by

William Hjortsberg

TITLES ROLL:

CLOSE ON a finely-worked Medieval tapestry. In the

background, beyond the intricate foliage, stands a moated

castle where a troop of mounted hunters set out for the

chase with dogs and lances. In the foreground, a lovely

young maiden heads for the forest, carrying an armful of

flowers. The forest, stylistically rendered by the

weaver's art, has numbers of small animals cunningly

worked into the warp and woof. A Green Man, clad only in

leaves and vines, hides behind a tree, watching a stately

pair of unicorns grazing on the greensward.

TITLES END:

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. FOREST GLADE - DAY

The woven image on the tapestry gives way to a pair of

white unicorns browsing in a sun-dappled glade. A male

and female, these animals are of surpassing beauty, their

tapered, spiraling horns glowing like precious metal.

Their movements are so graceful that every other living

creature seems clumsy by comparison. The SOUND of a

distant hunting horn makes them pause. A second NOTE is

heard. The unicorns drift, silent and languid, into the

farther reaches of the forest.

EXT. HILLSIDE OVERLOOKING CASTLE - DAY

The hunting horn SOUNDS a third time. A young woman still

close to childhood, fifteen at most, turns back to look at

the castle in the distance. A troop of armed men rides

out hunting, accompanied by braying hounds and the blare

of horns. One of the company is masked and dressed all in

black.

The girl's name is LILI. She is a princess of the distant

castle and dressed in splendid brocades and silk. In her

arms, she carries a bouquet of wildflowers wrapped in a

lace napkin. Like these blossoms, she herself is young

and fresh and innocent. She sings a simple country air as

she runs through the waving grass toward the deep woods.

EXT. DEEP WOODS - DAY

On an emerald patch of moss in the shade beneath the

spreading limbs of chestnuts and oaks, numbers of small

animals gambol. Squirrels and rabbits, hedgehogs and

foxes, all manner of creatures leap and frolic about the

feet of a curious young man. This is JACK O' THE GREEN.

His hair is long and unshorn and he wears a costume woven

from ivy leaves, skins and vines. On his feet are bark

sandals. His features are tanned berry-brown and woven

into his tangled locks is a wreath of flowers. He is a

legendary "Green Man" or "Wild Man" who lives the free

life of a hermit alone in the deep woods.

Jack, the "Green Man," feeds morsels of bread and fruit to

the animals dancing around his feet. He is a friend to

all the beasts of the forest and carries food for them in

a split-willow basket. Birds fly down and land on his

head and shoulders, taking seeds and nuts from his lips.

The musical sound of someone approaching alerts him. His

eyes have an animal quickness and his instincts are as

finely tuned as any creature of the wild. The birds fly

from his shoulders to the treetops. His furred companions

dart for cover. In three quick bounds, Jack is himself up

a nearby tree, clinging to a high branch like a cat.

The Princess Lili comes singing down the path. She spots

the fallen willow basket and looks around for the Green

Man.

LILI

(calling)

Jack... Hello, Jack...

There is no answer. Puzzled, Lili sits on the moss, puts

aside her flowers, and rummages through the contents of

the basket. The dried apples, walnuts and sunflowers

don't occupy her for long. She is annoyed. A princess is

not someone to trifle with.

LILI

(calling)

Jack-o'-the-Green...? Green Jack?

Oh bother, I know you're here. Why

are you so cruel?

Unseen, high in his tree, Jack-o'-the-Green watches the

young princess. He is amused by her anger but there is

nothing malicious about his smile. He climbs quietly to a

lower branch, hangs suspended for a moment, then drops.

Jack lands close to the unsuspecting girl. Startled, she

screams in surprise. Jack laughs at her unwarranted

terror.

JACK

Greetings, my lady, the green wood

is honored.

LILI

Oh, Jack, you are a wild man to use

me so.

Jack spies the bouquet of wildflowers and reaches for it.

JACK

These for me?

LILI

If you like.

Jack gathers up the bouquet, bowing low as he jumps to his

feet. A bluebird flies out of the greenery and lands on

his shoulder.

JACK

(to the bird)

She brings a gift as fair as

herself.

EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST - DAY

The Green Man and the Princess wander together down a

meandering path. Birds circle about them and numbers of

small animals scamper shyly at their heels.

LILI

You promised!

JACK

Never.

LILI

But you did... you did!

JACK

I may have said perhaps...

LILI

Liar!

JACK

Or perchance...

The distant BLARE of a hunting horn interrupts them. The

animals freeze, wild-eyed.

LILI

It's my father, gone a-hunting. The

Baron Couer de Noir is his guest and

must be provided with some sport.

JACK

(bitterly)

Sport, indeed.

LILI

The Baron is a frightful man. They

say he's an ogre. He wears a mask

so none may see his face.

JACK

Blackheart. Aptly named.

LILI

Oh, fie. What about the unicorn?

JACK

Unicorn?

LILI

A promise is a sacred oath.

JACK

All right. I'll show you something

sacred.

EXT. A CLEARING BY A STREAM - DAY

A small meadow: a sun-gilded amphitheater within the

darker confines of the forest. At its edge flows a gentle

stream. An evil-looking viper moves sinuously along the

grassy back as Jack and Lili step from the concealing

shrubbery nearby.

LILI

Let's rest a minute. I'm so

thirsty.

JACK

Stop complaining.

LILI

A gentleman would offer water.

JACK

Only were he a fool to boot.

(pointing)

See yon viper?

LILI

(shuddering)

I detest serpents.

JACK

That viper has envenomed the water.

No animal will drink here now.

LILI

What shall we do?

JACK

Be patient.

They crouch together behind the shrubbery.

LILI

Oh, dear.

JACK

What's the matter?

LILI

I've lost my napkin. It was all

elf-work and lace... I must have

dropped it when you startled me so.

JACK

(rising)

I'll go search for it.

LILI

Don't leave me now. I fear the

unicorn won't show himself without

you.

JACK

I'm not its master.

LILI

(touching his arm)

The napkin will keep. I'd rather

not be alone.

JACK

(with a smile)

Your command is my wish, Princess

Lili.

EXT. DEEP WOODS - DAY

A pair of ferocious hounds bray under the tree in which

Jack was hiding. Another sniffs at a few scattered

blossoms and Lili's lace napkin lying forgotten on the

moss.

The hunting party rides up at a gallop. At the head of

the troops are Lili's father, KING GODWIN, pink-cheeked

and white-bearded; a kind-hearted, elfish man, though weak

and ineffectual; and BARON COUER DE NOIR, a powerful

knight on a black charger. His greaves and breastplate

are black as midnight as is the heavy cloak which envelops

him. His hands are covered with black gauntlets and a

horned black hood with a wolf's lupine features masks his

face. His voice rumbles with dread authority as the party

reins to a stop.

BARON

What spoor have the hounds for us?

A lance-bearer dismounts and takes the lace kerchief from

the dog's foaming mouth.

KING GODWIN

My daughter's napkin. That's

certain.

The Baron unstraps a crossbow from his saddle leathers.

BARON

We proceed. Have three men restrain

the dogs. Don't come until you hear

the horns.

The hunters ride on, leaving the dog handlers to control

the straining hounds.

EXT. CLEARING - DAY

Lili and Jack wait behind the bushes, watching the stream.

LILI

How much longer?

JACK

Shhh!

LILI

(whispering)

I am a princess. You have no right

to order me about.

JACK

In these woods you are a commoner.

Now be quiet. True royalty

approaches.

THE STREAM - LILI AND JACK'S POV

The pair of radiant white unicorns pushes through the

undergrowth to the edge of the stream.

LILI (O.S.)

Ohhhh... they're so beautiful...

The male unicorn bends his head and dips his golden horn

into the stream. Soon after, the female begins to drink

and numbers of small animals, rabbits, mice, and

squirrels, creep from under cover to drink as well.

JACK (O.S.)

The alicorn purifies the water,

purging it of all poison.

JACK AND LILI

The princess is entranced. A look of utter rapture

illuminates her features.

LILI

Such grace... and their smell; it's

ambrosia.

JACK

They rival the angels of paradise.

LILI

Oh Jack, mightn't I touch one? It

would thrill me so.

JACK

Are you honest?

LILI

Jack!

JACK

Tis a fair question. If you be a

virtuous maid the unicorn will lay

his head in your lap.

LILI

He'll not flee if I show myself?

JACK

Not if you be chaste. Tis an

awesome test of virginity.

LILI

I've no fear of failure. Your

implications are most unbecoming.

JACK

I'm not your judge... nor have I any

desire to witness the trial.

Jack turns to leave.

LILI

Where are you going?

JACK

To fetch your napkin.

Jack pushes through the underbrush and is lost from sight.

For a moment, the princess is confused and nervous at

being left alone in such circumstances, but she peers out

at the unicorns and the sight of such beauty rekindles her

resolve.

Princess Lili steps out of the concealing underbrush and

walks slowly to the center of the clearing. Her bearing

is noble and proud, her carriage utterly dignified.

The unicorns lift their heads from the stream and watch

the girl's progress. The other smaller animals cease

drinking and scatter into hiding.

Lili sits on the grass in the center of the clearing,

spreading her gown around her. She smiles at the staring

unicorns.

The male unicorn grows agitated. His nostrils flare; the

strong neck arches. Sunlight gleams on the shaft of his

golden horn as he prances across the stream to the meadow,

sending multi-hued clouds of butterflies aloft from the

flowers underfoot.

Lili smiles at the nimble dancing of the unicorn,

seemingly drawn to her by an invisible lead. He rears up,

whinnying in protest, but the lure is too strong,

something unspoken compels him toward the smiling girl.

EXT. ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST - DAY

Jack hurries along the overgrown path, running as numbly

as a wild stag. The SOUND of approaching HOOFBEATS brings

him up short. With the instincts of an animal, Jack darts

into concealment. After a moment, the hunting party rides

past, sunlight glinting on the steel lance-tips. The

Baron holds his crossbow at the ready, as black and grim

as Death himself.

When the hunters are gone from sight, Jack hurries form

his hiding-place. He realizes something is terribly wrong

and runs back through the woods, leaping rocks and

deadfall logs in a desperate attempt to reach the clearing

before them.

EXT. CLEARING - DAY

The princess makes no move as the trembling unicorn stands

before her, the tip of his rapier-sharp horn pressed

against her breast. At this moment, he could kill her in

an instant, yet she does not resist or show any fear.

Instead, she smiles with joy.

Slowly, the unicorn kneels; first folding his forelegs,

then settling his hindquarters onto the grass. His limpid

eye meets Lili's adoring gaze. Without a sound, he

settles his great head in the virgin's lap, his long white

mane spreading over her like a shawl.

CLOSE ON LILI AND THE UNICORN

The girl strokes the unicorn's head, running her hand

lovingly down the spiraling horn. The animal seems

totally in her power. He closes his eyes and nuzzles her

bodice. Almost without thinking, Princess Lili unbuttons

the top of her gown, exposing her pale breasts. The

entranced unicorn immediately begins to suckle like a

newborn creature. Lili hugs the white head to her bosom,

consumed by ecstasy and bliss.

EXT. EDGE OF THE CLEARING - DAY

King Godwin, the Baron and his cohorts ride silently up to

the edge of the clearing, screened from view by the

surrounding trees. The Baron holds up his gloved hand and

hisses a whispered command:

BARON

Hold!

The other riders rein to a stop. The Baron guides his

horse closer to the edge of the clearing, parting the

branches which conceal him.

BARON'S POV

Through a fringe of leaves the Baron sees the Princess

nursing the reclining unicorn, a tableaux at once

reminiscent of the Madonna and the Infant Jesus.

THE BARON

As he inserts a bolt in his crossbow and cranks back the

string until it is taut. Placing the weapon to his

shoulder, the Baron takes careful aim.

EXT. CENTER OF THE CLEARING - DAY

Lili croons to the unicorn resting on her breast, a

primitive melody born of joy. All at once, the sibilant

SOUND of an arrow's slicing passage rends the still air.

The crossbow bolt strikes the unicorn in the neck. The

startled outcry of the wounded beast is far more scream

than whinny.

The unicorn bounds to his feet, spraying the Princess with

his bright blood. She is torn from her happy reverie by

the violence of the act. Her own outcry merges with the

animal's wail of pain.

The wounded unicorn, followed by his mate, gallops for

freedom across the clearing.

The black Baron bursts from the far side of the meadow and

thunders after the fleeing unicorns. King Godwin is right

behind, followed by his retinue of lance-bearing hunters.

LILI

(screaming)

No! God! Father, no!

The horsemen gallop out of sight, accompanied by the call

of the hunting horn and much eager shouting.

Jack crashes through the underbrush surrounding the

clearing and rushes to the side of the anguished Lili, who

cowers, replacing her blood-soaked bodice.

JACK

(furious)

What happened?

LILI

I don't know. They've hurt the

unicorn.

JACK

Who?

LILI

My father and the Baron.

JACK

Damned hunters. It was a trap, and

you were the bait!

LILI

I didn't know... I didn't...

(sobbing)

It was so lovely... he was in my lap

like... like a baby... and... I...

JACK

They tricked you.

LILI

My own father...

JACK

How bad was the unicorn's wound?

LILI

It happened so fast. He was hurt

and ran away.

JACK

He did run?

LILI

Oh, yes, and the mare with him.

JACK

Good. They'll never catch him.

There's not a mount in the kingdom

can outrun a unicorn.

EXT. DEEP IN THE FOREST - DAY

Flecked with froth and blood, the male unicorn bursts from

a thicket in full flight. Wild-eyed, the female is right

behind. They pause for a moment, sides heaving as they

gasp for air. In the distance, the SOUNDS of braying

hounds and the musical NOTE of the hunting horn start them

running again.

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Led by the Baron and the red-eyed hounds, the hunting

party thunders through the woods in full pursuit of the

unicorns.

One of the riders has a hunting horn coiled around his

shoulder. He blows a single, sustained NOTE as he gallops

past.

EXT. POND IN THE FOREST - DAY

The pool is a crystalline jewel, surrounded by moss-

covered stones, the tranquil water reflecting the

overhanging trees. Lili kneels by the edge, washing the

blood from her embroidered dress. Jack watches her,

reclining on a gnarled tree-root nearby.

JACK

There are many would pay a king's

ransom for a few drops of unicorn

blood.

LILI

I don't want it on me.

JACK

Its powers are strong.

LILI

I don't want to be reminded of what

happened.

JACK

Do you think memory can be washed

away like a few spots of blood?

EXT. FOREST STREAM - DAY

The war-like SOUNDS of the hunting party grow nearer as

the two unicorns pause in their flight to drink from the

stream. Tenderly, the mare nuzzles the stallion's neck

near where the dart cruelly rends his flesh. The two

animals exchange a look of understanding. The situation

is desperate, their pursuers very near. The stallion

motions upstream with his head and his mate sadly

comprehends. She starts slowly up stream, looking back

over her shoulder. The hunting horn BLARES, nearer still.

The stallion whinnies at the mare and she replies before

plunging up the stream to safety while her mate remains

behind awaiting his destiny.

EXT. NEAR FOREST STREAM - DAY

The hounds are frantic now, the scent very strong. They

lope ahead of the riders, baying like demons from hell.

The Baron is right behind, leading the hunters in a

daredevil chase through the woods. In their helmets and

chain mail, with steel-tipped lances glinting on high,

they are as fearsome as an army of fiends.

HUNTER'S POV

Ahead, through the trees, the wounded male unicorn is

glimpsed standing alone by the stream. The dogs' howling

grows furious. The hunters SHOUT and BELLOW.

EXT. FOREST STREAM - DAY

The dogs break from the forest and hurl themselves at the

unicorn. With a swift jab, the stallion impales the first

hound on his horn and sends him flying. Just as the pack

of hunters emerges from the woods, the unicorn takes off,

leaping over the heads of the snarling hounds, darting

away between the trees. The hunters and their dogs are in

close pursuit, eager now for the kill.

EXT. POND IN THE FOREST - DAY

Lili and Jack sit among the roots and mossy rocks

bordering the still ponds. A shaft of golden light angles

down through the cathedral arching of tree limbs above

them. Lili's dress is cleansed of blood and she reclines

against a tree trunk, sadly singing a simple ballad in a

clear, soprano voice. Jack is entranced. His teasing

look has transformed into a gaze of utter adoration.

LILI

(singing)

Once there was a lady fair,

Rode out on her milk-white steed;

Roses and dewdrops woven in her hair

And in her heart: the devil's seed.

Sweet William did a-hunting go,

All in the deep wood where faeries dwell.

From dawn til dark roamed he to and fro

Lost, O lost, all under their spell.

Came he at last to where bluebells grow,

And he heard them ring, tis true to tell.

And he lay him down and did not know

The flower's sound was his own death knell.

For while he slept came the lady fair,

And gathered him up behind her saddle.

Now, all ye young hunters, of bluebells beware;

For Sweet William rode straight through

the gates of Hell.

EXT. RIVER ESTUARY - DAY

A broad river flows toward the sea, divided into multi-

branched channels across acres and mud flats. The surf

curls and crashes in the distance. Shore birds probe the

muck with their curved bills.

The wounded unicorn breaks from the green line of trees

along the edge of the estuary. The SOUNDS of dogs and

hunting horns can be heard close behind. Without pausing,

the stallion gallops frantically out onto the mud flats.

The unicorn's sides are streaked with blood and sweat. A

bright-red froth bubbles on his nostrils. His eyes are

wide with panic.

The thick mud underfoot sucks at the unicorn's galloping

hooves. All at once, the unicorn stumbles and falls,

cartwheeling in the muck. He struggles to regain his

feet, but slips again, floundering.

The hunters ride out of the trees and rein-in at the edge

of the estuary. The howling dogs struggle across the mud

toward the fallen unicorn.

EXT. POND - DAY

Lili and Jack under the tree. The princess smiles at the

adoring boy, toying with her golden ring, which she pulls

on and off her finger.

JACK

Not even the birds sing sweet as

you.

LILI

(laughing)

Jack... Green Jack, you mustn't

flatter me so.

JACK

Tis the truth.

LILI

A maid must beware of flattery...

Methinks you want to kiss me.

JACK

There's no happier thought under

heaven.

LILI

If I were your bride, would the

kissing ever stop...? Do you wish

to marry me, Jack?

JACK

My lady mocks me.

LILI

Nay, Jack, I'm but wary of your

intentions.

JACK

My heart intends no more than that

you love me as I do you.

LILI

Oh, la...

EXT. ESTUARY - DAY

The unicorn struggles in the mud, hopelessly mired, when

the dog packs converges upon it. Baying and snarling, the

dogs surround the stallion, nipping and harrying. The

unicorn fights back, thrusting his terrible horn, impaling

an unwary hound that ventured too close.

The hunters watch from the bank, awaiting their leader's

command to close in for the kill. The Baron dismounts,

holding his crossbow. He hands his reins to King Godwin.

BARON

The quarry is at bay. Attend me

here while I make the kill.

Black cloak whipping in the wind, the masked Baron strides

out onto the mud flats, relentless as the specter of

Death.

The sky above darkens. Black storm clouds gather and the

ominous RUMBLE of thunder troubles the grim landscape.

EXT. POND - DAY

The light has changed. It is darker now. A distant peal

of thunder is HEARD.

JACK

I'm afraid it may storm.

LILI

Let it. Haven't you a cozy bower we

might hide in?

JACK

Tis not fit for a princess.

LILI

Be it fit for your wife, Green Jack?

JACK

I have no wife.

LILI

Then, perchance you'll me.

JACK

If wishes were horses even beggars

would ride.

LILI

Do you wish it, Jack?

(showing him her

ring)

Wish you this our wedding band?

JACK

What if I answer yes? Will my wish

come true?

Laughing, Lili throws her ring high over their heads.

Tracing a golden arc through the air, the ring lands with

a splash in the center of the pond.

LILI

Fetch my ring and you may take me

for your wife.

It is obvious from her mocking attitude that Lili is

teasing, but Jack is serious. He strips off his leaf-and-

fur vestments and dives headlong into the pond.

EXT. ESTUARY - DAY

The Baron's heavy black boots splash across the shallow

water of the estuary as he bears down on the harried

unicorn. The frantic trapped stallion is within range now

and the Baron lifts his crossbow to his shoulder, the wolf

mask leering and demonic as he takes aim.

The Baron fires. The bolt strikes the unicorn's flank,

piercing his ribs. A froth of lung-blood foams into the

mud. The stallion screams. His frightened eye is bright

and staring.

EXT. BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE POND - DAY

Slowly, the golden ring drifts downward, tumbling end-

over-end in a lazy spiral to the dark and muddy bottom.

Jack's pale, near-naked form stabs through the crystal

water, a trail of silver bubbles streaming in his wake

like a comet's tail. He strokes down into the murk,

tendrils of water-weed swirling about him. In the

distance, the tantalizing glint of the drifting ring lures

him on.

The ring settles into the mud on the bottom, concealed by

waving weeds and algae. Jack searches blindly for it,

groping with his hands as billowing clouds of silt rise

about him.

EXT. SKY - DAY

The black clouds boil and crash, thunderheads mounting one

upon another in a dark maelstrom. Jagged lightning splits

the sky. The heavens are in a tumult.

EXT. ESTUARY - DAY

The Baron's dark figure looms over the fallen unicorn.

His gloved hand reaches out and grasps the ivory horn,

wrenching back the animal's head. The Baron's glove

smolders and burns as if the horn was a white-hot poker.

The stallion's shrill whinny is cut short when the Baron

lops off his head with a single, brutal stroke of his

broadsword.

The ROAR of thunder seems to crack the sky apart. For a

long moment, the Baron stands holding his grisly, dripping

trophy by the single horn, staring up at the raging dark

sky as his black cloak whips about him in the ferocious

wind.

EXT. BENEATH THE POND - DAY

His lungs about to burst, Jack can no longer continue the

search for the ring. He turns and looks up at the surface

which has grown quite dark. With frantic strokes, he

races upward only to bump his head into something solid at

the top. Terribly frightened, he finds the surface

covered by a sheet of ice.

Jack pounds his fist against the obstructing ice and

succeeds in punching through it, thrusting his gasping

head out into the air.

EXT. POND - DAY

Bewildered, Jack crashes through the ice towards shore.

The woods have changed utterly. In place of the bountiful

foliage of midsummer, the trees are stripped bare. The

wind howls, driving a fine stinging snow through the naked

branches. Overhead, the sky is dark and ominous. Jack

stands, confused and shivering, realizing in his

bewilderment that the girl is gone.

JACK

(calling out)

Lili...! Princess Lili... Where are

you...?

There is no answer other than the hollow echo of his words

lost on the wind. It is bitterly cold. Jack's wet hair

freezes into strands of icicles. He finds his clothing,

wrapping himself in his fur vest. His leafy cloak is

inadequate for this weather and he hurries off, calling

for the girl as he searches for shelter.

JACK

Lili... answer me... Lili...

EXT. DEEPER IN THE FOREST - EVENING

The snowstorm has built-up into a full-scale blizzard.

Jack staggers into the wind. A large rock overhang

provides shelter and Jack scrambles underneath.

Jack scrapes together a small pile of twigs and leaves.

Taking a flint and steel from his shoulder pouch, he

starts busily striking sparks.

A small fire burns vigorously under the overhang. Jack

warms himself and feeds sticks into the flames. It grows

darker.

EXT. A TREE NOT FAR AWAY - EVENING

Princess Lili hides shivering behind the tree, watching

Jack and his fire. Her hands are out of sight, tucked in

the folds of her gown for warmth. Although she is cold

and frightened she makes no move to expose herself or to

join the Green Man under the overhand.

CLOSE ON LILI

Lili's lovely face contorts with sorrow. A single tear

starts in her eye and drops to her cheek, where it freezes

like a diamond beauty-spot. Lili reaches up to wipe away

the frozen tear. Her hand is horribly transformed.

Coarse black hairs sprout along her wrist and down her

slender fingers. In place of delicately tapered nails

grow wickedly curved claws. It is a hand more animal than

human. Lili regards it with disgust.

EXT. FOREST - EVENING

With Jack's small fire flickering faintly in the distance,

Princess Lili slinks away into the deep forest, eager to

hide herself and her shame.

EXT. OVERHANG - NIGHT

Jack is sleeping. He leans back against the rock wall,

wrapped in his cloak. The fire crackles brightly before

him, casting animated shadows in all directions.

A high-pitched, cackling LAUGH causes Jack to sit bolt-

upright; wide-eyed and completely awake.

JACK

What...? Who's there?

JACK'S POV

Glowing like foxfire in the darkness, a semi-circle of

luminous green eyes surrounds Jack's campfire.

JACK (O.S.)

Who is it? Speak up.

A second odd LAUGH is his only answer.

JACK

is afraid. He reaches into the folds of his cloak for his

knife, a small practical affair, hardly a weapon at all.

JACK

Who are you...? Answer me!

Laughing still, a small man, an elf no more than knee-high

steps into the firelight. He carries a tiny harp and a

pair of pointed ears sprout from the wild tangle of his

hair. His bright clothing is everywhere tasseled and

embroidered with flowers. At first glance, it is hard to

tell whether his face resembles a new-born babe or a

wizened old man. His name is HONEYTHORN GUMP.

GUMP

So, Jack... think you be a Green Man

and not know Gump.

JACK

Gump, is it?

GUMP

Aye, Honeythorn Gump, come to

serenade you, Jack... come to make

you dance.

JACK

I'm in no mood for dancing.

GUMP

Oh, but you will be, Jack... Think

you to sleep in a faerie ring and

not spend the night a-dancing?

JACK

Faerie ring?

GUMP

To be sure.

Gump steps back and sweeps away the snow with his cap like

an over-zealous house porter. A ring of red toadstools is

revealed.

GUMP

A lively reel twill warm your bones.

Gump throws a handful of herbs onto the fire and the

flames leap high, revealing the watchers whose eyes glowed

in the dark. Sitting in a semi-circle just outside the

faerie ring are a number of foxes, wild goats, hares,

weasels and badgers.

GUMP

Here be your partners, Jack.

Gump begins to strum a wild, haunting melody on his harp.

The animals leap into the faerie ring, and linking paws,

start a frantic circular dance around the bewildered Jack.

JACK

No! Tis not the time! I want no

part of your frolic.

GUMP

Dance, Jack! The night's but begun.

Jack cannot resist. He is drawn into the wild dance.

Grabbing hold of a fox's paw, he joins the circle, leaping

and cavorting to the maddening music.

The tempo increases; the music growing ever-more manic as

the crazed dancers whirl and caper. Jack seems in a

panic, dancing against his will, a prisoner of the

frenzied harp-strumming.

JACK

(screaming)

Stop it...! No more...

Gump pays no attention to his pleas, jumping wildly up and

down as he flails at his harp.

GUMP

Round and round and round and round,

Before you're lost ye most be

found...

Jack's face is a mask of agony; the dance pure hell. With

a supreme effort of will, he wrenches free from the fox's

grasp and hurls himself to the ground by the fire. The

rhythm disrupted, the other animal dancers continue

awkwardly as the music stops. Gump is furious.

JACK

Enough!

GUMP

And how is it a mortal dare dictate

to the faerie folk? Is me music not

to your liking? Mayhap the dance of

death by more your pleasure.

JACK

No... I... I need to rest.

GUMP

You'll have a long, long rest in the

tomb, me lad.

JACK

(gasping)

I meant no disrespect.

GUMP

Didn't you now? Well then, answer

me this riddle and all be forgiven.

JACK

And if I cannot?

GUMP

Why, Jack, then tis your death song

I'll be strumming.

The animal dancers have stopped their frolic and stand

solemnly watching the bewildered Green Man.

JACK

Ask away, and pray God my answer

pleases thee.

Gump grins maliciously and strums a melancholy chord on

his harp.

GUMP

What is a bell that does not ring,

Yet, its knell makes the angels

sing?

Gump laughs, knowing full-well Jack can't solve his

riddle. Jack frowns in concentration, then breaks into a

broad grin as the memory of Lili's song rushes back to

him.

JACK

It's bluebells!

GUMP

What!

JACK

The flower. Bluebells. To hear

them ringing means your life's at an

end.

Gump hurls his harp to the ground and stomps on it.

GUMP

Damnation! Codfish and cockles!

Gammon and trotters! You've bested

me, Jack.

JACK

A riddle without an answer is but an

empty cup when you're thirsty for

wine.

GUMP

(pleased with this)

Well spoke. True to the mark. And

if it's wine you're wanting, it's

wine we shall have.

Honeythorn Gump strides to the rear of the overhang, and

brushing away the concealing cobwebs, ferns and moss,

reveals a small wooden door built into the rock itself.

Gump throws open the door and bows low for Jack to enter.

GUMP

You be our guest, Jack.

JACK

(returning the bow)

I'm honored, Honeythorn Gump... but

no more tricks.

GUMP

You have me word, lad. To answer a

faerie riddle deserves as much.

JACK

Twas the Princess Lili gave me the

answer... have you seen her, by

chance?

GUMP

I've laid eyes on no mortal but you

this day, Jack.

JACK

I fear she's lost.

GUMP

Mayhap you be the one what's lost,

and she safe by the castle hearth...

but, come Jack, we'll warm your

bones.

Gump moves to the fire and pulls a burning brand from the

flames. As he does so, the animal dancers subtly shift

and change, their forms dissolving like mist in the

morning sun, transforming into faerie creatures. The fox

becomes a lithe, winged female wood nymph; the badger a

squat goblin. The other animals change into a variety of

pixies, gnomes and brownies, all chattering and singing in

an ancient, musical tongue.

Gump leads the way through the door in the rock, followed

by Jack and the teasing faeries.

GUMP

(singing)

There was a wee faerie lived under the hill,

Hey, riddle-diddle and nickety-noo;

And if he's nae gone he's living there still,

Nickety, nackety, noo-noo-noo...

INT. TUNNEL - NIGHT

A narrow tunnel winds under the hill, twisting down

between gnarled tree-roots and projecting splinters of

ancient bone. A rickety set of wooden steps has been

built in this tunnel and Gump leads the precarious way

down into the earth, holding his torch on high and singing

for all his worth. The other faeries tease Jack,

jabbering and twitting and they pull his hair and tug at

his clothing. Jack does his best to ignore them, and at

the same time, maintain a brave demeanor as he struggles

for balance on the creaking stairs.

GUMP

(singing)

The name of this faerie was Honeythorn Gump,

Hey, riddle-diddle and nickety-noo;

The sound of his harp made the mortals all jump,

Nickety, nackety, noo-noo-noo.

At the stroke of midnight, in the light of the

moon,

Hey, riddle-diddle and nickety-noo;

All the faeries dance to Honeythorn's tune,

Nickety-nackety, noo-noo-noo...

INT. SUBTERRANEAN HALL - NIGHT

Gump guides the procession in to a vast underground hall,

hung with fine tapestries and filled with all manner of

odd and ancient wonders: Roman armor, bits of mosaics and

marble statuary, etc. A long wooden trestle table

stretches down the center of the hall, set with burning

candles, bowls of fruit and nuts, golden goblets of every

shape and size.

Gump tosses his torch into an open, glowing fire-pit, the

smoke drifting up to the shrouded tree-roots above.

GUMP

Here we be. And fit for a king if I

say so meself.

Jack is properly awed.

JACK

Tis splendid. I feel I must be

dreaming.

This delights the faeries, who twitter with laughter as

they buzz around Jack, guiding him to the carved High Seat

at the head of the table.

GUMP

Indeed, me lad. And if life is a

dream, better you dread the waking.

Several rows of wine casks are ranked against one wall.

Gump seizes a large flagon from the table and fills it

with sparkling elderberry wine.

Jack sits somewhat uncomfortably in the High Seat with its

ornately carved dragons and basalisks entwined about him.

The beautiful wood nymph hovers by his side, smiling and

whispering in his ear.

Gump fills Jack's goblet from the flagon and sets about

filling the others in turn down the table. Jack is

embarrassed by the wood nymph's obvious attentions.

JACK

Make her stop it, will you Gump...

please!

Gump snorts.

GUMP

Why, Jack-lad, she likes you, is

all. And what hot-blooded hero

wouldn't welcome the affections of a

fair nymph like Oona here...? If

your blood runs so cold, boy, you be

a corpse before your time.

JACK

What does she want from me?

OONA, the wood-nymph giggles wildly and covers Jack's

cheek with kisses as she hovers at his side.

GUMP

Fool question, lad. Drink up and

warm your blood. You'll find the

answer at the bottom of your cup.

Gump motions with his flagon for Jack to drink, but the

Green Man merely lifts his goblet and stares dolefully at

the contents.

GUMP

Elderberry wine. No finer drink

under heaven.

JACK

It looks... er, delicious...

(sniffing his cup)

Such a fine bouquet... very

aromatic...

GUMP

Are ye afraid of me wine? Did your

momma tell ye never to take food nor

drink from the Wee Folk? Think if

ye sup with the faeries you'll be

enchanted?

JACK

Well... I... I don't want to be

rude, but... it's generally known

that --

GUMP

Generally known! What general ever

knew more than to lace up his boots?

JACK

Please don't misunderstand. I am

grateful for your hospitality and --

GUMP

He is afraid of enchantment! Will

you listen to the fool prattle on.

All the faeries and goblins burst into raucous laughter.

GUMP

Here the world is turned upside-

down; precious summertime frozen

into a wintry memory; the

underworld unleashed and all spirits

walk the earth at will... this be

the state of things and the blamed

fool won't take a sip of wine for

fear of enchantment!

Jack swallows his fear. He stares heard into his cup and

in a single decisive moment, drains it to the bottom. The

faeries all clap and cheer. Oona gives him a big hug.

JACK

But... but, why?

GUMP

Big question that, lad. Why what?

JACK

Why has this happened to the world?

Why is it winter now, and dark?

GUMP

Aye. Honeythorn Gump'd be a

powerful wizard indeed could he

answer.

JACK

Don't you know?

GUMP

If you're looking for enchantment,

Jack, that I can give thee...

Gump screws up his face with concentration and gestures

with his emerald ring. All at once, the carved dragons

and serpents on Jack's chair seem to come alive. They

writhe out of the woodwork, sinuous and evil. Jack is

terrified as they wrap about him, pinning his arms and

chest to the chair as Oona and the other faeries laugh

with malicious glee.

JACK

No...! Stop it now... please!

Gump snaps his fingers and the chair is but a chair again,

the carved snakes mere decorations.

GUMP

That much magic I can offer ye, a

small measure of entertainment at

best. Making the world a frozen hell

is beyond me modest powers.

JACK

Then, what's gone wrong? Why did it

happen?

GUMP

If ye want more tricks, I'm your

man, but for big questions ye must

go elsewhere.

JACK

Don't you care about what's

happened?

GUMP

Course we care. What good's the

world locked in a season of death.

Frozen up, no folks to scare out of

their wits on a summer's night; no

babies to tickle; no more spells to

cast... Think that's an enjoyable