wizard and warrior

SCENE 19 INT. BETHEL’S COTTAGE Shot of cottage interior. Tight shot of stairway. There are a number of lit candles since it is evening. A large black panther pelt with attached head faces the camera. Shot pans back and we see Justin coming down the stairs adjusting his clothing. Bethel is lying comfortably on a couch in the foreground of the shot, her leg arranged so her gown falls away from it seductively. JUSTIN I had a swell time, Serena. But, better be movin’ on down the road. Justin belts on his sash. BETHEL Oh. I’m disappointed. You’re going to go and leave me all alone? JUSTIN I’ll be back. Like a summer cold. Once you catch it, you can’t get rid of it. Bethel half rises on the couch and looks at him. BETHEL Justin? Have you ever considered taking a wife? JUSTIN You mean one of my own? BETHEL You know what I mean. JUSTIN Ah, let’s see. Thought of marriage did pass through my mind. One time. S’long time ago. I’d just won the Tri-Kingdom Drinkin’ Contest. Bethel sits up and smiles at Justin. BETHEL Would you consider it with someone really special? Justin moves over to Bethel and smiles, then kisses her. JUSTIN Good night, Serena. BETHEL I could make you very happy, Prince Greystone. Justin picks up his metal wristbands and puts them on. JUSTIN You already have, sugar. Now, adios. BETHEL Wait. Justin. Bethel moves in front of Justin, blocking his exit. JUSTIN

I really have to go. BETHEL Listen to me. My name is not Serena. It’s Bethel. JUSTIN Beth-el? The witch Bethel? BETHEL Yes. JUSTIN Son of a gun. I never dated a real witch before. I kinda like it. Justin grins at her. BETHEL Well, I was sent by Vector to seduce you. Bethel puts her arms around Justin’s neck. BETHEL (continuing) But, um, something happened to me. JUSTIN Was I here when it happened? BETHEL Um. When I kissed you I realized I couldn’t go through with it. JUSTIN No kiddin’? Justin and Bethel kiss again. BETHEL I think I’m in love with you, Justin. I don’t want you to leave me. Ever. JUSTIN Well, that’s gonna be a problem, darlin’. We come from different sides of the forest. BETHEL I’d give up everything for you. I’d even forsake my magic. JUSTIN This is all real interestin’ but there’s one thing wrong. BETHEL What? JUSTIN I don’t believe you for a second. Justin grabs Bethel’s waist and picks her up, swinging her to the side and out of his way. JUSTIN (continuing) So, if you’ll excuse me, I got a hot date with a deck of cards. Justin bows to Bethel briefly and moves towards the doorway. Bethel takes her monocle from her bodice and zaps Justin with it. A beam of purple light hits him, creating a purple glow around him. He stops, frozen in place, enchanted. SCENE 19a INT. BETHEL’S COTTAGE

Shot of Bethel crossing in front of Justin. He is frozen in place and is bewitched by the blast from her monocle. BETHEL OK, cutie. Here’s the deal. Tomorrow morning you’re gonna announce our engagement. A very short engagement. And if things go according to plan, you and I are gonna be King and Queen of Camarand before the new moon. You got it? JUSTIN Yes. Justin is obviously under her spell. He speaks slowly and without expression. BETHEL Good. Now, hit the road. Justin moves away from her and goes to the door. He exits.