Four Feathers, The (2002)

EXT. TRAINING GROUND/ WESTMINSTER barracks/ LONDON - Day.


Through a veil of dust we see two lines of uniformed
cavalry, stretched out across the parade ground. There's a
tense silence except for the occasional flourish of hooves.
A horseman steps out of each line.


LIEUTENANTS HARRY FEVERSHAM and JOHN DURRANCE face
each other across the wide expanse. Already we feel the keen
sense of competition between them. DURRANCE raises his sabre
first. His horse sets off at a slow trot. His troops follow
in perfect time. HARRY waits a moment, then raises his own
sword. A sea of sabres rises up in response.


The two lines approach each other at a steady
canter. A smile of anticipation lights up DURRANCE's face.
He's a born soldier, enjoying himself. HARRY looks more
nervous. He's not as easy as Durrance in the saddle. It's a
skill he's acquired over the years rather than been born to.


DURRANCE seems to sense Harry's doubt. With a loud
whoop he kicks his horse into a gallop and points his sabre
forwards. His troops echo his war cry and descend on the
opposing line at speed. HARRY checks his troops and
responds. The two lines bear down on each other, hooves
thundering, sabres pointed.


DURRANCE charges recklessly. His eyes are fixed on
Harry all the time. HARRY holds his gaze, but doesn't look
as sure of himself. He's thinking too much, trying too hard.
His horse senses it and slows a fraction. The troops behind
him lose their cohesion as they draw level.


DURRANCE sees the momentary lapse and waves his men
on at full tilt. They pass through HARRY's troops in a
perfect line, panicking their mounts, cheering triumphantly.
HARRY's formation loses its shape. There's no doubt who's
won the drill. DURRANCE wheels his horse around and grins at
HARRY through the clouds of dust.


CREDITS ROLL.


INT. Changing room/ WESTMINSTER BARRACKS - day.


Moving through clouds of steam we see the CAVALRY
OFFICERS washing themselves in wooden bathtubs. There's a
din of voices, soldiers re-living the day's drill, those on
Durrance's side still crowing over their victory.


DURRANCE walks with his arm around HARRY. With them
is another friend, LIEUTENANT TRENCH, a squat bull of a man.

DURRANCE
...How many does that make it Harry?

harry
It's not something I count.

DURRANCE
How many Trench?

harry
Trench can't count.


TRENCH grabs HARRY in a neck hold. He lets go as he
spots another friend of theirs, LIEUTENANT CASTELTON,
sitting in a bathtub, staring out. TRENCH sneaks up on
CASTELTON, and ducks his head under the water. CASTELTON
comes up, spluttering. He reaches for a bar of soap and
hurls it after TRENCH.

CASTELTON
...Idiot.


INT. WILLOUGHBY's rooms/ barracks - day.


A fifth friend, LIEUTENANT WILLOUGHBY, stares at
himself in the mirror. His hair like his uniform is perfect.
There's a loud knocking on his door.

trench o/s
...Miss Willoughby, Miss Willoughby we're waiting.


WILLOUGHBY finally stops preening himself as he
hears his friends picking the lock. He gets up reluctantly,
taking one last look at his reflection in the mirror.


EXT. BARRACK GATES/ LONDON STREET - DAY.


The OFFICERS pour out of the barrack gates in full
regimental unifom, a sea of gleaming red. We pick out HARRY,
DURRANCE, TRENCH, WILLOUGHBY, and CASTELTON, laughing
amongst themselves, taking turns to tease each other,
inseperable.


INT. carriage/ HAnsom cab/ london streets - day.


The friends share a flask of whisky as they sit in
the back of the carriage. WILLOUGHBY passes it on without
taking a sip.

harry
Who are you planning to impress tonight?

trench
(Grinning)
Anna What's-her-name.

DURRANCE
Anna What's-her-name's father more like. Don't think we're
going to take you any more seriously when you're promoted.

wILLOUGHBY
(Quietly confident)
We'll see about that.


A chorus of mocking 'ooohs' from the others. TRENCH
notices CASTLETON staring out of the window.

trench
What's so interesting about a London street?

CASTELTON
(Reflecting)
Ask me that when we're in Bombay.


TRENCH rolls his eyes and turns to DURRANCE.

treNCH
Is Ethne going to be there?


We catch a hint of shyness in DURRANCE at the
mention of Ethne's name.

DURRANCE
I think so.


HARRY watches DURRANCE, a little uncomfortably, as
if he's holding something back.


EXT. PARTY/ india office building/ london - night.


CARRIAGES line the entrance to the India Office.
INDIAN VALETS in turbans and robes escort the GUESTS to the
entrance, holding umbrellas over them.


The five friends crowd under a single umbrella.
WILLOUGHBY makes sure he's in the middle, he doesn't want to
get his uniform wet. TRENCH nudges him into the rain.


INT. The Durbar court/ party/ INDIA office - night.


Palm trees and fountains dominate the room. The
ladies are dressed in ballgowns, the Officers in regimental
colours. The full pomp and ceremony of Empire is on display.
HARRY, DURRANCE, WILLOUGHBY, CASTELTON and TRENCH have
gathered by the bar, a little overawed by the occasion.

trench
(Admiring the passing women)
I'm going to ask someone to dance.

willoughby
(Admiring the passing Generals)
You said that ten minutes ago.

trench
I'm waiting for Castelton.


CASTELTON stares at the ARISTOCRATIC WOMEN,
paralysed with shyness.

trench
(Pouring him another drink)
...Just look dreamy. I'll do the talking.


DURRANCE smiles as he listens to them. He turns to
HARRY.

DURRANCE
Can you see Ethne?

harry
Not yet.


HARRY seems uneasy again. We sense there's something
on his mind, something he wants to tell Durrance. DURRANCE
doesn't pick up on it. He finishes his whisky and looks back
into the throng.

WILLOUGHBY
Harry, your father...


HARRY looks away from DURRANCE. He sees his father,
GENERAL FEVERSHAM, shaking hands with some COLLEAGUES across
the room.


INT. seating area/ durbar court/ india office -
night.


GENERAL FEVERSHAM is deep in conversation with his
friend, COLONEL SUTCH, a fellow veteran of the Crimean war.
HARRY moves discreetly into their field of vision.

GENERAL FEVERSHAM
(His face lighting up)
Harry...


Immediately we feel the bond between father and son.

harry
(Greeting Colonel Sutch)
How are you Colonel?

COLONEL SUTCH
Fine Harry. Relieved to see a few familiar faces. When are
you boys shipping out?

harry
Next month.

COLONEL SUTCH
Your father and I served in Bombay.  There are worse places
they could have sent you.

harry
Yes Sir.


HARRY smiles politely. SUTCH is sensitive enough to
see that his mind is on other things. He lets father and son
talk.

GENERAL FEVERSHAM
Is Ethne here?

HARRY
Not yet.


They both smile, as if they share a secret. GENERAL
FEVERSHAM reaches out and straightens his son's collar,
trying to make him look as presentable as possible.


INT. dance area/ the durbar court/ india office -
night.


TRENCH and CASTELTON are dancing with two GIRLS:
TRENCH waltzing boisterously, CASTELTON taking it all very
seriously.


INT. another area/ durbar court/ india office -
night.


WILLOUGHBY has found a place amongst a group of
SENIOR OFFICERS. He stands next to COLONEL HAMILTON, the
Commander of their regiment.

COLONEL HAMILTON
...If I had a choice we'd be on our way to the Sudan. Deal
with this Dervish uprising once and for all.

2nd colonel
You prefer a tour in the Sudan to India Willoughby?

wILLOUGHBY
I don't know about that Sir, but I agree with Colonel
Hamilton, we're going to have to fight the Mahdi sooner or
later.


WILLOUGHBY trails off, leaving COLONEL HAMILTON to
continue.


INT. bar area/ the durbar court/ india office -
night.


DURRANCE downs another whisky. He looks less sure of
himself in this social whirl than he did in the barracks. A
few WOMEN cast admiring glances in his direction but he
doesn't notice them. His eyes keep searching the crowd for
Ethne.


INT. seating area/ durbar court/ india office -
night.


HARRY gazes through the crowd at DURRANCE. DURRANCE
catches him staring and raises a glass. The two friends
smile at each other.


INT. STAIRWAY/ india office - night.


A group of late arrivals hurry up the stairs towards
the party. ETHNE EUSTACE, is several steps ahead of her
father DERMOD, and her friend, CAROLINE ADAIR, a young widow
in her 30's.


INT. ENTRANCE/ durbar court/ india office - night.


ETHNE's eyes search the crowd as soon as she walks
through. She stops as she sees DURRANCE at the bar. Her eyes
stay on him a moment, but it's only to see if Harry's
nearby. When she realises he isn't she looks away. Finally
she sees him, standing with GENERAL FEVERSHAM and COLONEL
SUTCH. She takes her father DERMOD's hand, and leads him in
their direction.


INT. bar area/ the durbar court/ india office -
night.


CASTELTON and TRENCH are back at the bar, arguing.

CASTELTON
Your sole purpose in life is to annoy me.

trench
She couldn't see me.

CASTELTON
I could see you. I can see you everywhere I look. Pulling
those stupid faces at me.

willoughby
Now Ladies.


DURRANCE joins in the laughter but he seems
distracted. He takes another gulp of whisky and looks around
the crowd. His eyes stop as he sees ETHNE. A smile lights up
his face, but it's short lived.


Across the courtyard HARRY appears, greeting ETHNE.
Their hands touch briefly.


The noise fades in DURRANCE's head. He stares in
silence.


HARRY shakes DERMOD's hand warmly. DERMOD slaps him
on the back, as if he's congratulating him.


DURRANCE's eyes take in the smallest details now.
Even though he can't hear a word, the scene before him
reveals itself more and more clearly.


COLONEL SUTCH raises his glass. GENERAL FEVERSHAM,
DERMOD, and CAROLINE ADAIR respond. HARRY and ETHNE move
closer, a little coyly, as if the toast is for them.


DURRANCE looks pale. We feel the disappointment in
his eyes as he realises what's happened. HARRY's arm moves
around Ethne's waist, a libery that can only mean they're
engaged.


INT. fountain area/ durbar court/ india office -
night.


HARRY and ETHNE glance at each other tenderly.

ETHNE
Did you tell them?

harry
I was waiting for you.

ETHNE
Not even Jack?

harry
Not even Jack.


The two of them look towards DURRANCE for the first
time.


INT. bar area/ the durbar court/ india office -
night.


DURRANCE looks up as ETHNE and HARRY make their way
through the crowd. He gathers himself, and walks towards
them, concealing his feelings:

DURRANCE
Congratulations.

harry
How did you know?

DURRANCE
Nothing escapes me Harry...
(Kissing ETHNE on both cheeks)
I'm delighted for you both.

ETHNE
Harry wanted to tell you before anyone else. It's my fault.
I asked him to wait.

DURRANCE
I'll still blame him.

hARRY
(Relieved that his friend's taking it so well)
You were the one who introduced us.

DURRANCE
Did I? I'll be more careful next time.


DURRANCE takes HARRY in his arms, slapping him on
the back. WILLOUGHBY, TRENCH, and CASTLETON appear behind
them, realising something's up. DURRANCE turns to them,
beaming:

DURRANCE
Three guesses for Trench, one for everyone else.


The friends let out a cheer as they realise what's
happened. They crowd HARRY and ETHNE, congratulating them.


INT. DANCE area/ the durbar court/ india office -
night.


TRENCH sweeps HARRY and ETHNE towards the
dancefloor.

trench
(As if they have to dance in public as a punishment)
...Over there. Where we can see you. And remember you're not
married yet.


HARRY takes ETHNE in his arms.

harry
(Smiling ironically)
Alone at last.


TRENCH claps loudly as they dance. CASTLETON looks
embarrassed by his friend. Behind them WILLOUGHBY
congratulates DERMOD and GENERAL FEVERSHAM.


INT. bar area/ the durbar court/ india office -
night.


DURRANCE watches the celebrations from the bar. He's
smiling to himself, but it's the glazed smile of someone
who's forcing himself to be happy. A quiet voice interrupts
him:

CAROLINE o/s
Wonderful news isn't it?


DURRANCE turns around to see CAROLINE, Ethne's
friend, gazing at him.

DURRANCE
(Smiling automatically)
Yes it is.

CAROLINE
Had Harry told you?

DURRANCE
I knew it was just a matter of time.
(Changing the conversation)
What can I get you to drink?

CAROLINE
Nothing thank you.

DURRANCE
(Nervous under her gaze)
I'd ask you to dance, only I'm not sure how steady I am on
my feet.

CAROLINE
(With the quiet confidence of an older woman)
I'd love to dance.


DURRANCE grins sheepishly, at a loss, as he is with
most women.


INT. DANCE area/ the durbar court/ india office -
night.


The waltz is in full swing. All the friends are out
on the dance floor. TRENCH spins his GIRL around
energetically, exchanging glances with other women as they
pass. CASTELTON stares into his partner's eyes, already in
love. WILLOUGHBY dances with an elderly WOMAN, probably some
General's wife. DURRANCE waltzes with CAROLINE, avoiding her
meaningful glances, looking over her shoulder for Harry and
Ethne.


EXT. PARTY/ india office building/ london - night.


The rain pours in torrents. HARRY and ETHNE stand in
the shadows of the building. Harry tries to kiss her and
hold an umbrella over her at the same time.

ETHNE
What if I hold the umbrella?

harry
I'd have to kneel.

ETHNE
Nothing wrong with that.


HARRY hands her the umbrella, bending under it.

ETHNE
(With irony as he kisses her more and more passionately)
You're very distant tonight.

harrY
I'm locked in a barracks room all day.

ETHNE
What are you going to do in India?

harrY
Take you with me.

ETHNE
A Hindu wedding?

harry
Why not.

ETHNE
Not on your life.


She walks away with the umbrella, leaving him
exposed in the rain.

ETHNE
I want the full works. The Church near my home. A long
speech from you. An entire regiment crossing swords.

harry
(Drenched)
Done.

ETHNE
I don't believe you.


HARRY makes a rush and grabs her, eneveloping her in
his arms.

ETHNE
You're soaking wet.

HARRY
Whose fault is that.


ETHNE squirms but loses herself in his embrace. As
they start to kiss they're suddenly interrupted by TRENCH's
braying voice in the distance.

trench o/s
(A regimental song)
Goodnight, Ladies...goodnight, Ladies...goodnight, Ladies,
we hate to see you go...


HARRY shakes his head in despair.

TRENCH, castelton, willoughby and durrance together o/s
Merrily we roll along, roll along, roll along...Merrily we
roll along, until the morning comes...


ETHNE smiles.

ETHNE
Duty calls.


HARRY feels the quiet regret in her voice.

harry
We've two days leave before we sail. Once I tell them we're
engaged I'm sure they'll give me more.

ETHNE
As long as you promise to make me miserable. Argue with me
all the time so I don't miss you a bit.


Her lightness is forced.

harrY
You'll be fine.

ETHNE
You don't have to reassure me. I'm a soldier's daughter.
Everything under control.

harry
I've never kissed a stiff upper lip before.


TRENCH's VOICE bellows out again as they kiss:

trench o/s
Goodnight, Ethne's...goodnight, Harry's...Goodnight,
goodnight, goodnight...


HARRRY and ETHNE ignore him, the rain falling all
around them.


INT. REGIMENTAL HALL/ WESTMINSTER BARRACKS - night.


The regimental song turns into a deafening roar. All
around the mess hall, OFFICERS are laughing and banging on
tables. HARRY and DURRANCE stand on wobbly stools, downing
pints of beer. As soon as their glasses are empty they set
off down the hall at a sprint. It's an obstacle course. The
two friends duck under two long tables, and crawl on their
bellies, towards two more glasses.


TRENCH and CASTELTON are busy laying bets on who'll
win. DURRANCE and HARRY step over a bridge of chairs. They
have to find a pint of beer hidden under one of them.
DURRANCE finds his first. TRENCH looks at CASTELTON smugly,
convinced he's going to win.


HARRY and DURRANCE step-walk over two long benches.
DURRANCE falls off. HARRY overtakes him. He throws his head
back and finishes off another pint. CASTELTON stands up,
cheering.


HARRY and DURRANCE are level as they reach the last
glass.  As they start to drink HARRY stops, spluttering.

harry
This isn't beer, it's whisky.

trench
Down in one!


HARRY drinks again, but he's fallen behind. The pint
of whisky disappears down DURRANCE's throat. Grinning, he
makes his way towards the finish line. HARRY pours the
whisky over his head, conceding defeat.


EXT. TRAINING GROUND/ WESTMINSTER barracks/ LONDON -
Day.


An obstacle course of a different kind. The CAVALRY
are training, galloping at full tilt, HARRY and DURRANCE
bringing up the front. At the sound of a bugle, they
dismount their horses, and sprint towards a row of bayonets.
They snatch up the weapons and charge a row of dummies.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR
...In. Out. On guard...


The blades tear into the dummies, exposing soft
leaves and hard wood.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR
...Hold the line...and charge...


The OFFICERS charge towards a second set of targets.
Teeth bared, they drive their bayonets into the stuffed
dummies. CASTELTON's blade sticks in a chunk of wood.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR
...In and out, Castelton, in and out...


CASTELTON pulls in frustation. He can't get the
bayonet loose.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR
...They're coming at you boy. Rip it out or they'll stick
you first.


CASTELTON puts his foot on the dummy's head and
tries to wrench the blade free. Even though it's only a
training exercise, his panic is real. TRENCH slows down as
he watches his friend struggling in vain.

DRILL INSTRUCTOR
...Move on Trench. Castelton's dead. Enemy spear through his
throat.


The OFFICERS continue, bayonets thrust forward,
leaving the struggling CASTELTON behind.


EXT. STABLES/ training ground/ westminster barracks
- day.


The men are washing up after exercises, dousing
themselves with cold water.  Everyone's teasing CASTELTON,
except for TRENCH. For once he keeps quiet, knowing how hard
his friend's taking it. A SEARGENT-MAJOR enters and salutes.

SERGEANT-MAJOR
Gentlemen... fifteen minutes, in the briefing room.


As he leaves, the MEN look at each other curiously.


INT. BRIEFING ROOM/ westminster barracks - day.


The Officers are assembled.  HARRY, DURRANCE,
TRENCH, WILLOUGHBY, and CASTELTON, take their places on the
wooden benches. As he sits HARRY notices a map of Africa
behind Colonel Hamilton.

COLONEL HAMILTON
...Gentlemen...
(when the room settles down)
The 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards have been ordered to
forego their posting to India...
(Off murmurs of surprise)
...We ship out in three days, to establish a forward
garrison in the Sudan...


There's a buzz of excitement. COLONEL HAMILTON can
hardly contain his smile. He turns to GENERAL HOLMBY:

COLONEL HAMILTON
...General Holmby, Sir.


GENERAL HOLMBY, a severe looking military man,
stands and faces the OFFICERS. Their eyes are lit-up with
anticipation, all except Harry, who stares ahead, slowly
turning inward.

GENERAL HOLMBY
...I'd like to apologise for not giving you men more notice.
I know many of you will find it hard to see your families
now. Unfortunately we had no alternative...


He turns to the map and points out the Sudanese
desert.

gENERAL HOLMBY
...Three days ago, an army of Egyptian reserves led by
General Hicks, was ambushed at Tashgil by the Mahdi's
forces. Upoun attack the Egyptians fled, leaving General
Hicks and the British Officers with him, to fight a heroic,
but in the end hopeless rearguard action. All of them died,
sword in hand...


HARRY stares out silently, his whole world turned
upside down.

geNERAL HOLMBY
...I hesitate to call this a mission of vengeance, but the
honour of our country is at stake. This Government has
finally seen fit to send its own troops to war...


There's loud cheering from the men now, regimental
pride and bravado covering any trace of nerves.


EXT. COURTYARD/ westinster barracks - sunset.


The OFFICERS pour out into the courtyard, still
exhilirated by the thought of seeing war. We hear TRENCH's
voice rising above the others.

trench
...I wish I had more than one life to give for my country.
Two would make me feel a lot safer.


HARRY laughs with the others, hiding his mounting
anxiety.


INT. HARRY and DURRANCE's ROOM/ BARRACKS - NIGHT.


Laughter filters into Harry and Durrance's room. The
two of them lie in their beds, watching the embers die out
in the fireplace.

DURRANCE
(Gazing up at the ceiling where the noise is coming from)
...I listen to them laugh, and I can't help wondering which
ones won't be coming back. The worse part is I think I even
know who they are.

haRRY
Am I one?

DURRANCE
Of course not Harry. You're one of the lucky ones. Always
have been.


HARRY picks up the reference to Ethne but doesn't
say anything. More laughter filters through. HARRY stares
out in the darkness, tormented.

DURRANCE
What are you thinking?

harry
(Hesitating)
I'm wondering what a Godforesaken desert in the middle of
nowhere has to do with her Majesty the Queen.

DURRANCE
Ask Willoughby. He's on the Colonel's staff.

harry
I know what he'll say: 'It's not for us to question.'
(A beat)
Do you ever ask yourself why you're going?

DURRANCE
Not for the Queen. I hardly know her.
(He smiles softly)
Nor for the regiment. There isn't much of a military
tradition in my family...
(A beat)
I suppose I'm going because you're going. You, and Trench,
and Castelton, and Willoughby...
(A big grin)
Not much of a reason I know, but it reassures me.


HARRY smiles, but Durrance's words only make him
feel more ashamed of the fear he feels inside.

harry
Is there anything that frightens you, Jack?

DURRANCE
I'm frightened of not coming back in one piece. Much more
than dying. I wouldn't know what to do with myself in a
wheel chair. And I couldn't stand to be pitied.


He puts the thought out of his head and grins.

DURRANCE
There's a Church near our house. Next to the pub. Every
night at ten the drunks spill out, shouting at the top of
their voices. That's where I want to be buried. Where I can
hear them.

harry
Nothing's going to happen to you.

DURRANCE
It's out of our hands anyway. Might as well sleep easy...


DURRANCE rolls on his side. HARRY looks back at the
fireplace, as the last embers fade.


EXT. REGIMENTAL COURTYARD - dawn.


A cold blue light hangs over the barracks. The
courtyard is empty, except for a few sentries on duty.
Wagons pull in, loaded with supplies.


INT. HARRY and DURRANCE's ROOM/ BARRACKS - dawn.


HARRY buttons his uniform. He looks as if he hasn't
slept. He turns to DURRANCE. His friend is still asleep.
HARRY hesitates. He wants to wake him up, and talk, but in
the end he turns away, and leaves the room.


EXT. regimental COURTYARD - dawn.


Harry walks slowly toward the Regimental Office. He
glances up at the Regimental flag, flying beside the Union
Jack.


INT. ADCs' ROOMS/ THE REGIMENTAL OFFICE - dawn.


WILLOUGHBY looks up from his desk as HARRY walks in.

willoughby
(Grinning)
...Harry. You're up early.


HARRY smiles awkwardly but doesn't say anything.
WILLOUGHBY senses something's wrong.

willoughby
(Concerned)
...What's the matter?


HARRY looks at him for a moment, but then turns to
Colonel Hamilton's other AIDE-DE-CAMP.

HARRY
I'd like to see the Colonel please.


WILLOUGHBY stares in confusion. The AIDE-DE-CAMP
disappears into the next door office.  HARRY still can't
bring himself to look at his friend.

willoughby
Harry, what's wrong?...


He's interrupted as the AIDE-DE-CAMP walks back in.

AIDE-DE-CAMP
The Colonel will see you, sir.

harry
Thank you.


HARRY walks into Hamilton's office. WILLOUGHBY
stares after him, bewildered.


INT. COLONEL HAMILTON's office - day.


COLONEL HAMILTON glances at the letter HARRY has
just given him. He stops reading after only a few words.

COLONEL HAMILTON
What the hell is this?

HARRY
My papers, sir.  I wish to resign my commission.


COLONEL HAMILTON doesn't appear to understand. He
looks back at the piece of paper, as if he's misread
something.

COLONEL HAMILTON
If it's leave you want, there's a different procedure.
Normally I wouldn't consider it in the circumstances, but
given you've got engaged...

HARRY
(Interrupting politely)
I don't want any leave Sir. I wish to resign my commission.


A long silence. COLONEL HAMILTON calmly puts the
letter aside, and returns to his work, ignoring HARRY.

harry
Sir...

COLONEL HAMILTON
It's nerves. We all have them.

HARRY
Sir, I've made up my mind.

COLONEL HAMILTON
And I'm asking you to reconsider.

HARRY
I have considered, sir.  And I've decided to leave the
service.

COLONEL HAMILTON
Come back to me when you've discussed it with your father.

HARRY
It's not his decision, sir...


HAMILTON explodes, all his repressed fury pouring
out.

COLONEL HAMILTON
I do not accept these "papers," Lieutenant -- and do not
accept that one of my men -- the son of a man with whom I
was honored to serve -- would walk out on his Regiment --

HARRY
Sir --

COLONEL HAMILTON
-- on the very eve we're shipping off to war!
(holding out the papers)
Take these back!

HARRY
I will not, sir.


Dead silence.

harry
I wish to resign my commission.


HAMILTON stares at HARRY for what seems an eternity.
He's struggling to make sense of something beyond his
comprehension. Slowly he gathers himself and lowers his
eyes, looking down at Harry's papers:

COLONEL HAMILTON
Very well. Then as the coward and disgrace you are, you may
take yourself out of my office...
(Signing Harry's papers)
Please leave the barracks at once. You're belongings will be
sent on.


Face drained of color, Harry turns and leaves.


INT. ADCs' ROOMS/ THE REGIMENTAL OFFICE - dawn.


As the door opens, WILLOUGHBY stares at HARRY,
speechless. HARRY lowers his eyes and walks on.


INT. STAIRWAY/ BARRACKS - DAwn.


HARRY walks down the stairway, gripping the
bannisters. Two SOLDIERS salute him on their way up, but he
doesn't respond.


EXT. regimental COURTYARD - dawn.


The supply wagons are being unloaded in the
courtyard. HARRY walks between more SOLDIERS, his eyes fixed
on the barrack gates. The only sound he hears in his head is
the gentle flapping of a flag.


INT. TRENCH and CASTELTON's ROOM/ BARRACKS - day.


CASTELTON is packing his trunk, neat and fastidious,
taking his time over every item. TRENCH waits for him
impatiently.

trench
...Why can't you do this after breakfast? We're not leaving
till tonight.


CASTELTON ignores him, folding his shirts. TRENCH
turns to DURRANCE, exasperated.

trench
He packs three bibles. Can you believe it? Three bibles...


DURRANCE grins. He glances up as WILLOUGHBY enters.

DURRANCE
...Field Marshall Willoughby...


WILLOUGHBY doesn't smile. He looks ashen faced.

DURRANCE
...What's the matter?


CASTELTON and TRENCH look up.

willoughby
It's Harry...
(He still can't believe it)
He's resigned.

trench
Resigned what?

willoughby
(Snapping at Trench)
His bloody commission. What do you think?!


There's a long silence. No-one knows quite what to
say. DURRANCE finally speaks.

DURRANCE
What did Hamilton do? Refuse him leave?

willoughby
Hamilton didn't do anything. Harry went to see him of his
own accord. Right after they changed our deployment.


CASTELTON looks at TRENCH, as the insinuation sinks
in.

trENCH
...It's just a coincidence. He's having second thoughts
about leaving Ethne.

willoughby
He was happy to leave her behind when we were going to
India. No doubts then.

DURRANCE
(Jumping to Harry's defence)
What's that supposed to mean?

willoughby
You tell me. He resigns his commission the very day we're
sent to war.

DURRANCE
Harry's the best soldier in this regiment.

wILLOUGHBY
Obviously not when it counts.

DURRANCE
Why don't you say that to his face.

CASTELTON
(Intervening)
We don't know the circumstances yet.
(Reasoning with Willoughby)
I think we should give Harry a chance to explain.

willoughby
(Bitterly)
Harry's gone. He left this morning. Whilst you were all
asleep.


WILLOUGHBY turns away in frustration. He's as upset
as the others, but he shows it in anger. TRENCH and
CASTELTON look stunned. DURRANCE stares ahead in silence.

trench
Did he say anything to you, Jack?

DURRANCE
(Quietly)
No. Nothing.


DURRANCE remembers his conversation with Harry the
previous night.

WILLOUGHBY
An action like this dishonors the entire Regiment.

DURRANCE
(Suddenly venting his anger on Willoughby)
Will you forget about your bloody Regiment for once!

WILLOUGHBY
Alright then, it dishonours us!


He stares at DURRANCE with conviction.

willoughby
He was my friend too, Jack...
(A beat)
...but a man who isn't prepared to give his life for his
friends, isn't a man at all...


From the look on their faces, it's clear TRENCH and
CASTELTON are beginning to agree with him.

wILLOUGHBY
This has to be answered.


DURRANCE shakes his head, refusing to turn on Harry.
He storms out of the room.


INT. TRAIN to BINTREE - night.


The whistle of a train. HARRY sits in a crowded
carriage, looking stiff in his civilian clothes. He glances
out of the window, but sees only his own reflection in the
glass.


EXT. ethne's carriage/ BINTREE - day.


ETHNE drives the carriage through the country lanes,
overjoyed to see HARRY.

ETHNE
...How many days leave have they given you?

harry
How many days would you like?

ETHNE
They shouldn't have let you out of their sight. I'm going to
kidnap you.

harry
I thought as much. This doesn't look like the way to your
house.


ETHNE laughs happily. HARRY can't quite bring
himself to tell her yet.


INT. village church near ethne's home - day.


Dappled light shines in the small stone Church.
ETHNE takes HARRY under the arm, and walks him up the aisle.

harry
Isn't this supposed to be bad luck?

ETHNE
Seeing me in the wedding dress is bad luck. This is
practice.


ETHNE looks towards the church benches, as if she's
greeting the guests.

harrY
So I'm playing your father?

ETHNE
You have to be a little less steady on your feet. He's had a
few to drink.

harry
(Taking slow deliberate steps)
How is he?

ETHNE
Fine. He'll be thrilled to see you.


ETHNE lets go of his hand as they reach the altar.
She walks around him, and takes his other hand, as if he's
the groom now.

ETHNE
"Do you Harry Feversham --

harrY
(Skipping the rest)
-- You may kiss the bride."


He tries to kiss her.

ETHNE
(Laughing)
You can't jump ahead like that. You have to let me enjoy my
wedding. It's your fault the real one isn't for another
year.


HARRY hesitates, finally seeing his opportunity.

harry
There's nothing to stop us getting married whenever we like,
Ethne. I've handed in my papers.


A long silence. ETHNE stares at him, not sure she's
understood.

ETHNE
...When?

harry
Yesterday. I'd been thinking about it for a while.

ETHNE
Why didn't you tell me? Was it because of me?

HARRY
Because of you. Because of me. I couldn't see the point of
continuing. The moment I fell in love with you my career in
the army was over.

ETHNE
I would have supported your career. My mother did the same
for my father. It's what's always been expected of me.

harry
I didn't think it was what you wanted.


ETHNE still looks conflicted.

ETHNE
...It is my fault Harry. I gave you the wrong impression.
I'm really much more stoical than that. It wouldn't have
been easy, but I'd have coped. I love you far too much to
let a year make a difference.

hARRY
It wasn't what I wanted for us.
(A hint of guilt as he hides the whole truth from her)
I love this place. I love you in this place. We'll help your
father with the farm. We'll get it going again. We'll begin
our lives together.


ETHNE is silent, moved by his words.

harrY
All I want is for you to be happy.

ETHNE
(The smile slowly returns to her face)
I am happy Harry.


She rests her head in his arms again.

ETHNE
As long as you're sure?

hARRY
Of course I'm sure.


He holds her close, kissing her hair, hiding his
eyes from her.


EXT. courtyard/ ETHNE'S HOME/ BINTREE - DAY


DERMOD's dogs leap on HARRY as he jumps off the
carriage.

HARRY
Whoa! You ought to train these beasts Dermod.

DERMOD
I have.  Trained them to scare away prospective son in laws.


HARRY and DERMOD hug each other, already like father
and son.


INT. ENTRANCE/ ETHNE'S COUNTRY HOME - DAY


A MAID hands ETHNE some letters and a parcel as she
enters the house. HARRY follows her up the stairs.

ETHNE
Which room do you want?

harry
The one with the connecting doors.

ETHNE
You must have imagined that one.


INT. the guest room/ ethne's house. day.


Sunlight fills the room as HARRY throws open the
blinds. He takes a long look at the fields outside.

ETHNE
(Glancing through her letters)
I see you've moved in already.

harry
Why?

ETHNE
This one's addressed to you.


She holds out the small parcel. HARRY walks over
curiously.

ETHNE
(Teasing him)
A secret admirer?

harry
(Teasing her back)
I wonder which one it is.

ETHNE
I'll open it, thank you.


She undoes the wrapping. There's a small white box
underneath. She opens the lid. There's nothing inside,
except three white feathers, pinned to three visiting cards.
ETHNE's about to make a joke when she suddenly sees how pale
HARRY looks.

ETHNE
What is it?
(Looking at the feathers again)
What does this mean?

HARRY
(Slowly)
That there are some things that can't be hidden.

ETHNE
(Beginning to look worried)
I don't understand.

harry
These are feathers of cowardice.


ETHNE laughs, nervously.

ETHNE
What a horrible joke.

harry
It isn't a joke Ethne. They were sent in earnest.

ETHNE
By whom? Who sent them?
(Her anger rising)
How dare they!...

harry
(Reading the cards)
Willoughby, Trench, and Castelton.

ETHNE
You see it is a joke. They're your friends.


She looks to HARRY for confirmation.

HARRY
(All he can say)
You're the most important thing to me.

ETHNE
(Panicked by his tone)
Why are you saying that to me now?  What is it Harry?

harry
We were told on Tuesday night that the regiment would be
shipping out to the Sudan instead of India. That we'd be
seeing war within a week. I handed in my resignation the
following morning.


There's a long silence as ETHNE takes it in. Like
Durrance she won't accept it.

ETHNE
I don't believe that's why you resigned. You wouldn't have
come to me like this. You wouldn't have been able to look me
in the eye.


HARRY stares at her guiltily, tormented.

ETHNE
(The tears shining in her eyes)
...I don't believe you. Three white feathers and our world
is at an end. It can't be that simple...


And still he doesn't answer.

ETHNE
...Please Harry... You have to answer these charges...

harry
(Finally)
I can't. All my life I've been following a path that's
filled me with dread. I kept going because of the people
behind me, and the people beside me, but all I wanted to do
was turn and run. I didn't even have the courage to do that
until I met you...

ETHNE
Don't use me as an excuse.

harry
Ethne --

ETHNE
(Pulling away from him)
-- This afternoon you told me you left the army because of
me. Or at least you made me believe it. Tell me the truth?
Would you have resigned if we weren't engaged?


There's a long silence. These are the hardest words
Harry's ever had to speak.

harry
Yes. I would have resigned. I wouldn't have gone to war for
anything.


ETHNE stares at him a moment, then removes her
engagement ring from her finger, and holds it out to him.

ETHNE
I've no right to call you a coward, but you are a liar.
Please take this back.


HARRY takes the ring without protest. ETHNE turns
and walks away. As she leaves she sets the feathers on the
table, and closes the door behind her.


HARRY listens to her footsteps fade. He walks
towards the table. As he looks down he sees four feathers.
Ethne has snapped the fourth from her fan.


Very carefully, as if they were the most precious
objects in the world, HARRY gathers them, his eyes shining
with tears.


EXT. LONDON DOCKS - NIGHT.


A burst of noise and colour. Rows of SOLDIERS march
by, in perfect squares, proudly wearing their regimental
colours. The wharf is lined with PEOPLE, cheering and waving
flags, sending them off to inevitable victory.


INT. stable deck/ troop ship/ LONDON DOCKS - NIGHT.


We can still hear the roar of the crowd outside.
CASTELTON is trying to coax his horse into its box. TRENCH,
and WILLOUGHBY, and DURRANCE wait for him.

trench
...Come on Castelton. Give her a good kick. I want to wave
to the ladies...


EXT. wharf/ LONDON DOCKS - NIGHT.


The CROWD below cheers as the soldiers crowd the
rails.


EXT. rails/ troop ship/ LONDON DOCKS - NIGHT.


TRENCH waves at the crowd as if he were the Queen.
CASTELTON is lost in the scale of it all. DURRANCE stares at
the tiny figures, wondering if Harry's amongst them.

willoughby
(Interrupting his thoughts)
...Jack, I wanted to apologise for the other day. My
argument wasn't with you.

DURRANCE
It's forgotten.


DURRANCE keeps staring into the crowd below.


EXT. wharf/ LONDON DOCKS - NIGHT.


HARRY stares up at the ship, a ghost amongst the
cheering faces. The SOLDIERS at the rails look like specks,
but Harry knows his friends are somewhere up there.


EXT. officer's stand/ wharf/ LONDON DOCKS - NIGHT.


A line of RETIRED OFFICERS, salute as the vessel
finally sets off. Amongst them is GENERAL FEVERSHAM, Harry's
father. He stands at attention.


EXT. LONDON DOCKS - NIGHT.


The celebrations over, the CROWD moves away from the
docks. HARRY searches through the throng for his father.


EXT. HANSOM CABS/ LONDON DOCKS - NIGHT.


GENERAL FEVERSHAM and COLONEL SUTCH wait in line for
a hansom cab. The two old soldiers look frail in the falling
rain. As they're about to climb onto a carriage, a voice
calls out:

HARRY (o.s.)
Father...?


The General turns around. His eyes fill with emotion
as his son approaches.

HARRY
...I need to talk to you, Sir.


There's a long silence as GENERAL FEVERSHAM gazes at
his son. HARRY looks as if he hasn't slept in days. His eyes
are swollen and bloodshot, full of heartbreak and shame. For
a moment it seems as if the old man will take him in his
arms and comfort him, but instead he averts his eyes, and
climbs into the carriage. COLONEL SUTCH looks at HARRY
regrettably, as if to say there's nothing he can do.


EXT. LONDON STREETS - night.


NEWSBOYS follow HARRY home, trying to sell him their
newspapers, refusing to take no for an answer.

NEWSBOY
...It's a commemorative issue, Sir. War in the Sudan...


HARRY buys a paper just to be rid of him, only for
another NEWSBOY to take his place.

SECOND nEWSBOY
Different paper Sir, London Times. commerative issue...


INT. HARRY'S APARTMENT - DAY.


The sound of guns echoes in the distance. HARRY
looks up. His face is unshaven, his eyes glassy from lack of
sleep. Another volley sounds outside. HARRY gets off the
floor and walks over. As he does so we see the piles of
newspapers that have gathered on his floor over the past few
weeks.


The regimental guns boom outside. HARRY opens the
window. He wants to hear them more clearly. He wants to be
reminded of his shame.


He walks back to the day's newspapers and kneels
down amongst the mess. We see headlines of massacres and
slaughters, beneath them artist's impressions of the Mahdist
atrocities.


EXT. LONDON STREETS - day.


The NEWSBOYS run from HARRY now, mistaking him for a
tramp. He catches up with one of them, forcing some money on
him.

NEWSBOY
(Giving him a paper)
British defeat in the Sudan! Hundreds dead!...


HARRY flicks through the newspaper anxiously.


EXT. war office/ LONDON - day.


CROWDS have gathered outside the War Office. The
mood has changed from celebration to panic. PEOPLE are
stunned by the news of defeat, desperate to hear if their
loved ones are alright. SOLDIERS hold back the surging mass.
Only small groups are allowed in at a time.


INT. corridor/ war office BUILDING/ LONDON - day.


HARRY hurries down the corridor towards an area
where the names of British casualties have been pinned to a
notice board. PEOPLE swarm past him in the other direction.
Some of them look relieved, others are overwhelmed by grief.
HARRY hurries on, his heart pounding.


INT. CASUALTY LIST/ war office BUILDING/ LONDON -
day.


HARRY pushes through the CROWD of peering heads. As
he finally elbows his way to the front he glimpses the long
list of casualties. His eyes look through the D's first.
Durrance's name isn't there. No sign of Castelton under the
C's. HARRY is jostled backwards as he searches for the other
names. With a fierce effort he gets to the front again. No
Trench under T, no Willoughby under W. They're all safe.
HARRY's body slackens with relief.


EXT. harry's appartment block/ LONDON STREET - day.


HARRY looks drained as he reaches the front door of
his building. As he opens it his LANDLADY walks out.

landlady
There's someone to see you Sir. They're waiting upstairs...


HARRY doesn't wait for her to finish.


INT. STAIRWAY/ harry's appartment block/ LONDON
STREET - day.


HARRY bounds up the stairs, expecting to see Ethne.
He stops suddenly as he sees COLONEL SUTCH instead, waiting
outside his door. He hides his disappointment with an
awkward smile.

hARRY
Colonel Sutch...


SUTCH can't help staring at HARRY, shocked by the
state he's in.


INT. HARRY'S APARTMENT - DAY.


HARRY tries to make the room look more presentable,
gathering up the newspapers and maps off the floor. He
finally stops what he's doing and turns around.

harry
(Quietly)
How is he?

COLONEL SUTCH
He's been very withdrawn. I've tried to persuade him to
leave the house but he's a stubborn man.

harrY
Will he see me?

COLONEL SUTCH
I don't think so...
(He pauses)
...but if it's money you need he won't cut you off. He
hinted as much to me.

harry
I don't need money, Sir.


HARRY turns away. SUTCH looks torn. As a soldier he
disapproves of what Harry's done, but as a family friend he
can't help feeling sorry for the boy.

COLONEL SUTCH
You were never cut out for this proffession.

harrY
(A thin smile)
Was it that obvious?

COLONEL SUTCH
It was to me. Ever since you were a child. I only wish I'd
said something to your father.


HARRY turns and faces him.

harrY
(With an almost morbid curiosity)
How did you know I didn't have it in me?

COLONEL SUTCH
What difference does it make?

harrY
It does to me, Sir. It's all I think about. What makes a man
a coward?

COLONEL SUTCH
(Losing patience)
That's enough Harry. Get on a grip on yourself. You're no
use to anyone, sitting here all day, driving yourself mad...


The outburst seems to release SUTCH from his
soldier's reserve. He's all concern now.

COLONEL SUTCH
What's done, is done.

harrY
(Quietly)
No Sir, it isn't.


HARRY reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small
white box. He opens it in front of SUTCH. There are four
white feathers inside. SUTCH stares at the names on the
cards.

COLONEL SUTCH
(Stunned)
Who sent you the fourth? Jack?

harrY
Ethne.


SUTCH looks up in surprise, beginning to realise the
full extent of Harry's heartache.


COLONEL SUTCH
Throw them away. They don't mean a thing.

HARRY
They do to me, Sir. They're all I have left of my friends.

COLONEL SUTCH
Harry, this is morbid.

harrY
I don't mean it that way...
(Trying to make him understand)
You see, if there was something I could do, something so
undeniable...I'm not saying it would change anything, it's
too late for that...but if the feathers can be given, then
they can be taken back.

COLONEL SUTCH
Harry, your friends are in Egypt.

HARRY
Yes Sir. In Alexandria. They transfer to Suakin in a
fortnight.


SUTCH doesn't understand at first. Then he looks at
the newspapers and maps spread out across the floor, and
begins to see the method in Harry's madness.

COLONEL SUTCH
(In disbelief)
...You're a civilian. Even if you find them, there's nothing
you can do.

harry
I'm well aware of my chances.

COLONEL SUTCH
Then what's the point!?
(Staring at him in dismay)
You think Ethne will take you back? Is that what you think?!


From the look in his eyes it's clear the thought had
entered his head. Sutch's words bring him back down to
earth. His voice is quieter now, resigned.

harrY
I don't have any choice...
(With a terrible honesty)
I'm not sure how much longer I can live with myself, here,
like this...


COLONEL SUTCH stares at him with pity, seeing the
depth of his anguish.

haRRY
I'm leaving for Egypt tomorrow.

COLONEL SUTCH
(He realises there's no point trying to dissuade him)
Do you want me to tell your father?

harry
Only if something should happen to me. I'll write and let
you know how I am, as often as I can.

COLONEL SUTCH
What about Ethne?


HARRY has to think long and hard about this. The
thought of her fills him with sadness.

hARRY
I'd rather you didn't tell her anything. After all I've put
her through the least I can do is let her forget me in
peace.


COLONEL SUTCH looks moved by his predicament, and
impressed by these first, grasping signs of nobility.

harrY
Maybe I'll come back sooner than I think -- hear the guns
booming off the African coast, and take the first ship home.

COLONEL SUTCH
I doubt it, Harry.


COLONEL SUTCH smiles weakly.


EXT. HARRY's POV. VIEW OF THE AFRICAN COAST - day.


Through the shimmering heat we see the outlines of
the African mountains: an arid moonscape, dust clouds
blowing in the wind.


EXT. port of ALEXANDRIA - DAY.


The same veil of dust blows through the crowded
port. HARRY covers his eyes. His hair is longer now, his
face gaunt and bearded. Clutching his suitcase, he moves
through the throng.


EXT. streets of ALEXANDRIA - DAY.


The alleyways look almost dreamlike through the
shimmering heat. It's as if we're in Harry's head,
reflecting his state of mind. A crowd of URCHIN BOYS are
following his every step, imitating his langorous walk.
HARRY doesn't notice them. His gaze is riveted by the sights
around him: the MERCHANTS beckoning him into their shops;
the BRITISH SOLDIERS on leave, sheltering in the cool
hollows of the cafes and whorehouses; the BEGGARS, hunched
up against the stone walls, their faces covered with flies.


Through the arches of the Souk, a wedding procession
appears. The BRIDE and GROOM sit on brightly painted
donkeys. All around them WOMEN and CHILDREN clap and shrill.
HARRY catches a glimpse of the bride's face. She gazes at
him for a moment, then looks away.


INT. COLONIAL HOTEL/ ALEXANDRIA - DAY.


The colours of the Souk give way to the cool white
emptiness of a colonial hotel. ENGLISH GUESTS talk in hushed
whispers as EGYPTIAN WAITERS serve them tea. HARRY sits in a
corner of the lobby, nursing his drink, observing a group of
ENGLISH OFFICERS, laughing amongst themselves.


HARRY looks thoughtful, wondering how to approach
them. Suddenly he hears a commotion. A drunk BRITISH
CORPORAL is escorted out of the hotel by a group of SENIOR
OFFICERS. He shouts and swears, but they ignore him,
throwing him out of the door. HARRY gets up as he sees his
chance.


INT. EGYPTIAN bar - brothel/ BAZAAR/ ALEXANDRIA -
night.


The rhythmic beating of drums. Tattooed WOMEN dance
on a makeshift stage, mesmerising the crowd of eager
SOLDIERS. HARRY sits with the drunken BRITISH CORPORAL. The
man's eyes keep drifting longingly towards the stage, as if
he hasn't seen a woman in months. HARRY fills his glass.

BRITISH CORPORAL
(Resuming their conversation)
...It's all reconnaisance trips. The river's too swollen to
move troops in numbers. Her Majesty's army's rotting in
Suakin.

harry
Which other regiments were with you?

BRITISH CORPORAL
They're all there: the Hussars, the Highlanders, the
Grenadiers...Which newspaper did you say you were from?

hARRY
The London Times.

BRITISH CORPORAL
You must think I'm a disgrace? 'Sand happy'. That's what
those Officers called me.

harry
How much longer do you think the troops will be held up in
Suakin?

BRITISH CORPORAL
As long as they can if they're lucky.
(He finishes his drink)
Does the Prime Minister read your paper?

harrY
I imagine so.

BRITISH CORPORAL
Then tell him from me we're on a losing wicket here. These
bastards aren't scared of anything. If they saw death
walking down the street they'd hide in an alleyway and try
to pick him off with a stone. How do you fight people like
that...


He tries to drain the last few drops from his empty
glass, then looks over longingly, at the tattooed DANCERS.


EXT. SAND STORM/ desert near SUAKIN/ sudan - DAY.


Thick gusts of sand blow at us. As the swirling
clouds settle we see a group of misshapen figures, huddled
together. As they finally rise and start to move, we realise
they're BRITISH SOLDIERS, on camels. Amongst the dust caked
faces we see TRENCH, CASTELTON, WILLOUGHBY and DURRANCE.


EXT. DESERT near SUAKIN/ SUDAN - DAY.


The sand storm has cleared, and in its place a harsh
desert sun beats down. The COLUMN OF BRITISH SCOUTS trudges
forward. DURRANCE rides at the front, looking as if he were
born here, eyes alert to every shimmer and nuance.


Up ahead he sees a large mound of stones standing
out amongst the mud flat. He drives his camel forward. As he
approaches he sees that it's a dervish burial mound. Skulls
and skeletons are splayed across the rocks. WILLOUGHBY rides
up through the ranks and joins him.

WILLOUGHBY
What do you think?

DURRANCE
I think they're trying to frighten us off. We should keep
pressing forward.


WILLOUGHBY offers DURRANCE his water flask. DURRANCE
takes a drink.

DURRANCE
(Pulling a face)
It's bloody whisky.

wILLOUGHBY
(Grinning)
My camel drinks the water.


EXT. burnt out fortress/ desert - day.


As the camels tread their way through the sun baked
shingles a ghostly fortress appears on the horizon. The men
start loading their rifles instinctively.


EXT. courtyard/ burnt out fortress/ desert - day.


All that's left of the fortress is a grim skeleton.
The Union Jack lies ripped to shreds, halfway down its
flagpole. The BRITISH SOLDIERS gaze at the destruction.
Their camels sense their tension and rear a little in the
eerie silence. As ever, TRENCH is the first to break the
ice.

trench
(Jumping off his camel, walking towards the fortress well)
I don't know about you lot, but I'm going to grab a drink
before Mustapha does.


"Mustapha" the camel whinnies as if he's understood
every word. The MEN start laughing.

DURRANCE
The water's probably poisoned.

trench
(Leading his camel towards the well instead)
Mustapha, be my guest.


There's more laughter. DURRANCE smiles but his eyes
are still alert. Above the fortress tower he sees a flock of
birds taking flight, rising up gracefully towards the desert
sun. Suddenly amidst the laughter and chatter, one of the
SOLDIERS topples off his camel. His FRIENDS laugh:

friendS
...Capshaw you dosy bastard...
...Camilla's tired him out...


CAPSHAW doesn't move. CASTELTON's the first to
realise something's wrong. He jumps off his camel and turns
CAPSHAW over. Half the soldier's face has been blown off.
Raw bone glistens underneath. CASTELTON rears back in
horror.

CASTELTON
Sniper!


Panic erupts. The SOLDIERS leap off their camels,
using them as shields.


The sniper's bullet rings out and sends one of the
animals crashing to the dirt. The men start to run now,
seeking shelter in the surrounding hutments. The sniper's
gun rings out repeatedly.


EXT. HUTMENT/ burnt out fortress/ desert - day.


DURRANCE and CASTELTON duck into the hutment.

DURRANCE
...Keep him pinned. He's up in the tower.


CASTELTON unleashes a volley of shots. DURRANCE
moves quickly to the other side of the hutment and climbs
out of the window.


EXT. courtyard/ burnt out fortress/ desert - day.


The camels circle around themselves in panic. TRENCH
weaves his way between the rearing animals, protecting
himself from the sniper. A shot rings out and spits dust in
his face.

trench
(Whispering in anger)
You bastard...


EXT. outer perimeter/ burnt out fortress/ desert -
day.


DURRANCE runs around the back of the fortress,
breathing hard.


EXT. courtyard/ burnt out fortress/ desert - day.


A second shot spins TRENCH round, grazing him in the
arm.

trench
(His voice rising)
You bastard!


A third shot narrowly misses. TRENCH is up and
running now, not waiting for the fourth.

trench
(Shouting like a madman as he charges towards the hutment)
You bastard! You bastard! You bastard!


EXT. outer perimeter/ burnt out fortress/ desert -
day.


DURRANCE has a clear view on the sniper's tower now.
From below he can see the man's rifle edge out, fire, and
then withdraw. DURRANCE heads quietly towards the tower
stairs.


EXT. STAIRS/ SNIPER's TOWER/ burnt out fortress  -
day.


Several of the steps are missing from the rickety
stairway. DURRANCE climbs over them as lightly as he can. Up
above he can hear the sniper's rifle ringing out.


EXT. castelton's HUTMENT/ burnt out fortress/ desert
- day.


CASTELTON fires another round at the sniper's tower.
TRENCH sits on the floor, cursing as he bandages his grazed
arm.


EXT. SNIPER's TOWER/ burnt out fortress  - day.


DURRANCE raises his head cautiously. At the tower
window he sees the DERVISH SNIPER firing his rifle. DURRANCE
hesitates. He could kill the man easily, but it would mean
shooting him in the back. He can't bring himself to do it:

DURRANCE
Drop it!


The DERVISH SNIPER stops still. He turns around
slowly and looks DURRANCE in the eye. A contemptuous smile
flickers across his face. Very slowly, he takes a bullet
from his pocket and slips it in the rifle. He doesn't even
look at DURRANCE. There's a terrifying, suicidal calm about
him.


DURRANCE studies his enemy, admiring his utter
contempt for death, and then fires two bullets into his
head.


EXT. TENTS/ THE BRITISH CAMP/ suakin/ sudan - night.


Bonfires flicker across the British camp. DURRANCE
sits outside his tent, bathed in firelight, watching some
BEDU DANCERS performing for the BRITISH TROOPS. He seems far
away, as if he's thinking about the day's kill. TRENCH's
braying voice snaps him out of his reverie.

treNCH
(Showing off his wound)
Look at this beauty...


TRENCH sits down between DURRANCE, CASTELTON, and
WILLOUGHBY.

trench
(Playful)
It's true what they say. You haven't lived until you've been
shot.

CASTELTON
It's only a scratch.

trench
You wouldn't understand. You haven't looked into the abyss.

CASTELTON
Shut up Trench...


DURRANCE joins in the laughter but he still seems
far away.

wiLLOUGHBY
(Noticing)
Are you alright, Jack?

DURRANCE
(Smiling)
Couldn't be better.


WILLOUGHBY sees the haunted look in his eyes, but
doesn't say anything. A SEARGENT-MAJOR interrupts.

seRGEANT-MAJOR
Lieutenant Durrance, Colonel Hamilton would like to see you
in his tent, sir.

trench
Poor Willoughby, they've passed you over.


WILLOUGHBY grabs a handful of sand and throws it at
TRENCH. DURRANCE gets up to see what HAMILTON wants.


EXT. COLONEL HAMILTON's TENT/ BRITISH CAMP/ suakin -
night.


COLONEL HAMILTON sits at a fold-up table, eating his
dinner by candlelight. He turns around as DURRANCE walks in.
He wipes his face with his knapkin and gestures for DURRANCE
to sit.

COLONEL HAMILTON
...Congratulations, it seems you had another successful day.

DURRANCE
(Too honest to accept the complement)
We killed one Dervish sniper, Sir.

COLONEL HAMILTON
I'm giving you three weeks leave.


DURRANCE looks surprised.

DURRANCE
I really don't need, or deserve any leave.

COLONEL HAMILTON
You certainly deserve it, every report I receive singles you
out for praise.

DURRANCE
With your permission, I'd like to stay here with the rest of
the regiment.

COLONEL HAMILTON
Permission refused.


DURRANCE is too disciplined a soldier to protest.

COLONEL HAMILTON
...Anyway the rest of the regiment is stuck here in Suakin
until the Government agrees to send us to Khartoum...
(Containing his frustration)
You and several other Officers will be going to London, to
convince parliament, and more importantly public opinion,
that it is necessary to pursue this campaign with the utmost
vigour. Do you have any questions?

DURRANCE
Yes Sir, why me?


HAMILTON pauses. Then almost mischievously:

COLONEL HAMILTON
Because you're a hero.

DURRANCE
With all due respect Sir, I don't think we've been fighting
long enough to have any heroes in this campaign.

COLONEL HAMILTON
That's my point. It's all about perception.


DURRANCE sees there's no point discussing it
further. He salutes and turns to leave.

COLONEL HAMILTON
A question Lieutenant?

DURRANCE
Yes Sir?

COLONEL HAMILTON
What is it you like about this place?


DURRANCE chooses his words carefully.

DURRANCE
The freedom Sir. The fact that one is reduced to what one
really is.


COLONEL HAMILTON smiles softly, wondering if
Durrance is insulting him, not giving a damn.


EXT. desert between EGYPT and sudan - day.


A searing white sun hangs over the desert. Somewhere
amidst the rolling dunes and floating dust we see a caravan
of camels, winding its way through the plateau.


EXT. caravan/ desert between egypt and sudan - day.


HARRY rides at the front of the caravan with
GUSTAVE, a sun blackened french slave-driver. Behind them
ride SAADI, his Dinka assistant, and three beautiful DINKA
SLAVEGIRLS.

gustave
...The British soldiers rent my girls off me for three
dhirrams an hour. Well worth the trip to Suakin.


HARRY smiles distractedly. His eyes are fixed on the
majestic landscape before him, miles and miles of rolling
desert.

gustave
(Recognising the first time awe one feels for the desert)
Don't fall in love too quickly. Nothing turns on you like
the sand.


He looks back at the DINKA SLAVEGIRLS, who are
whispering amongst themselves.

gustave
Shut up!!...
(To Saadi)
Keep them quiet! What do I pay you for?!


SAADI says something to the SLAVEGIRLS in their
native Dinka tongue. From the deference in his voice it's
clear the women are from a higher caste than him.


EXT. desert between EGYPT and sudan - day.


A breeze blows sand-drifts across the desert floor.
As a veil of dust clears, HARRY sees the bones of a camel,
forming a perfect skeleton on the floor.

gustAVE
Bones are a good sign. We must be near a well.


EXT. well/ desert between EGYPT and sudan - day.


The skeletons lie thick around the well: six or
seven men in Bedu Robes, sprawled within yards of the
precious water.

gustave
(As Harry stares at the bones)
What else is there to fight for in a desert. At least it
makes sense of war.


SAADI hoists some water up in a goatskin canteen.
He offers the canteen to GUSTAVE. The French slave-driver is
about to take a drink when he hears one of the DINKA
SLAVEGIRLS murmuring in her native tongue. He wheels his
camel around angrily.

gUSTAVE
(To Saadi)
What did she say?


Before SAADI can make an excuse  for her, the DINKA
SLAVEGIRL starts cursing in her native tongue, her eyes
fixed on GUSTAVE.


GUSTAVE lashes out with his whip. The SLAVEGIRL's
camel rears, throwing her to the floor. GUSTAVE rides
towards her, raising his whip, ready to beat her.


HARRY's camel suddenly lurches between them. At
first it looks like he's lost control of the animal, but as
he steadies his mount, it becomes clear he's put himself in
Gustave's way.


GUSTAVE sneers. With inch perfect skill, he starts
to circle HARRY, trying to get a clear view of the girl.
With equal skill, HARRY twists his own camel round, keeping
her blocked from him at every turn.


GUSTAVE grows impatient. He raises his whip,
threatening Harry. HARRY doesn't flinch. His eyes are fixed
on Gustave the whole time. Finally GUSTAVE backs down,
intimidated by the mysterious stranger. He stares at HARRY,
half in anger, half in admiration.

gustave
You ride well.


With that he rides his camel back to the well. The
DINKA SLAVEGIRL doesn't look at HARRY. She's too proud to
acknowledge his help.


INT. cave/ desert between EGYPT and sudan - night.


A howling sandstorm blows outside the cave. The
camels screech in the night, terrified by the wind. SAADI
and the DINKA GIRLS shelter in the furthest corner of the
cave. HARRY and GUSTAVE sit by a flickering fire.

gUSTAVE
...What's your secret? Anyone who talks as little as you do
must be hiding something? Did you kill a man?


HARRY prods the fire, ignoring him. GUSTAVE turns
around as he hears SAADI and one of the DINKA GIRLS
whispering.

guSTAVE
Taiser vouz!


Silence. GUSTAVE turns back to HARRY, looking
pleased with himself.

guSTAVE
You have to break them. For their own good. They'll only be
happy again when they forget what it's like to be free.
(He looks at Harry mischievously)
It's like a man who's been thrown over by a woman. At first
he's defiant, then he's determined, but finally he longs to
forget.


HARRY gets up and walks to the other side of the
cave. He hears GUSTAVE chuckling behind him.

gUSTAVE
...Any secrets you have, the desert will find you out.


EXT. PASS/ CLIFFS/ desert between EGYPT and sudan -
night.


A screaming gale howls through the desert pass.


INT. cave/ desert between EGYPT and sudan - night.


It isn't the storm that wakes HARRY up, but the
sound of whispering. GUSTAVE is snoring by the fire.  HARRY
looks past him. He sees SAADI and the DINKA SLAVEGIRL he
rescued earlier, lying in each other's arms, making love as
quietly as they can.


HARRY can't help staring. Their act seems to
represent the ultimate defiance, he ultimate affirmation of
their freedom. He feels a spark of hope in their hope.


SAADI and the DINKA SLAVEGIRL finally come to rest
in each other's arms. HARRY listens as they continue to
whisper in their native tongue. He's about to close his eyes
when suddenly the DINKA SLAVEGIRL gets up.


HARRY watches curiously as she walks across the
cave. She picks something off the floor. As she walks
towards GUSTAVE HARRY suddenly sees that it's a sharp jagged
rock.


Before HARRY can say anything the girl falls to her
knees and buries the rock deep into GUSTAVE's face. Almost
simultaneously HARRY feels a sharp crack on the back of his
head. He rolls away instinctively, but to no avail.


The blows rain down. As he tries to protect his
face, HARRY sees SAADI, holding a thick wooden club over
him. The club hammers down, splitting Harry's fingers,
tearing into his face, knocking any resistance out of him.


As he stares up listlessly, HARRY sees SAADI
standing over him, ready to finish him off. Suddenly a voice
rings out, a woman's voice, calling Saadi off.  HARRY's eyes
drift away.


INT. ARMY/NAVY CLUB - LONDON - day.


We see ETHNE's face now, staring out. For a moment
we think she's part of Harry's dream, but then the familiar
noises of reality fade in, and we realise she's amongst a
crowd of OFFICERS and JOURNALISTS, listening to DURRANCE
lecturing about the Sudan:

DURRANCE
(Aware she's in the audience)
...Each moment we delay, we imperil General Gordon's life.
The Mahdi is concentrating all his forces on Khartoum. At
most the garrison can hold out for a few more weeks...


EXT. ARMY/NAVY CLUB - LONDON - day.


DURRANCE stands at the club entrance with ETHNE and
her friend, CAROLINE ADAIR.

ETHNE
...Caroline read about your lecture in the Times. We're both
very proud of you.

DURRANCE
I'm glad you came.


DURRANCE tries not to stare at ETHNE too hard.

CAROLINE
...We have to be somewhere this afternoon, but if you're
free this evening Lieutenant Durrance...

DURRANCE
I'm afraid I have to give another talk.

ETHNE
(Suddenly)
Would you mind if I didn't come with you Caroline? I don't
know the Gilby's all that well...


CAROLINE hesitates. We see the reluctance in her
eyes, but she's far too dignified to show it.

CAROLINE
You can do whatever you like, darling.


EXT. LONDON/ STREET - day.


DURRANCE and ETHNE walk along a crowded street.
Passing WOMEN glance admiringly at DURRANCE in his uniform.

ETHNE
That's six I've counted.

DURRANCE
Six what?

ETHNE
Six married women, gawping at you.


DURRANCE smiles shyly, wondering if she's flirting
with him.


INT. tea shop/ LONDON - day.


A tinkle of china and cutlery. ETHNE and DURRANCE
sit in a tea shop. ETHNE can't help sending up the place.
She dabs her lips with her napkin, pretending to be all prim
and proper.

DURRANCE
Do you want to go somewhere else?

ETHNE
No, it's lovely here. I'm teasing.


DURRANCE looks out of place in the surroundings, and
nervous around ETHNE.

ETHNE
(Trying to put him at ease)
I want to hear all about the desert?


She leans towards him, like a child waiting to hear
a tale. DURRANCE isn't sure if she's aware of the effect on
him.

DURRANCE
It grows on you. There's something about all that emptiness
that concentrates the mind.

ETHNE
(Looking into his eyes)
On what?

DURRANCE
(He hesitates)
You spend a lot of time thinking about the people you miss
-- especially at night -- You have the most vivid dreams,
it's hard to believe they're not real...


He stops as he sees the sadness in her eyes,
reminded of the barrier between them.

DURRANCE
Have you heard from Harry?

ETHNE
(A beat)
No. Have you?

DURRANCE
I went to see General Feversham. He refused to discuss it
with me.

ETHNE
I know they had a falling out.


She tries to sound casual, but DURRANCE feels how
much the thought of Harry still pains her.

DURRANCE
(Testing her, almost in spite of himself)
He's one of the people I think about all the time.

ETHNE
(Very deliberately)
I don't as much as I used to.
(Looking up at Durrance)
I certainly wasn't until you brought him up.


There's a touch of reproach in her eyes, but also
something flirtatious. It's as if she's forcing herself to
put Durrance above Harry in her thoughts.

ETHNE
When do you go back?

DURRANCE
Friday.

ETHNE
So soon?


DURRANCE isn't sure how to read her disappointment.
He feels conflicted about Harry, but he can't help being
drawn to her.

DURRANCE
(Awkwardly)
Are you sure I can't persuade you to stay in London a few
more days? Listen to more of my boring lectures...

ETHNE
I thought the talk was fascinating.

DURRANCE
(Steeling himself)
I really would like to see you again before I leave.


There's something touching about Durrance's shyness:
a contradiction between the fearless warrior and the
tentative lover. ETHNE feels torn, but she wills herself on:

ETHNE
(Lightly, but acknowledging his invitation nevertheless)
You could always visit us in Bintree.


She feels her eyes drifting away from him, but she
forces herself to look back, and holds his gaze.


INT. cave/ desert between EGYPT and sudan - day.


HARRY opens his eyes painfully. His face is still
battered and swollen from Saadi's beating. As he picks
himself up he sees Gustave's body, lying exactly where the
Dinka slavegirl killed him, the jagged rock still embedded
in his face. HARRY looks away as he hears a camel whinnying
outside.


EXT. cave/ desert between EGYPT and sudan - day.


The camel is tied by some rope to a jutting rock, a
goatskin canteen slung over its back. HARRY realises the
Dinka girl he rescued has left them for him. He looks over
the horizon. There's no sign of the Dinkas, only the vast
desert waste.


EXT. DUNES/ desert between EGYPT and sudan - day.


HARRY urges his camel up the steep slope of a
crescent dune. His battered face is burnt raw by the sun,
his skin covered in blisters. He looks out hopefully as his
camel finally conquers the sandy peak, but all he sees in
its place are miles and miles of rolling dunes.


EXT. water trough/ desert between EGYPT and sudan -
day.


Harry's camel noses its way into a shallow water
trough. HARRY almost drops off the animal in his haste to
drink. He digs his hands into the mud and cups some of the
precious liquid in his palms. It's only after he's drunk
that he realises there are dozens of tics, stuck to his
arms, and face.


EXT. desert between EGYPT and sudan - night.


HARRY shivers in the cold night air, partly from the
wind, but also from the fever he's caught off the tics.
Hands trembling, he burns the blood gorged insects off his
arm with a glowing stick from the camp-fire.


EXT. shingles/ desert between EGYPT and sudan - day.


HARRY's camel rears as it treads over the searing
shingles. He topples off. Eyes half shut, he grabs the
reins, making sure the camel doesn't run off. He takes a
knife from his pocket.

harry
...I'm sorry, I'm sorry...


He cuts a slash in the camel's hide and puts his
mouth to it. He sucks up what little blood he can, and rolls
the liquid around his mouth.


EXT. desert between EGYPT and sudan - night.


HARRY talks to himself in the dark. His face is all
puffed up with fever, his hair chalked with dust. Above him
the stars glimmer, promising another day of relentless sun.


EXT. DESERT HILLS/ desert between EGYPT and sudan -
day.


HARRY lies unconscious on the camel's back, roped to
the animal. The CAMEL noses it's way through the desert
floor, coming across a few shrubs. It tears them out of the
earth, and starts up the hill, in search of more
nourishment. HARRY slides precariously down the camel's
back. Only the ropes hold him tight. As the camel finally
reaches the top we see a vast plateau open up before us. The
earth is still desert brown, but there are patches of green
now -- and somewhere in the distance, the sky is blackening
with rain.


EXT. STREETS OF SUAKIN/ SUDAN - night.


A torrential downpour floods the narrow streets of
Suakin. A group of excited BEGGAR BOYS lead HARRY and his
camel through the rain swept alleyways.


EXT. LOCAL HOTEL/ SUAKIN/ SUDAN - night.


HARRY lies shivering on a bunk bed, overwhelmed by
fever. An ARAB DOCTOR treats his ravaged skin with balm.
Behind them the BEGGAR BOYS argue with the ARAB HOTELIER,
demanding more money for bringing the foreigner here.

ARAB DOCTOR
English?


HARRY shakes his head no.


EXT. marketplace/ STREETS OF SUAKIN/ SUDAN - day.


Sunlight dries out the previous night's storm. HARRY
wanders through the marketplace, wearing long Bedu robes
now, limping from his desert ordeal. PASSERSBY pull away as
they see his face, mistaking the open blisters for leprosy.


EXT. RIVERBANK NEAR THE BRITISH CAMP/ SUAKIN/ SUDAN
- day.


A crocodile rears out of the water and tears a lump
of meat off a hook. It disappears back under the surface,
avoiding the trap. There's a cry of disappointment from the
riverbank. A group of LOCAL CHILDREN are trying to catch the
beast. TRENCH is their leader. CASTELTON smiles at his
friend's antics.

treNCH
...Don't give up lads. Give the old porker another whack.


The BOYS have tied a pig to a stake, outside the
water. They beat it with a paddle until it whines. Hearing
the noise, the CROCODILE rears its head, and sweeps towards
the remaining lump of meat on the hook.


TRENCH and the BOYS swarm around the river
expectantly. In their excitement they fail to notice the
shrouded FIGURE watching them from the distance. It's HARRY,
hidden beneath his Bedu robes. He gazes at his two friends
longingly. Finally one of the BOYS sees him, and thinking
he's a leper, starts throwing stones:

sudanese boy
Imshi, imshi.


The other BOYS join in, yelling insults. TRENCH and
CASTELTON pay no attention. They have no idea who it is.


HARRY steps back slowly, the pebbles landing at his
feet, still gazing at his friends. He knows he doesn't have
the courage to face them yet, that it's too soon.


INT. HAMILTON's TENT/ BRITISH CAMP/ SUAKIN/ SUDAN -
night.


Colonel Hamilton's tent is lit in torchlight. Dozens
of OFFICERS mill about, celebrating their orders to march on
Khartoum.

A MAJOR FROM ANOTHER REGIMENT
...It's hard to imagine anyone changing the Prime Minister's
mind.

COLONEL HAMILTON
Even he reads the papers. They told him if he didn't send us
to Khartoum he'd be indicted for murder...


There's laughter all around. Across the tent,
DURRANCE stands on his own, feeling out of place. WILLOUGHBY
arrives with two drinks.

wILLOUGHBY
You're quite the hero tonight.

DURRANCE
The Colonel seems to be taking a fair bit of credit.


They smile as they watch COLONEL HAMILTON holding
forth.

wILLOUGHBY
So you had a good time in London?

DURRANCE
Better than I thought.

wILLOUGHBY
(Trying to make it sound casual)
Did you look up Harry?

DURRANCE
(Hesitating)
Nobody knows where he is.

wILLOUGHBY
Not even Ethne?

DURRANCE
(A little put out)
Why should she? She's broken off their engagement.


WILLOUGHBY notices the edge in his voice but doesn't
say anything. DURRANCE feels a touch of guilt, surprised by
his own jealous reaction.


INT. HARRY's ROOM/ LOCAL HOTEL/ SUAKIN/ SUDAN -
night.


HARRY studies his face in the mirror: his blisters
have dried into tough leathery skin, his eyes are hollow
from recent hardships. He whispers to himself in broken
Arabic, and dips his fingers into a dark, mud like
substance. He applies it to his hair, his beard, and his
teeth.


EXT. COOLIES/ BRITISH CAMP/ SUAKIN - day.


Long lines of DESERT AFRICANS have gathered outside
the British camp, looking for work as coolies. There are
Nuers, Dinkas, Somalis, Ethiopians, all of them wearing
different clothes, and speaking different languages.
Somewhere amongst them, we see HARRY, disguised in his Bedu
robes. He's being examined by a BRITISH SEARGENT-MAJOR and
an EGYPTIAN ORDERLY.

BRITISH SEARGENT-MAJOR
Tell him to remove his shirt.


HARRY waits for the ORDERLY to translate before he
opens his robes. His body is lean and tanned and scarred.

BRITISH SEARGENT-MAJOR
(Impressed by his physique)
This one's been in the wars. Let me see his teeth.


Again HARRY waits for the Arabic translation before
he opens his mouth.

BRITISH SEARGENT-MAJOR
Good bones. Put him on the boats.


HARRY is ushered off. As he walks away he hears an
argument start up behind him. The EGYPTIAN ORDERLY is
protesting to the SEARGENT MAJOR about hiring a fierce
looking NUBIAN warrior.

EGYPTIAN ORDERLY
...This man comes from a race of slaves. They have blood
feuds with everyone. If you arm him it will mean trouble.
None of the Egyptian soldiers will serve with him.


The NUBIAN stares ahead in silence, expressionless.

BRITISH OFFICER
Alright, put him on the boats.


The NUBIAN falls into line, behind HARRY.


EXT. DRILL AREA/ BRITISH CAMP/ SUAKIN - day.


WILLOUGHBY barks orders at the EGYPTIAN RESERVES,
drilling them before departure. DURRANCE, TRENCH, AND
CASTELTON walk out of their tent, imitating him.


EXT. COOLIES/ BRITISH CAMP/ SUAKIN - day.


HARRY watches his friends from afar. He sits amongst
the COOLIES, holding out his soup bowl, waiting to be fed.
The NUBIAN squats opposite him. HARRY can't help staring at
the long white ostrich feather in his hair.


The EGYPTIAN ORDERLY arrives and pours a rancid
looking gruel in HARRY's bowl. He turns to the NUBIAN.

EGYPTIAN ORDERLY
(In Arabic)
Is this good enough for you slave?


The NUBIAN ignores him. The ORDERLY spits in the
gruel before handing it to him.  The NUBIAN takes it, and
calmly downs it in one. The ORDERLY moves on in disgust. The
NUBIAN looks at HARRY. HARRY braces himself and swallows the
stew.


EXT. CATARACTS of the nile/ sudan - day.


A heavy current rushes through the waters of the
Nile. The cataracts are full of treachorous rocks, jutting
out in all shapes and sizes. HARRY is force-marched with the
other COOLIES, prodded on by the EGYPTIAN OVERSEERS. They
drag the British supply boats through the cataract by hand,
pulling on huge hemp ropes.


In front of HARRY, the NUBIAN is being singled out
for punishment. The EGYPTIAN ORDERLY lashes him repeatedly.
The NUBIAN keeps pulling, ignoring the stinging pain. He
looks back at the ORDERLY as if to say; "Is that all you've
got?"


EXT. SUPPLY BOAT/ CATARACTS of the nile/ sudan -
day.


A supply boat rushes down a steep incline in the
river.  TRENCH yells at the top of his voice as the spray
hits his face. CASTELTON stands beside him, staring at the
banks of the Nile, watching the hundreds of COOLIES,
dragging their boat through the cataracts.


EXT. COOLIE CAMP/ CATARACTS of the nile/ sudan -
night.


Drum beats fill the night sky. The reflection of the
coolies' camp-fires glistens over the black water. Some are
singing, others praying, but most lie fast asleep. HARRY
sits on his own, warming himself by a fire, his body wracked
with pain. As he reflects he hears the gentle tread of feet.
He looks up to see the NUBIAN staring at him. The man squats
down beside his campfire without asking.

nubian (Abou fatma)
(In English)
My name is Abou Fatma.

haRRY
(Shaking his head as if he doesn't understand)
Bedu.

ABOU FATMA
I was a scout for General Hicks.

harry
Arabi --


ABU FATMA suddenly launches into a flurry of fluent
Arabic. HARRY stares at him in silence, unable to respond.

ABOU FATMA
There are many in this camp who would serve the Mahdi. When
they find out there is a British spy amongst them, watching
them, they will kill him.
(Quietly mocking)
It won't be long, Bedu.


He turns to leave. HARRY hesitates, then:

harry
Shoukran.

ABOU FATMA
(Correcting his Arabic)
Shoukhran.


Their eyes stay on each other a moment.

harry
(Finally speaking in English)
Why do you warn me?

ABOU FATMA
For money.

harry
I can't pay you.

ABOU FATMA
I can't help you.


HARRY smiles. He gazes at the mercenaries's powerful
features, and the long white feather in his hair.

harrY
What's the feather for?

ABOU FATMA
The first time I killed a man.
(Pointing to a feather earring in his left ear)
Five men.
(and an ivory bracelet on his wrist)
Ten men.
(He takes a beaded necklace out of his pocket)
This I will wear soon. I'm a good soldier. I will protect
you.


HARRY stares at him a moment, then takes out a small
box from his pocket. He shows ABOU FATMA the four white
feathers inside. ABOU FATMA looks at them, unaware of the
irony in Harry's gesture, thinking he's saying he doesn't
need help.

ABOU FATMA
(Gesturing to the welts on Harry's body)
Underneath the flesh is white, and weak. Even if the Mahdi's
men don't find you out, the whips will.

harry
I'll pay you one shilling a day.

ABOU FATMA
No.


ABOU FATMA gets up, and walks away. HARRY can't help
smiling as he stares after him.


EXT. COOLIE CAMP/ CATARACTS of the nile/ sudan -
day.


Screams of agony fill the air. The EGYPTIAN ORDERLY
lies in a pool of blood, his belly sliced open, holding his
guts in his hands.


HARRY stands amongst the gathered crowd, watching
horrified, as a BRITISH OFFICER kneels beside the dying man.

BRITISH OFFICER
Who did this to you? Who did this?


The EGYPTIAN ORDERLY tries to speak, but all that
comes out of his mouth is a froth of blood. His tongue has
been cut out. HARRY looks around the crowd until he sees
ABOU FATMA. The Nubian's eyes are expressionless. Around his
neck he wears the beaded necklace now.


EXT. CATARACTS of the nile/ sudan - day.


The white sails of the British supply boats float
through the hazy water. On the riverbank HARRY and the
hundreds of other COOLIES drag them along. The OVERSEERS
glance at ABOU FATMA warily, but none of them dare raise a
whip to him now.


INT. DURRANCE's tent/ BRITISH CAMP/ CATARACTS - day.


We can still hear the noise of the coolies outside.
DURRANCE sits at a table, writing a letter. We glimpse the
words: 'Dearest Ethne...' He stops as he hears a commotion
outside.


EXT. BRITISH CAMP/ CATARACTS - day.


DURRANCE walks out of the tent. In the distance he
sees a handful of ragged looking BRITISH OFFICERS being
helped off their camels. As he stares more closely DURRANCE
notices that many of them have terrible wounds. Those that
can still walk are lead off to the commander's tent.


EXT. general wolsey's tent/ BRITISH CAMP/ CATARACTS
- day.


GENERAL WOLSEY and COLONEL HAMILTON are bent over a
map of the Nile, discussing their progress with their
AIDE-DE-CAMPS. WILLOUGHBY looks up as he hears the WOUNDED
OFFICERS being led into the tent. He stops as he sees the
terrible state they're in. Even WOLSEY and HAMILTON look
shocked.

GENERAL WOLSELEY
(Slowly rising, saluting)
What is it?

WOUNDED CAPTAIN
A letter, sir... from General Gordon.


WILLOUGHBY notices one of the WOUNDED OFFICERS has
tears in his eyes.

GENERAL WOLSELEY
What happened to you?

WOUNDED CAPTAIN
We were ambushed, Sir. More than half our company were
killed.

GENERAL WOLSELEY
See that these men are tended to.

AIDE-DE-CAMP
Yes, sir.


The WOUNDED OFFICERS are led out. WILLOUGHBY, like
all the other Aide-de-Camps, looks dazed. GENERAL WOLSEY
opens General Gordon's letter, and reads in silence.

GENERAL WOLSELEY
(Finally looking up at Colonel Hamilton)
Gordon says he can only hold out for forty more days. It
took eleven for these men to get here.


EXT. BRITISH CAMP/ CATARACTS - night.


DURRANCE, WILLOUGHBY, CASTELTON, and TRENCH sit
around a camp fire, trying to ignore the hideous cries of
the wounded British soldiers coming from the hospital tent.

wILLOUGHBY
(Recounting what he's heard)
...Wolsey's going to split the force. A River Column's going
to continue down the Nile, whilst a Desert Column joins up
with regiment at Abou Clea, and makes a dash for Khartoum.


The piercing screams start up again.

trench
Don't tell me, we've drawn the short straw.


EXT. BRITISH CAMP/ CATARACTS - day.


Silence hangs over the British camp. The COOLIES are
lined up under the scorching sun. The EGYPTIAN OVERSEERS
walk past them, selecting some for the desert march, others
for the river march. HARRY stands next to ABOU FATMA. Across
the camp he can see DURRANCE, TRENCH, CASTELTON, and
WILLOUGHBY, preparing their camels for the overland trek.

haRRY
(Whispering to Abou Fatma)
I need to travel with the desert detachment.

ABOU FATMA
Two Shillings.


HARRY nods. The EGYPTIAN OVERSEER finally reaches
them.

EGYPTIAN OVERSEER
(To Abou Fatma, in Arabic)
We'll keep you on the river.

ABOU FATMA
(A calm, menacing look in his eyes)
With you?


The EGYPTIAN OVERSEER hesitates, remembering what
happened to his friend:

EGYPTIAN OVERSEER
(Gesturing to the desert column instead)
Over there.


HARRY falls into line behind ABOU FATMA. The
EGYPTIAN OVERSEER doesn't seem to care. He's too relieved to
be rid of the Nubian.


EXT. DESERT COLUMN/ BRITISH CAMP/ CATARACTS - day.


The Desert Column has assembled, fourteen hundred
strong.

SERGEANt at arms
Column... FOR-WARD... march!


DURRANCE, TRENCH, CASTELTON, and WILLOUGHBY, ride
off at the head of the column.  Behind them, the COOLIES
carry heavy loads, HARRY and ABOU FATMA bringing up the
rear.


EXT. DESERT lanscape/ sudan - day.


A region of jutting cliffs and giant rock
formations. The Desert column rides through a narrow pass.
DURRANCE's eyes are fixed on the ridges above them, any one
of which could be hiding a Dervish sniper or scout.


At the back of the column, HARRY's equally alert. He
looks across the cliff walls. Suddenly he notices one of the
COOLIES in front of him, listening intently to a high
pitched whine coming from a nearby gorge.


HARRY studies the man. He's a powerfully built NUER
TRIBESMAN, yellow streaks running down his long black hair.
Every time he hears the distinctive noise, he looks up,
concentrating. HARRY edges closer to ABOU FATMA:

harry
(Indicating the whining)
Do you recognise that sound?

ABOU FATMA
Mountain goats.


HARRY doesn't look convinced. He stares at the NUER
TRIBESMAN, walking ahead of them, glancing up from his heavy
load every time he hears the distinctive cry.


EXT. OPEN DESERT/ sudan - day.


The wind blows gusts of sand into the camels' eyes.
DURRANCE  stares through the shimmering heatwaves.

DURRANCE
There's a sandstorm coming.


COLONEL HAMILTON looks at the clear blue sky, seeing
nothing to indicate a storm, but trusting Durrance's
instincts.


EXT. DESERT CAMP - night.


HARRY and the other COOLIES gather sticks and desert
shrubs, building a makeshift wall around the camp. The wind
has picked up, blowing thick gusts of sand in their faces.
As they work in the darkness and the dust, HARRY hears the
whining sound he heard earlier. It's quieter now, but
closer. ABOU FATMA hears it too.

harry
It's coming from inside the camp.


They look around, but the dust obscures everything.
The whining starts up again. HARRY concentrates until he
thinks he knows where it's coming from. He checks to make
sure the ORDERLIES aren't watching them, and then signals
for ABOU FATMA to follow him.


EXT. EDGE OF THE DESERT CAMP - night.


Through the drifting clouds of sand we see a FIGURE
crouching near the camp perimeter. It's the NUER TRIBESMAN
Harry noticed earlier. Every time the wind picks up he calls
out to the surrounding cliffs in a high piched whine.


HARRY and ABOU FATMA watch him from behind a wagon.
ABOU FATMA draws a knife from his boot.

haRRY
We need to find out who he's signalling.


ABOU FATMA replaces the knife reluctantly, and
points to a makeshift corrall where the camels are gathered.


INT. TENT/ DESERT CAMP - night.


The tent flaps blow in the storm. TRENCH, CASTELTON,
and WILLOUGHBY shelter inside, sharing a bottle of whisky.
DURRANCE sits apart from the others, reading a letter.

treNCH
Is that the same letter you read over and over again, or do
you get a different one each day?

DURRANCE
(He can't help a smile)
It's the same one, but it's twenty pages long.

wILLOUGHBY
He writes them to himself. Go on Jack, read us a line.

DURRANCE
Read your own.

trench
Don't be so coy, you're amongst friends.


Grins all around. DURRANCE looks at letter and
tempts them with a single line:

DURRANCE
"...I often think about our walks by the river..."


He stops enigmatically to a chorus of protest:

tRENCH
More, more...


DURRANCE hesitates, reluctant to break the
confidence of a letter, but anxious to broach the subject
with his friends.

DURRANCE
(Reading more quietly)
"...Your letter surprised and delighted me...If I appear
indecisive it's because I'm thinking of both of us...In the
meantime I hope the length of my reply gives you some
assurance of how very much I care about you..."


DURRANCE lowers the letter and looks at his friends.

treNCH
So who's the lucky lady?

DURRANCE
(After a moment)
Ethne...I've asked her to marry me...You probably gathered
that from the letter.


There's a long silence. Astonishment. Then suddenly
TRENCH raises his glass and roars.

treNCH
Congratulations.

wILLOUGHBY
That's fantastic Jack.

DURRANCE
She hasn't said yes.

trench
Of course she will: "I hope the length of  this reply gives
you some idea of how much I bloody love you."

DURRANCE
"How much I care about you."

treNCH
Same thing.


TRENCH fills his glass to the brim. DURRANCE laughs,
relieved that his friends have taken it so well. It's only
as he drinks that he catches a hint of disapproval in
CASTELTON's eyes. CASTELTON raises his glass, trying to hide
his feelings, but DURRANCE sees through him. The moment is
interrupted by loud shouting outside:

BRITISH CORPORAL o/s
...Something's up with the camels.

CASTELTON
I'll go.


CASTELTON looks relieved to leave the tent, worried
that his conflicting emotions will betray him. DURRANCE
stares after him, not entirely free of the memory of Harry
himself.


EXT. DESERT CAMP - night.


CASTELTON follows the CORPORAL through the windswept
camp. Up ahead they can hear the camels screeching.
CASTELTON covers his eyes from the dust. Suddenly he sees
the silhouettes of two RIDERS, charging out of the corral.
One of them stops and stares at him momentarily.

CASTELTON
(He can't see the man's face clearly, but his outline seems
hauntingly familiar)
Harry?


The RIDER turns and charges out of the camp. The
CORPORAL blows a whistle, reaching for his gun, firing after
them. CASTELTON stares at the disappearing figures,
wondering if what he saw was real, or a figment of his
troubled conscience.


EXT. HILLS ABOVE THE DESERT CAMP - night.


HARRY and ABOU FATMA ride up a steep hill, shots
ringing out behind them.


EXT. RIDGE ABOVE THE DESERT CAMP - night.


As the sands sweep past we see the Mahdi's scouts
for the first time: four NUER TRIBESMEN, standing on a
ridge, looking down on the British campfires below. As they
hear the shots, they turn away from the cliffside, and mount
their camels.


EXT. VIEW FROM A CLIFF/ DESERT - day.


The sand storm is still blowing, obscuring the sun.
In the distance, the tiny figures of the NUER SCOUTS, can be
seen riding across the arid sandscape. HARRY and ABOU FATMA
watch them from the cliffs, and set off in pursuit.


EXT. ridge/ VIEW on NUER's campfire/ DESERT - night.


The Nuer's camp-fire glows far below on the valley
floor. HARRY and ABOU FATMA have built their own fire in a
crevice on the cliff wall, hidden from view. HARRY's eyes
are fixed on the Nuer scouts, ABOU FATMA's are fixed on him.

ABOU FATMA
Why would a British spy be hiding from his own people?


HARRY looks up at the Nubian, realising he can't
keep up the pretence any longer.

hARRY
Because I'm not a spy.

ABOU FATMA
You're a deserter?

harry
(A long pause)
Something like that. I was sent to fight, and I ran away.


ABOU FATMA considers this for a moment.

ABOU FATMA
All soldiers run away. Only the good ones return.


HARRY smiles.

harry
Shoukran.

ABOU FATMA
Shoukhran.


HARRY looks away. Down below the Nuer's camp fire
goes out.


EXT. OPEN DESERT - night.


The moonlight colors the dunes in blues and greens.
HARRY and ABOU FATMA follow the Nuers' tracks through the
virgin sands.


EXT. crest of A hill/ OPEN DESERT - day.


The sunrise casts a blood red light over the
horizon. The four NUER SCOUTS appear on the crest of a hill.
We see them clearly now, their long black hair streaked
yellow, their faces painted ghostly white. They survey the
land beneath them and gallop off.


EXT. THE same HILL/ desert - day.


ABOU FATMA and HARRY walk their camels quietly up
the hill, following the Nuers' hoofprints. As they reach the
top of the dune a vast plateau opens up beneath them. They
see the NUER SCOUTS, riding along a winding trade route. At
the end of the desert road stands a huge fortress.

ABOU FATMA
That is Abou Clea. A British fort.


HARRY stares after the Nuer scouts, wondering why
they're heading back into a British stronghold. The four
riders merge into one of the caravans that dot the
landscape.


EXT. CARAVAN/ TRADE ROUTE TO ABOU CLEA - day.


A long line of DINKA REFUGEES walk alongside one of
caravans, begging for food. HARRY and ABOU FATMA ride near
the back, their faces hidden by their Djellabas.


EXT. FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA - night.


A village of tents has spread around the fortress
walls. More STARVING REFUGEES clamour at the gates. HARRY
gazes up at the garrison walls. BRITISH SENTRIES can be
glimpsed high up. The fortress gates creak open to let the
caravan through. HARRY lowers his eyes as he rides past the
guards.


EXT. courtyard/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA - night.


As he looks up again, HARRY suddenly feels a rush of
panic. The fortress courtyard is filled with DERVISH
WARRIORS. There are no British faces anywhere. HARRY
glimpses a familiar red uniform, but as he stares more
closely, his relief turns to horror. The British uniform is
stained with blood. Wearing it is a fierce looking DERVISH
WARRIOR with long braided hair.


HARRY looks back at the ramparts. All the soldiers
he thought were British sentries are in fact Dervish
warriors, wearing the bloody uniforms of their victims. As
he turns around, HARRY sees the worst sight of all. Hanging
from scaffolds, are the chalk white bodies of the real
British soldiers.


HARRY is shaken out of his horror by a sharp hissing
sound. ABOU FATMA glares at him to keep calm. DERVISH
WARRIORS grab hold of their camels, and lead them with the
rest of the caravan towards the stables.


INT. stables/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA - night.


HARRY and ABOU FATMA tether their camels. Behind
them the DERVISH WARRIORS unload the caravan's shipment of
rifles.

ABOU FATMA
(Whispering to Harry)
Follow me out.


HARRY nods, still in shock. ABOU FATMA turns around
and heads out of the stables, unchallenged.


EXT. courtyard/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA - night.


HARRY follows ABOU FATMA through the crowded
courtyard. His eyes are drawn to the torchlit faces all
around him. The Mahdi's army is made up of dozens of
different tribes: some in glowing war paint, others marked
with ritual scars, wearing the dried viscera of their
victims around their necks. The Dervishes' eyes seem to
follow HARRY wherever he goes, staring out at him through
their slit Djellabas. Suddenly HARRY feels a pair of hands
grab him. He wheels around to see a huge DERVISH CAPTAIN
towering over him.

DERVISH CAPTAIN
(In Arabic, studying Harry's features)
Come with me.

ABOU FATMA
(In Arabic)
Our caravan is waiting outside.

DERVISH CAPTAIN
(Waving Abou Fatma away)
Imshi!


ABOU FATMA murmurs something to HARRY in his native
Nubian tongue, slipping in the English words: 'I'll find
you.'

DERVISH CAPTAIN
(To Harry, in Arabic)
Follow me!


EXT. gallows/ courtyard/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA -
night.


HARRY's heart is pounding as he walks back through
the hellish courtyard. He isn't sure if the DERVISH CAPTAIN
has realised he's British. It's only as he points HARRY
towards the gallows that he realises the predicament he's
in.

DERVISH CAPTAIN
(In Arabic; gesturing to a mound of British dead)
Over there.


HARRY hesitates, then walks over to the pile of
British corpses, convinced he's going to be shot amongst
them.

DERVISH CAPTAIN
(In Arabic; gesturing to the uniforms)
Find one that fits.


HARRY stares at him, then slowly begins to
understand. He's been picked out as a pale looking Arab, one
that might pass as a British officer from a distance. As he
looks around he sees other DESERT ARABS, grinning at him,
wearing their own blood stained British uniforms.


HARRY kneels beside the slaughtered British
soldiers. One of them still has his pipe stuffed between his
teeth. As HARRY stares at the obscenity, his fear slowly
turns to anger. With trembling fingers he unbuttons the dead
man's jacket. As he slips the bloodstained British uniform
over his shoulders we begin to see the change in his eyes.


EXT. ABOU FATMA/ courtyard/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA -
night.


ABOU FATMA wanders amongst the Dervish army, begging
for alms, searching for Harry. Finally he spots him at the
far end of the courtyard, sitting amongst the other DERVISH
WARRIORS IN BRITISH UNIFORMS.


EXT. HARRY/ courtyard/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA -
night.


ABOU FATMA grovels at the feet of the DERVISHES,
before he approaches HARRY.

ABOU FATMA
(In Arabic)
Alms for the poor.


HARRY turns around. His eyes are distant. He looks
back at the spot he was staring at before. At first ABOU
FATMA thinks he's in shock, but then he sees what HARRY's
looking at. Across the courtyard stands a large tent,
surrounded by flags. Waiting outside, are the four NUER
SCOUTS.

ABOU FATMA
(Beginning to see his intent)
We have to leave.

harry
Wait for me at the gates.
(As Abou Fatma starts to protest)
Imshi.


The other DERVISHES look at ABOU FATMA
threateningly. ABOU FATMA gets up and walks away
reluctantly. Across the courtyard, the NUER SPIES have been
ushered into the tent.


INT. WAR COUNCIL tent/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA -
night.


The MAHDI, a tall, gaunt, warrior in desert robes,
listens to the NUER SCOUTS in silence. As they notify him of
the British advance, he starts to draw a battle plan on the
tent's sandy floor. His LIEUTENANTS move closer to see what
he's planning.


INT. WAR COUNCIL tent/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA -
night.


Outside the tent more DERVISH WARRIORS have gathered
to catch a glimpse of their revered leader. HARRY is amongst
them. He stares at the white clad figures within. Suddenly
he feels a pair of eyes on him. He turns to see the DERVISH
CAPTAIN who stopped him earlier, watching him intently.
HARRY moves off. The DERVISH CAPTAIN stares after him
suspiciously.


EXT. gates/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA - night.


ABOU FATMA waits anxiously outside the fortress
gates. The hordes of STARVING BEGGARS are pushed back as a
troop of DERVISH WARRIORS ride out, carrying the naked
bodies of the British dead. ABOU FATMA stares after them,
wondering what's going on.


EXT. HARRY/ courtyard/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA -
night.


HARRY looks behind him. Through the milling crowd he
sees the DERVISH CAPTAIN, still following him. His heart
pounding, HARRY heads towards the stables, trying to give
him the slip.


EXT. HARRY/ STABLES/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA - night.


Camels kick and snort in the stable. HARRY crouches
down. Through the animals' legs he sees the DERVISH CAPTAIN
enter.


Suddenly the DERVISH CAPTAIN shouts at the top of
his voice. The camels scatter, leaving HARRY exposed. The
DERVISH CAPTAIN stares at him menacingly.


HARRY bows, and starts to walk towards him, in
supplication. His hand slips behind his back, groping for
the knife that's hidden there.


The DERVISH CAPTAIN barks at him to stay where he
is. As he steps backwards, HARRY suddenly charges, and
drives the dagger deep into his gut. The DERVISH CAPTAIN
screams, but all that comes out is a terrible hissing sound.


HARRY clamps his hand over the CAPTAIN's mouth and
bends his head backwards. As they tumble to the ground,
HARRY twists the knife in deeper. The Dervish bites down in
agony, drawing a stream of blood from Harry's knuckles.
HARRY rams his fist deeper into the man's throat, choking
him slowly. Meanwhile his knife hand tears its way out of
the Dervish's gut, and plunges back into his thigh.


The CAPTAIN's eyes water in pain and fear. HARRY
stares at him, crushing his spirit with his own unflinching
gaze. As he feels the man's grip weaken, he pulls away
sharply, and swings the knife down with all his force. The
blade sticks in the DERVISH CAPTAIN's chest, sending his
eyes spinning out of focus, forcing a rush of blood out of
his mouth.


HARRY watches in horror, as the man's eyes roll
around, desperately trying to find their focus, then stop
still. He feels his enemy's dying breath on his face, and
hears a horrible sucking sound, as he withdraws the knife.


HARRY's arm is elbow deep in gore. He turns away and
tries to retch, but nothing comes out. He stays like that
for a moment, bent over the bloody sand, contemplating what
he's just done. Finally he gathers himself, grabs the dead
man by the ankles, and drags him further into the stable.


EXT. courtyard/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA - night.


HARRY brushes past the crowds of DERVISH WARRIORS,
his eyes fixed on the fortress gates ahead. He's only a few
yards away, when a DERVISH SENTRY calls out:

DERVISH SENTRY
(In Arabic)
The gates are closed.


HARRY stares at him dangerously. For an instant it
looks like another fight may ensue, but then a calming voice
calls out:

ABOU FATMA
(In Arabic)
Let him give us alms. It will bring you both fortune in
battle.


ABOU FATMA sticks his hands through the fortress
gates, along with the hundreds of other BEGGARS outside.
HARRY begins to understand. He pulls out some coins from his
robes, and approaches the BEGGARS.

harry
(Whispering to Abou Fatma, as he hands out alms)
Go to the British camp. Tell them they're going to be
ambushed. Tell them they have to change their route. It's a
trap...


ABOU FATMA stares into HARRY's eyes, seeing the
change that's come over them.


EXT. BRITISH COLUMN/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


DURRANCE rides at the front of the column. He
suddenly stops, and stares ahead in horror. All across the
desert floor he sees the marble white bodies of dead British
soldiers. Wild dogs chew at their remains. The whole of the
column seems frozen for a moment. Then TRENCH suddenly
breaks rank, and charges the animals, screaming at the top
of his voice, dispersing them with his whip.


EXT. tents/ THE SLOPE OF A HILL/ DESERT VALLEY -
day.


The column has set up camp until their dead comrades
are buried. The OFFICERS dig the graves themselves, watched
by the COOLIES now. A CORPORAL approaches WILLOUGHBY and
salutes.

CORPORAL
A native to see you, sir. He says he has some intelligence
regarding the route we're on.


ABOU FATMA is pushed forward by the EGYPTIAN
SOLDIERS.

wILLOUGHBY
(Eyeing him suspiciously)
What intelligence?

ABOU FATMA
You must leave this area.


The EGYPTIAN silences him with a slap to the head.

EGYPTIAN CORPORAL
This man is lying. He's a deserter. He stole the camels --

ABOU FATMA
-- I went to Abu Klea. The Mahdi's forces have captured your
garrison. They will attack you in this place.


TRENCH and DURRANCE have arrived to see what's
happening. TRENCH stares at ABOU FATMA menacingly, still
seething over the treatment of the British dead.

wILLOUGHBY
(To Trench and Durrance)
This is their idea of misinformation.
(Toying with Abou Fatma)
Who told you this?

ABOU FATMA
A British Officer.

wILLOUGHBY
(Mockingly)
A General no doubt.  What else did he tell you?

ABOU FATMA
(With equal disdain)
That you wouldn't believe me.


WILLOUGHBY smiles at the Nubian's gall, but TRENCH
explodes at his insolence.

trench
(Grabbing Abou Fatma by the neck)
I'll show you a British Officer...
(Forcing him on his knees in front of one of the butchered
corpses)
This is a British Officer!...
(Rubbing Abou Fatma's face into a patch of bloodstained
sand)
This is a British officer's blood. Lick it up! Every bloody
drop!...


The NUBIAN spins around, ready to strike. TRENCH
draws his knife, daring him to make a move.

ABOU FATMA
(Controlling his anger)
The Muslims bury their dead. Even the enemy dead. These
bodies have been left here for a reason. To keep you here.
To hold you up.

wILLOUGHBY
(Ignoring him)
Take him away. Find out why he was sent here. Do whatever
you have to do.


The SOLDIERS disperse. Only DURRANCE stays where he
is, thinking about the Nubian's warning.


EXT. courtyard/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA - day.


A chant of 'Allah Akbar' rises over the fortress
walls. Hundreds of WARRIORS kneel and pray in unison. HARRY
does the same.


EXT. tent/ BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


ABOU FATMA is on his knees, manacled to a tent pole.

EGYPTIAN CORPORAL
(In Arabic)
...You work for the Mahdi!

ABOU FATMA
(In English)
I fought the Mahdi...


The EGYPTIAN lashes him with a bull-whip.

EGYPTIAN CORPORAL
(In Arabic)
...Who sent you?!

ABOU FATMA
A British Officer.


The EGYPTIAN starts whipping Abou Fatma again, ready
to kill him. DURRANCE finally intervenes.

DURRANCE
That's enough...


He kneels down beside ABOU FATMA, staring into his
eyes. ABOU FATMA sees no mercy in his gaze, but at least
there's a glimmer of curiosity.

DURRANCE
Why would you want to help us?

ABOU FATMA
The Mahdi is allied with slave traders...
(pause)
My family were taken prisoners and sold as slaves.


DURRANCE considers Abou Fatma's answer. There's
something about it that has a ring of truth. DURRANCE
glances at the BRITISH SOLDIERS, digging graves in the open
desert, and then stares up at the surrounding hills.


EXT. gates/ FORTRESS OF ABOU CLEA - night.


Through the clouds of dust we see the first of the
Mahdi's army riding out -- ghostly DINKA WARRIORS, naked
from head to foot, caked in white ash. Behind then come the
NUERS, long streaked hair trailing in the wind, faces
painted the colors of a nightmare. The HADENDOA spearmen
follow, blood-stained feathers in their hair, banging on
their calf skin drums. Last of all come the DERVISH RIDERS
IN THEIR BLOODSTAINED BRITISH UNIFORMS. HARRY rides at the
heart of the demonic troop, his eyes filled with dread.


EXT. BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


DURRANCE surveys the surrounding hills. CASTELTON
watches him curiously.

CASTELTON
What is it Jack?


DURRANCE's eyes stare at the horizon, still not
sure.


EXT. HILLS beyond ABOU CLEA - day.


At a signal from the MAHDI, his army splits in two,
some following the green flags, others the black. HARRY and
the DERVISH RIDERS IN BRITISH UNIFORMS are told to wait.


EXT. BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


WILLOUGHBY and TRENCH join CASTELTON and DURRANCE at
the edge of the camp. DURRANCE is still staring at the
ridges above them. As they listen, they can just make out a
distant rumble of thunder. DURRANCE looks up. The sky is
perfectly blue.

DURRANCE
We'd better get the Gatling gun out.


EXT. HILLS ABOVE THE BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY -
day.


NUER SCOUTS, daubed in yellow camouflage, appear out
of the rocks.


INT. CASTELTON's TENT/ BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY -
day.


CASTELTON walks into his tent and searches through
his belongings. He finds one of his bibles, kisses it for
luck, and slips it in his jacket pocket. As he turns around
he sees TRENCH grinning at him.

trench
You haven't got a spare one have you vicar?


EXT. SLOPE OF A HILL/ DESERT - day.


Through thick gusts of sand we see hundreds of bare
feet and horses' hooves moving up the desert slope. The sand
at their feet pours back down the slope like an avalanche.


EXT. DURRANCE's POV/ CREST OF the HILL/ DESERT -
day.


As DURRANCE gazes up, the first of the Mahdi's army
appear on the crest of the hill, a handful of SCOUTS, riding
back and forth, judging the British numbers. As the SCOUTS
disappear, a curtain of dust rises up behind them. As it
settles, DURRANCE sees thousands of figures appear along the
length of the hill, their green banners fluttering in the
wind.


EXT. BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


Across the camp, CASTELTON and TRENCH stare
mesmerised, as another huge army appears on the opposite
hill. This time their banners are black. Panicked voices
ring out.

officers' voices
Form a square...Form a square...


EXT. CREST OF the HILL/ view of the british camp -
day.


The Mahdi's armies stare down from the wind whipped
slopes, thousands of expressionless faces, listening to the
British bugles shrilling down below. From above we see the
British fighting square taking shape: red and khaki colors
separating into units, the bright blue of the Egyptian
uniforms forming a larger wall around the perimeter.


EXT. BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


The GRENADIER GUARDS are crouched in formation,
rifles ready. TRENCH changes position, asking one of the
other SOLDIERS to swap with him, settling down next to
CASTELTON.

trench
You can't get rid of me that easily.


CASTELTON's fear seems to vanish in an instant.


EXT. GREEN FLAGGED ARMY/ CREST OF the HILL - day.


A cry of Allah Akbar is picked up by thousands all
along the ridge, turning into a deafening roar as the Green
flagged Army finally charges.


EXT. BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


DURRANCE moves along the lines of RIFLEMEN, barking
intructions over the wind.

DURRANCE
Fire at the horses. Fire at will.


A volley of shots answers his call.


EXT. GREEN FLAGGED ARMY/ slope OF the HILL - day.


Enemy horses and riders collapse, sliding down the
slopes.


EXT. DESERT VALLEY - day.


The British camp is shrouded in gunsmoke, flashes of
orange light bursting through, the Gatling gun wreaking
havoc.


EXT. GREEN FLAGGED ARMY/ FOOT OF THE HILL - day.


Through the sand drifts, we see the camels' hooves
rearing up, bursts of arterial blood as the bullets tear
into their hide. The HADENDOA SPEARMEN leap over the walls
of torn flesh, and charge the British lines in a suicidal
frenzy.


EXT. CASTELTON/ BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


CASTELTON aims at the PAINTED WARRIORS. Every time
he fires, someone falls. Every time he kills, he murmurs a
prayer. TRENCH bites his lip so hard, his mouth fills with
blood. He spits it out as he drops yet another man.


EXT. BLACK FLAGGED ARMY/ FOOT OF THE HILL - day.


The DERVISH HORDES keep coming, clambering over the
bodies of their dead.


EXT. HARRY/ ENTRANCE TO THE VALLEY - day.


Far away, at the entrance to the valley, HARRY can
hear the screams of the wounded and dying. Even the DERVISH
WARRIORS seem apprehensive. Only the MAHDI is calm, waiting
for his moment. He raises his hand, and signals for the
horsemen in British uniforms to charge.


EXT. DURRANCE/ BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


Enemy bullets crackle past DURRANCE's head, but he
doesn't seem to notice. Through the smoke and dust he sees
hundreds of enemy dead, lying in blood smeared heaps. The
Dervish onslaught is less sustained now. The occasional
STRAGGLER appears out of the haze and is blown away by a
burst of gunfire. Suddenly DURRANCE hears the sound of a
bugle.


EXT. CASTELTON/ BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


CASTELTON and TRENCH hear the bugle too. They stop
firing as they see the remnants of the black flagged army
retreating into the hills. There's a moments confusion and
then a roar of celebration around the camp as the SOLDIERS
see a troop of BRITISH CAVALRY, riding out of the sand
clouds towards them.


EXT. HARRY/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


HARRY stares in horror as he sees the BRITISH
SOLDIERS, breaking rank, waving at the charging RIDERS,
thinking they're British cavalry. HARRY kicks his horse and
tries to weave his way out of the charging horde.


EXT. BRITISH CAMP/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


The BRITISH SOLDIERS gather at the camp perimeter to
welcome the approaching cavalry.


EXT. HARRY/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


HARRY charges through the red uniformed Dervish
ranks, ignoring orders to stay in line. At a signal from one
of the DERVISH LIEUTENANTS, the horsemen raise their bows.


EXT. DURRANCE/ BRITISH CAMP - day.


DURRANCE stares curiously as a flicker of sunlight
streaks across the heads of the distant riders. He watches
the approaching dust cloud, wondering why it's coming at
them so fast. Slowly he begins to make out the first
figures. Something about them isn't right. Their uniforms
hang too loosely. They ride too far apart. He reaches for
his gun.


EXT. HARRY/ DESERT VALLEY - day.


HARRY breaks through the Dervish line. Behind him he
hears the mounted ARCHERS stringing their bows. He drives
his horse forwards, towards a lone BRITISH SOLDIER, standing
on the camp perimeter.


EXT. DURRANCE/ BRITISH CAMP - day.


DURRANCE sees the lone rider, charging towards him,
yelling at the top of his voice. He can't see the man's face
or hear his voice, but he's convinced these riders are the
enemy now.


EXT. DURRANCE/ BRITISH CAMP - day.


HARRY sees DURRANCE aiming his rifle, a moment too
late. The gunshot sends his horse spinning to the ground. He
feels the weight of the animal pin him down. As he looks up
he sees the DERVISH RIDERS riding over him, letting their
arrows fly.


EXT. BRITISH CAMP - day.


The sky above flickers with light as the arrows
catch the sun. The steel shafts hurtle down, plunging into
exposed eyes and throats. All around him CASTELTON sees
SOLDIERS totter and fall, arrows sticking out of them like
quills. He pulls out his revolver and starts firing at the
onrushing horses.


EXT. DERVISH RIDERS/ PERIMETER OF BRITISH CAMP -
day.


The DERVISH lances skewer the BRITISH SOLDIERS as
they try to run back to their lines. Some of the DERVISH
RIDERS dismount and finish them off with their daggers, and
their bare hands.


EXT. GREEN FLAGGED ARMY/ slope OF the HILL - day.


On the desert slopes, the retreating green flagged
army wheels around and charges back into the fray.


EXT. WILLOUGHBY/ BRITISH CAMP - day.


WILLOUGHBY looks up, and sees the Mahdi's black
flagged army, also swarming back towards the British ranks.


EXT. HARRY/ PERIMETER OF BRITISH CAMP - day.


HARRY is still pinned. He slits the dead horse's
belly with his knife, and slides his leg under the gore. He
gets to his feet and runs towards the fighting, desperate to
reach his friends.


EXT. DURRANCE/ BRITISH CAMP - day.


DUURANCE yells at the top of his voice:

DURRANCE
Close the square! Close the square!


CASTELTON and TRENCH fire at the charging horses. As
they fall, the other GRENADIERS take courage, and rush at
their RIDERS, bringing them down in a volley of gunfire. The
SOLDIERS clamber over the dead bodies and link up with the
rest of their Square.


EXT. HARRY/ PERIMETER OF BRITISH CAMP - day.


HARRY can't see the British square reshaping, but he
can see its rippling effect all along the DERVISH line. He
cuts his way through like a beserker. Whatever doubts and
fears his civilized self felt his primitive self now
rejects. He fights like a man possessed.


EXT. grenadiers/ british square - day.


The BRITISH line pulls back, firing and reloading as
it retreats.


EXT. WILLOUGHBY/ PERIMETER OF BRITISH CAMP - day.


WILLOUGHBY stares in horror at the bloodshed all
around him. Through the hellish smoke he sees ABOU FATMA,
still tied to the whipping post, staring at him in silent
reproach.


EXT. grenadiers/ british square - day.


CASTELTON fires into the enemy ranks. He's out of
ammunition. TRENCH is retreating with the other GRENADIERS.
He sees his friend stalling and yells:

trench
Get back! Get behind us!


CASTELTON doesn't hear him. His parade ground
training is taking over. He lowers the rifle and fixes a
bayonet on it.


EXT. HARRY/ AMONGST THE CHARGING DERVISHES - day.


Through the swarming ranks, HARRY glimpses
CASTELTON, standing alone with his bayonet poised. He calls
out as well.


EXT. CASTELTON - day.


CASTELTON hears nothing but the pounding of his own
heart. The DERVISH WARRIORS swarm towards him. He
disembowels the first WARRIOR, then swings his bayonet
around to meet the next. The DERVISH impales himself, right
up to his rib cage. CASTELTON tries to pull his blade free,
but the bayonet is locked in bone now.


EXT. TRENCH/ RETREATING grenadiers/ british square -
day.


TRENCH stares in horror as he realises what's
happened. The noises around him seem to fade as he gazes at
CASTELTON, straining as he did in the training ground,
trying to pull the bayonet free.


EXT. HARRY/ AMONGST THE CHARGING DERVISHES - day.


HARRY runs as fast as he can, trampling over the
dead soldiers and horses that litter the desert floor.


EXT. CASTELTON/ ISOLATED FROM THE SQUARE - day.


CASTELTON tries to loosen the blade, but it's no
use. He looks up to see a storm of painted faces, rushing
towards him, spears pointed at his eyes and guts. Somewhere
amongst the screaming horde, he glimpses a familiar face,
calling out. A smile flickers across his face. He mouths the
words 'Harry' as the first of the Dervish spears sinks into
his heart.


EXT. TRENCH/ RETREATING grenadiers/ british square -
day.


TRENCH screams in agony as he sees CASTELTON
disappear. He charges out of the retreating British line,
swinging at everything in his way, breaking skulls and
shattering bone. He's only yards away from CASTELTON when a
blow to the back of the head sends him sprawling.


EXT. DURRANCE/ RETREATING grenadiers/ british square
- day.


DURRANCE charges out of the British square as he
sees his friends fall, firing round after round into the
enemy ranks. Every time his gun empties, he picks up another
from a dead soldier, and keeps going.


EXT. HARRY/ AMONGST THE DERVISHES - day.


HARRY drops to his knees, next to CASTELTON's body,
protecting his friend's corpse from further abuse.


EXT. TRENCH/ AMONGST THE DERVISHES - day.


TRENCH stares up at the nightmare faces crowding all
around him. The butt of a spear cracks open his head,
reducing everything to a terrifying silence. He feels a sea
of hands, reaching down, tearing his uniform, lifting him in
the air.


EXT. DURRANCE/ WALKING TOWARDS THE DERVISHES - day.


DURRANCE charges towards the enemy, firing into
their massed ranks, oblivious to any danger. One of his guns
jams. DURRANCE keeps pressing the trigger. The gun suddenly
backfires and blows up in his face.


EXT. HARRY/ AMONGST THE DERVISHES - day.


HARRY sees DURRANCE fall. He gets up and runs
through the enemy ranks, pretending to be one of them. He
leaps on DURRANCE as he tries to get up, pinning him to the
ground, stopping him getting himself killed. The
unsuspecting DERVISH WARRIORS sweep past them, towards their
next victims.


HARRY keeps DURRANCE pinned, until the enemy hordes
disappear. Only then does he stand up. He looks down at his
friend. DURRANCE doesn't seem to recognise him. At first
HARRY thinks it's the sunlight blinding him, but then he
sees the powder burns around DURRANCE's eyes.


DURRANCE gropes around. He starts crawling away on
his hand and knees. He crawls right into a mud bath of
Dervish dead. He rears back in horror, and lets out a little
cry of panic.


HARRY slowly begins to understand. He watches in
anguish, as his friend claws at his eyes, trying to rub the
blindness out of them, his whimpers of panic turning into
howls of agony.


INT. BRITISH HOSPITAL SHIP/ ALEXANDRIA - day.


The screams of the wounded BRITISH SOLDIERS echo all
around the hospital ship. CAPTAIN CALDER, the Regimental
surgeon, stands over Durrance's bed. DURRANCE stares out,
blindly.

CAPTAIN CALDER
...You ought to see a specialist once we're back.

DURRANCE
Is it part of your treatment to offer false hope?

CAPTAIN CALDER
Only for some.
(reaching in his pocket)
This came for you.


He hands over a letter. DURRANCE sticks it in his
top pocket.

DURRANCE
I'll read it later.
(Grinning as he realises Calder hasn't caught the joke)
If you wouldn't mind, Doctor...


He hands the letter back to CALDER to read for him.

CAPTAIN CALDER
(Glancing over it)
..."Dear James, I hold in my heart all you have written
me"...
(He looks up)
I feel a little awkward reading this...

DURRANCE
Don't.


There's something strident in Durrance's voice, a
brittleness that hides the insecurity inside. CALDER
continues:

CALDER
..."Knowing you as I do, and convinced as I am of your
affections, I wish to go back on my previous fears. I'm
writing now, to let you know how grateful I am to have you
in my life -- and to say, with all my heart, how much I wish
to be in yours...With all my love, Ethne."


CALDER, lowers the letter, quietly moved.

CAPTAIN CALDER
Congratulations...


DURRANCE stares out quietly.

DURRANCE
I knew a man once who went blind, a good man too, before...A
year after you wouldn't have recognised him. He was the most
selfish, exacting, egotistical human being you could ever
meet. I wouldn't wish him on anyone...


He smiles ironically, hiding the heartbreak inside.

DURRANCE
The one thing I want most in this life, finally comes to me
when I can no longer accept it.


INT. DRAWING ROOM/ CAROLINE's house/ OUTSIDE LONDON
- day.


ETHNE stares out of the drawing room window,
waiting. Her friend CAROLINE sits at a table, pretending to
be absorbed in her book, listening just as intently. There's
the jingle of a carriage outside.

CAROLINE
That's him.

ETHNE
It isn't stopping.


EXT. DURRANCE's carriage/ STREET/ caroline's house -
day.


DURRANCE stares ahead as the carriage passes
Caroline's house.

DURRANCE
(To the Driver)
Drive around once...Describe the entrance to me...


INT. DRAWING ROOM/ caroline's house - day.


ETHNE turns away from the window.

CAROLINE
Maybe you should have gone to the station to meet him.

ETHNE
He might have thought I was going because I imagined he was
helpless. I don't want him to feel like that.


There's a quiet resolve in Ethne's voice, as if
she's been mulling over her future life with Durrance. The
doorbell rings.

ETHNE
That must be him.


CAROLINE gets up to answer the door. ETHNE walks to
the window. Her movements are nervous, her eyes tense. The
door finally opens. DURRANCE walks in, alone. As soon as
ETHNE leaves the window he turns around and looks straight
at her.

ETHNE
(Startled)
It isn't true then, you can see...

DURRANCE
(Gently)
It's perfectly true. I can't see a thing.


ETHNE stops, feeling guilty.

DURRANCE
You moved from the window, that's how I knew.

ETHNE
I hardly made a noise.

DURRANCE
No, but the window was open. The noise outside grew louder.


She tries to answer his smile.

ETHNE
Let me get you some tea, and then we can talk.

DURRANCE
(Sensing her tension)
Yes, we have a lot to talk about.


ETHNE's hand trembles as she pours the tea. DURRANCE
interprets every sound. She picks up the cup and walks over
with a smile, holding it out for him.

DURRANCE
I hate to sound humble, but I don't trust myself with a cup
of tea yet.


ETHNE feels stupid again. She sets the cup down on a
table.

DURRANCE
(Gently)
You're not bound, you know.


There's a pause. ETHNE knows exactly what he means.

ETHNE
Bound by what?

DURRANCE
I wouldn't dream of holding you to your letter. Or a
committment you made to a different man.


ETHNE stares at him in surprise, and then in quiet
admiration.

ETHNE
You're not a different man.

DURRANCE
I don't say it begrudgingly. I'm not being particularly
noble or heroic either. It's something I've thought about
long and hard --

ETHNE
Jack --

DURRANCE
-- Please hear me out...
(With difficulty)
I'm thinking of myself as much as you. I have to learn to
accept what's happened. I have to learn to respect the
person I've become. The only way to do that is to start
again.

ETHNE
Why does it have to be without me?


Her words make him hesitate.

DURRANCE
Because if I was with you, I'd spend every moment wondering
how you really felt about me.

ETHNE
If you don't know how I feel about you, then that's a good
reason to call off our wedding. Your blindness isn't.


She stares at him, determined. DURRANCE looks
touched by her devotion, but still doesn't feel worthy of
her love.

DURRANCE
It has to be more than mere obligation Ethne, or even
friendship. It has to be more than that...


ETHNE suddenly reaches out and touches his face.
DURRANCE stops as he feels her fingers. He's lost for a
moment, unsure of himself. ETHNE leans forward and kisses
him, tenderly at first, but then more and more passionately,
proving herself to him, proving herself to herself. DURRANCE
kisses her back, close to tears.


EXT. PATIO/ caroline's house -  DAY.


A sharp clatter of hooves. DURRANCE rides his horse
with the help of a GROOM, his face fixed in concentration.
ETHNE and CAROLINE watch him from the patio.

ETHNE
(Gazing at him proudly)
He seems to need his eyes less and less each day. It's
incredible. Nothing escapes him. Sometimes I think he reads
me like a book.

CAROLINE
You no longer have your face to screen your thoughts.


ETHNE doesn't notice the edge in her voice. She's
lost in her own thoughts. DURRANCE climbs off his horse and
strides towards them, looking pleased with himself.

DURRANCE
(Wrapping Ethne in his arms)
You smell wonderful.

ETHNE
And you smell like a horse. Go wash.


ETHNE keeps smiling, even after DURRANCE has gone.
CAROLINE watches her friend quietly, fighting the jealousy
she feels within. A voice interrupts their separate
thoughts:

GARDENER o/s
(Calling out)
...Someone to see you Miss Eustace.


ETHNE looks up to see a UNIFORMED OFFICER, standing
with the GARDENER, by the maze. She gets up curiously.


EXT. garden/ maze/ caroline's house - day.


As ETHNE approaches the soldier she suddenly stops,
recognising him. It's WILLOUGHBY.

wILLOUGHBY
I went all the way to Bintree to find you. Your father told
me you were here. I'm sorry I came unannounced, I needed to
talk to you alone...


ETHNE doesn't reply or return his smile. WILLOUGHBY
seems to read her thoughts.

wILLOUGHBY
I understand how you feel, Ethne. All I can say is that we
never set out to hurt you. What happened was between us and
Harry, not the two of you.

ETHNE
(Coldly)
What do you want, Tom?


WILLOUGHBY hesitates, bracing himself.

wILLOUGHBY
...I've seen Harry. In Suakin. He asked me to give you
these...


He holds out TWO SOILED WHITE FEATHERS. ETHNE stares
at them, unable to speak, her whole world turned upside
down.

wILLOUGHBY
He risked his life to save our regiment. He fought as if
he'd been born to it.


I've come to tell you I've withdrawn my accusation
of cowardice against him, along with Castelton's.

ETHNE
(All she cares about)
Is Harry dead?

wILLOUGHBY
He was fine when I saw him. He'd changed a great deal but he
was in good health.

ETHNE
Changed how?

wILLOUGHBY
I didn't spend much time with him. I don't know what else to
tell you Ethne.

ETHNE
Tell me everything Tom. Please...
(Imploringly)
If by your own admission you've hurt me, then I have a right
to know.


EXT. PATIO/ caroline'S house -  DAY.


CAROLINE watches curiously from the patio, as ETHNE
and the mysterious Officer, walk into the maze, deep in
conversation.


EXT. maze/ caroline's house - day.


ETHNE and WILLOUGHBY sit on a bench in the garden
maze.

wILLOUGHBY
...Nothing prepared us for what happened. We were two miles
short of Abou Klea when we were ambushed. We managed to hold
off the enemy, but at a terrible cost. A few days later
Khartoum fell and the whole expedition was called off...

TIME DISSOLVE BACK TO:


EXT. BRITISH EVACUATION CAMP - ON NILE - DAY.


WOUNDED BRITISH SOLDIERS lie in the open sun,
moaning in agony, plagued by clouds of dust and swarms of
flies. WILLOUGHBY stares out, numb to their suffering,
thinking only of his own lost friends. The SHADOW OF A MAN
in Arab robes hovers over him.

WILLOUGHBY
...Get lost!...


The ARAB doesn't move.

wILLOUGHBY
(Looking up furiously)
Didn't you bloody hear me! Get lost!...


WILLOUGHBY suddenly stops. He stares at the Arab as
if in a dream.

wILLOUGHBY
...Harry?...


HARRY stares back at him through his black desert
robes.

HARRY
I sent a man to you with a warning from Abou Klea. You
wouldn't listen to him. You had him tortured instead.


The confusion and shock bring pent-up tears to
WILLOUGHBY's eyes.

HARRY
He told you a British Officer had sent him. Even if you
didn't believe him, what would it have cost to take
precautions. What more did I have to do?

wILLOUGHBY
(As the horror sinks in)
I didn't know Harry...I didn't know it was you...
(He still can't believe his eyes)
...What are you doing here in God's name?...What are you
doing?...


HARRY opens his hand to reveal a soiled white
feather. WILLOUGHBY stares at it, in bewilderment at
first,then slowly beginning to understand.

wILLOUGHBY
(He gazes at the feather as if it's the symbol of his own
disgrace now)
Give me the others. Give them to me.

harry
They're not yours to take back.


WILLOUGHBY looks up at him through his tears.
There's no condemnation in Harry's eyes, but no sympathy
either. His experiences have changed him, turned him into a
harder man.


EXT. maze/ caroline's house - day.


ETHNE gazes silently at the feathers in her hand.

wILLOUGHBY
...He'd followed us all the way from Alexandria, looking for
an opportunity to redeem himself. It was only after he left
that I found out an Arab matching his description had also
saved Jack Durrance's life.


ETHNE looks up in surprise.

willoughby
Jack doesn't know. That was the way Harry wanted it.


EXT. FLASHBACK/ BATTLEFIELD/ DESERT/ SUDAN - DAY.


Smoke hovers over the corpse strewn battlefield. We
see HARRY through the haze, carrying DURRANCE on his
shoulders, staggering under his friend's weight.


EXT. FLASHBACK/ HILLS ABOVE THE BATTLEFIELD/ SUDAN -
DAY.


HARRY and ABOU FATMA help DURRANCE up a steep
mountain trail, as below them, the battle rages.


EXT. FLASHBACK/ BANKS OF THE NILE/ SUDAN - DAY.


DURRANCE's brow is beaded with sweat. HARRY cools
his face with a wet cloth. DURRANCE murmurs questions in his
feverish state, but HARRY remains resolutely silent.


EXT. maze/ caroline's house - day.


ETHNE stares at WILLOUGHBY, thinking only of Harry.
WILLOUGHBY thinks she's staring at the medals on his chest.

wILLOUGHBY
(Embarrassed)
I tried to turn them down. I told the committee I'd done
nothing to deserve them. They didn't care. I think they pick
their heroes' names out of a hat.
(Trying to ease her pain)
You asked me how he'd changed. All I can say is that you
would have been proud of him.

ETHNE
I should have been proud of him before. Or at least I should
have tried to understand.

willoughby
You can't blame yourself.

ETHNE
Why not, if you can.
(She won't forgive herself)
We all misjudged him, but I had the least excuse. He was the
man I was supposed to love.


Suddenly a voice calls out:


DURRANCE O/s


Ethne...


They turn around, startled. DURRANCE stands at the
entrance to the maze. WILLOUGHBY gets up nervously.

ETHNE
(Whispering urgently)
Please, I don't want him to know you're here.


WILLOUGHBY stops. DURRANCE looks in their direction.

wILLOUGHBY
(In disbelief)
He can see us.

ETHNE
He can't see a thing.


DURRANCE reaches out and feels the hedge, finding
his bearings, taking slow steps into the maze:

DURRANCE
Ethne...?


ETHNE keeps quiet.

DURRANCE
Ethne...?


She watches DURRANCE, wracked with guilt.

wILLOUGHBY
(Beginning to panic)
I've got to say something.

ETHNE
Be quiet.


DURRANCE is only a few yards away from them now. He
stares a moment, as if at ETHNE, then turns and walks back.


EXT. window/ CAROLINE's house - day.


CAROLINE sees DURRANCE, walking away from the maze,
still calling out for Ethne.


EXT. maze/ CAROLINE's house - day.


Durrance's voice fades in the distance.

ETHNE
(Struggling with her emotions)
I didn't want him to find out what you just told me.

wILLOUGHBY
Harry was his best friend --

ETHNE
-- I'm engaged to Jack. I'm going to marry him.


WILLOUGHBY stares in surprise.

wILLOUGHBY
...I knew he'd proposed, I had no idea you'd accepted...
(Considering the implications)
...I'd never have told you if I knew. I'm sure Harry
wouldn't have wanted me to.

ETHNE
I'm glad you did. I needed to know.
(Looking at him)
Do you know where Harry is now?


WILLOUGHBY hesitates.

wILLOUGHBY
He didn't tell me anything; I didn't feel I had a right to
ask --

ETHNE
-- Please, tell me the truth.


There's no anger in her voice, only concern.
WILLOUGHBY looks torn.

wILLOUGHBY
Some of our men were taken prisoner. The Dervishes took them
South, in case we tried a rescue. Trench was among the
missing.


ETHNE smiles sadly, as if she has her answer.

wILLOUGHBY
(Trying to give her hope)
Harry may be determined but he isn't mad. He'll look for
Trench and then he'll come back.

ETHNE
He'll do whatever he has to do. There are still two feathers
left.


EXT. window/ caroline's house - day.


From her window, CAROLINE sees ETHNE and WILLOUGHBY,
saying goodbye, walking off in different directions. As
ETHNE approaches the house, CAROLINE sees her gazing at
something in her hand.


INT. stairway/ caroline's house - day.


CAROLINE walks down the stairs.

CAROLINE
Is everything alright?

ETHNE
(Forcing a smile)
He was a friend of father's. He apologised for not
introducing himself. He was in a hurry.


CAROLINE doesn't press. She notices the two white
feathers in Ethne's hand.


INT. LIVING ROOM/ CAROLINE's house - night.


ETHNE sits at the piano stool, still gazing at the
feathers in her hand. She hears voices in the corridor. It's
Durrance, asking Caroline where she is. ETHNE hears his
footsteps approaching. She lifts up the piano lid and starts
to play. The living room door opens. ETHNE ignores the quiet
footsteps behind her. She feels DURRANCE listening to every
note. His hands cover her eyes gently.

ETHNE
(Trying to smile)
Who could that be...


She removes his hands from her eyes, and kisses
them. DURRANCE sits down beside her on the piano stool.

DURRANCE
What were you playing?

ETHNE
The Melusine overture.

DURRANCE
Cheerful stuff.


He grins and starts to play the tune, perfectly.
ETHNE looks on in admiration, trying to hide her feelings.

DURRANCE
Join me.

ETHNE
I'd rather listen.

DURRANCE
Please...


Reluctantly ETHNE starts to accompany him.

DURRANCE
They say you can tell a woman's heart by the way she plays.

ETHNE
What if she can't play at all.

DURRANCE
It isn't how well you play, it's how passionately you stroke
the keys.


ETHNE presses the keys harder, pretending it's a
joke, worried that he might see through her.

DURRANCE
I'd say you're in love.


Even though it's said in jest, his words stick like
a knife. The notes torture her. She suddenly gets up and
walk away from the piano.

DURRANCE
(Following her footsteps)
Where are you going?

ETHNE
I want to hear you play on your own.


A moment's silence. Then DURRANCE turns back to the
piano and starts to play -- quietly, tenderly. The haunting
music breaks Ethne's heart. Almost involuntarily she starts
to walk away from him, towards the open patio doors.

DURRANCE
(With a sudden flourish of the keys)
There you go, I'm in love too...


He swivels around and beams at her joyfully. ETHNE
stares back at him, unable to speak.

DURRANCE
(Gazing at her adoringly)
These past few days have been the best days of my life,
blind or otherwise...


His eyes shine in the candlelight, full of new-found
hope.

DURRANCE
...Before I came here I'd given up. I put on all kinds of
fronts and defences, but deep down I was petrified. I had no
idea what was going on around me, what people were thinking
behind my back. I imagined the worst, so that nothing would
surprise me, no-one would catch me out...


He walks closer.

DURRANCE
...You've made me realise I can't live like that. Whether
one can see or not, there's no way of knowing how people
really feel about you, all you can do is put yourself in
their hands, and trust them unconditionally...


ETHNE can't speak.

DURRANCE
I know how much you loved Harry...
(A beat)
...for the first time I'm not afraid to admit it, I'm not
not afraid to bring it up between us...
(A beat)
I'm not afraid, because of you Ethne, because of the way
you've made me feel...


He waits for an answer but all that greets him is
silence. As he steps closer he suddenly loses her presence.
A touch of panic enters his voice:

DURRANCE
Ethne...?


The only sound he hears is the wind on the curtains.
We see for the first time that Ethne's left, through the
open patio doors.

DURRANCE
Ethne...?


He turns around sharply as he hears a noise.
CAROLINE stands in the doorway. DURRANCE walks towards her.

DURRANCE
(Touching her arm)
I thought you'd disappeared.

CAROLINE
It's Caroline. Ethne's gone.


DURRANCE pulls back, embarrassed.

DURRANCE
I'm sorry.

CAROLINE
She must be in the garden.

DURRANCE
(Trying to sound lighthearted)
She was here a minute ago. It must have been something I
said.

CAROLINE
(Every word is calculated)
I don't think it was anything you said. She's been upset all
afternoon. Ever since she spoke to Lieutenant Willoughby.

DURRANCE
Willoughby?...


He looks perplexed.

DURRANCE
Willoughby was here? Why didn't he come and see me?

CAROLINE
I thought he did. I saw you walking into the maze to join
them.


She feels the impact on him -- the fact that he
called out and no-one answered.

DURRANCE
(Trying to justify it to himself)
He must have had his reasons.

CAROLINE
He brought her two white feathers. That's all I know.


DURRANCE looks up, startled.

DURRANCE
...Harry...


CAROLINE watches his unseeing eyes trying to make
sense of what's happened. She feels a touch of remorse as
she sees him struggling with his emotions. Finally he looks
up:

DURRANCE
Ethne obviously didn't want me to know...
(Curiously)
Why did you tell me?


CAROLINE hesitates.

CAROLINE
I thought you should know.

DURRANCE
You're her friend.

CAROLINE
Yours too I hope.


DURRANCE stares at her in silence, her intentions
slowly becoming clear to him.

DURRANCE
You're not fair to Ethne.

CAROLINE
Are you?


Her meaning is clear. Her words sting him deeply.

DURRANCE
How much of our conversation did you overhear?

CAROLINE
Enough.

DURRANCE
Then you should know I meant every word.
(more with pity than anger)
I love and trust Ethne unconditionally. Whatever doubts
she's feeling, I know she'll resolve them.
(With quiet dignity)
I've put myself in her hands.


A long silence. DURRANCE doesn't need to see
CAROLINE to know she's in tears.

CAROLINE
...The only reason I told you, was because you mean the
world to me.

DURRANCE
(A gentle rebuff)
I'm sorry, Mrs Adair.


EXT. garden/ caroline's house - night.


ETHNE sits in the garden alone, shivering in the
wind, hating herself.


EXT. THE CITY OF DONGOLA/ SOUTHERN SUDAN - night.


The peeling CORPSE of a British soldier is dragged
through the streets by a rope tied to a camel's back. LOCAL
WOMEN tear at the dead man's uniform, grabbing at his
testicles, spitting on his bloated face. HARRY slips out of
the crowd, horrified by what he's seen, relieved it isn't
Trench.


EXT. DONGOLA/ SUDAN - day.


The jeering women can be heard in the distance. ABOU
FATMA sits in the shade, slurping an oily gruel. HARRY
squats beside him. ABOU FATMA offers him the bowl. HARRY
declines.

ABOU FATMA
You're surprised by the women?


HARRY doesn't need to answer, his face says it all.

ABOU FATMA
They're always the most cruel. Amongst the Southern Tribes
it's the custom for them to go into battle first, calling
the men cowards until they're ready to fight.
(Mischievously)
It is the same in your country, no?


HARRY looks up to find ABOU FATMA grinning at him.

ABOU FATMA
The woman you spoke of. Go back to her. Tell her you're
ready.

haRRY
What did you find out about the British prisoners?

ABOU FATMA
There are very few of them left.


He offers HARRY his food again. This time HARRY
takes the bowl and swallows the rancid meat as if it's
nothing.

harrY
Where are they being held?

ABOU FATMA
Your Army abandoned them. The shame is no longer yours.

harry
(Provoking him)
Have I paid you for nothing, Abou Fatma?


The Nubian looks up, stung by the talk of money,
when he was only expressing concern.

ABOU FATMA
(Coldly)
Twelve British soldiers were taken by boat from here to
Omdurman last month.

haRRY
Shoukhran.

ABOU FATMA
You're a foolish man. Even for a British Officer.

hARRY
(Smiling)
'God protects the fool'.
(Passing Abou Fatma the bowl)
How would I get into the prison at Omdurman?

ABOU FATMA
(Sarcastically)
Urinate in a holy well.

harry
That carries a penalty of death. All I want is to be
imprisoned there.


ABOU FATMA stops eating, realising HARRY is serious.

ABOU FATMA
You will die before your time.

haRRY
'If it is the will of God.'

ABOU FATMA
(Impatient now)
This man turned his back on you. Why should you give your
life for his?

harry
Because he'd do the same for me. No matter what had passed
between us.
(Looking at the Nubian)
I hope I'd do the same for you too.

ABOU FATMA
I have no need of such friends.


The Nubian returns to his food, betraying no
sentiment. HARRY reaches into his pocket and holds out five
shilling coins.

ABOU FATMA
(Disdainfully)
You owe me two shillings a day. This is too much.


HARRY can't help smiling.

haRRY
You still haven't answered my question?

ABOU FATMA
You answered it yourself. God protects the fool.


EXT. night MARKET/ outside the city of OMDURMAN -
night.


HARRY stumbles around the marketplace, strumming on
a broken zither, pestering people for money, pretending to
be mad. The passing crowds laugh at him and push him away.
ABOU FATMA watches from across the street.


HARRY staggers through the torchlit stalls. He sees
a group of DERVISH WARRIORS, gathered around a fire. Their
leader, a sickly looking EMIR, smokes a hashish pipe as he
listens to his men recounting their feats of war. Next to
him, lies a beautiful, jewel encrusted scabbard.


HARRY thinks a moment, then approaches the group,
strumming his zither, grinning at the men. Seeing the crazed
musician, the DERVISH WARRIORS cover their ears. Some of
them toss chunks of meat at him. HARRY picks up the dusty
morsels, chewing them with relish, grinning like a happy
puppy.


ABOU FATMA watches as HARRY humiliates himself,
playing his broken zither for the EMIR. The EMIR gazes back
at him through bored, bloodshot eyes.


As the WARRIORS laugh, HARRY suddenly bends down and
snatches the Emir's scabbard. He runs off with it at speed,
waving it around his head like a sword, yelling at the top
of his voice. The DERVISH WARRIORS give chase, still
laughing as they run after the lunatic.


HARRY stumbles over a tent pole deliberately. The
DERVISH WARRIORS swarm around him, caning him with their
sticks. HARRY protects his face with his hands, pleading:

harry
(In Arabic)
God loves the fool. God loves the fool...


EXT. WELL/ outside the city of OMDURMAN - night.


The whole marketplace has gathered to watch the
madman punished. The WARRIORS hoist HARRY up onto a well,
and shout at him to walk around the rim. Holding out his
hands, HARRY starts to step around the ledge. As he glances
down he sees the drop is at least thirty feet deep. Two of
the WARRIORS jump onto the ledge behind him, blowing bugles
in his ear.

DERVISH WARRIORS
(In Arabic)
Faster thief...Faster...


HARRY starts to walk faster, clapping in time with
the WARRIORS, performing for the CROWD.

harry
(In Arabic)
...God loves the fool. God loves the fool...


Another WARRIOR steps out of the crowd and starts
prodding HARRY with his spear. The CROWD roars as HARRY
almost topples into the well. He regains his footing and
laughs back at them, clapping his hands, wriggling his hips.

spectator's voiCE
(In Arabic)
Here's someone for him to dance with...


HARRY looks down to see a hideous, half-naked HAG,
being pushed towards him. The crowd clears a space for the
two lunatics to dance. HARRY forces a crazed giggle as the
HAG starts to undulate and thrust her hips at him. He echoes
her movements, staring into her deadened eyes.


The CROWD pushes them closer together. HARRY feels
an overwhelming sense of pity and dread. The dreamlike
intensity is getting to him. The tragic creature, shimmying
before his eyes, is like a grotesque reminder of the woman
he loved and lost.


The HAG starts murmuring to herself. As he listens,
HARRY realises she's singing -- a tuneless lament,
remembered from long ago, sung without any understanding
now. The emotion wells up in HARRY's eyes, even as he laughs
at her. It's as if he's gazing into a crazy, distorted
mirror.


The EMIR stares curiously as he catches the emotion
in Harry's eyes. He suddenly signals for his men to part the
lunatics. HARRY is dragged away from the shrieking HAG, and
flung before him.

EMIR
(In Arabic, suspicious now)
Play for me fool...


HARRY picks up his zither, and starts to play a
tuneless din.

EMIR
(In Arabic)
You're not mad.


HARRY pretends not to understand. The EMIR suddenly
cracks his cane down on Harry's hands, breaking his fingers.
HARRY screams in agony:

harry
(In Arabic)
...God loves the fool...

EMIR
(In Arabic)
The fool feels no pain.


The EMIR beats him again with the cane. HARRY holds
up his broken fingers in supplication, singing softly in his
madman's gibberish.

harry
(In Arabic)
...God loves the fool...


The EMIR's cane cracks open his face. He doubles
over in agony, spitting out blood. ABOU FATMA watches,
sickened, unable to do anything. Even the other spectators
look shaken.  HARRY slithers away in the dust, whimpering
like an animal.

EMIR
(In Arabic)
You're not mad. Tell me who are you? Tell me or I'll kill
you...


ABOU FATMA stares in silence, willing HARRY to
speak. Many in the CROWD turn away, fearing the worst. The
EMIR raises his cane. With a surge of effort, HARRY lifts up
his blood soaked face, and grins at the EMIR. He looks
barely human, his face ripped open, swollen beyond
recognition.

harry
(Singing softly in Arabic)
God loves the fool. God loves the fool...


The EMIR hesitates, convinced nobody in their right
mind could take this much pain.

EMIR
(In Arabic)
He's mad. Take him to the prison. Let him sing for them
there.


He turns away and disappears into the crowd. ABOU
FATMA stares at HARRY, with both pity and admiration. He
whispers a prayer for his friend's safety.


EXT. PRISON of OMDURMAN/ BANKS OF THE NILE - night.


The evening prayers drift over the waters of the
Nile. In the distance we see the prison of Omdurman, a huge
dome of stone, surrounded by fifty foot walls on three
sides, and the river itself on the fourth.


INT. HOUSE OF STONE/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - night.


Hundreds of shapes move forward in the darkness. At
first they look like a herd of animals, but slowly we
recognise the grunts and cries as human. Faces come at us
out of the dark, screaming and cursing, shoving each other
violently, raising their faces to the ceiling, gasping for
air.


As our eyes adjust to the light, the vision of hell
intensifies. The PRISONERS are manacled and herded into a
space no more than thirty feet wide. They circle the room in
a clockwise direction, pushed on by each other in perpetual
motion, afraid that if they stop they'll be sucked under the
maelstrom and trampled underfoot.


The most fortunate are those who've found a resting
space in the corners of the room. They cling to the walls,
fighting off anyone who tries to share their sanctuary. From
somewhere amongst them we hear a familiar voice:

trench
Get away! This is Ibrahim's space!


TRENCH protects his corner, lashing out at anyone
who tries to breach the space. He bellows at the top of his
voice:

trENCH
Ibrahim, where are you?!


A voice answers from the heaving mass. TRENCH holds
out his hand and drags his friend, IBRAHIM, out of the
scrum.

trench
(Sounding half crazed)
You mustn't fall. You musn't fall.


As if to prove his point, a fight breaks out at the
far side of the room. TRENCH stands on tiptoes, as eager as
everyone else to see the outcome. TWO PRISONERS try to
strangle each other with their chains, fighting for an inch
of space. It's hard to make out anything in the dark, but
the savagery of the fight is reflected in the speed of
flailing fists and feet. One of the PRISONERS finally loses
his footing. In an instant he's sucked under. The victor
laughs maniacally. The loser's cries continue for a moment
and then stop suddenly as the trampling feet break his neck.


TRENCH turns to Ibrahim, with the knowing look of an
expert.

trench
We mustn't fall Ibrahim. We musn't fall.


Suddenly there's a cry from outside the cell door.

prison guards o/s
(In Arabic)
Back! Get back!


The PRISONERS closest to the door push away. The
head guard, the towering IDRIS-ES-SAIER, tosses in a blazing
torch to clear some space. A NEW PRISONER is flung inside
and the door slammed shut behind him. The other PRISONERS
surge back, trying to reclaim their space. There are cries
of pain as some of them tread on the blazing torch. The
sheer weight of men quickly puts it out.


The NEW PRISONER holds onto anything he can to stop
himself falling. From his corner TRENCH looks on grimly.

treNCH
Watch Ibrahim. He's going to fall.


The NEW PRISONER is swept up in the savage wave. As
he approaches TRENCH's corner he tries to claw his way to
safety. TRENCH beats him back with a flurry of blows. The
prisoner disappears under the heaving bodies, but then he
pops up again, gasping for breath. He fights with all his
might, swinging his fists, clutching at anyone in his way.
TRENCH looks impressed, but he knows it won't be long.

trench
He'll fall. Youssef will get him.


As the NEW PRISONER swings towards them again, the
prisoner behind him, YOUSSEF, slams his chains down on his
head. The new arrival goes down hard. As he disappears, he
screams out the name: "Trench!!!"


TRENCH stares in disbelief, frozen for a moment,
then bellowing like a bull, he charges out of his corner and
flails his way through the heaving mass, trying to retrieve
the fallen prisoner.

TRENCH
Help me Ibrahim...!!!


The tall Arab fights his way to Trench. Together
they pull the NEW PRISONER to his feet. They take him under
each arm and fall in with the moving mass.

treNCH
We've lost our place. You mustn't fall.


The man almost collapses, but TRENCH holds him up.
He and Ibrahim keep walking the prisoner, trying to keep him
conscious, knowing they have to fight till daybreak now.


INT. HOUSE OF STONE/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


The sound of early morning prayers drifts into the
House of Stone. Sunbeams pick out bloodmarks and broken
nails where prisoners have tried to claw their way to
safety. Half a dozen BODIES lie crushed on the floor, those
who didn't make it through the night. Those who did, are
ushered outside by the PRISON GUARDS, into the merciless
heat. TRENCH and IBRAHIM support the NEW PRISONER. A fat,
oily looking Prison Guard, HASSAN, sneers at TRENCH on his
way out.

HASSAN
You've found a friend, English.


TRENCH ignores him, blinking as he walks into the
sun.


EXT. courtyard/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


The PRISONERS collapse as they stumble into the
prison courtyard, exhausted by the previous night's efforts.
TRENCH and IBRAHIM help the NEW PRISONER to the river's
edge.


EXT. RIVERBANK/ courtyard/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


TRENCH kneels beside the prisoner and pours some
water over his face. The man opens his lips to swallow it.

treNCH
Don't drink. It's dirty. Your body isn't strong enough.


Beads of sweat shine on the bearded man's ravaged
face. TRENCH studies his features, wondering who he is. He
digs out a copper coin from his shoe.

treNCH
(To Ibrahim)
See if Hassan will sell us some drinking water.


IBRAHIM sets off towards HASSAN, who's busy beating
the other PRISONERS to their feet.

treNCH
(Looking back)
You speak English?

new prisoner
(A trace of a smile appears on his cracked lips)
...I hope so, after all this time...


TRENCH stares at him in surprise.

treNCH
...How do you know my name?

new PRISONER
You told it to me yourself...the first time we met...
(Imitating Trench weakly)
"Trench by name, and Trench by nature. Good to meet you
Feversham..."


TRENCH stares in astonishment.

trENCH
...Harry?...


HARRY's eyes move around and find him, twinkling
mischievously, despite all the pain.

harrY
(With ironic good humor)
...You look well...

treNCH
(Breaking into a smile)
Not half as well as you...
(Overwhelmed)
What the hell are you doing here?...

hARRY
...I'd come to rescue you...but now that you've rescued
me...I have to save you twice...


TRENCH stares at him in disbelief.

hARRY
...I have some money to bribe the guards...There's a man
waiting for us across the river...With camels and
provisions...

TREnch
(Snapping out of his reverie, hushing him)
Keep your voice down.


TRENCH looks across the courtyard to make sure
no-one's watching them. HASSAN is busy bargaining with
IBRAHIM over the cup of water.

treNCH
(Under his breath)
How much money?

harRY
Two hundred.


TRENCH looks hopeful for the first time in weeks.

TRENCH
...I knew it wasn't true. The guards kept telling me our
army had left us behind. How far away are they?

hARRY
(Regrettably)
They pulled out. Over a month ago.


TRENCH stares in confusion.

TRENCH
Then who sent you?

harrY
You did.


TRENCH doesn't understand. HARRY slowly opens his
fingers to reveal a crushed white feather in his hand.
TRENCH stares at it in bewilderment. Then suddenly he starts
to laugh, full of anguish and joy, amazed by the madness of
the world.


EXT. PRISON GATES/ courtyard/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN -
day.


The compound gates rumble open. The Prisoners'
RELATIVES are ushered inside, kept in order by the GUARDS'
whips. The PRISONERS limp as fast as they can to receive any
food their families have brought them. Before they can eat,
the GUARDS have to be paid off, IDRIS first, then HASSAN and
the others. As the feeding frenzy breaks out we hear
Trench's voice:

trENCH v/o
...Hassan's the only guard who's corruptible. For two
hundred he'll get us on the graveyard detail...


EXT. RIVERBANK/ courtyard/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


We see what he's talking about now. The dead bodies
from the House of Stone are dumped in a row boat. The GUARDS
order several PRISONERS onto the boat with them. They're too
afraid to handle the corpses themselves.

treNCH v/o
...The farthest the boat goes is a hundred yards from the
opposite shore. We'll have to wait until you're strong
enough to swim...


HARRY watches the boat drift into the middle of the
river. Ripples appear as huge CROCODILES move in to feed.
The PRISONERS toss the bodies in the water. The corpses
float for a moment, then suddenly vanish in a froth of
blood.

treNCH
(Smiling grimly)
You didn't think of that when you came?

haRRY
I didn't think of much when I came.


TRENCH looks at him, still unable to believe anyone
could be so reckless and so brave.

trENCH
All for a feather?

hARRY
(Lightly)
More than one.


TRENCH looks down at the sand, reflecting:

trENCH
Give it to me Harry.

haRRY
Why?

treNCH
So I can show you it means nothing -- that if I throw it in
the river it'll float away -- end up between some Croc's
teeth.

harry
(Smiling softly)
Not this feather. It's got the measure of me. It'll float
back and find me.


The water laps quietly in the silence.

trENCH
There were a dozen British Officers here last month. Every
time one of them died, the last words on his lips were:
"Don't worry about me lads. Our boys will come and get you."
They never did. Just you. I'd say you've done enough.

haRRY
Not until I get you out.

trENCH
You can hardly walk.

harry
I don't need to walk, I need to swim.


He smiles at TRENCH affectionately. Across the
river, the boat returns, silhouetted against the sunset.


EXT. house of stone/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


The PRISONERS are herded back into the House of
Stone. HASSAN walks alongside TRENCH and HARRY, negotiating
his bribe.

hASSAN
...God put you here for a reason, English. He tests us. I
have fifteen starving children myself to care for.

treNCH
(Taking his cue)
I was thinking of your children Hassan. I'd like to help
them. God favours the almsgiver.

hASSAN
For three hundred I could feed them for a year.

treNCH
I can afford two. From myself, Ibrahim, and the madman.


HASSAN nods, accepting the offer, and walks ahead.


INT. HOUSE OF STONE/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - night.


HARRY and TRENCH are in the thick of the crowd,
fighting for space, trying to give each other strength.

treNCH
...The first thing I do when I get back is book a table at
Wilton's. A private room, all to myself, no bloody crowds...


He shoves into the man in front, gaining a few more
precious inches for them to breathe in.

trench
...I'll start with a half shell of crab, then I'll order the
mallard, medium rare.

harRY
A glass of Burgundy to wash it down.

treNCH
Nothing foreign. A pint of Stout'll do me fine.

harrY
(Grinning)
Well I'm getting on the first train to Bintree, crowded or
not.

trENCH
I'll drink to that...
(He raises his hand, as if he's in a crowded pub, trying to
get the Barman's attention)
Two pints please...


The two of them surge through the crowd, laughing
like lunatics.

treNCH
A few more days Harry. A few more days...


INT. HOUSE OF STONE/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


The morning call to prayer brings sobs of relief
from the PRISONERS. HARRY, TRENCH, and IBRAHIM, lie in a
corner of the room, exhausted by the night's efforts. HASSAN
steps over the dead bodies littering the floor, and orders
them to get up.

hassAN
(As planned)
You three, take the bodies to the boat.


HARRY and IBRAHIM get to their feet. TRENCH doesn't
move. HARRY reaches down to give him a hand, when he
suddenly sees how pale his friend is. He drops to his knees,
feeling TRENCH's pulse. He's alive, but very weak.

hasSAN
(Looking at the unconscious Trench)
You see, English. God didn't want you to leave. He has given
you Umm Sabbah.


TRENCH moans, gripped by Typhus fever. HARRY tries
to help him up, refusing to believe their plans are dashed.

hARRY
(Whispering)
Trench, get up. Get up...

hassAN
(Shouting at Harry in Arabic)
Leave him. Carry the dead to the boat.


HARRY ignores him, cradling TRENCH in his arms.
HASSAN steps forward and lashes him hard across the back.

harry
(Still trying to rouse Trench)
...Get up Trench. Get up...


HASSAN lashes him again. This time HARRY spins
around and grabs the whip. He stares at HASSAN dangerously,
the frustration and disappointment pushing him to the edge.

HASSAN
(In Arabic)
He paid me to release you. If you don't want to go, you can
rot with him.
(Turning to Ibrahim)
What about you?!


IBRAHIM looks at TRENCH guiltily, then gets up, and
walks towards the dead bodies. HARRY gathers TRENCH in his
arms, and holds him protectively, like a faithful slave.
HASSAN sneers, and strides out of the House of Stone. HARRY
looks at TRENCH. His friend shivers feverishly. HARRY
brushes the wet hair out of his face:

hARRY
We'll get you to Wilton's. Crab and Mallard, medium rare.


EXT. RIVERBANK/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY watches from the shore, as IBRAHIM tosses the
corpses overboard. Suddenly the Arab takes his chance and
dives. He's only yards away from the boat when he's lifted
into air by a huge crocodile, and dragged below the murky
depths. All is still again. HARRY looks back at TRENCH,
lying by the river's edge, lost in his own feverish dreams.


INT. STUDY/ GENERAL FEVERSHAM's HOUSE/ LONDON - DAY.


ETHNE sits across from GENERAL FEVERSHAM in the
dimly lit room. There's bright sunshine outside but very
little of it gets in. GENERAL FEVERSHAM seems much older
than the first time we saw him, his eyes are withdrawn, his
movements restless. He rings the handbell irritably.

ETHNE
Don't worry about the biscuits General.

gENERAL FEVERSHAM
I wanted some myself. I need something sweet in the
afternoons, otherwise I fall asleep.
(Catching himself)
Not today of course.


ETHNE tries to answer his smile, but neither of them
is particularly convincing.

gENERAL FEVERSHAM
I'm very touched you've come all this way to tell me your
good news. Jack'll make you a wonderful husband.

ETHNE
(Hiding all her doubts)
He'll be pleased to hear that.

gENERAL FEVERSHAM
I'm very fond of the boy.


GENERAL FEVERSHAM smiles weakly, and looks away.
Whatever they talk about seems to come back to Harry. ETHNE
finally broaches the subject:

ETHNE
Have you heard any news from the Sudan?


GENERAL FEVERSHAM hesitates.

gENERAL FEVERSHAM
...An old friend of mine came to visit me yesterday, Colonel
Sutch. You probably remember him...


ETHNE nods, panicking inside, sensing the old man's
grief.

gENERAL FEVERSHAM
...He used to receive the occasional letter from Harry,
letting him know that he was alright...
(His voice falters)
...Harry made him promise not to tell me anything, unless
the letters stopped. I'm afraid they did. Over a month ago.


ETHNE looks pale. She tries to hold back her tears
for the General's sake.

ETHNE
I'm sure it doesn't mean anything.

gENERAL FEVERSHAM
I asked some friends at the war office to make some
enquiries. According to their spies, all the British
prisoners are dead.


ETHNE can't speak. The old man fights his tears as
well.

gENERAL FEVERSHAM
Would you like to see his letters?

ETHNE
(Barely a whisper)
I'm not sure I could cope right now.

geNERAL FEVERSHAM
No, of course not. I'm sorry...


ETHNE looks up, remembering his grief is as great as
hers.

ETHNE
Have you looked at them?

gENERAL FEVERSHAM
Oh yes. They make wonderful reading...
(His face lights up briefly)
He travelled all the way from Alexandria to Suakin. Across
three hundred miles of desert. From there he followed the
camel corp disguised as a coolie. He fought with them at
Abou Klea, excelled himself by all accounts, saved dozens of
lives. If he was still a soldier they'd have probably given
him the Victoria Cross.

ETHNE
(Her eyes shining with tears)
You must be very proud.


The old man nods, suffering again.

geNERAL FEVERSHAM
...There isn't a trace of fear in the writing. That's what I
find so hard to understand. That someone could be so
terrified of going to war; and yet when the time comes to
face it for real, he embraces it, almost gratefully...

ETHNE
(Sharing his guilt)
We all misjudged him.

gENERAL FEVERSHAM
You only knew him a short time. I had no excuse.


Seeing him overcome by guilt and grief, ETHNE gets
up and takes his hand. GENERAL FEVERSHAM holds hers tightly.

gENERAL FEVERSHAM
My son loved Jack Durrance like a brother. I know he'd be
happy for you. He'd want you to live your lives.


ETHNE nods gratefully, unable to speak, her whole
world falling apart.


EXT. courtyard/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


The PRISONERS tear and claw at each other like wild
animals, desperately trying reach a scrap of meat that's
fallen to the floor. HARRY is in the thick of the fighting,
elbowing and head-butting people out of his way. He's
changed beyond recognition, and it isn't just physical. He
fights with a primal savagery, oblivious to everything
except the precious scrap of food. He finally gets hold of
it, and swings his elbow round, breaking another PRISONER's
nose.


EXT. RIVER's EDGE/ courtyard/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN -
day.


TRENCH lies by the riverside, sweating and shivering
from fever, his eyes sunken back into his skull. HARRY
kneels beside him, covered in blood. He holds out the scrap
of meat.

hARRY
...Trench. Food. You have to eat.


TRENCH can't move his jaw, let alone eat. HARRY
chews the meat for him. When it's soft between his teeth, he
spits it out, and feeds TRENCH with his fingers. For all the
primal horror, there's a touching human tenderness in the
moment.


Suddenly a pair of hands grab HARRY by the hair, and
drag him away from TRENCH. It's IDRIS. The giant prison
guard tears the scrap of meat from HARRY's hands and kicks
him in the ribs for good measure. Spitting out blood, HARRY
crawls after him, no longer having to play the madman, he's
halfway there.

hARRY
(In Arabic)
Food master, food master please...


IDRIS lashes him with his whip. HARRY's body arches
in pain but his brain hardly registers. He kisses the ground
at Idris's feet, still begging for his scrap of food back.

hARRY
(In Arabic)
Food master. Food...


IDRIS walks away in disgust.


INT. HOUSE OF STONE/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - night.


HARRY holds up the semi-conscious TRENCH, as they're
buffeted around in the House of Stone. The other PRISONERS
try to push them under, but HARRY defends TRENCH with the
savagery of a veteran. A PRISONER tries to blind TRENCH with
his hands, but HARRY grabs his fingers, sinking his teeth in
as far as they will go.


INT. house of stone/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


Daylight streams through the open doors. HARRY rests
TRENCH against a wall, and scavenges amongst the bodies of
the dead, searching for any money they may have hidden.


EXT. courtyard/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY runs over to HASSAN, and drops to his knees in
supplication, holding out a copper coin:

hARRY
(Pleading in Arabic)
Food master. Food. My master needs food.


HASSAN holds out his arm to reveal a stump where his
hand should be.

hasSAN
(In Arabic)
This is what Idris gave me for helping your master...
(Spitting at Harry's feet)
There's some food.


HASSAN turns and walks towards the fortress gates.
The other PRISONERS scramble after him, desperate to receive
their daily handout from their RELATIVES. HARRY thinks about
wading in and fighting them for it, but he has no energy
left. He collapses in the sand, staring up at the sun. As he
closes his eyes, he suddenly hears a whisper:

ARAB BOY o/s
English...


HARRY looks up to see a small ARAB BOY, approaching
him. The BOY stops as he sees HARRY's ravaged face,
frightened by his mad, staring eyes. HARRY sees the piece of
chicken in his hand, and waves him over. The ARAB BOY
finally kneels down, and offers him the chicken bone.  HARRY
snatches it and gnaws on it like a hungry animal. It's only
when he examines the meat, making sure there's enough left
for Trench, that we realise how human he still is. He slips
the half eaten chicken bone in his robes, and looks at the
ARAB BOY gratefully. The ARAB BOY holds out some coins for
him.

ARAB BOY
From Abou Fatma.


HARRY stares at the coins. It's all the money he's
ever paid Abou Fatma.

harrY
Money's no good anymore. We can't bribe the guards. I need
him to buy food and medecine for my friend...


He stops as he realises the ARAB BOY doesn't
understand a word. He gives him back the coins:

harrY
(In Arabic)
Tell Abou Fatma to buy us food. You bring me the food...


He points to the other RELATIVES as if to explain.
The ARAB BOY nods that he understands. HARRY is about to ask
him more when he suddenly spots IDRIS walking towards them
menacingly.

harrY
Go. Thank Abou Fatma. Thank him for me.


The ARAB BOY gets up and walks away. HARRY watches
him leave, already missing the human contact. As IDRIS
approaches, he scrambles away, reduced to his bestial state
again.


EXT. courtyard/ RIVERside/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY pours water over TRENCH's face.

hARRY
...You're better Trench. Much better. You may not feel it,
but you look it...


TRENCH opens his eyes, conscious enough for the
first time in weeks, to see how much his friend has changed.

treNCH
(Smiling weakly)
...When I'm better...Will I look as bad as you?...


HARRY smiles through bleeding gums and swollen
cheeks. The evening prayer starts up behind them. TRENCH
closes his eyes in despair.

treNCH
I don't think of God anymore when I hear that sound. It used
to give me hope. Now all I feel is dread.

hARRY
Don't talk like that. We're going to get you through this.

treNCH
I don't want to get through this, Harry. What for?


In the distance they hear IDRIS shouting at the
prisoners, driving them back into the House of Stone.

TRENCH
...There's only one thing that frightens me now. The thought
that the closer I come, the more desperately afraid and sure
I am that all this will end right here... when I so wish I
could die at home...
(fighting tears)
In my own country -- in my own village...to be buried
beneath the trees I know -- in sight of the church and
houses I know...beside the trout stream, where I fished when
I was a boy...
(Trying to smile)
Are you laughing yet?...

HARRY
No, I'm not laughing.


HARRY fights his own pain.

treNCH
I don't think I can take it anymore, Harry...


HARRY finds it hard to argue. Staring at TRENCH's
ravaged face and withered body all he can do is nod in
sympathy.


EXT. courtyard/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY sits opposite the young ARAB BOY in the
courtyard. There's a look of quiet resignation in his eyes
as he stares at the small glass vial in his hand.

hARRY
(In Arabic)
Thank Abou Fatma for me. Ask him to pray for us.


The ARAB BOY nods sadly, as if he's seeing Harry for
the last time. HARRY pats him on the shoulder, and gets up.


INT. HOUSE OF STONE/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - night.


HARRY and TRENCH lean against a wall, watching as
the House of Stone fills with PRISONERS. TRENCH's eyes are
filled with dread.

hARRY
(Quietly)
...We had a visitor today.


TRENCH turns and looks at him. HARRY opens his hand
to reveal the small glass vial. TRENCH stares at the dark
liquid inside, slowly realising what it is.

TRENCH
Anything would be better than this.

HARRY
Are you sure?


TRENCH nods, his decision made.

hARRY
(Slipping him the vial)
The poison will take a few hours to work. You won't feel any
pain.

TRENCH
(Smiling grimly)
That'll make a change.


HARRY looks at him sadly, then turns away, preparing
for the inevitable charge from the other PRISONERS.

trENCH
...One last thing, Harry...


HARRY turns around.

trENCH
...My feather...I'd like it back...


HARRY stares in silence. TRENCH holds out his hand.
HARRY takes it. As they finally let go, we see the soiled
white feather in TRENCH's palm. TRENCH closes his fingers
around it, gratefully.

treNCH
I hope it gives me as much strength as it gave you.


Their eyes stay on each other, full of friendship
and respect. Then, steeling himself, TRENCH snaps the vial,
and starts to drink.

HARRY
Half...


TRENCH stops.

trENCH
(Smiling sadly)
I didn't mean to be a pig about it...


He holds out the vial for Harry. HARRY takes it and
swallows the rest of the poison. He grins at TRENCH.

hARRY
What do you say, we give them one last night of hell.

trENCH
I'll drink to that.


Shoulder first, HARRY charges into the massing
PRISONERS. TRENCH follows him, laughing through his tears.


INT. HOUSE OF STONE - DAWN.


Blinding sunlight. The PRISONERS stumble out of the
House of Stone, covered in blood from the previous night's
fighting. IDRIS looks down at the broken bodies at his feet.
HARRY and TRENCH are amongst the dead. IDRIS prods them both
with his spear, making sure.

IDRIS
(In Arabic)
Take them to the boats.


EXT. courtyard/ RIVERside/ PRISON/ OMDURMAN - day.


A dozen BODIES are dumped, one on top of the other,
in two funeral boats. HASSAN takes charge of one, IDRIS the
other.


EXT. BOATS/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


The GUARDS hold onto the sides of the boat,
steadying themselves in case a crocodile tries to ram. The
PRISONERS charged with throwing the bodies overboard, stare
into the water, terrified of the unseen monsters lurking
below.


EXT. hassan's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


The corpses are piled high in Hassan's boat, a mass
of chalk white flesh. As we follow a rivulet of blood into
the heap, we see Harry's face. His eyes suddenly open. Very
much alive. They move around, trying to locate Trench. Above
him he feels the corpses being lifted off, easing the burden
on his back.


EXT. RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


Arrows break the surface, as the giant crocodiles
move in.


EXT. hassan's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY finally glimpses TRENCH. His friend is still
unconscious. In tiny movements, HARRY slips through the ice
cold flesh that separates them, and slides over TRENCH's
body, trying to ensure he's thrown overboard first.


EXT. idris's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


Blood boils around the boats as more bodies are
tossed overboard. As IDRIS stares into the murky depths, he
sees a fifteen foot monster, dragging away a translucent
corpse.


EXT. hassan's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY and TRENCH are the only bodies left in
Hassan's boat. HARRY braces himself as he's lifted into the
air. His body is swung out three times and thrown overboard.


EXT. RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY feels the warm water envelop him. Any trace of
paralysis the poison has left, disappears in an instant,
driven away by sheer terror. Through the eerie green haze he
glimpses the dreamlike silhouettes of the crocodiles,
feasting on the corpses, dragging them along the river bed.
HARRY's instincts are to swim away as fast as he can, but
even now he remembers TRENCH. The water above him explodes
as TRENCH is hurled in. HARRY swims up to the surface and
grabs hold of his friend.


EXT. idris's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


IDRIS stares curiously as he watches the two bodies
drifting away. The water around them is bubbling but there's
no blood. It's only as he looks more closely that IDRIS
realises one of the bodies is kicking his feet, swimming
away.

iDRIS
(In Arabic)
Hassan. Behind you!


EXT. HASSAN's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


HASSAN turns around to see HARRY and TRENCH
disappearing with the current. He takes out his pistol.


EXT. RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


Holding the unconscious TRENCH in his arms, HARRY
swims towards the fastest point of the river, hoping the
current will drag him away from the crocodiles and the
boats.


EXT. HASSAN's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


HASSAN aims the pistol with his good hand. He's
about to squeeze the trigger, when there's a loud explosion
from the opposite shore. A bullet smashes through his skull
and hurls him into the water.


EXT. opposite shore/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


The MAN who fired the shot lowers his rifle. It's
ABOU FATMA. He kicks his camel, and gallops along the
riverbank, trying to keep up with HARRY and TRENCH in the
water.


EXT. IDRIS's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


IDRIS stares after them in fury. He orders the
GUARDS to row into the current and give chase.


EXT. RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY and TRENCH tumble through the churning water,
the current boiling all around them. There are splashes of
water as bullets explode.


EXT. opposite shore/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


ABOU FATMA dismounts as he sees HARRY and TRENCH
being picked off. He takes up a position near the riverbank,
and fires at the pursuing boat.


EXT. IDRIS's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


IDRIS ducks as one of his GUARDS is hit. He shouts
at the remaining GUARDS to fire back at Abou Fatma.


EXT. RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY and TRENCH keep disappearing under the water.
As he surfaces briefly, HARRY looks around. He sees the
current hurtling towards a row of jagged rocks.


EXT. RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


IDRIS aims at the distant figure on the riverbank,
and fires a volley of shots.


EXT. opposite shore/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


Two bullets spin ABOU FATMA round, grazing him in
the leg, knocking the rifle out of his hand. Limping as fast
as he can, he takes cover behind the camels.


EXT. IDRIS's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


IDRIS looks back at HARRY and TRENCH, ready to pick
them off. Suddenly his eyes stop. He sees the jagged rocks
in his path. He yells at the GUARDS to row against the
current.


EXT. RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


The current picks up speed as it hurtles towards the
rocks. HARRY holds TRENCH tightly, anticipating the impact.
The current sweeps them right through the rocks.


EXT. opposite shore/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


ABOU FATMA watches from the riverbank as IDRIS's
boat tumbles helplessly towards the rocks.


EXT. IDRIS's BOAT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


The GUARDS leap off the boat at the last moment, but
the current sweeps them up, and dashes their brains against
the rocks. Only IDRIS holds on. The boat breaks up all
around him, but protects him from the full impact.


EXT. RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY and TRENCH surface on the other side of the
rocks. Huge tree roots jut out near the riverbank. The
current is still strong but it's swimmable.


EXT. opposite shore/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


ABOU FATMA rides after the disappearing bodies.


EXT. GIANT TREE ROOT/ RIVER/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY reaches out and grabs a jutting tree root.
With his legs clamped around TRENCH, he pulls them out of
the fastest point of the current. As he looks behind him he
sees IDRIS disappear under the torrent. Catching his breath,
HARRY starts to clamber along the root, trying to make it to
the safety of the riverbank. TRENCH groans, fully conscious
now.

harrY
We're going to make it.


TRENCH stares at HARRY with an almost childlike
trust.

harrY
See if you can touch the bottom.


TRENCH dips his feet under, nodding as they touch
the riverbed.

harrY
Grab the root.


TRENCH grips the root. HARRY swims around him.

harry
Now walk to the riverbank.

treNCH
My legs are broken.

harry
Your legs are fine. The poison paralyses the body. It's worn
off.


Gripping the root, TRENCH starts to walk against the
current, the water flowing up to his neck. Slowly the river
shallows. HARRY looks relieved as his friend finally tumbles
onto the riverbank and collapses. He's about to follow him,
when suddenly a pair of hands shoot out of the water, and
grab him around the neck. It's IDRIS. He's also managed to
clamber his way to safety. With a howl of rage he pulls
HARRY's face under the water.


HARRY kicks and flails. With one huge hand IDRIS
keeps him under the surface, with the other he holds onto
the giant tree root. HARRY tries to loosen his grip, but he
isn't strong enough. He reaches down into the riverbed, and
gropes around until he finds a rock. He grinds it into
IDRIS's wrist like a pummel stone.


IDRIS whips his hand away in pain. HARRY is
instantly sucked out of his grasp. The current smashes him
headlong into another root, downriver. IDRIS stares at his
escaped prey in fury. His anger clouds his reason. He lets
go of his own root and lets the current drag him to HARRY's.


EXT. RIVERbank/ OMDURMAN - day.


HARRY drags himself towards the riverbank. He's only
a few yards away when IDRIS's hands grab him again. HARRY
turns around swinging and catches IDRIS on the jaw. Both of
them tumble in the water.


They wrestle beneath the surface, then shoot up
again, tearing at each other like wild animals. IDRIS grabs
HARRY by the hair, and slams his face down on his knee,
smashing his nose. The searing pain staggers HARRY. He tries
to crawl away, but IDRIS stamps on his back, flattening him.
He drops to his knees, and grinds HARRY's face into the
riverbed.


As he pulls him back up by the hair, we see HARRY's
mangled features -- a mask of blood, eyes staring out, jaws
hanging open in defeat. For a moment time seems to slow,
then suddenly, shaking his head free, HARRY screams a
savage, primal cry, and drives his elbow back into IDRIS's
face, shattering bone and cartilege.


IDRIS falls back, stunned. HARRY has his chance to
get away, but he's not interested now. He wades after IDRIS,
an expression of pure, uncontrollable rage in his eyes. As
IDRIS tries to pick himself up, HARRY slams both fists into
his mouth, smashing his teeth down his throat.


It's IDRIS's turn to look scared. He tries to crawl
away, but the bloody faced demon is on him in seconds,
ramming his head back under the water. IDRIS manages to kick
him away briefly, but it only enrages HARRY. He comes back
at IDRIS with a large rock between his hands, cracking his
face open.


And still he isn't finished. Sitting astride the
gurgling prison guard, HARRY raises both arms as high as
they'll go, and smashes the rock into IDRIS's face, again
and again. The guard's blood splatters all over him, but
HARRY hardly seems to notice. He's gripped by a savage,
primordial fury. Everything he's suffered has built up to
this point. He's at his highest and lowest ebb. His hands
whirr up and down, his eyes glow feverishly, his lips curl
in a terrifying sneer.


Strong arms grab him from behind, but HARRY ignores
them, hammering away. He's beyond hatred, beyond compassion,
face to face with his deepest, darkest self. Again the arms
try to pull him off, but HARRY brushes them aside. The blood
and tears stream down his cheeks. He howls like an animal.
His hands finally slow as his arms reach exhaustion.


This time ABOU FATMA manages to pull him off. HARRY
collapses in his arms and weeps like a baby, finally
breaking out of the darkness, no longer sure who or what he
is anymore. ABOU FATMA holds him tightly, hushing him,
comforting him, understanding.


EXT. country lane/ bintree/ england - day.


A primal silence. Mist hovers over the emerald
fields. In the distance a carriage approaches. As it draws
nearer, we see HARRY, sitting in the back. His scars have
healed, but his eyes have the far away look of someone who's
seen too much. The outlines of the village church appear
through the fog. HARRY hears a dog barking.

hARRY
(To the Driver)
Could you stop here.


EXT. church/ bintree - day.


The barking grows louder as HARRY enters the
churchyard. He sees a Collie, tied to a post. It's Dermod's
dog. HARRY bends down and strokes the animal. Then he looks
up through the open church door.


INT. church/ bintree - day.


At first HARRY doesn't see ETHNE. She sits quietly
in one of the Church pews. It's only as she hears his
footsteps that she turns around. Her eyes stop still. She
stares at him in silence, taking in the ravages of time. All
the diffidence and boyish charm she remembers have long
since disappeared. In their place, there's an inner
strength, and confidence.

ETHNE
Everyone said how much you'd changed. I didn't believe them.

hARRY
Do I look that bad?

ETHNE
Trench came to see me last week. He looked a good deal worse
than you.

hARRY
He's suffered more.

ETHNE
That isn't what he told me.


She stares at him with quiet pride.

ETHNE
May I have it back?

hARRY
That isn't why I came.

ETHNE
I'd still like it back.
(She smiles sadly)
I have three of them, I'd like four.


HARRY stares at her, then takes out the fourth
feather.

hARRY
I'm almost sorry to let it go. It's brought me a lot of luck
these past few months.


ETHNE takes the feather, unable to look at him. She
stares at it in silence.

ETHNE
When did you get back?

hARRY
Two weeks ago.


She looks hurt that it's taken him so long to come
and see her, but she knows she has no right to expect more.

ETHNE
I'm glad you did what you did, on your own, without anyone's
help. I'm glad for you, Harry.

hARRY
I did nothing on my own. You were with me the whole time.


The tears begin to shine in her eyes.

ETHNE
You've heard our news?...

hARRY
Yes.


ETHNE nods, unable to continue.

hARRY
I didn't come here to change your mind.
(With quiet dignity)
The most I hoped for -- and I hoped for it every day -- was
that I could do enough to save the memory of what we had. So
that you wouldn't always be ashamed of the time we spent
together.


ETHNE is too ashamed of herself to answer him. Her
eyes drift to a crack of sunlight on the church wall,
glinting through the stained glass windows.

hARRY
What are you thinking?

ETHNE
You'd laugh if I told you.

harrY
That might not be a bad thing.

ETHNE
I was thinking I'd get up and leave when that patch of
sunlight disappeared. So far it's been quite resilient.


She smiles gently. For a moment they're the Harry
and Ethne of old.

ETHNE
I passed by your appartment the other day.

hARRY
(Surprised)
When?

ETHNE
When you didn't come and see me...
(She smiles sadly)
I was in London for the day. It took me hours to pluck up
the courage. When I finally drove by, your lights were off.

hARRY
I've hardly been out since I got back.

ETHNE
It was last Friday. Between five and six.

hARRY
(Pausing)
I'd gone to see my father.

ETHNE
(Smiling ironically)
Someone must be watching over us.


The sunlight lingers precariously on the wall.

ETHNE
It will pass. You'll meet someone soon. Then you and her,
and Jack and I, will sit over tea and chatter politely, as
if there was never anything between us.

hARRY
That won't happen.

ETHNE
It has to happen.
(The tears fill her eyes)
Because I love you Harry...and I can't. I can't.


The sunlight on the wall finally fades. ETHNE wipes
her tears and gets up to leave. As she tries to walk past
him, HARRY takes her in his arms. She doesn't resist. If
anything she's relieved. They stay like that for a moment,
holding each other, unable to do anything else. We feel
their desperate longing, but there's a self imposed wall
that keeps them apart. ETHNE pulls away gently.

ETHNE
I'll take you to the station.


He nods.

hARRY
I wanted to look in on Jack. I'll leave him a note.

ETHNE
(Considering)
No, he'd love to see you. He's staying at the vicarage. It's
on the way.


They're polite around each other now, like
strangers. ETHNE slips past him with an awkward smile. HARRY
waits before he follows her. They walk down the aisle,
several feet apart.


INT. DURRANCE's room/ vicarage/ glenalla - day.


DURRANCE sits at a table, knotting his tie. There's
a determination in his eyes, as if the smallest activity has
become a battle to be won. Suddenly he hears the noise of
Ethne's carriage outside. His face lights up. He feels his
way towards the window.


The carriage door takes a long time to open.
DURRANCE stares curiously. Finally he hears footsteps on the
gravel. They're heavier than he expected. They stop a
moment. DURRANCE knows whoever it is, is staring up at him
in the window. He looks thoughtful now, as if he knows who
it is.


He turns away from the window and finds a chair. He
sits, facing the door, checking to make sure the carafe of
Scotch and the crystal glasses are within easy reach. The
footsteps climb the stairs. There's a knock on the door.

DURRANCE
Come in.


HARRY enters. He stops as he sees his friend.
DURRANCE's face has softened from inactivity. His skin seems
pale compared to Harry's coarse, sunburnt features.

DURRANCE
It's good to see you, Harry.

hARRY
(Quietly impressed)
How did you know?

DURRANCE
A calculated guess.
(He grins)
Scotch alright?

hARRY
Perfect.

DURRANCE
I've got to cut down on the stuff. I'm putting on weight.

hARRY
You look good.

DURRANCE
Not as good as you, I'm sure.


HARRY watches his friend, taking the carafe, pouring
two perfect glasses. Everything Durrance does, is designed
to show him he's alright, that there's nothing to pity.

DURRANCE
(Handing him the drink)
I heard Ethne's carriage outside?

hARRY
She's giving me a ride to the station.

DURRANCE
Why didn't she come up?

hARRY
(He knows the question isn't as casual as it sounds)
I think she wanted to give us a few minutes alone.

DURRANCE
Do we need a few minutes alone?


Even though he's smiling, the air is thick with
tension.

hARRY
I came to thank you, Jack.

DURRANCE
For what?

hARRY
For standing by me.

DURRANCE
If you're talking about the feathers, I wasn't there.

hARRY
Willoughby told me you were. He said you'd tried to talk
them out of it.


DURRANCE hesitates.

DURRANCE
You don't owe me anything Harry. The wedding isn't for
another month. Ethne's free to make up her own mind.

hARRY
You don't owe me anything either, Jack. And she's made up
her mind. You should trust her judgement.


A long silence. DURRANCE is too proud to respond.
HARRY stares at his friend, regretting the wall between
them.

hARRY
I'd better go. I'll miss my train. I'll come and see you
soon.


He finishes his drink and gets up.

DURRANCE
Have another one.

hARRY
I can't Jack.

DURRANCE
Please.


His voice is softer now, more conciliatory.

DURRANCE
The friendship was the best thing about that place. It's the
one thing I haven't been able to hang onto.


It's his way of asking Harry to stay. HARRY sits
again.

DURRANCE
I've become like one of those old soldiers we used to laugh
at. Forcing my stories on everyone. Enough medals on my
uniform to light up a Christmas tree.
(Filling their glasses)
Have they given you back your commission?

hARRY
They haven't acknowledged me in any way.

DURRANCE
I suppose it wouldn't be the British Army if they admitted
their mistakes.

hARRY
I don't know if it was a mistake. I was never a real soldier
like you.

DURRANCE
A real soldier doesn't come back in a hospital ship.
(Raising his glass)
To Castelton and all the others we left behind.


HARRY watches his friend down his whisky, sensing
the guilt and pain inside.

hARRY
(Reassuring him gently)
You did everything you could.

DURRANCE
You saw it happen?

hARRY
From a distance. I remember the entire British Square
retreating in perfect order, and then these two lunatics,
charging out to save their friend.
(He smiles affectionately)
I remember thinking there wasn't a bullet in the world that
could stop you that day.

DURRANCE
(Ironically)
Except my own.

hARRY
You obviously weren't meant to die. You certainly tried your
best.


DURRANCE chuckles, close to tears, holding them
back.

DURRANCE
It's hard to talk like this with anyone else. They all want
to know how many people you've killed, but the moment you
mention the friends you've lost, their eyes glaze over.

hARRY
They weren't there.

DURRANCE
No.
(A beat)
Do you ever miss the desert Harry?

hARRY
I'm glad I'm home.

DURRANCE
It was the best time of my life. Whenever anyone had a
problem they came to me. I never felt so needed. __
(He smiles)
Maybe we should change places.


HARRY isn't sure what he means. DURRANCE tops up
their glasses.

DURRANCE
You remember the first time we led a cavalry charge in
public?

hARRY
You wiped the floor with me. Most of my horses ended up in
the bandstand.

DURRANCE
Ethne was watching.

hARRY
(Hesitating)
That's right.

DURRANCE
We'd met her the previous night, at the regimental ball.

hARRY
I remember.

DURRANCE
You should. You were the only one she danced with.


HARRY smiles but doesn't say anything.

DURRANCE
I've never been so jealous. I stayed up all night brooding.
The next day I was determined to show you up -- prove to her
I was the better soldier.

hARRY
(Affectionately)
You were always the better soldier.

DURRANCE
And it still didn't make a difference.
(He smiles wistfully)
She was the first person I looked for in the crowd, and she
was staring at you. Everyone else was applauding me, and she
was staring at you.
(A beat)
I'm not sure if anything's changed.


HARRY can't speak. He knows what DURRANCE is saying.

DURRANCE
(Raising his glass)
To us Harry.


He leans over, grinning, and touches Harry's glass.

DURRANCE
To you.


EXT. churchyard/ glenalla - day.


Church bells chime, drowned out by the excited
GUESTS. The Wedding party has gathered outside the chapel,
waiting for the bride. There's a flurry of activity as
Ethne's carriage finally draws up. FRIENDS and FAMILY run
over to greet her.


HARRY's PARTY stays behind at the Church door,
preparing him for her imminent arrival. GENERAL FEVERSHAM
and COLONEL SUTCH make last minute adjustments to HARRY's
suit and tie. WILLOUGHBY reminds TRENCH to make sure he's
still got the ring.


ETHNE finally emerges from the carriage, looking
radiant in a white dress. HARRY tries to catch a glimpse of
her, but TRENCH covers his eyes, as if it's still bad luck
to see his bride.


ETHNE laughs as she walks past them into the church,
accompanied by her FATHER. TRENCH waits until she's safely
inside, before he removes his hands from Harry's eyes. HARRY
looks around, hoping to see Durrance amongst the crowd.


His friend is nowhere to be seen. HARRY smiles at
the other GUESTS, but he seems distracted, as if he knows in
his heart Durrance won't show. Slowly the CROWD outside
thins until only HARRY, TRENCH, and WILLOUGHBY remain.

trENCH
Ready?


HARRY has one last look for Durrance, still hoping
against hope, then he nods and follows his friends inside.


The noise of the choir fades as the doors close
behind them. For a moment we're left in the balmly stillness
of the churchyard, and then, in it's place, we hear the
unmistakeable whisper of the desert wind.


FADE OUT.


CUT TO:


INT. BACK ROOM - CHURCH AT GLENALLA - DAY (CHURCH
ORGAN OVER)    155


In full dress uniforms, Colonel Sutch and General
Feversham work Harry over -- adjusting his collar:

GENERAL FEVERSHAM
All set... looking good.

HARRY
(mock nautical)
Aye, sir.

GENERAL FEVERSHAM
That's enough out of you...


As they shove him through the door -- turning back
to Sutch:

HARRY
By the way, I must remember to thank you...
(pause)
For telling everyone I was dead.

SUTCH
I've never been so happy to be wrong in all my life.  But I
did what I thought was right..

HARRY
A terrible habit.
(beat)
Raises all kinds of hell...


As he heads out through the door, with the ORGAN
PLAYING: "THE WEDDING MARCH..."


SERIES OF SHOTS (MUSIC OVER):
156



- THE CHAPEL: is filled with MILITARY MEN; Feversham
family and friends; Mrs. Adair; and a church full of locals.


- HARRY'S POV - ON ETHNE: walking down the aisle --
as beautiful as a bride can be.


DISSOLVE TO:


- HARRY AND ETHNE: kissing at the altar -- joined
together as man and wife, as...

GENERAL FEVERSHAM (v.o.)
(bellows)
Officers...



CUT TO:


EXT. CHURCH - AFTER CEREMONY
157


ANGLE ON: the assembled military men -- in two
lines, leading from the church door:

GENERAL FEVERSHAM (CONT'D)
(bellows)
Draw...


CLOSEUP: hands on hilts, as:

GENERAL FEVERSHAM
(bellows)
Swooooords!!!


TWO ROWS OF SWORDS ARE PULLED AND FLOURISHED -- INTO
THE AIR!


Sunlight glinting off the blades, the Officers and
former Officers of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards form a
canopy, beneath which...


HARRY AND ETHNE: exit the church, arm-in-arm, to the
CHEERS of their families and friends... and the bitter-sweet
tears of Mrs. Adair.  As they move down the steps, beneath
the ceremonial swords...


WITH AN ARMY BAND PLAYING A ROUSING MARCH...


TRACK DOWN THE LINE TO REVEAL: the joyous faces of
General Feversham, Colonel Sutch, Colonel Willoughby, and
Captain Trench.  As their heads turn to follow the lovers...


CONTINUE TRACKING TO REVEAL: an EMPTY SPACE --
amidst the row of Officers, in honor of the missing
Durrance.


TRACK IN TOWARD THAT EMPTY SPACE, AND RACK BEYOND IT
TO REVEAL:


Harry and Ethne, kissing for real... at last.


FREEZE FRAME.


As the MILITARY MARCH PLAYS ON;


CREDITS ROLL TO...

THE END.