Guardian of the Ancient Shadow Crown (2014) - full transcript

I shall tell you a story

from the Land of Shadows.

A place far to the north,

hidden from the eyes of man.

It begins

with a black-hearted witch.

Once the cruelest,

most evil sorceress

who ever lived.

But now,

in the Mountain of the Skull,

behind an icy door,

the witch lies frozen

in the white snow.

Her magic mirrors

cracked and broken.

Her wicked words silenced.

But who knows what cruel

vibrations of thought

may still stir within her.

Calling out

across the frozen wastes

and deep into the darkest

Shadow caves,

where her greatest enemies

reside.

These are the people of Shadow.

A race of gentle mystics.

Deep inside the mountains

is the Shadow cathedral,

a temple of ancient secrets,

where Shadows learn

to take form at will.

In the highest cave,

the great Shadow elder

looks to the heavens,

reading dark omens

in the celestial light.

The hour has come,

and soon, a young Shadow prince

is drawn to the witch's lair.

By the light

of an enchanted mirror,

the spell of the great Shadow

elder is broken forever

and soon the witch

can breathe once more.

You have risked much,

coming here

and waking me from my sleep.

Why do you help me,

Shadow prince?

I saw your face in a dream.

Every night I closed eyes,

I've heard you calling me here.

Come to me, come to me...

So you really have

a black heart?

As black as your tunic.

Did you bring my crown?

They've hidden it.

I saw the great elder

with his servant.

There is to be a king

from the world of man.

They've taken the crown

and hidden it there.

I should've stopped them,

but I was afraid

of the elder's power.

Oh, prince,

how you disappoint me.

Now, I have

no further need of you.

Thus was evil

reborn in the Land of Shadows.

As her black hearts

beats in her chest,

the witch begins to dream.

She dreams

of the ancient Shadow crown,

which has ever eluded her grasp.

And now it is hidden far away,

far across the Magic Path

in a green land

in the world of man.

Give me a hug, Matthew?

It's lovely to see you.

- A cup of tea.

- Thanks, Mom.

What's that thing in the garden?

Your granddad made it,

just before he died.

- What does it do?

- Nothing really.

He built it on top

of an old drain

so it was nice to have

that covered up at least.

He looks happy.

He was. He spent ages

making that thing.

- Who's that with him?

- Where?

The shadow beside him.

Was there someone helping him?

No. I don't see anything.

Now, come on,

you must be hungry.

You won't be afraid on your own,

will you?

No.

- Night, Matty.

- Night, granny.

Thanks for letting us stay, Ma.

It's just until

I get another job.

Stay here as long as you want.

There's a lovely little

school down the road

that Matthew could go to.

Ah, he

has never really liked school.

He finds it hard to concentrate.

I think he's in a daydream

all the time.

But he's a lovely little boy.

Ah yeah, I know.

Signed, Linus Redle.

Granddad.

He built it

on top of an old drain.

- He looks happy.

- He was.

There's the trapdoor.

There's the lock.

Where's the key?

It might be open.

What's going on?

I worry about Matthew sometimes.

In his old school, the teachers

even called me in about it.

He spend most of his time alone.

He's never really had

a proper father.

Now, maybe that's what's wrong.

He always felt different.

I know one of the teachers

at the school

of the end of the road.

He's a nice young man,

I'll ask him to help

Matthew settle in.

Don't worry.

Matthew, Matthew...

Who's there?

Welcome, Matthew.

Do not be afraid.

How do you know my name?

Your grandfather

and I often spoke of you.

Did you know my granddad?

Yes, we spoke together

in the time you call dreams.

- Are you a man?

- I am a Shadow man.

My name is Yorrick.

Sometimes the fates of man

and Shadows are intertwined.

Have you heard

of a magician called Merlin?

He was a Shadow, like me,

and he lived among man.

He still lives somewhere,

in a cave.

Like this, waiting to return

if danger should threaten

his kingdom.

Why are you here?

I am the keeper

of the great treasure.

Can I see it?

Perhaps.

But first I must make sure

that your intentions are good.

Permit me to look

into your thoughts.

Would you like that, Matthew?

Ooh!

Come back at three o'clock

and I'll be all dressed up

for the...

Very well,

you may see the treasure.

Now, by the light

of the Shadow crystal...

Behold.

Silver coins.

Precious stones.

Pearls.

But the greatest treasure

of all is here.

The ancient Shadow crown.

The secret of the crown

is that only the purest soul

may wield its power.

Wow, is that gold?

More precious than gold,

young sir.

When the crown is lost

amongst the wicked,

the destructive forces

of the world will hold sway.

But when the crown sits upon

the head of the chosen one,

it will herald a golden age.

Are you looking for a mirror?

There are no mirrors down here.

Witches can hide

themselves in mirrors

and cross from place to place.

I do not wish to have

a visit from Geldren.

Who's that?

She is the cruelest and most

evil witch who ever lived.

The greatest enemy

of the Shadows.

I was sent here

by the great Shadow elder.

He once crossed the Magic Path,

and came to live amongst man.

He even took a wife.

But told no one

of his Shadow past.

When his time here was complete,

he ascended to a higher

state of consciousness

and his shadow now burns white,

in celestial light.

Look at your shadow,

on the wall.

Look to your right hand.

See that you are now holding

the weapon of a king,

a shadow sword.

- Can I have a real sword?

- Perhaps, in time.

Look, the crystal has changed

color.

Evil is nearby.

Listen.

Above our heads.

Up there, through the earth,

up unto the forest floor,

a servant of the witch

is coming this way.

Right above us now.

Circling...

Waiting...

I must lead him astray,

to a trap in the woods.

- Will you help me now, Matthew?

- Yes.

Place the crown in that bag,

let it bring us victory

against our enemies.

We'll take a new path

to the surface.

Climb on and I will follow you.

Matthew, Matthew.

Where are you?

Matthew,

down here, at your feet.

When I leave the cave

I must become a Shadow.

Now take cover by that tree,

hurry.

Shh. Listen.

I hear him.

There.

Stay out of sight, Matthew.

I will lead him into a trap.

Come, woodsman.

I know what you seek.

You will find all

the secrets of the forest

if you can catch a Shadow.

What have I here, a little boy

keeping the company of Shadows?

Your friend tried to trick me,

but I'm too clever

to chase Shadows.

You will stay.

I found it.

I know someone who will

pay handsomely for this.

Not with money.

Something better than money.

I could be a king.

She and I can rule together.

My rise will be legendary,

from the gutter to the throne.

The patriarch...

Stay still, stay.

What am I gonna do

with you, boy?

Shall I be mean to you,

shall I show mercy?

Or shall I punish you for

the theft of my crown?

What shall I do?

Hurry Matthew, before he wakes.

Take the crown back to the cave.

I will deal with him.

I left our friend

many miles away.

And I placed a warning

in his mind.

I showed him,

that if he ever returns here,

he will rot in a Shadow trap.

There are many such traps

in the forest.

It is my duty to oppose

all who come here,

with evil intent

in their hearts.

The crystal is my guide,

for it detects the poisoned

blood of hate.

I see you have another visitor.

- Where?

- There.

Come forward, show yourself.

Come.

Do not be shy.

This is Alice,

your Shadow guardian.

She has traveled far to see you.

You have

a great destiny, Matthew.

In the times ahead,

you will be tested.

And you must be strong.

Matthew!

Listen.

Matthew?

I hear something

above our heads.

Matthew!

Matthew?

Your mother is calling you.

Time for you to return home.

Hurry now, Matthew,

back the way you came.

Matthew!

Your grandfather

and I often spoke of you.

We spoke together

in the time you call dreams.

Sometimes the fates of man

and Shadows are intertwined.

Matthew where were you?

I couldn't find you!

I was in the woods

behind the garden.

You can't be going off

like that without telling me.

I was okay.

Oh, and when did you do that?

In the garden.

I tore it in the garden.

- How?

- In the twisty thing.

Hmm, that's the second time

you've hurt yourself

around that thing.

Well...

Your tea is ready.

- Are you hungry?

- Yeah, I'm starving.

Okay, come on.

Shh, shh, shh.

Matthew?

New friends

are made amongst the Shadows.

But now, in the darkness

of the forest,

the Magic Path is revealed.

And the woodsman makes

the crossing to the other world.

Mistress, where are you?

Alexander...

How dare you enter here

without my permission.

The door was open.

I have news, I've got news.

News?

- What news?

- I've seen the crown.

I see your thoughts, Alexander.

You had my crown,

but you couldn't keep it.

A Shadow man took it

from you, and a boy,

a boy who hides

in the Shadow cave.

- By a rotting trunk...

- By a rotting trunk!

Silence.

You will return to this forest,

where the Shadows

have their cave.

Prepare the way for me,

and I will come.

Now get out of here.

Yes mistress.

I must know

what the future holds.

My prisoner will tell me.

Wake up.

Mistress, I fell asleep.

But what a joy it is

to behold your beautiful face.

Your eyes, so blue,

like a nice new sky.

The golden locks of your hair,

the way they flay in the sun

- and then...

- Shut up.

Shutting up, shutting up

mistress, shutting up.

Tell me,

what does the future hold?

It is not yet clear, mistress.

I must look deep within.

Wait...

I see a crown of gold

upon your head.

But I sense it sparkles more

upon the head of another.

What do you mean?

I'm trying to see,

but the images, they're fading.

Fading away...

- And now they're gone.

- Bring them back.

But mistress,

it's so cold down here.

I cannot do my visions right.

Last night, I had a snot

come from my nose.

Dripping down it was,

solid frozen,

I pulled it off

and looked at it,

a frozen snot, a snotsicle.

What am I supposed to do

with a snotsicle, mistress?

Ah, no, please.

Oh no...

Ah you're a right

miserable sorceress.

I thought the predictions

aren't done for you.

Talk about not having fun.

You'll never get my treasure!

- How can you stop me?

- I have a sword.

He's just playing.

I will give you

revenge against the Shadow man.

When the sun

is highest in the sky,

and the Shadow man is asleep,

smear the earth of the Shadow

cave on your boots,

then his crystal will not

warm him of your approach.

Now Shadow man, I'll be ready

for you this time.

I will give you

a potion to deepen his sleep.

Spray the air above his head

with the vapors,

and he will sleep

for a long time.

Where's the crown?

Gotcha.

When you have found the crown,

speak the incantation

and I will come.

It is true, without untruth.

Certain and most true.

The wind carries it

in its stomach.

The earth, it's receptacle.

You separate the fire

from the earth.

The subtle from the gross.

Gently, with great industry.

It climbs from the earth

and descends from the sky.

We're going to town now,

Matthew, come on.

But I want to stay here.

Let him stay there

if he wants to.

He'll be fine, he hasn't

left the yard in days.

- Thanks, Granny!

- Bye, Matthew.

Yorrick, wake up.

Yorrick,.

Wake up Yorrick.

So you are the one who

would steal my crown?

- I didn't.

- Silence.

Come, let us look

at your friends.

Are they dead?

I did not kill them, boy.

But they will stay asleep for

as long as I want them to be.

Are you afraid, boy?

Perhaps I will spare you,

for now.

But do not meddle in my world.

There are forces at work here

which do not concern you.

Go back to your home, boy.

Go back to your home.

Now is the crown

lost among the wicked.

And when the Shadows wake

from their enchanted sleep,

they have much to tell

their young friend.

Is this the one you saw?

Hmm.

As I feared, this is Geldren.

She is so consumed by hate,

that her heart has turned

black as pitch.

But, the great elder has

magic as powerful as hers.

He fashioned this blade,

the Serpent's Tongue,

to be used against her,

when the time is right.

As the boy returns home,

his mind is filled

with the terrors

and wonders of the Shadow world.

He remembers the embrace

of the Shadow girl

as he left the cave.

And how it seemed to melt

all the fear in his heart.

But what was the great

destiny she had promised him?

Would he become ruler

of a faraway kingdom someday?

Perhaps he'd find out tomorrow.

For now, it was getting late,

and if he hurried back...

This is the dance

of the Shadows.

When we celebrate

the birth of spring,

the sun shines

through a portal of light

and we dance around

it's gold embrace in shadow...

Matthew, can I come in?

Okay, Mom.

Look at the state

of your clothes.

You're filthy.

Come on, get changed.

Were you playing around with

that thing in the garden again?

- Yeah.

- Ugh, I don't like it.

- Why not?

- I just don't like it.

I wish the garden was like

the way it used to be.

There's a teacher from

your new school coming

here this evening.

He's gonna help you settle in.

So be a good boy, won't you?

- Hello.

- Hi, Mr. Golloman.

- Oh, it's Bob.

- This is Carol, Mr. Golloman.

- Nice to meet you.

- Nice to meet you, Mr. Golloman.

- Ahem.

- Okay, come on in.

- Okay, thank you.

- Would you like a cup of tea?

I'd love one,

thank you very much.

- It's Bob.

- Well, okay.

Yeah, cheers.

Thanks. Uh, oh, yeah, cheers.

What age is he now?

Nine and three quarters

he told me last week.

Wow, that's fine.

Well, there's plenty of room

for him in fourth class.

Um, do you teach all

subjects there, Mr. Golloman?

It's Bob. Uh, yeah,

I'm a jack of all trades.

Um, but, I like history

the most.

We study all types of eras.

My favorite is the iron age.

Oh, such a radically different

society, the old Celtic world.

Like, the rules and customs

are totally alien

to the way we live.

I-I...

I would love to go back in time

just to see how they lived,

you know?

Actually, did you know

there were...

- I'm boring you now aren't I?

- Not at all.

Mind some...

Are you okay?!

I'm fine.

- It went...

- it went with my breath.

Just...

I'm fine.

Pff, much better, ah.

I know it isn't, but it's fine.

Look, don't worry about it.

Okay? It was really nice

to meet you.

- Yeah, um...

- If you need me...

- you can call me okay?

- Okay.

- Well, thank you.

- Alright, so, um,

I'll talk to you soon.

Okay, okay, well, there

is actually something

about the spiral

in the garden...

- Okay.

- I'm sorry...

so I have to...

So maybe in a few days,

if you wanna come over.

Maybe next week evening

or something.

- Sure.

- Well, I wanna hear...

- from you again okay?

- Yeah? No problem.

- Yeah, okay.

- Okay, so...

- have a good journey up.

- It was very nice. Okay, cheers.

- I'll talk to you soon.

- Okay.

It was the darkest

night the boy could remember.

And as he tried to sleep,

fear of the witch crept

back into his heart.

Matthew.

I can't sleep.

Don't be afraid.

Remember, you have

the greatest strength in you.

I don't feel strong.

You've always felt

different to the other boys

in school, haven't you?

That's because

you are different.

Only the strongest can

withstand the greatest tests.

When all else seems lost,

look within

and you will find your strength.

You won't leave me, will you?

I will be close by

when you need me.

Can I see your face again?

I must remain in shadow

when I leave the cave.

These are the instructions

of the great elder.

In the past,

some Shadows were tempted

to seek control

of the weaker minds of man.

And lost themselves

in evil ways.

Only the wisest Shadows may

live freely amongst man.

But I'm still here by your side.

But it's not the same.

Matthew.

Now, go to sleep.

Far away

from the boy's fitful sleep,

the witch's dreams of glory

are short lived.

For her corrupted soul can draw

no power from the crown.

And her black heart

is filled with fear.

My heart...

My heart feels weaker today.

I can feel the space

between its beats.

The space between my thoughts,

growing larger every second.

Why does the Shadow crown

not bring me power?

Hard to perceive.

A magic spell.

The white shadow

of the great elder.

Can the spell be undone?

It is a language

beyond my knowing.

Perhaps an ancient

Shadow tongue.

I will destroy the great elder.

You are not powerful

enough now, mistress.

You must draw

the life energy of another

to make you strong again.

I must draw from the life

energy of another.

Aye, that's what I just said.

But who, who do I know

that can serve this purpose?

Well, you don't know too

many people now, do you?

I've always said

you should get out more.

I mean, you hardly ever

leave this place.

Maybe when you do,

you can bring me with you.

I mean, I'll be no trouble.

Alexander.

For company, like. We could

have such fun together.

Oh, no, don't!

Not again.

I'll just keep talking.

I know you can hear me.

However...

Alright.

Maybe I'll walk.

I will not let my light go out.

I will live

for a thousand years.

And will rule

for a thousand years.

No magic can contain me.

The Shadows will serve me again.

I will not release my grip.

Let them try to take it from me.

I will burn them, every one.

Like a coal in my fire.

The fury of the witch

is felt in the earth.

Tremors strike the Shadow caves.

Shadows, young and old,

cower in fear.

And then...

there is silence.

As the Spiral

lies broken on the ground,

across the Magic Path,

the great elder

sent Shadow spies

to the lair of the witch.

Come brother, let us

listen at the witch's door.

Shhh.

- What good...

- Listen.

Are you to me now?

I have wanted you for so long.

But now, I can take

no pleasure in you.

Even your power cannot renew me.

How your face shines in the sun.

You're laughing at me.

I curse you now.

Matthew.

You came back, Alice.

Whilst you slept,

I heard great news.

Shadow spies have been

watching the witch's lair.

She can draw no power

from the crown.

She grows weaker every day.

Soon she will be dead

and gone forever.

Listen...

I hear someone at your door.

Matthew, it's dinnertime.

It's your mother.

Matthew have you

locked this door?

- Answer her.

- What will I say?

Say what I tell you.

Are you there?

Sorry, Mom.

Sorry mom.

I forgot I locked the door.

I forgot I locked the door.

I'll open it in a second.

I'll open it in a second.

What's for dinner, Mom?

What's for dinner, Mom?

I got fresh peas for you.

Oh great, I love fresh peas.

Oh great.

But I don't like fresh peas.

Just say it, Matthew.

Oh great, I love fresh peas.

You are okay about us

taking down that spiral thing,

in the garden, aren't you?

- Yes, Mom.

- Yes, Mom.

It was just too dangerous

to have you playing around it,

that's all.

Mr. Golloman is gonna help us

make a nice flowerbed instead.

- That would be nice.

- That would be nice, Mom.

No, it wouldn't!

You go on ahead,

and I'll be down in a second.

You go on ahead,

I'll be down in a second.

Well, don't be long.

The crown will

sparkle on the head of another.

But who?

The elder cannot wear it.

So who is the chosen one?

It must be

a king from the world of man.

A king from the world of man.

Who is the chosen one?

That boy.

Of course.

I saw the ground shine

when he held it in his hands.

The boy will become

the Shadow king.

If I were to kidnap that boy,

and bring him here,

I could take the power

of the crown for myself.

- Then the great elder...

- Mistress, mistress!

Will kneel

at my feet.

I sense the most

evil thoughts in your head.

Would you not leave

that wee boy alone?

He's no threat to you.

It'll be worse for you

if you decide to go after him.

Would you...

Never interrupt an evil genius

at work.

Well, don't say

I didn't warn you.

Little boy with golden hair

and eyes of azure.

Frightened little drops of azure

in a sea of perfect white.

From the mirror in my hand,

to the mirror on your wall,

I see you now.

It seems our destinies

are linked, boy.

Soon we will meet again.

I thought you said

you liked my peas?

They're okay.

This body gets weaker every day.

I must have more strength

to make the journey.

Mistress, I have fresh game.

I'll leave it by the door.

You may come in.

Come in Alexander.

Come here and sit by me.

That's right.

You have been a good

servant to me, Alexander.

Hey, hey Alexander.

- A good servant.

- It's a trap

you cockney twit

You're in danger.

You should have a good reward.

You had better get away!

- Thank you mistress.

- Alexander!

I have seen the way you

look at me, Alexander.

Come closer.

Would you like to kiss me,

Alexander?

Yes.

I've always hoped

that you would invite me

to come and sit by your side.

- In time, I've always hoped...

- Shh.

Do not talk too much or

I will change my mind.

Too late, Alexander,.

Now, you're toast.

And your life force

will be gone.

In one, two, three, four,

five, six, seven seconds.

Well, you will not be

a patriarch now.

What's happening, brother?

I can see something through

the panels of the door.

I see the boots of her servant.

And the crown, I see the crown.

- What's he...

- Shh, she approaches.

She is burying the crown,

burying it in the snow.

Listen, I hear her voice.

She's whispering a spell.

Now, there's smoke

filling the room.

She is gone.

Let's go in and get the crown.

Through the door, come on.

Careful,

brother, it might be a trap.

The coast is clear, come on.

Where did you see the crown?

Down there, by the back wall.

Look over there in the corner,

she has left something else

behind.

Hey you, Shadow man,

can you get me out?

- What's that?

- He must've been shrunk.

I'm a dwarf you pair

of nincompoops.

If you're looking for the crown,

I can tell you

where it's hidden.

But for that information,

I will require these favors,

three.

One, an audience with

the great Shadow elder,

to which I will negotiate

the terms for my new kingdom.

I don't know, but the...

Two, a lifetime

of commonly maiden service.

A child or two...

Ah, no! Wait, wait, don't!

Wretched pair

of double-crossing, no-good,

low-life, see-through twits.

What is the world coming to,

when I cannot

even trust a Shadow.

Matthew, I must tell you,

Yorrick has new instructions

from the great elder.

What are they?

I don't know.

I will find out when

I go back to the cave.

Perhaps the witch

has finally died.

I've left a special whistle

by your bed.

If you need me,

give me a signal.

Like this.

It is a sound that only

Shadows can hear.

And if I hear that sound,

I will come back to you.

Oh and Matthew,

the school teacher is here.

Ah, him.

Don't be too

hard on him, Matthew.

He's not a bad man.

I think he likes your mother.

Try to give him a chance.

He broke down the Spiral.

That's all that's left.

He didn't mean any harm.

He did it for you mother,

and she just wants

you to be safe.

Now, I must go,

but I will be back soon.

- I wanted to give you this.

- What is it?

It's just a little present

for you.

- Oh, thanks.

- It's nothing special

or anything. It's just something

I made at home.

I thought that

maybe you could wear.

Or as soon as you open it,

you'll probably hate it

- and throw it in the bin.

- Oh, no, I'm sure it's lovely.

You don't have to take it

or anything.

It doesn't mean anything.

Um...

Oh my.

No, it's lovely. Thank you.

I thought you could

maybe wear it as a brooch?

Do women wear brooches still?

I don't really know

much about...

Well, it's lovely, but I

just don't think I can take it.

It's fine, I understand.

Alice.

Oh, my lord.

I bring news of

our enemy, the witch Geldren.

She has taken the life

force from her servant,

and will be strong for a time.

I can no longer intervene

from this plane.

Therefore I give you

new powers to do my bidding.

You will now walk freely

amongst man,

in shadow or in form.

I give you this blade,

fashioned by my own hand.

Pierce the black heart

of the witch,

and she will be gone forever.

The boy is most precious to us.

It is for him that I came

to the world of man,

so many years ago.

My heart beats in that boy.

My strength resides in him,

for I was once his grandfather.

Shadows, beware

of the mind force of the witch.

So boy, we meet again.

I will not harm you, child.

But you must return with me now,

to my lair of ice.

Do not be afraid.

You and I can rule together.

Do not resist.

Ah!

Put away your toys

and come with me.

Leave him alone.

Geldren, your time

will end tonight.

Never.

Feel the pain in your hand,

Shadow man?

And now, in your head.

- You'd not dare to challenge me.

- Yorrick, no!

You are weak.

I control you now.

- You will learn obedience.

- No.

Raise your hands

towards the girl.

Do not try to resist.

Raise your hands towards her.

Closer to her neck.

You will have to obey me.

Matthew, look within...

find your strength.

I will keep you

imprisoned for a thousand years.

You are stronger than

I thought, Shadow man.

But now your resistance

is weaker.

And we begin again.

At last, the witch was dead.

And her body melted away

into the vapors of the air.

That night, the Shadows

left by the Magic Path.

They promised to return again,

and take Matthew on a journey

to meet his grandfather

and discover his future destiny.

Until then, he promised

he would try

to be happy in the world of man.

♪ So to dark world

♪ Soon to mark you

♪ One thought will be

Night song to guide you ♪

Mr. Golloman?

Yes, Matthew?

Do you like my mom?

It's okay if you do.

Tea's ready, Bob.

♪ So from dark world

Thanks.

- You too, Matthew.

- Okay, Mom.

♪ One song will be sought

♪ Oh, which I bid you to home

♪ Bid you

♪ Home

And so the legend begins.

How the young king

slew the mighty witch.

Trumpets sound

in the Shadow world,

for the golden age has begun.

And in time, the king

will claim his crown of light.