Int. Cave in the hills, present time --indeterminate

P.O.V. of Daniel, his eyes fluttering open for a moment with Jebediah standing behind Sara who has a damp cloth to his forehead.

JebeDIAH

Momma, it's been two days. Is he gonna die?

Sara looks back at her son then back at Daniel whose eyes are opening and closing, then drifting shut.

Sara

No son, no. He's got iron in that spirit!.

Ext. Secluded forest 1865 -- day

Daniel knelt next to his horse, holding Johns. Johns has a makeshift bandage wrapped around his chest, blood stains and fresh blood dribble from Johns mouth and onto his chest.

DaniEL

Damn, damn all to Hell an Highwater. How did we come to this Johns?

Johns smiles.

SgT. JOHNS

Don't much matter son. My number been punched, and no don't be starten' to feed this ole' soldier about how I'm a gonna make it all that shite. We both know I got a few breaths left in this battered husk.

Daniel's eyes get teary.

SgT. JOHNS (CONT'D)

None of that boy. I am damn proud of ya, damn proud. You put chains on the beast. You didn't sell yourself down the river. Damn proud. (Hacking cough with blood) I want you take my beauties son. (Motions to bandoleer) only thing I got worth anythin' (more hacking)Give'em Hell son, giv'em hell!

Johns dies. Daniel wipes tears away from his face.

Ext. SeCLUDED FOREST 1865 -- late afternoon

Daniel mounts his horse. He is wearing Johns bandolier of throwing knives. He rides off. The camera zooms in on a makeshift cross on a grave. Carved into it reads "Iron Johns -- Proud and True, a man to walk the Green with"

Ext. CavE IN THE HILLS, PRESENT TIME --INDETERMINATE

Daniel wakes in a cave with sunlight filtering in from the opening. Sara is near opening cutting fish up with Jebediah near her. A small cooking fire is a few feet from Daniel covered in a lean to of canvas to curtail smoke. Jebediah sees Daniel awake and sitting up. Both of them have fading bruises and cuts on their face.

JebEDIAH

Momma, he's awake, he's awake.

He runs over.

JebEDIAH (CONT'D)

How you feelin' Mr. Williamson? We was sure worried, it's been 3 days of you just layin' there doing nothing except thrashing around and mumblin' stuff. To be honest I think you wasn't gonna make it but Momma said you was strong and you would be just fine.

Sara looks exasperated and walks over kneeling down to Daniel feeling his forehead.

SaRA

Enough Jebediah. To all tarnation you let him get goin' and he will ramble on till he passes out from wont of breathin'.

Daniel smiles.

DANIEL

It's ok son and you can call me Daniel.

Jebediah has a big grin from ear to ear.

JebeDIAH

Ok Mr., I mean, Daniel.

Sara smiles and looks at Daniel.

SaRA

Son, can ya please give me and Daniel a moment to talk. Go catch us some more fish, but be careful and on look out. If you see anything you hightail it back.

Jebediah looks disappointed he can't stay.

DANIEL

Hey that sounds like being a scout in the army. A very important job that, saves lives. Only the ones brave and as tough as leather can be a scout in the union army. And now that I hear my belly rumbling I am plumb famished and I be haven' a mighty hunger for some fish about now. I reckon I could eat a dozen by myself.

Jebediah is jumping up and down in excitement, the bruises on his face painting the hardship he has travailed.

JebedIAH

Oh, I won't let you down Mr. William, I mean Daniel, just like the horse and the mule, I took real good care of them, I'll do even better as a scout and fishin'. My momma taught me to fish ever since I can remember. I caught those ones my momma been done cuttin'. I'll reckon I catch twice as much this time.

Jebediah runs and grabs some line and hooks and a can of worms near the cave entrance then runs full sprint out the cave. Sara and Daniel share a laugh and then she gazes at him with a shy but determined look.

SaRA

Thank you for that, might kind of ya. He has a rough few days.

His hand reaches up weakly to her own cut lip and bruise.

DanIEL

It seems like he ain't the only one. What a fine mess we all in. I seem to be in the shade of a cave in more ways then one.

Daniel falls back onto the blanket, weak. His hand goes to his forehead.

DaNIEL (CONT'D)

How many days I been out?

Sara looks at him.

SaRA

Almost comin' on 3 days.

Daniel looks around fearful.

DANIEL

And ya be thinkin' were safe here. They could of tracked us.

Sara shakes her head putting her hand to his chest.

SARA

Now you listen here soldier. I been raised in the woods all my life I know what I be doin'. I tied brush behind the mule all the way up here. And as I said my Pa and I and Jebediah are the only ones who know this place. We a good 10 miles north of Lonesome Hill on the other side of the hills, mostly a deer track to get us here and a hell of a time it was we did doin' it.

Daniel looks ashamed.

DANIEL

I owe you a deep sorry Sara and a great thank you for gettin' my backside out of there and of that damn piece of wood. Now those bruises and cuts on both of you and my weapons sittin' there as pretty as sunshine tell me there be a lot I'm in the dark on.

DANIEL (CONT'D)

What happened? Tell it to me from the beginning.

Sara takes a deep breath.

SarA

It started in the late afternoon of your last day on the tree, when the mercenaries arrived.

Int. shepard's bedroom, 3 days prior -- late afternoon

Sara sat on The Shepard's bed in his small room off the back of his office, which adjoined the main cabin. She was slowly pulling up her undergarments with her back to camera in front of a small window rain pattering against it. Her back had old scars and new ones from a whip, and her face had a cut and bruise, freshly given. The Shepard was pulling his suspenders back up and putting on his overcoat near the door his back to Sara. The Shepard turned to her.

The SHEPARD

Your absolution is complete my child. Do you feel the sanctity I have given you in my attentions?

Sara nodded dumbly.

Sara

Yes, thank you Shepard.

The Shepard walks over to lay a hand on her shoulder, she flinches slightly.

THE SHEPARD

It does not sit well within me to inflict pain upon your flesh my child, but the taint of Daniel Williamson and the devil that moves within him had taken it's hold within your spirit. I am sorry now that I acquiesced to your request to minister his hurts. The man is dangerous in his blasphemy. I will no longer allow you to be in his presence until he is cleansed or his bones rest upon the cross.

She bows her head.

SARA

Yes, Shepard, thank you Shepard.

A knock comes upon the door. The Shepard's face holds a tremor of irritation at the interruption. He walks to the door and opens it to see Tuck holding the young on Jebediah by the scruff, the child holding a little blood and bruised face, both soaking wet. The Shepard looked at him in extreme annoyance.

THE SHEPARD

What is the meaning of this? You know better then to disturb my communion. Please inform me that the reason behind your choice is sound before my righteous anger lays itself upon your flesh.

Tuck went to one knee still holding Jebediah by the arm.

TuCK

I apologize Shepard. Please forgive me. The mercenaries are approaching. One of the foresters laid eyes upon them. And young Jebediah here was found with a bag of food and a bucket of water heading out towards the tree.

Tuck shoved the boy forward. The Shepard looked down upon him with disdain, then motioned for him to his mother as Sara runs to him to hold him.

THE SHEPARD

The boy can stay with his mother and I will deal with his transgressions when I am back. We will go to meet our esteemed Captain Royster.

The Shepard looks back at Sara.

The shePARD (CONT'D)

You will both not leave this room. Is this understood?

Sara holding Jebediah nods her head.

ThE SHEPARD (CONT'D)

Good, see it is so.

The Shepard leaves and Tuck closes the door glaring at both of them. Sara pulls Jebediah over to the window but it looks down into only the back end of the fort, rain hammering the ground.

JebEDIAH

What's happenin' momma! I was only tryin' to take some food to Mr. Williamson and that mean Tuck saw me. Momma he hit me hard, my jaw hurts. He called me names and said he was gonna kill me. Please momma, don't let him kill me. You won't let him kill me.

She soothes his head.

SarA

It's gonna be fine son, I won't let noone kill ya. It's gonna be fine. Now be quiet for momma and let her listen.

He quiets. They both hear many many horses approaching the town, then all hell breaks loose as they hear the loud cracks of rifles firing, a litany endless sound of guns firing. Both jump and she holds her son tightly.

JEBEDIAH

Make it stop momma, make it stop. They gonna kill us, kill everyone.

She holds him.

SARA

Everythin's gonna be fine Jebediah. I'm not gonna let anyone touch ya, not anyone.

The gunshots keep firing and firing, people screaming, dying. Sara looking out the window sees a woman and a man, people she had known for years running to back of fort and being shot in the back, the blood mingling with rain. She huddles Jebediah away from the window to behind the bed. She hears people enter the main cabin.

JEBEDIAH

Are they comin' to kill us momma? Are we gonna die?

SARA

No son, quiet now. I won't let anyone kill ya. We just have to be quiet as a cougar on the hunt.

JEBEDIAH

Ok momma, I can be a cougar, I'd be a good cougar.

She thinks she hears the Shepard's voice and others in the main cabin but barely. All of a sudden she hears the main office door kicked in. Then footsteps directly towards the bedroom. She stands and puts her son behind her. The door shakes from a kick then blows in on the second and their are Jenks and Taylor lookin' as if they just found the prized rooster in the state fair.

Jenks

Ahh there's the golden goose egg Taylor. We done found it. The Cap'n gonna love her don't you be thinkin' Taylor?

Taylor with the Henry as always in hand and Jenks twirling Daniel's forearm blade not very well.

TaYLOR

I do believe so Jenks. We hit the county jack pot.

At that moment Jenks cuts himself and drops the blade cussin' then quickly picks up the blade and sheaths it after two attempts. Jebediah stifles a laugh. Jenks takes a step towards him but Sara lifts herself up proud and strong and steps forward.

Sara

You know Daniel could give you some lessons so ya don't hurt ya self too much.

Jenks anger switches to Sara and he moves to strike her but Taylor stops him.

TAYLOR

She ain't worth spit Jenks, let's just get her to her invite from the Cap'n.

Jenks spits his tobacco right on the Shepard's floor.

Jenks

You right as usual Taylor at least I can now spit on the Shepard's floor. Been wanting to do that forever and a day.

He spits again then bows and motions for Sara.

JeNKS (CONT'D)

After you good lady (Laugh) the Cap'n would like to see ya up close.

She stiffly pushes past him. Jebediah as he moves past sticks his tongue out at Jenks. Jenks moves to hit him but again Taylor stops him. Jenks spits again.

JENKS (CONT'D)

Damn little brat.

Int. Main CABIN -- late afternoon

Sara and Jebediah get escorted into the main cabin where soldiers line up everywhere. Sitting on the end of the long table furthest from her next to his normal chair is The Shepard looking like he had been pistol whipped on the side of the head, blood dripping. Hands tied behind his back kneeling on the ground is Tuck who has a gunshot wound in his shoulder but is looking angry. A man stands behind the ornate head chair with his back to Sara, spinning a small blade. The Shepard looks at Sara and for the first time she sees weakness, desperation. A man dressed in full Union army dress with some strange sword strapped to his back and two pistols on his waist looks up as Sara enters. (Lt. Sark)

Lt. Sark

Ahh this must be the lady in question. Good of you to join us, now the festivities can truly commence.

Sara looks up at him and sees how cock sure he is. He has a strange english accent.

Sara

And you are?

Sara is standing proud, enough of the demure act she put on for the Shepard. It would do no good anymore.

LT. SARK

Forgive me, what bad manners. My mum would be embarrassed surly if she still graced the living.

He walks over to Sara who backs up a step. He bends and kisses her hand.

Lt. SARK (CONT'D)

I am Lt. Jeramy Sark, formerly of the british army, formerly son of a well to do merchant who spent his time in the far east trading in what shall we call them, exotic goods. Now I hold the most esoterically filling position I have yet to entertain I.e. right hand man to the good Captain here.

The man with his back to her is till smoking a pipe and just grunts in acknowledgment, his hand still spinning a small blade.

Lt. SARK (CONT'D)

Yes, a man of few words our Captain, action is more his forte, planning and such. And you must be Sara and young Jebediah. We have heard so much about you from our worthwhile representatives here at Lonesome Hill. (Motions to Jenks and Taylor) Well they do have something left to be desired but alas you work with what you have.

Jenks and Taylor look at each other.

JenkS

Hey did he just go and insult us Taylor?

TAYLOR

I don't rightly know Jenks but may no mind as he could kill us as soon as look at us. Ya seen him use that sticker of his just like me.

Jenks rubs his head.

Jenks

You got somethin' there Taylor, never you mind.

The Lt. Rolls his eyes and looks at the pair.

Lt. SARK

Pushah, pushah gentleman. I was in the middle of a grand speech and you two go an interrupt..

A fist slams into a wall. It was the Captain. He still faces the wall and takes a big puff of smoke. The hand he pounds against the wall has some kind of small blade in it and is bleeding from gripping it.

CaPTAIN BLACKSTONE

Enough of your prattle Lt. If you weren't as good at killen' as you are talking I would of had your head a long time ago. Now Lawrence, what to do with you, what to do.

The Shepard fidgets and fear paints his features.

The SHEPARD

Lawrence died a long time ago, only The Shepard remains Captain Royster.

Blackstone rumbles in laughter.

CAPTAIN BLACKSTONE

Ahh, we have known each other far too long Lawrence Winterbourne III. Time for masks has lived it's measure, my own included. No more Royster.

He turns, an eyepatch covering his left eye, and slams a small throwing knife into the wood of the table.

CapTAIN BLACKSTONE (CONT'D)

Nathaniel Blackstone was the name I entered into this mud with and long past time to grip once more.