The Gem of Paran | An Original Screenplay By @WendyyWolfe

Scene 27

EXT. TEMIRA'S ORCHARD - NIGHT

TZEFAN
(urgently)
Temira! Temira wake up!
(shaking Temira)
Te-mir-a! Wake up!

Temira is aroused from a deep sleep to find Tzefan and not
her shepherd staring down at her. She sits up in alarm,
disheveled from falling asleep under the apple tree and
looks around fearfully.

TEMIRA
What! What is it Tzefan! Has
something happened?!

She grabs his arm.

TZEFAN
(whispering
heatedly)
Yes! We have to get you out of
here Temira, your life is in
danger.

She looks at him apprehensively.

TEMIRA
Tzefan, your carrying this too
far...

TZEFAN
(pleading)
No, Temira you have to believe me,
there's not much time.

From the damp foggy shadows of night, a man materializes from
the swirling mists. His familiar voice chills Tzefan to the
bone.

JEHDEIAH
Time for what, Tzefan?

Both Temira and Tzefan turn to find Jehdeiah looming over
them. Tzefan pulls Temira to her feet and confronts him.

TZEFAN
This is all your doings! Tell her
the truth Jehdeiah!

JEHDEIAH
The truth about what, Tzefan? That
you have a very vivid imagination?

TZEFAN
No, you liar! That you have
purchased her from Raveed! Tell
her!

JEHDEIAH
I will tell her no such thing, as
no such thing has happened. Come
on Tzefan, it is time to stop the
game playing. If you leave
quietly I won't take action
against you for slandering my good
name.

TZEFAN
(gritting teeth)
YOUR good name?! You are a
slithering snake Jehdeiah, and we
all, know his name.
(Tzefan grinds out
through grit
teeth)

Temira covers her mouth with her hand as Tzefan leaps for
Jehdeiah's throat. He struggles to bring him down. Jehdeiah
slams Tzefan to the ground.

Temira SCREAMS at the violent attack.

JEHDEIAH
(gasping angrily)
Don't you know I have the power to
have you put to death!

From the surrounding shadows three men materialize and join
Jehdeiah. Temira swallows back another frightened scream,
but then realizes they are the night watchmen. She runs to
them, grateful for the protection.

TEMIRA
Thank goodness you are here! We
were just sitting here...

JEHDEIAH
(quickly
interrupting)
This man came out of the darkness
and attacked my wife and myself.
(POINTS at Tzefan)

Temira stares at Jehdeiah in utter horror.

TEMIRA
Wife?! I am not his wife! No! He
is lying! It's not how it looks!

Temira tries to run but one of the night watchmen grab her.
She struggles against him tearing her cloak as the other two
pick Tzefan up from the ground. Jehdeiah takes Temira,
covering her mouth.

JEHDEIAH
Calm down my love, these
gentlemen will take care of
everything now. You've been
frightened is all, just calm down.

The night watchmen drag Tzefan away and Temira begins to
fight Jehdeiah. He strengthens his hold on her.

JEHDEIAH
Calm down or I shall be forced to
discipline you. Now, be a good
girl and I will let you go. Cross
me, and your brothers will pay
dearly for the mistake, Temira.

She goes limp in his grasp and he releases her. She backs
away from him in disgust, standing legs akimbo, arms crossed
over her chest defiantly. She is ready for flight.

JEHDEIAH
Now we can make this easy, or it
can be difficult. Either way, you
will be given seven days to
prepare to become my bride. The
choice is yours. You can do it in
honor or in shame. It matters
little to me.

TEMIRA
(with disgust)
I will never be your bride.

JEHDEIAH
Oh, but you will. If you want to
see your precious Tzefan live one
more day.

She decides to run but he grabs her arm and jerks her back.

JEHDEIAH
I mean it.

Temira wrenches herself free with a hateful scream and runs
into the night.