INT. ROYAL CHAMBERS-MUTESA'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
A wide room with a large wooden bed. The walls are decorated with leopard skins, spears, and human skulls. Namusisi sits on the furthest end of the bed. Mutesa courts her.
MUTESA
Come over here.
Silence. Namusisi turns and faces the wall.
MUTESA (CONT'D)
I don't bite.
NAMUSISI
I have a husband, sir.
MUTESA
You don't plan to play stupid, do you?
Silence. He points at the skulls on the wall.
MUTESA (CONT'D)
Look at those fools...if they were to come back to life, they would have told you the truth.
He grabs Namusisi by the neck, and forces her to face him. She breaks out, SOBBING.
MUTESA (CONT'D)
What did you and Mugwanya do each night, huh?
(Beat)
Have you never seen a man's thing?
More CRYING from Namusisi. Mutesa grabs her, and lays her on the bed. A fight ensues.
INT. PRIME MINISTER'S CHAMBERS-NIGHT
Prime Minister stands, drinking beer from a copper vessel. He reaches for a jar, and adds more to his vessel. He drinks hastily. GULPING sound. He SIGHS, and slumps onto a chair. There is a KNOCK on the door.
PRIME MINISTER
Who is there?
NGONDWE
Ngondwe, sir.
Door CREAKS open. Ngondwe enters.
PRIME MINISTER
You should be at the gate.
NGONDWE
Sir, there are strange men outside the gate. The guards have arrested them, but they need instructions on what to do with them.
PRIME MINISTER
These strange men...
(Beat)
What do they look like?
NGONDWE
They don't speak our tongue. And one of them has skin that looks like that of a newborn baby. He also has a strange object.
PRIME MINISTER
What object?
NGONDWE
A one-eyed monster, sir.
PRIME MINISTER
Ummh.
EXT. ROYAL COURTYARD--MOMENTS LATER
The guards are dragging Stanley and his men off, when Prime Minister and Ngondwe arrive.
PRIME MINISTER
Wait!
GUARD ONE
Sir, these are dangerous men!
GUARD TWO
We found them with this.
He retrieves a rifle from the luggage and hands it to Prime Minister.
NGONDWE
Sir, that's the one-eyed monster I told you about!
LAUGHTER from Prime Minister. He feels the butt of the rifle, and aims at Stanley. Stanley tries to lift his arms up.
STANLEY
Sir, please...don't kill me! I am a prince!
PRIME MINISTER
What kind of prince moves around armed, except if he is a bandit?
INT. ROYAL COURTYARD-NIGHT--MOMENTS LATER
The Palace Guards untie Stanley and his men. Prime Minister shoves Stanley and his group into a secluded corner, which houses a sentinel's wooden post.
PRIME MINISTER
Stay right there!
(Beat)
Until the king decides what to do with you.
(Beat)
He addresses the guards.
PRIME MINISTER (CONT'D)
Don't allow in any more wanderers.
GUARD ONE AND GUARD TWO
Yes, sir!
They salute him and move off.
EXT. ROYAL CHAMBERS-CORRIDOR-NIGHT
A sound of WAILING is heard. Servants litter the corridor, speaking in hushed tones. There is a CREAKING of door hinges. Mutesa pushes Namusisi into the corridor.
MUTESA
Mukasa!
MUKASA
Yes, my lord.
He prostrates to the ground.
MUTESA
A delivery for Mukajanga. No reprieve!
Mukasa hesitates.
MUTESA (CONT'D)
Okay?
MUKASA
Yes, my lord.
Door BANGS, as Mutesa disappears. Prime Minister arrives as door CLOSES. He looks at Namusisi. Servants gather around, looking scared. Namusisi SOBS intermittently. Prime Minister KNOCKS on the door. Door opens. He enters.
SERVANT ONE
Does the king mean his word?
MUKASA
You heard him.
Mukasa and the servants grab Namusisi.
NAMUSISI
Leave me alone!
She fights and kicks. They drag her out.
INT. MUKAJANGA'S HOUSE-NIGHT
A sparsely decorated house, with dull mud walls. A few skulls hang on the walls. MUKAJANGA, 50s, Chief Executioner, is a fierce looking man. He sits on a low stool, before a slow fire. He is roasting some meat on the fire, which he washes down with sips of beer from a gourd. He occasionally LAUGHS, while SLAPPING his legs. He is tipsy.
MUKAJANGA
Ha-ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha!
He looks up at the walls, staring at the skulls.
MUKAJANGA (CONT'D)
Don't gawk at me!
(Beat)
All fools who mess with the king must pay.
He grabs a burning wood splinter and pokes one of the skulls.
MUKAJANGA (CONT'D)
Look at your ugly teeth. Ha-ha-ha!
Loud KNOCK on the door.
MUKAJANGA (CONT'D)
Who is that?
MUKASA
Mukasa, sir!
MUKAJANGA
What do you want?
MUKASA
A message from the king, sir.
Door CREAKS open, and Mukasa enters. Mukajanga looks at him fiercely, while MUNCHING the last piece of meat.
MUKASA
There is work for you, sir.
Mukajanga LAUGHS hysterically. He dances around the house.
INT. ROYAL CHAMBERS-MUTESA'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
PRIME MINISTER
My lord, I did not mean to come in here tonight, but then I had an important message.
(Beat)
The night brought in some strangers. Odd-looking men talking a different language.
MUTESA
If commoners no longer know their place, who cares about stray dogs that may look like men?
PRIME MINISTER
I saw Namusisi outside your door. I am sorry, sir.
Silence.
PRIME MINISTER (CONT'D)
Do you want me to take her for the queen mother's instruction?
MUTESA
My generosity is spurned. Do I have a choice?
PRIME MINISTER
So, she can start her lessons on royal etiquette in the morning?
Mutesa BANGS the panel of his bed.
PRIME MINISTER (CONT'D)
My lord, a commoner's wife can be molded into royalty...if given chance.
Mutesa SHOUTS.
MUTESA
Nobody spites the lion king! She must die!
PRIME MINISTER
You were offering her husband an army post.
MUTESA
I have no posts for fools, or time for female subjects who don't know their place!
PRIME MINISTER
My lord, your will shall be done.
He gets up.
MUTESA
Wait!
(Beat)
I want her head in here...
He points to the skulls on the wall.
MUTESA (CONT'D)
...with the rest of the fools.
Prime Minister bows, then leaves.
INT. PRIME MINISTER'S CHAMBERS-NIGHT
A KNOCK on the door. Princess NALUMANSI, 19, comes in. Two FEMALE SERVANTS accompany her.
PRIME MINISTER
Princess! What brings you here at such an odd hour?
Princess Nalumansi turns to her servants.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Leave us alone.
The Female Servants leave.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
I heard the news.
PRIME MINISTER
What news? The palace is full of strange things these days.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Namusisi.
PRIME MINISTER
It's too late.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
She is dead?
PRIME MINISTER
Your father has sanctioned her death. No reprieve.
Princess Nalumansi moves closer to Prime Minister.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
She is innocent.
PRIME MINISTER
Disobedience is taboo for your father. It would have been different, had her husband consented to the king's proposals.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Is he to die as well?
PRIME MINISTER
He is in Mabusu, enjoying the cold floor. He has a slight chance. A minute chance of survival, if he could be humble.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
What kind of humility deserves a human sacrifice?
Prime Minister moves further off, into a corner.
PRIME MINISTER (CONT'D)
Governance, security, honor. Those are a complex matters for a princess.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
This isn't about me. People are going to die!
PRIME MINISTER
If you had been a boy, your father would be proud. But unfortunately, critical matters of the monarchy require a man's mind.
(Beat)
And a man's decisions.
Princess Nalumansi glares at Prime Minister. She opens the door swiftly, then moves out. BANG! Door closes.
INT. PRINCE MWANGA'S CHAMBERS-NIGHT
Princess Nalumansi stands looking at Prince Mwanga, who lies in his hammock. He fondles his private parts, and swings from side to side.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Look at you!
Mwanga jolts, but keeps lying in the hammock.
PRINCE MWANGA
What do you want?
Princess Nalumansi moves closer to Prince Mwanga, and tugs at his arm.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Join me. Someone's life is in danger.
Prince Mwanga sits up.
PRINCE MWANGA
Has Bunyoro kingdom attacked? How come we don't hear war drums?
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
A Munyoro man's life is in danger. His wife is to die!
Prince Mwanga YAWNS.
PRINCE MWANGA
Who cares? Captured Banyoro are our subjects. They must pay, if they err.
He lies back in the hammock. Princess Nalumansi shakes him vigorously.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Don't be heartless! You could be the next king!
PRINCE MWANGA
A king does as tradition expects.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Killing people and taking their women?
PRINCE MWANGA
I don't need women. But I don't mind expanding my father's kingdom...when time comes.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
You wreck! I am ashamed of you!
She SLAPS Mwanga, then opens the door. Door BANGS.
EXT. MABUSU PRISON CELL-MOMENTS LATER
Princess Nalumansi talks to the Prison Guards
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
I want to see Mugwanya.
PRISON GUARD ONE
He is in seclusion. Nobody sees him.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
I have to see him.
PRISON GUARD TWO
Try tomorrow.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
You let me see Mugwanya, or I accuse you of treachery. First thing in the morning.
GUARD ONE
Who sent you after us?
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
My father. He wants Mugwanya as army chief.
The Prison Guards look at each other.
GUARD ONE
Okay. But if you faint while inside, don't invoke your father's wrath on us.
Guard One unhinges the prison gate. Door CREAKS open, and Nalumansi enters.
INT. MABUSU PRISON CELL-MUGWANYA'S ROOM-CONTINUOUS
Mugwanya lies on the floor, partly covered with a tattered blanket. His face looks pale, with sunken eyes. He weeps silently. SHUFFLING sound is heard. Mugwanya SCREAMS.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Peace, Mugwanya.
MUGWANYA
Who are you?
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Nalumansi. The king's daughter.
Mugwanya SCREAMS more.
MUGWANYA
I know who you are! You won't kill me, or touch my wife!
Princess Nalumansi moves closer. She touches Mugwanya on the cheek. Mugwanya jolts.
MUGWANYA (CONT'D)
Don't touch me!
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
I came to save you.
MUGWANYA
I can't be your father's subject!
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
He doesn't know I am here.
Mugwanya sits up. He looks at Princess Nalumansi closely.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Your wife will die, unless you accept.
MUGWANYA
I am a loyal subject of Omukama Kabalega. I am not a Muganda.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
You need to change...
(Beat)
PRINCESS NALUMANSI (CONT'D)
...pretend loyalty to the king, and your wife shall live.
MUGWANYA
Then die each night as he sleeps with her?
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
It won't be long before he loses interest in her. He will get other women. Then you will have her back. In stealth.
MUGWANYA
Despicable coward! He won't disgrace my manhood! I won't feed my wife to his lust!
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Think about what I said. You can even see the king tonight, when he is still thinking about you. After tonight, I can't guarantee your wife will live.
MUGWANYA
Leave me alone!
He turns to the wall and starts CRYING. The scene with Mutesa plays out in his mind.
MUTESA
Ohm. I would expect a field commander to have more sense than that!
MUGWANYA
We don't belong here!
MUTESA
You ran out of luck, and obviously no longer a favorite of the despicable Kabalega.
Chains appear and grip Mugwanya's hands. He SCREAMS.
EXT. EXECUTION FIELD-NIGHT
Mukajanga and SENKORE, 20s, the assistant executioner, tie Namusisi on the pole. She WAILS. Two other EXECUTIONERS stand ready, with sharp arrows poised. A few servants watch the scene from a distance. Ngondwe is among them.
NAMUSISI
Woo-wee! Please spare me...
Mukajanga LAUGHS hysterically.
MUKAJANGA
What kind of fool rejects royal manhood?
More LAUGHTER from the men. Mukajanga SHOUTS an order. SWOOSH! The arrows pierce Namusisi. Blood gushes out of her body.
EXT. EXECUTION FIELD-MOMENTS LATER
The Executioners are wrapping Namusisi's bloody body in sackcloth, when Prime Minister arrives.
PRIME MINISTER
Wait!
MUKAJANGA
Too late, sir.
PRIME MINISTER
Hammer legs wants a part of her.
MUKAJANGA
Is my lord the king alright? Everything is dead!
Mukajanga unwraps the sackcloth from the body. A bloody sight.
PRIME MINISTER
The lion of Buganda wants her head. Don't test his majesty's patience.
MUKAJANGA
Sir, my men and I know the rules.
A wide room with a large wooden bed. The walls are decorated with leopard skins, spears, and human skulls. Namusisi sits on the furthest end of the bed. Mutesa courts her.
MUTESA
Come over here.
Silence. Namusisi turns and faces the wall.
MUTESA (CONT'D)
I don't bite.
NAMUSISI
I have a husband, sir.
MUTESA
You don't plan to play stupid, do you?
Silence. He points at the skulls on the wall.
MUTESA (CONT'D)
Look at those fools...if they were to come back to life, they would have told you the truth.
He grabs Namusisi by the neck, and forces her to face him. She breaks out, SOBBING.
MUTESA (CONT'D)
What did you and Mugwanya do each night, huh?
(Beat)
Have you never seen a man's thing?
More CRYING from Namusisi. Mutesa grabs her, and lays her on the bed. A fight ensues.
INT. PRIME MINISTER'S CHAMBERS-NIGHT
Prime Minister stands, drinking beer from a copper vessel. He reaches for a jar, and adds more to his vessel. He drinks hastily. GULPING sound. He SIGHS, and slumps onto a chair. There is a KNOCK on the door.
PRIME MINISTER
Who is there?
NGONDWE
Ngondwe, sir.
Door CREAKS open. Ngondwe enters.
PRIME MINISTER
You should be at the gate.
NGONDWE
Sir, there are strange men outside the gate. The guards have arrested them, but they need instructions on what to do with them.
PRIME MINISTER
These strange men...
(Beat)
What do they look like?
NGONDWE
They don't speak our tongue. And one of them has skin that looks like that of a newborn baby. He also has a strange object.
PRIME MINISTER
What object?
NGONDWE
A one-eyed monster, sir.
PRIME MINISTER
Ummh.
EXT. ROYAL COURTYARD--MOMENTS LATER
The guards are dragging Stanley and his men off, when Prime Minister and Ngondwe arrive.
PRIME MINISTER
Wait!
GUARD ONE
Sir, these are dangerous men!
GUARD TWO
We found them with this.
He retrieves a rifle from the luggage and hands it to Prime Minister.
NGONDWE
Sir, that's the one-eyed monster I told you about!
LAUGHTER from Prime Minister. He feels the butt of the rifle, and aims at Stanley. Stanley tries to lift his arms up.
STANLEY
Sir, please...don't kill me! I am a prince!
PRIME MINISTER
What kind of prince moves around armed, except if he is a bandit?
INT. ROYAL COURTYARD-NIGHT--MOMENTS LATER
The Palace Guards untie Stanley and his men. Prime Minister shoves Stanley and his group into a secluded corner, which houses a sentinel's wooden post.
PRIME MINISTER
Stay right there!
(Beat)
Until the king decides what to do with you.
(Beat)
He addresses the guards.
PRIME MINISTER (CONT'D)
Don't allow in any more wanderers.
GUARD ONE AND GUARD TWO
Yes, sir!
They salute him and move off.
EXT. ROYAL CHAMBERS-CORRIDOR-NIGHT
A sound of WAILING is heard. Servants litter the corridor, speaking in hushed tones. There is a CREAKING of door hinges. Mutesa pushes Namusisi into the corridor.
MUTESA
Mukasa!
MUKASA
Yes, my lord.
He prostrates to the ground.
MUTESA
A delivery for Mukajanga. No reprieve!
Mukasa hesitates.
MUTESA (CONT'D)
Okay?
MUKASA
Yes, my lord.
Door BANGS, as Mutesa disappears. Prime Minister arrives as door CLOSES. He looks at Namusisi. Servants gather around, looking scared. Namusisi SOBS intermittently. Prime Minister KNOCKS on the door. Door opens. He enters.
SERVANT ONE
Does the king mean his word?
MUKASA
You heard him.
Mukasa and the servants grab Namusisi.
NAMUSISI
Leave me alone!
She fights and kicks. They drag her out.
INT. MUKAJANGA'S HOUSE-NIGHT
A sparsely decorated house, with dull mud walls. A few skulls hang on the walls. MUKAJANGA, 50s, Chief Executioner, is a fierce looking man. He sits on a low stool, before a slow fire. He is roasting some meat on the fire, which he washes down with sips of beer from a gourd. He occasionally LAUGHS, while SLAPPING his legs. He is tipsy.
MUKAJANGA
Ha-ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha!
He looks up at the walls, staring at the skulls.
MUKAJANGA (CONT'D)
Don't gawk at me!
(Beat)
All fools who mess with the king must pay.
He grabs a burning wood splinter and pokes one of the skulls.
MUKAJANGA (CONT'D)
Look at your ugly teeth. Ha-ha-ha!
Loud KNOCK on the door.
MUKAJANGA (CONT'D)
Who is that?
MUKASA
Mukasa, sir!
MUKAJANGA
What do you want?
MUKASA
A message from the king, sir.
Door CREAKS open, and Mukasa enters. Mukajanga looks at him fiercely, while MUNCHING the last piece of meat.
MUKASA
There is work for you, sir.
Mukajanga LAUGHS hysterically. He dances around the house.
INT. ROYAL CHAMBERS-MUTESA'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
PRIME MINISTER
My lord, I did not mean to come in here tonight, but then I had an important message.
(Beat)
The night brought in some strangers. Odd-looking men talking a different language.
MUTESA
If commoners no longer know their place, who cares about stray dogs that may look like men?
PRIME MINISTER
I saw Namusisi outside your door. I am sorry, sir.
Silence.
PRIME MINISTER (CONT'D)
Do you want me to take her for the queen mother's instruction?
MUTESA
My generosity is spurned. Do I have a choice?
PRIME MINISTER
So, she can start her lessons on royal etiquette in the morning?
Mutesa BANGS the panel of his bed.
PRIME MINISTER (CONT'D)
My lord, a commoner's wife can be molded into royalty...if given chance.
Mutesa SHOUTS.
MUTESA
Nobody spites the lion king! She must die!
PRIME MINISTER
You were offering her husband an army post.
MUTESA
I have no posts for fools, or time for female subjects who don't know their place!
PRIME MINISTER
My lord, your will shall be done.
He gets up.
MUTESA
Wait!
(Beat)
I want her head in here...
He points to the skulls on the wall.
MUTESA (CONT'D)
...with the rest of the fools.
Prime Minister bows, then leaves.
INT. PRIME MINISTER'S CHAMBERS-NIGHT
A KNOCK on the door. Princess NALUMANSI, 19, comes in. Two FEMALE SERVANTS accompany her.
PRIME MINISTER
Princess! What brings you here at such an odd hour?
Princess Nalumansi turns to her servants.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Leave us alone.
The Female Servants leave.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
I heard the news.
PRIME MINISTER
What news? The palace is full of strange things these days.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Namusisi.
PRIME MINISTER
It's too late.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
She is dead?
PRIME MINISTER
Your father has sanctioned her death. No reprieve.
Princess Nalumansi moves closer to Prime Minister.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
She is innocent.
PRIME MINISTER
Disobedience is taboo for your father. It would have been different, had her husband consented to the king's proposals.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Is he to die as well?
PRIME MINISTER
He is in Mabusu, enjoying the cold floor. He has a slight chance. A minute chance of survival, if he could be humble.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
What kind of humility deserves a human sacrifice?
Prime Minister moves further off, into a corner.
PRIME MINISTER (CONT'D)
Governance, security, honor. Those are a complex matters for a princess.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
This isn't about me. People are going to die!
PRIME MINISTER
If you had been a boy, your father would be proud. But unfortunately, critical matters of the monarchy require a man's mind.
(Beat)
And a man's decisions.
Princess Nalumansi glares at Prime Minister. She opens the door swiftly, then moves out. BANG! Door closes.
INT. PRINCE MWANGA'S CHAMBERS-NIGHT
Princess Nalumansi stands looking at Prince Mwanga, who lies in his hammock. He fondles his private parts, and swings from side to side.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Look at you!
Mwanga jolts, but keeps lying in the hammock.
PRINCE MWANGA
What do you want?
Princess Nalumansi moves closer to Prince Mwanga, and tugs at his arm.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Join me. Someone's life is in danger.
Prince Mwanga sits up.
PRINCE MWANGA
Has Bunyoro kingdom attacked? How come we don't hear war drums?
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
A Munyoro man's life is in danger. His wife is to die!
Prince Mwanga YAWNS.
PRINCE MWANGA
Who cares? Captured Banyoro are our subjects. They must pay, if they err.
He lies back in the hammock. Princess Nalumansi shakes him vigorously.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Don't be heartless! You could be the next king!
PRINCE MWANGA
A king does as tradition expects.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Killing people and taking their women?
PRINCE MWANGA
I don't need women. But I don't mind expanding my father's kingdom...when time comes.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
You wreck! I am ashamed of you!
She SLAPS Mwanga, then opens the door. Door BANGS.
EXT. MABUSU PRISON CELL-MOMENTS LATER
Princess Nalumansi talks to the Prison Guards
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
I want to see Mugwanya.
PRISON GUARD ONE
He is in seclusion. Nobody sees him.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
I have to see him.
PRISON GUARD TWO
Try tomorrow.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
You let me see Mugwanya, or I accuse you of treachery. First thing in the morning.
GUARD ONE
Who sent you after us?
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
My father. He wants Mugwanya as army chief.
The Prison Guards look at each other.
GUARD ONE
Okay. But if you faint while inside, don't invoke your father's wrath on us.
Guard One unhinges the prison gate. Door CREAKS open, and Nalumansi enters.
INT. MABUSU PRISON CELL-MUGWANYA'S ROOM-CONTINUOUS
Mugwanya lies on the floor, partly covered with a tattered blanket. His face looks pale, with sunken eyes. He weeps silently. SHUFFLING sound is heard. Mugwanya SCREAMS.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Peace, Mugwanya.
MUGWANYA
Who are you?
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Nalumansi. The king's daughter.
Mugwanya SCREAMS more.
MUGWANYA
I know who you are! You won't kill me, or touch my wife!
Princess Nalumansi moves closer. She touches Mugwanya on the cheek. Mugwanya jolts.
MUGWANYA (CONT'D)
Don't touch me!
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
I came to save you.
MUGWANYA
I can't be your father's subject!
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
He doesn't know I am here.
Mugwanya sits up. He looks at Princess Nalumansi closely.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Your wife will die, unless you accept.
MUGWANYA
I am a loyal subject of Omukama Kabalega. I am not a Muganda.
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
You need to change...
(Beat)
PRINCESS NALUMANSI (CONT'D)
...pretend loyalty to the king, and your wife shall live.
MUGWANYA
Then die each night as he sleeps with her?
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
It won't be long before he loses interest in her. He will get other women. Then you will have her back. In stealth.
MUGWANYA
Despicable coward! He won't disgrace my manhood! I won't feed my wife to his lust!
PRINCESS NALUMANSI
Think about what I said. You can even see the king tonight, when he is still thinking about you. After tonight, I can't guarantee your wife will live.
MUGWANYA
Leave me alone!
He turns to the wall and starts CRYING. The scene with Mutesa plays out in his mind.
MUTESA
Ohm. I would expect a field commander to have more sense than that!
MUGWANYA
We don't belong here!
MUTESA
You ran out of luck, and obviously no longer a favorite of the despicable Kabalega.
Chains appear and grip Mugwanya's hands. He SCREAMS.
EXT. EXECUTION FIELD-NIGHT
Mukajanga and SENKORE, 20s, the assistant executioner, tie Namusisi on the pole. She WAILS. Two other EXECUTIONERS stand ready, with sharp arrows poised. A few servants watch the scene from a distance. Ngondwe is among them.
NAMUSISI
Woo-wee! Please spare me...
Mukajanga LAUGHS hysterically.
MUKAJANGA
What kind of fool rejects royal manhood?
More LAUGHTER from the men. Mukajanga SHOUTS an order. SWOOSH! The arrows pierce Namusisi. Blood gushes out of her body.
EXT. EXECUTION FIELD-MOMENTS LATER
The Executioners are wrapping Namusisi's bloody body in sackcloth, when Prime Minister arrives.
PRIME MINISTER
Wait!
MUKAJANGA
Too late, sir.
PRIME MINISTER
Hammer legs wants a part of her.
MUKAJANGA
Is my lord the king alright? Everything is dead!
Mukajanga unwraps the sackcloth from the body. A bloody sight.
PRIME MINISTER
The lion of Buganda wants her head. Don't test his majesty's patience.
MUKAJANGA
Sir, my men and I know the rules.
(Screenplay continues...)
Adapted from Bloodline South Sahara (Feature film Drama Inspired by historical events, 127 pages)
© Rosemary K., 2005-2008, All Rights Reserved.
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