DEAD WOODS

An Original Screenplay By Holly Copella

FIRST DRAFT

DEAD WOODS FADE IN: EXT. WOODS NIGHT LATE 1800'S The woods are dark with little movement. We hear low chanting in the distance. We see a large group of people with shaved heads kneeling. They rise and fall to their hands before a rugged wooden alter. A man, ANSCOTT, stands behind the altar and chants loudly in a foreign languagean unknown language. He's a relatively handsome man with long, dirty-blonde hair and charming, blue eyes. A young girl, SORSHA, lie motionless on the wooden altar. Anscott sprinkles a sparkling powder across her body. We see a light cloud swirl above her body and rise to the opening in the trees. Thunder cracks loudly. The chanting of the men on their knees rises. Anscott removes a dagger and lifts the girl's left hand. He slices a three-inch cut into her palm. The child doesn't move nor wake. Anscott continues to chant in his unknown language. We hear movement within the woods. Anscott stops and looks beyond his followers. ANSCOTT We have visitors. Get rid of them. The men spring to their feet and rush into the woods. We see a fog slowly roll across the ground toward the altar. Anscott watches the fog with a curious stare. Anscott moves past the altar and clings to his stone on a leather cord hanging around his neck. He rubs it several times and shuts his eyes. He releases the pendant, opens his eyes, and clutches the bloody dagger. He turns to the altar. The girl is gone. Anscott stares with a look of surprise. EXT. CAMP -- NIGHT We see a small community of poor forest people around campfires in the center of the woods. Tents and huts comprise most of the camp. Children cuddle in their mothers' arms. A strange cloud cover seems to move above them. All commotion appears to stop. Mothers hurry their children to shelter. EXT. WOODS -- NIGHT We see several townspeople carrying torches, rifles, and swords. They dump kerosene around the trees and underbrush. The torches are lowered, and the woods are set on fire. EXT. CLEARING WOODS -- NIGHT Ancott's followers return to the clearing. We see the fire approaching. We see flames burning the opposite end as well. They're trapped. Anscott looks around with surprise. His followers begin to panic. Gunshots can be heard just on the other side of the flames. Anscott returns to his altar and begins to chant in his language. He holds the pendent in the air toward the sky and chants loudly. Swirling clouds surround him. His followers surround him and fall to their knees.

Anscott is swept into the swirling cloud and enters the pendent. His followers fall silent and stare. EXT. CAMP -- NIGHT We see the flames closing in on the small community of forest people. They scramble from their crude huts and look to the burning woods. They scream, grab their children, and run from the flames. INT. LEXX ARCHER'S MANSION -- NIGHT We see the elegant, dimly lit mansion hallway decorated in early medieval. Hundreds of lit candles on poles and candelabras line the broad hallway. We see LEXX ARCHER, a handsome man with dark, slightly graying hair, enter the hallway through a secret passageway behind a wall tapestry. His dark clothing appears singed and soot covers his face and hands. Lexx hurries along the hallway and approaches the front door. We see the front door is open and the door frame is cracked. Lexx looks behind him. Two men tackle him from either side and hit him with ax handles until he falls. EXT. PLATTVILLE TOWN SQUARE -- NIGHT We see the small town of Plattville with its tiny, country homes and cobblestone streets. Oil lamps line the streets and brighten the dark town. A mob of screaming townspeople are gathered in the center of town with their torches, rifles, and swords. We see an unconscious Lexx tied to a pole with wooden logs surrounding his feet. Blood streaks down his face from a cut on his forehead. Several men set their torches to the kerosene soaked wood. It erupts quickly into flames and swiftly climbs up Lexx. Several women hold their children and force them to look away. A puff of blue smoke wafts upward. We see Sorsha running through the dimly lit streets toward the town square. She screams as she reaches the crowd. Everyone turns and looks at the young girl. Her mother immediately runs to her and gathers her in her arms. SORSHA He saved me! MOTHER Who saved you? SORSHA (points to Lexx) The witch--he saved me! Several horror-filled eyes fall upon the little girl. The townspeople fall silent and look to the burning mass in the center of town. Blue smoke continues to rise from the fire and lingers through the crowd. EXT. MOUNTAINOUS OVERHANG -- MODERN DAYS

We see a spectacular view of the cliffs and rocky landscape. Two men and a woman stand near the edge of the cliffs and look across a rotted, wooden bridge to the wooded area on the other side. LENOX WINSHIP, a large, handsome black man in his late twenties, stands along side a MAN in his late forties. Lenox scribbles something onto a small tablet. KARA KNIGHT, a young, attractive, dark-haired woman, stands on the edge near the bridge. She takes several photos with a professional camera. LENOX So your plane was going down and you attempted to parachute to safety? MAN The parachute didn't open and I plummeted. I thought I was dead. I saw this brilliant flash of light and I could feel something warm embrace me. When I opened my eyes, my parachute was tangled in that tree. The man points to a fallen tree hanging over the edge of the cliff just on the other side of the old bridge. MAN I thought I was a dead man. I had to climb up the parachute. Someone was looking over me that day. I was never one to believe in such things, but something saved me from falling to my death. You don't believe me, do you? LENOX Since I've been working for "Strange Events" Magazine, I've heard some pretty amazing things that can't be explained. Kara takes several photos then looks at the rope bridge. She places the camera around her neck and steps on the first board. It creaks beneath her weight. She looks down. We see the bottom of the canyon half a mile beneath her. Kara continues onto the bridge. MAN (voice/to Kara) That bridge isn't very secure. Kara continues slowly across the dried, rotted planks while holding onto the rope rails. Lenox looks to the bridge. LENOX Kara! What are you doing?

KARA I just want to get the right angle. LENOX Get back here, before you get yourself killed. KARA I'll be right back. Kara pauses three quarters of the way to the other side and takes a photo of the canyon beneath her and of the broken tree. The bridge creaks. LENOX Kara, come on. MAN I'll get my rope--just in case. The man hurries away from them. Lenox steps onto the bridge and watches with concern. Kara smiles and starts her slow journey back. KARA You worry too much, Lenox. A board suddenly gives out beneath her foot and breaks through. Kara cries out and clings to the rope rail. She's stuck. LENOX Kara! KARA It's okay. I have it under control. LENOX Just stay there. I'm coming for you. (under his breath) Girl's gonna get me killed. KARA Are you insane? These boards won't support your weight. Give me a minute, I'll get out. Kara pulls on her foot from the broken board. Lenox watches helplessly. The board gives loose and she pulls her foot free. The board beneath her suddenly snaps and she falls through with both feet. She clings to the rope railing and dangles between the broken boards. She cries out and looks down. We see the canyon beneath her.

LENOX (voice) Kara! Kara attempts to pull herself up by her arms and back onto the bridge. We hear a thunderous cracking. Kara's wrist is grabbed. She looks up. We see Lenox standing over her, holding onto her wrist. He pulls her from the boards and onto the safety of the outer edge of the bridge. Kara looks past Lenox to the bridge. We see every board is cracked. KARA I swear you have nine lives. LENOX And I'm down one more, thanks to you. KARA I had the situation under control. LENOX Didn't look that way from where I was standing. They slowly inch their way back, keeping to the more heavily supported edge and clinging to the rope rail. INT. CAR Lenox sits behind the wheel of his car and watches the road before him. Kara sits quietly in the passenger seat and stares out the side window. LENOX I don't know why you have to take so many risks. KARA You need to take risks in order to get great shots. That's what journalism is all about. LENOX Every time you pull a stunt like that, it takes ten years off of my life. I'll be lucky if I live to see thirty. KARA When have I done anything that nearly got us killed? LENOX When you were eight--you fell into that pond.

KARA I didn't fall--I was swimming. LENOX You were drowning. Saved your ass once and I've been doing it ever since. KARA It was destiny that brought you to my rescue that day. If you hadn't helped me, my aunt would've taken you in like she did. But that doesn't mean you need to feel as if you have to look after me. LENOX It wasn't destiny that brought me there--it was my stomach. I was starving, and I smelled her cooking. And I don't look after you because I feel I have toI've grown kinda fond of you. KARA Your life would be extremely boring without me. LENOX Probably live longer too. KARA Where to next? LENOX Plattville. Just a quick story of a man rescuing some kids. Shouldn't take more than an hour. Small, boring kind of town. I think you'll be able to stay out of trouble for a change. Kara looks at Lenox and smirks. EXT. TOWN OF PLATTVILLE -- DAY We see the small town of Plattville with its local shops and tree-lined sidewalks. Kara and Lenox walk along the sidewalk. Lenox is the only black man seen anywhere in the town. LENOX I've got a bad feeling about this town. Think any of these folks ever seen a brother before?

KARA I don't know--suppose they have cable? Lenox laughs softly. We see two young women eye them and walk to the far end of the sidewalk to pass. LENOX Come within an inch of winning a Pulitzer, and these people think I'm going to mug them for their gold plated jewelry and change filled purses. KARA A quick interview, Mr. Winship, and then it's back to civilization. They pause before the local tavern--BOB'S TAVERN. They look at one another with cleverly raised brows. LENOX If they're line dancing, I'm out of here. Kara pushes him into the bar. INT. BOB'S TAVERN We see a rustic looking country bar with farm equipment as decorations upon the walls. A couple of men in baseball caps and work boots are slumped over the bar, comforting their bottles of beer. Two men play pool, and a few men sit at the tables in the back. We hear country music coming from the old jukebox. We see Lenox and Kara enter the bar and pause in the doorway. Everyone looks at them. Lenox becomes uncomfortable. LENOX Yep, we're dead. KARA Act your size. Lenox throws his shoulders back, cracks his neck, and lifts his chin proudly. They enter the tavern and approach the bar. Lenox places a hand on the bar and attempts a pleasant smile to the grumpy looking bartender, BOB. Bob glares at Lenox. LENOX We're looking for Travis Dutton. BOB We don't want any trouble here.

LENOX He's expecting us. BOB (nods to the pool table) That's him. The blonde. Both look to the men playing pool. The blonde man, TRAVIS DUTTON, approaches them. Travis is a young, clean-cut man with collar-length hair. TRAVIS Couldn't help overhearing. I'm Travis Dutton. At your service, Ma'am. KARA (shakes his hand) Kara Knight. TRAVIS Charmed. He continues to study her. Kara pulls her hand away. KARA And this is Lenox Winship, journalist for Strange Events Magazine. Travis appears to realize Lenox's importance and turns to face him. Travis cheerfully smiles and shakes his hand. Lenox puts on a false smile. TRAVIS Oh, so you're Lenox Winship. It's a pleasure to have you here. We can have a seat in the back. INT. BACK ROOM Travis, Lenox, and Kara sit at a small table in a room to the back of the bar. A small tape recorder sets in the middle of the table. TRAVIS They say I'm almost as big of a hero as Ruger. He's the local park ranger. I really don't consider myself a hero--certainly not in Ruger's league. (to Kara) How about dinner after the interview? Kara smiles gently, although her look conveys disinterest. Lenox eyes Travis with disapproval.

LENOX You were about to tell us your story about the kids. TRAVIS Oh, yeah, right. Well--I was out fishing at a nearby pond when I heard their screams. At first, I thought I was hearing things. When I heard it again, I went into the woods. I followed their screams to an old cabin within Dead Woods. I opened the door and saw this dirty, shabby man. He attacked me. We struggled over a knife he held. When I got the knife away from him, he took off. That's when I discovered the kids in the pit beneath the floorboards. The kids were so frightened, they just took off. LENOX Dead Woods? What's that? TRAVIS It's a black forest. The older men will tell you it's haunted or cursed--some shit like that. (pause) The basement of the house was filled with skeletal remains of others--mostly children. I don't think the police have identified any of them yet. LENOX Skeletons? How many? TRAVIS Eight or so. The police think it may be the work of a cult or sadists. They found symbols drawn in blood all over. KARA Will you take us there? Both Lenox and Travis look at her with surprise. LENOX I'm not going out in the middle of some cursed forest.

TRAVIS I wouldn't be so quick to want to travel out there, if I were you. KARA We should get some photos to print with your story. LENOX Are you sure you want to go out there? It sounds a bit spooky. KARA Come one, Lenox. You don't really believe in ghosts and superstitious nonsense, do you? LENOX No--but I believe in cults and sadists. Selfrighteous cannibals don't sound very pleasant to me. KARA If you're scared, you don't have to come along. Lenox straightens and gives her an insulted look. LENOX Me? Scared? KARA (to Travis) You'll take us there, won't you? We'd pay you extra for your time, of course. TRAVIS Well--I--uh--I suppose I could find it--given time. But not until morning. There's not enough daylight left. We don't want to be lost out there after dark. LENOX Tomorrow? (looks to Kara) We have to spend the night? Kara attempts a smile and nods. Lenox groans and throws his head back. LENOX Great.

TRAVIS There's a motel just at the end of town. I could walk you there. It's on my way home. KARA Thanks. We'd appreciate it. LENOX Yeah--thanks. EXT. TOWN -- DAY Lenox and Kara walk with Travis through town. We see a small crowd of people gathering on the sidewalk near the small grocery store. They pause behind the crowd of softly chirping people. LENOX What's going on? Some sort of hold-up? TRAVIS No, it's Dameon Archer. Travis nods in the direction of the black blazer parked outside of the store. TRAVIS He's a non-local who lives on the hillside-in Dead Woods. He's kind of a legend around here. LENOX Sounds like a fascinating guy. What'd he do? TRAVIS Cursed the town, black magic, human sacrifices-Lenox nervously rubs his chilled arms and looks around with deep concern. The small group gasps and quickly scatters. Lenox and Kara watch them hurry past. They nearly knock Lenox off of his feet.

LENOX Damn--they're really spooked. Kara walks closer. We see DAMEON ARCHER walk out of the general store and approach the black blazer carrying a plastic bag. Dameon's a tall, well-built, dark haired man. He's dressed completely in black. Kara lifts her camera and takes several pictures. Dameon looks to Kara as she lowers the camera. For a

moment their eyes meet. Kara stares helplessly at him. Dameon turns and gets into the blazer and drives away. LENOX Creepy-KARA We should get an interview with him. LENOX Curses and human sacrifices-Nope--you can count me out. KARA Where's your sense of adventure? LENOX After all of these years with you--I've had my fill. EXT. MOTEL -- EVENING We see a series of motel rooms linked together in a small "L" shape. Most of the interior lights are out. The exterior lights remain on. Kara stands on the wooden walkway and leans against the overhang post. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- EVENING Kara's POV. We see the distant forest and an impressive mansion on the hillside within the black forest. EXT. MOTEL -- EVENING Kara continues to stare. MCGRATH, the motel manager and owner, approaches her from his office. He's an older man in his sixties with thinning hair. MCGRATH Everything to your satisfaction, Darling? KARA Yes, thank you. MCGRATH If you need anything, don't hesitate to knock. He walks back to the office. Kara continues to stare at the distant hillside. Lenox appears from his room, half asleep, and stands along side Kara. He stares in the same direction.

LENOX What's so interesting? KARA Dameon Archer. He'd make a great interview. LENOX Sure would-(frowns) But you're not getting me to go up there. I'm already having nightmares about this place. Snarling beasts and half rotted bodies in basements-KARA We'll see. (kisses him on cheek) Good night, Lenox. Kara returns to her room. Lenox smiles gently and watches her enter her room and close the door. He looks back to the hillside. LENOX Dead Woods--even the name scares me shitless. Lenox continues to shake his head and returns to his room. LENOX Girl's gonna get me killed--I just know it. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- MORNING Kara, Lenox, and Travis stand in the woods and stare ahead of them. We see black trees covering the entire area. Both Kara and Lenox look behind them with a look of concern and confusion. We see the vibrant, green trees just behind them. The line appears definite. Lenox and Kara look at one another. Kara takes several pictures. TRAVIS It's one of the big mysteries of our town. There was a fire over one hundred years ago. LENOX But they don't appear dead. Kara looks up. Kara's POV. We see black leaves on the black trees.

KARA They appear almost-TRAVIS Cursed? That's what a lot of people in town suspect. And Dameon Archer lives right in the middle of it. Would you like to forget the photos and return to town? KARA No-LENOX Yes-They eye each other. Lenox tosses his head and mutters something in a mild temper tantrum. Travis takes a deep breath and slowly steps into Dead Woods. Kara follows behind him without hesitation. Lenox looks down to the visible boarder. He takes a high, careful step over the boarder then looks behind him. LENOX How do I get myself into these things? They walk through the completely silent woods. Lenox lags behind and nervously looks around him as he walks. KARA How did you hear those children from this distance? TRAVIS Sound travels well through Dead Woods. I can't explain it. You seem to look for a logical answer to everything, but you're not going to find one--not here. Lenox looks to the trees. We see something almost material in appearance dangling from the upper half of the tree. Lenox stares a moment then looks back to Kara and Travis ahead of him. LENOX I can't imagine that a fire caused the trees to turn black. TRAVIS It wasn't just a fire. A cult leader, Anscott, and his followers plagued the forest, so the town formed a mob and burned the entire camp. Unfortunately the forest was also home to the poor, the sick, and families of gypsies. After that, the forest was black.

Lenox looks up to the treetops. We see an odd webbing connecting two branches. Lenox eyes the webbing. It appears to look like an animal skin stretched across the branches. Lenox squints then hurries to catch up to Kara and Travis.

KARA I see the town hasn't changed much. They seem to react the same way to Dameon. TRAVIS They fear Dameon because they knew what sort of demon his grandfather was. LENOX Demon? TRAVIS His grandfather sacrificed children to the devil. The town burned him alive. Dameon is his flesh and blood. KARA Dameon's grandfather was probably an outspoken man with views different from the majority, so they proclaim him a witch and do away with him. It's a male control thing. TRAVIS You couldn't be more wrong. Lenox steps in a puddle near a tree. He stops and looks down. We see a puddle of blood next to the tree. Lenox pulls his foot out with a soft gasp. A droplet of blood hits Lenox's arm. He jumps back with surprise. LENOX What the fuck-Both Kara and Travis turn. All three look up the tree. We see a grizzly bear wedged into the crook of the tree with blood dripping down from its throat. All three jump back with surprise. Kara and Lenox both cry out. A falcon circles above the trees. TRAVIS (backs up) You can keep the money. Travis turns and runs. Kara fumbles with her camera in trembling hands and snaps several pictures. Lenox grabs her arm and pulls her away.

INT. BOB'S TAVERN -- DAY We see the nearly empty bar. Lenox and Travis sit at the bar with shot glasses before them and a bottle in-between. Kara hurries into the bar and to Lenox. She places her hand on his shoulder. LENOX Get away from me, Girl. You're nothing but trouble. KARA The rangers are on their way out to investigate the bear slaying. A couple of locals are going out as well. We have to hurry or they'll leave without us. LENOX We? I'm not going back out there. KARA This is an incredible opportunity for you-for us. LENOX Yeah, to get my black ass killed and wedged in some damned tree. Nope--not me. KARA I thought we were a team. LENOX I want to work with you--not die with you. Kara groans with frustration and hurries from the tavern. Travis looks after her then pours himself another drink. TRAVIS I hope you didn't like her too much. Lenox stares at Travis's profile as he drinks. Lenox suddenly jumps up from his bar stool and runs from the tavern. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- DAY We see several local hunters unloading four-wheelers from their pick-up trucks. We see two park rangers, RUGER and BEN. Ruger is an impressive man with a strong build and a rugged, iron look. He's greatly admired. Ben is a younger man with a baby face.

The hunters load several rifles and approach the four-wheelers. Kara loads her camera and looks to Lenox, who nervously stares at Dead Woods before him. KARA There's always a rational explanation for things like this. Probably some crazy, old man attempting to frighten the town. LENOX It's a warning--and it's telling us to go home. Kara's arm is grabbed. She gasps with surprise and faces an angry Travis. KARA Travis--I thought you were staying in town. TRAVIS It was my plan, but because of you, the entire town knows about the hex, and they expect their town hero to be part of the search team. Either I go along or be branded a coward. LENOX I could live with being a coward. KARA Nothing's going to happen to us. These good ole boys are armed to the teeth and itching to kill something. Whoever or whatever's out there doesn't stand a chance. Ruger approaches them. He glares at Travis. RUGER What are you doing here? TRAVIS Just helping out, Ruger. RUGER Just stay out of my way--got it. Travis nods. RUGER Who's going to ride with me and lead the way? Lenox and Travis point to Kara.

EXT. DEAD WOODS -- DAY We see Kara clinging to Ruger while behind him on a four-wheeler. They pass through the cleared woods. Kara points up ahead. All six vehicles stop. Ruger and Kara get off and approach the tree. We see blood on the forest floor and down the tree, but the bear's gone. Ruger walks around the pool of blood then studies the tree. Men with rifles walk the area. BEN (voice) Hey! Over here! Everyone hurries to Ben, who stands near a tree. We see a symbol drawn in blood on the tree. TRAVIS That's the same symbol they found around the cabin. Kara takes several pictures of the tree. RUGER Where you found those skeletons? TRAVIS Yes. That's the symbol. RUGER We're going to the cabin in Dead Woods. Both Lenox and Travis roll their eyes. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- DAY We see six four-wheelers racing through the woods. An unhappy Travis and Lenox follow behind. The vehicles slow. We see symbols painted on the trees in blood. The remains of the bear's innards lie on the forest floor. Kara looks to the ground as they slowly pass. She takes several pictures. EXT. CABIN DEAD WOODS -- DAY We see the cabin just ahead. Kara takes several pictures as they slowly approach. The four-wheelers stop. The hunters walk around the area surrounding the cabin. There are blood painted symbols on the entrance door and surrounding trees. Kara follows Ruger and Ben. The hunters walk the area with their rifles cradled in their arms. Ruger removes a semi-automatic and pauses before the door.

RUGER Ben--you're with me. (to Kara) You wait out here. Kara doesn't reply or protest. Lenox and Travis remain a safe distance from the cabin. Lenox nervously paces the area before the four-wheelers. Ruger opens the cabin door and remains to the side. Ruger and Ben peer inside. Kara takes several pictures. RUGER Appears clear. Ruger and Ben enter the cabin. Kara moves to the doorway and looks inside as well. INT. CABIN Kara's POV. We see a two-room cabin. The front room is the kitchen and living quarters. There's a fireplace with a cauldron hanging within it above charred wood. The kitchen area is just a wooden counter, a rustic, wooden table and carved wooden benches made from half a tree. Ruger and Ben approach the back door with a blood painted symbol on it. Kara snaps several pictures. Ruger opens the door. Both men peer inside but don't enter. They close the door. Kara looks down to the floor. We see a large, blood painted symbol on the floor over what appears to be a trap door. Kara eyes Ruger and Ben then snaps another picture. Both men approach the trap door. They hesitate and look at one another. Kara aims her camera and zooms in. Ruger reaches for the small hand grip and pulls the door open. Ruger and Ben peer inside. INT. CRAWL SPACE Empty. We see stone walls and a ground floor in the three foot tall crawl space that covers the front room length of the cabin. INT. CABIN Both men straighten from where they stand over the opening in the floor. RUGER She's clean. Kara slowly enters the cabin and looks around. She approaches the open pit and takes several more pictures. The film automatically rewinds. Kara sets her camera on the table and changes the film. Ruger and Ben approach the front door. RUGER Anything out there?

LOCAL MAN (voice) Nope--nothing out here but a lot of art work. RUGER Some sick asshole must've killed that bear as a joke--possibly to frighten someone. (to Kara) Anyone know Travis was bringing you out here? Kara shuts her camera and replaces the used roll of film to her bag. The door to the back room is now partially open. KARA We didn't announce it to anyone, but we discussed it in the tavern. Anyone could've overheard our conversation. We hear a metallic clang and some yelling from outside. Ben darts out of the cabin. Ruger looks out the doorway then back to Kara. RUGER (to Kara) Bear trap--I'd better see if everyone's alright. Ruger steps outside. Kara looks to the pit with her back to the bedroom area. We see a shadow pass behind her in the back room. Kara kneels before the pit and looks inside. We see the faint outline of the blood painted symbol on the ground. She takes more pictures. We hear a floorboard creak. Kara slowly lowers her camera and looks to the back room. We see darkness then a patch of light. Kara slowly straightens and approaches the partially open door. She pauses to the side of the door and slowly pushes it open. INT. BEDROOM Kara's POV. Sunlight fills the bedroom. We see the old, glass windows dirtied with cobwebs. An old tree-carved bed is positioned toward the back of the room. An old, hand sewn quilt, faded from the sun and discolored by dust, lie across the bed. Kara raises her camera. Something passes her line of sight. She snaps the picture then gasps and lowers the camera. There's nothing there. We see an object on a black string lying on the floor near the bed. Kara stares a moment with a look of confusion. She hesitates then slowly enters the bedroom. We see the black stone on the string near the bed. We see the dark space beneath the bed only a foot from the black stone. Kara nervously looks around the room. We see the blood painted symbol on the inner wall of the bedroom. Kara pauses near the black stone, facing the bed. She looks to the dark space beneath the bed.

Kara slowly reaches for the stone while eyeing the space beneath the bed. She grabs the stone and straightens. A hand falls on her shoulder. Kara screams and whirls around. Lenox cries out and jumps backward. Kara catches her breath while Lenox shakes his head nervously. LENOX Let's get the hell out of this place. It gives me the creeps. KARA Me too. EXT. CABIN -- DAY Kara leans against the four-wheeler and studies the clear, quartz-like black stone necklace. We hear rising, male voices. Kara looks across the clearing. We see Ruger holding up the bear trap and pointing at Travis. Lenox approaches Kara while watching the men. Kara places the necklace around her neck and sticks it beneath her shirt. LENOX Quite a debate over that trap. Ruger approaches Lenox and Kara. RUGER Ben's going to take the two of you and Travis back to town. I want to check the surrounding area for further traps. I'm not sure what's going on, but I intend to find out. Travis approaches as Ruger returns to the others. TRAVIS Crazy fools. It'll be dark in a couple of hours. No man in his right mind should be out here after dark. LENOX I'm with you on that. Let's get the hell out of here. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- EVENING Ruger and the local boys ride their four-wheelers through Dead Woods. It's darker in the woods itself. A light fog lends an eerie look to the already spooky woods. Ruger stops his four-wheeler and looks around. He looks up. We see bats fly in the trees above them.

RUGER It's unlikely we'll be able to see much further. We'll go back to town and see if the game commission wants us to explore more tomorrow. The local man removes a large spotlight and shines it into the woods. He points. LOCAL MAN Hey, what's that? All eight stare into the thick woods. EXT. TOWN DINER -- LATE EVENING We see the small diner with several vehicles and a ranger truck parked outside. INT. DINER Travis, Lenox, and Kara drink their coffee and relax in the padded booth table. We see Ben in the background at the pay phone. He hangs up the phone. LENOX That was some pretty scary shit. And you actually went all the way to that cabin--by yourself--to reach those kids? All those armed men around didn't even comfort me. TRAVIS Sometimes we do things subconsciously. LENOX You're a lot braver than me. KARA (studies the black stone) What do you suppose that symbol means? TRAVIS Some sort of curse. The old gypsy could probably tell you. KARA Old gypsy? TRAVIS A fortune teller just outside of town. She seems to know a lot about curses and shit.

LENOX No way, Kara. We're done with this town and all its curses and bloody signs. KARA I know the magazine put you in charge, Lenox, but I'm not finished here. This is big, Lenox--real big. Ben approaches the table with a concerned look. They look at him. BEN The search team hasn't reported back yet. TRAVIS You aren't going back out there after them, are you? BEN Sheriff Elders says to wait for back up. He won't send his men out before dawn. I'm going back to where we parked the trucks to see if they came out of the woods. KARA You aren't going into Dead Woods alone, are you? Travis and Lenox kick Kara from under the table. Kara cries out and looks at them. BEN I won't go in without another team. KARA Is there a one-hour photo around here? TRAVIS This town doesn't do anything fast. BEN There's a photo lab at the ranger station, but there won't be anyone there this time of night. KARA I can develop my own film, if you'd let me use their equipment.

BEN Sure. I'd like to examine those photos you took. KARA Want to come along? LENOX Nope--I'm going back to the motel for a hot shower and a long nap. KARA Then I'll see you in the morning. Lenox nods. Kara leaves with Ben. INT. MOTEL ROOM -- MORNING We see Lenox beneath the sheets, lying on his stomach with his pillow crunched in both of his arms. We hear an urgent pounding on the door. He groans and slowly wakes. LENOX Go away-We hear pounding again. EXT. MOTEL ROOM -- MORNING Kara stands outside of Lenox's motel room door. The door opens and we see Lenox with his eyes half open. He's only wearing red boxer shorts. LENOX You're ruining my beauty sleep. Kara holds up a pack of photos. KARA You've got to see these. She enters the motel room. He rolls his eyes and shuts the door behind her. INT. MOTEL ROOM Kara sits on the foot end of the bed while Lenox sits at the head end and picks up the scattered pictures between them. LENOX Congratulations. You're going to win an award for macabre.

KARA You aren't looking-LENOX (studies photo) Looks like it did yesterday. KARA The necklace isn't in the photos. LENOX Necklace? Kara removes the necklace from beneath her shirt and dangles it before him. KARA It's not in the photo. It mysteriously appeared. Hands him another photo. We see a large, gray blur. Lenox raises a brow and stares at her. LENOX Some professional. You took a picture of your finger. KARA No--something moved past the camera. I swear to you. At the time, I thought I was just seeing a piece of lint or dirt. LENOX Kara, we came here for a story. We got what we were assigned to do. As much fun as it's been, it's time to go home. KARA (gathers her photos) I'll catch up with you. I'm not going to miss this opportunity. LENOX I can't just leave you here. I know you'll get yourself into some sort of trouble--like always. KARA You can either stay and get the entire story, or return home with that entertaining but fabricated one.

LENOX Fabricated? KARA He lied to us. I'm not sure about which part, but I don't think it'd hurt to talk to those children. (stands) Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment with an old gypsy. LENOX Gypsy? You can't possibly believe in that stuff. KARA I want to know what these symbols mean. Maybe there's something more to it. LENOX Maybe something worse. I'll go with you to see this gypsy, but then you're on your own. And this time, I mean it. KARA You'd follow me to the depths of hell--and you know it. LENOX We did that yesterday--remember. EXT. SMALL HOUSE -- DAY We see the small house with a large tarot card sign on the porch. INT. GYPSY'S HOUSE LOUNGE An older woman with black hair and red lipstick, JUNO, invites them into the room. She's wearing a simple, black dress. The room appears fairly normal with little sign of eccentricity. JUNO One of you is a non-believer. Lenox and Kara look at one another. KARA I'm looking for a translation of a symbol.

JUNO The symbol of death? Kara appears confused. She produces the photo. We see the symbol in blood on the cabin door. JUNO It's the symbol of death. You were in Dead Woods--in the house of death. This is a forbidden place. It's cursed. You must never return. You're certain to die. LENOX Fair enough--let's go home. Kara catches his arm. KARA (to Juno) Is this symbol a warning to stay away or a curse? JUNO It's warning you to stay away while bringing its curse upon you. It's an evil spell caster--an evil, angry spirit. You must leave while you still can, before it lays its cold hand upon you. (reaches for Kara/hesitates) There's a spell upon you. Juno reaches for the black necklace cord and slowly removes it from beneath her shirt. Juno's eyes widen. She gasps and releases the black cord. JUNO (points to the necklace) You must get rid of that! It's pure evil. Someone's trying to put a curse upon you. Get rid of it immediately! KARA What's in Dead Woods that someone would kill to keep hidden? JUNO It's the resting place of evil. It destroys the woods and all within it to feed its cursed soul. It cannot rest, and it can't be destroyed.

EXT. SMALL HOUSE -- DAY Lenox and Kara walk off of the porch and pause on the sidewalk. LENOX That was very strange-KARA She was completely hysterical about the necklace I'd found, but showed less interest in the symbol. Barely even looked at the photos. LENOX I told you, there's nothing to these fortune tellers. It's all a scam. KARA Drop the act, Lenox. You know damned well I was the non-believer she'd spoken about. LENOX Can we get out of here--please. KARA I told you, I'm staying. You don't have to stay. LENOX There's no way I'm leaving without you. INT. TAVERN -- DAY We see Kara sitting across the table from Travis. Travis leans back in his chair and shakes his head with disgust. KARA Are you going to help me or not? TRAVIS Not! You can't go up there. There's no telling what could happen. He lives in Dead Woods. That should tell you something. KARA What is it about this guy that shakes everyone? You can't honestly believe he's cursed the town.

TRAVIS Whatever's happening inside of Dead Woods, he's involved. You ask me, he's the one who's been abducting people--sacrifices them to some sort of devil. KARA Curses aside, we may be able to solve this mystery, but this town needs to think rationally, not of curses. TRAVIS You can't possibly understand. KARA Understand what? A bunch of people afraid of a man who's done nothing? If you ask me, this town's concocted this story hundreds of years ago to keep their children well-behaved. They told it for so many generations, that they've lost track of myth and reality. BREM (voice) Close-Kara and Travis look behind them. We see a man in his fifties, BREM FAMILIAR, standing near the bar. He's a handsome, older man with a look of sophistication and charm. He's wearing slacks and an expensive leisure jacket. One look tells he has incredible style and possible wealth--a misfit to the town, though apparently local. BREM Ironically, the hidden story is far worse than the myth. TRAVIS Nobody asked your opinion, Brem. BREM Would you like to know why this town shutters when Dameon's name is mentioned? KARA Yes, I would.

BREM (to Travis/smirks) If you'll excuse us, Travis-Travis frowns, stands, and walks to the back of the bar. Brem smirks and sits at the table. BREM Forgive me. I can't stomach the sight of him. (extends his hand to her) Brem Familiar. KARA (shakes his hand) Kara Knight. Brem releases her hand. BREM This town's lived with a dark secret for over one hundred years. Lexx Archer lived in the dark mansion on the hill. He was thought to be a witch--a warlock, if you'd like to be politically correct. Lexx was treated much the same as Dameon. The town knew his powers and frequently left him alone. That is, until the night a young girl disappeared. The town accused Lexx of abducting the girl to sacrifice her. After they burned the woods, they went to Lexx's house, drug him into town, and burned him in the town square. Kara stares at Brem with surprise. BREM They believed Lexx cursed the town while he was dying. But there's more. The child appeared and exonerated Lexx--but it was too late. The town murdered an innocent man. Two days later, the young girl disappeared and was never heard from again. No one ever knew what horrible fate she'd suffered. They were certain even death couldn't possibly keep Lexx from seeking his revenge. When Dameon came to Dead Woods, they feared he'd be the one to seek revenge against the town for the murder of his grandfather.

KARA That's--incredible. BREM This town is so paranoid about curses, they'll probably kill me just for telling you about our colorful past. KARA You're not concerned about curses? BREM I don't believe in curses. KARA Are you afraid of Dead Woods? BREM It's just an old woods. KARA Eight men never came out yesterday. Ben, the ranger, was waiting for back-up, but the police are reluctant to enter the woods. They want to wait another twenty-four hours. Ben's trying to gather a rescue team, but after losing eight last night, no one else will go along. BREM And you're wondering if I'd be willing to go along? KARA We need all the help we can get. I know Lenox and Travis won't go back. BREM I'll go along. KARA Great. We'll meet Ben at the edge of Dead Woods in an hour. INT. TAVERN -- DAY We see Travis sitting at the bar, huddled over a nearly empty mug of beer. Lenox enters the tavern. He looks to Travis and approaches. He sits on the stool beside Travis and looks around.

LENOX Have you seen Kara? TRAVIS I thought she was with you? LENOX No. I had an interview this morning. She said she'd meet me at the diner for lunch, but she wasn't there. TRAVIS That's because she went with Ben and that wacko, Brem, into Dead Woods. I thought you went with them. LENOX She what? (springs up from his seat) When did she leave? TRAVIS Half an hour, maybe. LENOX I have to go after her. TRAVIS Any other stupid ideas? LENOX This is serious. I need to borrow you ATV. TRAVIS Then if I want it back, I'll have to go into Dead Woods for it. LENOX I'll bring it back. TRAVIS You'll be dead. LENOX (grabs Travis) Maybe you don't give a shit about anyone, Mr. Hero, but that's my best friend out there. Now give me the fucking ATV, or I'll tell the entire world just what kind of hero you really are.

Travis stares at Lenox with a look of surprise and concern. TRAVIS What are you talking about? LENOX I did a little investigation on you. Rumor has it you were poaching outside of Dead Woods. You stumbled upon those kids while eluding Ruger. There was no struggle with their kidnapper. You found them and used the entire incident to escape prosecution. TRAVIS Alright--so I embellished a little. I didn't know they'd make such a big deal about it. I liked the idea of gaining some respect. This town can be painfully cruel. LENOX Right now, I'm not interested in your glory seeking stories. I just want to find Kara. Now, do you help me, or do I print the real story? EXT. DEAD WOODS -- DAY We see six four-wheelers driving through the woods. Kara rides behind Ben. The other five have only one man on each. Brem rides just behind Ben and Kara. We see the cabin in the woods. It appears almost harmless, though the image of the symbol in blood on the front door reminds us that it's a cursed place. They continue along a freshly made path. EXT. WOODS -- DAY Lenox approaches one of the abandoned trucks. We see Travis unloading his four-wheeler. Lenox looks inside the truck. He removes a shotgun and loads it. Travis rides up to him and stares. TRAVIS What are you doing? LENOX There's something out there, and it has a bad attitude. (cocks the shotgun) I'm gonna give it an adjustment.

TRAVIS That won't work on what's out there. LENOX We'll see. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- DAY Ben stops his four-wheeler and gets off. Kara looks to her left. We see a steep ledge leading down to the bottom. KARA That would be a wrong turn. Brem peers over the ledge as well. Ben returns and gets on the four-wheeler. BEN They went straight--through the brier patch. BREM Why would they go that way? BEN It's going to be rough. Take it slow. Brem eyes Kara then the brier bushes ahead of them. We see the narrow path through the sharp briers. The six four-wheelers approach the briers and proceed through them. EXT. BRIER PATCH -- DAY Kara clings to Ben. The sticky branches scratch past them, catching their clothing. Brem ducks several branches and looks around. Kara looks to the branches as they pass. We see blood on several of them. After several minutes, they reach the open woods. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- DAY The four-wheelers follow the old tracks on the ground. Kara looks to the blood on her exposed, lower arm. She wipes the blood. We see there's no cut. She looks to the trees. We see the black trunks appear wet. Kara looks up. We see a man staked to the tree near the top of the tall trunk. Kara grabs Ben's arm. KARA Ben! Ben looks up and stops the vehicle. The others stop and look up. We see six men staked to the trees. Their throats are torn out and blood covers the front of their bodies.

BREM What in God's name-No one moves. Ben reaches for his radio. We hear static. He angrily replaces it. TOWNSMAN I say we get the fuck out of here! BEN Wait--just wait, okay. Brem looks around the area more closely. TOWNSMAN Wait? Wait for what? The police have to come out now. BEN There's only six. Where are the other two? BREM Their four-wheelers are gone. TOWNSMAN Why are we discussing this? This is obviously a sign. BEN Ruger's still missing. MAN The tracks continue through the woods. BEN We'll go a little further up the path, in case the other two are still alive. This is a rescue mission. TOWNSMAN Yeah, and it's us who'll need rescuing. BEN I have to know what happened to Ruger. Kara nervously takes several photos. They slowly pass through the circle of dead men. Kara looks back past Brem. She appears to consider something. KARA Why weren't there any symbols?

The sun is setting through the black trees. The four-wheelers stop in the next clearing several minutes later. Ben looks around. BEN We won't find the others anymore tonight. They turn the four-wheelers in the clearing and head back. The sun's already setting. The woods have an even darker appearance. The brier patch is before them. We see someone just ahead in the headlights. The townsman in the lead slows. He stares at the glow of the person in the headlights. TOWNSMAN Ruger? Is that you? We hear movement. The townsman looks to his right. We see an almost human looking person along side the four-wheeler. The person appears to be partially decayed. The creature hisses. The townsman cries out. The human-like creature slashes him across the throat with long fingernail claws. We see the townsman fall to the right of his four-wheeler. We hear movement all around. BEN (horrified) Go! Go! They speed past the abandoned four-wheeler and its fallen rider. The creature swings at the first man who passes. Brem flies up along side Ben and Kara and rams the standing creature. The creature's thrown across the ground. Ben and Kara enter the brier patch. Brem files in behind them. EXT. BRIER PATCH -- EVENING We see headlights from Ben's four-wheeler reflect off of the brier bushes enclosing the path and the light from the reflectors on the four-wheeler ahead of them. The briers slap Ben and Kara. Both dodge the flying branches. Brem dodges the flying, thorny branches with a look of annoyance. We see fourwheeler headlights behind him as the two vehicles follow behind. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- EVENING We see the first vehicle emerge from the brier patch. In his headlight, we see beings rising up from the ground at an incredible rate. One rises up directly before the first vehicle. The townsman cries out as he strikes the creature. He flies over the front of the four-wheeler. A second creature dives on top of him and bites him in the throat. His body jerks. Ben swerves to miss the stopped vehicle and narrowly avoids the creature as it swings at them. Kara screams and clings to Ben. They pass the creature. Ben falls backward into Kara. His eyes are open and we see the blood on his throat. She screams. The weight of his body pushes them both off of the back of the four-wheeler. Kara hits the ground with Ben landing on top of her. She cries out, rolls him off of her, and scrambles to her knees.

She looks to the approaching headlights. A creature lunges for Brem. He swerves to avoid its swiping claws. He strikes the first dead man. The fourwheeler swerves out of control and strikes a tree near the steep edge. Brem flies over the handlebars and catapults over the ledge. We hear him cry out, followed by the sound of him toppling down the steep hill. Kara gasps and springs to her feet. The creatures run for her. She darts away from the brier patch and deeper into the woods while looking back. We see the two other four-wheelers pounced upon as they emerge from the brier patch. One man is struck as he passes and the other is tackled off of the side of the vehicle. Both are pounced upon by several others. Kara continues to run, without looking back. We see a bright light up ahead. The creatures are closing in on her and springing up from the ground around her. Kara runs into the clearing and stops. We see a fire burning across the entire clearing. The flames are two feet high. We see the fire burns the same symbol. Kara looks back. They're nearly upon her. Kara dives over the flames and rolls across the bare ground. She stops and stands just before the next hurdle of flames. We see creatures to the other side beyond the clearing. They don't enter, but instead, pace. Kara whirls around and looks behind her. The creatures hiss with exposed fangs, stained with blood, and slowly pace the area before the flames. Kara looks around her and nervously rubs her chilled shoulders. There are twenty or more creatures. Kara sinks to her knees and sobs softly. EXT. WOODS -- NIGHT Lenox looks around the dark woods while seated behind Travis on the slow moving four-wheeler. They appear in the living woods. Travis stops the fourwheeler. TRAVIS It's no use. I can't find my way through there. We'll have to wait for daylight. LENOX (springs off of the vehicle) Wait until daylight? Man, she'll be dead long before daylight. They should've been back by now. Nobody comes out of there after dark! TRAVIS (stands/faces Lenox) That includes us! LENOX No--not good enough. Give me the quad. I'll go back in on my own.

TRAVIS That's suicide. (removes the keys) I'm not going to let you do it. Lenox stares him down. He then looks to one of the abandoned jeeps. Lenox slings the shotgun over his shoulder and runs for the jeep. TRAVIS Lenox! Come back here! Lenox jumps into the jeep. The jeep's engine starts. The headlights pop on, and the jeep burns out in the dirt. Travis moves out of the jeeps path and watches it pass. INT. JEEP Dim lighting from the dashboard lights. Lenox stares out the windshield with a serious but concerned look on his face. LENOX Hold on, Kara. I'm coming for you. EXT. JEEP -- NIGHT Through the windshield. Lenox's POV. We see the eerie woods reflecting from the bright headlights. The jeep scrapes its sides past several trees. We hear the crunch and see the sparks fly. Lenox's POV. We see several people standing up ahead. The light reflects off of them. INT. JEEP We see Lenox squinting through the windshield. LENOX Oh, thank God-EXT. JEEP -- NIGHT The jeep slows. We see nearly skeletal creatures as the jeep gets closer. INT. JEEP Lenox's eyes widen and his mouth falls open. LENOX Who the fuck are these people?

They approach the jeep. We hear a thud above Lenox on the jeep roof. Lenox looks up. The canvas roof puckers under the weight of something. The creatures jump on top of the hood and approach the doors. LENOX Fuck! He steps on the gas and bolts past them. The canvas can be heard tearing. Lenox looks up. We see the canvas being shredded by the creature's claws. Lenox reaches for the shotgun and aims it to the roof. EXT. JEEP -- NIGHT We see the jeep bounce off of a tree with a creature clinging to the top of the canvas roof. INT. JEEP Lenox steadies the wheel, looks to the roof, and pulls the trigger. The shotgun fires. Thick, black blood sprays into the jeep's interior then drips rapidly. EXT. JEEP -- NIGHT Lenox's POV through the windshield. We see creatures fall from the trees. The cabin is just ahead. INT. JEEP A creature jumps onto the hood and stares Lenox in the face. Lenox cries out with a horrified look. He aims the shotgun. The creature dives from the hood. We see a tree directly in front of the jeep. Lenox screams. EXT. JEEP -- NIGHT The jeep strikes the tree with a powerful thrust. INT. JEEP Lenox is thrown forward, striking the windshield with his head. He's then tossed back against the seat. Lenox slowly opens his eyes. We see blood on his temple. He slowly looks around. We see human figures moving within the glare of the headlights. His eyes widen. He grabs the shotgun. LENOX Shit! I'm gonna die! He opens the jeep door. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- NIGHT

Lenox jumps from the jeep with some unsteadiness. Several creatures run for him. He fires at them and attempts to run for the cabin. The creatures close in on him. He fires again. One falls. He spins to the cabin door. A creature rises up from the ground between him and the cabin door. Lenox cries out and fires at the creature, blowing its head off with a spray of thick, black goop. Lenox opens the door and bolts inside. He slams the door behind him. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- EARLY MORNING The sun's not yet up. We see Kara sitting on the ground with her arms around her knees and her head tucked into her thighs. The burnt symbol smolders around her in the clearing. We see someone wearing a pair of black boots walking through the woods. They step over the smoldering boundary and stop near the silent, huddled Kara. Kara slowly wakes and lifts her head. She looks to the person standing over her. We follow her POV up the black, leather trench coat to Dameon's face. He stares at her without expression. Kara jumps with a gasp and scrambles backward on her buttocks. She stares at him with a look of horror. DAMEON You must be lost. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- EARLY MORNING Kara uncertainly walks along side Dameon through the woods. She looks at him every few steps. She stops near the brier patch and looks around. We see the area is vacant of bodies and vehicles. Kara looks back at him with shock and dismay.

KARA We were attacked here last night. They were all dead. (runs to the cliff/peers over) Brem went-Kara's POV. Hillside. We see the steep slope. There's no body at the bottom. Kara spins back to face him. KARA I'm not making it up. There were these creatures--like dried up dead people. They attacked us. DAMEON I'm not doubting your story. I'll walk you back to my house. You can call someone to come for you. KARA It was real!

DAMEON I believe you. Dameon turns and begins walking away. We hear strange noises in the shadows. Kara hurries after him. EXT. DAMEON'S MANSION -- EARLY MORNING We see Dameon's mansion in a clearing ahead. Kara follows Dameon through Dead Woods then suddenly stops and stares at the house. The mansion is eerie looking with gargoyle statues outside the back terrace, and black roses growing on the trellis. Black vines cover the outer walls. Dameon pauses and turns to face her. DAMEON Something wrong? KARA Uh, no. She uncertainly follows. INT. LOUNGE The room is decorated in early medieval macabre. Swords, shields, and armor decorate the walls. There are hundreds of old candles on decorative holders throughout the entire room. Eerie gargoyles perch along side the huge, walk-in fireplace. Kara lifts the coffee cup in a trembling hand then sets it back down. Dameon returns to the lounge with a small bottle. He places some of the contents onto a cotton ball and sits on the fainting couch beside Kara. She moves with some concern then relaxes. Dameon dabs the cuts to her right arm. He plucks a thistle from her arm. She jerks and looks at him then the thistle. DAMEON Take a roll in the brier patch? KARA I was the lucky one. DAMEON Not luck. You were protected by a spell. Dameon plucks another thistle. Kara jumps then looks at him. KARA Protected? What do you mean? Dameon pauses then reaches for the stone around her neck. He lifts it. She eyes him with caution. He studies the stone.

DAMEON Dragon's eye--wards off evil spirits and protects the owner. Their eyes meet. Kara stares at him for a long moment. He gently releases the stone, grazing her skin with the back of his hand in a sensual manner. He returns to plucking thistles. DAMEON I recommend a hot bath. It'll help extract the deeper thistles. You may get an infection if they're not removed. She jumps as he plucks another thistle. Kara eyes him while his fingertips trace her exposed arms for more embedded thistles. Kara shifts uncomfortably. KARA You don't believe me, do you? DAMEON I know what's out there. I also know you should never have entered Dead Woods. (back to her arm) No one should travel the woods after dark. KARA What are they? DAMEON They are the cursed souls. They worship a demon that doesn't exist in our world. Worker bees--drones--nothing more. KARA They just come out and kill for no reason? DAMEON No, not for no reason. They collect souls for their master. KARA But if he doesn't exist, why are they still here? Why do they still kill? DAMEON They're controlled by a stone, similar to the one your wear. The demon is unable to control them from the other side. Someone has power over them--controls them. It's thought to be that the controller of the stone would inherit the power of the demon.

Kara stares into his eyes with a look of horror and disbelief. KARA This is more of a story than I really wanted. DAMEON Lose that stone, and you're helpless against them. There's an odd silence between them. We can see Kara is untrusting of Dameon. We notice Dameon's thumb caressing her inner forearm. She shifts nervously. KARA I should try calling Lenox again. I don't know where he could be this time of morning. Kara attempts to stand. Dameon catches her arm. She meets his gaze and slowly sits down. She's compelled to stare at him. He releases her arm. DAMEON You don't need to fear me. KARA What makes you think I'm afraid of you? DAMEON I can see it in your eyes. KARA The people in town--they say you're into black magic. They say you're a witch. DAMEON It's inconceivable for me to be a witch. As for the people in town, who could ever believe the words of people who still believe in burning witches at the stakes? KARA What about black magic? DAMEON Black magic is a term used to harm others by spells and curses. I have more important things to do than curse people. No matter how much they might deserve it.

INT. BATHROOM We see Kara standing before a partially steamed mirror with a large towel wrapped around her body. She wipes the steam from the mirror and looks at herself. She has cuts, scrapes, and bruises on her shoulders, arms, neck, and face. KARA You've looked better. We hear movement beyond the door. Kara looks to the door with a look of concern. We see a shadow part the light beneath the door. KARA Dameon? There's no response. Kara slowly walks to the door and unlocks it. INT. BEDROOM We see Kara standing in the bathroom doorway. Kara's POV. We see a black, silk shirt and black satin robe lying across the foot end of the old-fashioned, canopy bed with sheer curtains hanging from it. Kara looks around the room. No one's there. INT. LOUNGE Kara slowly enters the lounge wearing the black, satin robe. The warm glow of the fire in the marble fireplace is inviting. The candles are now lit. Kara looks around the room and approaches with caution. Dameon pours two drinks into gold goblets at the small bar. Kara pauses a couple of feet away and watches him. He looks up and smiles warmly and approaches her. He extends the gold goblet to her. DAMEON My own special blend. Kara uncertainly accepts the goblet. DAMEON It doesn't bite--and neither do I. KARA Forgive me--it's been a long night.

DAMEON I understand. Did you try calling your friend again?

KARA He doesn't answer. I'm not sure the police believed me either. DAMEON Don't put much faith into our law enforcement. It's nearly light. I'll take you back to town when I'm certain the cursed souls have gone back to the ground. I wouldn't want to subject you to another encounter. KARA I appreciate that. He directs her to the plush sofa. Kara hesitates then slowly approaches the sofa and sinks into it. He sits on the sofa a couple of feet away. Kara looks around the room. KARA You certainly like candles. DAMEON Essence candles. An ancient wax to ward off evil spirits and relax the soul. Kara looks around the room and nervously rubs her thumb over the goblet. KARA It's not working. DAMEON It's not the evil spirits that cause your tension. I think that honor's all mine. KARA It's not you. I'm just uncomfortable-in strange places. DAMEON I'm neither upset nor offended that you're uncomfortable around me. Most people fear speaking to me. (eyes her goblet) And none would ever consider drinking anything I would put before them. Kara looks to the contents of the gold goblet. The substance appears blue. KARA What is it?

DAMEON An old, family recipe. Kara stares at him. Her eyes reveal a glimpse of concern. She watches him while slowly raising the goblet to her lips. She takes a small sip and lowers the goblet. DAMEON Do you like it? Kara looks back to the contents of the goblet then looks at Dameon and smiles warmly. KARA It's actually pretty good. It doesn't even taste like alcohol. DAMEON That's because it's not alcohol. It's a special herbal tea. Alcohol distorts the mind--this enhances it. Kara takes another sip. She looks to the fireplace and drinks from the goblet. Kara slowly sinks into the chair and stares at the goblet with a look of concern. KARA Are you sure there's no alcohol in this? Dameon nods. KARA Why do I feel so strange? DAMEON It relieves tension and stress. I'll see if your clothing are finished in the dryer. Dameon finishes his drink and stands. Kara pulls herself to her feet with a look of shame and approaches him. KARA Dameon--I didn't mean to accuse you of-He turns to face her. Kara stares at him as she had the first day she saw him. KARA Why do I have this uncontrollable desire to kiss you? Is it some sort of spell? Dameon smiles and steps closer to her. She stares helplessly into his eyes. He takes her hand in his.

DAMEON It's a powerful love spell. You've fallen helplessly in love with me. Dameon raises her hand to his lips. He gently kisses the back of her hand and then the side of her index finger in a sensual manner. Kara meets his gaze with the same helpless look. KARA (whispers) Yes-DAMEON There's nothing in your tea. Dameon releases her hand and leaves the room. Kara stares after him. INT. CABIN We see Lenox sitting in the corner of the cabin's living quarters with the shotgun across his lap. He appears to be asleep. We hear a pounding on the door. Lenox opens one eye. We hear the pounding again. Lenox opens both eyes and quickly scrambles to his feet. We see the light entering through the separation in the wooden shutters. Lenox holds the shotgun in his arm with his finger on the trigger. He creeps quickly to the door with the bar across it to keep it shut. Lenox removes the bar and quietly sets it aside. He flings open the door and aims the shotgun. We see a badly scraped and battered Brem. He holds his bleeding arm and stares at the shotgun. Neither moves. BREM Where are the others? Where's the girl? LENOX (slowly lowers the shotgun) The girl? Kara? BREM We were attacked--by these things. I fell down a hill. When I woke, there were no sounds. I saw smoke-LENOX We have to find Kara. You need a doctor. BREM It's just a scratch. We need to find the others.

LENOX Those things that attacked you--were they dead guys? BREM Cursed souls--I hadn't believed it could be true. They're real--very real. If they're here, that must mean the evil can be resurrected. LENOX That's a bad thing, right? BREM A very bad thing. We hear a faint clunk. Both look around. Lenox turns and walks back into the cabin. We hear a faint scratching then it stops. Brem slowly enters as well. Both walk across the floor. Lenox steps on the trap door. We hear a clunk. Both look to the trap door. Lenox steps off of it and aims his gun. Brem approaches the trap door and places his fingers in the hole. Lenox stands prepared. Brem pulls the door open and jumps away from the pit. Lenox aims the shotgun into the crawl space. INT. CRAWL SPACE We see Ruger scramble backward into the corner. His clothing are shredded and he's cut, bruised, and dirty. He clings to the corner and trembles. INT. CABIN Brem and Lenox look at one another. We hear a four-wheeler outside. TRAVIS (voice) Lenox! Lenox! Lenox and Brem look to the door. Travis appears in the doorway with a look of concern on his face. Travis clutches the necklace he wears and slips it beneath his shirt. TRAVIS Lenox--I'm glad I found you. I saw the jeep--I was afraid something happened to you. LENOX We need help over here! Brem stares at Travis with a look of loathe. Travis ignores Brem and hurries into the cabin.

INT. MANSION Kara slowly enters the sunroom, still dressed in Dameon's black, silk shirt and robe. She looks around the candlelit room. KARA Dameon? There's no response. We hear movement from outside. Kara slowly approaches the wall of windows. It's still partially dark outside. She looks out the window. A pair of glowing eyes stare back at her. Kara cries out and backs into someone. She spins with a startled gasp. A hazy mist dissipates. There's no one there. Kara stares a moment longer then hurries from the room. INT. HALLWAY Kara hurries along the wide, long, candlelit hallway toward the library. She stares at several suits of armor and weapons mounted on the walls. KARA Dameon? We see a strange fog roll along the floor. Kara watches the fog then follows it. It appears to linger beneath the wall near a hanging tapestry. Kara pauses before the wall tapestry. She slowly pulls the tapestry away from the wall to reveal an old, wooden door. Kara pushes on the iron handle. The door opens inward. INT. SECRET PASSAGE We see the dimly lit, narrow stone staircase leading down. Kara slowly steps into the staircase, allowing the tapestry to fall back into place behind her. She leaves the door open. Kara slowly walks down the stone steps in her bare feet. INT. SECRET ROOM Kara enters a small, cobweb-covered room with an old desk and chair. The desk is cluttered with old books and papers. Bookshelves line the walls. There's a door to the back end of the room. Lit candles on old-fashioned candle stands provide enough light in the room. Strange objects fill the bookshelves. Kara slowly approaches the shelves and studies the old jars with strange labels. They're filled with strange leafy plants, some contain a dirt-like substance, and others are filled with things barely describable. We see an old, leather book lying open on the desktop. She looks at the book. It's written in some unknown language. We hear a sound beyond the partially opened door at the opposite end of the small room. Kara approaches the door and peers through the opening. INT. LAB

Kara's POV. We see a large lab with old lab equipment. Liquid boils in glass beakers above old Bunsen burners. Dameon stands before a small jar of boiling water placed above a burner. Kara watches him cut a bloodstained piece of material from her shirt and place it into the boiling water. The blood boils out of the material. He tosses several pinches of different, powdery substances into the water as well. It puffs with blue colored smoke. Dameon begins to speak softly in an unknown language and waves his hand over the boiling substance. INT. SECRET ROOM Kara moves away from the partially opened door and looks around the room with a look of concern. She quickly hurries back to the staircase. INT. HALLWAY Kara appears from behind the tapestry and looks around the dimly lit hallway. She stares at the front door then hurries toward it. She runs up the foyer steps and pulls on the door. It doesn't open! Kara slams her palm against the door while cursing softly then turns around. Dameon leans casually against the foyer wall and smiles. Kara jumps with a startled cry. DAMEON What's the rush? KARA I thought I--uh--heard someone at the door. It appears to be stuck. DAMEON That happens sometimes. Your clothes are ready. I laid them out upstairs for you. EXT. TOWN -- DAY We see the black blazer driving into town. Several people stop, point, and stare. INT. BLAZER We see Dameon on the driver's side watching the road as they drive through town. Kara examines her clean shirt with several tears within it from last night's attack. The blood and dirt stains are gone. She fumbles over the area Dameon had cut the material from, but the piece is intact. She appears puzzled. She glances at Dameon then stares out the windshield of the passenger side. EXT. BLAZER -- DAY Kara's POV. We see the people staring at them as they pass. INT. BLAZER

Kara turns away from the side window and looks at Dameon. He appears unaffected. KARA It doesn't bother you that they stare and talk? DAMEON Think I care that they have nothing better to do then worry about me? It's actually quite comical, when you think about it. KARA I don't find it funny. DAMEON You don't know the joke. One shock at a time--stick around and I'll tell you the whole, sordid, morbid story. KARA I'd heard about your grandfather. DAMEON A story that continues to distort as it's spread. The truth is much more entertaining. Kara eyes him with some concern. EXT. TOWN -- MORNING The blazer approaches the motel and stops. Kara and Dameon get out of the blazer. They receive several stares. Kara eyes the gossiping, concerned citizens. KARA It bothers me--how they stare. DAMEON (looks back/the people scatter) Probably some wild gossip around town now--us outside of a motel. Kara looks at Dameon. He smirks and snickers. They approach Lenox's motel room. Kara knocks on the door. There's no reply. Kara approaches her own room and attempts to open it. It's locked. Kara looks to the office. We see a man's head poke back inside. Kara walks toward the office and turns the knob. It's also locked. She knocks.

KARA Mr. McGrath? There's no reply. KARA Terrific. (looks at Dameon) My room key is back in Ben's truck, and this jerk won't acknowledge I'm here. Where the hell is Lenox? DAMEON He could've gone to the diner. KARA I hope he didn't go out looking for me. Do you think the police went out there yet?

DAMEON I wouldn't count on them going out there at all. KARA But they have to. I told him the others were dead. They have to investigate, whether they think I'm crazy or not. DAMEON (walks to her room) You told a paranoid sheriff that several men were torn apart and hung in trees by the living dead. What did you think his reaction would be? Dameon turns to her motel room door, turns the knob, and opens the door. DAMEON Get some rest. I'll go into the woods and search for survivors. Kara quickly approaches him with a horrified look. KARA You can't go in there alone. You'll be killed.

DAMEON I think that's the first time anyone's ever showed concern for me. They don't come out during the day. I'll let you know if I find anything. Dameon returns to his blazer. Kara watches him leave. She looks across town. Several people are staring at her. Kara turns toward her room and stares at the open door. KARA I thought it was locked-INT. BEDROOM Kara enters the room and shuts the door behind her. She removes her shorts and tosses them on the floor. She begins to unbutton her shirt as she enters the bathroom. INT. BATHROOM Kara turns the shower on then continues with the buttons on her shirt. We hear movement from the outer room. Kara pauses and listens. She quickly closes the buttons on her shirt and cautiously approaches the bedroom. She peeks into the room. INT. BEDROOM Everything appears quiet. Kara looks to the door. We see she's forgotten to lock the door. Kara approaches the door, and locks and chains it. She turns around. Juno lunges from the closet at her with an old dagger. Kara screams and catches her wrist holding the dagger. Kara struggles against the gypsy with the knife. JUNO She must die! The prophecy cannot come true! Kara holds the knife back from her face with all of her strength. She curls her fist and punches Juno in the mouth. Juno is thrown several steps off balance and drops the dagger. Kara scrambles for the dagger at the same time as Juno. Kara grabs the dagger and holds it just before the woman's face. Juno slowly backs away. JUNO He will spawn nothing but evil. You will be cursed forever! Juno turns, unlocks the door, and hurries from the room. Kara exhales deeply and sits on the bed exhausted.

KARA They're all crazy-Time lapse. Late day. Kara lie on the double bed in a pair of shorts and a tank top. We hear a key in the lock. Kara gasps and springs up in bed as the door is thrown open and the chain is ripped from the wall. We see Lenox standing in the doorway. He's dirty and has a dried blood on his forehead. Lenox sees Kara, and his large body sags. He runs to her and gathers her in his arms, smothering her. McGrath stands in the doorway holding a ring of keys. LENOX Kara--thank God! I thought you were dead. KARA Where the hell were you? What happened? LENOX Where was I? I was out in that forest of death looking for your ass! Are you okay? KARA (slowly nods) The others are dead. I was lucky to escape. LENOX That is it--we are out of here! KARA I think I have to agree with you. LENOX It's about time you got some sense. MCGRATH (voice) I want the two of you packed and out of here within an hour. Both look to McGrath in the doorway. MCGRATH You've caused enough trouble already. LENOX Us? What did we do?

MCGRATH Stirring up the spirits in Dead Woods, that's what you did. It's because of you those men were killed. (points to Kara) She brought the evil to town. Lenox looks back at Kara with confusion. Lenox looks back to the doorway. McGrath is gone. LENOX This whole town is fucked up. Get packed. I don't want to be here a moment longer. KARA God, I feel so bad. It's because of my curiosity all those people were killed. LENOX We found Ruger--alive. He was hiding in the crawl space beneath the cabin. Pretty shaken. KARA Ruger's alive? LENOX That Brem guy took him to the hospital. KARA Brem? You found Brem? LENOX He found me. I was taking cover in that cabin after those things attacked me. He was pretty badly banged up, but he was okay. KARA That was one hell of a fall he'd taken. I'm amazed he could survive. I'd like to check on him before we leave. LENOX We could do that. No harm in stopping by his antique shop. It's not far from here. INT. ANTIQUE SHOP The antique shop is dark, despite the daylight peaking through the old, antique curtains. The shop is tastefully filled with expensive items.

We see Brem, dressed in black, hurry from the back room and along the aisle between the antiques. He has a bandage to his temple, his wrist is wrapped, and we see the scratches and bruises on his face. He hurries to the front counter and removes an old book from beneath it. The book appears to be made of leather and gold. He flips through the book and stops on a page. BREM I should've known. He slams the book shut and runs out from behind the counter. He hurries into the back room. INT. BACK ROOM Brem enters the back room. We see antique suits of armor and a mummy sarcophagus leaning against the wall. There are other antiques on tables and stacked against the walls. Brem hurries through the cluttered room. We hear a clunk from across the room. Brem stops and looks around. He hurries five feet toward the wall and removes a baseball bat. He turns and looks around the room. The mummy sarcophagus near Brem topples over. Brem jumps out of its path. He looks around and carefully scans the dimly lit, cluttered room. INT. POLICE STATION We see the quiet police station with several uniformed officers sitting at a desk playing cards. They are SANDERS, KELLER, DICKSON, and TAYLOR. INT. SHERIFF ELDER'S OFFICE We see a man in his early fifties, SHERIFF ELDER, in his police uniform. He's a lean, slightly balding man. He sits behind his desk and chews on his lit cigar. McGrath and Bob sit before the desk. Both men appear excitable and agitated. BOB Those men are dead! We have to do something about him. ELDER I've heard this from you before, Bob. We can't go around charging people with witchcraft. It just doesn't work in this day and age. MCGRATH That photographer woman brought him back to my motel. There's no telling what sort of evil she'll spawn. I don't want that devil worshiper near my motel. It's bad enough he's allowed to roam freely about town.

The office door opens. All three look to the door. We see a tall, heavy-set man, MAYOR REYNOLDS, in the doorway. The sheriff stands and smiles politely. Mayor Reynolds enters and shuts the door. MAYOR They found Ruger. He's in the hospital. He's out of his mind mad. He won't stop babbling about something evil. Our number one citizen is tied in a hospital bed like some mad man. I'd like to know what you intend to do about it. ELDER I'll have some of the boys take flowers to the hospital right away. MAYOR Idiot! I don't care what it takes, I want Dameon Archer out of this town and out of our lives--forever! EXT. DAMEON'S MANSION -- LATE DAY We see Dameon's mansion from the hillside view. Juno approaches the mansion and pauses to stare a moment longer. She clutches her dream catcher necklace then continues toward the lower door. INT. MANSION BASEMENT The door opens and light floods into the dark basement. We see Juno in the doorway. She slowly and nervously enters. The basement is full of cobwebs and looks more like a castle dungeon. She slowly moves across the room and pauses in the center of the room. She removes an old, glass bottle from her large pockets and uncorks it. She begins to chant and splash red, blood-like liquid across the room. We see a shadow across the basement. Juno continues to circle the room. She turns and comes face to face with Dameon. Juno gasps with horror and surprise. Dameon stares at her with a harsh look. DAMEON What do you think you're doing? Juno backs up several steps and points her finger at him with wide eyes. JUNO The prophecy must not be fulfilled! DAMEON (steps toward her) Crazy, old woman. I've had enough of your ancient prophecies of doom.

Juno splashes the liquid in his face. JUNO Devil be gone! Dameon stops and slowly wipes the thick substance from his face with a disgusted look. He flings the substance from his fingers and glares at her. Juno gasps and runs for the door. EXT. WOODS -- LATE DAY Juno runs through the woods as fast as she can. She looks back with fear several times. There seems to be the sound of movement all around her. She appears extremely paranoid. She slows her pace to a quick walk and looks behind her. A shadow appears before her. She turns forward and stops with a startled gasp. Her eyes widen. EXT. ANTIQUE SHOP -- LATE DAY Kara and Lenox walk up to the front door of the well-maintained storefront. We see beautiful window displays with antique furniture and other items. The shop appears dark. Lenox knocks on the glass door. Kara studies the furnishings through the window. KARA Are you sure Brem's here? LENOX Said he was coming back here after he dropped off Ruger. He could still be at the hospital. KARA You're probably right. LENOX I'm starved. Want to get something at the diner? Maybe Brem will be back by the time we're finished. KARA Only if you're buying. LENOX When don't I buy? Lenox laughs and places his arm around Kara's shoulder. He leads her toward the diner. Travis hurries toward Kara and Lenox. He appears out of breath.

TRAVIS I'm glad I found you. McGrath said you'd left. He seemed upset. KARA I got a ride to town with Dameon. It caused quite an outpour of emotion. TRAVIS So I've heard. LENOX That gypsy woman tried to kill Kara in her room. TRAVIS Oh, my God! That's incredible! That's what I wanted to tell you. That crazy, old woman was protesting this morning when she'd heard about the attack in the woods. She was accusing everyone of everything. She and Brem got into it right outside of the hospital. KARA What happened? LENOX It doesn't concern us, because we're leaving. TRAVIS She accused Brem of being a sadist and went as far as to accuse him of the deaths of those who went out. KARA But that's not true. I saw what happened. Brem was one of the first attacked. TRAVIS There's no stopping her when she's on her soapbox. She was babbling on about cults and human sacrifices to demons and how Dameon was the man responsible. (pause) Then she told an old story that I'd completely forgotten about. Many years ago, Lexx Archer was thought to be a demon. It was told that he would have four sons--the four masters.

TRAVIS (CONT) They would bring about the end of the world and there'd be hell on earth. But Lexx only had Dameon's father. Supposedly Dameon is an only child as well. Juno has a lot of people believing that Dameon will father the prophecy. He will have four sons, and they will be the earth's destruction. KARA But that's just the rambling of an old woman who's seen too many horror movies. She tried to kill me, remember? The woman's not wrapped too tight. TRAVIS No, the story's true. It's in the history books of this town. The prophecy will be fulfilled and the evil will take a mate. You're probably the first woman Dameon's ever spoken to, let alone given a ride to town. KARA That's just folklore of an old gypsy. She probably got the idea because of the necklace. TRAVIS Think what you'd like, but I'm telling you, this town will think you're his chosen mate. They already suspect you of evil doing. KARA What? TRAVIS They've been saying you lure people into the woods so the demon can sacrifice them. KARA They're out of their minds! TRAVIS I'm just telling you what I've been hearing. LENOX Ruger can tell them. He was there.

TRAVIS (to Lenox) Ruger's been reduced to a babbling idiot. He doesn't even acknowledge his own sister. (to Kara) You're not safe here. LENOX Time to go. KARA No-(to Travis) Brem will tell them. TRAVIS Brem's certifiable. Sheriff Elder wants to lock him in the crazy house. Nobody will listen to anything Brem has to say. KARA Can't you convince them? TRAVIS I'm an accomplice by association. They won't listen to me anymore than they'll listen to Brem. They believe you're granddaughter to the girl Lexx chose all those years ago. They believe you're the chosen woman to fulfill his prophecy. LENOX We're out of here. Prophecy over. TRAVIS If it is the prophecy, he's not going to allow her to leave. Lenox looks around the small town. We see several people watching them. He looks back to Travis with a cold look. LENOX Watch us-Lenox pulls Kara along the sidewalk behind him. Travis watches them then looks around town. Several people glare at him. Travis quickly turns and hurries toward Bob's Tavern with his head down. Kara has to hurry to keep up with Lenox as he pulls on her arm.

LENOX Let's just get out of here. KARA I thought we were getting something to eat. LENOX I lost my appetite somewhere between demons and you spawning them. We see Sheriff Elder appear from his office. Kara pulls away from Lenox and hurries toward the sheriff. Sheriff Elder looks in her direction then appears to hurry for his car. KARA Sheriff! Sheriff Elder pauses by his car and turns to face her. ELDER I don't have time to talk right now. I'm very busy. KARA (stops him) Are you investigating the deaths? ELDER Keep your voice down. We don't want a panic on our hands. KARA You haven't gone out there, have you? ELDER Sending more men out there will only result in more deaths. We'll deal with the responsible party. I suggest you return home. There's no reason for you to remain here. Lenox approaches. Sheriff Elder attempts to get into his car. Kara steps before the door. The sheriff jumps nervously then glares at her. ELDER You're obstructing justice.

KARA Responsible party? You know who's responsible for all of the deaths in Dead Woods? Neither you nor your men have been out there. How could you possibly know? ELDER There's evidence--plenty of evidence. Stand aside, or I'll have you arrested. Kara stands aside and stares at him. KARA What evidence? You don't even have a body. Sheriff Elder ignores her and gets into his car. He drives away without looking back. LENOX Now there's a real pleasant fellow. KARA (turns to Lenox) What possible evidence could they have? LENOX At least he didn't arrest me. KARA I'm serious. This town is so spooked, there's no telling what they'll do. LENOX Probably have an old-fashioned bonfire. Burn some witches and gypsies. KARA Oh, no--Lenox, what if they're going after Dameon? You said so yourself, there's no telling what they'll do. LENOX Kara, this is the twenty-first century. They don't burn witches in the town square anymore.

KARA Of course they don't--that's about as absurd as dead guys killing people. (tries to leave) We have to go out there--warn him. LENOX (stops her) This is exactly what Travis was trying to warn us about. What if it's Dameon's plan to lure you back out there? If this is some sort of prophecy, you should be as far away from Dameon as possible. KARA I don't buy into that prophecy stuff. This is a man's life at stake. LENOX Kara--what if they're right and we're wrong? KARA I think there's some sort of law against setting someone on fire. Kara attempts to pull away from him. Lenox holds her back. LENOX But what if he is the one responsible. You said so yourself. The guy's strange. How can you actually want to go back there after what you saw-(pause) I mean, think about it. The guy's suspected of witchcraft, dead dudes appear and kill at random, and there are hex signs everywhere. Who else could possibly control all of that? KARA Dameon said it's the keeper of the evil eye stone. It could be anyone--I can't explain it, Lenox. I just have to go there and warn him. LENOX You're crazy. I'm not going to Dameon's mansion. This time, I mean it!

EXT. TOWN -- EVENING We see Lenox's car driving along the back road toward Dead Woods. INT. CAR Lenox mutters under his breath. Kara studies the photos she'd taken earlier. LENOX How do I get myself into these things? KARA It all makes sense now. That gypsy told me to get rid of the necklace I'd found, yet Dameon said it was protection against evil spirits. I survived last night. They didn't touch me. It means she was lying, possibly to force me to get rid of it, so I'd be unprotected. She has access to old books and ancient fortune telling secrets. It would stand to believe that she could possess the evil stone. LENOX Don't you think her motive seems a bit hazy? KARA Dameon said that they collect souls as sacrifice for the evil demon. Power is a strong motive. LENOX Granted. But that still doesn't rule out Dameon. Dameon--demon--coincidence? KARA He saved my life. LENOX That's because he needs you alive. Ironic that he could survive out there among those creatures. Wouldn't be so difficult for whoever controls them. KARA You survived out there too. Lenox slams on the brakes. Kara cries out and braces herself. She glares at him. He stares at her with wide eyes.

LENOX Do you think it's possible for a man to survive a fall down that ledge? KARA What are you talking about? LENOX Brem. He supposedly falls down a steep cliff without one broken bone. Those things never attacked him. He survived the entire night. KARA It's not Brem, and it's not Dameon. I'm telling you, it's the gypsy woman. EXT. DRIVEWAY -- EVENING Lenox's car approaches the lane to Dameon's mansion and stops just before the nearly hidden, dirt driveway in Dead Woods. We see the darkness surrounding the wooded lane. INT. CAR Lenox looks at Kara, who just stares out the windshield. LENOX On second thought--that Dameon's pretty suspicious. The sheriff must know what he's doing. KARA Will you just drive-Lenox shifts the car into gear and stares at the driveway before them. He looks at her. LENOX Let's just suppose he is the one. What if he's already hanging the sheriff from a tree? Do we really want to involve ourselves in that? Kara glares at Lenox. LENOX I know--drive.

EXT. DRIVEWAY/MANSION -- EVENING We see the car slowly turn down the lane. The long, creepy driveway seems to twist and turn indefinitely. We see Dameon's mansion in a large, dark clearing. It's massive with gray stone exterior and a large, stone porch. Gargoyles stand guard on the porch steps and above on the second floor balcony. Large stained glass windows surround the front, along with decorative wood and glass doors on both the front and study entrance. The car pulls up to the mansion steps and stops along side Dameon's blazer. Kara and Lenox get out of the car. LENOX This is one of the worst ideas in a long line of bad ideas. KARA (approaches the house) We're here now. Lenox uncertainly follows her. They walk up the steps and across the porch to the front doors. Kara raises her hand to knock. The door creaks open. Lenox turns and walks away without a word. Kara grabs his arm and pulls him to the doorway. INT. FOYER/HALLWAY We see Kara and Lenox standing in the doorway. The foyer and hallway are dark. There's no sound or movement. KARA Dameon? There's no response. Kara slowly enters. Lenox remains in the doorway and stares at the inside of the house. Kara returns to him and pulls him into the foyer by his wrist. The door slowly closes. Both jump and look behind them to the door. Lenox shuts his eyes and shakes his head. LENOX (mutters) Damn, why'd I leave the shotgun. Lenox follows Kara down the four steps from the foyer into the marble floored hallway. He looks behind him with every step. Sculpted, natural wood trims the door frames and the large staircase. LENOX No one's home. Let's get the hell out of here-Lenox turns to leave. Kara turns and grabs his arm. We hear a faint clunk. Kara and Lenox look around the hall then to one another.

LENOX Where'd that come from? KARA Sounded like it came from the basement. LENOX Uh, uh. No way am I going into some spook house basement. I don't even know what I'm doing here. KARA Let's try the kitchen. LENOX Yeah, I can handle the kitchen. Leftovers don't frighten me. I'm starved. Kara and Lenox continue down the hallway. INT. KITCHEN Lenox and Kara walk around the large kitchen. We hear the faint sounds of a door closing. It once more appears to be coming from the basement. Lenox approaches the refrigerator while Kara opens the basement door. LENOX Now that's more like it. Kara looks back to Lenox. He removes a wrapped roast from the refrigerator and sets it on the counter. KARA Can you be sure what that really is? Lenox unwraps the roast and smells it. LENOX Umm-umm, cursed roast beef. (to Kara) Want some? KARA No--thanks. (looks to the basement) I'm going to check downstairs. I'll be right back.

Lenox removes a knife from the collection on the wall and slices the roast. Kara walks down the basement steps. INT. BASEMENT CORRIDOR The basement is set up much like a dungeon. There are long, dark stone corridors and several cell doors on either side. Dripping water adds an eerie atmosphere. Kara reaches the bottom of the stone steps and cautiously walks along the torch lit corridor. A rat scurries past her. Kara gasps then relaxes. We hear an old door creak. It echoes through the lower level. Kara nervously looks around. KARA (softly) Dameon? There's no response. Kara stops and looks down. We see a trail of blood along the stone corridor. Kara slowly follows the trail of blood along the dimly lit corridor. It leads to a back room with a solid wood door. The door's partially open. Kara pauses outside of the door and slowly begins pushing it open. We hear movement just behind Kara. She jerks and spins around. Lenox grabs her arm while pointing to the blood on the floor. Kara screams at Lenox's sudden appearance. Lenox cries out with surprise to her scream. Kara relaxes and smacks his arm. KARA Damn it! You scared me! LENOX (looks from her to the blood) Where's that coming from? Kara nods to the door. Lenox nervously peers over her shoulder. As she pushes the door open, Lenox removes a torch from its holder and clutches it for security. INT. CELL BLOCK Kara peers into the dimly lit cell. We see Travis shackled to the wall. His bleeding head hangs down. Blood covers his right shoulder on his shirt. Kara stares with a look of horror. LENOX Oh, my God--is he dead? KARA Travis-Kara hurries into the room. Lenox remains in the doorway clutching the torch and looking between the hallway and the cell. Kara pauses before Travis and gently lifts his head. Travis moans softly.

KARA Travis! Talk to me--are you okay? Travis's eyes slowly open, and he looks at her. Relief then concern crosses his face. He looks to the shackles and fights them. TRAVIS Kara--we have to get out of here before he returns. Lenox quickly peers into the corridor then looks back to Travis and Kara. KARA (to Lenox) Look for a key. (to Travis) What happened? TRAVIS Last thing I remember, I was walking to Bob's Tavern. Everything after that is a blur. Lenox looks around the room with the torch still in his hand. LENOX I don't see any keys. KARA (to Travis) We have to find something to cut the shackles. We'll be right back. Travis nods with exhaustion. Kara and Lenox hurry from the cell. INT. KITCHEN Kara and Lenox hurry toward the kitchen hallway door. Just as Kara reaches for the door, it opens. Sheriff Elder appears in the doorway with his gun aimed at them. All three cry out with surprise. ELDER (lowers his gun) What are you doing here? LENOX Getting the shit scared out of us. A DEPUTY appears behind Sheriff Elder with a look of concern on his youthful face.

KARA We found Travis. He's shackled to the wall in one of the cells in the basement. He's been wounded. ELDER Travis? (to deputy) Go to the basement and check on him. I'll call for an ambulance. The deputy nods and hurries past them for the basement stairs. ELDER I think it's best if the two of you waited in the library. My men are searching the house, and I don't want you getting caught in the crossfire. INT. LIBRARY Lenox and Kara enter the library with Sheriff Elder behind them. Lenox and Kara turn to face Sheriff Elder with uneasiness between them. ELDER You'll be safe here. LENOX Safe? What makes you think we'll be safe? ELDER You just stay put. We'll get help for Travis-and we'll find Dameon. His blazer's in the driveway, but he's nowhere to be found. He must've known we were coming. I'd better not find out you're helping him, or I'll have you both arrested. Sheriff Elder leaves the library and shuts the door behind him. We hear a key turn in the lock. LENOX (stares at the door) Did that mother just lock us in here? Kara hurries to the door and attempts to open it. The door doesn't open. Kara groans. KARA He certainly did.

LENOX This entire town's starting to piss me off. KARA We have to get out of here. (looks to the window) How about that way? LENOX Do you know where that window leads? Into Dead Woods. Those dead guys are just waiting for my black ass to set foot out there. KARA Don't be ridiculous. It's not even dark yet. Lenox looks to the window. He looks back to Kara. LENOX Dark enough. Listen to me--you'll live longer. Kara begins to pace the room. INT. CABIN - CRAWL SPACE Darkness. We see Brem lying motionless on the ground floor. Blood seeps from his temple opposite the bandaged side. Brem moans softly and slowly pulls himself to his hands and knees. He attempts to straighten. His head strikes the low, wooden ceiling above him causing a low thump. He clutches his head then looks to the ceiling with surprise. He pushes harshly on the trap door, but it doesn't move. He remains on his knees, hunched over, and removes a lighter from his pocket. In the glow of the lighter, we see Juno staring back at him. Brem gasps and falls backwards onto his buttocks. Upon second look, we see she's dead--blood surrounding her throat. Brem cringes then looks around the pit. There are cobwebs but no other bodies. He looks to the low ceiling above him. He sniffs the air several times. His eyes suddenly widen. BREM Oh, no-EXT. DEAD WOODS -- EVENING We see the old cabin burning in the middle of the clearing. INT. SUNROOM Sheriff Elder and three deputies, Keller, Dickson, and Taylor, stand by the glass, sunroom doors. They stare outside into the dim woods.

EXT. MANSION -- EVENING Sheriff Elder's POV. We see the sloping hillside into Dead Woods. There's a view of the town in the distance. INT. SUNROOM Deputies Sanders, Keller, Taylor, and Dickson approach the sheriff near the glass doors. SANDERS Should we search the exterior of the mansion? He may have gone into the woods. ELDER You and Keller can search outside the mansion, but I don't want anyone venturing into the woods--understand? SANDERS Yes, Sir. Sanders and Keller leave through the glass doors. We see them walk across the back porch. ELDER Search the house from attic to basement. I want him found. Dickson looks to Taylor and nods to the interior door. Taylor and Dickson leave the room. The sheriff leans against the glass and stares into the woods. EXT. MANSION -- EVENING Sheriff Elder's POV. We see the dim woods. A man with a dark hat and a black, leather trench coat runs into the woods and away from the house. INT. SUNROOM Sheriff Elder straightens with a dumbfounded look. He slams his palm to the glass door. ELDER Dameon! Freeze! Sheriff Elder runs for the exterior, sunroom doors.

EXT. MANSION -- EVENING Sheriff Elder runs across the balcony and down the steps. ELDER Sanders! Keller! Sanders and Keller run to the sheriff with their guns drawn. Sheriff Elder removes his weapon. ELDER He ran into the woods. Sheriff Elder heads for the woods and motions for them to follow. Sanders and Keller run after the sheriff. They run deeper into the woods. We see a man in a black trench coat step out from behind a tree and hurry back to the house. INT. ATTIC Dickson and Taylor stand, with their guns drawn, in the entrance of the huge attic filled with antiques. It almost resembles Brem's store. DICKSON This attic's bigger than the entire police station. TAYLOR Want to split up? DICKSON Are you out of your mind? Dameon's a tricky son-of-a-bitch. We have to stick together. TAYLOR But we could cover more-DICKSON No-They cautiously walk across the cluttered attic with their guns drawn. They look on either side of the attic. Dickson bumps into an old suit of armor holding a spiked ball. It clatters and falls to the ground. We see Dickson's reflection in a standing mirror that has been hidden by the armor. Dickson cries out when he sees himself move in the mirror. He fires his weapon twice at his reflection in the mirror. The mirror shatters. Dickson tenses. Taylor stares at him with a look of surprise and concern. TAYLOR I think you got him.

Dickson stares at the shattered mirror and lowers his gun. Taylor continues across the attic. Dickson looks at the broken mirror on the floor. The spiked ball lay in the shared glass. DICKSON There's seven years bad luck. Dickson looks to the undamaged, bottom half of the full-length mirror. We see the reflection of a pair of black boots standing behind Dickson in the remaining portion of the mirror. Dickson turns. His eyes widen with surprise. A knife slashes across his throat. Dickson gasps, clutches his bleeding throat, and falls to the floor. Taylor continues across the attic. He pauses to look at a partially covered, antique chair. He removes the cover from it to reveal a spiked chair used for medieval torture. Taylor makes a face. TAYLOR Ouch-He looks behind him. TAYLOR Hey--you're going to love this. Taylor pauses and stares. Dickson's no longer behind him. Taylor turns and searches the attic with his eyes. His back is to the spiked chair. Taylor steps away from the chair and proceeds down the cluttered aisle. TAYLOR Dickson? There's no response. Taylor approaches the broken mirror. He looks down to the broken glass. We see blood near the glass. We notice the spiked ball and chain is missing. Taylor turns and looks around. TAYLOR Dickson? Taylor walks back along the aisle toward the stairs. We see a streak of blood on the floor near the steps. Taylor appears concerned. We hear a clunk. Taylor follows the blood through another narrow path of piled antiques. TAYLOR Dickson? A figure in a black trench coat appears before Taylor. The spiked ball swings on its chain for Taylor's face. Taylor screams.

INT. LIBRARY Kara continues to pace while Lenox flips through the old book on the desk. LENOX This is one weird ass book. Must be about the Dead Woods myth. KARA Does it mention killer zombies and hex signs painted in blood? LENOX Yes. Kara spins around and stares at him with a look of surprise. She hurries behind him and stares over his shoulder. LENOX It tells the story of a cult in what is now Dead Woods. KARA What does it say? LENOX According to legend, Anscott made a deal with the devil. His soul was cast into the Evil Eye stone he wore. His demon soul can be resurrected by human sacrifices. One soul for each of the thirty-one men responsible for the burning. A human host is needed to power the stone and control his followers. Upon the resurrection of his soul, the barer will have the power of a demon--able to destroy everyone and everything. KARA So the Evil Eye stone is used to control the creatures--followers of this evil entity. They kill without regard to who it is? LENOX They aren't exactly particular. KARA But, again, why would someone want to control creatures that kill everyone in their path?

LENOX How do we know there wasn't a reason? All of this could've been for just one murder. KARA A bit extreme. We hear the key turn in the lock. Both look to the library door. The door opens. Brem stands in the doorway. He stares at them. BREM Why are you locked in the library? Both hurry toward him. KARA Brem, are you okay? (eyes his new cut) What happened? BREM I had an unexpected trip into Dead Woods. Where's the sheriff? I saw his car outside. LENOX Witch hunting. BREM The fool-Travis suddenly appears behind Brem. He's an unsightly mess with blood across the front of his shirt. Travis hits Brem on the back of the head with a fire poker. Brem falls to the floor. Travis motions them to the doorway. Lenox and Kara stare at Travis with a look of surprise. LENOX Are you crazy? What do you think you're doing? TRAVIS He's in with Dameon! He's liable to wake up. We can't trust him. Come on--we have to hurry! Kara and Lenox approach Travis and the unconscious Brem. KARA Are you sure he was involved?

TRAVIS Everyone knows Brem defends Dameon. Travis motions them from the room. They carefully step over Brem. INT. HALLWAY Lenox follows Travis. Kara pauses near the library door and looks back. We see Brem lying unconscious. She looks back to Lenox and Travis as they near the front door. Travis and Lenox walk up the foyer steps. Travis opens the front door. Kara continues to stare without approaching. KARA Wait-Lenox and Travis both look back at Kara near the library and Brem, lying in the doorway. TRAVIS What? KARA Where'd the rest of the blood come from? Travis looks down to his shirt. Lenox glares at Travis. Travis looks back to Lenox and punches him in the face. He throws Lenox through the open front door, then slams and locks the door. Kara gasps and stares at Travis. KARA You weren't shackled down there! You set me up. TRAVIS (dabs his bleeding forehead) Couldn't let you find me down there. I had to make up something quick. Nice little set-up Dameon has down there. I find his witchcraft books very fascinating and insightful. KARA Brem was protecting us from you? TRAVIS Ironic, eh? Kara backs down the hallway while staring at Travis. We hear pounding at the front door.

KARA You're responsible for those--things. Travis removes the stone from beneath his shirt. We see the black, Evil Eye stone on a black string. TRAVIS I found the stone in the woods while I was out hunting one morning. I took it to the old gypsy woman on the edge of town. She told me all about the power it contained. And she couldn't have been more right. Unfortunately, she intended to tell everyone about the stone I'd found. I couldn't allow her to do that. She said it right in front of Brem. I saw his little wheels turning. After thirty-one human sacrifices, all the power of Anscott will be mine. Then I'll be invincible. The pounding at the front door ceases. Lenox cries out. TRAVIS Guess that makes twenty-nine. KARA Lenox-Travis moves closer to her. Kara backs into the library table. She grasps the edge of it and feels behind her. Kara touches a small, marble statue behind her. TRAVIS I wouldn't worry so much about him, Kara. His suffering has ended. Kara throws the marble statue at Travis. It hits him in the shoulder than falls and lands on his foot. Travis cries out in pain and clutches his foot. Kara spins and runs down the hall and up the stairs. INT. SECOND FLOOR HALLWAY Kara spins around the banister and runs along the upper hallway. We hear Travis coming up the stairs with thunderous footfalls. Kara darts into the first room on the right. INT. BEDROOM Dim lighting. Kara slams the bedroom door and locks it. She backs away from the door then looks around the room. We hear Lenox screaming from outside on ground level. Kara runs to the balcony. She opens the glass doors and steps onto the balcony.

EXT. BALCONY -- EVENING We see the view of the town beyond the hillside in the valley. Kara clutches the rail and looks down below. EXT. ESTATE GROUNDS -- EVENING Kara's POV. We see Lenox running along the side of the house, pounding on doors. We see the creatures behind him. EXT. BALCONY -- EVENING Kara leans over the railing. KARA (soft cry) Lenox! EXT. ESTATE GROUNDS -- EVENING Kara's POV. Lenox looks up to the balcony. LENOX Kara! Throw me a weapon! Unlock the doors! EXT. BALCONY -- EVENING Kara looks back to the bedroom then hesitates. She clutches the black stone. She removes it from her neck and looks back to Lenox. EXT. ESTATE GROUNDS -- EVENING Kara's POV. We see Lenox bolt past several creatures. LENOX Kara! Lenox's POV. We see Kara on the balcony above Lenox. KARA Lenox! Trust me! Kara throws the necklace from the balcony. Lenox dives forward and catches the necklace. He stumbles to the ground. The creatures dive on top of him. The creatures are suddenly thrown off of Lenox. Lenox lie on the ground with the necklace in his hand and his arms crossed over his face. He slowly lowers his hands and looks around. The creatures slowly move to their feet and hiss. Lenox scrambles to his feet. The creatures move closer. Lenox holds out the necklace. They jump backward and hiss.

EXT. BALCONY -- EVENING Kara sighs with relief. We hear a thump against the bedroom door. Kara gasps and spins around. There's another thump. We hear the doorframe crack as the door is thrown open. Kara looks around her. We see a rosebush trellis. Kara climbs from the balcony to the trellis. EXT. ESTATE GROUNDS -- EVENING Lenox stands outside of the mansion and looks up to the balcony. He appears concerned. LENOX Kara! We see Kara climbing slowly up the trellis. KARA The necklace won't work against him! Travis appears on the balcony. He looks to Kara and attempts to grab her. Kara screams and climbs up further. LENOX Kara! I'm coming! Travis grabs the trellis and begins pulling on it. The trellis shakes slightly. Kara cries out and continues her slow climb. INT. LIBRARY We see Lenox through the glass doors. He runs for the glass doors and strikes them with his shoulder. The glass shatters inward and flies across the room as Lenox crashes through. Lenox rolls across the floor several times and lie motionless in the shattered glass. He groans and slowly sits up. He's scratched and bleeding. He slowly stands and looks to the library door. Brem's gone. Lenox looks to a broad sword hanging on the wall. EXT. MANSION -- EVENING Kara kicks at Travis as he holds onto the trellis and attempts to grab her foot. He grabs her ankle and pulls on her. Kara clings to the trellis and attempts to pull her foot free. Travis pulls on her. The trellis begins to move from the wall with each pull then slams back into place. Brem appears on the balcony with the fire poker raised above his head. Brem cries out and strikes Travis on the shoulder, narrowly missing his head. Travis releases Kara with surprise and pain. Brem attempts to swing again. Kara stares down with concern. Travis grabs Brem's wrist and they struggle for the poker.

BREM Kara! Go! Kara hesitates then climbs the trellis. She looks back down. We see the two men punch at one another. Both get in several punches and are slammed against the balcony rail. Kara reaches the small balcony to the attic window. She pulls herself onto the small balcony and looks down. We see Travis shove Brem and topple him over the balcony rail. Brem cries out as he falls to the ground below, landing roughly on his back. The creatures circle around him as he slowly opens his eyes. Kara clutches the rail. KARA No! Travis looks up then disappears into the mansion. Kara tenses. The creatures swarm over Brem. Kara holds back her tears and turns to the window. INT. ATTIC/STUDIO Darkness. The attic window opens. Kara climbs into the dark room. She hurries across the room and stumbles over things. Kara feels around the wall for a light. The light comes on and the large room is brightened. We see a studio, to the back of the cluttered attic, filled with paintings and paint. We see many of the paintings are metaphysical with symbols in the background. Kara looks to the stained glass window. We see it's created the same as the symbol painted in blood in the woods. Kara looks to the counter covered with painting equipment. We see unmarked spray cans. Kara slowly approaches the counter. We see dried blood down the side of the paint can. Kara gasps and backs away from the counter. We hear movement across the attic. Kara spins around. There's no one there. She hurries across the studio then pauses by a door in the wall. She pulls it open. We see a secret staircase in the wall. Kara hurries into the hidden staircase and shuts the door behind her. INT. STUDY The bookcase in the study opens. Kara slips from the passageway and looks around the dimly lit room. She hurries to the study door and opens it. We see Travis in the doorway with a gun in his hand. A devious smile crosses his face. Kara slowly backs away as Travis enters the room. TRAVIS Naughty, naughty girl--giving your talisman to someone as expendable as Lenox. Kara continues to back across the room.

KARA You're the one who killed those children! It was you all along. TRAVIS I couldn't allow them to talk. I couldn't allow them to tell about our secret hiding place. This town couldn't understand. They never understood me. I love children! We'd play all sorts of games. But they'd want to tell their parents--and I knew they'd never allow them to play with me. This town always hated me! That's why I had to keep them locked in the basement. Kara appears horrified.

KARA You weren't a hero--you were the one who took them in the first place! TRAVIS You couldn't understand! Ruger was in the woods looking for them. He was going to hear them! I couldn't allow him to find us there! I had to let them go and make up that story. I never wanted to be a hero! I could've cared less about being a hero. That damned Ruger ruined everything! He was always getting in the way--just like you! Travis raises the gun. Kara backs into the glass doors. She fumbles with the latch. Kara opens the door and bolts outside. We hear a gunshot. The glass door shatters. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- EVENING Kara runs through the black forest. She dodges tree branches, jumps roots and rocks, and leaps over tree trunks. We hear movement all around her. There's a faint hissing sound along with more footfalls. She runs in the direction of the road and safety. Kara slips in something and falls to the path. She quickly pulls herself to her feet and looks down. We see a pool of blood and innards where she's slipped. Kara gasps and continues to run. We see movement in the direction of the road. The creatures emerge from the ground. Kara turns and runs deeper into the woods. INT. ATTIC

Lenox charges into the attic and hurries through it. He carries a broad sword taken from the library wall. LENOX Kara! There's no response. He hurries between the antiques. He steps in something. Lenox stops and looks down. We see blood on the floor. LENOX Oh, Jesus-He walks more slowly along the aisle, avoiding the streak of blood. Lenox stops and stares with horror and dismay. We see Taylor in the spiked chair with gashes on his face. His eyes remain open. Lenox fidgets from foot to foot with a look of fear. He looks down to the black stone he wears around his neck and examines it. He clutches the stone in his left hand and his expression hardens. He grips the broad sword and lifts it. He looks around the attic. LENOX Travis! Come out here, you motherfucker! Travis! Lenox storms across the attic. INT. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY Lenox jogs down the stairs and jumps the last few. He spins around in the hallway with his sword raised. Lenox looks to the wall. We see another broad sword. He pulls the sword from the wall and studies it. We see Travis appear, with his gun drawn, behind Lenox from the darkness of one of the rooms. Lenox lifts his head and grips the second sword in his left hand. Travis takes a step closer and raises his gun. Lenox whirls around with a loud cry and strikes the gun with the sword. The gun flies from Travis's hand. Travis jumps back with alarm. Lenox swings with the left hand sword. Travis cries out and dives across the floor. Lenox grunts and thrusts the tip of the right hand sword downward. Travis dives out of the way. The blade tip strikes the marble floor and snaps. Travis springs to his feet and runs for the front door. Lenox sneers and flips the sword from his left hand to his right. Travis runs up the steps to the foyer doors and opens them. We see a whiff of fog roll into the foyer. Brem stands before the door. His clothing are torn. There's blood on his temple and in the corner of his mouth. His clothing are covered with dirt. Travis's mouth falls open. He jumps back a step. Brem grabs Travis by the throat and lifts him off of his feet. Travis clutches Brem's wrapped hand and gasps for air. Brem grits his teeth and throws Travis backward, bypassing the foyer steps and onto the hall floor. Travis lands on his back and slides several feet.

Lenox takes two steps closer then stares at Brem. Brem's eyes appear to glow. Brem slowly walks down the steps toward Travis. Travis scrambles to his feet and darts into the library. Brem approaches the library and Lenox, who continues to stare with a look of concern. Brem doesn't even look at Lenox. He turns and enters the library. Lenox hurries into the library after them. INT. LIBRARY Lenox enters the library. We see Brem toss Travis through the broken library door to the outside. EXT. ESTATE GROUNDS -- NIGHT Travis rolls across the ground several times. He lie motionless a moment then looks behind him. Brem steps on the broken glass and through the opening in the doors. Travis scrambles to his feet with some effort and runs into the woods. Brem stops and watches him run. His breathing is heavy and with a slight growl. Lenox pauses in the glass door opening. LENOX Hey, Brem--you okay? Brem turns to face Lenox. We see tiny fangs in the corner of Brem's mouth. BREM I've been better. Kara's out there--alone and unprotected against those things. Are you coming with me? LENOX (steps through the glass) Yeah, man. I've got a score to settle with Travis. Brem turns and walks toward the woods. BREM (mutters) You get whatever's left. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- NIGHT Lenox uncertainly walks along side Brem and stares at his profile with a look of concern. LENOX Are you sure you're okay? BREM Yeah, why?

LENOX I don't remember you having fangs before. BREM Do you know what a familiar is? LENOX No--not really. BREM It's a guard--one's protector. What you are to Kara. LENOX I'd prefer to be a knight. BREM Whatever works for you. Brem walks faster. Lenox holds his head high and grips his sword. LENOX I'm a badass black knight-EXT. DEAD WOODS -- NIGHT Kara hurries through the woods at a fast jog. She looks around with concern and fear. We hear movement behind her. Kara turns and looks back while walking forward. We see nothing. Kara runs into someone. She cries out softly and jumps back. We see Sanders with a stake through his mid section, holding him three feet up the tree. He slowly gasps and reaches for her. Kara slowly backs up. She looks around the small clearing. We see Keller staked to another tree. His head hangs down. Blood covers him from the neck down. He's clearly dead. Just a few feet away, we see Dameon on his knees with his back to her. Kara slowly walks toward him. She stops. We see Dameon kneeling over the gasping Sheriff Elder. The sheriff lay with a painted symbol surrounding him. Dameon's head lifts. He looks behind him and stares at Kara. He slowly stands. DAMEON Kara--you shouldn't be out here. Sheriff Elder gasps, stares at Kara, and lifts his hand. Kara glares at Dameon, slowly shakes her head, and backs away. KARA It was you?

DAMEON (moves toward her) Kara, you have to trust me. Kara shakes her head. She turns and runs. DAMEON Kara! Come back! Kara runs through the woods and away from Dameon. We see the brier patch up ahead. Several creatures explode from the ground in front of the brier patch. Kara screams and spins around. Several more rise behind her. Kara's surrounded by fifteen or more creatures. She gasps and spins several times as they circle her. They move in closer. The ground erupts in a blaze of fire that shoots across the ground, in-between her and half of the creatures. Kara's thrown backwards as the flames shoot three feet high. The creatures before her back away from the fire and hiss. The creatures on the same side draw closer. Kara scrambles to her feet. Fire shoots across the ground in another line. Kara jumps back. Fire erupts from the ground all around her. She's surrounded by fire. Elevated POV. We see Kara in the wall of flames, formed in the same symbol painted in blood. The creatures jump away from the erupting flames and continue to hiss. Kara spins around several times. She places her hands before the flames with a look of surprise. She touches the flames before her then looks at her unharmed hands. The creatures all turn and hiss loudly. Dameon walks slowly into the clearing. A creature runs for him while making a hideous sound. Dameon casts his hand forward. A ball of flames flies from his hand and strikes the creature, casting it backward and into the burning symbol. The creature jumps several times and turns to black dust. Several creatures appear in the brier patch. Dameon looks to the brier patch. It erupts in flames that cover the creatures. They run from the brier patch, engulfed in flames. They run several feet then fall to the ground. The flames quickly dissolve, and they turn to ash. The brier patch continues to burn. Several creatures turn and run. Dameon casts his hand toward them. A gust of wind picks them up and slams them into several trees. They crumble on contact. Several creatures attack Dameon from behind and knock him to the ground. Five creatures pile on top of him. They hiss and claw. We see the mass of creatures in a pile. We hear a rumble, followed by a loud explosion. All five creatures are thrown off of Dameon while exploding into dust. Dameon slowly stands and looks to Kara. She stares back at him with surprise and concern. Dameon approaches her. The flames lower to a foot from the ground. DAMEON Will you trust me now? Dameon extends his hand to her. Kara uncertainly places her hand in his. She steps over the small flame and stares into his eyes.

KARA What are you? DAMEON I'm a warlock. KARA You said you weren't a witch. DAMEON I'm not a witch. KARA I--I don't understand what's happening. You were the one painting those symbols? Why? DAMEON I can explain everything, but now's not the right time. I placed a spell around the sheriff to protect him. We have to get him out of Dead Woods. Whatever happens, we can't allow him to die here. They need thirty-one, one sacrifice for each townsman responsible for burning their master in Hill Forrest. The sheriff will make thirty-one. One more death, and the evil will be resurrected. We need to find the keeper of the Evil Eye stone. He controls the unsettled spirits who kill for their master. He has no power without the stone. KARA Travis has the stone. DAMEON Travis--I'd left the Dragon's eye stone for your protection. Without that necklace, you're unprotected. If you want to live, you'll have to remain by my side. KARA You left the necklace in the cabin? DAMEON You have to trust me, Kara. KARA (clutches his hand) I trust you.

EXT. DEAD WOODS -- NIGHT Brem and Lenox hurry through the dark woods. We hear movement all around them. LENOX Tell me something, Brem. Aren't you afraid of those things? Brem continues along the path without fear. BREM No. LENOX How come? BREM A familiar isn't afraid of anything. As long as our master lives, we're invincible. LENOX I like that. Us black knights--we're invincible too. Brem eyes Lenox then smiles. His fangs are gone. We hear a low rumble. The ground vibrates. Creatures begin to explode from the ground. Lenox whirls around. We see them climb out of the ground behind them. Lenox continues to spin around with fright. LENOX Shit--shit! BREM Lenox-Both men look around them with their backs facing each other. The creatures close in on them. LENOX Shit! What?

BREM Swing-The creatures lunge for them. Lenox swings his broad sword for the creature's head. The head severs and rolls across the ground toward his feet. Lenox dances around the head.

LENOX Shit! Shit! More creatures move in fast. Lenox grits his teeth and begins swinging hard and fast. The creatures become severed in half with each thrust of his sword. Brem thrusts one creature backward into others. He snarls and transforms into a wolf creature with a long snout, long fangs, and long claws. He dives into the creatures, slashing and casting them aside and into one another. Lenox cries out with every creature he cuts in half. One comes up behind him. He flips the sword in his hand and, without looking behind him, rams the sword into the creatures mid-section. He pulls the sword free, flips it, and slashes at the next creature. A creature slashes at Lenox's mid-section. Lenox jumps up in the air, flips over the creature, and lands on the other side, to his own surprise. The creature spins around. Lenox cuts him in two. Lenox pauses with his sword extended before him. He breathes heavily and stares with surprise at the slain creatures around them. They dissolve into the ground. LENOX What's happening to me? We see Brem's gray back as he straightens. Lenox stares with horror. Brem turns around and reveals his full transformation to a wolf creature. LENOX What happened to you? Brem pants heavily and scratches his neck and chin. He places his blood covered paw on Lenox's shoulder. BREM You did good. LENOX Yeah, you too, Cujo. Do you mind telling me what the fuck's going on around here? How the hell did I just do what I just did? BREM You'd never believe me. LENOX (lowers his sword) Try me. Lenox suddenly falls through the ground. He cries out and lands on top of the recently sacrificed people. Lenox rolls over and stares into Ben's dead face. Lenox cries out and scrambles to his feet while standing on top of a pit full of dead bodies. A clawed hand grabs his forearm. Lenox cries out. We see Brem help pull Lenox from the shallow pit. Lenox climbs the ground wall and looks back into the pit.

BREM At least we know what happened to the bodies. Brem continues to walk through the woods. LENOX Yeah, that's a load off of my mind. Lenox stares a moment longer then hurries after Brem. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- NIGHT Dameon leads Kara through the woods at a jog. Kara clings to his hand and looks around them. We hear movement in the darkness. They reach the area where the deputies hang from the trees. We see the empty symbol on the ground. Kara and Dameon look around. We see the sheriff staked to another tree. He's dead. Dameon looks around the small clearing. DAMEON That's impossible. They couldn't cross the boundary. Travis walks into the clearing with a devious smile. TRAVIS Well, Kara--you actually managed to stay alive this long. I'm impressed. Dameon pulls Kara behind him. We see the creatures circling the area at a slow pace. They proceed cautiously then stop, forming a circle. The ground vibrates. The creatures lower themselves to their knees. There must be one hundred of them. TRAVIS They know who their master is. Soon I'll have the power of all that's evil. Enough power to destroy this town and everyone in it! Dameon slowly backs Kara toward the creatures on their knees. Kara looks behind her. KARA Dameon-DAMEON They won't hurt you. They don't need you.

The ground breaks open near Travis. A glowing light shoots through the five foot break in the ground. Travis raises his hand and laughs evilly. We see the souls of the dead rising within the light and passing into Travis. Kara nervously watches the creatures on their knees as she steps in-between them. They don't move nor lift their lowered heads. Dameon backs between them after her. We see Lenox and Brem--still as a wolf creature, approaching. They slow down near Kara and Dameon. Kara turns, sees Brem, and gasps while flattening herself to Dameon's back. Dameon turns and eyes the wolf creature. DAMEON Hey, Brem. BREM Hey-Kara looks at Dameon with wide eyes. DAMEON I'll explain later. They look back to the circle of creatures, the blue light, and Travis with raised arms in the middle. BREM I smell something evil. LENOX (stares at the light) Shouldn't we be running for our lives right about now? DAMEON A hasty exit would be appropriate. Dameon, Kara, Lenox, and Brem hurry through the woods. INT. DAMEON'S MANSION FOYER Brem, Lenox, Kara, and Dameon enter the mansion. Brem leads Lenox along the hall and toward the lounge. Kara faces Dameon in the doorway. DAMEON You should be safe here. Just stay with Brem and Lenox. I'll be back just as soon as I warn the town about Travis. There's no telling what evil he has planned for them. KARA Why do you care so much about them? The sheriff came here tonight with cruel intentions. They hate you.

DAMEON It doesn't matter whether or not they like me, Kara. My family's lived here for generations. KARA I wish I could help. DAMEON He'll use any weapon he can against me-including you. KARA Surely he knows you wouldn't risk the entire town for someone you barely even know. Dameon stares at her a long moment. He takes a step toward her and stares into her eyes. DAMEON I know you better than you think. I've been watching you a long time, Kara. It was our destiny to be joined. I know it sounds unbelievable, but there's a much stronger power that guides our fate. I would never allow you to be harmed--not at any cost. KARA So you did put a spell on me? DAMEON Love cannot be manipulated. KARA Then what I feel for you is real? DAMEON What do you feel for me? KARA I can't describe it, but when I look into your eyes, it's as if I'm-DAMEON Home? Kara slowly nods. Dameon takes her hand and kisses it sensually. He looks into her eyes. Dameon leans closer to her and kisses her gently on the lips. He slowly pulls away and stares into her eyes. Kara gently touches his face.

They stare into one another's eyes. Dameon pulls her into his arms, and they kiss passionately. EXT. TOWN -- NIGHT An old woman rocks in her chair. Just on the edge of town, we see a shadow appear to move across the valley in the darkness. The old woman stops rocking and looks to the edge of town. The darkness appears to move closer. We see the trees turn black as leaves fall to the ground. The grass dies and turns to dust, leaving bare ground. The swarm of blackness continues closer to town. People step off of their porches and stare at the traveling cloud of darkness. People flee from the streets and run into their houses. Doors slam and windows shut. We see Dameon's blazer speed past the darkness on the road and fly through town. EXT. MAYOR'S HOUSE -- NIGHT Dameon's blazer stops in front of the mayor's house. Dameon jumps out of the vehicle and hurries to the door. He promptly pounds on it. The porch light comes on and the door opens. We see a surprised Mayor Reynolds staring at Dameon through the screen door. DAMEON Mayor--something bad's happened. You have to sound the warning alarm. MAYOR Where's the sheriff? I thought he went to your house. DAMEON There's no time. Sound the alarm. Everyone needs to seek shelter in their cellars. You have to do it now. Mayor Reynolds shuts his door. We hear it lock. Dameon curses softly. He turns around. Three men stand behind him on the porch steps. The man directly before him swings a baseball bat and strikes Dameon on the side of the head. Dameon staggers a moment then falls to the porch. We see the mayor peaking through the small window near the door. All three men begin hitting the fallen Dameon with baseball bats. EXT. PORCH -- NIGHT A young woman, ALEXIA, sits beside the rocking chair occupied by Ruger. Ruger sits in the chair with one hand around his knees and the other around the back of his neck. He stares into the street and whispers. Alexia watches him with a look of deep concern. ALEXIA Ruger--would you like something to drink before you go to bed?

RUGER (chants) Evil has risen. It's coming. It's coming for us. Alexia slowly shakes her head with a look of sadness. She stands and enters the house. RUGER It's coming. Evil is coming. It's coming for us. He continues to rock. We see two men dragging the unconscious Dameon through the streets of town by his arms. Ruger's eyes follow them. RUGER Evil--it's coming. It's coming for us. He stops rocking. EXT. MANSION -- NIGHT We see Brem standing on the sun porch balcony looking through a large telescope. He lifts his head with a look of concern. INT. LIBRARY Kara nervously paces the length of the room and gently rubs the Dragon's Eye necklace. Lenox sits in the oversized chair that dwarfs him. He has his temple propped on his fist and watches her. LENOX The man's a warlock. He can take care of himself. Nothing can happen to him. Brem charges into the room. Kara whirls around with a look of concern. Lenox jumps up straight in the puffy chair. BREM Something's happened to Dameon. I have to help him. You two stay here. Kara hurries to Brem. KARA We're coming along. Lenox attempts to pull himself out of the puffy chair. He struggles and thrashes.

LENOX Whoa, whoa--wait. Lenox pulls himself from the chair and staggers several steps. LENOX He's a warlock. He can't be killed. BREM He's unconscious and at the mercy of a panic stricken town. He can't defend himself in his current state. LENOX Here we go again. BREM Dameon wanted the two of you to stay here. Travis is on his way to town. LENOX Yeah, well, Dameon's in no condition to hold us back. I've got a fucking score to settle with Travis. BREM Make way for the raging beast. Lenox sharply nods his head and snatches his sword. BREM You two take one of the cars. I'll meet you in town. LENOX Where are you going? BREM (points to the back of the house) I'm taking the short cut. LENOX You'll never make it down that hillside. BREM Watch me. Brem turns and runs for the library door. Kara and Lenox hurry out into the hall after him.

INT. HALLWAY Lenox and Kara skid into the hallway. We see Brem run down the hall toward the back of the house. He changes into a large, silver wolf in mid stride, then disappears into the sun room. LENOX Shit--wish I could do that. INT. SUNROOM We see Brem, as the wolf, run across the sunroom, through the open doorway, and leap over the balcony rail. EXT. TOWN SQUARE -- NIGHT We see a close-up of Dameon. His head hangs down. We see blood above his eyes and blood flowing from his temple. From a more distant view, we see Dameon is tied to a support beam of the gazebo in the center of town square. Several men stand around holding rifles. We see Mayor Reynolds and the bartender, Bob, approaching with kerosene cans. They pour the kerosene around the gazebo floor and splash it on Dameon. Dameon slowly wakes, barely able to open his eyes. We see Ruger walking through town toward the crowd. He watches them and continues to chant softly. The mayor and bartender light their torches and approach the gazebo. Several people turn when they see Ruger walking through the crowd. They whisper softly. Ruger stops ten feet away from the gazebo and stares at Dameon tied to the support beam. He falls silent. Dameon attempts to lift his bleeding head. Ruger studies Dameon then looks to the men with the lit torches. His eyes suddenly widen. Ruger leaps forward and grabs the mayor's wrist holding the torch. RUGER No! You can't! Mayor Reynolds stares at Ruger with surprise. MAYOR Ruger-Bob extends his torch to the gazebo. We hear a vicious snarl followed by screams. Brem, the large, silver wolf, runs through the small crowd. Several men with rifles shoot at the wolf. The shots echo but the wolf doesn't stop. Brem leaps onto Bob and bites his arm holding the torch. Bob is flung to the ground. The torch flies into the crowd. The people scream and dive out of the way. Bob screams and rolls away from the wolf, toward the gazebo, and into a pool of liquid. We hear several rifle blasts. We see the townsmen with their rifles firing. The silver wolf is thrown backward as several shots hit his body. The wolf falls to the ground, bloody and motionless. Ruger grabs Mayor Reynolds by his shirt and stares into his eyes.

RUGER This man saved my life! He fought them off so I could escape! Mayor Reynolds stares into Ruger's eyes. He allows the torch to fall to the ground. We hear the crowd gasp. Mayor Reynolds and Ruger turn. Several people back away to reveal Brem lying on the ground. They whisper softly. We see Bob slowly move to his knees. He clutches the still burning torch and turns to the gazebo. Ruger and Mayor Reynolds both look. MAYOR No--don't! Bob tosses the torch to the gazebo. The kerosene ignites and sweeps across the gazebo. We see the flame sweep back to Bob as well. Bob gasps with surprise. The flames attack his kerosene soaked feet and legs, swiftly climbing his clothing. Bob bats at the flames and screams. The flames swiftly engulf Dameon as well. Bob dances around the grass, bating the flames. The mayor runs toward Bob. Bob strays across the kerosene containers. Everyone screams and runs. The kerosene containers catch on fire and explode. Bob and the mayor are thrown to the ground in a massive ball of flames. We see the flashing lights of a police car. The sirens wail. Everyone scatters to the sidewalks and stare at the approaching police car. The car stops. Kara and Lenox jump from the police car and stare at the inferno in the center of town. We see a large, blue mushroom cloud explode from the gazebo. Kara looks to the horrified faces on either side of the street. Tears fill her eyes.

KARA He was trying to help you! Is this how you accept it? You bastards! You deserve whatever happens to you! Lenox gathers Kara in his arms and attempts to comfort her. She sobs softly. We hear several gasps. Everyone turns and looks just beyond the center of town. The blackness covers the town more swiftly. Travis walks out of the shadow of blackness and approaches them. The townspeople whisper softly with a shared look of confusion. Travis tilts his head and watches the blaze. He looks to the frightened town and smirks. TRAVIS This town always did have a fancy for fire. Travis points his finger to the rooftops and circles the town. The roofs catch on fire. Travis laughs. The people scream and run for shelter. Travis continues to laugh as darkness continues to sweep over the town. Travis throws fireballs at the running people. They explode at their heels. McGrath is struck by a ball of flame and falls to the ground. The people scream and continue to run. They run into the church. Travis continues to laugh.

TRAVIS This is too much fun. He throws fire at the church. A ring of fire surrounds the church, although the church itself doesn't appear to ignite. The people inside scream. Travis frowns with a look of disappointment. Lenox pulls Kara past the chard bartender and the burning gazebo. We see Brem lying motionless on the ground. KARA Brem-LENOX (pulls her) He's dead. Dameon dies, he dies-TRAVIS Leaving so soon? He's about to point his finger at them when men begin firing from the tavern. The bullets ripple through Travis's body. He turns to face them as the bullets appear to penetrate. TRAVIS Fools! You can't destroy me! Lenox pulls Kara into an alleyway between two buildings. The men take shelter in the tavern. We see Ruger near the tavern. He rips open his shirt then turns to the tavern and breaks the glass with his elbow. Ruger slices his finger on the jagged glass. Travis points his finger to the tavern. Ruger runs in front of the tavern with his shirt open and blood on his chest. Travis fires at the tavern. We see the symbol in blood on Ruger's chest. The bolt of lightning appears to deflect. Ruger stands motionless before the door. Travis's eyes widen. TRAVIS Ruger--pathetic, little Ruger--the great hero. I've had about all I can take of you! Travis walks toward him. Ruger is frightened, but he holds his ground. EXT. ALLEY -- NIGHT Kara peers around the corner from the alley. She spins to face Lenox and clings to his arm. KARA We have to do something! LENOX Any ideas? Kara looks to the town square.

KARA Brem-LENOX I told you, he's dead. KARA He's gone! Lenox whirls around. EXT. TOWN SQUARE -- NIGHT We see the empty spot where Brem once lie. Ruger flattens himself against the tavern door and stares as Travis approaches him. The men inside continue to shoot at Travis. The bullets continue to deflect. Travis reaches for Ruger's throat. Ruger stands motionless before the door as a last effort to protect the people inside. We hear a loud, vicious snarl. Travis turns his head to the left. Brem, as the wolf creature, tackles Travis to the ground. He screams as Brem bites his throat and rips into his sides with his claws. Travis throws out his hand. The wolf creature is thrown off of him, across the square, and into the burning gazebo. Travis moves to his feet. He's not even scratched. He brushes the dirt off of himself. A wolf fireball leaps from the burning gazebo and charges for Travis and tackles him to the ground. Travis screams and battles the fireball on top of him. The wolf turns to ice. Travis throws him off and across the street. The frozen wolf strikes the store across the street and shatters. Travis stands more slowly. TRAVIS That's impossible--even for a familiar. He slowly walks across the street and stares at the shattered ice. The ice begins to rapidly melt. Travis stops with a look of surprise. The water begins to collect. He shakes his head. TRAVIS This can't be-We see black boots strike the roof of the police car with a loud thud, creating a large dent. Smoke wafts from the black pants. Travis spins around. We see a completely unharmed Dameon standing on the roof of the police car. His clothing smokes and ashes cover him. The blackness sweeps past them and the center square. TRAVIS But you're dead!

DAMEON They tried to burn me once a hundred years ago. It didn't work then either. TRAVIS It can't be--you're Lexx Archer? I thought you were just another delusional mortal. I didn't realize you were a delusional warlock. Dameon looks to the burning church. We hear the screams. Dameon looks to the sky. Thunder cracks loudly and repeatedly. Lightening flashes. Rain pours down like a waterfall. The flames dwindle. The screams subside. We see Ruger standing before the tavern. The blood washes from his chest as he becomes soaked. Travis becomes soaked as well. The rain deflects off of Dameon, leaving him dry. Dameon steps onto the hood of the car. He steps from the hood of the car onto the ground. The rain stops. Travis wipes the water from his face with a frown. TRAVIS Would you actually save the town that tried to kill you? DAMEON They're family-EXT. ALLEY -- NIGHT Lenox holds back the struggling Kara. KARA We have to do something. LENOX We can't fight him. There's nothing we can do. We're safe here. We hear a garbage can crash to the ground. Both look down the alley. Lenox tilts his head and makes a face. LENOX Shit--not again. We see several creatures approaching them. Lenox casts Kara behind him and raises his sword. LENOX I need that raging beast--now would be a good time.

Lenox cries out and leaps for the approaching creatures. More creatures appear behind Kara at the opening to the alley. Kara turns to see them. She cries out and kicks one in the chest. The other swings at her. Kara ducks and rolls herself across the ground. EXT. TOWN SQUARE -- NIGHT Kara springs to her feet outside of the alley. We see the Dragon's Eye necklace lying on the ground just outside of the alley. She stares at the discarded necklace and the creatures standing between her and it. Kara backs away from the alley and the necklace. We see more creatures running through town. Another creature lunges for Kara. Brem, in human form, tackles the creature to the ground. He punches it, smashing its decaying face. Brem springs to his feet and shakes the thick, black substance from his hand. BREM Get to the police car--get out of town. KARA But Lenox-BREM I'll get Lenox. Go! Kara turns and runs for the police car. Brem changes into the wolf creature and tackles another creature near her. We see the creatures surrounding the church but not entering. Ruger darts inside the tavern. The creatures pound on the tavern door. Kara stops by the police car. We see Dameon and Travis firing blue balls of power at one another. They explode against objects and each other. Lenox charges out of the alley with his sword. Brem fights several creatures. Several creatures run for Lenox. Kara jumps into the car and burns out on the road. The squad car flies for Lenox and skids in a half circle, striking several creatures. Lenox strikes several creatures. One pounces on him. Kara grabs the nightstick from the car and jumps from the vehicle. Several other creatures pounce on Lenox. Kara freezes with a horrified look. We hear Lenox scream. Brem struggles with several creatures. BREM Kara--get out of here! Kara looks to the piled creatures. She grits her teeth and leaps forward with the nightstick raised. The creatures move off of Lenox and turn toward her. We see Lenox lying on the ground--bloody and motionless. Kara's suddenly grabbed from behind. She cries out. We see it's Travis holding her. He has his fingers to her throat. Kara remains motionless. Dameon stops dead in his tracks and stares at Travis holding Kara. Travis smirks. He knows he has Dameon at an advantage. DAMEON Let her go. This is between you and me.

TRAVIS No--this was between me and this town. I know why you want her. The prophecy-it's true. She's the one. It was her grandmother you saved from Anscott. And you need her to fulfill that prophecy. Anscott wanted you out of the way in order to freely rule the town. That's why he wanted to kill her--to keep you powerless. What happens if I kill her, Dameon? What happens to you if she dies? I'm curious to find out. DAMEON You can't kill her. (looks to Kara) Witches can't die by mortal hands. Kara clutches Travis's arms holding her from behind. TRAVIS Almost had me going a minute there. DAMEON (to Kara) Remember, Kara. Remember who you are. Kara nervously stares at Dameon. We see flashes of images from the past. We see the young girl, Sorsha, lying on the altar in the forest as Anscott chants over her and slices her hand with the dagger. Demons surround her. Another flash-we see Sorsha standing in the crowd in the middle of town staring at the flame engulfed Lexx. Tears streak her face. Kara slowly turns her left hand over. We see the faint scar across her palm. Kara looks back at Dameon. Dameon slowly paces a small area twenty feet before them. TRAVIS These people betrayed you! Kara remains tense. She looks back to where Lenox lie. Lenox suddenly rises into a sitting position like a demon possessed. He turns his head side to side. We hear his neck crack. Lenox's eyes glow. He throws his head back and roars like a wild beast. We see fangs stretch within his mouth. Travis jerks and whirls sideways to look behind him. Several creatures approach Lenox. Lenox grabs his sword and springs to his feet. The creatures move in closer for their attack. Lenox swings his sword for their knees, cutting them down. He whirls around into a half crouched, standing position and swipes sharp claws at another. The creatures surround Lenox and Brem but keep their distance. Lenox snarls and slowly walks toward Travis and Kara. A creature runs up behind Lenox. Lenox rams his sword backward into the creature without missing a stride toward Kara.

TRAVIS (stares at Lenox/to Dameon) Call him off--call him off or she dies! DAMEON I can't control him--I didn't create him. Travis removes his hand from Kara's throat and points it at Lenox. Kara pulls away and spins to face Travis. She rips the Evil Eye stone from his neck. Travis appears horrified and shifts his attention back to her. Kara throws the stone in the air toward Lenox. KARA Lenox! Destroy it! Everything happens at once. Travis pushes Kara to the ground and spins in the direction of the thrown necklace. Dameon throws a blue ball of light at Travis. Travis throws his own power ball at Lenox, as he dives for the flying necklace. Lenox is struck by the ball of light and is thrown across the town square and through the store's glass window. Travis is thrown to the ground by the force of Dameon's ball of light. Brem leaps for the flying necklace. A creature tackles him to the ground. Brem slashes at the creature with wild fury. The stone spins through the air. We hear a rifle blast. The stone shatters. Travis cries out with a look of horror. The pieces glitter and fall to the ground. We see Ruger slowly lower the rifle from where he stands just outside of the tavern. His cold iron look has returned. RUGER That was for Ben. All of the creatures dissolve into piles of dust then blow away. Travis looks to his hands then to Ruger and Dameon. The blue light pulls out of Travis. He appears horrified. The blackness covering the town begins to rapidly roll back toward the woods. The blue light follows and begins pulling Travis with it. Travis attempts to cling to Dameon with a look of fright. TRAVIS Help me! Dameon just stares at Travis. Travis is pulled into the air with the blackness. He screams and flails as the darkness pulls him back into Dead Woods. Dameon hurries to Kara, helps her to her feet, and holds her in his arms. She stares after the traveling black mass. KARA And that was for the children--you bastard. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- NIGHT

We see the darkness, dust, blue light, and the screaming Travis disappear into the crack in the ground in the middle of Dead Woods. The crack seals. We hear Travis cry out--then there's silence. EXT. TOWN -- NIGHT We see Kara in Dameon's arms in the wind blown, shattered town. The gazebo continues to smolder and the lights of the police car continue to flash red and blue. Kara suddenly looks to Dameon with concern. KARA Lenox! She pulls away from Dameon and hurries to the broken glass of the storefront. Lenox moans and steps out of the broken window. LENOX Am I dead? Kara smiles with relief and helps Lenox across the broken glass. KARA Not even close. LENOX I suppose you had the entire situation under control. Kara laughs softly and hugs him. He groans in agony. Dameon and Brem approach them. The frightened townspeople slowly filter into the streets. Brem approaches Lenox and helps him, leading him away from Kara. Brem pats Lenox on the back as they walk toward Dameon's blazer. BREM Guess you found your calling. LENOX I don't get it. How could I do what you do? I'm not a familiar or whatever you are. BREM It's a long and complicated story. But you are to Kara, what I am to Dameon. Except I'm better at it. LENOX Whoa, whoa. How can I be a familiar? Kara isn't a witch.

BREM Isn't she? Sometime during her childhood she needed a protector. That's the day you were born. Do you remember anything about your childhood? Lenox sinks into thought. He looks back at Brem with a puzzled look. LENOX No, not before I met Kara. You mean--I'm not real. BREM Oh, you're real alright. You're just-(pats him on the back) invincible. Lenox stares a moment longer. A tiny smirk crosses his face. They laugh and continue to walk toward the truck in the distance. LENOX Can you teach me that wolf thing? Kara looks after Brem and Lenox then looks to Dameon with a tiny smile. KARA What you said to Travis--that wasn't bullshit, was it? DAMEON I know it's difficult to understand, Kara, but it's all true. Over one hundred years ago, Anscott wanted to prevent my prophecy from being fulfilled. He found the child who would be my bride and-(hesitates) Placed a curse on her. If he'd had completed the ritual, you'd have been his bride, an evil demon, giving him unstoppable power--even against the fires. It would have been necessary for me to destroy you. I was able to counteract the curse, but the side effect made you forget your true identity. You must've run away after the entire incident. To you, your life seemed normal, though time seemed to have little meaning to you. You couldn't realize that you were already over one hundred years old. I knew you'd eventually return to me. I just had to wait.

KARA And the prophecy? Is it real? DAMEON The prophecy is a myth. There's no such thing as the four masters. I haven't met a warlock yet who could stand the company of another warlock for more than ten minutes, let along enough to combine their powers. (extends his hand to her) I've waited a long time for you, Kara. I think it's time we went home. Kara stares into his eyes, smiles, and accepts his hand. KARA I'd like that. DAMEON And I promise--you'll never be bored. Ruger approaches Kara and Dameon. He smiles with an awkward embarrassment. RUGER The attitude of this town will be different from now on, Dameon. I promise you that. We've learned our lesson. Ruger extends his hand. Dameon shakes his hand with a knowing smile. DAMEON I've heard that before. Ruger stares at him. Dameon guides Kara to the blazer and opens the door for her. He rounds the truck and gets in on the driver's side. The town watches as the blazer drives away. EXT. DEAD WOODS -- DAY We see the green woods surrounding the burned cabin. Sun shines brightly in the once black forest. The forest is alive with plants and wildlife. We see a gray wolf and a black wolf run through the thick woods. Not far from the cabin, we see one black tree with a blood painted symbol on it. FADE OUT