The Return (2015) - full transcript

( music playing )

( birds chirping )

( birds squawking )

( flute playing )

- Hey!
- I'm sorry.

Be gone,
you foul cretin.

It was an accident.

You'll find
something here.

- Oh!
- I'm Sorry! I'm Sorry!

- Fool!
- I'm sorry, it was an accident.

Get away! Get away!
I'll take care of it.



How about a swig,
lassie?

Made it myself.

Yesterday...

was a very good...
year.

- ( clapping )
- Who is next?

Who among ye
have an eye that is
quicker than me hand?

How about you, sir?

Me?
I don't think so.

What?
Are you afraid
of my powers?

Certainly not!

How about that fine ring
of yours, sir?

Certainly,
I will be unable to hide

that precious bit
of jewelry from you.

- W-well, I...
- Oh, go on.



Let him have
a try at it.

( laughs )
All right, then.

Wagers in everyone.
It's quite simple, sir,

Just keep your eye on the cup
that covers your ring.

There is really
nothing to it.

Tell me, girl,
where is the ring?

Ah-ha-ha-ha.
( clapping )

You see, it is easy.

Even this simpleton
can follow along.

Now, sir.
Under which cup will we
find your ring?

- ( explosion )
- What was that?

Pay it no attention!

Just the guards'
midday salute.

It's a bit early today,
but no matter.

We have a ring to find.

Well, my lord?

- Under that cup.
- Oh, is it?

All right then.
Let's start with this one.

All:
Ah.

So, you think
it's under this one?

All right, then.
Let us see.

( crowd gasps )

So sorry, my friend,
but once again

the hand
is quicker than the...

- eye?
- ( crowd gasps )

Magician,
where is my ring?

Well, now--
now, don't get excited.

It has to be here,
somewhere!

- Thief!
- No, I am not--

Guard!
I've been robbed!
Arrest him.

It has to be here.
No! Now, wait.

No!

I am innocent,
I tell you! Innocent!

Let me go!

Man:
Well, now,
what have we here?

Please,
let me pass.

What's your hurry?

Hello.

Didn't anyone ever tell you
it's not safe

to be out in these woods
all alone?

Well, Wretch, I think
we're gonna have to

teach
this one a lesson.

Don't start anything
you won't be able to finish.

Oh, looks like we found
a fiery one, hey, Brute?

( cries )

Wretch?
Get up!

( clothes ripping )

( groans )

( chuckles )

Would you
like another dance?

No, thank you.

My loss.

What a pity.

( gasps )

You're right.
It isn't safe in the woods.

You should be
more careful.

( groans )

( groans )

Ow.

- Hey!
- I'm sorry.

Be gone,
you foul cretin!

It was an accident.

In chaos can be found
opportunity.

( chuckles )

Your ring?

( explosion )

Yes, you have,
simpleton.

I am good.

Yes you are.

The best.

Well, second best.

- Good evening, Leah.
- Dybbuk.

Is that anyway
to greet your benefactor,

your protector,
your angel?

You don't seem happy
to see me.

You wouldn't want
to hurt my feelings
would you?

- I bruise easy.
- What do you want?

( chuckles )

Do you really
have to ask?

What about my share?

Since you failed to follow
the simple basic rule

of bringing me
my payment directly,

there is a penalty.

There are consequences
for one's actions, Leah.

Learn from it.

This is everything?

Of course.

Don't you trust me,
Dybbuk?

( laughs )

Trust is a dangerous vice.

Well,
seeing our business
to be done,

this concludes
our meeting.

Don't make me
have to come back...

here.

You made me come back.

Trust is a dangerous vice.

( inhales )

( groans )

Secure your door.

There's evil out
in the night.

( chattering )

( laughing )

Ahem.

( laughing )

- Ah!
- Taker.

- Leia!
- Leah! It is Leah!

Leah, Leah.
Forgive me, Leah.

How are you
this morning, my dear?

Hand it over.

( whines )

( sighing )

One day I will win
the challenge, my dear.

Perhaps,
but not today.

Admittedly, though,
it was a nice touch
with the bag of stones.

( laughs )

I had you fooled,
if only for one moment.

So, what do we
have today?

Oh, well, um,

first, two merchant ships
are coming into port.

By noon,
the sailors will be good
and drunk and an easy pinch!

Good.
What else?

The spice merchant has some
exotic new flavorings

in from the Orient.

Expensive and very popular
with the ladies, I hear.

- Oh, are they, now?
- Yeah, but...

we're getting
more competition

from those
low-life beggars.

How loathsome to have
to beg for your living

rather than doing
the honorable thing
and stealing it.

- Man: Help me, someone.
- And the new one is blind.

- Worth an extra shilling.
- Man: Please.

- Isn't he the--?
- The magician. Yeah.

Sentenced to a life of blindness
by the Magistrate.

Caught stealing
from a nobleman, I hear.

- Magician: Help me, someone.
- I guess the hands are quicker
than the eyes.

At least his eyes.
( laughs )

Is something wrong,
my dear?

You look as though
you've seen a ghost.

What?

No.

I'm fine.

- Just tired.
- Ah.

Alas, no rest
for the wicked.

Well, we'd best
get back to work.

The day is young.

Oh, look!

What?

- Look there!
- ( squawks )

( laughing )

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean
to startle you.

Um...

what do you want?

Your friend
dropped this.

I assumed
it was of value.

I wouldn't know.

Well...

will you see to it
that it is returned?

Good day.

Will you help me?

Will you help me?
Please help me find my way.

Please, someone.

Help me, please.

( dog barking )

Going somewhere,
are we?

You tell me.

It's her again.

Is there a problem,
gentlemen?

No. No. No.
No problems.

We were just patrolling
the village

to ensure
your safe passage.

How kind.
I am thankful.

- Good day, gentlemen.
- Good day.

- Where are your manners?
- Uh, good day.

A bit of a spitfire,
that one.

More of a dragon,
if you ask me.

- Oh, no!
- What?

My dagger!
It's gone!

- ( Brute laughing )
- She did it again!

- ( laughing )
- It's not funny.

Dybbuk.

Come out.

I have a dagger
and I know how to use it.

What is this?

A dream?

I'm fine.
Just tired.

Ah.

Alas,
no rest for the wicked.

Taker.

No scorpions!

He's losing his touch.

( giggles )

( laughs )

( sighs )

( birds chirping )

No, no!

( items clanging )

( gags )

Oh.

These will bring
a good price.

Good day.

Oh, you.

You startled me.

Good day.

What are you doing here?

The same as you.

I doubt that.

I was hoping to...

To what?

Nothing.

What?

You look different
since the last time we met.

What are you
talking about?

Well, dare I say...

well-rested.

You must be
sleeping well.

( gasps )

You?
The bed is from you?

Thank you!

Ah, you're welcome.
What-- what bed?

Thee bed--
Taker!

Oh, my dear, my dear,
my dear.

What are you doing here?

Talking to you.
What bed?

- The bed you gave me.
- Right.

That bed.

It wasn't you?

You have put me
in a predicament.

You see, as much as I
would like to continue
the embrace--

um, no.

Who then?

My dear, what are you
talking about?

- Come with me.
- Where to?

- My cottage.
- Oh, wait, wait, wait,
wait, wait.

I know a shortcut.
I know a shortcut.

Here, let me
help you with that.

Right this way,
my dear.

- Come, come, come, come, come.
- This should be fun.

( panting )

- Shortcut, huh?
- Shh. Shh. Shh.

I know
exactly where we are.

So do I.
Lost.

No.
No, no, that's not--

where are you going,
my dear?

We-- we must go...

this way.

( birds chirping )

- Hello, friend.
- Oh, greetings.

Can we be of assistance?

Yes,
if you would.

Might you tell me
how I can find the clearing?

- We might.
- Ah.

- For a price.
- Huh?

- Your life.
- Oh, now look here, my
fine fellows.

- I'm not looking for any
trouble.
- Well, you found it.

Huh?

Uh, trouble,
you say?

Uh, you'll find
no trouble here, sir.

( nervous chuckle )

Uh, we would be happy
to be of assistance.

Uh, you can find
the clearing a stone's throw
in that direction.

Ah, okay.

Can we leave now?

By all means.

Ah!
( chuckles )

See, my dear,
stick close to me,

and no harm will ever
overtake you.

Give me that. Give me that.
Give me that!

Sorry.

But did you see the way
I stood up to those two--

- Shut up, Taker.
- Really! No.

- I mean, with my fierceness,
my valor--
- S top talking .

Now you can now
plainly see, my dear,

why it is known
far and wide

that I am the most
courageous

of our den
of heinous thieves.

- Leia!
- Leah!

Leah, Leah, Leah.

What is that most agreeable
bouquet in the air?

- Come and see.
- A party!

You concocted
a surprise party for me

and you invited
all of my friends.

- Wait, I don't have any
friends.
- Mm.

Leah, wha--
what is going on?

I don't know.

The bed arrived
early last week,

and the food started coming
two days ago,

exactly
one week later.

And you have been
eating this food

for two days...
( sniffs )

...and have experienced
no ill effects?

None. In fact,
I've never felt better.

Well, then.
( clears throat )

My lady,
dinner is served.

- ( laughing )
- Well, thank you, kind sir.

( both laugh )

So "behold
joy and gladness,

let us eat and drink!"

"For tomorrow,
we die."

If so, why go
on an empty stomach?

Mm. Mm.

- Mm.
- Eat!

And drink.

- I like these.
- Yeah.

- Mm-mm.
- Oh, oh, oh.

( sighs )
Oh.

Soup.
Mm. Mm. Yum.

Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm? Hmm?

All right, yeah, okay.
All right, good, good.

Ooh. Lee?

- Ooh.
- Hey, hey.

Mm.

Ah, ooh, oh.

- Leah?
- Good Morning, Taker.

Ah!
Oh, don't do that!

- Pastry?
- ( muffled ) Oh.

Oh, that's good.

No kidding.
What's wrong?

What's wrong?
Oh, let's see.

First you invited me here
for a huge feast

that you have no idea
from where it came.

Remarkable,
isn't it?

Second,
I wake this morning

to find the cottage
immaculately clean,

except for
a basket of pastry
and a pot of hot tea.

I know,
it's been the same
every morning.

And third,

those candles have been
burning in there all night

and they haven't
gotten any smaller.

I noticed that.

Hey, well,
don't you find all this

just a little odd?

You know what they say.

Don't look a gift horse
in the mouth.

You may find out
its true age.

Or, it may bite you.

Now, whoever
is doing this

is doing it
for a reason.

Like what?

They want something
from you.

What if--

- What if...
- Leah: Go on.

...your secret admirer
is Dybbuk?

Think about it.

- I have.
- Mm-hmm.

What could I possibly have
that he would want?

I've already given him
everything.

( sighs )

Not, everything,
my dear.

Well, uh,
thank you

for a most filling
and unusual evening.

Oh...
and, uh...

be very careful from
whose cup you drink, my dear.

Day's half gone already.

Taker's shortcut it is.

( growling )

( growling )

( growling, whispering )

( hissing )

- ( wind gusting )
- ( leaves rustling )

( growling, whispering
continues )

( gasps )

Do not fear.
I am with you.

( growling continues )

( hissing )

- ( muffled cries )
- Shh. They will flee.

See, nothing to fear.

Come.
Walk with me.

What's wrong?

They may come back.

Be free of your fear.

And why should
I trust you?

- Do I look dangerous?
- No.

But wolves often appear
in sheep's clothing.

Well, it seems you have
two choices.

You can go back
the way you came,

or you can come with me.

- What brings you into
the woods?
- A shortcut.

( chuckles )
Then you must be late.

- Yes, very.
- Late for what?

My work.

What is it that you do?

I, uh--

I--

it's not important.

Not important?

( chuckles )
All things are important.

What is it that you do?

- I redistribute wealth.
- ( chuckles )

- So, you are a tax collector.
- Sort of.

You are a thief.

Thief?
I am not.

Yes you are.

How dare you?

What gives you the right
to call me a thief?

The truth.

Are you coming, Leah?

You have me
at a disadvantage, sir.

You know my name,
but I do not know yours.

Forgive me.

I am Yadid.

Yadid.

How do you know me?

You are known.

Really?

Well, what else
do you know about me?

I know that your father
was killed in battle

when you were very young.

That your mother left you
to be raised by relatives.

They weren't
very kind to you.

Leah, get inside.
You'll learn to hold
your tongue.

As soon as you were able,
you ran off.

You traveled
from town to hamlet,

to village

living off of
"redistributed wealth."

Hey! You!
Stop!

Yadid:
For the last two years,

you've called
the abandoned cottage
at wood's end home.

You are also known
to be very intelligent
and brave.

( laughs )
Just ask the two
half-witted scoundrels

that live in
these very woods.

They're scared
to death of you.

Sketchy information at best.

What else do you have?

That you are
under the mastery

of one known as Dybbuk.

I have no master.

That's not what the palm
of your hand says.

The village of Nod is
right through that clearing.

Your duty calls.

Thank you--

( sighs )

Three lit candles.

That's new.

There has to be something.

- Nothing!
- ( gasps )

Oh!
Taker.

What are you doing here?

Oh, I arrived here
an hour ago.

And I waited.
Right there in your bed.

And I peered into the room
hoping to catch a glimpse

of your admirer.

And then suddenly--

What?

There was a glow
coming from three lit candles.

Well, Who lit them?

No one.

- And then...
- And then what?

Nothing.
And then nothing else.

You probably
scared him away.

( scoffs )
I don't understand.

Are you sure
this is the right day?

Of course I'm sure.

The bed arrived
two weeks ago today.

The food arrived
one week ago today.

Of which there is
still plenty.

Oh.
( chuckles )

Enough for you
to invite me for dinner?

Yes.

You are too kind.
Allow me, my dear.

No.
Sit down.

All right.

Maybe the candles are it.

The story of my life.

I get my hopes up
and then...

( blows raspberry )
...nothing!

Taker, are you familiar
with a huntsman

by the name of Yadid?

Yadid?
No, I don't believe I am.

Um, pass the bread,
please.

- Why do you ask?
- Oh, no reason.

- It's just that--
- ( music playing )

What is that noise?

It's music.

( groans )
Make it stop.

It's ruining my appetite.

Isn't there a law
against disturbing the peace
or something?

I think it's beautiful.

Excuse me.

- ( music stops )
- Yes, my lady?

What are you doing?

Playing music.

Yes, I can see that.
But, why?

It is what I do.

Why here?

It pleases my master
for me to do so.

Who is your master?

It is his will
to remain anonymous.

Does my music disturb you?

Yes,
it disturbs me greatly.

I feel an upset stomach
coming on.

Taker-- no, it doesn't.

Your upset stomach has nothing
to do with music, I assure you.

Well, I hate to eat and run,
but a person can't even hear
himself chew around here.

And if this is
the third gift,

I remain disappointed.

Good night, my dear.

And you,
keep your day job, huh?

Good night, Taker.

Not a lover
of the finer things, is he?

No, well if it's not food,
that is.

Sweet dreams, my lady.

G'night.

( music resumes )

( music continues )

I have been
much too forbearing,

too tolerant,
of this one's impudence.

The time has come
to execute a plan.

Is there any more information
you wish to share?

Oh, um, yes.

She-- uh, Leah,

asked me if I was
familiar with

a-- a-- a certain
huntsman,

named, ah,
Yadid.

- Yadid?
- Yes, my lord.

Leave me.

As you wish,
my lord.

Not a word of this
to the woman.

I wouldn't want to see
any unfortunate circumstances

due to a loose tongue.

Uh-- yes, sir.

I mean-- no, sir.

Good night, sir.

This is ridiculous.

( knock on door )

- Who's there?
- It's me, Taker.

Go away, Taker.

What's going on?

Nothing.

Taker:
Come on, Leah.
Don't lie to me.

It's exactly
one week later.

There is no gift.

Uh-huh.

It must be quite wonderful

if you're trying
to keep it a secret from me.

I said there's nothing.

You trust me,
don't you?

- Of course I do.
- Then let me in.

( coughing )

I'm not feeling well,
Taker.

( coughs )
I'm gonna go to bed.

- ( coughing )
- Taker: Leah!

Leah:
I'll see you tomorrow.

( Lea continues coughing )
Good night, Taker.

As you wish, my dear.

A dance?

Why, thank you,
my lord.

You dance superbly.

You flatter me, sir.

Yes, I do.

( both laugh )

But, you're not terrible.

Thank you.
I think.

Your dress does
become you.

Oh, this old thing?

It's just something
I threw on.

In fact,
I didn't even know
I had it.

( gasps )

Can I cut in?

Come now.

What's one dance
among old friends?

Do you like the dress?

Yes.

I thought you would.

These are from you?

Well...

And the musician
and the banquets

- and the--?
- Bed?

Why?

I have been uncharitable
to you.

After all, you are
the most profitable thief
in my service.

I see.

Do you?

Do you see,
Leah?

There is so much more
I can give you.

You can have anything
you ever dreamed.

You'll never go hungry.

You will be under
my protection.

No one or no thing

would ever dare
to hurt you.

It is late.

Yes, it is.

Promise me you'll sleep
on my suggestion.

This is all I ask.

Good night, Leah.

( sighs )

Your duty calls.

After all,
you are the most profitable
thief in my service.

Don't fear.
I am with you.

You will be under
my protection.

No one or no thing

would ever dare
to hurt you.

You can go back
the way you came

or you can come with me.

- Hello, thief.
- Sheriff.

No, you don't understand.
I was just picking it up
off the ground.

You picked it all right.

I've been waiting to catch
you picking for a long time.

- I was just gonna return it--
- Save it for the magistrate.

It's off to the dungeon
for you.

- ( grunts )
- Ah! Ah.

( chuckles )
A toy?

Guards! Guards!

The girl! The girl!
After her!

Oh, what is your hurry,
my dear?

- Taker!
h, thank goodness.
- Hello, Leah.

I know a place where
we can avoid the path
and guards

and get to the river.

There is a place
we can cross safely

and be free
of Nod forever.

What's wrong?

It is impossible
to ever leave Nod.

What do you mean?
Taker, what are you doing?
What are you doing?

- I got her!
- What are you--

- Taker? What are you doing?
- Here the thief. I caught her.

- No. What are you do--
- There she is! Get her!

Taker, what--

Guard:
Here, come with us.

( cries )
No, Taker.

Let me go.

Let me go.

( rain pattering )

( gasps )

( crying )

Guard.

Oh, I love what
you've done with the place.

I didn't do it.
I didn't steal that purse.

Well, that's a shame,
now isn't it?

I mean it is your job,
to steal.

It's not like you
to be so sloppy.

Are you distracted?

It wouldn't be a huntsman
by the name of Yadid, would it?

Yeah.

Your friend, Taker,
informed me of this
insolent suitor.

It's of little
consequence.

There's nothing
he can do for you now...

here.

I believe you are
in a tight spot.

A position that requires
a person of great influence

to be able to save you.

Say the word, Leah,

and you shall be free.

Free?

Is that what you call it?

Don't take too long
to decide.

This town is hungry
for a good execution.

Dry bones,
come to life.

Alas,

there comes a time

when even my power
has no influence.

Here, day or night,
it doesn't matter.

But, I assure you

the sun is setting.

( chatter )

Silence.

( chatter stops )

All rise for the Lord
High Magistrate of Nod

and all its hamlets
and lands.

Be seated.

Present the accused.

( crowd heckling )

Your Excellency,
sitting before you

is one Leah,
citizen of Nod.

She is indicted
on charges of theft

of a money purse
containing 12 gold coins--

ruination
of a merchant stand...

Worth three day's wages.

...resisting lawful arrest,

and assault
of the magistrate's sheriff.

What say you

of these charges?

I was only trying
to return the purse
to its owner.

( crowd shouting
indistinctly )

It is true!

Magistrate?

Your Excellency,

in regard
to these charges,

she was caught red-handed
before many witnesses.

However,
we are of the opinion

that this was not
her first offense
toward you

and the people of Nod.

( chattering )

A search of her cottage
has provided us

with many
a new revelation.

( crowd members gasp )

- Woman: The necklace.
- Man: There's my necklace.

Woman:
That's my grandmother's
necklace.

These items
found from thefts

that have taken place
in Nod

were found
in her dwelling place.

( crowd groans )

But that's not all.

Is it?

There's more.

What else did we find
in your humble home?

A banquet table
made of fine wood.

A dress
of magnificent material.

A bed fit for a queen.

How can one
of such modest means

afford such luxury?

- They were gifts.
- Gifts?

- Man #2: It's a lie.
- Gifts?

What about this?

This ring that was stolen
from the magician's table.

A theft that caused
an innocent man to be blind.

Your excellency,

for these crimes...

I call for the woman
to be sentenced to death.

( crowd cheering )

Woman #2:
Death! Kill her!

The perfect fit.

Is there anything
the defendant would like
to say to this court

that may weigh favorably
on it's verdict?

There is nothing.

Well, then.

This court
finds Leah of Nod
guilty of all charges

and sentences her
to be punished by death.

( crowd cheering )

The execution
to take place--

Sheriff,
what is the hour?

Sherriff:
Noon, your Excellency.

Now.
Take her away.

( cheering )

- Don't--
- Let him approach.

Taker:
Please, show mercy,
Dybbuk.

Here,
I don't want your money,
take it.

Just show Leah mercy.

This is my lucky day.

I rid the village
of a thief

and it doesn't cost me
a thing.

Know your place.

Should you stand
in this spot again,

it would be risky for you.

Where are you going?

The party is that way.

Oh.
( chuckles )

I insist you join me

in wishing your friend
a pleasant journey.

No. No.

Having found the defendant
guilty of the all charges,

she is sentenced to die
by an arrow to the heart.

( crowd cheering )

Let us hope this Archer
is a good shot,

or this could get messy.

Stop!

What now?

I command you

to put down that weapon

and set this woman free.

( laughter )

There is one
in every crowd.

What is the meaning
of this disruption?

I order you to release her.

Do you know to whom
you are speaking?

( chuckles )
Yes. Does he?

( chuckles )

Under whose authority

do you make such request?

I command it,
in the name of the king.

( laughs )

It seems as though
there is a new jester in town.

So you
are the king?

I am charged
with his authority.

I am his son.

( crowd laughs )

You?
It's been you all along?

The bed, the dress,
the banquets, the music,
the candles.

The light.
Yes, it is I.

Surely,
your royal highness,

the King would not
set a thief free.

What message
would that send

to the fine citizens
of Nod?

A message of mercy.
No.

Weakness.
She dies.

Step aside
royal imposter

and let justice
be served.

( crowd cheering )

If it is blood you want,

it is blood you will have.

Mine.

( murmuring )

I will die in her place.

This is my lucky day.

Oh, why not?

Release her.
Seize him.

( crowd cheering )

- No. You can't do this.
- I must.

- But, why?
- Because, I love you.

Do not be afraid.
I am with you.

Now, I am a man
who likes to show the mighty
proper respect.

I cannot have a prince
sent off to his death

dressed as a mere peasant.

Guard,
remove your cape.

Ladies and Gentlemen--

your Sovereign,
your Monarch,

your Potentate!

( laughing )

Quiet! Quiet!

Do you hear the sound
of an approaching army?

Is it the roar
of the King's men
rushing to save his son?

No.

No, no, no.

Only silence.

Do what you will.

Patience.

Haven't you ever heard
of creating dramatic tension?

Get on with it.

( gasps )

Then the bow
shall be broken.

No, no, no!
( crying )

( crowd cheering )

He's dead.

Be certain.

What is it?

He wears
the King's insignia!

He is of royal blood.

Dybbuk killed
the son of the King!

Ah!

Ah!

( townspeople whispering )

I believe your lucky day
may have taken a turn
for the worse.

( crying )

( birds squawking )

( gasps )

Leah.

( gasping )

Are you--

are you really here?

What do your eyes say?

Yes?

But, they have often
been known to lie to me.

Then what does
your heart say?

Yes.

( crying )

You have
a very wise heart.

I saw you die.

You did.

How is it you are here?

I am the son
of the king.

Yes, but... the arrow

and Dybbuk's mace,
and...

There are many things
I have to tell you.

But you are not yet ready
to bear them.

Yes, your highness.

( gasps )

- Are you hungry?
- ( laughs )

Yes, I am.

I will make you a meal
fit for a prince.

Thank you.

( knock on door )

Who's there?

Taker:
It is I, my dear.

Taker?

Taker:
Yes.

I don't think now
is the best time.

Taker:
Please, please,
I must speak with you.

Coming.

Hello.

May I come in?
Just for a moment?

- Please.
- Oh, thank you.

What do you want?
Is there more you need
to share with Dybbuk?

I-- I know that there
is no reason

for you to do so...

but I ask--

I beg for your
forgiveness.

( voice breaks )
I betrayed you,

first for money,

and then for my life.

Dybbuk's power over me
was great,

but that is no excuse
for what I did to you.

You're right.

But I am very sorry.
Very sorry.

I had wanted to pay
for my transgression

with the only thing
I have-- my life.

Your life?

I left the village that day
determined to die.

Even if I had
to do it myself.

And yet,
you are here.

Yes.

As I stood in the woods
with that noose
around my neck,

I realized something.

- What?
- I realized that

it's not me being
a coward that was stopping me.

Actually,
I would have been a coward

if I had gone through
with it.

Then, I-- I--
I realized something else.

And what was that?

I realized that the log
I was standing on

was wet and very slippery.
I could have killed myself.

I mean, no,
I didn't want to kill myself,

- but by standing on it, and the
noose around--
- I-- I get it.

- I know what you mean, Taker.
- Yeah.

But I also realized

that the brave thing
for me to do

would be to live--
live my life.

And follow the path,

good or bad,
that lies before me.

But I had to come
to see you.

I had to ask,

though undeserving,

for your forgiveness.

You have it.
I forgive you.

Oh.

Thank-- yeah?

Thank you, my dear.
Thank you.

Oh.

This-- this-- this
calls for a celebration.

May I propose a toast?

- Hello.
- Taker.

I had no idea
what you were gonna say,

I just knew
I had to come here...

( glass clatters )

Is there someone else
in the room?

Yes, Taker.

Is it His Royal Highness,
the Son of the King?

Yes, Taker.

Peace to you, Taker.

My-- oh, uh,
Your High--

But, arrow?
( blows raspberry )

Heart?
How? How?

( both laugh )

More questions?

Arrest me.
Take me away.

Lock me in the dungeon
and throw away the key.

Taker,
you are free.

Free?
How can I be free?

Look at your palm.

( gasps )

( laughs )

I'm free.

Leah, look,
I am free.

- I know.
- ( gasps )

We were just about
to sit down for a meal

Would you like
to join us, Taker?

A meal?

I suppose I could
eat a little something.

( laughs )

Oh.

Oh.

Oh, man.

( flute music playing )

Oh, no.

Not him again.

I feel a headache
coming on.

Actually, it doesn't
sound that bad.

It is quite pleasant.

He must have been
practicing.

( all laugh )

- ( water splashing )
- ( indistinct chatter )

Leah.

Oh, oh.
Whenever you take that tone

you are about to say
something important.

I should listen.

Are you not listening
all the time?

I try.

The time has come
for me to leave.

For a while.

Leave?

There is a war to be fought.
My enemies are legions.

I'll come with you.

The time
is not yet right.

The enemy is on the run.

There is no place
for them to hide.

I will prevail in battle.

The victory is ours.

Leah,

will you wait for me?

Of course.

But...

But what?

What should I do
while I wait?

Leah, do you love me?

Yes!

Then there is much
for you to do.

Before I return,

I must go
to my father's palace.

There, many rooms
are being prepared for you.

- For me?
- Yes. For you.

I will return.
I promise.

Now, go.

Your duty calls.

( laughs )

We got one, Brute.
Lets see what we got.

Oh.

Hi guys. Nice trap.
Very inventive.

You've got
to be kidding me.

If we didn't have bad luck,
we'd have no luck at all.

Luck?
I'd call it providence.

Yeah, you would.

Gentlemen,
we need to talk.

Talk?

Yes,
I have work for you.

Work?
You mean like a job?

Sort of.

Here, kill us now.

Come on.
The day is fading.

Let's go.

( chattering )

The battle awaits.

Yes it does, Dunamis.

You know what to do.

Dybbuk!

I know you are near.

Come into the light.

Dybbuk:
But, I do my best work
from the shadows.

My victory is at hand.

( Dybbuk laughs )

Victory?

You call the life
of one wretched girl
a victory?

There is great rejoicing
in the Kingdom over her,

as there is over
each and every one

who is subject
to the throne.

Dybbuk:
The battle, such as
it was, is yours.

But the war goes on.

( grunting )

It looks like it's time
for reinforcements.

I never come
to a fight alone.

Nor do I.

( all yelling )

( grunts )

( swords clanging )

( woman vocalizing )

( creaking )

( hammer pounding )

Look, Leah, look!

Nicely done!

( pounding continues )

You finished
your first bench!

My second!
My first.

Oh.

Maybe reinforce
the legs.

I think so.
Yeah.

Yeah.

- Excuse me.
- Ma'am.

Help me?

Please.

Will someone
please help me?

I'll help you.

Who are you?

Leah.

I can't give you
your eyes,

but I can be your eyes.

I would like that.

( woman vocalizing )

- Hey.
- Hey.

- Ah.
- Magistrate.

Good morning,
my dear.

And how is Nod's
finest citizen today?

Quite well.
And you?

All the better
for having seen you,
my dear.

Might His Excellency
have time

to have dinner with
an old friend this evening?

A meal?

Well, I suppose
I could eat a little
something.

- ( giggles )
- See you then.

( woman vocalizing )

...the prince
told the peasant girl
that he loved her

and that one day
he would return for her

and take her
to live in his palace.

Did he return?

Not yet,
but he will.

What do you think
about that?

( woman vocalizing )

Doctor,
who is that woman?

Her name is Leah.

- A nurse?
- Not officially.

She comes here
once a week to help.

If there's something
that needs to be done

or someone that needs help,

you will find, her,
Leah of Nod.

Here, let me help you.

Oh, thank you.

Please,
something for the poor?

Thank you, Leah.

Dybbuk.

You look surprised
to see me.

Not really.

My, my,
you have changed.

You are so old.
Weak.

You were always
quick with a compliment.

I call it
like I see it.

No, Dybbuk.
You call it like you want
everyone else to see it.

It must be difficult.

Living alone,

holding tight
to that long ago promise

that someone
will return for you.

Return to what's left
of you.

I am here, Leah.

I'm not a dream.

Come with me.

Leave me, Dybbuk.

I am never alone.
You are.

Ah.

( woman vocalizing )

( knock on door )

Oh.
Come in.

May I help you?

Yes, if you can,
please, we're hungry.

You are welcome here.

Your table is full.

Yes, but there is always room
for three more.

Come, sit.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

( woman vocalizing )

( grunts )

A dance?

Why, thank you,
my lord.

( crying )

( sighs )

( exhales )

( giggles )

( sighing )

( music playing )

- Taker!
- Hello, my dear.

Come, come, come.

Leah.

Oh, it's so good
to see you.

Leah, Leah, look.
I can see.

You can see.

And you are
a beautiful sight.

Yes, yes she is.

Papa.

Hello,
my little princess.

Welcome home.

( music playing )

( music continues )