The Gem of Paran | An Original Screenplay By @WendyyWolfe

Scene 14

INT. THE KING'S PRIVATE CHAMBER - DAY

In the chamber of the King's palace, the King, and his son

retire for the evening to talk about the day's events but
Solomon is restless and paces the floor relentlessly.

KING DAVID
What ails you, son? You should be
basking in glory and yet you seem
so far away.

SOLOMON
Of course, father I am, it's
just...

KING DAVID
Just what my son?

SOLOMON
(shrugging)
I don't know.

KING DAVID
(sighs)
I understand. It can be difficult,
at times overwhelming, the
responsibilities of a Nation...
(thoughtfully)
Perhaps you need a change of
scenery. A tour of the Kingdom.
To ease your mind. Relax. To...
review and admire what we've
built.

SOLOMON
Perhaps.

Solomon takes note of his father's increasing age.

SOLOMON
But who will oversee our affairs
here, if not me?

KING DAVID
Have I not thousands at my
disposal?

David claps his hand and several girls, concubines, enter
the room. He barks orders and they rush to do his bidding.

INT. SERVANT QUARTERS - NIGHT

A travelling party is happily arranged for Solomon.

BEGIN TRAVEL PARTY MONTAGE (INSTRUMENTAL M.O. FIFTEEN TONS)

THE KITCHENS.

Women house servants packing food, drink and various
supplies for the trip, dancing to the music as they put it
all together in cases and animal skin bags.

THE STABLES.

Male stable men leading horses around as they saddle and
attach harnesses, dancing in a mechanical form to the music.

THE WAGON SHEDS.

Men and women servants bringing the supply wagons and
palanquin out into the commons dancing in an Egyptian form to
the music as they wash and shine the royal carriage and load
the wagons with supplies.

WEAPONS ARMORY.

Male soldiers dance hip hop to the music as they dress in
uniform and shine their swords and different weapons.

END TRAVEL PARTY MONTAGE.

INT. SOLOMONS QUARTERS - NIGHT

In the pre-dawn hush, Solomon quietly dismisses his room
servant and having made up his mind, silently dresses in the
most common clothing he can find, and a scarf to cover his
face. He slips through the corridors of the palace
unnoticed. Sneaking a horse from the stable, he leaves
through a camel gate in the wall.

EXT. THE COMMONS - DAY

The servants and soldiers have gathered in the morning at
the commons to wait for Solomon, but he doesn't show up
having slipped out and left on his own. Though deeply
concerned the servants decide to keep this information from
the King, not wanting to worry him until they have all the
details.

EXT. THE COUNTRYSIDE - DAY

By horseback, disguised as a shepherd, Solomon rides,
travelling down into the far country. The fresh air begins
to relax him, and before long, he is smiling.

Along the way
he meets up with a small caravan. He joins them. They are
a strange crew, but Solomon decides not to ask any
questions. He just wants to be common, like everyone else.

As they ride on into the night Ahmed, the leader of the

foursome, tells Solomon the story about his son. He
introduces Sameh, and Solomon listens with grave compassion.
Solomon spends the night with them also meeting Azhara and
Shabouh. The party shares food with Solomon and in the
morning they bade each other farewell.

SOLOMON
If you do not find this amazing
son I hope he comes to his senses
and returns home.

AHMED
As do we, my friend. Perhaps you
might meet up with him in your
travels.

SOLOMON
Perhaps...I just might. What is
his name?

AHMED
(with fatherly
pride)
Tzefan-Yah!

SOLOMON
(riding off)
If I meet up with this Tzefan-Yah
I will send him back to you!

AHMED
(speaking louder)
Thank you! May you also reach
your destination without mishap!
(now shouting)
And lord! I don't know your name,
but tell him...tell him his father
loves him!!

SAMEH
(shouting)
We all love him!

Solomon waves as he rides off, and a strange feeling settles
deep in his bones as those final words land in his heart.