'SACRED BLOOD' Written by Nicholas Ian Decelles based on a Game by Jane Jensen also Inspired by TinChris82, Sarah Elizabeth Harper, & Kenneth M. Sutton [aka Sweet Kenny] 1ST DRAFT Copyright 1999/2021 Representa 206.966.2242 nicholasdecelles@aol.com 'SACRED BLOOD' SUMMARY Welcome to the remote French village of Rennes-le-Château. Gabriel and Grace arrive in this town in pursuit of a kidnapped child, but a deeper, far more frightening story begins to unfold. Whispers of a sacred bloodline, vampires and a boundless treasure set the shadow hunter and his companion on an inescapable path. Their ultimate destiny is to solve a dark mystery held secret for thousands of years. TITLE CARD "A STRICTIM ASPEXIMUS, IN ALTERA VITA," TITLE CARD "ERIT LIBER PRAESENTARI TENTATIO...." BLACK TITLE CARD "A GLIMPSE INTO ANOTHER LIFE," TITLE CARD "THE TEMPTATION TO BE FREE...." FADE IN: TITLE CARD SCHLOSS RITTER CASTLE, RITTERSBERG, GERMANY 1999 DISSOLVE TO: EXT. SCHLOSS RITTER CASTLE - LATE MORNING The sun peeks through an overcast sky on a red-roofed castle, modern in appearance, above a small European village. A pathway leads up to it lined by autumn-toned bushes and trees. CUT TO: INT. MAIN ROOM - SCHLOSS RITTER CASTLE A black chandelier, its lights shaped like candles, illuminates a large main room containing some chairs, a secretary's desk, brick flooring, and, behind some tall pillars, a set of wooden stairs leading upwards. A metallic knocking sound echoes from the large entryway. CUT TO: INT. MASTER BEDROOM - SCHLOSS RITTER CASTLE - LATE MORNING A bright television set, its Movie blaring loudly. On some purple sheets on a cozy bed there, fully dressed in deep blue jeans and a white T-shirt, lays GABRIEL KNIGHT, 2. 30-something, long hair, roguish looking, somewhat chiseled. One foot is propped on a large cushioned footstool. Also there, an opened book and a half-eaten bowl of tasty (presumably) food. Muffled, the metallic knocking sound continues from downstairs. TV VOICE (O.S.) Ich Komme Wieder. (trans: I'm back home.) More knocking. GABRIEL Yeah yeah, I hear ya. Gabriel pulls his hair back, ties it into a ponytail, lazily gets up. CONTINUOUS: INT. MAIN ROOM - SCHLOSS RITTER CASTLE His silhouette as it paces down the wooden steps, passing a large ornate window. Gabriel then passes a carved stone lion at the base of the steps, then pulls on a metal ring on the large wooden doorway. UNKNOWN WOMAN (EMMA TOURNEY) (O.S.) Herr Knight? DISSOLVE TO: INT. LARGE KITCHEN - SCHLOSS RITTER CASTLE - DAY The kitchen. It's floor-stones larger than in the main room. A ceiling pipe leads down to an old-fashioned stove and oven. A rectangular dinner table in the center with a patterned red cloth. Coffee, finished brewing, poured in a cup. GABRIEL Here you go, Frau Tourney. I'm sorry I don't have anything else to offer at the moment. He takes the cup to the table where the woman sits; she is Emma (Frau) Tourney, elderly, hair pulled back in a bun, most of its dark black color intact. Some loose strands are around her slightly wrinkled, pretty face. Frau Tourney accepts the coffee. 3. EMMA TOURNEY (UNKNOWN WOMAN) The reason why I am here to see you, Herr Knight, is my brother, Jan Josef. He owns a Small Guesthouse near the Town of Wolfach. He keeps it open as a small pension for him. He does not believe in your type, Herr Knight, which is why he would rather not talk to you about his Guesthouse. He is a practical man. BEGIN FLASHBACK: DISSOLVE TO: EXT./INT. TOURNEY PENSION GUESTHOUSE - LATE DUSK A quaint German House resides in the Wolfach Woods, the Forest about it feels alive. Jan Josef, roughly the same age as Frau Tourney (her brother after all), wrapped in a blanket in his bed, ill and shivering. A crying female guest, also ill, is attended to by Jan Josef, shakily standing. She clutches at her protruding belly. EMMA TOURNEY (V.O.) You see, the house has a sickness. And that sickness has fallen on the visitors. They've been falling ill during the nighttime. Nothing big until a guest that was three months pregnant lost her baby. Jan believes it to be microbes and bacteria. END FLASHBACK CUT BACK TO: INT. LARGE KITCHEN - SCHLOSS RITTER CASTLE Deeply engrossed in her story, Gabriel is now sitting opposite Emma Tourney, EMMA TOURNEY I believe it to be something in the forest. (a nervous beat) We can offer you a room. You might consider it a short Holiday and see what you can find out. (more nervousness) Would you be willing to come and see, Herr Knight? 4. Gabriel looks back at the coffee maker, stands, pours himself another mug. After a long sip, he seems to have made up his mind. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. TOURNEY PENSION GUESTHOUSE - NIGHT The forest in the Wolfach Woods, night. A blue tint enshrouds a tall cabin, it's roof pointed. The cabin's paneled windows are lit warmly from within. Outside are two dangling lamps--- looming largely above the doorway: 'GASTEHAUS' (trans: 'GUEST HOUSE'). Gabriel, ducking in a bush nearby, wearing a chain necklace. It's carrying a Schattenjäger (trans: Shadow Hunter) talisman, roughly hand-sized. The gold talisman a family heirloom given to him by his Uncle Wolfgang as he lay disfigured and dying of a Voodoo curse. His black leather trench coat blends into the foliage. CHARMING ECHOED VOICE (V.O.) This is a waste of time. What are you doing with your life? This isn't heroism. It's fantasy. GABRIEL (looks up) Shut up. CHARMING ECHOED VOICE (V.O.) There's nothing here. Gabriel notices that the Schattenjäger talisman is glowing, then clutches it and tucks it back under his shirt. Then, a shadow in the woods seemingly alive, with long pointed fingernails and a dark flowing robe. A hooded creature. And as soon as Gabriel notices it, it moves quickly out of sight. GABRIEL (whispering) What the hell was that? He takes out his large ornate dagger, archaic inscriptions carved into its blade. Gabriel sees the hooded creature reemerge under his window. GABRIEL (faint whisper) That's my room.. He cautiously moves closer to the cabin. CONTINUOUS: 5. INT. GABRIEL'S ROOM - TOURNEY PENSION GUEST HOUSE The bed contains pillows wrapped tightly in a blanket, resembling a human fast asleep. A soft thumping sound breaks the silence in the dim bedroom. Clawed fingers and their gangling fingernails scratch at the room's window. CONTINUOUS: EXT. TOURNEY PENSION GUEST HOUSE The hooded creature suddenly recoils its arm from the window, making a hissing sound. GABRIEL (whispers) I'm not in the room. Does it sense that? What does it want? Leaning forword, Gabriel moves quickly and softly to the hooded creature's back, dagger at the ready. The hooded creature shrieks, slicing eardrums. It turns to Gabriel revealing two animalistic arms and a face (or no face) that disappears into nothingness. Gabriel takes a few steps back then watches it fleeing into the dark. GABRIEL Stop! Gabriel begins pursuit. He runs with all his might, evading trees and bushes, and then.. GABRIEL (heavy panting) Too much TV. He slows down.. yet continues his pursuit, clutching his glowing talisman. Gabriel then begins scanning the forest floor for clues. CHARMING ECHOED VOICE (V.O.) Eight parts pure bollocks and two parts imagination. You have no idea where that thing is. You lost it. FADE OUT/IN: 6. EXT. LONE COTTAGE - LATER (LATE NIGHT) A cottage deeper in the Wolfach Woods, with its small courtyard and stone-built fence. Two windows, one to each side of the doorway, one lit from within. GABRIEL (O.S.) (pant.. pant..) Gabriel stumbles into sight of this cabin, the moon lighting the way. He pauses to recuperate, cold air fogs out of his mouth. CHARMING ECHOED VOICE (V.O.) Eight parts pure bollocks and two parts imagination. You have no idea where that thing is. GABRIEL (eyes closed) Stop it! When he opens them again, he notices the light on from inside the cabin window. CONTINUOUS: EXT. LONE COTTAGE COURTYARD Gabriel opens the creaky wooden gate, then moves to the lit windowsill. CHARMING ECHOED VOICE (V.O.) It's called trespassing. Sneakily, he peers inside; a kitchen is lit by a small chandelier. A cupboard in back bursting with delicate cups and plates. A table in front, with an elderly Grey Haired Woman (Frau Schmidt) sitting, drinking tea. She sets her cup down, turns her head slowly, peers directly out the windowsill; into Gabriel's prying eyes outside. GABRIEL (ducks) Shit! Gabriel quickly moves to the front gate, hears the cabin door creak open behind him, winces and halts. GREY HAIRED WOMAN (FRAU SCHMIDT) Hallo? Wer ist da? (trans: Hello? Who is there?) GABRIEL (oozing with charm) Hi. Entschuldigung. (MORE) 7. GABRIEL (cont'd) (trans: Excuse me.) I didn't intend to bother you, but could I ask if you saw anyone go by here tonight? A figure in a cloak. GREY HAIRED WOMAN (FRAU SCHMIDT) Not that one again. Well, come inside. I was about to make some tea. CHARMING ECHOED VOICE (V.O.) A witness. Oh, goody. CUT TO: INT. KITCHEN - LONE COTTAGE Gabriel takes in the coziness of the well-lit cabin's wood-paneled interior. The Grey aired Woman prepares his drink. GREY HAIRED WOMAN (FRAU SCHMIDT) Have a seat; tea will be just a minute. I'm Frau Schmidt, by the way. GABRIEL My name's Gabriel. Gabriel Knight. This is kind of you. Sorry to barge in. I was followin' this cloaked figure through the woods. You've seen it? FRAU SCHMIDT Since I was a small child, it's not the only thing in these woods. An open flame stove heats a kettle of tea. GABRIEL I'd like to hear about it, Frau Schmidt. Do you know what it is? FRAU SCHMIDT Mmm. It has various names. It reaches boiling point and hisses sharply. FRAU SCHMIDT Black tea or herbal, Gabriel? I have mint. I grow my own. GABRIEL Black, please. Frau Schmidt grabs the tea from an upper shelf, sets out the cups. 8. FRAU SCHMIDT I've heard it called a Seelenfresser, an eater of souls. Also, a bat, a night wraith. Though it could also be a witch, I suppose. Here we go! She pours the kettle into Gabriel's cup. He sips, then notices her cringe as she slowly sits down. FRAU SCHMIDT It's my legs. They just won't let me rest at night. GABRIEL Sorry to hear that. About the.... Eater of Souls. Does it have a human form? Any idea who it might be? FRAU SCHMIDT I don't know. It might have a human form, but I honestly have no clue who it might be. I've never warmed to the butcher in Town, you know. Something about the eyes: but I'd expect Herr Steiner to be a ghoul if anything. (giggles) All that bloody meat. There's cream and sugar on the table. GABRIEL Uh.. thanks. Gabriel keeps one eye on Frau Schmidt as he flavors his tea. She takes a sip from her cup, shaking. CHARMING ECHOED VOICE (V.O.) God. Now you can't even have tea with a little old lady without getting suspicious. (beat) This job is making you nuts. GABRIEL (ignoring the voice) Tell me about the Soul Eater. What exactly does it do? Does it kill? FRAU SCHMIDT It drains energy. BEGIN VISION: DISSOLVE TO: 9. EXT. FOG ENSHROUDED FIELD - TWILIGHT OR DUSK The Soul Eater (Hooded Creature) drains a poor woman. It pulls her Soul out of her forehead with its hand and then grips her soulface tightly away in its claws. FRAU SCHMIDT (V.O.) Usually not fatal, but it can be, if the person is sick, old, or an infant. END VISION CUT BACK TO: INT. KITCHEN - LONE COTTAGE Gabriel is visibly shaken by the description. FRAU SCHMIDT Oh, don't worry about me. I have wards all around this house. My mother believed in the old ways, you see. Generations of my people lived in the black forest. We're used to the creatures here. GABRIEL That's amazing. I'd like to hear all about them. Anything you're willing to tell me. FRAU SCHMIDT And who exactly are you, young man? Most boys your age have no interest in anything that isn't on a computer. I've tried passing our knowledge on to my grandsons, but they think I'm senile. GABRIEL Have you ever heard of a Schattenjaeger? FRAU SCHMIDT Well. Haven't ever met one of those myself. Didn't think they still existed. GABRIEL (shivers at the thought) There aren't many. FRAU SCHMIDT In that case, I might be willing to share some of my stories. CONTINUOUS: 10. EXT. LONE COTTAGE From the cold woods outside, the cabin's lit window is seen, revealing the warm kitchen where Frau Schmidt and Gabriel sit at the table. GABRIEL (muffled) I would like that. FRAU SCHMIDT (muffled) Best wait for the light of day. It's risky to speak of these things in the dark. Words are powerful, you know. GABRIEL (muffled) All right. I can come back tomorrow. But about the.... Soul Eater. Have you seen it pass by here lately? There's been some trouble nearby. FRAU SCHMIDT (muffled) At the Schmidt Pension. Yes, I heard. It's unusual for a creature like that to haunt the same place. Usually, it spreads out its takings. No one notices an illness here and there. As they talk, the Soul Eater shakily crawls through the small courtyard, up to the lit windowsill. FRAU SCHMIDT (muffled) Perhaps its movements are limited. It hunches over unnaturally, pelted suddenly with effervescent pink sparks, curling and wrapping tightly around its limbs. FRAU SCHMIDT (muffled) Could be it's wounded. Could be trapped by a binding spell.. The Soul Eater, in unspeakable torment. INT. LONE COTTAGE FRAU SCHMIDT (CONT'D) Could be old age. Gabriel takes a long sip from his tea. 11. GABRIEL I definitely need to come back and pick your brain. FRAU SCHMIDT Oh, some of us still know the old ways. Before you go, there is one thing I want to give you, for protection. Give me just a minute. Frau Schmidt gets up and goes to the back cupboard. GABRIEL I'm not in a hurry. CHARMING ECHOED VOICE (V.O.) Hey, maybe you can team up with the old gal. She has a few years left in her still. And it's not much fun being a hunter all by your lonesome, is it? Dangerous even. Gabriel, looking into his reflection in his tea, listening. CHARMING ECHOED VOICE (V.O.) You should travel in pairs, like socks. After all, at least with Frau Schmidt, you're unlikely to have sex with her and ruin your working relationship. BEGIN FLASHBACK: DISSOLVE TO: INT. HOTEL ROOM - FRANCE - DUSK Gabriel and a pretty Dark Haired Woman (Grace Nakimura) barely clothed and kissing passionately in bed. They become intensely entwined. END FLASHBACK CUT BACK TO: INT. LONE COTTAGE Gabriel has a short coughing fit at the table. GABRIEL (whispering) Christ, what's wrong with me. He then puts his hand up to his face, trying to block his memories. BEGIN FLASHBACK CUT TO: 12. EXT. STREET CELEBRATION - NEW ORLEANS - DUSK Now a large crowd of people, large colorful beads around their necks, drinking and having fun at night. Many of them are very lovely women, all looking this way, saying hello and giving their names. CUT TO: INT. NOPD (NEW ORLEANS POLICE DEPARTMENT) - DAY In a bustling precinct, a man in a white short-sleeved shirt and tie (Detective Mosely) speaks to a group of officers, oozing with charm. CUT TO: INT. ST. GEORGE'S BOOKS - NEW ORLEANS - DAY The same dark-haired woman from the lovemaking session, this time clothed and glasses on, sitting in front of a brick wall with a framed picture of a serpent. She's at her desk, deeply engrossed in a book. FRAU SCHMIDT (V.O.) I've found it! END FLASHBACK DISSOLVE TO: INT. LONE COTTAGE - MOMENTS LATER (MIDNIGHT) Frau Schmidt hobbles towards Gabriel, carrying a tiny chest. FRAU SCHMIDT I bet you haven't seen one of these before. GABRIEL What is it? She opens it, revealing a single Black Glove resting in the white cloth lining. FRAU SCHMIDT The story goes that this glove belonged to a Sorcerer. It's said that the wearer is able to touch the insubstantial - like a Ghost or a Soul Eater or Night Wraith. Borrow it until you've found this creature. I'd hate to see you hurt. Gabriel cautiously takes the glove from the case. GABRIEL Umm.... 13. FRAU SCHMIDT At least try it on, dear boy. See if it fits. CHARMING ECHOED VOICE (V.O.) Looks harmless. Powerless, some old discarded thing.. (a beat) like you. Defying the voice, Gabriel quickly slips the black glove over his left hand. GABRIEL (a sharp pain) OW! Removing the black glove just as quickly, Gabriel turns his hand over, then sees blood trickling from his index finger. FRAU SCHMIDT I'm so sorry, must be an old pin in there. Let me get you something for that. Frau Schmidt grabs a White Gauze from the cupboard and beings wrapping Gabriel's injured finger. FRAU SCHMIDT (seeing the gauze) Hmmm, blood on white. Hearing her words causes Gabriel to remember something. GABRIEL (faintly whispers) Magic, like life itself, is born in blood.. He then pulls his hand away and takes a step back. Frau Schmidt suddenly straightens her posture, almost like an athlete, then gives Gabriel a seriously unnerving smile. CUT TO BLACK: DISSOLVE TO: TITLE CARD DISSOLVE TO: CLOSE UP- INVITATION LETTER Below a family insignia consisting of an intersecting sword and ornate rod below a cross and a crown is an address and then the text itself: 14. James and Patricia Stewart, Prince and Princess of Albany Cypress Grove Manor 10 Rue de Cyprés Paris, France 33 1 555-578 Dear Mr. Knight. Please accept our invitation to a weekend at Cypress Grove Mansion for you and a companion. My wife and I would very much like to make your acquaintance. Our house secretary will be contacting you to make travel arrangements. CONTINUOUS: INT. ST. GEORGE'S BOOKS - NEW ORLEANS - EARLY AFTERNOON The sun, casting its southern warmth through Gabriel's bookstore window, on him, as he kneels at a shelf organizing some dusty volumes. Grace (Dark Haired Woman), half-Japanese half-American, early 30's, cute librarian look, is sitting at the shop's desk, letter in hand. GRACE Wow, You've been invited to Paris! By Prince James of Albany! Gabriel stands up with a bit of interest. GABRIEL Lemme see. Grace hands him the letter. He reads it. GABRIEL Never heard of him. GRACE Let me look him up on SIDNEY. SIDNEY is the acronym for Grace's homemade 'Schattenjäger Information Database' software that she built herself. She accesses her computer. GRACE He's the current Stewart heir. You know-- the Kings of Scotland. Now they're in exile. GABRIEL How does she do it Ladies and Gentlemen? GRACE (a beat) So we're going, right? Gabriel stoops back to the floor. GABRIEL Uh.. no. 15. And continues organizing the store's Bookshelves. GRACE Why not? This is a chance to meet real, European society. GABRIEL That's exactly why not. Sa-nooze.. besides, I don't even know these people. GRACE Hmm, they must have heard there was a new Ritter scion.. GABRIEL I'm not a scion. GRACE ..and they'd want to meet you, of course. This is really exciting. You're like royalty. GABRIEL I'm not royalty. And neither is this guy if he's in exile. We're not going. GRACE (grabs phone) Kay. Whatever. (dials number) I'll just call this secretary guy-- see if I can get more info. Gabriel quickly stands back up again. GABRIEL Grace! Grace shushes him with her pointer finger. GRACE Just a second. CUT TO: EXT. CYPRESS GROVE MANOR - PARIS - TWILIGHT Grace enthusiastically bounces along an expensive cobblestone walkway. Momentarily, she's followed by Gabriel, irate, hands deep into his trench-coat pockets. They approach a grand entryway and meet Prince James, 40's, formal and well-groomed; with sharp goatee and mustache. Worry lines are on his face yet his voice sounds cheerful. 16. PRINCE JAMES (reaching out a hand) Mr. Knight, so good of you to accept our hospitality. GABRIEL Call me Gabriel. And, uh, this is Gracie. GRACE Grace. Nakimura. PRINCE JAMES Charmed. Gabriel grudgingly accepts his handshake. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. EDGE OF A LARGE FOREST - MORNING A group of Hunters with Rifles in hand get led by Prince James as he beckons to Gabriel, standing out like a sore thumb. GABRIEL No. Really. You all go. Gabriel gives them the "I'll pass" look. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. OUTDOOR FIELD - DAY The same men as before are at the local game-playing field, however, minus their rifles. They're on their horses wearing helmets. Prince James is on foot handing Gabriel the reigns to a wild stallion. PRINCE JAMES ..polo is most enjoyable, I assure you. The best sport on earth! No one will mind if you are not an expert horseman. The horse stops neighing for a moment as Gabriel gives him his "I utterly loath you" glare-- it then takes more than a few steps back. DISSOLVE TO: INT. DINING ROOM - MANOR - EVENING Back at Cypress Grove Manor the well-to-do have gathered around a full table of food. The shiny silverware reflects the active socialites; Alfred, Lord Edger, with a walrus mustache, his dangling pearl ear-ringed wife Lady Edger, sporting a pinto-sized hat. Then there's Prince James, completely in his element. Also there is Gabriel, somehow 17. having managed to find the most dimly lit (or unlit) spot at the table. ALFRED (mid-conversation) Novelist, is it? Would I know you? GABRIEL Um.. I seriously doubt it. LORD EDGER Have you read any of Mr. Knight's work, James? PRINCE JAMES I'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure. LORD EDGER Then how do you know someone like-- LADY EDGER Alfred. You know James and Pat find the occasional American amusing. It's one of those endearing quirks of theirs. GABRIEL Really? You'd never see that in America. LADY EDGER Never see what, Mr. Knight. GABRIEL (a beat) An Englishman being invited because they are amusing. Gabriel sips from his crystal glass, not for a moment breaking eye contact with her. DISSOLVE TO: INT. GUEST ROOM - MANOR - NIGHT Grace and Gabriel recline in their room after the days events. Grace, laying on a curvy couch; Gabriel, in a cozy chair with footrests, open Book in hand. GRACE You were right. We shouldn't have come. None of them have even heard of the Ritters. GABRIEL (mind elsewhere) Hey, this is a first edition of The Dubliners. Signed. Cool. 18. CONTINUOUS: EXT. HALLWAY - MANOR - NIGHT In the dark hallway, three figures ominously approach the guest room door. GRACE (O.S.) (muffled) Oh, now you don't want to talk about it. A key inserts into the their door's keyhole. GABRIEL (O.S.) (muffled) You called the fiddler. So dance. The fingers turn the key-- 'Click.' CONTINUOUS: INT. GUEST ROOM - MANOR - NIGHT Next to the closed door is a statue of a horse, mid-trot, bearing a man. The doorway suddenly opens. Gabriel faces it quickly, startled at the sight of the men in the shadows. PRINCE JAMES Miss Nakimura? Mister Knight? Hearing Prince James' voice, he's quickly relieved. PRINCE JAMES (CONT'D) Might we speak with you alone? FADE OUT/IN: INT. GUEST ROOM - MANOR - A BIT LATER (NIGHT) In the same room, Gabriel now on the couch with Grace; they're both leaning forward intently. Prince James, standing, faces them over a coffee table. PRINCE JAMES We're related to the Wittelsbach dynasty. The lost Wagner opera came to our attention and the peculiar focus of your family trade. Mesmi suggested I contact you. GABRIEL You need a Schattenjäger? PRINCE JAMES I'm afraid so. The Stewarts are a very old family. For a long time, we have been plagued by a kind of.. anemia.