(Dafar - Sultan's palace)

Prince Veedon: I sense treachery, you highness. This girl, Dara, is part of a large rebel group. The kingdom of Quanta is seething with unrest. They're threatening mine my very own in Kepolo. With all due respect, sire, it was a mistake to create two sister kingdoms when one larger one under a strong ruler would -

Sultan: Yes, yes... But I know this girl. The late Prince trusted her. I find it difficult to believe that she is responsible.

(The crew is walking through a field)

Sinbad: Whoa... Night is almost here. Let's make camp. (turns to Doubar) Release her manacles.

Dara: Aren't you afraid I'll run off?

Sinbad: There's nowhere to run...

(Dafar - Sultan's palace)

Prince Veedon: I served you well in war as your general, did I not, sire? Then permit me to march into Quanta and stamp out this rebellion before it spreads.

Sultan: I know that what you say makes sense, Veedon. But, I will talk to this girl first. And if she is guilty, like you say, then maybe she can be persuaded to give us the names of the other rebels.

Prince Veedon: Yes, but sire!

Sultan: I may be growing old, Veedon, but I am not growing soft! Remember, I led my generals into battle. Now, if this girl has any information, I will get it from her by whatever means necessary. So, we will wait for Sinbad and then decide if we are to have a formal trial.

Prince Veedon: As you wish, sire. (bows and walks away. He whispers to his aide) Tarsis had better be sure that the girl and Sinbad never arrive.

Aide: (chuckles) I wouldn't worry about it, my Prince. He's taking them into the Dead Zone.

(Night time - the crew is gathered around a firecamp. Dara stands up and walks away. Sinbad walks over to her.)

Dara: I'm not trying to escape.

Sinbad: Didn't think you were.

Dara: So what now, questions? You want all the lurid details?

Sinbad: What is your problem?

Dara: YOU'RE my problem. you're taking me to my death.

Sinbad: Not if you're innocent.

Dara (in a sarcastic tone): Do you really think I'll get a fair trial?

Sinbad: It won't kill you to trust somebody.

Dara: It might. It might wind up killing you too - all of you.

Sinbad: I need a little more than that.

Dara: I didn't murder the Prince. He was a kind man - a friend. After my father's death, I found myself penniless. I became a bar maid - that's how the Prince met me. But it didn't matter to him. He liked me. He called me his diamond in the rough. My father was a merchant so I knew a few languages and a little math. The Prince sent me to tutors. When I returned, he let me advise him on his subjects. He trusted my judgement when it came to dealing with his people. He wanted them to be able to make wise decisions about their lives.

Sinbad: Sounds like a good man.

Dara: Too good - it cost him his life. The night he was killed, I was supposed to meet him. I got there early. And, I saw... Don't you see... he believed in me. He was the first person ever to believe in me and I watched him die. I couldn't save him.

Sinbad: We all believe in you. That's why we want to get you to Dafar, safe and sound. Ok? Now, the real killer...

Dara: It was so dark... I could hardly see.

(the ground begins to shake)

Firouz: Sinbad! Something's coming!

Sinbad (to Dara): Come on!

(ground shakes some more as they run back to the others)

Dara: What is it?

Doubar: Something big.

Firouz: And mean!

Sinbad: Follow me! (runs into the brush)

(They hear a crash)

Firouz: The wagon! (tries to run to it. Sinbad holds him back)

Sinbad: It's not worth it.

(A giant lizard passes by where they are hiding)

Sinbad: We'll be safe here.

Doubar: Aye. We've ridden out worse storms.

(Sinbad looks at him and he shrugs his shoulders)

(The next morning - Firouz is looking at the wagon)

Firouz: Everything's pulverized!

Doubar: It can all be replaced, Firouz.

Sinbad: The horses?

Bryn: They're ok.

Sinbad: Mount up. I want to be halfway to Dafar before that thing comes back.

Firouz: Excellent plan.

Sinbad: Yeah...

(Dafar - Sultan's palace)

Man: Sire! Sinbad and the prisoner have been spotted near the Dead Zone.

Sultan: What? But his ship is approaching from the South! Veedon! How can this be?

Veedon: It's as I feared, sire. I've had my suspicions about this Sinbad since the beginning. I believe he's in league with these assassins.

Sultan: No, no. His reputation is unblemished.

Veedon: Hear me out, sire. 's first allegiance is to the Caliph of Baghdad. If anything were to happen to you, and your empire were to collapse, the Caliph would simply walk in and pick up the pieces as his own. Without declaring a war.

Sultan: No - unlikely, Veedon. Still.. the Caliph is known for his intrigue. His empire did not just happen. There is some logic in your words, Veedon.

Veedon: Then permit me to send men to meet Sinbad and to bring him back to the palace under guard.

Sultan: Hm... if there is an explanation for his strange behavior, he could tell us himself. Alright. I will allow this - But Sahim, my own aide, will accompany your men.

Veedon: I'll see to it immediately, sire.

(Dermott flies overhead and lands on Bryn's arm. Sinbad rides up to her.)

Sinbad: What's up?

Bryn: Men on horseback, headed this way.

Sinbad: I'll ride ahead to meet them.

Doubar: It could be a trap.

Tarsis: Or, ah, it could be emissaries from the Sultan. We're not that far from the city.

Sinbad: There's only one way to find out.

(Sinbad rides off. After a moment, Rongar rides after him.)

(In a clearing. Sultan's men ride in as Sinbad arrives. He raises a hand in greeting. The men attack, killing the emissary. Rongar arrives and helps Sinbad. The men ride off with the emissary's body.)

Sinbad (to Rongar): Thanks. (mutters to himself) Just once, I'd like an easy day.

(Sinbad hops onto the back of Rongar's horse)

Sinbad: Let's go.

(Back with the others. They're all sitting on the rocks as Dermott flies back to Bryn.)

Bryn: The men headed back to the palace.

Doubar: This doesn't sound good. I'm beginning to believe her.

Sinbad: The night of the murder, is there anything more you can remember?

Dara: It was dark... The killer saw me. He came after me. I took a knife and plunged it into his left arm. He screamed... That voice... I couldn't see his face, but I'll never forget that voice! It sounded like a snake hissing.

Sinbad: Prince Veedon...

(Tarsis gets on his horse)

Sinbad: Tarsis!

(Doubar tries to stop him, gets shoved down. Sinbad helps him up.

Doubar: I'm alright. (watches Tarsis ride off) We've been set up.

Sinbad: Big time!

(Tarsis rides into a field and is killed by the giant lizard.)

(Sultan's Palace - Dafar. Veedon and his men enter dragging a body between them.)

Sultan: What is this treachery?

Veedon: Sinbad has butchered your aide, sire - and 4 of my men.

Sultan: I can't believe this!

Veedon: Here lies the proof, sire. (Pulls back the blanket)

Sultan: Sahim.

Veedon: Sire, a man bold enough to slay the messenger of the Sultan must be mad. He has but one goal. To kill you. To throw your empire into chaos and deliver it to his Caliph.

Sultan: But he must realize that we know his plan.

Veedon: Let me handle Sinbad and this murderous woman. Put me in command of your guards, sire!

Sultan: But you must act discreetly. He may have otoher assassins in the land. They must not be alerted.

Veedon: Leave the gates to the city open, they'll suspect nothing. When Sinbad shows his face in Dafar, we'll cut him down for the dog he is.

Sultan: But this must not seem political. He must be treated as a... no more than a common criminal. Yet... I find it hard to believe that Sinbad...

Veedon: It's the only way, sire. Order must be maintained, your rule must prevail.

Sultan: It shall be done. Kill Sinbad and the assassin.

(Sinbad and Dara are walking their horses)

Dara: Are they going to be safe in Dafar?

Sinbad: Veedon's never laid eyes on them. They'll pass as pilgrims. Plus, they can take care of themselves.

Dara: How are WE going to get to the palace?

Sinbad: Brains. Skill. Cunning... and a great deal of luck.

(Dafar - village square)

Soldier: Go to your homes! Orders of the Sultan!

Bryn: Here comes trouble.

Doubar: Maybe not. Firouz and Rongar should have bought everything we need by now.

Bryn: Do you think we'll get everything built in time?

Doubar: We don't have much of a choice.

Soldier: You two! Didn't you hear me?

Doubar: We were just on our way out of Dafar, good sir.

Bryn: We're waiting for our fellow travellers.

(The wagon arrives)

Firouz: We're here! The town's crawling with soldiers. We got everything we need. Let's get the heck outta here.

(Bryn and Doubar hop on the back of the wagon)

Firouz: Walk on, walk on.

Bryn: We'll be riding out now. Have a nice day.

(Soldiers march into town as the wagon leaves)

Aide: Still no sign of Sinbad, my Prince.

Veedon: He'll come. He has to come.

(Sultan looks unsure of his decision)

(Sinbad hammers shield onto the carriage)

Sinbad: Done. this should get us safely to the Sultan.

(He climbs down and Rongar hands him his sword)

Sinbad: thanks you. (turns to Dara) Now you remember to keep your head down.

Dara: And you remember to use yours. (enters the wagon)

Firouz: Ah, look. In order to steer it, you grab the reins and pull the...

Sinbad: I know, I know. (enters the wagon) Put her up.

(The wagon departs)

Doubar: We'll wait until the wagon reaches the outskirts of Dara before we follow.

Firouz: I saved a couple of exploding sticks in case the guards overwhelm them.

Bryn: Let's just hope we don't need 'em.

(Inside the wagon)

Dara: Just in case we don't make it, I want you to know that I AM grateful.

Sinbad: You're not much at rallying the troops, are you.

Dara: Rah, rah, rah.

Sinbad: That's better.

(Aide and Prince Veedon are watching for Sinbad)

Aide: There!

Veedon: Ah, good.

(wagon approaches the city)

Sinbad: Hold on.

Dara: To what?

Sinbad: Use your imagination. (She looks around and then puts her arms around him) I like the way you think...

(Wagon enters the city)

Sinbad: So far, so good.

(Wagon is attacked)

Sinbad: Just a little further...

(Wagon collapses at palace steps)

Sinbad: Ok. Let's go.

(opens the hatch to the wagon)

Sinbad: Coming out! We only want to talk.

Sultan: Hold! Bring Sinbad here alive! Let them pass!

(Sinbad and Dara climb the steps and stop in front of the Sultan)

Sinbad: Your highness. I brought your prisoner, as you requested. In spite of the treachery shown by the real killer.

Veedon: What are you waiting for?! Kill them! The assassins must die!

Sultan: No!

(Prince Veedon grabs a soldier's sword)

Veedon: They must die!

(Veedon and Sinbad fight. Veedon is brought to his knees)

Sinbad: Get up. Your majesty, no doubt Prince Veedon has told you that assassins prowl your kingdom.

Sultan: He has.

Sinbad: He's right. In fact, the killer of the Prince of Quanta now kneels before you. A killer that was stabbed by a friend of the Prince. Dara. Who, after seeing the Prince die, plunged a knife into the killer's arm. A wound that, no doubt hasn't had time to heal. (Sinbad rips open Veedon's sleeve, revealing a wound) A wound, that would be reopened during a duel.

Veedon: Sire..

Sultan: Guards! Him!

(Sinbad walks down the stairs. Dara pulls him into a kiss.)

Sinbad: I like the way you think...

Dara: Rah, rah, rah...

(Everyone laughs)

(On the Nomad. Sinbad sits on the hatchway, looking thoughtful. Bryn approaches him.)

Bryn: You're going to miss her, aren't you.

Sinbad: Yeah... she kinda grows on you.

Bryn: Well, she'll be able to go back and help HER people now. The Sultan's named her as his Chief Advisor in dealing with his subjects in both kingdoms.

Sinbad (laughs): Well, he's going to be in for quite a shock.

Bryn: How so?

Sinbad: Can you imagine 2 kingdoms worth of people with Dara's attitude? (they both laugh) Still... she was pretty...

Doubar: And smart

Sinbad: Oh... and the courage she showed...

Firouz: Oooh...

Bryn: Well, sure, but really - she didn't have much of a choice.

Sinbad: Well, I don't know. She could have run away at any time.

Firouz: But she didn't.

Doubar: Beauty AND brains.

Firouz: And every inch a lady.

(Rongar holds his hand to his heart)

Doubar: Oooh...

Sinbad (shakes his head and gets up): You don't find much of that in this world anymore.

(The guys slowly walk away. Bryn's annoyed)

Bryn: Well I don't see any of you killing yourselves looking!

(The guys try to hide their laughter. Bryn laughs)

Bryn: Very funny!

(The guys all laugh out loud. Dermott chitters)

Bryn: Not you too....

THE END