ROB HUGHES ADAPTATION AND SCRIPT
PAGE 12
EXT. WESTMINSTER PALACE GARDENS — DAY

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Panel 1 (Large) 3/4 Splash

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This plush green glen is a uniquely beautiful arrangement of overhanging trees with a thick carpet of rich grass and every kind of domestic and exotic flower one can imagine. Vibrantly vivid colors illuminated in the bright sunlight surrounding expertly sculpted marble statues, standing as ever silent sentinels in this man-made Garden of Eden.

Through this haven slowly walks Simon, head lowered in contemplative thought.

SUPER Westminster Palace Gardens
FATHER SUPERIOR (V.O.)
Through this Garden of Eden-like paradise walks a heavy-hearted Simon, his troubled mind tossed in reflective thought.

(2nd box)
Inwardly, he shudders, pondering the daunting task that was ever materializing before him. The severe ramifications that would most certainly befall the Kingdom of England were his volatile relationship with the king not amended. Were situations and mindsets not be radically reversed, since the fickle loyalty of the powerful lords was fragile at best.

For if the barons were to ever shift their support back to the king, he would be abandoned; a lone lion, surround by a ravenous pack of raving wolves.

(3rd box)
How fitting it was that God would decree that the most vital and heartfelt of matters always exacted the deepest and most uncompromising commitment.

(4th box)
Demand the greatest sacrifice.

(5th box)
The Earl’s melancholy mood is dispelled in an instant at the sudden sound of a gleeful voice. 

(6th box)
He turns to behold immaculate innocence bouncing toward him at full speed with intelligent eyes full of fervent delight and a wonderful, beaming smile.

(7th box)
For his spirit is always uplifted at the bright presence of King Henry's second-born son, whom he absolutely adored.

YOUNG PRINCE RICHARD: Uncle Simon!

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Panel 2

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Simon looks up and sees a bright young boy waving enthusiastically at him: 
YOUNG PRINCE RICHARD, King Henry’s second-born son (4 going on 25).
YOUNG PRINCE RICHARD: Uncle Simon!
(2nd balloon): Wait for Me!
The boy wears a tiny sur-coat of scarlet velvet, rich with gold embroidery and a leather belt, which wraps around a small wooden sword, hanging from his waist.

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Panel 3

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Close-up on Simon
Simon’s brooding countenance transforms in a split second at the sight of this beaming young prince who is bouncing over to speak with his favorite uncle.
SIMON: Well, well, as the Lord liveth...
(2nd balloon): Prince Richard!

NOTE: Young Prince Richard's surcoat was changed from red scarlet to purple with a gold crescent on the front because I wanted Richard to be wearing a scarlet surcoat with the three gold lions of the King when he is abducted a bit later on and did not want to confuse the reader by repeating with the same color. 

His scarlet surcoat would have competed with Simon's in this scene as well. So, we decided to go with a purple surcoat with a large golden crescent on the front since the second-born son of the king in medieval times wore a crescent.

~ Rob