The Shannara Chronicles (2016–…): Season 1, Episode 5 - Reaper - full transcript

The Dagda Mor sends the Reaper after Amberle and Wil as they are taken prisoner, once again, by Cephelo. Allanon trains Bandon. Ander is forced to make a difficult decision.

Previously on The Shannara Chronicles...

The Ellcrys seed must be carried
to a place called Safehold.

ANDER: Remember the summer
you sent us to the Drey Wood fort?

- We met an Elf named Rin Katsin.
- Send word to Drey Wood.

I want Rin Katsin brought there
immediately.

- Don't touch me! -Something happen
when people touch you?

- He's a seer.
- Ugh!

- You killed him.
- It wasn't the princess.

ALLANON:
It was a Changeling.

It can inhabit the form
of any being it chooses.

(CRUNCH)



You need to start trusting
the Ellcrys.

Otherwise the three of you
will not make it to Safehold.

(GROWLS)

- Move out!
-(GRUNTS)

Don't worry.
Daddy's coming.

(EERIE MUSIC)

GIRL: Lorin, you're too slow.

LORIN: Come on. That's not fair.

You cheated.

Amberle, what is it?

What's wrong?

Nothing. I just got a leg cramp
from kicking your butt so hard.

(SNIGGERS) Yeah. I let you win.

Oh, yeah? Prove it.



Last one back to the palace
has to walk Manx for a month.

- AMBERLE: That's a bet.
-(STAFF TAPS)

(GASPS)

You're going back to the palace, alright.
With me.

('THINK OF ME' BY DAVID O'DOWDA
AND RACHEL WOOD PLAYS)

(BOTH MOAN)

I'm late for watch.

And you're going to miss
the Council meeting.

But I leave for Tyrsis
in the morning.

Diana, this is our last chance
to be together.

For a month. You'll live.

(CHUCKLES)
Yeah, but when I get back,

I'll be a diplomat
and you'll be a captain.

We won't have time
to fool around.

- Regular power couple, huh?
- Mm-hm.

But until then,

Aine and Arion can handle
the silver-hairs.

Love...

...trumps...

...politics.

Nice try. Get dressed.

(OWL HOOTS)

Travel safe.

Always.

(LOW GROWL)

(GROWLING)

Good evening, Prince Ander.

(GROWLS)

SONG: ♪ I feel it
running through my veins

♪ And I need that fire
just to know that I'm awake. ♪

AINE: Amberle.

You're excused, Lorin.

MALE ELF:
How many times have I told you...

I hope you have a good explanation
for being out of bed at this hour.

-I'm sorry, Father.
- An apology is not an explanation.

What were you doing
in the Sanctuary?

It was just a dumb dare.

I wanted to see if I could
beat Lorin to the Ellcrys.

Tell me you ran circles
around that little show-off.

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

- It wasn't even close.
- That's my girl.

I bet he insisted he let you win too.

AINE: Men are a predictable bunch.

Even when we lie, we lack imagination.

When you were a Chosen,
did the Ellcrys ever speak to you?

Speak? No.

Maybe it only speaks to girls.

Perhaps.

Of course, there's never been
any female Chosen.

But there's no law that says
a woman can't run the Gauntlet.

Maybe when you're older,
you'll show those boys a thing or two.

Amberle?

Go to your room and lock the door.
Understand?

- Uh-huh.
- Go.

- Boy. Good boy. Come on.
-(GROWLS)

Good.

You're late, Ander.

- Arggh!
-(GASPS)

I'm afraid the young prince
is occupied this evening.

Ah. Slanter, isn't it?

Self-appointed leader
of the Gnome rebellion.

Your reputation precedes you.

I fight for freedom,

not vanity, unlike you.

You'll forgive me, but I...

...l don't respond
to that sort of diplomacy.

The time for diplomacy has passed.

Now is the time for vengeance!

If you truly care about your people,

lay down your weapons.

Help me end this war.

We will spare your life.

You have our word.

Enough words.

(BOTH GRUNT)

Arggh!

Ah!

Arggh!

Arggh!

-(ROARS)
- Arggh!

-No!
- Arggh!

Your Majesty.

(GRUNTS)

(GROWLS)

AMBERLE: No! Father!

-(GROANS)
-lt's alright. It's alright.

AMBERLE: Father!

AMBERLE: How much further
till we meet Rin Katsin?

A day's ride, maybe more.

We'd make better time
if we weren't carrying

-so much dead weight.
-(GRUNTS)

(PANTS)

I think it's marsh wolf.

It's a little gamey,
but it beats ferns and dirt.

Being pulled around in chains
killed my appetite.

Maybe if you dropped the whole
lying, cheating and stealing act,

you'd find people
were a little more hospitable.

Thanks for the advice.

I'll talk to Amberle.
Maybe we can switch to rope.

Whatever Her Royal Highness
commands, right?

WIL: We need to unchain her.

She's not gonna help us
find the Bloodfire

if we keep her dragged along
like a prisoner.

You sure you don't want her hands free
for some other reason?

We can make camp inside
the tree line before nightfall.

Wouldn't the valley offer
better visibility?

- If the Demons attack...
- My men will handle them.

She's right - you haven't seen
what these things are capable of.

Your cowardice is noted, boy.

But the valley would add a half-day
to our trip, time we can't spare.

The forest it is.

- CRISPIN: Move out!
-(MOANS)

(SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Ugh!

(MOANS)

CRISPIN: This is the last stop for water
before we get to the fort.

Whoa.

- CRISPIN: Guards, spread out.
- GUARD: Clear.

CRISPIN: Check the perimeters.
Keep your eyes open.

(ERETRIA WHIMPERS)

GUARD: Yes, sir.

Cosy place.

I'm just saying, I think you were right
about camping in the open.

AMBERLE: Maybe we should
stay here for the night.

The Rover won't make it
much further.

CRISPIN: The horses could use a break.
Then we press on.

But her shackles stay on.

You shouldn't let Crispin
talk to you that way.

He's just trying to protect us.

He knows the importance
of this mission.

Yeah, maybe.

But the Ellcrys didn't choose him
for this quest.

It chose you.

Ever since we left the palace,
you've been treating me like your enemy.

- The tree said that we need to work...
- I know what it said.

I can't imagine how hard this is for you,

but you're not alone.

- Let me help you.
- You can't.

(BIRDS COO)

WIL: Alright, look -
I know I lied to you

about what happened
between me and Eretria.

I was embarrassed,
that I let her take advantage.

-(SCOFFS)
- But it's not gonna happen again.

I'm on your side.

(SHOUTING)

(SHOUTING AND GRUNTING)

(BLADE RINGS)

MAN: Weapons down!

(MEN LAUGH)

Be honest. You missed me.
(LAUGHS)

(HORSE WHINNIES)

Demons slaughtered the entire village.

Everyone.

They mutilated the children.
They even gutted the dogs.

Their tracks descend from the north,
down through the Kensrowe.

Must be gathering
at the Breakline.

Father.

Father, are you listening?

Uh, the Breakline. Of course.

These are just raiding parties.
They're testing our resolve.

We must attack
before they gather...

The Breakline is a mountain range
1,000 miles long.

Even if we could find them, what then?

The Elvin army is the strongest
in the Four Lands.

A handful of Demons did this.

What would a hundred do?

Or a thousand?

Which is exactly why we cannot wait
for them to launch a full-scale attack.

Our obligation is to the Ellcrys.

We must secure the Sanctuary
until Amberle's return.

We don't even know
if Amberle will return.

This is not a debate!

Secure the palace.

You will guard and protect the Ellcrys.
That is an order.

- Manx!
-(GRUNTS)

He's trying, brother.

No, he is scared.

And his fear
is gonna get us all killed.

(PEOPLE CHATTER)

Here, drink this.
You'll be safe behind the palace walls.

I could be wrong,
but I think it's a requirement

that all soldiers be able
to dress themselves.

It goes...like this.

Thanks.

Least I can do, you saving me
from a Demon and all.

I owe you my life.

Well, I'm just glad
I didn't freak you out again.

Oh, you definitely
freaked me out.

Maybe you'll tell me
how you did it sometime.

Maybe.

How about tonight?

Uh... (CHUCKLES)

I'll take that as a yes.

I gotta go.

I can see you're enjoying
your time in the palace.

What are you doing here?

I'm here to stop you
from making a foolish mistake.

You are no more a soldier
than I am a diplomat.

Demons slaughtered my family.

Took everything that I ever loved.

It's my duty to fight.

Your duty is to your gift.

And I have need of it.

BANDON: So you want me
to talk to the tree.

I want you to contact Amberle
through the tree.

The Ellcrys and the princess
are connected,

but I can no longer sense her presence.

Maybe you can.

I see death. I don't...

- This is crazy.
-ls it?

You have seen Catania's future
and Lorin's past.

You've been able to stretch your mind
across time and space.

Nobody knows what you're capable of.
Not even you.

But I believe your magic is powerful.

OK. So, what do I do?

The Ellcrys is hundreds
of thousands of years old.

It has witnessed life and death
on a scale impossible to fathom.

Yet in order to confront its power,
you must learn to control your own.

How?

Practise.

On you?

No way. I mean, what if I see...

The only thing you will see
is possibilities, nothing more.

(GASPS)

-(GROANS)
- ALLANON: Calm yourself, boy.

Be the master of your own mind,
not its prisoner.

- Bandon!
- Uh!

BANDON: I did it.

I was there.

The moment you died,
you felt my presence.

- I was able to control it.
- Good.

Try again.

What can I say, kiddo?
You delivered the goods.

The Stones, the princess.

She'll fetch a hell of a price
in Varfleet.

- As long as I have my freedom.
- Of course.

Our camp's not far.

Come have a hot meal and
collect your reward. You've earned it.

(PATS CLOTHES)

Ohh...

- They're of no use to you!
- Oh? And why is that?

You're not an Elf.

I hate to break it to you, mongrel,
but neither are you.

(CEPHELO LAUGHS)

If we don't reach the fort by nightfall,
they'll send soldiers after us.

And when they do...

You'll be nothing
but ragged flesh and bones.

CRISPIN: Arggh!
(GROANS AND GRUNTS)

This is marsh wolf country.

Once they catch your scent,
they'll come running,

and they will eat you alive
while you watch.

And once they've had their fill of Elf,
they'll enjoy mongrel for dessert.

Rovers! Let's go!

(MAJESTIC MUSIC)

You said we were meeting
with the generals.

Father was right.

Sending our army
to the Breakline is foolish,

but standing by
while Demons slaughter our people...

- It makes us look weak.
- What do you suggest?

That I lead a small unit
to track the Demons to their source.

Once I establish our enemy's size,
we can petition Father for more troops.

No Elf has ever travelled beyond
the Breakline's outermost edges.

Without an army, you won't survive.

True. No Elf has.

Which is why I need a guide.

The Gnome, Slanter.

He was born
inside the Breakline.

- He knows its every peak and valley...
-(GRUNTS)

That creature
murdered our brother!

DIANA: Arion, listen to him.

Our niece, Aine's daughter,
is out there, alone.

Tell me you can sit still
while she shoulders that burden.

Tell me and...and I'll walk away.

You plotted this behind my back?

You said you wanted
to do something.

This?

This is not what I meant.

Arion...

(GRUNTS)

(HORSE WHINNIES)

('HANDS DOWN'
BY THE HOLY COAST PLAYS)

Eretria.

Look, you're right.
You have no reason to trust me.

But you were chosen
just like me.

We may not like it,
but we're in this together.

Couldn't be any less together.

How much did he promise you?

Cephelo mentioned a reward.
Gold, I'm guessing.

- What's your point?
- This place is no palace.

Whatever Cephelo's offered you,
my grandfather will pay 20 times that.

CEPHELO: Ah.

Just the lovely ladies I was looking for.

I am almost gonna miss you.

Am I free to go?

CEPHELO:
I may be a bastard...

...but I'm a bastard who keeps his word.

What, no hug?

That's OK.

(SIGHS)

I'm sure you'll be
much more accommodating.

Never had Elf before.

Is it true what they say?

- You're a pig.
-(SNORTS)

(SNIGGERS)

(LAUGHS)

(AMBERLE WHIMPERS)

We need to move.
We'll die out here in the open.

We can't go anywhere
until we stop the bleeding.

Your Rover girl's
gonna burn for this, boy.

Great. I'll be sure and tell her
the next time we hang out.

(SCREAMS)

-(GROANS)
-(DISTANT HOWLING)

ELF: Where's it coming from?

(LAUGHTER AND CHATTER)

I want some more!

Ah, yeah!

I know a brothel owner
that pays triple for Elves.

- Got a little fight in ya. Good.
-(YELPS AND PANTS)

(WHIMPERS) Help!

- Please help me!
-(LAUGHS)

Yell all you want, Princess.

It's nothing but music to me.

Ohh! (GROANS)

- Thank you.
-20 times what Cephelo paid.

- That's what you said.
- Of course. You have my word.

Ugh!

You thieving little bitch!

You're the one who taught me
the value of a good double-cross.

- Horses are outside. Let's go.
- You're bringing him with us?

Unless you'd like to do the honours.

If he is with us, he's not hunting us.

Consider him insurance.

CEPHELO: You think my men
are gonna let you walk out of here?

You're right.

It's a good thing
I took care of them.

ERETRIA: Nothing a little
knockout powder can't handle.

CRISPIN: Stay in formation.
Fill the gaps!

What is that?
What are you doing?

Bite down, big guy.

- You're gonna feel this.
-(PANTS)

(GROANS)

(GROANS AND PANTS)

-(GROWLING)
- Oh!

(WOLF GRUNTS)

I can see it. Oh!

-(SCREAMS)
- ELF: Oh, no!

-(SCREAMING)
-(GROWLING)

-(BLADE RINGS)
-(WOLF WHIMPERS)

I leave you alone for a couple of hours
and look what happens.

You completely fall apart.

(BIRDS CHIRP)

Looking good.

What do they feed you boys
in the Vale?

Thought you'd be happy
to see me.

Just 'cause you did the right thing once
in your life doesn't mean I trust you.

You screwed me in the woods
when I first met you

and you screwed me at the castle,
when I knew better.

I'm in no rush
to let you do that again.

Well, that's too bad.

You're pretty good in bed.

(MAN SCREAMS)

-(PUNCHING AND GRUNTING)
- AMBERLE: Enough!

- Enough!
-(GRUNTING)

I said, "Enough!"

(BLADE RINGS)

All due respect, Your Highness,
but get out of my way. Now!

I understand you want justice, Captain,
but not like this.

- Keeping him alive is a mistake.
- AMBERLE: Maybe.

But if so, it will be my mistake.
Now, stand down.

(SPITS)

- We're not done, Rover.
- Aye-aye, Captain.

You hear that?

(SILENCE)

I don't hear anything.

Exactly. No birds.

- Scout.
- Yes, sir.

- Take a look up ahead.
- Yes, sir.

Anything we should know?

Scouting for tracks.

According to the map,
the fort is just beyond these woods.

I don't want any more nasty surprises.

(HORSE SNORTS)

(WHINNIES)

(GRUNTS)

Help! Help!

Ah! Help!

- We have to help him!
- Princess, that area is poisoned.

- ERETRIA: We have to stay back.
- Arggh!

CRISPIN: The wind is changing.
We have to move.

(DOOR SLAMS)

(GROWLS)

(PANTS)

I come in peace, Gnome.

SLANTER:
I've been locked up for 10 years.

The only peace I will accept
is your father's head on a pike.

I have something better.

This is a key to your shackles.

SLANTERI What is this?

Proposition.

Your help, in exchange for your freedom.

You must be desperate to come to me.

The Elves are scared.

We are.

- And you should be too.
-(SCOFFS)

Dagda Mor has returned.

Then we're all undone.

You're sure about this?

ALLANON:
There is no certainty with magic.

But we are running out of time.

Control your emotions.

Sure.

I felt your magic calling to me,
young one.

- What have you done to Amberle?
- You cannot save the girl.

The Druid was a fool to send you.

-(GROWLS)
-(GASPS)

(WHIMPERS)

(SCREAMS)

Bandon! Bandon.

CRISPIN: 3,000 years have passed,

yet humankind's weapons
are still claiming lives.

I lost a good man back there, Rover.

CEPHELO:
Oh, don't worry about it, Captain.

The Elves will get their chance
to destroy the world.

WIL: I hate to interrupt,
but when the Demons show up,

there won't be any Elf this, human that.

It'll just be us and them.

Look.

We made it!

Where are the guards?

(BLOWS HORN)

(ALL GASP)

Let me guess. Rin Katsin.

(ROARS)

(BELLOWS)

Fall back! Scouts, engage!

Retreat to the woods and stay hidden.

That thing
will tear your men apart!

(GROWLS)

- Princess, cut me loose.
- CRISPIN: Don't listen to him!

- Do not do it.
- Come on!

Take the princess to the woods -
Short Tips and I

will distract that big bastard
with the Stones.

- Let's go.
- We will?

(ROARS)

Fire those Stones up, kid.

- They're not working.
- Time for plan B.

- Which is?
- Run!

(ROARS)

(DEMON GROWLS)

Give me your dagger
and your waterskin.

- What? Why?
- So I can stab you in the neck.

Just give 'em to me!

I didn't survive out here all these years
without learning a few tricks.

- Arggh!
-(GROWLS)

CEPHELO: Take this.

He's going after Amberle.
We need to draw it away.

-(BLADE RINGS)
- Ow! What the hell?!

Demons are drawn by blood.

- I think.
- You think?

-(GROWLS)
- WIL: Now what?

Now we see how tough
this bastard really is.

Come on.

(ROARS)

Move fast. Stick to dry land.

Breathe as little as possible.

-(ROARS)
- Let's go.

Get down!

(DEMON ROARS)

(LAUGHS)

Told you I had a plan.

(GRUNTS)

SLANTER:
Having second thoughts, Prince?

- And third and fourth ones.
-(LAUGHS) With good reason.

The Breakline is no place for an Elf.

It's no place for anyone
as long as Demons inhabit it.

Diana. How did you know
that I'd be here?

'Cause when someone tells you no,
you tend to do the opposite.

If you're here to stop me,
save your breath. I have to do this.

What you're doing is treason.

- If you have a better idea, I'm all points.
- We do.

-L'm going with you.
- The hell you are.

The Chosen died on my watch.

Won't let these creatures
take you as well.

- You're OK with this?
- No, not at all.

But like you said,
we have to do something.

What about Father?

I'll handle Father.

ARION: You two just focus
on getting back here alive.

Don't worry.
We'll be back before you know it.

(LAUGHS)

Let's go. Move.

DIANA: Keep walking.

EVENTINE: Manx?

Manx?

Forgive the intrusion, Father.

- I couldn't sleep.
- Oh, me neither.

I can't find Manx.
I'm worried about him.

We are at war,
and you're worried about a hound.

Well, he is loyal to me.

What's the matter, boy?
What's wrong?

I have failed you, Father.

I've let you down.

And I don't know how.

But this rift between us, l...l can't bear it.

Oh. Look. You have not let me down.

The world has let me down.

I need you by my side now
more than ever.

But not on the throne.

No, not until my work is done.

-(BLADE SLASHES)
-(GASPS)

Well, if you will not give me the throne,
then I'll just have to take it.

-(SQUELCH)
-om (GROANS)

(THUD)

Long live the King.