The carriage stops. Mira exits, not too surprised to see her WOLF ESCORTS - two big creatures, one on either side. They accompany her to the doors, which swing open on their own, just as they did the first time she arrived.
Mira enters--
THE ENTRY HALL
The blank-faced manservant stands ready and waiting. He gestures toward the entrance to the corridor.
Mira joins him.
INT. DINING HALL - MORNING
Mira enters, the blank-faced manservant remaining in the doorway behind her. Blocking the exit.
The Count sits in his usual spot, smiling beatifically.
BATHORY
You shouldn’t leave like that, my dear. You could
get hurt. I’m always happy to send the
carriage around for you.
MIRA
Where is my husband?
BATHORY
I’m right here, of course.
BATHORY (CONT’D)
So you’re still quibbling over a few meaningless words? Fine,
we’ll have your little wedding. Sit down in the meantime,
have something to eat.
MIRA
I’m not afraid of you anymore. My son is safe.
BATHORY
Is he now? Unfortunately your father’s wagon has a
broken wheel. It’s quite immovable. I must admit,
I’m none too pleased with your father at the moment.
EXT. RIVER - WAGON - DAY
The wagon almost level again. Miklos nails a piece of wood against the wheel axle, trying to strengthen it. The nail BENDS.
MIKLOS
Blast! Girl, hand me another nail.
Movement catches Ilka’s eye. Past Dominik, up the riverbank, the first wolf can be seen. Hackles raised, growling.
MIKLOS (O.S.)
Girl! A nail!
She whips back around. Dominik looks at her, quizzical.
DOMINIK
What happened? Why did we stop?
MIKLOS
Finished! Let’s get moving, girl.
MIKLOS (CONT’D)
Girl!
ILKA
(whispers)
What?
MIKLOS
Let’s get moving.
(beat)
Take the reins.
The horses start - the wagon moves forward. Miklos walks beside, keeps an eye on the wheel.
Ilka looks back up the riverbank. The wolf is gone.
The horses’ front hooves step onto the bridge.
DOMINIK
No!
No!
The wolves are upon them.
The horses scream, jerk forward. The reins and bridle SNAP - the horses break free of the wagon, run across the bridge.
A wolf LEAPS onto Miklos. He grapples with it, trying to keep its fangs away from his throat.
Ilka grabs Dominik, shakes him.
ILKA
Stop! Stop this, damn you!
Miklos SCREAMS.
Ilka searches, frantic, finds a KNIFE. She goes to the edge of the wagon.
Red blood spreads over the surface of the snow.
Ilka moans, leans back. Dominik is beside her, dangling a chubby little hand down to pet the wolf’s head.
Ilka pushes herself away from the boy, knife still in hand. Eyes a little mad.
INT. CASTLE - DINING HALL - DAY
Mira sits. Still. Waiting. The blank-faced manservant fills her wine glass - that dark red liquid. Bathory raises his own glass.
BATHORY
Drink with me.
BATHORY (CONT’D)
You do brighten up the day. I almost wish I didn’t
have to break you.
MIRA
Where is Samuel?
BATHORY
Are you going to eat?
MIRA
Where is my husband?
BATHORY
For someone who spent her childhood in such a wealthy
home, you are quite rude to the servants. Really,
Mira, you never even say ‘thank you.’
MIRA
Thank--
MIRA (CONT’D)
Samuel. Samuel!
MIRA (CONT’D)
Samuel, it’s me. I’m here. Samuel!
MIRA (CONT’D)
Look at me. Samuel. It’s me, it’s
Mira. Samuel!
The corner of Samuel’s mouth lifts in distaste. Then he LUNGES for Mira’s throat.
Mira cries out, shoves herself back. Samuel snaps his teeth together again, growling.
BATHORY
Enough.
Mira stares.
BATHORY (CONT’D)
See, darling? Now we have a compromise. You
may see him whenever you wish. I think I’m
being quite reasonable, don’t you?
INT. CORRIDOR - MOMENTS LATER
Running. Her breathing loud - panicked gasps. Around the corner and there’s her stretch of hallway - the dragon tapestry between two doors. She enters--
HER ROOM
And slams the door shut. Stands a beat.
Mira SCREAMS.
