Norsemen

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Birds chirp and wind whistles. Faint noises of wildlife fills the air.

A young Norse man, HALDAR, sneaks in the shrubs. Holding a bow that he handcrafted. He draws back an arrow wrapped in mistletoe. Aims it at a deer tail in the distance.

HALDAR

(Whispers)

Got you.

Haldar releases his arrow. It pierces right through the deer into a tree. THUD! It almost hits his brother, BJØRN, hidden in a bush.

BJØRN

What are you doing?!

Flustered, Haldar rambles.

HALDAR

(Points)

I’m sorry. I saw a deer and I thought I could...

The two brothers look in the direction of the deer. An old deer pelt lays on the ground with a hole torn through it. LEIF, the village idiot, jumps around a tree. He laughs hysterically.

BJØRN

You fífl.

HALDAR

Leif? Why would you do that?

LEIF

(Laughing)

Because I can.

HALDAR

I could have hit Bjørn.

BJØRN

There's no wonder you two haven’t received your fealty band yet.

A snarl creeps across Leifs face, he picks up his pelt and wraps it around himself.

LEIF

Bjørn, you’re just lucky it was your blind aim brother and not me. I would have hit ya.

BJØRN

I'll burn you right here. Or would you prefer another public branding?

They glare at each other.

LEIF

Look at you two! *Relax*, it’s only fun.

BJØRN

*Again*, the Elders will not be pleased about this.

Leif walks away. He mutters to himself.

HALDAR

Do you think I’m a blind aim?

BJØRN

You shouldn’t have even shot in the first place. Was the deer in your sight?

HALDAR

I saw the tail I just thought-

BJØRN

The tail? You need to see the *eyes* of your prey. _Never_ shoot until you’re able to see the entire body. You’ll never get your fealty band until you’re able to hunt properly. Same with Leif. Only, I have a sense *he* doesn’t want it.

The two turn and look at Leif. He leans against a tree and spins his knife with a menacing grin.

CUT TO:

EXT. FOREST - HILL - DAY

Bjørn, Haldar, and Leif all stand atop a hill. Leif jumps forward.

LEIF

We should head south, towards the lake! There'll be plenty of deer drinking water. What do you say Haldar? Think we could get a couple of heads and come back legends?

HALDAR

You’re right, say we kill a few. No one will know *how* we did it or what happened. We can tell them whatever we want.

Leif turns his eyes towards Haldar.

The two of them begin to walk down the hill.

BJØRN

We will not go that way.

HALDAR

Why not?

BJØRN

Does a scout go into the thick of the army? Or does he go after the few who wander away?

LEIF

(Passionately)

Thor would! He’d go right into the mess! Taking no prisoners!

HALDAR

Leif's right. He would. If I come back with multiple heads brother, I’ll get my fealty band.

BJØRN

We are not hunting there. You will both do what *I* say. We will go west of the Lake. Find a straggling deer where you will hunt it *_properly_*.

HALDAR

Brother, I think-

BJØRN

No! I made myself clear.

Bjørn walks ahead and shoves them with his shoulders. Haldar and Leif follow.

LEIF

Your brother. Does he always tell you what to do like that?

HALDAR

(Sighs)

There’s a reason why he’s favorited by the Elders.

LEIF

Doesn’t it bother you though? It seems to me he wants to hold you back. Doesn’t let you do anything on your own. Maybe he doesn’t believe in you.

Haldar hits Leif in the arm.

HALDAR

He’s not like that. He is just trying to show us the way.

LEIF

Think about it, if you come back to the village with loads of deer you would get your fealty band.

(Pauses)

I think there’d be a new favorite too.

Haldar looks at Leif and then to the ground.

LEIF

You’ll see.

(Whispers)

He doesn’t want you to get it.

(Pause)

The whole village looks down on us. Specifically him.

Haldar looks at Leifs arm. Burn marks cover his skin. Shackle scars on his wrist.

Haldar looks at Bjørns armband.

EXT. FOREST - CAMP - AFTERNOON

The three companions walk into a small clearing in the forest.

BJØRN

Leif, check our surroundings and make sure it’s safe.

LEIF

We’re on our own territory. There's no need to check for-

BJØRN

You say that until you’re sleeping and someone or *something* catches you off guard.

(Looks at both of them)

Whenever you set up a post for the night you always check the area first. Now go.

Leif smirks.

LEIF

Fine. We'll do it your way.

Leif walks away. He looks at Haldar just before he leaves.

CUT TO:

EXT. CAMP - AFTERNOON - LATER

Bjørn stands watch. Haldar places wood down for a fire.

HALDAR

Brother.

BJØRN

Hmm

HALDAR

I don’t think we are going to find anything around here. Leif was right we should have headed towards the lake.

BJØRN

(Sighs)

Don’t be too eager to find prey when you are _*still*_ unknown to your own bow.

Haldar frowns.

BJØRN

Listen. The armband is the *symbol * to show our clan's strength. To prove every man has been through the trials and *earned* it himself. It means to swear your loyalty to our king. Even if it costs us our lives. Taking the easy way to get it will not work. *Grow up* and earn it.

HALDAR

What does hunting deer have anything to do with that?

They are silent for a moment.

CRACK! Both brothers shoot their heads up.

HALDAR

(Whispers)

Deer!

Haldar quickly gets up and grabs his bow.

BJØRN

Wait!

Haldar runs into the woods. Bjørn grabs his shield and axe and chases after him.

The two run through the woods.

Haldar chases the deer he saw. Bjørn tries to stop Haldar.

BJØRN

Haldar stop!

Haldar stops. Looks to see where the deer went next. He finds broken branches in the distance and begins to go forward.

Bjørn tackles Haldar to the ground. He covers his mouth.

BJØRN

(Whispers)

Don’t move.

Haldar pushes Bjørn away.

HALDAR

I was on his tail! Why did you do that-

BJØRN

Shut it! Give me the bow.

HALDAR

No.

BJØRN

Give me the bow!

HALDAR

No! I’m the one who’s going to kill it.

(Pauses)

Leif was right. You don’t want me to get it.

BJØRN

What?

HALDAR

My fealty band!

BJØRN

Now is not the time. Get down!

HALDAR

No! I’m getting this deer on my own-

Bjorn puts his shield up. THUD! An arrow strikes the shield.

Bjørn breaks the arrow out and examines it.

BJØRN

Völsung.

A man, SIGMUND, holding a bow with two axes on his side and a woman, SIGNY, holding a sword, reveal themselves from behind some trees.

BJØRN

Go find Leif and get to the village. Tell the Elders the Völsung siblings are here.

Haldar pulls an arrow out. Bjørn grabs Haldar by the collar.

BJØRN

No, you'll get in my way! Find Leif.

Haldar hesitates.

BJØRN

Go!

Haldar runs to find Leif. Bjørn runs towards the siblings.

Haldar stops. He turns to flank the siblings.

Signy looks at Haldar change his direction and launches at Bjørn with her sword. Sigmund also jumps at Bjørn. He swings his axe down onto Bjørn.

Bjørn swiftly knocks away Signy’s sword and spins around her. He puts up his shield. Sigmund’s axe CLANKS on the shield.

Bjørn bashes his shield in Sigmund’s face. He swings his axe at Signy.

She dodges left. Then jabs her sword straight into Bjørns shield. It's stuck. Bjørn kicks Signy to the ground. Just when...

Sigmund charges Bjørn with his axes. Bjørn absorbs Sigmund’s charge and the two of them clinch together.

Signy gets up. An arrow flies past her. All three look to the right to see Haldar standing with his bow.

BJØRN

Get out of here!

Bjørn pushes Sigmund away and heads toward Haldar when...

Sigmunds jumps and grabs Bjørn.

SIGMUND

Your fight is here, you vagr.

Bjørn ROARS and headbutts Sigmund.

An axe flies past Haldar sticking a tree. Signy charges Haldar. Haldar flees the area.

EXT. FOREST - OVERGROWN - EVENING

Haldar runs through the forest. Signy chases him. She laughs hysterically.

Haldar trips and begins to get up when...

Signy grabs Haldar’s foot and drags him back.

Haldar kicks Signy away and pulls his knife out. The two circle each other.

SIGNY

(Maniacally)

All alone. What will you do without Bjørn? He can’t *save* you now.

HALDAR

I don’t need him!

SIGNY

*You do*. You see, he told me how incompetent you are. Always in his shadow.

HALDAR

Shut it!

SIGNY

Easy pickings.

Haldar yells and charges Signy. He swings his knife with all his strength. Signy dodges his attack. She grabs ahold of him.

SIGNY

It’s not easy being the runt. Always second to someone else.

HALDAR

I’ll kill you!

Signy releases Haldar and jumps back. The two of them yell and charge one another. They swing their weapons when...

CUT TO:

EXT. FOREST - CLEARING - EVENING

Bjørn blocks Sigmund’s axe and pushes him away.

Sigmund gets up and grabs his axe and Signy’s sword.

Bjørn tightens his grip on his shield and readies himself.

SIGMUND

I’ve been waiting a long time for this. Your brother is a bonus.

Bjørn holds his ground.

SIGMUND

I’ll skin his body and feed his corpse to the wolves.

Sigmund, angry with the lack of emotion, charges Bjørn.

Dodging right, Bjørn wraps his axes blade around Sigmund’s throat. He takes a knee and SNAPS Sigmund’s neck.

Sigmund’s body drops to the ground.

Bjørn searches Sigmund’s body and finds a letter. He reads it.

The letter says to kill the brothers and then sneak into the village to kill the king. It is signed with a snake symbol.

BJØRN

(Whispers)

Haldar!

EXT. FOREST - OVERGROWN - EVENING

Leif is hidden in a bush watching Haldar and Signy fight.

Haldar swings his axe with fatigue. Signy steps to the side dodging his attack. She kicks him over and pulls out her knife.

She kneels over Haldar and kicks his axe away. She whispers close to his ear.

SIGNY

*What's wrong*? I thought you were going to *kill* me. Let me tell you a little secret. Your brother was the one who led us here. He got tired of carrying you around with him. Tarnishing his name.

Signy slowly jabs her knife into Haldar’s shoulder.

SIGNY

I’d do the same if it was me. Having a runt like you to take care of.

Haldar tries to squirm away.

SIGNY

Shhh shhhhhh shhhhh. Don’t worry I’ll make this as painful as possible.

Signy pushes her knife further into Haldar’s shoulder just when...

Leif STABS Signy in the back and pulls her off of Haldar.

Leif drags her away.

LEIF

*You* are no longer needed.

SIGNY

You little vagr.

Leif pushes his knife all the way in and kills Signy.

Signy’s body drops to the ground.

Haldar gets up and grabs Leifs shoulder.

Leif yelps and drops his knife.

HALDAR

Where have you been?

LEIF

There’s no time! Listen._*Bjørn*_ led them here. I saw him and the other guy heading this way. I heard you two fighting so I came as fast as I could.

HALDAR

What? Bjørn would never-

LEIF

I know, I know! Haldar

(Grabs Haldar’s shoulder)

Listen to me.

Haldar looks at Leif.

LEIF

Grab your bow and let's go!

Haldar grabs his bow and axe. They begin to head away.

Signy grabs Haldar by the foot. She is barely breathing.

LEIF

Give her her axe, so that she may enter *Valhalla* to fight alongside the All-Father.

(Whispers to himself)

Ragnorok is close.

Haldar places her axe on her chest. Signy clutches the axe. She dies.

LEIF

Let’s go.

EXT. FOREST - EVENING - LATER

Haldar and Leif hide behind some shrub.

HALDAR

I can’t.

LEIF

You must. Or Bjørn will kill us both.

Just then Bjørn runs into sight. He looks around frantically.

Leif slowly backs away out of sight.

LEIF

(Whispers)

Now is your chance. Take him out before he sees us.

Haldar grabs an arrow wrapped in mistletoe from his satchel.

LEIF

He set us up so _*he*_ can be the only praised one.

Haldar puts the arrow on the string of the bow.

LEIF

He thinks you are _useless_. **Weak**.

Haldar pulls back on the string.

LEIF

_*Expendale*_.

Haldar releases his arrow.

Leif grins while he watches the arrow fly.

Bjørn turns and looks right at Haldar.

Bjørn’s body flinches. His body drops.

Haldar’s hands shake. He runs to Bjørn.

HALDAR

Bjørn! Bjørn! What- What have I done.

BJØRN

Halda- Haldar. Listen to me-

HALDAR

No no no. Brother!

BJØRN

It was- It was Leif. He led them here. They’re afte- after King Othen. Stop them.

Haldar freezes.

Bjørn grabs Haldar’s collar.

BJØRN

*YOU* can do this.

Bjorn gives Haldar the letter.

Haldar looks at his brother. He gives his brother his axe.

Bjørn looks up to the sky. He closes his eyes.

Haldar begins to weep.

HALDAR

Bjørn. Bjørn! Brother!

He places his head on Bjørn’s chest.

Haldar sees the snake symbol on the letter.

Haldar slowly raises his head, his face contorted into a ferocious scowl.

He grabs Bjørn’s shield and axe.

EXT. FOREST - DAWN

Haldar walks through the forest with a torch. He looks for Leif.

His laughs echo around Haldar like a pack of birds chirping.

HALDAR

Show yourself!

Leifs laughter continues.

LEIF

(Whispers)

Haldar!

Haldar drops the torch and swings his axe behind him. No one is there.

He turns back around to see Leif standing on the opposite side of the fire.

LEIF

(Grinning)

What’s wrong? You got what you wanted, didn’t you?

HALDAR

You think I wanted this! To kill my own brother!

Leif slowly walks around the fire. He grows a poisonous grin.

HALDAR

Why? Why would you do this-

LEIF

_WHY_! Because I can! Because everyone looks at me like I’m an animal! Because of these!

Leif pulls his sleeve and shirt up showing brand marks over his arms and body. The brand is a symbol of shame.

HALDAR

Leif please! Bjørn would want you-

LEIF

Bjørn Bjørn Bjørn! You know for being his murderer you sure talk highly of him.

Haldar charges Leif. Leif kicks up dirt and embers into Haldar’s eyes. Haldar drops Bjørn’s axe.

Leif tackles Haldar to the ground.

SLASH SLASH SLASH

Leif puts all his strength into his thrust. Haldar holds Bjørn’s shield up to block the knife.

Haldar BASHES Leif in the face and kicks him off.

Haldar gets up. He cannot see.

LEIF

You truly are the blind brother after all. Oh, the tragedy they will tell once I return. Bjørn the beloved. _KILLED_. By the *blind* mistletoe archer. Haldar.

Haldar slowly pulls his skinning knife out.

LEIF

I’ll be the new hero! I will tell them of my glorious victory! Then I will be loved! I will be cherished! *_ME_*!

Leif charges Haldar. Raising his knife in the air.

Haldar tightens his grip on the shield. He readies himself.

Haldar kneels, flips Leif over the shield, and lunges at him. STAB.

The two look at each other. Haldar slowly rolls off of Leif.

Leif holds the knife jabbed in his chest. He coughs and laughs.

Leif reaches for his weapon.

LEIF

(Gasping)

Halda- Haldar.

Haldar stands and looks at Leif's knife. He stares at Leif.

Leif’s face contorts to a snarl.

Haldar leaves Leif to die.

LEIF

The time is here! Haldar! Haldar! They’ll never praise you! Never!

EXT. FOREST - MORNING

Birds chirp and wind whistles. Faint noises of wildlife fills the air.

Haldar stands before a stack of pilled rocks arranged from biggest to smallest against a tree.

Haldar leans Bjørn’s shield against the tree.

Haldar kneels. He bows his head.

Haldar puts his armband on. It’s identical to Bjørn’s.

Haldar grabs his bow, wraps it around him, and leaves the grave.