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shores of Vinland.
    SCYLDINGS’ WATCH
    It is no shame to be accursed by demons.
    BEOWULF
    It is no shame to accept aid that is freely given. I am Beowulf, and I have come to kill your monster.
    The Watch lifts his glance to Beowulf, looks over him with questioning eyes.
    DISSOLVE TO:
    34 EXT. RECESSED BEACH - DAY
    34
    The Scyldings’ Watch is riding upon his horse. Some rain drops begin to fall from the colorless ether above. The Watch is struck underneath the eye by a particularly large drop. He flinches and then looks to the clouds, more drops speckle his face.
    SCYLDINGS’ WATCH
    Rain.
    Beowulf comes trotting ahead, past his men, upon his dwarf horse, no larger than a Great Dane dog.
    BEOWULF
    Just the ocean falling from the sky. Finding its way to its home the sea.
    The Scylding’s Watch looks down at Beowulf on the tiny horse.
    SCYLDINGS’ WATCH
    (slightly cynical)
    A small horse…for a Thane as “great” as you, Beowulf.
    BEOWULF
    She is strong enough to bear me, or to bear supplies. She does not eat much, and takes up little space on our ship.
    He nods and then looks ahead, down the
    35 KING’S ROAD
    35
    which is not much more than a rocky road of shale stones set into the mud. It leads into a forest.
    SCYLDINGS’ WATCH
    You know, if you turn out to be raiders, Hrothgar will have my head.
    BEOWULF
    You trust us.
    SCYLDINGS’ WATCH
    I believe your words. I trust in your friendship. But…
    (he looks down at Beowulf on his little horse)
    â€¦if you or your men dishonor one maiden, or steal one gold ring, before you leave…when you come for your ship, I’ll kill as many of you as I can, before you kill me.
    BEOWULF
    (approvingly)
    A fine sentiment.
    DISSOLVE TO:
    36 EXT. FOREST - THE KING’S ROAD - DAY
    36
    Beowulf and his men are marching along, following the Scyldings’ Watch. The Scylding’s Watch reins his horse.
    SCYLDINGS’ WATCH
    This stone path is the kings road.
    (with a smile)
    It was built in better times. Follow it to great Herot, the hall where my King waits. This is as far as I go. I must return to the cliffs. The sea must not be left unguarded.
    BEOWULF
    I thank you for your aid.
    The watch kicks his horse, and heads back the way they came. And then he reins in his horse and calls,
    SCYLDINGS’ WATCH
    Beowulf?
    Beowulf turns, and looks back at him.
    SCYLDINGS’ WATCH
    The creature took my brother. Kill the bastard for me.
    CUT TO:
    37 EXT. HEROT - VILLAGE - DAY
    37
    There is a stir inside the village stockade, as the VILLAGERS see Beowulf and his 14 marching followers coming up the road toward them.
    The villagers are terrified -- are these armed raiders, come to carry off the young women (who are either going off to hide, or making themselves look more desirable, depending on their temperament) or to burn the town?
    Â 
    They stop marching in front of Hrothgar’s mead-hall. Hrothgar’s herald, WULFGAR, a tall, dark-haired thane in his mid thirties, is standing at the great front doors to the hall.
    CUT TO:
    38 INT. HEROT - THRONE ROOM - DAY
    38
    We follow Wulfgar through the hall, as he makes his way to Hrothgar’s throne. Hrothgar looks even older and grayer than he did when last we saw him. He’s staring off into nowhere.
    WULFGAR
    My lord? My lord?
    HROTHGAR
    Hnh?
    WULFGAR
    My lord. There are warriors outside, Geats. They came over the sea-road, bringing messages for your ears alone. They are no beggars -- and their leader, Beowulf, is a--
    HROTHGAR
    Beowulf? Edgethow’s little boy? Not a boy any longer…but I knew him when he was a boy. Strong as a grown man he was, back then. Yes! Beowulf is here! Send him in! Send him to me! Bring him in!
    Wulfgar the herald hurries out.
    Â 
    Hrothgar begins to walk around the throne room, looking younger and happier as he walks. He’s placing all his hopes on Beowulf.
    Â 
    Unferth steps backwards into the shadow at the mention of Beowulf’s