The Gem of Paran | An Original Screenplay By @WendyyWolfe

Scene 32

EXT. HILLS OF ISRAEL - DAY

After several days Temira ceased to ask everyone if they had
seen the shepherd, and after that, she stopped searching the
horizon for his presence altogether.

Japhet and Nuri stayed close at hand, but she would have
little to do with them, taking her goats to pasture by night
and sleeping most days. Micah watches her with growing
concern, speaking with her mother who had not left the sheep
camp since Tzefan had gone. The only thing neither of them
had done, was tell Temira who her shepherd really was.

MICAH
I thought you told me that
Bathsheba came to you. . . that
you discussed this, this
situation.

CHASYA
As well we did. We must wait.
Patience, Micah. There is nothing
more we can do.

MICAH
Do you trust her? To do all she
said?

CHASYA
I would trust her with my life,
Micah. We grew up in the same
village, together. She was older
than me, but we worked side by
side with our mothers until
Bathsheba married.

MICAH
Well, she is certainly taking her
own sweet time about this. Does
she not, realize, what it is doing
to Temira?

CHASYA
Temira is strong. She will rise
above it.

MICAH
I don't like the way you say that
Chasya. Not at all.

CHASYA
Because you have babied her too
much. No other reason.

Micah throws up his hands in mock defeat.

MICAH
You women are all alike.

INT. BATHSHEBA'S QUARTERS - DAY

Jonathon barges into Bathsheba's room unannounced as she and
Solomon, sit talking.

JONATHON
(shouting)
How DARE you have Jehdeiah thrown
into the gallows! Have you lost
your mind Bathsheba!

She calmly stands up and faces him with a stubborn tilt to
her chin. Jonathon suddenly realizes she is not alone but
with Solomon. He takes a step back.

BATHSHEBA
I believe, that Jehdeiah is the
one who has lost his senses. Now,
if you will excuse us, my son and
I have much to do.

JONATHON
(somewhat whining)
But the gallows? Please
Bathsheba, explain yourself.

BATHSHEBA
(resigning sigh)
Very well, Jonathon. As you well
know, Jehdeiah purchased for
himself a bride, and without
permission at that. I won't
stand for behavior that defies
protocol in this city.

JONATHON
You won't!? You are not in charge
here Bathsheba...

Solomon slowly stands up and steps forward.

SOLOMON
Of course, I won't have to remind
you, that you also, have no
authority here and therefore, no
charge to dispute.

JONATHON
Oh, but I shall dispute it. I most
certainly, gave Jehdeiah permission
to ask a family for the hand of
their daughter. I absolutely
have that right to answer.

BATHSHEBA
(quietly angry)
You have never had that authority.
You are a counselor to the King,
Jonathon, which means you must
bring all things before his
scrutiny.

JONATHON
Ah, but hasn't that been difficult
lately?

BATHSHEBA
(never missing a
beat)
As it should. This country is in
mourning, as is this family. You
should have responded as such to
Jehdeiah. He could have waited. I
shall deny his request because of
this, and other reasons, which I
(MORE)

BATHSHEBA (cont'd)
am at liberty to withhold at this
time.

Jonathon and Solomon stare silently at each other.

JONATHON
(quietly)
This is far from over.

Jonathon leaves the room.

Bathsheba turns to a servant standing mutely at the back of
the room.

BATHSHEBA
Have him followed.

He discreetly does as he is bid.