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NYAMASASE(LIGHT BRINGER)

SCRIPT BY

BENJAMIN NKOMO

[email protected] 774 885 215

“Copyright ©2014This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author”

CHARACTERS

Nyamasase (morning star/light bringer) - a mermaid in love with a human being.

Themba (trust) - a young drummer in love with a mermaid.

Tarwisa (retaliation) - a hunter, orator and agitator.

Ntokozo (joy) - queen of the mermaids.

Nothando (love) - mermaid court messenger, instructor and immediate sister of Nyamasase.

The Oracle – the voice of the powers that be.

Netsai (protest) – the previous dethroned queen of the mermaids.

Nomathemba (trust) - mermaid war commander.

Themba's father, Themba's mother, Nomathamsanqa (lucky), Nomuhle (beauty), Nakai (reform), Village elders, Old Man, Village crowd, Mermaids, and Narrator

1

FADE IN:

SCENE 1:

A slide show animation showing still drawings of the African landscape, villages, rivers; etc., as the NARRATOR narrates her story.

NARRATOR:Nyamasase was a young and beautiful mermaid who lived in the Zambezi River of Southern Africa.

Still of the Zambezi river, the Victoria falls, etc.

NARRATOR (CONT’D):She was raised by a circle of powerful mermaid sisters who controlled four major African villages who used the services of the river.

Stills of mermaids in water-pocket caves and the stereotype mermaid sitting on a rock, etc.

NARRATOR (CONT’D):The river was a great resource for the people.

Stills of African women walking balancing clay pots upon their heads.

NARRATOR (CONT’D):From it they fetched drinking water and water for cooking. The women did their laundry at the river, the men came with their canoes to fish, and the miners came to pan their gold.

Stills of human activities at the river.

NARRATOR (CONT’D):Here's how the mermaids came to power: they claimed the river as their own and declared war on anyone who would come to use this great resource without their consent.

Still of mermaids standing in the river with humans standing on the banks.

2

NARRATOR (CONT’D):It all started when they came for unsuspecting children; when they came for the water-fetchers, wary but desperate women; when they came for the fishermen, and they would drag them into the depths of the river - drowning them.

Stills of mermaids dragging people into the depths, the fishermen and the women on the banks.

NARRATOR (CONT’D):And so the mermaids came to be feared.

Still of a fierce mermaid warrior.

NARRATOR (CONT’D):The human beings then came to the river, all four villages with their representatives, and they called the mermaids out for a meeting.

Still of a group of humans at the river.

NARRATOR (CONT’D):At the meeting a truce was reached; the villagers would bring a goat for the mermaids every week and in turn, the mermaids would cease their attacks.

Still of humans presenting a goat to the ladies in the water.

NARRATOR (CONT’D):Then five representatives from the mermaids were chosen to visit the villages to inspect whether the villagers had sufficient herds to keep their end of the truce.

Still of five women in the river who are wearing short skirts and tops made from animal skins.

NARRATOR (CONT’D):This is where our story begins.

3

SCENE 2: EXT. THE RIVER - MORNING

(FLOWING RIVER)

Shona and Ndebele territories, 1825

Five women emerge from the bottom of the river and step out onto the banks. They are wearing short skirts and tops made from animal skins. Their dressing looks richer than the village women's garb. Accompanying them is the twelve year old NYAMASASE (light bringer). Before them is a thick forest. Young men and women come to greet them and they lead them towards the villages.

SCENE 3: EXT. FIRST VILLAGE - LATE NOON

(BACKGROUND CHATTER)

The African villages are rows and rows of thatched huts built from poles and mortar, kraals of cattle and goats, fowl runs, barns, and fields of barley and millet in the distance. The villages sit in the valleys surrounded by green hills. The inspection is now over and the mermaid representatives are thanking the villagers for their time. A young boy in the crowd, THEMBA (trust) who is fourteen years old, keeps looking at the young Nyamasase with interest. Nyamasase sees his curious stare and to her surprise, he smiles.As the mermaid sisters are returning to the river, Themba follows them from afar and Nyamasase is the only one who is aware of him.

SCENE 4: EXT. ROUTE TO THE RIVER - LATE NOON

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

The route to the river goes through a thick patch of woods. Nyamasase frees her hand from her sister, NOTHANDO (love), and she falls behind while her sisters continue. Themba sees that she waits for him so he hurries till he is standing before her.

NYAMASASE:

What is your name, human?

4

THEMBA: Themba. What is yours?

NYAMASASE: Nyamasase. Why are you following us?

THEMBA: I'm only following you.

NYAMASASE: Why? Don't you know who we are? Are you not afraid?

THEMBA: I am not. You fascinate me. You draw me in.

NYAMASASE: I might pull you into the depths if you persist.

THEMBA: Then perhaps you'd show me your world.

NYAMASASE: (scoffs)

No, silly. You are human; you'd drown.

THEMBA: You'll keep me from drowning.

(BEAT) I've heard stories.

NYAMASASE: And why would I do that?

THEMBA: Because you are all I see.

(NYAMASASE GASPS)

She cannot believe what she has just heard him say. Themba is looking at her as if he is studying some flower. But her sister Nothando is now approaching them.

NOTHANDO: (calling)

Nyamasase! This is not the time to be making friends.5

NYAMASASE: (surprised) Friends… (BEAT)

with a human being?

She considers and then moves closer to Themba.

NYAMASASE: Wait for me at the river tomorrow.

THEMBA: (with a smile) Absolutely.

Nyamasase runs after her sister who then takes her by the hand and they walk away.

SCENE 5: EXT. THE RIVER - SUNSET (CONT'D)

(FLOWING RIVER)

The other mermaid sisters are waiting for Nyamasase and Nothando in the river. The two get in the river. Then the mermaid sisters submerge themselves and disappear under the river.

SCENE 6: INT, CAVE HALL - DAY

(OCCASIONAL SPLASHING OF WATER AND ECHO. AMBIENT MUSIC)

Hundreds of mermaids are gathered inside a large dome shaped cave. Some sit on rocks with their fish tails, some are in the water which is in their shoulders, and some are just lying on rock platforms. The mermaids cover their breasts with shells, animal skins and fibre cloth.

NARRATOR:Ntokozo was the revered leader of the mermaids.

In this domed cave NTOKOZO (joy) sits on a raised platform overlooking the whole hall. Animal skins are laid out for her to sit on. She has beads and amulets, hair accessories, and rings… her accessories distinguish her because she is queen.

6

NARRATOR (CONT’D):She ruled with an iron hand and she was the one who had started the war with humans over control of the river.She accepted the truce on terms of the goat tributes because from goats they got leather and made stronger amulets and beads from bones and its meat was an exotic treat.

SCENE 7: EXT. RIVER - DAY

(FLOWING RIVER)

Themba is lying on a rock and looking at his reflection in the water. Nyamasase comes at his side to look into the water too and startles Themba. He looks at her - she is dry in a dress she wore the day before.

NYAMASASE: Hie.

THEMBA: Why aren't you in the water?

NYAMASASE: (ignoring him)

Come… let's go to that side where Nothando won't see us.

Themba gets up and follows her through some bushes.

(TWIGS BREAKING, LEAVES RUFFLING)

THEMBA: Who is Nothando?

They sit on a rock that juts into the river.

NYAMASASE: She is my keeper, and my teacher, and my closest sister.

THEMBA: Hmm... (BEAT)

So, what time did you get here?

7

NYAMASASE: I thought that I would frighten you if I came in my true form, so

I came out of the water earlier so I could dry myself up.

THEMBA: I'm not easily scared.

NYAMASASE: I will show you my form, eventually. In the meantime, tell me

your ways, human.

THEMBA: Would you also tell me your ways, mermaid?

NYAMASASE: I find you curious.

THEMBA: I find you mysterious.

(NYAMASASE CHUCKLES)

They place their feet in the water and start splashing it around.

(SPLASHING WATER)

NARRATOR:And this was the start of Nyamasase and Themba's friendship. Every day, from now on, this was their place of meeting, hidden from the women who came to do their laundry and fetch water, and hidden from men who came with their canoes.

SCENE 8: THEMBA’S HOMESTEAD – MORNING

Themba’s homestead has two standing huts, a kraal with five cattle, a fowl run, a barn, and a shed. THEMBA’S MOTHER, early forties, is sweeping the yard with a broom made from tightly

bound grass. THEMBA’S FATHER, late forties, is tightening a small drum for Themba who is standing before him expectantly. He beats it twice to test the sound then hands the drum to his son who is delighted.

THEMBA:Wow, thanks dad.

8

He turns and runs to his mother.

THEMBA:Mama look, I have a new drum.

THEMBA’S MOTHER:My, my… what ever am I going to do with two drummers in my home?

Themba starts running off.

THEMBA:I’m going to show my friend.

Themba’s father comes to stand with his mother and they chuckle as they see him go. He puts his arm around her and she rests in his embrace.

SCENE 9: EXT. RIVER - EARLY MORNING

(FLOWING RIVER)

Nyamasase sits on a rock and waits for Themba. Themba approaches with a drum under his arm.

NYAMASASE: (cheerfully)

What are you doing with that?

THEMBA: My father made it for me.

NYAMASASE: Can you play?

Themba smiles and sits down. He places the drum between his legs and starts to beat a rhythm out of the drum.(RHYTHMIC DRUMMING)

NYAMASASE: Bravo!

(CLAPS HANDS)

9

NYAMASASE:Can I teach you our songs?

THEMBA: I would love that.

But something steals their attention.

(A GOAT BLEATS)

Themba and Nyamasase come to look through the bush enclosure and they witness the first tribute being handed over to the mermaids. A human overseer has come with two men dragging the goat. Three mermaids accept the tribute.

(GOAT BLEATS)

The mermaids drag the goat into the depths.


(FLOWING RIVER)

One year later.

Nyamasase emerges from the water in her true form - with a silvery dark blue fish tail that was approximately three metres long. She sits on their rock and starts drying herself in the sun, pretentiously ignoring Themba who is seeing her like this for the first time.He stares amazed.

NYAMASASE: Satisfied?

Then she leaps and disappears into the river.

THEMBA: Wow!

10

SCENE 11: EXT. RIVER - MID NOON

(FLOWING RIVER)

Nyamasase comes out of the water and gives Themba a fish.

THEMBA: (complains) This small?

NYAMASASE: Did you bring what you promised?

She sits on a rock.

THEMBA: You cheat.

Themba unfolds a cloth to reveal a loaf of fire baked bread. He hands it to her. She accepts and takes a bite.

NYAMASASE: (chewing) It's good. (BEAT)

Let's eat together.

She breaks the bread in two and gives him the other half.

NYAMASASE: Nothando has been asking a lot of questions. She wants to know

where I go and who I meet. Boy, she has no idea that I meet with a human.

THEMBA: What if she were to follow you and discover your secret and ban

our meetings?

NYAMASASE: (PAUSE)

We'll just have to find a different place then.

Themba smiles and she sees.

11

NYAMASASE: Why, you thought I'd give you up that easily? Themba, you are my

friend and I like you.

THEMBA: If that is so then let's be friends forever.

NYAMASASE: Is that even possible when we can't even live forever?

THEMBA: We live forever. My father says when we die we just move on to a

next plane of existence.

NYAMASASE: So we'll just have to find each other on this next plane and

resume our friendship then.

(CHEWS ON THE BREAD LOUDLY)

THEMBA: Then let's lock this oath then.

(Holds out his little finger for her)

THEMBA(CONT’D): To 'eternal friendship'.

NYAMASASE: Eternal friendship it is.

Then the two lock their little fingers together.

SCENE 12: INT. CAVE HALL - MORNING

(AMBIENT ECHO)

Five years later.

Ntokozo lies on a bed of hides from goat skins in this domed cave hall that now serves as her palace. Hundred other mermaids lie on rocks and only the young mermaids are in the water, lined up to kiss Ntokozo's hand in sign of allegiance. It is a ceremony of sorts - this young team has just graduated from the mermaid adolescent stage.

12

Nyamasase is part of this group and she casts a mischievous glance at Nothando who lies at Ntokozo's left and she smiles.Nyamasase comes and kisses Ntokozo's hand.

NYAMASASE: Long live queen sister.

SCENE 13: EXT. THEMBA'S VILLAGE - DAY

While all is well in the water kingdom, this is not the case for the kingdom on land. A drought and famine has hit them for two years. The cattle herds are thinning, the crops burn in the sun, and the people are going hungry.Themba moves through his village with a drum under his arm. He has grown to be a strong and handsome young man and wherever he passes girls turn their heads.


(FLOWING RIVER)

Nyamasase is lying on her belly on the banks of her secret hide out with Themba; her fish tail stretches out to touch the water. Themba approaches and she looks at him.

NYAMASASE: (pretentiously angry with him)

Where have you been?

Themba sits down and sets his drum beside him.

THEMBA: (coolly)

I was delayed.

NYAMASASE: I was waiting for you for ages.

THEMBA: If you were that anxious you could have just come and look for me

in the village.

13

NYAMASASE: How would I know my way around when you never showed me?

THEMBA: I didn’t think you were interested.

NYAMASASE: Long gone are the days when I couldn't.

(BEAT) I can now.

THEMBA: (anxiously)

Did you pass the test?

NYAMASASE: (joyfully)

Yes!

They laugh and embrace.

THEMBA: Congratulations.

Themba releases her.

NYAMASASE: I'm now officially free from Nothando's hold.

THEMBA: Then you are free to disappear any where?

NYAMASASE: (sighs) Yes.

She sleeps on her back to look up at the summer sky. Themba joins her.(SILENCE)

NYAMASASE: That cloud looks like you.

Nyamasase points at a patch of clouds.

14

THEMBA: So I look like a patch of clouds to you?

NYAMASASE: (chuckles)

No...

THEMBA: Then what do I look like, really?

NYAMASASE: Of course like the human that you are.

(BEAT) Like a true friend.

THEMBA: A human? If I had your nature, would you see me differently?

NYAMASASE: What do you mean?

THEMBA: Nyamasase, I don't want to be just your friend any more. I want

to be something more to you.

NYAMASASE: Themba, what could be more than a true friend for people like us?

THEMBA: I have been thinking this ever since I saw you.

(BEAT) You are so beautiful and everything about you draws me in. I love you, not just as your friend, but it's deeper than that. You are

all I see.

He is now looking into her eyes and leaning on his elbow.

NYAMASASE: But how can our love grow past our friendship into what you mean?

We are so different.

15

THEMBA:Our difference only seems to fuel this fire and...

(BEAT) I want to kiss you.

(BEAT) Allow me.

He bends low and slowly reaches for her lips with his, and kisses her. She lets him, for a moment, and then she realises something and pulls away.

NYAMASASE: (startled)

But how can this be? You are human.

THEMBA: The heart cannot lie.

NYAMASASE: How dare you?

Nyamasase retreats into the water.

(WATER SPLASHING)

She stands with her tail with the water in her waist.

NYAMASASE: I am a princess... being of her higher order, human.

THEMBA: I am not deceived. What we feel for each other is real like you

and me.

Nyamasase looks down as she thought for a while.

NYAMASASE (V.O): (thinks to herself)

How did it come to be that I feel deeply for him too?

THEMBA: Come back to me.

Nyamasase looks at him. Then she dives into the depths and vanishes.

16

SCENE 15: INT. SMALL CAVE - DAY

(OCCASIONAL WATER DROPLETS AND THEIR ECHO)

Nothando sits on a rock in a corner of this small cave that serves as her abode. She is holding and looking into a mirror polished from a thin tablet crystal. Nyamasase emerges into this air pocket from the depths. She is in a hurry.

NYAMASASE: (calling) Nothando!

NOTHANDO: (undisturbed) What is it?

NYAMASASE: Where do I get answers for the deeper questions I have?

NOTHANDO: Depends. (BEAT)

What sort of questions?

NYAMASASE: Questions like: Is it normal for a mermaid to feel deep love for

a human?

(NOTHANDO'S MIRROR DROPS AND BREAKS)

NOTHANDO: (fearfully)

What did you say?

NYAMASASE: (withdrawing voice)

Can mermaids fall in love with human beings?

Nothando dives into the water and hurries to cover Nyamasase's mouth.

NOTHANDO: Hold your tongue, child. Do you want Ntokozo to kill you?

17

Nyamasase frees her mouth

NYAMASASE: Why?

NOTHANDO: We don't really talk about it.

NYAMASASE:Tell me.

NOTHANDO:There's a prophecy from the Oracle concerning a mermaid who will fall in love with a human. Ntokozo had banished the Oracle to

Lobengula'shill because she didn't want anyone questioning her will.

Nyamasase listens intently.

NOTHANDO (CONT’D): It is said that this mermaid will overthrow Ntokozo as queen

sister and create an empire that will extend from the rivers and lakes to the lands and peoples of far away. People will adore

her. See? You cannot play with such talk. (PAUSE)

Now, who is this that is in love with a human?

NYAMASASE: (slowly)

But I have no ambition of ruling over anyone or of deposing Ntokozo as queen sister.

NOTHANDO:

So it is you then?

Nothando heads back for her corner.

(COMES OUT OF WATER)

She picks pieces of her broken mirror.

(A LIGHT CLINKING)

NYAMASASE: Is what I feel normal?

18

NOTHANDO: You must never tell anyone or your life will be in danger.

(BEAT) What you feel pervades all space and time. What you feel is

divine. You must embrace it. Go see the Oracle for answers. I'm sure she'll be expecting you. She still resides in Lobengula's

hill.

NYAMASASE: Thank you, sister.

Nyamasase dives again.

(WATER SPLASHES)

SCENE 16: EXT. THEMBA'S VILLAGE - DAY

(DRUMBEAT AMBIENCE)

Themba is looking at three people from the next village who lead a goat towards the river.TARWISA (retaliation), a master hunter in his late thirties, is also looking at these people. Six young men are standing with him. Tarwisa nods to them and they run towards the river.

SCENE 17: INT. THE ORACLE'S CAVE - DAY

(AMBIENT ECHO)

THE ORACLE is an old mermaid with white flowing hair and an

infinitely long brown fish tail that winds around rocks and disappears in the water. Her cave is averagely large with enough living space. She is roasting a fish over a fire.

(FIRE CACKLING)

Nyamasase emerges into this dimly lit domed interior of rock that contains a bluish glow of light in the background.

THE ORACLE: You are late.

Nyamasase is awed by what she sees, awed by the Oracle's long fish tail.

19

THE ORACLE: Are you going to keep staring or you are going to join me?

Nyamasase gets out of the water.

NYAMASASE:You knew I was coming?

THE ORACLE: I knew you before you were born and I gave you your name,

Nyamasase - light bringer.

NYAMASASE: Yes, that is my name, but who are you?

THE ORACLE: Are you sure you would understand? Some call me the voice of the powers that be. Some call me the great mother – yes, mother I am

for I am as old as the earth herself. (BEAT)

Eat, the fish goes cold.

Nyamasase accepts the fish and takes a bite.

(CHEWING)

THE ORACLE: I know why you are here. You have fallen in love and it’s right

that you seek counsel from the wise.

NYAMASASE:

Is it normal what I feel for this person?

THE ORACLE: Even though you know you are higher, you’ll lower yourself to be

on equal footing with him?

NYAMASASE: (chewing)

Love does not consider such things.

THE ORACLE: And right you are. Here’s your answer: what you feel is not

normal. It’s extraordinary. It shines a light into a dark world like the morning star that you are.

20

NYAMASASE: Nothando speaks of a prophecy...

(PAUSE)

THE ORACLE: (sounding fascinated)

Yes?

NYAMASASE: It’s not my ambition to seize power.

THE ORACLE: Don’t you know that love is law? One who has love has law and has

to rule all. (softly)

But don’t worry. All will become clear with time.

(SILENCE)

Nyamasase continues eating the fish.

(MORE CHEWING)

THE ORACLE: If you love him so then you must protect him.

NYAMASASE: Protect him from what?

THE ORACLE: You must not let him die. Save him no matter what. Do you

understand, Nyamasase?

NYAMASASE: Will someone try to harm him?

THE ORACLE: Will you let harm come upon your soulmate?

NYAMASASE:(gasp)

He is my soulmate?

THE ORACLE: Does that please you, knowing it?

21

Nyamasase smiles and nods.

THE ORACLE: If he dies then you’ll never find love again. Such a life will be

purposeless and meaningless for you.

NYAMASASE: I will protect him with my life.

THE ORACLE: I accept your oath because it is made in love – and love never fails. You may go now. Just watch as things fall into your path

and help bring you to your destiny.

NYAMASASE: Thank you, great mother.

(PAUSE)You have helped me more than you realise.

Nyamasase crawls into the water.

(TAP IN WATER)

NYAMASASE: Thank you for the fish.

The Oracle laughs heartily.

THE ORACLE: Goodbye, Light bringer.

Nyamasase dives into the fathoms.

(A PLUNGE IN WATER)

SCENE 18: EXT. THE RIVER – DAY

(AMBIENCE OF FLOWING RIVER)

Three mermaids wait in the water as three men approach with a goat for them.

(TWIGS START BREAKING)

22

Tarwisa and a team of young men come out from the bushes to seize the goat. They convince the men from the village to turn back with their offering.Tarwisa looks at the mermaids and dares them. The mermaids then disappear into the water.

SCENE 19: EXT. FOREST – EVENING

(CRICKETING)

Fire torches are lit.

(FIRE BURNS)

A group of young men are gathered before Tarwisa. He is some kind of hero-mentor to them.

TARWISA: (loudly)

Our elders should have never agreed to such a truce that made them slaves to demons. It is your duty, the young and able, to protect your people and deliver them from all type of slavery!

NARRATOR: The group of young men was growing. They had heard Tarwisa’s

campaign and how he had started preserving their herds and they had heard it far.

TARWISA (CONT’D): If there’s to be war, then you must fight that war!

YOUNG MEN: (in one thundering voice)

YES!

The young men throw fists into the air.

TARWISA: If your people are to be attacked, then you must defend your

people.

YOUNG MEN: YES!

23

TARWISA: You must bring your people through this famine unto prosperity!

YOUNG MEN: YES!

SCENE 20: EXT. THE RIVER – MORNING


Themba gets to the river and is surprised to find Nyamasase all dressed up, hair combed and all dried up. She sees him and gets up.

NYAMASASE: Where have you been all this time?

THEMBA: I thought you were mad and weren’t going to show up.

NYAMASASE: I’m ready; take me into your village. I want to see your home.

Themba smiles. She comes to take his hand.

NYAMASASE (CONT’D): I want to see where you sleep and dream; I want to know your

chores; and I want to meet your family.

SCENE 21: EXT. THEMBA’S VILLAGE – MORNING

Themba and Nyamasase walk into the village with their hands locked. She is looking around like a tourist. People stop what they are doing to look at this beautiful girl whom they do not remember seeing and who has come with the son of the village drummer.Themba’s mother comes out of the hut to see her son holding the hand of a girl for the first time in her life. She smiles and comes to lead them both into the hut to quiz them.

24

SCENE 22: INT. CAVE HALL – MIDNOON

(AMBIENT ECHO)

The mermaids that were sent to collect the tribute stand empty handed before Ntokozo.

NTOKOZO: This is the fifth time.

(PAUSE) So they’ve decided to break their truce after all?

NOMATHEMBA (trust) who is sitting on Ntokozo’s right bows low.

NOMATHEMBA: What do you plan to do, queen sister?

NTOKOZO: We must send them a warning. Their rebellion wears on them

heavily.

NOMATHEMBA: Yes, queen sister.

Nomathemba dives into the water.

(A PLUNGE)

Nothando is troubled but she does not say anything.

SCENE 23: INT. HUT – MIDNOON

Themba and Nyamasase sit arm to arm on a bench facing Themba’s mother. There is an earthen pot over a small fire in the middle of the room for this was a kitchen. There are sealed clay pots in the corner and plates on a shelf.

THEMBA: I met Nyamasase six years ago when she and her sisters came out

of the river. I have been in love with her ever since.

MOTHER: My son... couldn’t you find a human being to fall in love with

amongst your people?

25

Nyamasase’s grip tightens around Themba’s.

MOTHER (CONT’D): But you have always been a strange boy.

(sighs) What will I tell people? What will I tell your father?

THEMBA: If there’ll be uproar, then you must not tell them the truth mother. We’ll fabricate a story about where she comes from.

MOTHER: Do you love her so?

THEMBA: (slowly)

I love her like my very soul.

MOTHER: What about you, Nyamasase? To risk the life of my son, do you

love him as he does you?

Nyamasase looks at Themba.

NYAMASASE: (slowly)

I love him for he is all I see, all I want to see, and all I

could ever see.

MOTHER: (satisfied)

Very well then, my daughter. Visit often and I’ll teach you the ways of my people.

NYAMASASE: Thank you, mother.

Nyamasase looks at Themba and they smile at one another.

26

SCENE 24: EXT. THE RIVER – SUNSET


A fisherman sits in a canoe in the middle of the river. He is fishing.

(FISHERMAN WHISTLING)

Nomathemba and two other mermaids come up, grab him, and pull him into the river.

(FISHERMAN’S SCREAM OF HORROR AND A PLUNGE INTO THE WATER)

SCENE 25: EXT. RIVER BANK – MORNING


Two women approach the river carrying earthen pots on their heads. They see the corpse of the dead fisherman on the banks.

(SCREAMS AND BREAKING EARTHEN POTS AS THEY FALL TO THE GROUND)

SCENE 26: EXT. RIVER BANK – LATE MORNING

(FLOWING RIVER, SCRUBBING OF CLOTHES)

A woman is washing clothes on a rock. She is so drawn into what she is doing that she does not see a mermaid come up from underwater who the grabs her and pulls her into the depths.

(A SCREAM OF PANIC PLUS A PLUNGE)

SCENE 27: EXT. RIVER BANK – DAY

(FLOWING RIVER)

Themba is on a rock and looking for Nyamasase in the water. She comes up and plants a kiss on his lips in one bound. Then she pulls him into the water to play.

(PLUNGING AND SPLASHING IN WATER)

27


Nyamasase rests with her back in Themba’s embrace as the two watch the river in silence.

THEMBA:I am thinking that maybe one of these days I’m going to have to take you away from your sisters and you’ll come and live as my

wife.

Nyamasase looks at him then she rises out of his arms.

THEMBA:Don’t tell me you never considered it?

NYAMASASE:But you haven’t seen all my forms. I fear some of them might

appear repulsive to you.

THEMBA:(mocks)

Why, because I’m a lowly human who lacks understanding?

NYAMASASE:(playfully)

Maybe… but humans fear this form. I do not ever want you to fear

me.

Themba comes close to her.

THEMBA:I thought I made it clear that I do not scare easily. Tempers may

flare, emotions may rise and fall, but my love for you will remain.

Nyamasase smiles.

NYAMASASE:Still, it’s not likely that you’ll see this form because I do not know how to assume it. Only the elders know the secrets involved. If you can’t do it on your own there’s a certain rare flower that

can aid you, but it has some really bad side effects.

THEMBA:(scoffs)

Aren’t all drugs? What is this form like?

28

NYAMASASE:I’ve only heard tales about it from Nothando. Tales about Ntokozo our queen sister… how she assumes the form of the Nyami-nyami, a serpent-like form, and how she defeated the previous queen. Only queens were taught this form to strengthen their royal power, so

how did a lowly mermaid learn it?

FADE IN TO NTOKOZO’S STORY AS NYAMASASE TELLS IT:

SCENE 29: INT. NETSAI’S CAVE HALL – DAY

The previous queen, NETSAI (protest), sits on the throne. Ladies in waiting are: Nothando, Nomathemba and Ntokozo.

NYAMASASE (V.O):Netsai, the previous queen, could assume the Nyami-nyami form at

will. Netsai rises and a light shines from her as she transforms. Her body becomes longer, her scales become a radiant white-silver, and she stands an enormous serpent, thrice larger than a python and swifter than a cheetah.

NYAMASASE (V.O (CONT’D)):She had been taught to draw upon the pure energy in her.

As the three look at her, she darts into every corner of the cave as fast as lightning and awes them.

NYAMASASE (V.O (CONT’D)):Ntokozo back then was just a lady in waiting together with

Nothando and Nomathemba. But Ntokozo coveted her queen’s position and power and would often follow her queen, undetected, to her

secret places.

Then she dives into the water and disappears, leaving behind everyone wet from the waters she has thrown back when she hit the water. Ntokozo sneaks away from the back.

SCENE 30: EXT. FOREST, RIVER BANK – NIGHT

(FULLMOON)

Ntokozo comes out of the water and hurries to hide in the shrubs. 29

Netsai, still a white serpent, is feeding upon blooming orange flowers in a secret bed.

NYAMASASE (V.O):Then one day, Ntokozo stumbled upon queen Netsai’s secret source

of power.

Netsai dives back into the water and leaves. Ntokozo stays behind to watch the flowers. Time passes as the moon follows it’s path across the night sky and Ntokozo falls asleep on her spot.

MORNING

The sun is rising. Ntokozo jerks up as she wakes. She looks at the flower bed but there are no blooming flowers she saw in the night, instead, it has transformed into a bed of green weeds.Ntokozo comes to inspect this phenomenon. She has just made a startling discovery.

NYAMASASE (V.O):

A certain flower held the properties that forced the Nyami-nyami form on any mermaid who would ingest it.

NIGHT

(FULLMOON)

Netsai stands over her flower bed but there is no single flower left – they all have been stolen – only the red earth remains. Netsai is so angry as to who would dare trifle with her.

SCENE 31: EXT. DEEP FOREST – NIGHT

(FULLMOON)

Ntokozo stands over a new bed with green weeds. She removes her shadow upon the bed and the moonlight touches the weeds. This is the trigger because the green weeds respond to the moonlight and flowers begin to blossom there and then.Ntokozo is delighted. She plucks one flower and begins to eat it.

30

NYAMASASE (V.O):But without proper training she couldn’t channel well the energy

that welled up inside her.

Ntokozo screams in pain and she falls down, trembling and jerking uncontrollably. Her eyes change and they become like serpent’s eyes. Then her body elongates as purple and black scales cover her as she becomes a large serpent.

NYAMASASE (V.O):The energy she drew the transformation upon wasn’t pure, so dark desires within her emerged to the surface, and she was no longer

the same from that day.

SCENE 32: INT. NETSAI’S CAVE HALL - NIGHT

Nothando, Nomathemba and Ntokozo are inside the cave hall alone laying out their plans for a power take-over.

NYAMASASE (V.O):

With Netsai growing weaker and weaker from losing her power boost, Ntokozo conspired with Nothando and Nomathemba to

overthrow Netsai. The date was set. During the next full moon they were going to challenge Netsai and if they were successful,

they were going to share power equally amongst themselves.


Ntokozo is eating plenty of flowers from her secret garden.

NYAMASASE (V.O):But there is a part that Ntokozo had left out from her friends.

SCENE 34: INT. NETSAI’S CAVE HALL – NIGHT

Netsai transforms into the white serpent and knocks her three ladies in waiting paces away for they have challenged her. Nothando and Nomathemba stay down but Ntokozo get up. She transforms into the dark serpent and awes everybody. Then the serpents rush at each other and fight.The foundations of the cave shake as the serpents knock into each other into the walls. Mermaids retreat as the cave begins to collapse.

31

NYAMASASE (V.O):With Ntokozo’s power boost, Netsai was no match. In a horrible

act, Ntokozo killed her queen sister.

SCENE 35: EXT. LAKE – DAWN

Mermaids are gathered on the banks of a lake in the valleys. Ntokozo emerges from the water in her mermaid form and looks around at her numerous sisters who are in awe that she had won. But not everyone is pleased.

NYAMASASE (V.O):Victory means you get the throne but murder…? The elders

challenged her but she exiled them and took the throne by force. And she would not share her power with Nothando and Nomathemba as

she had promised, but she gave them positions below her.

FADE IN:

SCENE 36: INT. NTOKOZO’S CAVE HALL – DAY

Ntokozo sits on the throne and among the mermaids who come to bow before her is Nothando and Nomathemba.

FADE OUT OF NTOKOZO’S STORY

(CONT’D)

Nyamasase is still next to Themba as she is telling him this story.

THEMBA:What happened to the flowers?

NYAMASASE:She still has them in a secret place. The Nyami-nyami form draws upon so much energy that you need the boost should you wish to

use it in battle.

THEMBA:(fascinated)

Wow, what a story.

Nyamasase draws closer to him.32

NYAMASASE:So, should you wish to marry me, we must get Ntokozo’s blessing.

Sweat forms on Themba’s forehead as he is now nervous.

THEMBA: You are kidding right?

NYAMASASE:She’s my queen sister, what do you think?

Themba looks down and begins to think.

Nyamasase embraces him.

NYAMASASE:I know she’s a scary person but I will never let anyone harm you.

Themba smiles.

THEMBA: I will protect you too.

SCENE 37: EXT. RIVER BANK – MORNING

(FLOWING RIVER)

The village people come to wrap up the body of a dead woman in a cloth and to carry her into the village.

SCENE 38: EXT. THEMBA’S HOMESTEAD – DAY

Girls of the village look enviously from afar as Nyamasase is being taught how to cook by Themba’s mother on the fire which they have set outside the kitchen.

(POTS BEATING, MEAT SIZZLES)

Themba is with his father under the shed who is telling him a few things about the drum which Themba is holding in his hands. Themba looks over at Nyamasase who also looks over at him and they exchange smiles.

33

SCENE 39:EXT. THE RIVER – MORNING

(FLOWING RIVER)

A group of women are doing the laundry at the river. All is peaceful.

(A SPLASH IN THE WATER FOLLOWED BY SCREAMING AND WOMEN SCAMPERING OUT OF THE WATER)

SCENE 40: EXT. RIVER BANK – LATE MORNING

(FLOWING RIVER)

Nyamasase is warming herself in the sun. Themba is studying her as he sits not far away.

THEMBA:

I wrote a poem for you.

NYAMASASE: Let’s hear it.

(A DRUMBEAT IN THE BACKGROUND)

THEMBA:(recites)

You are all I see, all I want to seeAll I could ever see.Your hair is flowing, like a stream from themountain of gold.Who brought me here? God, it must be God,to show me this sight,to keep me warm, to keep me awed.But this world is cold, I’ve been told I’m bold.Beautiful one, be my soul, be my all.For you are all I see, all I see.

SCENE 41: INT. CAVE HALL – DAY

(AMBIENT ECHO)

Mermaids wait upon Ntokozo. Ntokozo turns to Nomathemba.

34

NTOKOZO: Go again.

Nothando looks up in shock and she hurriedly bows.

NOTHANDO: (pleading)

Show mercy, queen sister.

Nomathemba stops to listen to Ntokozo.

NTOKOZO: Why, their rebellion mocks me?

NOTHANDO: Consider all they’ve done for you – their loyalty all these years

and perhaps you might soften your heart towards them.

NTOKOZO: (mocks loudly)

You plead for the humans?

(LAUGHTER FROM THE MERMAIDS)

NOTHANDO: Perhaps queen sister has not yet considered hearing the humans

out.

NTOKOZO: Perhaps. But the order still stands. One more victim then I’ll

seek to hear them out.

Ntokozo nods to Nomathemba who then dives.

(A PLUNGE INTO WATER)

Nothando is sad.

NTOKOZO: Tomorrow take two sisters and go to the village to hear why they

break my truce.

35

SCENE 42: EXT. MARKET SQUARE – DAY

(SHOUTING OF A CROWD)

There is uproar in the market square because the mermaids had started killing again. The elders stand in the market square before the villagers.A group of men arrive with Tarwisa and he stands before five elders. The elders have grey beards, bald heads and they wear garments.

(SILENCE)

ELDER 1: Is it true what the people are saying, that you stopped people

from offering the goat tribute.

TARWISA: Yes, it is true.

ELDER 1: Then you are guilty for the deaths of three people. Arrest him.

The elder turns for the armed guard but it does not move.

ELDER 1: Didn’t you hear me? I said arrest him and bring him for trial.

What the elder was not aware of was that Tarwisa had recruited this batch of men also.Tarwisa looks around at the people.

TARWISA: (aloud)

You think I’m guilty for the deaths at the river, deaths that came about at the hands of the mermaids? You think I’m guilty of this horrible famine? Do you think I’m guilty for our thinning

herds of cattle and goats? No. I’m trying to save ourselves. The mermaids do not care about me and you or that we are going

hungry. No. They stay in the depths and demand our sacrifice. They will drain us even to our last drop. And how do they answer

our cries of pain and starvation? They drown our women.

CROWD: (weeping and roaring)

No!36

TARWISA: They pull our babes into the bottomless pits!

CROWD: No!

TARWISA: Who will take pity on us? Who will fight for us?

(PAUSE) Our elders? No! Instead, they’ll turn on their own people to side

with these... demons.

CROWD: Boo!!!

(other sounds of contempt)

TARWISA: But I, I will fight for you.

(A SHOUT OF JOY FROM THE CROWD)

TARWISA: My team, your brave young men, are fetching water for you right

now; water for your crops, water for your cattle.

The people are surprised.

SCENE 43: EXT. THE RIVER – DAY

(FLOWING RIVER – HEROIC MUSIC PLAYING)

An army of young men with life supports, ropes that tie one man to another, are in the river fetching water for the people.They pass bucket falls water back and forth from the river.

CROWD: (chants)

Tarwisa! Tarwisa! Tarwisa!

MALE CHANTER: (preceding for the crowd)

The lion of Rozvi!

37

CROWD: Tarwisa! Tarwisa! Tarwisa!

MALE CHANTER: Defender of our lands.


MALE CHANTER: Protector of our children.


Another team of young men stands with ready swords and clubs –

weapons of war.Nothando, accompanied by NOMUHLE (beauty) and NOMATHAMSANQA (lucky), emerges from the water.

(SILENCE)

Nothando sees there is no time to dry their clothes so she and her companions walk to the banks and they follow a path that the crowd opens for them.

CROWD: (begins to chant again)

Tarwisa! Tarwisa! Tarwisa!

They follow the mermaid sisters.

SCENE 44: EXT. MARKET SQUARE – DAY (CONT’D)

(CROWD IS CHANTING)

Nothando, Nomuhle and Nomathamsanqa stop before the elders who are arguing with Tarwisa.

(SILENCE)

Nothando recognises the elders so she steps forward.

38

NOTHANDO: (aloud)

I greet you all. I come with a message from our leader. She wants to know why you have stopped paying your tribute to her as you promised you would when you forged a truce with us. Don’t you

know this rebellion is a call out for war?

TARWISA: (laughs loudly then he speaks boldly)

For six years we have been sticking to a so-called truce that oppressed us. We have given the mermaids all we have... our

fortunes, our livelihood, our futures, our sweat, our blood, our children – they’ve taken all – our fishermen, our women; our

souls they have dragged to the bottom of the river.

(THE CROWD MOURNS)

TARWISA: (CONT’D)

Enough is enough. No more. No more! (BEAT)

I only have one message for you people. (PAUSE)

STONE THE DEMONS!

The elders shake their heads in horror.

TARWISA: (like a mad man) STONE THE DEMONS!!

The young men pick rocks and hurl them at the three sisters.

(CROWD ROARS)

The villagers pick rocks to execute vengeance upon Nothando, Nomuhle and Nomathamsanqa, the mermaid representatives.

SCENE 45: EXT. MOUNTAIN COUNTRY SIDE – DAY

(BIRDS CHIRPING, WIND AND LEAVES RUSTLING)

Nyamasase and Themba are lying on the green grass in the mountains. He has brought her here to show her around.

39

NYAMASASE: The sun is harsh than usual today.

Themba is just smiling as he lay on his side. He strokes her hair.

NYAMASASE: Did you hear what I said?

Themba kisses her. She smiles.

THEMBA: We are in the shade, how can you feel the harshness of the sun?

NYAMASASE: You are right. I guess its subtler energies bombarding me from

all sides because you make me super sensitive. (BEAT)

Can I tell you a secret?

THEMBA: Sure.

NYAMASASE: (whispers)

You are my soulmate.

THEMBA: (snorts)

You call that a secret?

NYAMASASE: I wonder, is six years enough to feel such an immense love for someone? Is my love mature enough? Will it be stronger for you

when I need it to be?

THEMBA: Who can know what’s in the heart but your soulmate?

NYAMASASE: Do you know what’s in my heart, Themba?

Themba takes her hand and places it on his heart.

40

THEMBA: Just as you know what is in mine. Feel it... hear it... trust

it... believe it... believe in it.


(FLOWING RIVER)

Young men carry the bloodied bodies of Nothando and her two sisters and leave them on the banks where they often found corpses of drowned victims. Nomuhle and Nomathamsanqa are dead but there is still little breath left in Nothando. She struggles to move a muscle but she is in too much pain.The people then go back to their villages. Nothando is breathing

very lightly but she gathers enough breath to exhale.

NOTHANDO: (whisper)

Nyamasase...

The wind carries her voice far.

SCENE 47: EXT. MOUNTAIN COUNTRY SIDE – DAY

(BIRDS CHIRPING, LEAVES RUSTLING)

The wind carries Nothando’s voice up to these mountains.

NOTHANDO: (O.S) Nyamasase...

Nyamasase is suddenly afraid. She is the only one who has heard the voice. She gets up and looks at the sky.

THEMBA: What’s the matter?

NYAMASASE: My sister calls to me.

Nyamasase looks at Themba in horror.

41

NYAMASASE (CONT’D):She is in great pain.

Nyamasase takes Themba’s hand and leaps into the river with him, becoming half fish in the process.

(DEEP PLUNGE INTO WATER)

SCENE 48: INT. THE RIVER – DAY

(BUBBLING AND UNDERWATER ECHO)

Nyamasase swims as fast as she could. It does not matter that Themba is underwater with her because she has power to sustain

him from drowning.Themba had no idea that a mermaid could swim so fast. Underwater landscape and life quickly disappear behind him as soon as it appears. Then after a while they slow down to come up from the water and be greeted by the familiar banks that lead to the villages.


(FLOWING RIVER)

Nyamasase crawls to Nothando while Themba attends to the other sisters only to discover that life had left them. He concludes that it is death by stoning.Nyamasase holds Nothando’s hand.

NYAMASASE: (subdued)

Who did this?

NOTHANDO: (weak whisper)

Oh, my Nyamasase.

Nothando looks at her face and touches her as if it is the single most important thing she needs to do.Themba comes up to them and kneels beside Nyamasase. Nothando looks at him and reaches for his hand too.Shivering, she brings and joins the lovers’ hands together. Nyamasase and Themba look at each other.

42

Nothando’s hands then collapse as she gives up her breath.

NYAMASASE: (panicking) Sister? (PAUSE) Sister?

She falls upon Nothando.

(NYAMASASE WEEPS)

Themba takes her in his arms and tries to comfort her.

SCENE 50: EXT. RIVER BANK – LATE NOON

(FLOWING RIVER)

The sun is now low in the heavens. Nyamasase and Themba sit on a rock away from the river. They have covered the dead bodies with cloth. She does not say anything for she is in pain. Her hand is in Themba’s.

THEMBA: (softly)

Nyamasase, I am so sorry. (BEAT)

I am so sorry that our people do not get along. I am so sorry that from here things will only get worse. I am so sorry that

they have hurt you.

Nyamasase looks at him.

THEMBA (CONT’D): We are stuck in the middle of their war.

(sighs) I just wish there was something I could do to take away your pain

– to make this people love one another – as I love you.

Nyamasase rests her head on his chest and tears flow freely from her eyes.

(SHE CRIES)

Themba embraces her.43

NYAMASASE: (sobs)

You are now the only one left who understands how weak and fragile I am – or how soft my heart is. The others – they do not see, they do not consider this other side of mine. You are now the only one left whom I can be entirely free to be myself.

SCENE 51: EXT. RIVER BANK – SUNSET

(FLOWING RIVER)

The sun is setting. Ten women emerge from the river and walk to

the banks to assist Nyamasase. They carry the dead bodies and disappear into the river. One helps Nyamasase into the river.Nyamasase looks back to the bushes and sees Themba looking at them but she is sad.Then they disappear into the river.

SCENE 52: THEMBA’S HOMESTEAD – DUSK

(FAST PACED DRUMBEAT)

Themba comes to his homestead and is greeted by his mother.

MOTHER: My son.

THEMBA: (urgently)

Mother, tell me what happened.

MOTHER: Come inside first.

THEMBA: I need to know mother. It’s important that I do.

(HIS MOTHER SIGHS)

44

SCENE 53: TARWISA’S COMPOUND – DUSK (CONT’D)

(FAST PACED DRUMBEAT)

Themba approaches Tarwisa’s compound in a fury. Armed young men patrolling this compound stop him from advancing any further.

THEMBA: (calling loudly)

Tarwisa!

The guards restrain him.

THEMBA: Tarwisa come out!

They pin him to the ground.

(SILENCE)

Tarwisa comes out of his hut to see this commotion and a few people are gathering up.

TARWISA:What is this nonsense?

(commands) Release him.

Themba is released. He gets up as Tarwisa comes to him.

THEMBA: (confrontational)

What have you done? Do you know what they’ll do to us?

TARWISA: I’ve seen you before. You are the drummer’s son. What do you

know?

THEMBA: You took these villages by storm but you do not fool me. You do not care about this people. You saw opportunity to seize power

and you took it.

TARWISA: Watch your tongue, boy. I’ll have you whipped for disrespecting

your new herdsman.45

THEMBA: Yes; you might threaten me and yes, they might be too desperate to see it but there are consequences for your actions and you’ll

only pull the entire village down with you.

Themba turns and leaves for his house. Tarwisa just watches him with contempt.

SCENE 54: EXT. HUT – NIGHT

(CRICKETS CRICKETING)

Themba sits outside and his father comes to join him with two drums in his arms. He hands one to Themba who accepts.

FATHER: Your mother told me everything including the real identity of

this girl that you love.

THEMBA: I’m sorry I lied to you.

His father looks ahead.

FATHER: You can never fool a drummer. I knew who she was the moment I laid my eyes upon her. There is no mistaking that skin that is free from the scorching rays of the sun that should have come

about from spending time in her father’s field.

Themba looks down and his father examines him.

FATHER: It is a drummer’s talent to stand outside of his community and to truly study and analyse it that enables him to tell its history and progress without prejudice. A people need learn from their failures and mistakes – not just from their successes. More can

be achieved united than divided.

THEMBA: What are you saying father?

46

FATHER: You are in a better standing to judge between the villages and the water dwellers. If you can step in then I implore you, save

both peoples.

His father takes the drum into his lap and begins to beat it in rhythm.

(DRUM BEATS RHYTHMICALLY)

SCENE 55: INT. CAVE HALL – NIGHT

(WEEPING MUSIC AS AMBIENCE)

A mysterious blue light reflects off the cave halls and together with burning torches illuminate this dome.Three bodies wrapped in white cloth are before Ntokozo. Hundreds of mermaids are gathered to weep.Ntokozo places a comforting hand on Nyamasase’s shoulder who is now grieving inwardly and trying to look strong before her sisters.

SCENE 56: EXT. VILLAGE – NIGHT

(MOOING CATTLE)

No one can get the cattle in kraals to stop mooing. The fowl are restless too. The dogs are barking. Baboons can be heard in the distance. The people just look at each other. It seems that the animals and nature were mourning with the mermaids.


(WEEPING MUSIC AS AMBIENCE)

The mermaids mix a white paint and they help each other paint white stripes onto their faces.

47

SCENE 58: INT. DOME OF THE DEAD – DAWN

(WEEPING MUSIC)

The dome of the dead is a large cave that serves as a tomb and burial ground for the mermaids.Nyamasase places her gift on Nothando’s belly, a shell locket, and the raft is slid into a rock pocket and shut with stones and mud as mortar.The rites of passage are concluded and Ntokozo stands before the

mermaids.

NTOKOZO: (loudly)

This is a declaration of war. (BEAT)

You will avenge your sisters!

Nyamasase looks down. She does not dare speak for the humans who for now are the worst sinners to the mermaids.

NTOKOZO (CONT’D): Your older sisters will teach you the palm of death, the soul

snatcher.

Nyamasase does not like what she is hearing.

NTOKOZO (CONT’D): Listen to my judgement. I, your queen sister, judge the four

villages for their crime. (PAUSE)

DEATH TO ALL THEIR YOUNG MEN!

(NYAMASASE GASPS)

NTOKOZO (CONT’D): In one night we will pass through the villages and take the life of every male who is a teenager, a twenty-ager and a thirty-ager. A great cry will rise within the villages such as was never heard

before and will never be heard again. (BEAT)

I am your queen sister – protector and ruler of you all – having earned my place rightly in fierce battles against my competitors.

Whoever is against this is not with us. Now, are you with me?

48

MERMAIDS: (in one voice)

Yes queen sister!

NTOKOZO: Are you with me!

MERMAIDS: Yes queen sister!

Nyamasase remains quiet as her sisters agree in one voice. Ntokozo comes to her and places her hand on her shoulder, thinking she is still grieving and burning with rage beyond words.

NTOKOZO: You shall take Nothando’s place beside me as court advisor and

messenger.

NYAMASASE: Yes, queen sister.

SCENE 59: INT. CAVE HALL – DAY

Nomathemba precedes young mermaids gathered to receive her instruction. A line of earthen pots each containing a healthy plant is laid out before her. Nyamasase stands a distance to observe.Nomathemba raises her right hand.

NOMATHEMBA: Behold... the palm of death.

Then a shadow seems to come to gather under her palm, and then she touches the leaves of a healthy plant. At her touch, the plant quickly withers and dries up.

(AWE FROM THE YOUNG MERMAIDS)

NOMATHEMBA: This is a mermaid’s most potent weapon in battle – to be able to

snatch your enemy’s soul with the grasp of your hand. (PAUSE)

Learn this grasp for we are going to use it to judge the villages – to judge them all in one night. Their young men shall not

escape.

49

Nyamasase quietly withdraws herself.

SCENE 60: INT. THE RIVER – NIGHT


Nyamasase is underwater and she is swimming so fast. Her eyes are glowing blue as this allows her to see in the dark.

SCENE 61: INT. THE ORACLE’S CAVE – NIGHT

Nyamasase emerges inside the Oracle’s cave.

NYAMASASE: (calling) Oracle...?

But she cannot see anyone.

NYAMASASE (CONT’D): I need your guidance. I’m feeling lost and torn between those I

love.

She rests her elbows on the rock.

NYAMASASE: My sisters plot vengeance upon the humans; they speak in one

voice. I am all alone who thinks otherwise. (BEAT)

I do not know what to do.

She rests her head.

(SLITHERING)

She looks up and Ntokozo seizes her by the throat with one hand and lifts her up out of the water and slams her against the rock.

(A SCREAM AND A GRUNT)

NTOKOZO: So, you are the one prophesied to challenge me and threaten my

throne?

Nyamasase struggles to free the powerful hold in her neck.50

(MORE GRUNTING)

Ntokozo sees the young mermaid’s face.

NTOKOZO:

What... the young Nyamasase?

(NTOKOZO LAUGHS AMUSED)

Ntokozo looks behind her to the empty cave.

NTOKOZO: Is this what you said would stand against me – this child? Your

skills grow rusty with your age.

NYAMASASE: (struggling to breathe)

Please queen sister, I do not wish to take power from you.

Ntokozo loosens her hold a bit.

NTOKOZO: Then what are you doing here if not to plot against me?

NYAMASASE: I only have one wish, queen sister. Spare the humans.

NTOKOZO: (provoked)

What!? So you do love the humans. You...

Ntokozo is filled with rage. She raises her hand to strike Nyamasase with the palm of death, the soul snatcher. Nyamasase sees a shadow collect in Ntokozo’s hand and her eyes turn and glow red.

ORACLE (O.S): Ntokozo, hold your hand!

The Oracle was sharp and she made Ntokozo freeze. But Nyamasase cannot see the Oracle anywhere. The Oracle is just a disembodied voice that bounces back and forth on the rock walls.

ORACLE (O.S): This is sacred ground. I cannot tolerate murder in here.

51

Ntokozo lowers her hand.

NTOKOZO: (to Nyamasase)

Starting from now on you are no longer my sister. I banish you from my Queen-dom.

Tears come to Nyamasase’s eyes.

NYAMASASE: (pleading)

No, please sister.

NTOKOZO: You have betrayed us. If I see you near my rivers again I’ll kill

you. Not even the Oracle will be able to save you then.

Ntokozo releases Nyamasase and looks at her in disgust.

NTOKOZO: To consider that I even loved you. For Nothando’s sake I’ll let

you go this once – but again no more.

Ntokozo then leaves.

(A PLUNGE INTO WATER)

Nyamasase starts breathing freely again. She lies on her arms and weeps.

ORACLE (O.S): Oh, Nyamasase. Be strong child.

NYAMASASE: This is not what I wished for. Why? Why did this have to happen?

ORACLE: What’s done is done. This is no longer time for weeping you have already buried Nothando. Now, you came for guidance and I give

it. Remember your oath that you swore in love.

NYAMASASE: (reflectively)

My oath… for Themba…? But that would mean standing against my sisters.

52

ORACLE: Your sisters only obey one voice and that is the voice of one in

authority.

NYAMASASE: But Ntokozo is stronger than me.

ORACLE: (irritated)

Do you think it is by your will and might that you should do this?

(PAUSE) If it was by your strength then why, I should have you taking

combat lessons.

(SILENCE)

ORACLE: (softly)

No... Nyamasase, you carry something inside you. It is an immense love inside your heart. Let it guide you. Follow it... listen to

it... believe in it... believe it.

SCENE 62: EXT. RIVER BANK – DAWN

(CRICKETS. DISTANT COCK CUCKOING)

Themba approaches the river. It is dawn. He has a drum under his arm. He sits on a rock on the banks and he rubs his hands to shake off the cold.

(RUBBING OF HANDS)

He begins to beat the drum.

(DRUM BEATS IN AN ASCENDING RHYTHM)

SCENE 63: INT. THE ORACLE’S CAVE – DAWN

(SILENCE)

Nyamasase is sitting alone looking sad.

(DISTANT DRUMBEAT)53

Nyamasase looks up and sits straight.

NYAMASASE:

(to herself)I know that song.

(to off-screen Oracle)I’ll be back.

Then she dives into the water.

(PLUNGE)

SCENE 64: EXT. RIVER BANK – DAWN (CONT’D)

Nyamasase comes up from the water and Themba sees her so he stops playing the drum. She comes towards him.

THEMBA: (cheering up)

I thought you might show up.

NYAMASASE: Themba, listen to me. Your people are in grave danger.

THEMBA: I know. Governing these issues is a spirit of wrath and

vengeance.

NYAMASASE: Themba, listen to me.

She holds his cheek so she can look steadily in his eyes. He is leaning into the water.

NYAMASASE (CONT’D): They are bringing war in the night against all your young men...

they have a weapon you have never seen before.

THEMBA: (fearfully) A weapon?

NYAMASASE: You, my love, are also in danger. Save yourself. Save your

people. Flee to the hills.54

THEMBA: They’ll never listen to me. They’ll listen to one man and very

soon he will make me an outcast.

NYAMASASE: Then what will you do?

THEMBA: It doesn’t matter. I’m not afraid of him. I’ll pass this message to my people. Thank you, Nyamasase, for warning us. You truly

have a pure heart. I’ll withdraw to the hills with all those who will heed this message. But my only fear is – will I ever see you

again? You are the one my soul loves and I never want to part with you. (PAUSE)

Come with me.

Nyamasase weeps in her heart. She pulls Themba closer and kisses him deeply and so hard that it hurt.

NYAMASASE: (pulls away)

For the meantime I can’t leave my sisters.

Themba nods silently.

NYAMASASE: You know I’d do anything for you right? Even give up my life for

you.

THEMBA: I will do the same for you too.

NYAMASASE: That is all that matters for now. To know that we love each other

so, with a love that transcends difference – that transcends race.

THEMBA: Yes, my heart is true to you.

NYAMASASE: If we never meet again...

THEMBA: (interrupts)

We will meet again.

55

NYAMASASE: I want you to know...

THEMBA: I already know your heart.

(BEAT) Now stop worrying yourself like that. Don’t you know? The powers

that be guard jealously those who love one another.

Nyamasase smiles.

NYAMASASE: Now go and warn your people.

Themba nods, hugs her, and gets up to leave.

NYAMASASE: (whispers)

Goodbye, my love.

SCENE 65: EXT. VILLAGE MARKET SQUARE – NOON

The sun is high up in the sky. Themba goes to the middle of the market square and calls for attention by beating on his drum.

(DRUMBEAT)

SCENE 66: EXT. TARWISA’S HUT – NOON

Tarwisa comes out of his hut to meet a young man who has a message for him.

TARWISA:What’s the urgent matter?

YOUNG MAN: There is a commotion in the market square.

56

SCENE 67: EXT. MARKET SQUARE – NOON

(DRUMBEAT)

Tarwisa arrives at the market square and sees the elders just arriving too. Themba is in the centre of attention and he stops his drumming call.

(SILENCE)

THEMBA: (aloud)

The mermaids are coming with war tonight! They bring a weapon of death to judge your young men.

(CROWD MURMURS)

THEMBA: Now, withdraw with me to the hills. Let us save the future of our

villages.

TARWISA: (speaks out)

What nonsense. And who told you this?

THEMBA: I went to the river and a mermaid told me.

TARWISA: And why would a mermaid speak to you? Are you one of them?

THEMBA: She spoke to me because she loves us. Not all mermaids hate, not

all want to oppress you.

TARWISA: (mocks)

She loves us?

(PEOPLE LAUGH)

57

TARWISA (CONT’D): Even if what you say is true, what weapon can they possibly bring? They are just a bunch of women who just happen to have territorial advantage when in the waters. If they do come out

however, it is us who will mete out justice.

CROWD: (roars) YES!

TARWISA: I say let them come. If they bring war then I’ll defend our

villages. We cannot listen to a message of cowardice!

CROWD: YES!

(SAD MUSIC AS THE CROWD CONTINUES TO ROAR) Themba only looks at them helplessly.

(SILENCE)

TARWISA: So drummer, drum your way to the hills and let us ‘men’ defend

your village.

(CROWD LAUGHS)

OLD MAN: (booms)

The young man is right!

An old man steps out and this silences everyone.

OLD MAN: The sisters of the water have always been known to use some kind of surprise weapon when they step out of the water – a surprise weapon that never fails to bring men of valour down to their

knees.

But what the old man is saying is unpopular.

(SOUNDS OF CONTEMPT)

58

OLD MAN: I will retreat with this young man to the hills. All who will

join us are welcome.

Themba stands straight because of the support.

FATHER: I will join you.

Themba’s father comes forward from the crowd. This then opens the way for a few women and a few young men to step forward and stand with Themba.But the crowd disperses and Tarwisa goes away too.

SCENE 68: INT. CAVE HALL – SUNSET

Ntokozo stands upon her tail in the cave hall before a hundred mermaids who are ready to follow her into battle.

(SHOUTS OF PRAISES AND ADORATION)

Ntokozo raises her hand.(SILENCE)

NTOKOZO: Nyamasase has betrayed us!

(GASP AND SHOCK SURPRISE FROM THE MERMAIDS)

NTOKOZO (CONT’D): She has chosen to side with the humans over us – the same humans who murdered her sisters in cold blood. Therefore I have banished her from our waters. No more shall we call her sister she that

has turned on us. (BEAT)

But tonight we avenge our sisters!

MERMAIDS: YES!

NTOKOZO: Tonight, we shall judge the humans!

59

MERMAIDS: YES!

SCENE 69: INT.ORACLE’S CAVE – SUNSET

(SILENCE)

Nyamasase is sitting in a meditative posture in the Oracle’s cave, sitting upon her tail. Her face is troubled. She does not know what to do. She is torn between fear and love. Then she slowly relaxes and sighs.

ORACLE (O.S): Have you decided?

Nyamasase opens her eyes.

NYAMASASE: (calmly)

Yes.

ORACLE (O.S): Are you afraid?

NYAMASASE: I am terrified of her. But for Themba… I will be strong. I will not let anyone lay a finger upon my love. No, may this love cast

out my fear.

ORACLE (O.S): Is the way clear for you now?

NYAMASASE: Yes. There is only one path now.

(PAUSE) Sacrifice.

ORACLE (O.S): You would sacrifice yourself?

NYAMASASE: You said before that one who has love rules all. Then love is

authority. And my sisters will listen to the voice of authority.

60

(THE ORACLE CHUCKLES)

ORACLE: Yes. Love never fails. Now go before it’s too late. I have kept

you long enough.

Nyamasase dives and disappears into the depths.

(PLUNGE IN WATER)

SCENE 70: EXT. HILLS – DUSK

A group of people with burning torches make their way further into the hills to avoid the wrath of the mermaids. The breeze carries a whisper to Themba’s ears.

NYAMASASE (O.S): (whisper) Themba...

Themba stops and his father comes to stop beside him. Themba looks at the people with him.

THEMBA: The ones that really need saving are not with us.

FATHER: What are you thinking?

THEMBA: I must go back.

FATHER: If you go, you might not return.

THEMBA: If it is my destiny to perish with my brothers then I cannot

avoid it.

Then his father embraces him. His mother, having overheard them, comes in tears and embraces him too.

61

MOTHER: (almost weeping)

Oh, my son.

Then Themba tears himself away and races back to the villages. His father and mother hold one another and watch him go.


(FULLMOON)

Ntokozo’s orange flowers are in full bloom. Ntokozo comes and plucks up a bunch.

SCENE 72: EXT. HIGHLAND OVERLOOKING THE VILLAGES – NIGHT

Tarwisa precedes his army of seven hundred armed young men. Spears, battle axes, machetes, bows and arrows, clubs, and shields from animal hides were their weaponry.

TARWISA:(aloud)

Alright men, let’s whip these women back to their menstrual cycles.

(LAUGHTER)

SCENE 73: EXT. RIVER BANK – NIGHT

(THREATENING AMBIENT MUSIC)

The sisters are here. They emerge from the bottom of the river and walk with bare feet onto the earth with no weapons but just short leather skirts and tops on.They come out in their hundreds and walk towards the villages under the persistent full moon. Ntokozo leads them forward.

SCENE 74: EXT. HIGHLAND – NIGHT

(THRILLING MUSIC AS AMBIENCE)

From afar, Tarwisa sees the mermaids advance.62

TARWISA: (aloud)

They come as sheep to the slaughter!


(AMBIENT ECHO)

Nyamasase emerges into the cave hall and sees two sisters standing on sentinel posts. It is Nyamasase’s first time seeing the hall this empty. One cheerful looking mermaid, NAKAI (reform), speaks to her.

NAKAI: (cheering up) Nyamasase?

NYAMASASE: Nakai, where is Ntokozo?

NAKAI: You are late. They have all gone on land.

Nyamasase is about to leave.

NAKAI: She has ordered your arrest.

NYAMASASE: No need. I go to challenge her judgement.

NAKAI: (fearfully)

Nyamasase, she will kill you.

Nyamasase swallows but does not say anything. Then she dives and hurries.

(PLUNGE)

63


(THRILLING MUSIC AS AMBIENCE)

The first line of offense stands ready in the first village, a regiment of hundred young men armed with shields and clubs and machetes. They see the mermaids approach yards away. Ntokozo sees the armed young men.

NTOKOZO: (aloud) Now!!!

The sisters begin jogging and to ululate with their tongues.

(ULULATING)

They summon the soul snatcher into their palms. The moon begins to change colour and its light becomes that of blood.The young men look up at the sky in awe.

SCENE 77: EXT. HILLS – NIGHT

(THRILLING MUSIC)

Themba is racing towards the villages. He stops to see the lunar eclipse.

(HEAVY BREATHING AS AMBIENT MUSIC IS SILENCED)

THEMBA: (fearfully)

No.

Themba then resumes running.

(RESUME AMBIENT MUSIC)

64


(THRILLING MUSIC AND ULULATING IN THE BACKGROUND)

The young men look at the advancing mermaid sisters and they see a black creeping fog proceed from the feet of the women. The fog becomes a dark shadow that creeps ahead of the sisters. The eyes of the sisters glow red the way a coal glows as it sits in fire.But the young men remain brave.

SCENE 79: EXT. HIGHLAND – NIGHT (CONT’D)

(SILENCE)

Tarwisa looks on from the highland where he stands with the back-up army.

SCENE 80: EXT. VILLAGE – NIGHT (CONT’D)

(THRILLING MUSIC)

The shadow reaches the young men first and it casts a spell on them. The first line of attack falls under the power of the sisters without raising a weapon against them.The young men just lower their shields and spears, bewitched, and they simply wait for the sisters to reach them.


Tarwisa looks in horror.

TARWISA: What are they doing?

Themba has made it and he squeezes his way to Tarwisa. He seizes Tarwisa’s arm.

THEMBA: Order them to retreat whilst there is still time!

Tarwisa pushes him back.

65

TARWISA: Silence you fool!

He simply has to see the end of this.


(SWIRLING MUSIC)

The mermaid sisters are true to their goal. They come and place their palms upon the foreheads of the young men, immediately sucking out their life force.One touch from the mermaids brings immediate death and the first line of attack collapses like stalks in harvest. Then the sisters have brought down fifty strong young men so far and they advance again for the next regiment ahead.


(SILENCE)

TARWISA: (disgusted) Demons.

Tarwisa raises his hand for his archers. The archers draw their bows and arrows.

(STRETCHING STRINGS)

TARWISA: Release!

(SOUND OF RELEASING ARROWS)

Then the arrows fly.


The arrows rain down upon the sisters and those who do not take

cover behind the trees and huts and barns fall. About twenty sisters fall to the arrows.

66


Tarwisa observes the results brought about by the arrows and hope fills him.


Ntokozo steps out and she is angry that some of her sisters are dead. She looks toward the highland and her eyes are almost flames of burning red.A wind builds up around her.

(WHOOSHING WIND)

She raises her hand to point forward towards the highland then the fog and shadow hurries as never before and creeps up the highland towards the plateau where Tarwisa and his back up are perched.


Themba and Tarwisa just look with horror as the shadow advance faster than the wind, blackening the ground.The army drops their weapons and scatter in a desperate attempt to flee from the approaching shadow.

(SCREAMS OF TERROR)

TARWISA: (baffled)

What power...?

Tarwisa has met his match.

THEMBA: It’s too late to get away now.

Themba is the only one who has not left Tarwisa’s side. Tarwisa knows what Themba is saying is true.

TARWISA:

(imploringly) Save us. They’ll listen to you.

67

THEMBA: No they won’t. I’m just a drummer remember?

Then the darkness comes under their feet and proceeds to hurry to catch up with the scattered army.

As long as the darkness came under their feet then they were done for. Those who were running then suddenly stopped, compelled by a higher power.Themba and Tarwisa look at their feet and immediately feel drugged. Tarwisa speaks but Themba hears him in echo.

TARWISA: (echoing)

What’s happening to me? I cannot move.

(BREATHING AS IF THERE IS FROST)

SCENE 88: EXT. RIVER BANK – NIGHT

Nyamasase emerges from the water with human legs. She is just finishing tying the belt of her skirt when she sees the dead young men of the first regiment. She observes their hopeless posture as they lay lifeless on the ground.

NYAMASASE: (fearfully)

No.

She then runs into the village after her sisters.


The mermaid sisters have reached the highland. Ntokozo is amused at the desperate attempts of the humans to flee.

(NTOKOZO LAUGHS)

Nomathemba comes to stand beside Ntokozo.

NOMATHEMBA: (excitedly)

The humans are subdued queen sister.68

NTOKOZO: Finish the task. Kill them all. Show no mercy!

(MOVING MUSIC)

Nomathemba looks a bit shocked at Ntokozo but Ntokozo is serious. Then Nomathemba looks at the mermaid sisters who have stopped for orders.

(NOMATHEMBA ULULATES)

Then the sisters march freely and they move to lay the palm of death upon any young man who is paralysed.

TARWISA: They slaughter us like sheep.

Tarwisa struggles to look at Themba.

TARWISA (CONT’D): I thought you said some of them love us.

THEMBA: (regretfully)

Apparently, they are not the ones in power.

Tarwisa looks forward, hopeless.

TARWISA: I might have been selfish in claiming power for myself, but know

that my motives for our people were true.

THEMBA: There are no hard feelings, brother.

Tarwisa manages to smile at Themba as Ntokozo comes up to them.

TARWISA: See you on the other side, drummer.

Themba nods at Tarwisa. Ntokozo comes to lay her palm upon him. Tarwisa exhales his last breath and he collapses lifeless onto

Ntokozo’s feet.

(EXHALE AND A THUD)69

Then Ntokozo casts her eye on Themba. Themba’s heart races inside him but he breathes slowly to calm it.

THEMBA: (whispers to himself)

Nyamasase, I love you. Nyamasase my soul.

SCENE 90: EXT. HIGHLAND – NIGHT (CONT’D)

Nomathemba raises her palm and moves towards a frightened young man. Nyamasase then seizes her hand in a powerful grip.

NYAMASASE: Have you no shame?

(BEAT) Sister, I look up to you as I have done Nothando. Do you think

she would have done this?

Nomathemba looks down.

NOMATHEMBA: Nothando was stronger to follow her heart. I am weak.

NYAMASASE: Where is Ntokozo?

Nomathemba looks ahead and Nyamasase follows her gaze and is horrified.Ntokozo is moving towards the stupefied Themba.

(NYAMASASE GASPS)

Nyamasase charges after them and Nomathemba fails to stop her.

(FRIGHTENING, STARTLING MUSIC)

Ntokozo places her palm on Themba’s forehead and Themba feels energies running inside his body from his feet and coming to collect onto his forehead where he feels an immense heat.

Then, as his sight darkens, he thinks he sees Nyamasase approach

and come to knock Ntokozo off of him and thereby releasing them.

Themba falls back to the ground while Ntokozo sprawls the other way. 70

Nyamasase had hit her with an impassioned force.She comes to hold Themba and to check whether he was still alive. (SILENCE)

NYAMASASE: Oh my Themba.

(a sigh of relief and joy) You are alive. You are alive.

She embraces him and kisses his forehead and his lips again and again for all to see.

Themba just smiles under these kisses, too weak to do anything else.Nomathemba stops in shock surprise and realisation.

NOMATHEMBA: She loves him?

But the fight is not over. Ntokozo gets up. She comes to seize Nyamasase by the neck and picks her to her feet.

NTOKOZO: You again?

Nyamasase pushes her back.

NYAMASASE: (boldly)

Call off this attack now!

NTOKOZO: You challenge me? How dare you?

Nyamasase looks at Nomathemba and speaks firmly.

NYAMASASE: Nomathemba, call off the sisters.

Nomathemba does not hesitate. Her ululation even reaches the hills.

(LOUD ULULATION)

71

Then the mermaid sisters stop judging the villages.

NTOKOZO: (enraged)

Why did you obey her? I make the commands.

NOMATHEMBA: Forgive me queen sister, but your position is challenged. You are

now on equal footing with Nyamasase.

Ntokozo looks at Nyamasase with fury.

NTOKOZO: Why you...

Then shadows begin to gather in her palms and she moves to seize Nyamasase who answers this attack by grabbing Ntokozo’s palms, strength for strength.

But Ntokozo is stronger.

Nyamasase falls on her knees.

(NYAMASASE RELEASES A CRY OF PAIN)

Nomathemba fears for Nyamasase but she does not move.

NTOKOZO: Yes. Bow to me and die!

Nyamasase’s eyes glow red too like the eyes of the rest of her sisters and her palms too have the shadow of death to meet Ntokozo’s. But Ntokozo’s shadow overpowers that of Nyamasase and

Themba looks as Ntokozo’s shadow creeps up Nyamasase’s hands as it begins to engulf her.

THEMBA: (fearfully)

No...72

Themba crawls up to Nyamasase and kneels behind her. Nyamasase is still struggling to hold on.

NYAMASASE: (struggling)

Themba get away. Save yourself.

THEMBA: We die together.

Then Themba places his palms over the palms of death of the two mermaids and adds himself to the equation.

NYAMASASE: No!!!

The shadow creeps up her hands and touch Themba’s hands. For a moment it looks as if it is swallowing up the two lovers but this soon changes. The shadow soon retreats from the two and it is driven back into their palms. Nyamasase’s fear for Themba’s life gives her strength.

Ntokozo kicks Themba back with her heel and then she hits Nyamasase with the back of her hand, sending her sprawling away.

Themba slowly rises and another kick sends him onto her back.Ntokozo unsheathes her dagger as she moves towards Themba.

Nyamasase runs and embraces Ntokozo in an effort to subdue her but Ntokozo elbows her, grabs her with one hand and flips her crashing onto her back.

Ntokozo falls on Themba with her dagger but he grabs her hands and fights her strength. Ntokozo uses both hands to press upon the dagger which is aimed at Themba’s chest below her.

Nyamasase grabs Ntokozo by the hair and throws her off of Themba.

73

As Ntokozo rises, Nyamasase kicks her dagger out of her hands. Ntokozo hurries and grabs Nyamasase’s throat, lifts her off the ground and hurls her away like a sack of light potatoes.

The fight is being driven downhill.

Themba comes knocking into Ntokozo and they roll down hill a few paces before stopping themselves.

The darkness on the ground has started retreating and dissolving as the moon is losing its colour of blood.


As the shadow recedes, all the young men who have fallen under its power start to regain their strength. They are now free to move.


Ntokozo smacks Nyamasase with the back of her hand and sends her rolling down hill.

Themba sees a dagger beside him where he has been lying so he picks it up and runs towards Ntokozo and Nyamasase below.

Ntokozo is choking Nyamasase in her grip and she releases her to spin Themba off of his feet who has charged at her like a mad bull, then Themba lands on his back.

Ntokozo staggers back as she sees a dagger firmly planted in her belly. Themba has stabbed her.

Nomathemba, who is higher upon the hill, gasps to see this.Nyamasase helps Themba up and they look at Ntokozo.

NTOKOZO:You’d fight for this vermin? Even betraying your sisters?

74

NYAMASASE:His name is Themba.

NTOKOZO:Fine, then you will both die!

Ntokozo begins to stretch upwards as she starts to transform. Purple black scales begin to cover her.

NOMATHEMBA:(fearfully)

The dark Nyami-nyami…

Nyamasase grabs Themba’s hand and runs downhill with him.

NYAMASASE:Run!

The dagger in Ntokozo’s belly falls out as she becomes a large serpent creature with rows and rows of sharp, shark-like teeth in her mouth.With the transformation complete, Ntokozo, now a dark serpent - turns to smoke as she shoots towards the lovers in supersonic speed.

She comes to take Nyamasase away in her coils and to throw her a distance.

Themba stands alone and Ntokozo returns to stand before him.

Themba freezes in fright as a large dark serpent rears its head high above him.

Nyamasase rolls over and sees the danger Themba is in.

Ntokozo lowers her head, sweeps it before Themba, and brings her tail lashing so violently at him.

When Themba is hit, he flies off the hill towards the lake below. There is not much he can do because of the shock but he is conscious of the lake which is rapidly coming up behind him.

75

He knocks into the water, back first.

(LOUD THUD)

SCENE 93: INT. LAKE – NIGHT (CONT’D)


Themba is sinking and sinking fast. The impact with which he hit the water is too much for him to bear.

The deep is silent and dark, the moon’s light illuminates its immenseness for him.

This looks like the end for him.

But he sees a body hit into the water way above him.

It is Nyamasase who has dived in after him. She swims a magnificent mermaid with a long fish tail that glitters against the moonlight. She searches for him and then sees him sinking below, and then she swims hurriedly after him. She moves graciously like a caterpillar and there is no other goal for her than to save Themba.

In a little time she reaches him and blows air into his mouth, in a kiss of life, and strength returns to Themba.

So he holds her close and embraces her.

The dark serpent plunges into the water as well and sees the two lovers who seem to be distracted by being drawn into each other.

The serpent comes and knocks Nyamasase off of Themba and carries her down into the depths.

Themba only looks as the two disappear below him, but a voice comes up at him.

76

NYAMASASE (V.O):Go!!!

Themba looks up and begins to swim for the surface.

Nyamasase reveals the dagger in her right hand then she stabs the right eye of the serpent, again and again till the serpent releases her and darts into the dark blue with lightning speed.

Nyamasase is left alone as she searches for the serpent.

The serpent darts past her from her back and Nyamasase turns to see a shadow rush past her. The serpent rushes past her again and Nyamasase can only see a shadow because of the serpent’s enormous speed. She searches again for the serpent but it is no where in sight.As she turns the serpent falls upon her and begins to spin with her like a corkscrew as it brings its coils binding Nyamasase in an effort to subdue her the way boas subdue their prey.


The young men and the mermaids are drawn to the battle between Nyamasase, Themba and Ntokozo, so they stand upon the hills and look down upon the lake.

SCENE 95: EXT. LAKE – NIGHT

Themba emerges from the water and he swims to the banks. Before he can rest he hears a loud explosion behind him from the water. It is Nyamasase in the coils of the serpent.

The serpent throws Nyamasase into the air and lashes at her with her tail the way a batsman hits a ball with his bat. Nyamasase shoots and rolls across the surface of the water and is stopped by the trees on the banks.

77

The serpent follows and takes up Nyamasase in her mouth which has sharp rows of teeth and the serpent shakes Nyamasase violently in the air to subdue her.

Themba cries for Nyamasase. Tears streak down his eyes.


Nomathemba cups her mouth with her hands as she sees this cruelty being done to Nothando’s little sister.

SCENE 97: EXT. LAKE, BANKS - NIGHT

THEMBA:No!!! Leave her alone. Leave her alone you bully!

Themba is rushing towards their side of the banks.

The serpent thrusts Nyamasase onto the shallow parts of the water and Nyamasase does not rise.

There is blood in the water now.

Themba comes to stop between them, the serpent before him, and Nyamasase behind him.

THEMBA:Leave her alone!

A voice is heard coming from the serpent. It is the laughter of Ntokozo.

Themba looks down at Nyamasase behind him and to his relief, she is still alive.

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Nyamasase is breathing in short gasps and she looks weakly at Themba who forces a smile to reassure her. There is a huge bite mark on her back.

Themba looks up at the serpent and stretches his hands to cover Nyamasase.

THEMBA:You are not touching her.

A cry is heard from the hills. Themba and Ntokozo look there. It is the mermaid sisters and they are crying for Themba and Nyamasase’s lives.


MERMAIDS:(in tears)

Spare them queen sister! Spare them! Show mercy!

Nomathemba looks at her sisters at her sides and she is moved. She too looks down and raises her voice with them. The people who had been returning are surprised to hear the mermaids pleading for the life of a human being.

MERMAIDS:Mercy! Mercy!

SCENE 99: EXT. LAKE, BANKS – NIGHT

Themba and the serpent remove their eyes from the hills and they face each other. Ntokozo’s voice is heard from the serpent.

NTOKOZO:Fools.

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THEMBA:You will not listen to them?

NTOKOZO:They are weak. I will show them power.

Then the serpent starts to shake in a dance, as she got ready to strike. She opens her mouth and Themba sees her rows of sharp teeth. The serpent pulls her head back. She is going to strike him now.

Themba is determined not to move. He bites down hard on his teeth.

Then Ntokozo does it. She strikes with blinding speed but at the same time Nyamasase rises past Themba and grabs Ntokozo’s neck in a tight embrace and drives her off Themba’s path and crashes with her onto the banks, and she does not let go.

Themba has embraced himself for the shock that never comes. He opens his eyes and looks to his left to see Nyamasase struggling with the serpent.

The serpent rolls round and round but Nyamasase’s grip is surprisingly strong and she will not let go, even with the serpent now crashing herself against the ground.

Nyamasase screams as she draws inner strength. Small streams of light appear in the air around her and they begin to move towards Nyamasase as if she was some vortex. Her eyes change and they become serpent’s eyes. Then white silvery scales begin to cover her body which begins to elongate.

(WHOOSHING AND MYSTERIOUS MUSIC)

Themba sees the streams of light covering Nyamasase and he looks puzzled as he sees her turn into a large white serpent.

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SCENE 100: EXT. HILLS – NIGHT (CONT’D)

The mermaid sisters are in awe.

NOMATHEMBA:The white Nyami-nyami…? It can’t be.

SCENE 101: INT. THE ORACLE’S CAVE – NIGHT

(MYSTERIOUS MUSIC)

Laughter is heard in the Oracle’s cave as the Oracle laughs – filled with divine joy.

(LAUGHTER)

SCENE 102: EXT. LAKE, BANKS – NIGHT (CONT’D)

Nyamasase, in the white Nyami-nyami form, is holding the subdued dark Nyami-nyami in her coils. She is looking at Themba.

Themba is in awe.

THEMBA:Wow.

The look in the white Nyami-nyami’s eyes is regretful, almost as if she wants to say to Themba, ‘I told you so’.

Then she returns her focus upon the dark Nyami-nyami. In one swift move she bites into the dark Nyami-nyami’s neck and separates her head from her body.

(SILENCE)

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SCENE 103: EXT. HILLS – NIGHT (CONT’D)

There is silence upon the hills too as the mermaid sisters realise what has just happened.

SCENE 104: EXT. LAKE – NIGHT

The white Nyami-nyami is now withdrawing into the lake but Themba steps into the water.

THEMBA:Wait!

Then the serpent stops to listen but she does not look at him.

THEMBA:Nyamasase… I am not afraid.

(BEAT)I love you.

Then immediately streams of bright light return to surround her then Nyamasase returns in human form. She walks and collapses in Themba’s arms who embraces her.


The events at the lake have been bringing people towards it, drawing them there like magnet.

SCENE 106: EXT. LAKE - NIGHT

The people see Nyamasase in Themba’s embrace – how Themba held her gently and most affectionately.

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The sisters look and see the decapitated dark Nyami-nyami and they are puzzled by the power they have seen displayed tonight. Then they come closer and fall on their knees and cry in one voice.

MERMAIDS: Hail Nyamasase, new queen sister! Hail Nyamasase, new queen

sister! Hail Nyamasase, hail!

Nyamasase looks at them in the comfort of her lover’s arms.

The young men and the villagers look at this lady whom the mermaid sisters are referring to as their new leader and they see Themba holding her and they know they are saved.

Nyamasase cries out in a loud voice.

NYAMASASE: PEOPLE!!! (PAUSE)

Those who dwell in the waters and those who dwell on the land... are you not ashamed? Where is your love? My sisters, where is

your love?

The mermaids look down.

NYAMASASE (CONT’D): Why do you continue to oppress and exploit the humans beyond

their measure? Are we not all intelligent beings? Why can’t you get over your differences? Don’t you see? There is prosperity in peace and in unity. I urge you – both peoples, to unite. Unite!

(PAUSE) Unite!

(instructing) Unite!

It is the young men who cry out first in response to her plea.

YOUNG MEN: Yes!

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NYAMASASE: Unite!

The mermaid sisters answer her too.

YOUNG MEN/MERMAIDS: Yes!

NYAMASASE: Unite!

The villagers join in.

CROWD: Yes!

NYAMASASE: Unite!

CROWD: Yes!!!

They all cry in one voice.

(SHOUT OF JOY)

Nyamasase returns into Themba’s arms.

FADE IN:

SCENE 107:

A slide show of animation showing still drawings of what the Narrator is narrating.

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NARRATOR: Here’s what happened the following weeks after mourning those who

had passed in battle: On Nyamasase’s orders, the mermaids supplied the villages with many goat skins which the villagers

used to exchange with grain from faraway villages.

(STILL OF VILLAGERS AT THE RIVER, STILL OF MERMAIDS HANDING OVER THE GOAT SKINS, STILL OF GRAIN)

NARRATOR (CONT’D): The mermaids also supplied the villagers with fish and with gold from their treasury to bring four villages out of this famine.

(STILL OF MERMAIDS HANDING OVER REED BUCKETS OF FISH FROM THE RIVER, STILL OF VILLAGERS ACCEPTING THE GOLD)

NARRATOR (CONT’D):

News travelled far of these assisting mermaids and drew people of different languages to this great Zambezi River – and these

people came bearing gifts for this new queen of the water whose love flowed out for all people, different and alike.

(ANIMATION ON THE MAP OF SOUTHERN AFRICA SHOWING SEVERAL FOOTSTEPS COMING FROM ALL DIRECTIONS TO CONVERGE ALONG THE ZAMBEZI RIVER)

FADE IN:

SCENE 108: INT. THEMBA’S HUT, BEDROOM – MORNING

Themba stands before the bed. He is just finishing getting dressed up. The animal skins he is now wearing are from the leopard hide. It is a reach piece of clothing he now wears.

NARRATOR: Themba brought Nyamasase into his village and announced to the

crowd the joyous news that the two had married and that Nyamasase was to dwell among them as well as among her people.

Nyamasase peeps in and then walks in. The two embrace and kiss. 85

NARRATOR: But since she was a queen with a wealthy kingdom at her disposal, the villagers saw it fit to make Themba king over them so that the two kingdoms, of water and of the land, could become one.

SCENE 109: EXT. THEMBA’S VILLAGE, ROYAL COURT – MORNING

Huts are placed in a circular formation. Themba and Nyamasase sit on chairs decorated with animal skins. Their rich dress gives away their current social position.

People are gathered. Themba’s parents stand close in rich garb as well. Nomathemba stands on Nyamasase’s side as chief of security.

Dancers are dancing in a ring to a team of drummers.

SCENE 110: EXT. RIVER – DAY

Themba and Nyamasase hold hands. They are standing at the hide-out where they have always met since their childhood. They look at each other and smile.

NARRATOR: And so it was that the Oracle’s prophecy came to pass – an empire did extend from the water and onto the land – and people did love

this new king and new queen.

THE END

nyamasase(light bringer) - simplyscripts.com · web viewscript by. benjamin nkomo. ... what the...

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