Elric Swords and Roses - Michael Moorcock [132]
32. Ext. Bridge. Day.
Iolinda moves closer to Urlik, as if in fear.
IOLINDA: “Bishop Belphig speaks only the truth. Since childhood we learn to fear their sorcery and cunning …”
33. Ext. Bridge. Day.
A close-up of Meliadus. His dark face is full of fear and anger. His lips writhe in hatred of his foes.
MELIADUS: “We attack at once. Give the order, captain.”
34. Ext. Bridge. Day.
Jarak looks questioningly at Urlik who is, himself, uncertain.
JARAK: “With respect, my lord king, I agree with Urlik. The place looks undefended. Perhaps a parley …”
Meliadus is beside himself with rage. He seems almost at the point of cracking.
MELIADUS: “Is this mutiny? We were dolts to trust a pirate—and our so-called Champion turns our men against us!”
Belphig is placatory, as usual, trying to reconcile them all.
BELPHIG: “They are naïve, that is all. We cannot blame Urlik if he is skeptical. The town looks peaceful, but we know …”
Belphig raises his hand as if to pacify them all, but it is also almost as if, at a signal from him, that a tremendous disturbance comes from the water between the ship and the land. A sailor screams.
35. Ext. Ship. Sea. Day.
Suddenly, from the depths of the ocean, rears a Sea Stag. It is a monster with horns rather like a stag and a snout and teeth rather like a crocodile. It glitters with myriad shades of blue and green. Water pours from its huge bulk and its glaring eyes turn to regard, balefully, the ships. It is terrifyingly huge. Meliadus grabs Iolinda, snarling at Urlik as he, Meliadus, hurries the girl down the companionway to the deck.
MELIADUS: “Do you need further proof, sir? Iolinda—to safety …”
36. Ext. Ships. Sea. Day.
A huge wave buffets the flagship, flinging them about on the decks, as the Sea Stag snarls and turns on the ship nearest to it. It uses its horns to smash into the ship and, as the ship breaks up, diving at the survivors to snap them in its snout. Sounds of carnage fill the scene.
37. Ext. Ships. Sea. Day.
A longish shot to show Meliadus and Iolinda forced against the far rail of the ship, which is rocking dangerously, while on the bridge Jarak falls the length of the steps. Up above Belphig and Urlik cling to the rail, still managing to keep their footing. Belphig yells to Urlik.
BELPHIG: “There’s proof of Eldren sorcery, eh? Only their power can summon Sea Stags from the depths!”
Even as he speaks, the Sea Stag is turning its attention on the flagship. Meliadus yells in terror, trying to help Iolinda to safety.
38. Ext. Deck of ship. Day.
Jarak picks himself up and begins issuing orders to his men to clear the tarpaulins from the deck-mounted catapults and bring the braziers, which stand close by, to life with torches.
JARAK: “Quickly—the catapults. Pray the beast fears fire!”
39. Ext. Ship and sea. Day.
Sputtering balls of green phosphorescent Greek fire are shot from the catapults towards the Sea Stag. Jarak makes for the rail closest to the beast.
40. Ext. Sea. Day.
The Sea Stag roars in some minor discomfort as the Greek fire begins to strike it—though most of the missiles miss it and fall hissing and bubbling into the sea. It is evident the fire hardly affects the Sea Stag.
41. Ext. Sea. Day.
The Sea Stag begins to swim towards the flagship, roaring and snapping its horrible teeth.
42. Ext. Deck. Day.
The Sea Stag lowers its head for the charge. Meliadus sees this and, forgetting Iolinda, dives for the safety of his cabin. The horns come nearer and nearer. Jarak makes some attempt to save Iolinda.
43. Ext. Ship. Day.
The Sea Stag’s horn smashes into the rigging and brings down a mast. Jarak tries, ineffectually, to drag Iolinda clear of the tangled mass of lines and canvas and smashed timbers.
44. Ext. Ship. Day.
As the Sea Stag snaps its jaws at the ship, Urlik sees Jarak’s and Iolinda’s plight and vaults the rail to land squarely on the deck. He runs forward to put himself between Jarak and Iolinda and the Sea Stag.
45. Ext. Ship. Day.
Urlik yells at Jarak. He draws the Black Sword as the Sea Stag’s head comes closer and closer.