. Unless, if you

want to ally with the Trojans, we

can take down Turnus, together, we

can bury the past and have the

Trojans and Greeks come together as

one.

Evander displays a face of interest. Beat. He stands up.

EVANDER

It gives me great pleasure to

receive you in friendship, as my

guest. I will join my hand with

yours to seal a pact. At the first

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 67.

EVANDER (cont’d)sign of light tomorrow morning, I

will give you reinforcements and

supplies, and send you on your way.

And now, as our allies, may you

celebrate with us.

He sticks his hand out. Aeneas rises and they shake hands.

INT. HALLWAY - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Juno strolls down the hallway and makes a turn and runs into

Venus. She’s startled.

JUNO

Venus, you gave me a fright.

VENUS

(angered)

It was you wasn’t it?

JUNO

What?

VENUS

It’s your fault that Latium was

captured, and now my son and his

people are on a land filled with

Greeks.

JUNO

I know nothing of the sort. I’ve

been preoccupied with other urgent

matters and answering the people’s

prayers from my temple.

VENUS

That’s a lie. I will send this to

my father and we will bring it

forth to the council.

JUNO

Do what you must. I’ve done nothing

but tell the truth. I have no

reason to lie.

VENUS

We’ll see.

She walks past her.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 68.

JUNO

Oh Venus!

Venus stops.

JUNO (CONT’D)

I must ask, from all the men that

have desired your love, the one man

who deserved it most, you couldn’t

give. And now, with more troubles

happening to him, what makes you

think that his patience won’t wear

out, and turn that love of you into

hate? Think about that.

Juno, smiling, walks away. Venus stands there, stricken by

her words.

EXT. GROVE - PALLANTEUM - NIGHT

The Trojans join the festivities. They mingle with Greeks.

Torches impaled into the ground support light for their

party. SHOTS of them eating and drinking. Having fun.

Nothing but happy faces. Lavinia dances with some of the

children. Aeneas, also sits on a wooden throne covered in

lion skin beside Evander, spectating the event. Servants

offering him food and wine.

MOMENTS LATER everyone sits and spread all over on the grass

in front Evander. A storytime appearance. Evander stands.

EVANDER

My honored guests, we honor the

gods in this celebration because

they once saved us from a terrible

disaster.

(he points to a mountain

outside the city)

Do you see that rocky cliffface? No

one is up there now, but there used

to be a cave there, a valley of

permanent shadow, the layer of a

half-man, half-animal called Cacus,

the son of Vulcan. So infantile he

was he would steal a passerby,

murder them and hang up their heads

to rot at the opening of his cave.

We prayed to be written, and in

time of God arrived to bring us

help. It was Hercules. The foolish

Cacus stole his sheep and Hercules

bravely went to his cave and

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 69.

EVANDER (cont’d)violently made him answer for his

crimes. With all his power he broke

down the stone door of the cave

letting in the light to the

darkness but bringing the light

into our community to rid the fear

we once had. Ever since that day we

have celebrated our deliverance and

the younger generation is happy to

continue the tradition. That’s why

Hercules has a temple here: the

priest in charge of it has built an

altar that we hold most sacred and

we always will.

Evander holds up a big goblet. The rest hold up their cups.

EVANDER (CONT’D)

Hail Hercules!

EVERYBODY

Hail Hercules!

Everybody drinks. Once they’re done they all applaud.

DISSOLVE TO

Late in the night. The torches slowly flame out. A view of a

village of log cabins. Greeks and Trojans retire into them.

Aeneas follows behind Evander. They pass herds of cattle.

They enter into...

INT. EVANDER’S CABIN - NIGHT

...Evander’s house. The interior is not all that

spectacular, traditional living room, kitchen, etc., nothing

too special about it.

In a room beneath the gable close to the roof Aeneas rests

on a bed of leaves with bear skin as a coverlet. Evander

lays on his bed.

EVANDER

Sleep soundly Aeneas!

AENEAS

Same for you!

Evander puts out the candle. Aeneas closes his eyes.

70.

EXT. CASTLE - LATIUM - NIGHT

RAMPART: Turnus stares intently out at the ocean.

TURNUS

(to himself)

Where are you Aeneas?

Mezentius shows up.

MEZENTIUS

My king, I got some good news. We

got word on the whereabouts of the

Trojans.

Turnus shows a fiendish smile.

INT. EVANDER’S HOUSE - PALLANTEUM - NIGHT

Evander tosses and turns on his bed. Awake. Huffing.

Sighing. He looks up at the gable and sees that Aeneas is

gone. He throws the blanket off of him.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - NIGHT

Evander, in sandals, a sword strapped to his waist, wearing

panther skin, roams about. Using the moonlight as a guide.

He notices that Aeneas stands on the battlement.

RAMPART: Aeneas leans against the balustrade. Looking at

something. Evander joins him.

EVANDER

Coudn’t sleep either?

AENEAS

I’m sorry to have woken you or

trespass on your land.

EVANDER

It’s alright. When I can’t sleep I

come out here myself.

We see that they’re both surveying the beautiful Italian

landscape.

EVANDER (CONT’D)

And watch a good sunrise. This land

makes me grateful to call this

place home.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 71.

AENEAS

You’re a fortunate man.

EVANDER

Indeed I am.

A feeling of closeness in the air.

EVANDER (CONT’D)

You know, as long as you’re alive,

I will never think of Troy as a

conquered city. Yes, we did have

some distant relatives and of same

bloodline fight in the invasion,

but we did not support it. My

people and I are civil. I could

only imagine the dread you feel,

for I have an idea of what you’ve

been through.

AENEAS

What do you mean?

EVANDER

The more we’re in each other’s

company the more I realize that

we’re strongly similar. I, too, am

a demigod, my mother was a nymph.

I’ve killed many men in battle. And

now, it seems we share a common

adversary, Turnus. I can provide

you resources and arrange

reinforcements for you from rich

and powerful friends.

AENEAS

You’ll do that? Thanks, but why?

EVANDER

Our hatred for Turnus dates back

quite some time ago. Not far from

here, in the hills of Etruria, is

the city of Agylla, home of what

were famous people and magnificent

warriors. They had a king,

Mezentius, who was arrogant,

capricious, and aggressive. He was

a murdering tyrant. His most

revolting torture was lashing his

victims face to face and mouth to

mouth with corpses. Leaking blood

and puss, the dead would infect the

living and bring them to a slow and

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 72.

EVANDER (cont’d)painful end. Sadly even my people

fell victim to his savagery.

Finally his citizens rebelled,

surrounding his palace, killing his

bodyguards, and set fire to his

apartments. Mezentius and his son

managed to escape away to the

Rutulians, where Turnus has taken

him in as an ally and made him his

right hand man. The angered people

of Agylla want their king back for

retribution, thousands of them are

ready for war but an omen holds

them back.

AENEAS

What’s that?

EVANDER

An old prophet said that no one

from Italy shall clash with him,

only a foreigner can lead. Their

chief, Tarchon, has offered me many

times but I’m an old man, my blood

is running colder and have such

slow movements, no good deed can

come from me. I would’ve urged my

son to do it, but he has an Italian

mother. You on the other hand, you

can.

AENEAS

Seriously?

EVANDER

Go to the Etruscans, and my son,

Pallas, will accompany you. It’s

time he learned to be a soldier and

take the responsibilities of a

warrior. You can be the best

example for him, a tutor. I will

send you two hundred Arcadian

horseman along with you.

AENEAS

(beat)

What about my people?

EVANDER

That whole leaving at dawn has been

changed. I’m willing to extend your

stay, and you can take your most

trusted Trojans with you.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 73.

AENEAS

I don’t know what to say.

Evander moves closer to him.

EVANDER

Then don’t, just know that you’re a

man of fate. The Gods are in favor

of you. You lost a home once

before, don’t let it happen again.

From here on, the Greeks and

Trojans are one.

They shake hands. Evander is about to leave but stops.

EVANDER

But may I suggest...the story has

it that Paris stole Helen beginning

the fall of Troy?

AENEAS

Correct.

EVANDER

Well, you have the Laurentian

princess in your possession. Turnus

will come for you, and her. All I

prefer is, on behalf of my people,

too, I wouldn’t want there to be a

second version of the fall of Troy.

He leaves Aeneas in his thoughts about what he said.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - DAY

Through the gray sky, the sun starts to show, early signs of

morning.

EXT. HARBOR - PALLANTEUM - DAY

Lavinia walks along the dock. At the end stands Aeneas. They

meet.

LAVINIA

You wanted to see me?

AENEAS

Yes I did.

(he points down at a boat)

Please get in.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 74.

LAVINIA

Pardon me.

AENEAS

Don’t make this hard, I beg of you.

LAVINIA

What’s the meaning of this?

AENEAS

That’s how it all began, a

forbidden love. The sack of my

home, and my continuous journey. I

promised I wouldn’t make past

mistakes. I took you away from your

home. Only the Gods know what

happened to your parents. You need

to be there with them and your

people if they’re alive, not with

me. We’re not going to be another

Paris and Helen. More lives won’t

be taken because of us. Now go.

He tries to put a hand on her but she swipes it away. Now it

gets physical. He wraps his arm around her waste, lifts her,

but she flings her limbs, trying to break his grasp.

LAVINIA

Let go of me! No! Stop this! Don’t

do this! No!

She elbows him in the stomach. He releases her. He’s in

pain. She slaps him across the face. They both breathe

heavily.

LAVINIA (CONT’D)

How dare you try to get rid of me?

I’ve had fate tell me what to do,

my father, and now you. I’m through

with it. I’m finally going to

listen to what my heart says, and

it says to stay here, with you. If

I go back I’ll be good as dead. I

know what the risks are if I

remain, but I’m tired of being held

back. I’m coming with you to

Etruria and I’m staying, that’s

final.

They hug each other embracingly.

75.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - CASTLE - LATIUM - DAY

Turnus sits at the end of the table. Juturna is there.

TURNUS

News has been brought to us that

Aeneas plans on making an alliance

with the Etruscans. We’ll be

marching soon to Pallanteum. I need

my best men, even my best

swordsmith.

JUTURNA

(emotional)

My brother, I ask of you, do not do

this. He is no soldier. Besides we

are newlyweds.

Turnus leaves his seat and goes to her.

TURNUS

I know my sister but I need him.

He’s an important factor in forging

our weapons.

JUTURNA

Please don’t do this, make me into

a widow.

He puts his hands on her shoulders, comforting her.

TURNUS

I won’t, and besides, with Lavinia

gone, I hereby award you the role

of princess of Latium when I’m

gone. Carry over your title from

Ardea to here, and oversee these

people while I’m gone.

JUTURNA

I’m sorry brother I won’t. I can’t

support you in this endeavor. For

all the good you’ve done, the bad

outweighs that. And no matter what

I always supported you. This time I

can’t. Dethroning a king, isn’t

worthy of my respect.

(she tears up)

I’ll help these people, watch over

the city and Amata, but not as

princess of Latium, but

representing Ardea. Promise me

you’ll bring my husband back.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 76.

TURNUS

I will.

JUTURNA

Good, because when he returns, we

won’t be a part of this. Sorry.

TURNUS

I understand.

He kisses her on the cheek and leaves the room.

EXT. COLONNADE - CASTLE - DAY

Turnus greets with Camilla.

CAMILLA

Turnus, my women are armed and

ready to march forth with you into

battle.

TURNUS

I admire your inclination but I

won’t be needing your services.

Instead I need you here. Incase

something were to happen, which I

doubt, but if it were to occur, I’d

like to know that Amata and my

sister are protected. Knowing that

you and your women will guard my

loved ones makes me not a worried

man.

Camilla seems disappointed but acts modest.

CAMILLA

I will do as you say Turnus.

He shakes her hand, turns it over, and gives a gentle kiss.

She creates a tender smile.

COURTYARD: Mezentius stands in front of a gigantic assembly

of rows of soldiers.

MEZENTIUS

Move out!

Every soul, either on foot, horseback, chariot, steers out

of the gates. Hundreds of them slowly file out. Turnus gives

Amata a kiss in the courtyard. He gets on his horse and

follows behind his troops. Amata, full of pride, looks over

at Camilla with a smirk. Camilla doesn’t respond to it well.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 77.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - DAY

Horses are ready. People say their goodbyes. Evander

embraces Pallas warmly.

EVANDER

Be careful my son. Aeneas will

watch over you. I trust him. These

are the necessary steps one must

take in becoming a warrior.

PALLAS

I understand father, I love you.

EVANDER

I love you, too, son.

Aeneas prepares his horse, turns and spots Ascanius in the

crowd. He treads to him and pulls him aside away from

everyone else.

AENEAS

It kind of hurts that you won’t be

accompanying me.

ASCANIUS

I choose to stay with my people. I

won’t do what you are, leaving them

in the hands of the Greeks.

AENEAS

Please come with me. They’re not

bad...

ASCANIUS

(interrupts)

I’m sorry father. I’m here. All I

ask is that you put me in charge. I

make the decisions for the Trojans

in your absence. I won’t accept no

as an answer.

AENEAS

(beat)

Fine, if that’s what you want, I

trust you.

He attempts to hug him, instead Ascanius sticks his handout.

Aeneas is a little perturbed by this but complies. They

shake hands.

Aeneas, on his horse, joins Achates, Lavinia, Pallas, and

the hundred extra escorts.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 78.

AENEAS

Let’s move!

The gates open. They withdraw out of there.

OVERHEAD SHOT of them trekking through the countryside.

EXT. FOREST - PALLANTEUM - DAY

Afternoon. Nisus and Euryalus track through the forest,

javelins in hand.

NISUS

I must say, I never thought I’d say

this, but I’m becoming fond of

those Greeks.

Nisus notices he’s steps ahead of Eurylaus. He looks back

and sees Eurylaus still, admiring the nature that surrounds

him. Nisus heads to him.

NISUS (CONT’D)

What is it Euryalus?

EURYALUS

Why don’t we just go. Form a life

with just us. Our own home. Here’s

our chance.

NISUS

You don’t mean that. You won’t just

leave your mother here, without

saying goodbye. Abandoning your

friends. This isn’t you.

EURYALUS

For seven years we’ve done what

Aeneas has told us. Sacrificed our

wants and desires to suit his own.

Aren’t we allowed to pursue our own

path? See what fate has in store

for us? A life of our own, don’t we

deserve that?

Silence. Suddenly they hear voices and rustling sounds in

the air.

EURYALUS (CONT’D)

What’s that?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 79.

NISUS

Come, this way.

MOMENTS LATER they sneak through the bushes and end up on

top of a hill. Laying on their stomachs, they focus on

something. Whatever is in their sights causes their eyes to

grow and mouths to drop. Hundreds of voices and the clinking

and clanging consume the atmosphere.

EXT. BATTLEMENT - PALLANTEUM - DAY

RAMPART: Ascanius paces around, observing the land.

NISUS (O.S.)

Ascanius!

He turns and sees Nisus and Euryalus speeding at him. They

catch their breath.

ASCANIUS

What is it?

NISUS

Turnus, and his army, they’re here.

ASCANIUS

What?

EURYALUS

We saw them while we were hunting.

They’re setting up camp in the

valley not far from here.

ASCANIUS

How do they know we’re here?

NISUS

That’s minor, all that matters is

they’ve come. We spied on them. We

overheard Turnus saying that

they’ll be setting off to meet with

Diomedes to ask for help by

nightfall. Leaving a few to guard

the camp in his leave.

ASCANIUS

What are you suggesting?

EURYALUS

We send them a message. They attack

us, we attack them back. We show

them that we’re not afraid. Besides

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 80.

EURYALUS (cont’d)

most of his soldiers are either

drunk or slumbering. Perfect to

strike.

ASCANIUS

My father left me in charge. I know

for certain he wouldn’t approve of

this.

EURYALUS

That is the message. With or

without him we are just as strong.

All this time we’ve been just

running and playing defense. It’s

about time that we draw first

blood.

Ascanius is unsure of what to do. He looks down at the town.

Evander communicates with his people. Thinking. He lifts his

head up. Stares into their eyes.

EXT. TURUNUS’ CAMP - VALLEY - NIGHT

A shadow of darkness hovers over the valley. Campfires

gradually fade out. The soldiers are stretched out on the

grass, sleeping or drinking. In no shape to fight.

Suddenly a sleeping soldier gets a javelin shoved through

his head. It belonged to Nisus. In another area of camp,

Euryalus drives his spear through a sleeping soldier’s

chest. They continue to slither their way to dozed off

soldiers.

One near a campfire, slowly wakes and sees them both driving

their spears into the sleeping bodies.

SOLDIER

We’re being attacked!

This startles Nisus and Euryalus. The soldier reaches for

his weapon until Nisus cuts his hand off with his sword. He

screams. Nisus then stabs him.

Pandemonium. The soldiers wake up. They’re shouting.

Speeding in different directions. Nisus and Euryalus utilize

their speed and chase after the soldiers. Eliminating all

life in front of them. Becoming killing storms, obliterating

anything in their path.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 81.

Slashing going on left and right. Relentless. Ruthless.

MOMENTS LATER the camp becomes a garden of corpses. Nisus

and Euryalus are stained with their enemies’ blood. They

witness their handwork and scream in jubilaton. They hug

each other and dash through the woods.

They continue to dart through the forest. Laughing. The

adrenaline shakes them up. Suddenly they halt. A few feet in

front them is a long line of foot soldiers and soldiers on

horseback. They look back and see more coming into view.

They’re completely surrounded.

Emerging through the crowd, on his horse is Mezentius. He

creeps to them.

MEZENTIUS

How brave of you, I admit. But how

stupid of you to fall into our

trap.

NISUS

(dumbfounded)

This was your plan?

MEZENTIUS

Of course, some casualties of ours

for the deaths of Aeneas’ finest.

That I consider even.

He gets off his horse. A few of the soldiers and his son,

Lausus, Clausus, and Ufens go after them. Some in front of

them and some from behind them. Nisus and Euryalus do their

best to put up a fight, hanging in there, but soon they are

outmatched. After a few sways of their swords they become

victims of their punches and kicks. They disarm them.

Lausus and Clausus and some soldiers separate Nisus from

Euryalus. Slamming Nisus to the ground. On his stomach.

Lausus’ foot is pressed against the back of his head. Nisus’

looks at Mezentius...

...who grips Euryalus with a sword at his throat.

NISUS

(afraid)

No! Please! This wasn’t his fault!

It was my idea! Kill me, not him!

EURYALUS

Don’t do this...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 82.

NISUS

(interrupts)

Stop it Euryalus!

(to Mezentius)

Take me instead! Take my life!

Don’t let the young man suffer

because of me.

MEZENTIUS

You love him don’t you.

NISUS

With all my heart.

MEZENTIUS

That’s so sad.

He drives his sword through Euryalus’ stomach.

NISUS

No!

Euryalus falls forward. Still alive.

MEZENTIUS

(to Euryalus)

If you love him, then go to him.

With blood spewing from his mouth he slowly crawls over to

the helpless Nisus. Life slowly leaving him. Oebalus

approaches and swings his sword forward, stabbing him in the

thigh. He screams.

NISUS

Enough! Please, I beg you!

Euryalus with the little bit of life he has he persists,

crawling like a bug. Crying. Moving inch by inch. Caeculus

comes and pushes his sword down through his shoulder. He

screams.

NISUS (CONT’D)

No! Not my Euryalus! Quit it!

The dirt is covered in his blood. He drags himself forward.

He sticks his hand out, so does Nisus. He reaches for it, a

fingertip away. His hand flops down. His body is cold, he’s

dead. Nisus cries. Lausus removes his foot. Mezentius steers

toward Nisus.

NISUS (CONT’D)

Do it, reunite me with my love.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 83.

MEZENTIUS

With pleasure.

Mezentius grips a battle axe, he slams it forward. Blood

sprays on his face. In the distance, beyond the trees,

Turnus, standing on a hilltop, watches with joy.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - DAY

The nightsky disintegrates as the early sunlight comes into

being.

INT. CABIN - PALLANTEUM - DAY

Ascanius paces back and forth. Biting his nails, tensely.

Shaking.

ASCANIUS

(to himself)

Where are they? They’ve should’ve

been back already.

A female scream shrieks through the village. Ascanius runs

out.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - DAY

Beroe, gripping the bars of the gate, looks out at the

beach. She’s beside herself. Ascanius arrives.

ASCANIUS

What is it Beroe?

BEROE

Open the gate now, please open it!

Evander steps up.

EVANDER

Can I help?

BEROE

Open the gate now, I beg you. My

son is out there.

EVANDER

(to a guard)

Do as she says.

The gate rises. She bolts out of there. Ascanius, Atys, and

Achaemenides chase after her. They run along the

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 84.

SHORE OF THE BEACH

and soon they all stop. Their faces are screened with

horror. Beroe collapses to her knees. In front of them are

stakes with the bloody, decapitated heads of Nisus and

Euryalus impaled on them. She can’t control herself.

BEROE

What happened? Who could do such a

thing? This can’t be! This is just

a nightmare, this isn’t real, I’m

just imagining it.

ASCANIUS

(feeling guilty)

Beroe, it was my fault. Turnus’

army is in the valley and they

wanted to retaliate against him. I

sent them.

Beroe stands up, beyond shocked. Out of nowhere a spear

flies, landing inches away from Atys’ ankle. They all look

up and see a swarm of arrows flying at them. Luckily they’re

able to dodge them. Ascanius sees in the distance, in the

forest, a whole fleet on horseback are the ones sending

their arrows at them.

ASCANIUS

Go back!

Ascanius, holding Beroe by the hand, and the rest of them

sprint away.

IN THE FOREST:

TURNUS

(to his fleet)

For those few I have selected,

after them!

A handful of soldiers, on horseback, gallop after the

running Trojans. With their weapons and torches.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Numanus!

He hesitantly shows himself.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

Numanus, prove your worth to me and

my sister, now you make your first

kill.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 85.

NUMANUS

(shocked, scared)

But Turnus I’m a swordsman I

can’t...

Turnus snatches his clothing and pulls him close to his

face.

TURNUS

You will do as I say, that’s an

order. Ride with me my

brother-in-law, earn my respect.

They both ride to catch up to the Trojans.

They run for dear life. Turnus’ soldiers are gaining on

them. Shooting their spears at them, but missing. The

Trojans race closer to the gate, breathing hard, covered in

anxiety. Finally they zoom past the gate. The Trojans,

Evander, and the Greeks move to the middle of the village.

EVANDER

Close the gate!

The gate slides down a little, but it’s too late. The

soldiers, Turnus, and Numanus manage to slip into the

village. Turnus slices the throat of the guard handling the

gate. The soldiers follow him and proceed to cut and pierce

through the flesh of any person close to them.

Evander leaps into his cabin. Chaos erupts in the town. An

absolute uproar. Turnus’ soldiers show no mercy as they

lacerate any one, it doesn’t matter, man, woman, child, in

their sight. Tossing torches onto the homes, engulfing them

in flames.

Numanus watches what’s taking place. Horrified by what he’s

witnessing.

Turnus, with a smile, tears through the flesh and soul of

those that he pursues. By his face he’s enjoying every

moment of their suffering. He’s not even acting human. Very

disturbing.

Ascanius, Atys, Achaemenides, Sergestus, and Cloanthus, with

their weapons, prepare to strike. Ascanius with his bow and

arrow shoots a solider directly through his head, he falls

off his horse -- Atys swings his sword at the leg of a

horse, they both hit the ground hard and Atys stabs the

soldier through his heart -- Sergestus flings a javelin, it

flies across the village and shoots right through the

soldier’s neck.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 86.

Turnus continues with his butchering rampage. Ascanius

punctures a solider with his arrow and then gets tackled. A

soldier, on top of him, strattling him, seconds away from

killing him until...a sword stabs through the soldier’s

face. Blood showers on Ascanius’ face. The dead body rolls

over, revealing it was Achaemenides who saved him. He offers

his hand and helps him to his feet.

Atys fights well. Kills a soldier, then out of nowhere, he

gets stabbed with a sword. Ascanius sees this across the

village.

ASCANIUS

No!

He strikes down the soldier with his arrow. Once he’s dead

he runs over to Atys’ corpse. Kneels down and cries next to

the lifeless body.

Turnus takes a few more lives. He stops and sees that except

for Numanus they’re the only ones left.

TURNUS

Let’s leave!

Turnus and Numanus dash through the village. A wounded guard

paces to the rope that controls the gate.

Numanus is well ahead of Turnus. He can see that the guard

is about to release the rope. They probably won’t make it

and a team of Trojans and Greeks are after them. Turnus,

desperate, pulls out a dagger and hurls it at the leg of

Numanus’ horse.

TURNUS

(to himself)

Forgive me sister.

Numanus impacts the ground hard as Turnus rushes past

Numanus and barely makes it out the gate as it closes behind

him.

The severely injured Numanus lies on the ground shrieking in

pain. He looks up and sees he’s being encircled. Hovering

above is Ascanius. He springs to his knees.

NUMANUS

(begging)

Please, have mercy toward me. I’m a

swordsmith, not a soldier. I was

following orders. I have a wife.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 87.

ASCANIUS

(beat)

Too late.

He takes his sword and thrusts it down. MOS as blood sprays

on his face while he releases a battle cry.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Jupiter sits on his throne, while Venus sits beside him, and

encircled around the room are the other Gods. Juno sits

straight across from him.

JUPITER

War has started. I thought it was

clear that the Trojans’ destiny

would evolve on its own. Instead a

new outcome has resulted.

(to Juno)

Have you included yourself into

these recent events against my

demand?

JUNO

I have done no such thing. I’ve

been tending to more important

affairs from my temple. Aeneas and

the Trojans and their fate mean

nothing to me.

JUPITER

This better be true because if

you’re lying...

JUNO

(interrupts)

Not at all. You have no witnesses

or evidence to support your claim.

JUPITER

That’s settled. This is my last

announcement. The fate of Aeneas

and the Trojans will be left up to

me and Venus to deal with. No such

interference from any of you will

be allowed. Understood?

They all shake their heads yes.

VENUS

The only exception will be from

Vulcan and his cyclopes. They’ll

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 88.

VENUS (cont’d)make a new sword and shield for him

for battle as a favor to me.

Juno laughs.

JUNO

How funny this is. No matter what

you do, or how much you help him,

the more you hurt him. Death and

misery always anticipates him.

VENUS

Restrain your words Juno.

JUNO

Why, because it’s true. You say

that you and Jupiter love him, but

have given him every reason to hate

you. You give him false hopes and

dreams, but for seven years has

woken up to a living nightmare. A

dream that’ll never come true.

JUPITER

End your speech at once!

JUNO

I will shortly. To think that when

I was interfering, I was basically

showing him what truly awaits him,

a decent life and a noble death. Is

that what every mortal wishes for?

How he could’ve just settled for

the ordinary instead of striving

towards something extraordinary

that may never come to be. I’m not

damaging him, you are.

Silence.

INT. HALL - CASTLE - LATIUM - NIGHT

A messenger enters the door. At the end of the hall, Juturna

is with Camilla. The messenger meets with Juturna. MOS as he

speak to her. In seconds she stumbles to her knees,

releasing tears. Camilla tries to console her.

89.

EXT. TIBER RIVER - DAY

A gigantic fleet of ships row toward the shore.

ASCANIUS (V.O.)

Aeneas did what he set out to do.

CLOSE ON TARCHON, standing on the stern, good fitness,

serious, he wears his scars from battle in proud display.

ASCANIUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

He accomplished getting assistance

from Tarchon and the Etruscans.

Aeneas, Achates, Lavinia, Pallas, and their company, on

horseback, strive toward the walls of Pallanteum. They

appear to have a sense of concern.

ASCANIUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

When he left, he managed to add

more new people...while losing his

own people at the same time.

They see smoke levitating above the walls.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - DAY

In the village, both Trojans and Greeks participate in

putting out the fires from the cabins and lining up the

lives lost on the field. A mood of tragedy and sorrow.

Aeneas, his entourage, Tarchon and his people advance into

the town. They’re surprised by the travesty. Aeneas gets off

his horse. Evander steps to him.

AENEAS

What happened here?

In the distance Ascanius spots Aeneas talking with Evander.

He bolts through the village screaming with anger. He

tackles Aeneas, his back slams on the ground. Gets on top of

him and going off on him with rounds of punches.

ASCANIUS

You bastard! You lying, heartless,

arrogant fool!

Achates and Evander pull him off Aeneas. Restraining him.

Aeneas is in disbelief. Ascanius calms himself.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 90.

ASCANIUS (CONT’D)

Atys is dead. Nisus and Euryalus

are dead. Their heads impaled on

stakes. You said war was over. You

should’ve been here with your

people. I filled in for you, but

I’m no king, that’s you. I must say

you’ve made me shameful to call you

my king, but mostly, my father.

He walks away. Pause. Aeneas feels the guilt. He sees across

the way stands Beroe. After they make eye contact she turns

her back on him, crying.

EXT. CLIFF - NIGHT

Aeneas stands on a precipice. Far away and above the forest

from Pallanteum. He looks down and sees a small image of the

village from afar, lit up by campfires and torches.

He turns foward and inches closer to the ledge. He looks

down at the waves of the Tiber River. He’s so high up.

Closes his eyes. A step away from his demise. In the process

of moving foward until...

VENUS (O.S.)

Don’t do it son.

He stops and turns to see Venus standing before him, with a

sword and shield.

AENEAS

Mother, what are you doing here?

VENUS

I came here to help you not to save

you. Why would you do this? These

aren’t the actions of a king.

AENEAS

I’m doing what I should’ve done a

long time ago. I’m a living,

breathing curse! Wherever I go I

bring death, or death attracts to

me and those I’m close to. It’s

best to end my life now.

VENUS

You can’t.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 91.

AENEAS

Why not? Why should I listen to

you? You barely show yourself to me

and depart before I can say a word.

Father promised no more war.

Everything that has happened before

has continued. I can’t apologize

for me losing my hope.

VENUS

That’s why I came to help you. This

sword and shield I bring as a gift

to you. Made from Vulcan and his

Cyclopes.

This bothers him.

AENEAS

Do you view me in stupidity? I

would never take a thing from the

Cyclopes, who saw me and my people

as their next meal. Even from

Vulcan, the God who fathered Cacus,

who brought fear to these Greeks.

VENUS

I’m aware this won’t be easy for

you to accept, but you must take

them. They’ll assist you to win

this war to reclaim your destiny.

AENEAS

I wonder if you do really know me.

I gave up my sword, vowed to never

return to the battlefield or take

another life but live my remaining

days as a diplomat.

VENUS

That is absurd. You were made to be

a warrior.

AENEAS

Enough!

Beat. He studies the bright sword and the radiant shield.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

So these were made from the

blacksmith God himself?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 92.

VENUS

Yes.

He analyzes the shield. There’s carved images on it.

AENEAS

What are these?

VENUS

Future events bound to happen once

Rome is found. But it’ll never come

to be if you don’t rise.

She strides to him. Speaks affectionately.

VENUS (CONT’D)

I know I haven’t been a good mother

to you, but your father has told

you why. You probably hate me right

now which I don’t blame you. You’re

people likely feel the same about

you. We’re both in a predicament

that only we can resolve. I want to

earn your love and trust by handing

you this sword and shield. And you

can use them to earn the love and

trust of your people by leading

them and claiming what’s yours.

She pets his face with love.

VENUS (CONT’D)

Taking your life isn’t the answer.

I know you don’t wish to kill

again. Don’t see it as murder but

as eradicating those that prevent

your achievements. Greatness in

action endures, not words. History

will remember what you did, not

what you said. The only time your

speech will mean something if you

acted out the things you mentioned

and those around are inspired by

it, move to it, and bring it to

life.

She holds up the sword, talking tough.

VENUS (CONT’D)

You’re a man of action. You’re a

warrior. A Trojan. That’s the son I

gave birth to. This is your

instrument, use it.

93.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - NIGHT

Greeks and Trojans stop what they’re doing and watch Aeneas,

with his new sword and shield, steering through the village.

All eyes on him. He steps onto a stone well. Everybody

gravitates to him. Giving him their full attention.

AENEAS

I’ve supplied every single one of

you a purpose to loathe me. You

should, I’m at fault. I’m the sole

reason for all this. I’ve violated

your trust constantly, and there’s

no way to make up for it. We’re at

war now. I may be the enemy of your

hearts but the real enemy lies

outside these walls. Fortune is on

our side, that’s why Venus herself

bestowed me with this sword and

shield.

(he hoists them up)

What you see on this shield is the

future. But there won’t be one if

we don’t assemble, not forget, but

forgive the tragedies of the past,

bear arms, and fight for what we

believe. For me, whether or not

these events come true or if there

will even be a Rome can be

disputed, but right now, if there’s

one thing I believe in, it’s you.

Don’t believe in me, believe in

yourself, look down deep within the

depths of your soul, reach in and

find what it is that you live for,

what you’ll die and kill for, and

fight for that and defend it.

Their heads raise up slightly.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

Tomorrow, at sunrise, we’ll receive

their request for war, and the

trumpets will sound off through the

trees, loud enough for the Gods to

hear. We march up and stare into

the face of Turnus, but not just

confront him, but death, fear,

tragedy, and hate, and we’ll say

’no more’!

The people cheer.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 94.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

Together, Trojan, Greek, Etruscan,

as one, what we do rather than what

we say will carry on. Men die, but

legends live forever. Let history

relish in what you’ll show

tomorrow. They may have more

weapons and more men, but we have

each other, our hearts, our love,

our will, our spirit, and that is

our greatest advantage. With that

we won’t be defeated. Glory awaits

us and the future is ours!

They all throw up their hands and applaud him. A mighty

feeling. Aeneas looks down and sees Ascanius staring up at

him with pride in his eyes.

EXT. TURNUS’ CAMP - VALLEY - DAY

SHOTS of them preparing for battle. Swordsmiths sharpening

the swords -- archers gathering their arrows -- saddling up

their horses -- cleaning their shields.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - DAY

SHOTS of the Trojans, Greeks, and Etruscans, readying

themselves. Putting on their armor and helmets. Some of them

are having practice bouts with each other in the field.

A great portion of men, women, and children are sprawled out

on the grass, on their knees, performing a praying ritual,

with their focus towards the sky.

IN FRONT OF HERCULES’ TEMPLE Evander lights a display of

candles. A great percentage of the soldiers kneel before the

shrine in silence. Evander joins them.

LATER Evander embraces his son, warmly.

EVANDER

(emotional)

I’d give anything to fight with

you. My age prevents me. You are of

my blood and I know you’ll make me

proud.

PALLAS

I love you father. With your sword

belt you’ve handed me your

greatness will carry on to me.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 95.

EVANDER

I love you son. This is your time

now. As long as I have you, my

dearest boy, the only joy of my old

age, no calamity can harm me.

They hug each other.

Aeneas arranges his weapons. Ascanius proceeds over to him.

ASCANIUS

Father, I wanted to apologize for

what I said and for the failures of

my decisions.

AENEAS

Don’t be, I should be the one

apologizing. All we can do now is

redeem ourselves by avenging those

that we lost. You told me that when

the time was right you’d be ready

to fight beside me. It’ll be an

honor son.

They shake hands.

LATER all the hundreds of Trojans, Greeks, and Etruscans,

are lined up, very organized, their postures are ready for

battle. Some on foot and some on horseback. Achates rides to

the front for everyone to see.

ACHATES

Advance!

They move out, file out through the gate. Evander and the

rest of the townspeople watch them depart. Lavinia is among

them.

LAVINIA

Trojan!

Aeneas, being the last one behind observing the infantry. He

walks over to Lavinia. She transfers a long, sweet, romantic

kiss upon his lips. Afterward she provides him a look of

confidence. His appearance changes, he stands up taller,

straighter, apparently the kiss has inspired him. He mounts

his horse and gallops out of the town to catch up with his

army.

96.

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

OVERHEAD SHOT of Aeneas’ army traveling through the land.

EXT. PLAIN - BATTLEFIELD - DAY

The army brushes along the plain then comes to a complete

stop. All eyes staring forward.

Across the grassland, aligned outside the edge of the forest

displayed is Turnus’ full scale military. Staring back at

them. Turnus is in front.

A pathway creates for Aeneas to ride through. He makes it up

to the front, joining Achates. Aeneas and Turnus lock eyes.

The anticipation rises. Both have expressions that are

aching for a fight.

TURNUS

(to his men)

Charge!

With Turnus leading the way they stampede toward the plain.

Aeneas and the army point their spears at them. Their

shields up. Brace up.

AENEAS

Now is where you cement your name

into history. How? By making your

enemies famous, with their death!

He releases a battle cry, and so do his troops. He gallops

toward the plain followed by his military.

OVERHEAD SHOT of both armies rippling toward each other.

Javelins fly at both sides. All the men scream. Finally,

they both collide. A ferocious impact. The fighting begins.

Within seconds there’s stabbing and slashing. Limbs being

decapitated. The sounds of sharp weapons slicing through

flesh.

A vortex of gore and violence. Achates wields his battle axe

like a mad man, chopping away at his enemies -- Ascanius,

with deadly accuracy, whoever he aims at, forward, backward,

sideways, striking every soldier in his focus with his bow

and arrow -- Achaemenides proves his prowess by whacking

down his opponents with deadly force -- Sergestus and

Cloanthus fight beside each other, swaying one way and

another, extinguishing their foes like men possessed.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 97.

Mezentius, living up to his monstrous reputation, a mammoth

in size compared to everyone else, terminating lives with

comforting ease delivering lethal blows from his spear or

fist. Doing all this with a sick smile, as if he’d be here

and nowhere else. Lausus, with the same maliciousness as his

father, showcasing his skill, inflicting pain and doing

damage with just his spear. Caeculus, Clausus, Oebalus, and

Ufens are like a pack of wolves, hunting their prey, instead

of teeth they use their weapons to tear their victims apart.

A killing team. Bodies falling dead like leaves in autumn.

Tarchon, utilizes his agility, and with his daggers he

rhythmically slides from one soldier to the next, taking

them out with such speed they have no time to react.

The gruesomeness escalates. Turnus employs a series of fatal

maneuvers on his victims, killing them a hundred different

ways. He’s entertained by his labor.

Aeneas, being the warrior that he is, putting his God-made

sword and shield to the test. Performs a sequence of moves

of welcoming his sword into every part of the human anatomy.

His casualties have no chance against him. No one can come

close to this guy’s flawless style of combat.

Time flies and so do the souls of every soldier. Each second

a man fades away. Even the horses can’t escape death.

Mezentius, adoring the carnage, crushes a man’s skull --

then cuts off a man’s legs -- and with one swift motion he

shatters a soldier’s ribcage. On the ground a lifeless

soldier gasps for life, but the unrelenting Mezentius stomps

his face in. Mezentius spots Aeneas from across the plain.

Aeneas finishes his man and then recognizes Mezentius. They

come toward each other. Two equal combatatants seconds from

facing off. Main event type status. The battle swirls around

them. Mezentius raises his spear and flings it over to

Aeneas. Beat. It hits his shield. Aeneas lifts a spear off

from the ground and pitches it in the air -- comes down --

Mezentius blocks it with his shield but recognozes that the

arrow is lodged in his groin. In pain, he pulls it out,

screaming as he does as blood spurts out. He slowly weakens

and slips to the ground.

A few feet away Lausus sees this.

LAUSUS

Father!

Aeneas shoots to him and launches himself in the air. About

to swing his sword down.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 98.

LAUSUS

No!

Aeneas swipes his sword down -- decapitating Lausus’ head.

Mezentius screams in disbelief. Even Aeneas is stunned. The

head rolls over to Mezentius. He can’t keep it together.

This man viewed as a beast is now weeping like a baby.

MEZENTIUS

Not my son.

Aeneas apporaches him. Mezentius is still bleeding out. He

caresses the head with fatherly care. Aeneas stands above

him.

MEZENTIUS

Kill me. Take me away. A life

without my child is not worth

living. Let me reunite with him.

Aeneas raises his sword, but is hesitant, almost as if he

feels sorry for him. Then he drives his sword through his

shoulder. Almost about to break down.

Turnus takes a life and takes a break to examine Pallas.

Unleashing a repertoire of killing movements and strokes

with precise technique. A manual to how to combat. Turnus is

impressed. Soon they face each other. It’s on.

Their swords bash. They go at it. For awhile it’s even but

Turnus gains the upper-hand. Pallas recovers and in a quick

instant manages to leave a cut on Turnus’ face. Bleeding.

Turnus is shocked, but his anger elevates. He pursues Pallas

with more aggression. Swatting at him with power. Pallas

puts up a defensive block forcing Turnus to spin around and

when he comes to he shoves his sword through his

breastplate. Pallas in a state of surprise, drops his sword,

a trickle of blood slips out the corner of his mouth, and

collapses with his face downward. Turnus steps on Pallas’

body and rips off his father’s gold plated sword belt.

Aeneas notices this.

AENEAS

No!

Turnus sees Aeneas zooming toward him. Scared of his body

language he flees. Hoping over bodies.

TURNUS

(to his men)

Retreat to the forest now!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 99.

They all hear his advice, stop what they’re doing, and

automatically dart toward the forest.

AENEAS

After them!

Aeneas’ soldiers chase after them. Aeneas halts and kneels

beside Pallas’ body -- turns it over -- exposing his pale

face, and the open wound through his breastplate.

EXT. FOREST - BATTLEFIELD - DAY

Turnus and his companions enter the forest. Aeneas’ troops

are on their trail.

TURNUS

Now archers!

Popping out on top of a hillock is a long row of archers.

Their bow and arrows are targeted on them. Aeneas’ soldiers

stop dead in their tracks.

TURNUS

Fire!

They release a projectile of arrows at them.

ACHATES

Go back!

They immediately change course, turn, and hustle out of the

forest. Some of the arrows hit them, as they drop dead and

some barely miss them, making it out alive. Turnus watches

them race out of there.

TURNUS

Back to the camp!

EXT. PLAIN - BATTLEFIELD - DAY

Aeneas grasps Pallas’ body in his arms. Bursting with tears.

An emotional scene.

AENEAS

I’m sorry.

The rest of his men gather around him. Witnessing this sad

moment. They too begin to cry.

LATER Aeneas and the rest of his men go into the forest and

gather branches of oak, wild strawberry, and a canopy of

leaves. SHOT of them weaving those things together.

100.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - NIGHT

MOS. With torches in hand, Aeneas and the army hike to the

walls of Pallanteum. The gate rises. They tread into the

village. Evander, Lavinia, Prince Ilioneus, Beroe, along

with the other townspeople congregate towards their

returning heroes.

Soon a handful of soldiers carry a bier, made from the

essentials from the forest, into the town. They set it down.

Evander walks over to see whose peaceful body is laying on

top of it. He is struck with sadness when he sees it’s his

son. He’s beside himself. In a wild frenzy of despair.

It takes several soldiers to detach him away from the bier.

Clutching him as he releases a sorrowful howl up to the

night sky. The people view this and feel his pain by weeping

with him.

ASCANIUS (V.O.)

He sobbed the entire night. A son

taken away from him drove him to

insanity. We all shared his grief.

A successor gone and a legacy

nevermore.

MONTAGE - MOURNING, MOS

ASCANIUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Envoys from both armies agreed on a

twelve-day truce, to mourn and bid

farewell to those deceased.

EXT. PLAIN - BATTLEFIELD - DAY

Aeneas’ people collect the dead bodies. They search through

the woods, collecting ashes and oaks, pines, scented cedars,

rowans. They carry them away onto wagons.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - DAY

Aeneas and Tarchon observe as a huge company of workers use

the necessities from the woods to construct catafalques.

LATER, IMAGE of the townspeople placing the corpses on the

catafalques.

101.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - NIGHT

A ceremony. Two walkway rows estbalished from a colonnade of

flickering torches impaled to the ground. One row, is for

the townspeople, the other for the soldiers as they carry a

great number of catalfaques as they march toward the gate.

EXT. BEACH - NIGHT

All the catafalques are aligned on the shore. Everybody is

in attendance, crowding the beach. They engulf each one

individually. The last one is Pallas. Evander rushes to it,

holding him tightly, bawling his eyes out. Greeks have to

pull him away, still grief-stricken. He goes up in flames.

Evander is on his knees, losing it. Everybody stares on

while tearing up. The flames reflect off their faces.

ASCANIUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

We said goodbye to sons, fathers,

brothers, and friends. We saw their

souls ascend away to the stars.

Aeneas’ face becomes to emotional to bear where he dismisses

himself. Walking to Pallanteum. Ascanius watches him.

EXT. PLAIN - BATTLEFIELD - NIGHT

Turnus’ men pile up a tower of dead bodies. They all

surround the pyre. They flame it. As the bodies slowly turn

to ash none of them show any emotion. Mezentius’ cold eyes

stare up at Turnus as the flames engulf him. Suddenly

sadness starts to occupy Turnus’ face. Unable to handle it

he walks away.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - NIGHT

Aeneas watches the funeral ceremony from the rampart. Aeneas

turns to see Ascanius behind him. Aeneas strides to him and

gives him the most caring and biggest hug ever while crying

with love.

EXT. LATIUM - DAY

The sun begins to show itself. Camilla stands in a tower,

alone, observing the entire kingdom. Showing signs of

melancholic sentimentality.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 102.

CAMILLA (V.O.)

News of those perished have reached

us. Hundreds of men gone. Death is

no surpirse when it comes to war.

Luckily for me and my gang of

women, we’re huntresses, we don’t

participate in war. But it wasn’t

until I saw her...

Her eyes locate Juturna, who wanders around the market, with

no light to her, expressionless, empty.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

...a husband deceased. With his

life taken away, ever since that

tearful moment of realization, so

has hers. And with her brother,

Turnus, if something were to happen

to him, how could she live on?

She’d be a body with no heart,

soul. A life doesn’t just belong to

that who owns it. It belongs to

everyone that has been touched,

loved, or affected by it. With it

away, those whoever knew and loved

it are the ones that feel empty.

When I evaluated that thought,

that’s when I knew that, I too

would be distraught if Turnus was

no longer in my life. I owe him a

debt, I owe him...everything.

FLASHBACK - MONTAGE - CAMILLA’S LIFE

EXT. WOODS - DAY

A heavy downpour of rain. A MAN sprints through the woods,

swatting his spear against tress and bushes clearing a path

for himself. While using his other hand to press his tunic

against his abdomen.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

My father, Metabus, was commander

of the Volscians. He was expelled

by his people. They chased after

him.

Metabus continues to sprint. Arrows, spears, and javelins

dart at him, but surprisingly miss him. He halts as he comes

to a bank near a river. Nowhere else to go. He’s screwed.

Shivering cold. He opens his tunic to reveal a crying, baby

Camilla. He turns back as he can hear voices in the distance

becoming distinct. In thought, pondering.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 103.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

My father approached the Amasenus

River. He wasn’t going to swim

across as it would’ve frozen us to

death. His options were very

limited.

He kneels down, takes the baby out of his tunic.

The Volscian soldiers stampede through the woods.

He ties the baby to the shaft of his spear with strips of

bark. Afterward he stands and gazes up at the sky. MOS as he

shouts.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

He made a prayer to the

mother-goddess of the woods Diana.

Dedicating me as a servant to hers.

A warrior virgin for life until

death to ensure my survival.

He hoists up the spear.

LATER the Volscian soldiers stop at the river bank. They see

on the opposite bank Metabus emerging out the water and

pulling the spear out from the ground. Untying the baby and

holding it with one arm. He continues to bolt through the

woods.

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

Metabus stumbles upon a piece of land with cabins. He sees a

small crew of shepherds tending to their livestock while the

women, the wives, occupy themselves in the garden.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

It worked. After his travel, he

decided to live a peaceful life as

a shepherd...

EXT. THICKET - DAY

A pubescent Camilla tosses a spear as it strikes a stag to

its death. Metabus watches proudly.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

...while he taught me to hunt. To

value the skill of aim and

technique.

104.

LATER a teenage Camilla, wearing a tiger-skin as a cloak.

Jumping down from a tree and piercing the back of a boar

with her spear like a savage. Afterward she skins it like a

professional.

EXT. PLAIN - DAY

The shepherds, Metabus, and Camilla go about their day

until...

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Life was serene, until one day, my

life would change.

A company of EGYPTIAN MEN, in their gold robes and eccentric

jewelry, peer out of the forest and steer towards them.

Having young girls tied in rope or bound in chains. A

troubling image.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

A group of Egyptians sauntered

through the sea with the intent to

land in Italy to spread their

dominion. They captured young

maiden girls along their journey to

use them as their lustful slaves.

They stop in front of the shepherds. The main one, steps up

to Metabus, looking at him with a straight face.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Their leader demanded we hand over

our food and the little things of

value we possessed. Including...me.

My father refused.

Metabus shakes his head no. Immediately the Egyptians go

into attack mode.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Upset by his resistance they

assaulted us.

IMAGES: the Egyptians raid the homes. Slaughter the sheep.

Killing the women and the shepherds.

Metabus does his best to fight them off but he’s greatly

outnumbered. They throw Camilla to the ground, holding her

down. They all plunge their weapons into his body in full

view of her.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 105.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

They forced me to watch as they

murdered my father.

She’s emotional. Their leader moves over to her. With a

lustful posture. He gets on top of her. Adjusting himself to

do something bad to her. She screams.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Defenseless, their leader was going

to defile me. Forcefully about to

break the oath he swore to Diana.

That’s when...

Suddenly a sword slices through the leader’s stomach. She

watches on in horror. Suddenly a team of warriors come from

nowhere and instantly put all the Egyptians to death, no

competition, leaving a trail of decay. She looks up and sees

that her savior is Turnus.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

...Turnus came and saved me. The

Egyptians paid for their sick

crimes with their death. And freed

the young women.

Turnus’ Rutulian soldiers cut the ropes and unchain the

woman.

Later Camilla and Turnus glance at each other face-to-face.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

With my father dead, I had nowhere

else to go, neither did the free

maidens. Turnus offered us solitude

near his kingdom. We can live how

we want together on the land, free

from patriarchal control, me as

their leader, and friendship from

him forever.

They both shake hands.

END FLASHBACK

EXT. LATIUM - DAY

In the tower Camilla paces up and down.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

I owe him my life, and even...my

heart. But how can I when I

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 106.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D) (cont’d)

promised my father I would uphold

his oath. For years I’ve abided by

it, but with struggle. I didn’t

decided that life for myself, he

did. I never had a choice. But it’s

the only thing I have remaining

from him that forces me to follow

that lifestyle and I have instilled

it upon my women. Does that make me

a hypocrite that I’ve considered

going against it?

She peeks out to see in the COURTYARD Amata, lavished,

wandering around followed by her retinue. Presenting herself

high and mighty. This forces Camilla to grimmace.

CAMILLA (V.O.) (CONT’D)

But I can’t watch Turnus throw his

affection into the hands of her.

Unfaithful to her king and husband,

allowing the city to plunder. Who

knows what she’ll do to Turnus. I

can’t allow that possibility to

come about. I can’t permit that

risk. He took a life to come into

my life...it’s time I return the

favor.

She disappaers out of the tower.

INT. CORRIDOR - CASTLE - LATIUM - NIGHT

Camilla strides up to a door occupied by two guards. She

nods her head, signaling. They both walk away. Leaving the

door unattended. She smiles and open the door and enters...

INT. ROYAL BEDCAHMBER - CASTLE - NIGHT

...the room, while Amata sits in front of her mirror, in her

gown.

AMATA

Hello Camilla, why you come to see

me in this late hour?

CAMILLA

A lot of men died which I know

you’re aware. That could’ve been

Turnus.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 107.

AMATA

If you know him like I do, worrying

is a wasted emotion. I’m confident

in his return.

CAMILLA

To the contrary, I do know him, and

Turnus in the battlefield is no

concern of mine.

She turns her head, acting sarcastically.

AMATA

Are you speaking from a stance of

love? I thought a servant of Diana

forever promises no love of a man.

CAMILLA

Turnus isn’t just any man. He saved

me, freed my women, gave us

salvation. I shall always show my

appreciation to him for what he’s

done for me. Better than you ever

will.

AMATA

I disagree with that judgment.

CAMILLA

Why so?

Amata rises and creeps to Camilla in a dark manner.

AMATA

I’ve always sensed that you had

some liking toward him, but not for

me to agonize over. It is me that

receives his kisses, my body he

touches, my love he desires.

This remark sickens Camilla.

CAMILLA

How can you live within your own

skin? You cheat and decieve your

king with Turnus? Why would it stop

with him?

AMATE

I’ve had multiple men lust for me

before. Latinus was my true love,

until Turnus entered my life.

Everything I can ask from a man he

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 108.

AMATE (cont’d)delivers. Which he has and that’s

his child.

Amata rubs her stomach gently as to show off while Camilla’s

body shakes with anger and shock.

AMATA (CONT’D)

That’s right I’m carrying his seed.

A feeling you’ll never know. You

are condemned to a life of

loneliness. You’ll never enjoy the

fruits of womanhood. Motherhood,

lovemaking, marriage. How could

you, Diana owns you, and every man

including Turnus view you as a

man...

Suddenly the sound of a cut emits. Amata looks down and sees

Camilla pull out a bloody dagger out of her stomach. Blood

streams out of the open gash. Uses her hands to cover the

wound. She looks into Camilla’s deadly eyes, mouth wide open

in terror. Amata descends to the ground, takes a few gasps

of air until her life fades away. She’s dead.

Camilla shows a sick, pleased smile. She wipes the handle of

the dagger with a cloth -- puts it down into Camilla’s hand

-- walks over to the nightstand and places a paper scroll on

it -- returns and rubs her hands in the pool of blood.

Acting this out methodically, as if it were planned. In a

second she goes from joyous to screaming with fear, drawing

tears.

CAMILLA

Help!

She runs and bursts through the door. Shouting into the

corridor.

CAMILLA (CONT’D)

Help! Juturna! Help!

MONTAGE - TURNUS’ SORROW

-- EXT. TURNUS’ CAMP - DAY -- Camilla shows up at the camp.

Meets with Turnus. MOS as she talks and his face turns into

a mask of pain.

-- EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY -- They gallop through the

landscape.

-- EXT. LATIUM - DAY -- They travel past the gate and shoot

into the courtyard.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 109.

-- INT. CASTLE - DAY -- Amata, beautifully dressed, lies

peacefully on a casket. Turnus, uncontrollable, bawling,

wraps his arm around her head, rests his head on her chest,

doing the best to cuddle with his lost love. Juturna tries

her best to console him.

In the background, Camilla watches on with an amused

expression.

END MONTAGE

EXT. JAILHOUSE - DAY

A guard opens up Drances’ cell. He’s free. He steps out and

Turnus greets him.

TURNUS

If you wish to earn your status

back, then now is the right time.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - NIGHT

A roof of anguish still lurks in the village. Telling by the

people’s movements and silence.

Aeneas along with Lavinia approach Evander’s house. Tarchon

exits.

AENEAS

How is he?

TARCHON

Still in bed, won’t move, or speak.

Aeneas steps foot into...

INT. EVANDER’S HOUSE - NIGHT

...the house and across the room Evander, on the bed, lies

on his side, back faces Aeneas. He slowly glides over to

him.

AENEAS

I know your pain. Too well, I may

say. An expert I am. It’s strange,

no matter how many times those we

love that are taken, how much pain

we endure, it’d be logical to think

that we’d be accustom to it.

Instead, the agony feels more worse

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 110.

AENEAS (cont’d)than it did before. If it was my

son, I’d probably feel the same as

you, but with you, torment you

shouldn’t feel. Your son fought

admirably. Turnus may have taken

his life, but Pallas sure gave him

hell. You should’ve seen him. In

the end, isn’t that all we can ask

for, a noble death. How often can

one say they entered this world and

did what they loved, what they were

passionate about, and what they

were meant to do, and that’s how

they left this world. That’s the

memory of your son. You should be

proud. He came into this world to

be a warrior and that’s how he

left. I wanted you to know that.

He’s about to leave until Evander snatches his wrist. He

rolls over to look Aeneas in his eyes.

EVANDER

(sad)

It should’ve been me, not my

precious son. This is an end that I

would’ve expected for myself in my

old age. He had so much to live

for. The only reason that I have to

stay alive is the thought of

vengeance. I do not expect the gods

to grant me any further pleasure in

my life, nor should I, but Turnus’

life is owed to me, a father, and

to him, my son.

Achates and Ascanius apear.

ACHATES

Sir, two of Turnus’ generals

approach these walls.

Aeneas, Evander gets out of bed, and they all evacuate the

house.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - NIGHT

They make their way on the RAMPART. Aeneas stares out to see

Clausus and Oebalus standing outside the walls, near their

horses, arms reached up in surrender.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 111.

AENEAS

Why do you show your faces here?

The archers along the rampart stand in the crenels with

their bows and arrows aimed at them.

CLAUSUS

We come in peace! No need for

violence. Look.

With their hands up, they slowly kneel, place their weapons

on the ground, and rise back up, hands still up in the air.

OEBALUS

We surrender to you, our intentions

are to talk.

AENEAS

(to the archers)

Yield!

They put them down.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

Speak!

CLAUSUS

We don’t wish to battle anymore, at

the commands of Turnus. We’ve

already abandoned camp and have

withdrawn back to Latium. He’s had

a change of heart. He’s willing to

offer you a truce. You and your

retinue will come with us to Latium

for negotiations. Then will he

explain his reasons for an

armistice.

Aeneas appearance shows he’s reviewing the idea.

IMAGE: DAY, Aeneas and company, with Turnus’ men gallop

through the PLAIN.

EXT. LATIUM - DAY

They ride into the courtyard.

112.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - CASTLE - DAY

Turnus sits at the head of the table. To his left are

Juturna, Camilla, Caeculus, Clausus, Oebalus, Ufens, and

Drances.

At the opposite end of the table is Aeneas, and across from

Turnus’ people is Lavinia, Achates, Ascanius, and Prince

Ilioneus. An atmosphere of unsettlement and tension.

TURNUS

(polite)

I appreciate you for coming. Our

dueling must have made it a hard

decision, but I’m grateful

nonetheless. I call you forth here

in the midst of an unspeakable

travesty. Amata, queen of Latium,

and my lover, has taken her own

life.

A wave of surprise hits Aeneas and his people, especially

Lavinia.

LAVINIA

(shocked)

My mother is dead?

TURNUS

(throws his arm up, to

Lavinia)

Please let me finish.

(he whips out the paper

scroll)

This is a note she made before she

died.

(he reads it out loud)

’Turnus, my love, word has been

given to Latium of all the

fatalities caused by war. In

hearing that, it reckons me that it

could be you. Seeing Juturna lose

Numanus put the war into

perspective to me. The thought of

losing you is one I don’t wish to

comprehend. I’d plead for you to

end this, but the fault in that is

you crave war, it has made and

molded you. You used it to capture

Latium, but what horrifies me is

that it can end you. The more time

of your service in battle, the

possibilities of you being stolen

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 113.

TURNUS (cont’d)from my life becomes a reality. I’m

unaware on how long you intend to

fight, but if it continues, then I

won’t be able to tolerate it. I

must free myself this instant to

never live to hear the news of your

passing. Take my death as a

blessing for one day we’ll reunite,

in peace, free from war,

interference, and dread. I’ll be

waiting for you my love.’

Everyone is emotional by that reading. Camilla looks over at

Turnus, with a face of conviction because those were her

words and feelings. Lavinia attempts with much effort to

compose herself.

TURNUS

That answers your question Lavinia.

LAVINIA

What does my father think of this?

Where is he? I wish to see him.

TURNUS

He’s in his cell. Besides this was

meant to be a time for negotiation,

not a reunion.

Fired up, Lavinia jolts up to her feet, alarming the guards

at the walls. Achates stands and restrains her.

AENEAS

Lavinia, please sit. We’ll settle

this.

Lavinia gives Turnus a hostile look. Finally she sits,

calming down.

TURNUS

I invited you here to negotiate a

truce in honor of Amata. She’s

right, too much blood has been

shed. We can bury our feuding and

move on to a civil future. My

people and yours rallying together

under one banner. Whatever you

desire I’ll grant, land, homes, our

hand in friendship.

Aeneas’ people look allured by his proposal.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 114.

AENEAS

That’s quite an offering. A change

of heart in that sudden of time

makes me curious. No one makes that

kind of proposition without there

being stipulations.

TURNUS

Oh there is. We’ll welcome you back

if you accept the fact that Latium

is mine. You’ll refer to me and bow

to me as your king. I’ll be the

only leader, your title will be

through. This fate by the gods you

speak of must be discarded. You’ll

abide my laws. With Latium without

a queen, it’ll only be right for

Lavinia to succeed her mother’s

throne and to be my wife. And I’ll

also free Latinus.

Aeneas and his people display mixed emotions. Their eyes

examine each other. As if speaking to each other with their

expressions. Beat.

TURNUS (CONT’D)

So do we have an agrement?

Aeneas glances at Lavinia for support. She takes a deep

breath and hesitantly nods her head ’no’.

AENEAS

I’m sorry Turnus, but we’ll have to

decline.

TURNUS

(dumbstruck)

What?

AENEAS

We can’t accept your offer. I don’t

yearn for battle, either, but to

give up my destiny and subject my

people to surrender themselves

completely to your needs for the

price of peace isn’t worth

obtaining.

TURNUS

(pissed)

This is blasphemous. This is all

for Amata, this is what she wanted.

I offer a solution and you reject

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 115.

TURNUS (cont’d)it. You’ve insulted my generosity.

Something must be done as I

continue to honor her wishes, but

what other option is there?

Beat. Out of nowhere...

DRANCES

This rivalry is strictly between

you, Turnus, and Aeneas. It’d be

best if this conflict was settled

just between you two.

TURNUS

What do you mean?

DRANCES

It’s been your wicked purposes that

have caused the lives of so many

good men and for citizens on both

sides to mourn, by repeating a

second Trojan war. Take pity on

your people and put aside your

anger, we’ve had enough corpses, so

why not challenge Aeneas to single

combat with Latium, Latinus’

freedom, a marriage to Lavinia, and

the throne as its prize?

Beat.

TURNUS

How foolish of you to suggest such

a thing.

PRINCE ILIONEUS

Not really. I agree, this affair

began with you two and it should

end with you two. I motion it.

LAVINIA

So do I.

The rest of Aeneas’ people raise their hands in approval.

TURNUS

Are you all mad? This congregation

was meant to end the fighting, not

stir it some more.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 116.

AENEAS

Maybe that’s the only way it can

end. I, too, thought my words can

change situtaions but sadly that

isn’t the case. I approve this

recourse. What about you?

Turnus sees that his people are considering the idea accept

for Camilla and Juturna. Beat.

TURNUS

If you all think it’s best then

fine. A fight there will be. Only

on certain conditions. The match

will take place here within the

walls of Latium, tomorrow, at dawn,

giving us enough time in a day to

prepare.

AENEAS

Fine, but my infantry will escort

me here and spectate the event.

TURNUS

Do as you may. But I did promise

Amata that I’d bring Lavinia back

home.

All eyes on her.

LAVINIA

There’s no reason for me to come

back. Only when Aeneas wins the

match, which I know he will, then

I’ll come back, and see my father

again.

IMAGE: they shake hands.

EXT. LATIUM - DAY

IN THE TOWER Turnus watches as Aeneas and his people ride

out of the city. Juturna appears from behind him.

JUTURNA

You’re actually going to do this?

Put your life on the line and the

city up for grabs.

TURNUS

(conniving)

Not quite.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 117.

JUTURNA

What do you mean?

TURNUS

Aeneas and his people will be

stepping into my domain. Stupid of

him to think I’d sacrifice my city

and reputation in a contest with

him. A death trap awaits them, like

an animal of prey. Victory is

already mine.

JUTURNA

But Turnus you gave him your word.

TURNUS

And I’m repealing it. I dictate the

outcome of events, it’s what I do.

I make and get the results I want

by any means necessary.

Juturna looks to have been hit with a punch of truth.

JUTURNA

What did you do to Numanus?

TURNUS

What are you talking about?

JUTURNA

Did my husband give his life

honorably in the face of battle or

did you lead him to his death?

TURNUS

You’re idiotic for asking such a

question.

JUTURNA

(anger builds)

Am I really that dense to presume

such a theory? You steal a city,

imprison it’s king and take his

wife, and call for war, slaughter

people, and secretly, cowardly

revoke a promise to fight. And you

don’t expect me to be suspicious of

you’re handling on my husband’s

life.

TURNUS

I don’t have to answer to you.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 118.

He’s about to storm off until she stops in front of and

slaps him. She’s crying.

JUTURNA

You unforgiving bastard. I trusted

you with my love and my husband,

and you’ve completely shattered it.

You’ve disgraced me into calling

you my brother. All our lives

you’ve been so pitiful for not

being endowed with mother’s power

so you sought power elsewhere. You

did whatever you had to do to

obtain it, without any regard to

who you had to hurt or murder. I’ve

stuck by you only because we are

flesh and blood, but not any

longer. No wonder Amata took her

own life.

This strikes an emotional nerve and reacts by slapping her

so hard that she tumbles to her knees.

TURNUS

Accuse and slight me all you want

but never speak of her in that

tone.....Guards!

Two guards show up.

TURNUS

(to the guards)

Take this thing away from me. Lock

her up for her slandering and her

assult on the king.

They grab and drag her away as she screams.

INT. JAILHOUSE - DAY

In Drances’ cell he looks up and sees Turnus entering.

TURNUS

You thought you could get rid of me

and think I’d let it stand. I gave

you a chance to redeem yourself and

this is how you pay me. Well I got

a payment for you.

He whips out a dagger and pursues Drances with a deadly

demeanor.

119.

EXT. PALLANTEUM - NIGHT

Aeneas searches through a THICKET.

AENEAS

Lavinia!

He stops and sees Lavinia sitting on a bank in front of a

pond. He moves to her.

AENEAS (CONT’D)

Lavinia, what are you doing here?

Her face is painted with a few tears.

LAVINIA

Let me be so I can drown in my own

anguish.

AENEAS

Now why would I do that?

He kneels beside her.

LAVINIA

The existence I once knew, was

saturated with lies and deceit. My

mother cheated on my father with a

man he trusted. He took everything

from him and locked him away like a

criminal. Because of Turnus I am

without a matriarch in my life. He

has broken my family, tarnished my

home, and all I did was run away.

AENEAS

No, don’t blame yourself for that.

LAVINIA

I have no choice. I can relate to

you Aeneas. To witness your life

and home being disintegrated before

you, and you want to defend it but

the only resolve you have is to run

away.

AENEAS

Sometimes that’s the only option

left in order to live.

LAVINIA

But with you it isn’t. Tomorrow is

your chance to confront your

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 120.

LAVINIA (cont’d)sorrow, pain, and guilt, and end

it. When we first met, and I was

ranting about those weapons on the

wall, I misinterpreted their

meaning, but I know now. Greatness

is a rarity, when the hearts don’t

beat anymore, and the flesh is no

longer warm, what is left of those

that achieved, but their weapons to

show for their efforts. Eminence

must not be forgotten. This can be

your most defining moment.

She stands up, so does Aeneas. She holds his hands.

LAVINIA (CONT’D)

When you face Turnus, don’t do it

for vengeance, for me, or my

father. Yes there’s a lot at stake

but when you win, you can rid away

the distress that has haunted you.

This moment has been waiting for

you this whole time, now it’s here.

You said the future is ours, then

go get it.

She places her hands on his face, pulling him close to her.

Glancing deep into his eyes.

LAVINIA (CONT’D)

Listen to me Trojan, demigod, when

you come back to me, it won’t be

just as a survivor, but as my

husband.

She kisses him. A very long-lasting, idyllic kiss.

EXT. PALLENTEUM - DAY

The afteroon sun gradually fades.

Aeneas strides through a pathway, made from the townspeople

who are staring at him as he passes. At the end he meets

with his infantry, along with Lavinia who has his sword and

shield. He walks over to her and she hands them to him.

Evander strides over to him. They hug each other.

AENEAS

This is for Pallas.

Evander backs away. Lavinia presents Aeneas a small kiss.

Aeneas mounts his horse.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 121.

AENEAS

(to his infantry)

Let’s move out!

PULL BACK to reveal a humongous audience of people watching

him and the soldiers evacuate out of the town.

LAVINIA

The future is ours!

Everyone applauds and cheers.

OVERHEAD SHOT: of the infantry riding through the

countryside.

Ascanius is right beside Aeneas. As they move they just gaze

at each other, as if speaking with their eyes and straight

faces. Ascanius nods his head at him and so does Aeneas, as

if they understand each other, but something feels

inspirational about that exchange. PULL BACK to reveal...

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - DAY

...that the image is inside the floating globe with Jupiter

viewing it. Mercury appears.

MERCURY

Father, Juno requests your

presence.

JUPITER

Really, out of all the times she

can see me she chooses now. Tell

her I’m occupied.

MERCURY

She says it’s urgent. To see her

this very instant. She won’t accept

your refusal.

EXT. LATIUM - NIGHT

The night sky makes its presence.

INT. CELL - TOWER - LATIUM - NIGHT

Juturna, a dirty face, clothes filthy, lays on stacks of

hay. She wakes up in a unsanitary cell. Disgusting. She

peeks out the window to see Aeneas and his infantry

approaching the walls.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 122.

She sticks her hand out the window, barely fitting through

the gaps of the bars, in a reaching motion.

JUTURNA

No! Stop! Don’t! Go back!

EXT. RAMPART - CASTLE - NIGHT

Turnus is with Camilla, and Clausus. They look up at the

tower and can hear Juturna screaming. Turnus is concerned.

TURNUS

(to Clausus)

Tell my guards to silence her,

however it must be done.

Clausus dismisses himself.

INT. BEDCHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Jupiter enters.

JUPITER

Juno, I swear you better have a...

He stops and in his peripheral -- Juno, in a skimpy,

sensuous outfit, revealing a lot of skin, is displayed on

the bed. Lit candles on the nightstands. An erotic

sensation.

JUNO

Jupiter, there you are. Come to me.

JUPITER

(taken aback)

What’s all this?

Juno rolls around, acting the part of a seductress.

JUNO

It’s been a long time since we’ve

last comforted each other.

EXT. LATIUM - NIGHT

Outside the walls, Aeneas and the infantry wait near the

portcullis. Achates glances up and sees high in the distance

Juturna with her hand out, but it’s so far away he can’t

comprehend what it is.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 123.

ACHATES

What is that?

He’s got their attention. They all look up. They hear a

faint noise, but can’t recognize it’s her. The gate raises.

INT. CELL - TOWER - LATIUM - NIGHT

Juturna continues to shout until she hears the gate open.

She turns around and sees a guard coming her way. She is

scared.

INT. BEDCHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

JUPITER

(still surprised)

You want to make love now?

JUNO

Yes.

She gets off the bed and temptingly struts toward him.

JUNO (CONT’D)

You’re right Jupiter. I have been

very undisciplined, and irrational.

My past actions are unforgiveable,

but I want to aplogize for it...by

giving you the freedom to do as you

please with my body.

She stops in front of him and grants him a tender kiss.

EXT. LATIUM - NIGHT

Aeneas and his men proceed into the courtyard.

INT. CELL - TOWER - LATIUM - NIGHT

The guard has Juturna locked into his arms. Screaming,

kicking around, trying to escape his grip.

INT. BEDCHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Juno rests on her back as Jupiter gets on top of her. They

continue to kiss each other passionately.

124.

INT. CELL - TOWER - LATIUM - NIGHT

The guard and Juturna wrestle on the ground.

INT. BEDCHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

While they make out Juno’s hand slides down the side of the

bed.

EXT. LATIUM - NIGHT

COURTYARD:

AENEAS

Turnus where are you?

INT. CELL - TOWER - LATIUM - NIGHT

The guard gets on top of Juturna and pins her arms to the

ground.

EXT. LATIUM - NIGHT

Suddenly, an assortment of archers appear along the entire

rampart behind the crenels between the merlons. Their bow

and arrows are aimed at them.

Turnus’ soldiers, including Camilla and her huntresses, bolt

through the colonnades and completely surround Aeneas and

his infantry. Their javelins, spear, bow and arrows, and

swords pointed at them. Aeneas’ men react by holding up

their shields.

INT. BEDCHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

They continue to make love. Jupiter is all into it. Juno

puts her lips to his ear.

JUNO

(whispering)

This is for Dido.

The noise of flesh being torn. Jupiter’s eyes widen. He

looks down and sees that his stomach is bleeding. She kicks

him off the bed and he lands on his back.

125.

EXT. LATIUM - NIGHT

COURTYARD: Turnus, across from Aeneas’ view, stands on top

of the turret.

AENEAS

What’s the meaning of this Turnus?

TURNUS

What we promised, an ending.

AENEAS

You agreed on a fight.

TURNUS

(amused)

Aeneas, what a stupid fool you are.

I tried to be diplomatic, but you

step into my chambers and deny my

lover’s requests, and I’m reminded

of you murdering my very good

friend and his son. This is way

beyond just you and me. A fight

with you won’t solve anything and

Drances paid the price for his

suggestion with his life. Here, I’m

god, I determine fate. If you die,

then the rest of you should, too.

Fire!

The archers release their arrows. Aeneas and his men hoist

their shields, blocking them, but a few are hit. Then

Turnus’ soldiers bombard them.

INT. CELL - TOWER - LATIUM - NIGHT

Juturna uses all her strength to free herself from his grip.

Then she headbutts him, breaking his nose, reaches for his

sword, and stabs him through the chest. She stands up and

steals his keys and runs away.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Mercury and the other gods are convened together. Then Juno,

dragging the vulnerable Jupiter in front of her with her arm

with a sword to his throat as he continues to bleed out,

shows up.

JUNO

Now would be a good time for you

all to pronounce your final

farewell to your king.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 126.

They are appalled by this sight.

MERCURY

Father!

JUNO

Where’s Venus?

No one answers.

JUNO (CONT’D)

You all must take pleasure in

working against me. This is why a

new era of the gods will come, and

I will take Jupiter’s place.

The gods step forward to her, then she lifts her hand up and

a huge wave sweeps them off their feet and they all go

soaring out of the palace, shooting away in the distance,

far to not be seen. Now, it’s just Juno and Jupiter.

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

A huge flock of doves stand on branches to trees observing

the battle in Latium.

EXT. LATIUM - NIGHT

The city has erupted in mayhem. A huge skirmish rolls

through the courtyard. A windstorm of deadly blows and

butchered flesh. The beating tempos of clashing swords,

shields, and armor.

Aeneas owns it, showing his foes what’s up by dispatching

anyone close in his vicinity. His victims taste his sword

with gorey results. Achates, with his battle cries, goes on

a psychotic rampage, vacuuming through his opponents with an

explicit conscious. Ascanius’ arrows are like missiles,

firing away with correct trajectory, as they transfix into

the hearts of some of the archers as they tumble to their

death. Sergestus and Cloanthus inflict a complex list of

stabbing and cutting movements with their swords onto their

rivals. Like a murderous disease ravaging throughout the

battle. Achaemenides, inspired by his Greek spirit, plows

through enemy soldiers with credit given to the forces of

his battle axes. Tarchon swifts through the air in acrobatic

motion, terminating souls at a fast rate.

Caeculus, Clausus, Oebalus, and Ufens are bunched together,

and they act out all the possible synonyms to killing that

could be thought of with absolute barbarity. Camilla’s

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 127.

huntresses are definitely not portraying the traditional

female. They’re keeping up with the men, even showing them

up. They emerge together into a wrecking ball of

destruction. Acca is definitely showing her stuff, but the

one stealing the show, putting on a clinic is Camilla. With

her spear, her screams, and dexterity, she’s unarguably

dominating over her male counterparts.

Turnus steps into the courtyard, joining in, and immediately

starts to provide examples of ways to execute a human being,

but treating it like a leisure activity supported by his

enjoyable reactions to each life he takes.

INT. CORRIDOR - CASTLE - NIGHT

A dead guard hits the floor. Juturna rushes out of the

corridor. PULL BACK to reveal that she’s left a path of dead

guards in her trail.

EXT. COURTYARD - NIGHT

The anarcy remains. An ocean of sacrificed flesh and bone.

Achaemenides zooms right through the casualties, at the

mercy of him, and pursues Oebalus. He defends himself well

for a length of time, but the battle axes are too fast for

him to keep up, and Achaemenides decapitates him.

Turnus builds upon his catalog of people he’s murdered.

Aeneas never slows down, handing out death with his sword as

the platter.

Camilla, gives one-hundred percent of herself to this

battle, enforcing her talents of hunting onto the fighters

as they unfortunately accept the end of her spear.

She turns and sees Acca in a equalled scuffle, but her focus

pans across the courtyard, and spots Ascanius pulling his

arrow back with Acca as his target. He releases. The arrow

hurtles in the air. Camilla bolts in that direction. Acca

slices her man down and becomes puzzled by the arrow that’s

a few feet from her. Suddenly the arrow penetrates through

flesh. Acca is unscathed, but recognizes that the arrow has

impaled through...Camilla’s chest. She faints to the ground.

At a distance away Turnus witnesses this.

TURNUS

Camilla!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 128.

He goes ballistic. Becoming an uncontrollable twister of

disaster of those in his path towards reaching her. After

leaving behind a track of dead bodies he makes it over to

her. He gets punched with emotion as he drops his weapon as

he goes to his knees. He curls her with his arms close to

his chest. Holding her as her unblinking eyes glow white,

body stiff, and blood slips out the corner of her mouth.

She’s dead. Acca, in front of him, joins him sheeding tears

for their loss.

Out of nowhere a blade skates down and is pressed against

Turnus’ neck. He faces up to see Aeneas possessing the

sword. One slight move away from his demise.

AENEAS

Get up.

Not to set him off, he slowly elevates to his feet as the

sword follows him up. Aeneas is livid but poised.

AENEAS

You promised a fight with me,

that’s what will happen. No more

bloodshed to our people. It’s just

you and me. You decline this, then

I’ll determine your fate.

Beat. The battle persists around them.

TURNUS

Stop this! Yield now, that’s an

order!

Everyone on both sides stop and withdraw their weapons at

the same time. Everybody encircles around them. All eyes on

them.

AENEAS

We fight under a new stipulation,

death. The victor takes everything,

and a life. If one of us doesn’t

then we’ll be destined to continue

this forever. Understood?

TURNUS

Yes. I accept your conditions.

AENEAS

Very well. I’ll give you a moment

to recover. No sense on fighting

you with tragedy on your mind.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 129.

TURNUS

Sounds fair.

Aeneas removes his sword. Turns his back and walks a few

steps. Turnus also decides to walk away...until he reaches

down, grabs a spear off the ground, points at Aeneas, and

hurls it.

MOS, Aeneas’ back is to him, unaware. Ascanius shouts at his

father. Aeneas turns around and jolts. Dazed for a second,

he looks down and sees the spear lodged through his

breastplate and into his ribcage. He goes down.

ASCANIUS

No!

He runs over to him. He looks at the flood of blood pour out

of his mouth. Enraged, he’s about to shoot toward Turnus

until Sergestus and Cloanthus grab him by the arms and drag

him away. Ascanius kicks and screams erratically.

ASCANIUS

Let me go! I want to kill him!

Achates and Achaemenides get a hold of Aeneas and as

delicately as possible pull him out of the circle.

TURNUS

Now kill them all!

Nobody moves.

Achates and Achaemenides place him at the arcade of the

castle. Aeneas desperately gasps for air. They both kneel

beside him.

ACHATES

Forgive me for this.

He grips the shaft and Aeneas screams in pain.

COURTYARD:

TURNUS

Why is everyone still? I said kill

them all!

Not a reaction, but everyone including his own people

project hostile looks onto him.

TURNUS

Are you all deaf, I said kill them,

that’s an order!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 130.

ARCADE: the spear is out but blood erupts out of the wound.

ACHAEMENIDES

He’s bleeding to death. What do we

do?

Achates covers the gash with his hands.

COURTYARD:

ACCA

You coward, you vowed to fight him

individually. And killed him behind

his back.

CLAUSUS

You ask us to sacrifice ourselves

for you, but it doesn’t apply to

you.

Turnus is shocked by the offhanded comments.

TURNUS

What madness this is for you to

question me.

ARCADE: Achates’ hands are completely soaked in blood.

There’s no stopping it. They watch as his life slowly fades

away in front of them.

ACHATES

No, Aeneas, don’t die on me, not

like this, sir.

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)

Let me tend to him.

They look back and see Venus standing before them.

COURTYARD:

TURNUS

These men killed your friends and

allies, and now you’re just going

to let them live! I am your king,

do as I say!

OEBALUS

Not by law. You stole it.

They’re losing respect and turning on him in front of his

very eyes. He’s beside himself, alone.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 131.

TURNUS

I wont condone this insolence. Do

as I say!

Nothing.

ARCADE: Achates and Achaemenides step away as Venus

genuflects near her dying son.

VENUS

My mortal son, this can’t be. I

don’t know how to cure you, I am no

healer, but I am here to help the

only way I know how.

He’s not moving, getting worse. She puts her hand on his

chest.

VENUS (CONT’D)

Receive me into your heart for

that’s where love is. If your heart

isn’t in your body, then where is

it? Show me where. Guide me.

She closes her eyes.

EXT. ELYSIUM

A big cloud of fog. It evaporates away. Aeneas stands alone

in this glorious grove. There’s a single tree. Someone steps

from behind it, and slowly takes graceful steps toward him.

It’s a woman, and she stops in front of him. It’s Creusa,

Aeneas’ lost wife.

She puts her hand up and he gently touches it. It didn’t go

through, it feels real to Aeneas’ surprise. They clench

their hands together and both lean in to kiss each other.

EXT. ARCADE - LATIUM - NIGHT

Venus opens her eyes, delighted by the image.

VENUS (CONT’D)

She’s still in your heart. Her love

drives you. As it should, because

your path was caused by her. It

maybe too late but I must tell you

now.

FLASHBACK - CREUSA

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 132.

-- INT. ANCHISES’ PALACE - TROY - NIGHT -- The child

Ascanius and Anchises stare out the window watching the

chaos play out. Creusa kneels down, praying to the Penates

on the fireplace.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Your wife prayed for her family’s

survival.

-- INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT -- Venus looks

down at the floating globe with the image of Creusa praying.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

I was the only one to admire her

plea. She prayed for you all to

live. Instead, fate had you

sacrifice yourself for the survival

of your family. You were supposed

to die. Creusa begged for a change,

making it be her for you to live. I

agreed based on a condition of why

you should carry on. She proposed

that you will travel, and find a

country that’ll become the greatest

empire out of your foundation. I

accepted.

END FLASHBACK

EXT. ARCADE - LATIUM - NIGHT

VENUS (CONT’D)

She did it for you. All of this is

from the love of her to you.

Aeneas exhales, closes his eyes, and rests his head on the

pavement. He’s dead. Venus can’t believe it.

VENUS (CONT’D)

No, don’t do this. Now is not your

time. You can’t.

She starts to tear up. She has her hand on his chest and

uses the other to hold his hand. Gripping it tightly.

VENUS (CONT’D)

Whatever is left of you, I beg you

to listen to me. Love is all I

know, just because I wasn’t there

for you never meant I ever lost it

for you. I always loved you. Now

wake up.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 133.

(nothing)

Get up now. Do it for those that

love you. Your son, your Trojans,

have their love push you out of

death. Love forever lives, and if

you have it within you, then you

should carry on. I hope this

ambrosia and panacea works.

She takes out a capsule and sprinkles drops of this

substance onto his wound. Achates and Achaemenides look on

in bewilderment. She grabs his hand again and squeezes it

even tighter.

VENUS (CONT’D)

(passionate, emotional)

From the love that lives within the

depths of my heart and soul. From

the love that has always surrounded

you and that has kept you alive, I

beg you with all I have of myself,

wake up. Please, my son, as your

mother, wake up.

PAN down to show his finger nudge a little bit.

COURTYARD:

TURNUS

Don’t you all abandon me now.

Victory is in our grasp. We need to

seize it. Clauses, Oebalus, Ufens?

They don’t respond. Suddenly Juturna makes her way into the

circle. Turnus sees her. She manifests a look of enmity at

him. Running around, freaking out, making a show of himself.

TURNUS

You wish to forsake me now! Desert

me now after all we’ve done and

been through!

EXT. BALCONY - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

A hundred doves land on the balcony and transform into

Venus. She steps into the...

134.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

...council chamber and observes her father, Jupiter bleeding

away on the floor while Juno nonchalantly sits on his throne

analyzing the sword she stabbed him with. Venus runs to him.

VENUS

(shocked)

Father!

She kneels beside him. She looks up at Juno with suspicion.

VENUS (CONT’D)

What happened? What did you do?

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

TURNUS

Fine if I must do it myself then so

be it.

MALE VOICE (O.S.)

Turnus!

He turns around to see Aeneas, alive, standing at the other

end of the circle with his shield and sword, pissed, and

ready. Astonishment rules over Turnus at this moment and the

crowd is shrouded with surprise.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

JUNO

Making a change. To usher in a new

age of Olympus. I’ll replace your

father after I kill his daughter in

front of him, do the same onto him,

and then annihilate every single

Trojan. Soon this pantheon will be

under my rule.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

TURNUS

I thought you were dead.

AENEAS

Sorry for the disappointment.

Unlike you, the gods and fate are

on my side.

135.

Ascanius joins the circle smiling proudly. The anticipation

is immense. Every pair of eyes are on them.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Juno examines the sword.

JUNO

This is your son’s sword, the one

Dido used to kill herself. Now it’s

my turn to use it.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

ASCANIUS

(begins to chant)

Bellum ad finem! Bellum ad finem!

Bellum ad finem!

Soon others start to join, and quickly it spreads like a

forest fire of voices sounding off. Even Turnus’ soldiers

get in on it.

TURNUS

Stop that this instant! What are

they saying?

AENEAS

Battle to the end.

Suddenly they charge each other.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Juno leaves the throne and shoots over to Venus.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

Their swords clash together, making a loud, thunderous

noise.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Juno tackles Venus, sending them flying both into the brick

wall. They both hit the ground as rubble from the wall rains

down on them.

136.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

The ultimate climactic showdown of a lifetime. Two standout

warriors duke it out. An entertaining spectacle.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Juno chases after Venus as she runs for her life. She grabs

Venus’ hair and tosses her across the room.

JUNO

This is what happens when you

endure a lifetime watching your

husband cheat on you with mortal

women and allowing your followers

who worship you die. Never again!

She jumps high into the air and is about to swing the sword

down onto Venus but she rolls out the way as it misses but

cuts through the brick floor.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

The chanting continues. Them fighting together they’re both

showing a manual on how an epic confrontation should be. An

inventory of sword wielding, ducking, weaving, jumping, and

agility.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Juno frantically sways the sword around but Venus manages to

dodge it everytime. Now it seems that Juno has a clear shot

and swings it down, but then Venus turns into a swarm of

doves. The sword misses her and then the doves attack Juno,

encompassing her and scratching her up.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

A good fight, but Aeneas has got the momentum. He manages to

land some punches and kicks onto Turnus. Slowly

deteriorating his confidence. The crowd is all into it.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Juno finds a way to swing the sword, cutting a few doves.

Soon they turn back into a wounded Venus. She crawls in

pain. Juno snatches her up and hurls her into a wall. Her

back slams against the wall and hits the ground face first.

Can barely move.

137.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

Turnus does his best to hang with him, but Aeneas has the

advantage. Owning him.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Venus moans in agony. Juno slowly steps to her, patiently,

in a fiendish way. Venus lifts her head up.

VENUS

Why are you doing this?

JUNO

(creeping closer to her)

Why? I can’t recall the last time

he said he loved me. Imagine, the

sister and wife of the chief deity

of all the gods, doesn’t even

compare to the endearment he’d

rather show to his daughter. Like

I’m second place.

INTERCUT - FLASHBACK - SERIES OF SHOTS - JUDGEMENT OF PARIS

(EXT. GARDEN - OLYMPUS - DAY)

JUNO (CONT’D)

It all started at the beauty

contest based on Paris’ judgment.

(A. A gorgeous young man,

PARIS, sits on a wooden chair,

an apple in his hand)

You, me, and Minerva, exposing our

naked flesh to the Trojan mortal

with an apple as the reward.

(B. all three of them unveil

themselves, showing off their

perfect, sensual bodies)

We had to each provide a bribe to

him for his vote;

(C. shots of them each

whispering in his ear.)

I offered to make him king of

Europe and Asia; Minerva offered

wisdom and skill of war; and you

promised him Helen of Sparta, the

most beautiful woman in the world.

(D. he hands Venus the

apple/she’s happy/Juno watches

with disgust)

Easily charmed, he chose you the

prettiest of all the goddesses.

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 138.

JUNO (CONT’D) (cont’d)Again, second best to you in the

opinion of man.

END INTERCUT

Juno mounts her.

JUNO (CONT’D)

When Paris captured Helen, creating

the war, which it could’ve been

prevented, who do think allowed it

to happen? I DID! I supported and

supplied the Greeks the whole time.

When you birthed a mortal man’s

child, Jupiter would’ve loved to

have kept his grandson and your

baby, but who do you think

motivated him to condemn you and

force you to give up custody of

your son? I DID! I played him like

a puppet, and it worked. Finally,

for once, you didn’t get your way

and it was fun to watch.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

Aeneas knocks Turnus’ sword out of his hand. He scatters and

picks up a spear off the ground.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Juno suffocates Venus with her legs.

JUNO (CONT’D)

Without you, I’ll never have to

live in your shadow. Without him, I

won’t have to live with his

disapproval of me.

Venus scans the room and sees that Jupiter is gone.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

Aeneas and Turnus jump in the air at each other, screaming.

139.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Juno hoists the sword up.

JUNO

Finally, I’ll be free.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

They collide, and then stop.

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

JUNO (CONT’D)

So long Venus.

About to drive the sword foward until...a thunderbolt

strikes her in the back, sending her to fly into the wall.

Impacting it hard.

Venus looks up and sees Jupiter, barely able to stand. About

to flop forward but Venus catches him. They embrace each

other.

EXT. COURTYARD - LATIUM - NIGHT

They both look down -- the spear doesn’t touch Aeneas -- but

his sword is wedged through Turnus’ breastplate and into his

stomach. Turnus is surprised and appears to be convulsing.

QUICK FLASHES of ravens killing Calybe -- and Juno

transforming into Calybe.

No more chanting. He stops. Drops the spear. Quivering.

Acting sympathetic.

TURNUS

I’ve seen the truth. I’ve been

tricked by Juno. She used me. All

the carnage I caused, the death I

prompted, the prophecies were all

based on lies.

(Aeneas is confused)

I’m damned to leave behind a legacy

of destruction and falsehood. But

you can redeem me by giving me a

dignified death. To say Aeneas, a

great warrior, killed Turnus, is

the best way to go out. Too late to

be forgiven. That’s all I can ask

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 140.

TURNUS (cont’d)for. End it now. To you, I leave

you with this...

(he puts his hand on Aeneas’

forearm)

...I’m sorry.

He helps Aeneas drive the sword deeper into his stomach.

Killing him. He closes his eyes and falls to the ground.

Aeneas inspects him and notices he’s wearing Pallas’ sword

belt. He grips it and pulls it off of him. He turns around

to head to his people, carrying it. Silence. Ascanius walks

toward him. Suddenly Aeneas drops to his knees, breaking

down in front of everyone, letting out all his emotions.

Ascanius kneels down to give him solace. A public display of

embrace.

VENUS (V.O.)

My son broke down for all to see.

After all the years at sea, the

lives he took and ones taken from

him, the triumphs and heartbreak.

Now it was all over. Tears of

delight and sadness.

INT. THRONE ROOM - CASTLE - LATIUM

A coronation. Latinus crowns Aeneas as king, and crowns a

pregnant Lavinia as queen.

Everyone attends the ceremony; all the Trojans; Laurentians;

Evander, wearing the sword belt and his Greeks; Tarchon and

the Etruscans; even Turnus’ companions and the huntresses.

Aeneas stands mightily, stately, and grand. Surveys the

crowd.

AENEAS

(throws up his sword)

The future is ours!

The audience applauds.

EXT. LATIUM - DAY

IMAGE: of what Latium was...DISSOLVE TO a protrait of a new,

improved, upgraded city. More buildings. Expanded structure.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 141.

VENUS (V.O.)

The home my son was searching for,

he found. And named it Lavinium, in

dedication of his wife.

SHOT: of Aeneas and Lavinia cuddling a baby boy.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

And brought new life into this

world. His name, Silvius.

IMAGE: Aeneas and Lavinia sit on their thrones.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

They brought peace and prosperity

to all the lands in Italy. An age

of harmony.

SERIES OF SHOTS

A) BEACH - Aeneas and Lavinia meet with Anna, Dido’s sister,

and a company of Carthaginians. Aeneas and Anna shake hands.

Everything is okay.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Made amends to old acquaintances he

may have hurt. And welcomed them

back into his life and home for

reconciliation.

B) OCEAN: a nymph gracefully swims around the city. Watching

it closely with gleeful eyes. It’s Juturna.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

And then there were those who were

endowed from the higher powers as a

reward for standing up to injustice

and crusade for what was right. She

will forever safegaurd the city

from the water.

She swims away.

C) OLYMPUS - JAILHOUSE -- Inside a CELL Juno is bound in

shackles around her wrist. Appearing ruined. Two guards

stand watch.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

And there are the ones who’ll be

imprisoned eternally for their

crimes. But was given a compromise

that the country language spoken

will be Latin.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 142.

She shows a petrifying, psychotic smile.

D)SHRINE - CASTLE - LATIUM -- Aeneas’ sword and shield are

hung up with all the other weapons.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

All was well until...

INT. GREAT HALL - CASTLE - LATIUM

Aeneas, his dead body, so peaceful, rests in a casket.

Everyone that was at his coronation are there weeping and

mourning for his funeral.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

A few short years later...the

greatest Trojan that ever lived

succumbed to death. The anxieties

of the travels and the stresses of

war finally took it’s toll on his

heart.

EXT. GARDEN - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

Venus watches the funeral from an image projected on the

water in the fountain. Bawling her eyes out. Jupiter comes

by. They stare at each other for the longest time.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

He can’t expire that way. It isn’t

right. His legacy and memory

shouldn’t be all that’s left of him

to live on. It would be a

disservice to him. He deserves

something better. I begged for my

father to realize that.

INT. GREAT HALL - CASTLE - LATIUM - DAY

Ascanius, Achates, Achaemenides, and a few others approach

his casket and see...that his body isn’t there. Everyone

freaks out, a bombshell. The only one calm is Ascanius. He

conveys an assured smile, like if he knows something is up.

143.

EXT. NUMICUS RIVER - LATIUM - DAY

In the shallow end, a tall, transcendent, muscular man, blue

skin, this is NUMICIUS, carries Aeneas’ lifeless body.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Jupiter agreed. With the help from

the river god Numicius and

annointment of ambrosia and nectar,

he would become...deified.

Venus watches from the bank. Numicius dumps him into the

water. He sinks down. Then he pours the ambrosia onto the

water and sprinkles it with the nectar. Beat. Nothing.

UNDERWATER VIEW: he just floats. Unmoved. Suddenly these

golden waves flow through the water and make contact with

Aeneas. He sways side-to-side, limbs flopping.

From above, the water transforms into a golden color.

Luminescent. Seconds pass and then...Aeneas’ head slowly

rises out of the water, followed by his entire body.

Emerging out in a magnificent way, as if he were born again.

Venus is amazed. Aeneas strides over to her. Gets out of the

water and stops in front of her. Making eye contact. He’s

glowing bright with magical radiance.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

It worked, my son is...immortal.

They hug each other passionately, a moment they longed for

is here.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Aeneas’ name will be remembered,

but his immortality should be

graced with a new name...Indiges.

IMAGE: of Lavinium.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

He witnessed the city expand

into...

DISSOLVE TO

IMAGE: an advanced city, way bigger.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Alba Longa. And then...

DISSOLVE TO

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 144.

IMAGE: a glorious portrait of Rome, in its prime, heyday. In

all its splendor with the Colosseum, the Forum, the

Pantheon, and other great monuments.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

...it became Rome. The greastest

empire the world has ever known.

PULL BACK to reveal this image is projected on water in a

fountain...

EXT. BALCONY - OLYMPUS - DAY

...and Indiges observing it with joy.

VENUS (V.O.) (CONT’D)

He did get to see his successes.

Watched his labors blossom into

greatness and become a reality. The

events depicted on the shield did

happen. He witnessed it all from

his new home, Olympus. The place

where he’ll forever be to hear the

prayers of those who worship him.

To look after the country that he

found.

Venus shows up.

VENUS

Son, come watch the sunrise with

me.

She sticks her hand out and he receives it. He follows her

to the railing. They look out at the horizon. Holding hands.

INDIGES

I’d like to query you about

something. If Creusa created my

destiny, then how was father able

to have knowledge of it?

VENUS

(laughs)

Because I told him. Just because I

wasn’t there in person never meant

that I was completely absent. We

interacted with each other in our

dreams. I was always there for you,

too, you just didn’t know it.

FLASHBACK - SERIES OF SHOTS - A MOTHER’S PRESENCE

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 145.

A) FOREST: Anchises holding a baby Aeneas. From above, a

flock of doves watch, standing on tree branches.

B) HOUSE: A few doves peek through the window to see

Anchises with a ten-year-old Aeneas.

C)GROVE: A young adult Aeneas stares out into the

countryside. He looks up to see a collection of doves

hovering above him.

END FLASHBACK

Indiges reacts with a laugh of gladness to the revelation.

They both look out into the far skyline.

Gradually, the sun levitates up, breathing life onto Olympus

with its shining grandeur.

They both turn their heads to face each other. Love

exchanges between them with their glances that no word needs

to be said. They present smiles.

PULL BACK to reveal...

INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - OLYMPUS - NIGHT

...Jupiter stands and rejoices at the sight of mother and

son, reunited. A family, once separated, now together, for

all...eternity.

FADE OUT

THE AENEID