Susie is surrounded by good looking young men. She obviously has them under her spell. She's enjoying the attention.
Corwin looks on from the shadows of a booth nearby.
Julia enters the club. unnoticed, she passes by the crowd that surrounds Susie.
She joins Corwin in the booth.
Hi.Corwin whips up another rose.
Are you a florist?Corwin laughs.
There is but one flower that catches my fancy, and how is she this night?
You've a silver tongue, Sir, but I'm not so easily beguiled.
Cool.They laugh. Their laughter is broken by a roar from Susie's crowd. Two yuppie types begin to duke it out over Susie. She watches them with a gleam in her eye.
Let's find a gentler venue. The atmosphere here begins to grow stale.
Really, I hate violence.Corwin and Julia make their way through the crowd.
Susie sees them leave. She is bothered. She returns to her drink and false laughter.
EXT. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE REFLECTING POOL - NIGHT
Corwin and Julia walk hand and hand by the reflecting pool.
How did you know I had a dream about you the other night?
Would you believe me if I told you that I was telepathic?Julia laughs.
More than you know.Corwin stops. Stares intently into her eyes.
Would you believe me if I told you we were lovers once before?Julia ponders the questions.
I don't know.
You would not hesitate for telepathy, but reincarnation?
Telepathy is something I can feel. My mother and I used to have entire conversations without ever saying a word.
But reincarnation that is something that only comes to you in dreams and dreams can be such tricky things. Sometimes they are lies.Julia shivers in remembrance of a recent dream.
Sometimes truth.Corwin smiles and begins to walk again.
Once before you were Julia Rochambeau, the beautiful daughter of a French general. You were invited to Boston as an honored guest along with your father who helped to defeat the British.
Oh, really.
You were a vision. Every young officer in the newly formed American army desired to court you.
Were you one of those young officers?Corwin laughs out loud.
George used me many times, but he would never make me an officer. My skills were not refined enough for him.
You're losing me. George who?Corwin smiles.
Your ruining my story, Julia.
Sorry.
There was one young French officer who was attached to General Rochambeau that was absolutely smitten with you. I must say you were quite taken with him also.
Was he good looking?
Oh, yes. Tall, lean, blonde hair to steal your breath away. What a figure he cut in his uniform! How he charmed the ladies!
And me? I mean, Julia?
He might have, had I not entered into your life. Dashing he may have been, but next to me?
All modesty aside.Corwin turns to her again and takes her into his arms.
Modesty has nothing to do with it. We were not taken passionately-Corwin whispers into her ear.
We WERE passion.Corwin kisses her.
Julia smiles and catches her breath.
So you stole me away from the young officer?
Stole? You were never his.
And we lived happily ever after?Corwin looks disturbed and returns to their walk.
What happened?
That's a dark part of the story. Let's stick to the romance.Julia laughs at his reaction.
Come on, what happened?
It doesn't matter.
Don't be such a brat! Tell me.Corwin spins on her. He is very disturbed.
The young officer discovered a secret about me. He threatened to tell the girl about it if I did not share this secret with him.
What secret?
That's personal.
You talk like it's all real.Corwin is silent. He begins to walk again.
It is just a story, isn't it? Corwin?Corwin snatches her up again.
What's real, Julia, is a love that has lasted over two hundred years! I will never let you go again.Again they merge.
They part. Julia weeps.
You're scaring me. How can you know all of this?
It gets back to your beliefs, Sweet Love. You take for granted your telepathy which most mortals consider the strangest magic. Yet you falter at reincarnation. Trust your dreams.
Everything you told me is true?
Everything.
You dreamed it?Corwin replies with a smile. They continue their walk. Julia looks at him curiously, but ignores the smile.
So did the young officer reveal your secret?
No. I gave him his desire, but he betrayed me nevertheless.
How?
Really, Julia, this part of the story depresses me. Let's talk of something else.Julia snuggles up next to him.
Sorry... You can tell me... later.Corwin laughs at her persistence.
INT. CINDY WINCHESTER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Cindy sits at a desk studying the manuscripts that describe Varchone's dark history.
She strokes her cat who sits and purrs.
A cold breeze blows through the room. Cindy shivers.
She turns.
Varchone stands behind her.
She starts to scream. Varchone places a steel claw across her mouth.
You have been concealing your thoughts from me, Cindy. I had a very hard time finding you.Varchone notices the manuscript she is reading. He picks it up. Pushes it in her face.
Where did you get this!?Cindy shakes her head no. Her cat jumps with a maniacal hiss at Varchone's face. Varchone snatches the cat in midair. He dangles the animal, arm outstretched.
Such a pretty kitty. Loyal, too.Snap. Drop. Dead cat on the floor.
Where did you get this book? Who taught you to hide your thoughts? Who dare stands before me!!? Is it Corwin?Cindy refuses to answer through her tears.
If you will not tell me, then the next one will. Each of you makes me all the stronger. Soon I will not have to ask! I will just take from your pathetic little minds.Varchone jerks her head to the side and plunges in for the kill.
INT. JULIA'S BEDROOM - SAME
Julia climaxes as Cindy dies. She misses Cindy's psychic screams.
She falls to Corwin's breast, spent.
Corwin stares up at the canopy of the large four poster bed.
INT. SUSIE'S BEDROOM - SAME
Susie lies on her side. She stares into the dark. A large form lies next to her. He breathes the sleep of the spent.
A single tear rolls down her face.
EXT. TAVERN ON THE HARBOR - BOSTON - 1781 - NIGHT
A young French officer stumbles from the tavern. A long dark cloak protects him from the cold. He adjusts his tricorn hat.
It is Varchone.
He stumbles against a street lamp. He slams it. He screams at no one.
Damn you! She was mine! Her! Her family's name! Her riches, power, were all mine! And you shall pay for stealing the General's daughter from me!He stumbles into the night.
EXT. BOSTON HARBOR - BOSTON - 1781 - NIGHT
A dark figure stands alone on the docks of Boston harbor. A breeze whips his coat about him.
Two ruffians emerge from the darkness. Each brandishes a club and a knife.
Beaut of a night, eh Govnu'?
They're all beautiful. Each holds its own promise.
Promise is just wot we're on about, Sir.
Right! We promise not to kill you if you hands us all wot's in your purse.The two ruffians break out into laughter.
EXT. ALLEY BEHIND BOSTON HARBOR - BOSTON - 1781 - NIGHT
Varchone stumbles out of the black behind the two ruffians. He hears the laughter. Spies the ruffians. He conceals himself in the shadows.
Corwin turns around. Varchone smiles.
Oh, Sweet Providence, you smile on me this night... That's it boys cut his throat.EXT. CORWIN'S POSITION - SAME
I am a special agent of the government, gentleman. You assault me and you assault the republic.The ruffians laugh.
The Republic! The Crown. We's assaults them all.
Now hands over your purse, Mate, before I gets ugly.
I'm afraid your mother has already done that job for you.Ruffian 2 growls with the insult and lashes out at Corwin. Corwin deftly sidesteps the attack, grabs the attackers' hand, and pulls the ruffian to his chest.
To his compatriot's horror, Corwin snaps Ruffian 2's neck.
Corwin slowly lets slip the corpse.
Do you know there was a time in my life when I was so taken with the arts of war, that I spent three hundred years studying all of its subtle forms?Ruffian 1 starts to move backward. Corwin approaches.
Our brothers in the Far East taught me a great deal.
Three hun-Ruffian 1 charges in desperation.
Corwin knocks each weapon aside, spins his assailant around and plunges for the kill.
EXT. VARCHONE'S POSITION - SAME
Varchone watches in horror as Corwin drains the struggling ruffian.
A night patrol marches by the alley entrance behind Varchone. Varchone spins and screams to them.
Au succour! Au succour! Assistance!The guards run to Varchone's position. The captain of the guard attends to a pale and shaking Varchone.
What is it man!Varchone points.
Le Nosferatu! Un demon!
Speak the king's English, man!
There! A devil!The captain follows Varchone's hand. He sees the bodies.
Corwin is gone.
See what's about.
He is gone!
Who?Varchone squints in concentration. An evil smile plays across his lips.
I could not see. It was too dark.
They're both dead Captin'. One's had his neck snapped.
Takes a powerful man to do a thing like that.Varchone's smile grows.
Power... Yes, it does.INT.CORWIN'S BEDROOM - DAY
Corwin sleeps alone, fitfully, on a large bed. His bedroom is windowless but well appointed.
The door to the room opens. Susie enters. She joins Corwin. She snuggles up to him. Tears well.
I love youCorwin replies from the depths of his subconscious, telepathically.
I love you, Susie.She brushes back the hair from his sleeping face. The silver dragon's head ring is on her thumb.
What are you that you can make me your slave?
Vamphyre
What's that?
The dark hand of God.
I can't be with anyone else. I love only you. Everyone else is.... less.
So be it.Susie snuggles up close again.
So be it.INT. 18th century mansion - same
Adjusting his cravat, Corwin skips down the stairs of this opulent home. He is obviously in a good mood.
At the base of the stairs, Varchone springs out, saber at the ready.
Was the lady to your liking, Foul Beast!Corwin starts, but is calm. He sneers at Varchone.
Your jealousy moves you to bad manners, Sir. You'd best step aside lest I reward you with a sound thrashing.Varchone replies by running through a surprised Corwin.
Corwin staggers back in agony clutching his stomach. His wound heals.
I'll kill you for that!
I think not, Nosferatu.
Clever Varchone. So you've discovered my secret. It was you at the docks then, skulking in the shadows.
I have been busy while you play, Corwin. I have written and delivered several letters to associates. If I do not survive the night, those letters will be delivered to men of power.
What do you want, Mortal?
Your power, your dark secret.
You don't know what you ask for. It is a curse. I have not seen the sun in ages. I must subsist on the blood of mortals. Do you not find this repugnant?
Nevertheless, it is what I desire.
I can not. Your mind is open to me Varchone. I see your plots, your petty little machinations. Such schemes turn to dust over the ages.
You stole the General's daughter from me! I will be powerful one way or the other!
Men grow suspicious of those who do not die. Suspicious then violent. Your plans will be laid to waste.
Give me what I ask for!Corwin snatches up a surprised Varchone and bursts out the door into the night.
EXT. A HILL - LATER
Corwin and Varchone are silhouetted by a full moon.
Corwin carries Varchone over one shoulder. He unceremoniously dumps Varchone on the ground.
I have warned you Demon. Do me harm, and you are undone.Corwin sneers.
You call ME Demon! You need not fear me, Varchone. I will give you your heart's desire.Corwin grabs him by the throat and brings him close.
But you will keep your part of the bargain. You will never reveal me to anyone, especially my lady love. What I give I can take away.
I have given my word. Julia will not learn your dark secret.With a flick of the wrist, Corwin produces a dagger. Varchone shrinks back.
Corwin drives the dagger into Varchone's heart. Varchone screams-
No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Be careful what you wish for, Varchone. It may come true.Varchone falls over backward dying. Corwin lifts a hand over him and slits his wrist. His blood falls into Varchone's wound.
Varchone moans, contorts and writhes on the ground.
By the light of the full moon Varchone's screams fill the night air.
INT. NIGHTCLUB - EVENING
Corwin leads Susie by the hand into the throng dancing to the music of Etta James. Etta spies Corwin and waves. The funky diva finishes her song and turns to Corwin.
Hey, Corwin where you been, Sugar?
Stalking the night!
Well, why don't you get that shiny white butt of yours up here and stalk me on some of that righteous guitar you play.Susie pushes Corwin toward the stage.
Go on! Play me something wild.
Ladies and Gentlemen you are in for a treat! I met this boy only two days ago. When I heard him strummin', I swear he put a spell on me!Corwin smiles and jumps on stage. He is handed a guitar. He whispers in Etta's ear. She laughs and takes the mike.
Etta addresses Susie.
You gonna like this one, Girl.Corwin starts the slow grind into "Susie Q". The band picks up the beat. Etta screams into eye watering vocals.
As they play Julia enters the club. Corwin joins the vocals. Julia spies him and waves. Corwin smiles and acknowledges with a knowing wink.
Susie follows the gesture. She spies Julia. She is obviously upset.
Corwin, Etta and the band finish. Corwin jumps off the stage.
He collects Susie and joins Julia.
What a sweet surprise! I did not expect you.Julia teases Corwin, but is not upset. She nods at Susie.
I can see that.
This is Susie, my-
Famulus. I'm his famulus. Do you know what that is?
I'm familiar with the term.
Be good, Susie. Julia is a friend.
I gotta' go.
Susie!
No! It's all right, I-Susie storms off. Concerned, Corwin watches her go.
Famulus? She seems more like a jealous lover to me.
She means a great deal to me.Julia moves closer to Corwin. She slips her arms about his waist.
And what about me?Corwin looks deep into her eyes and smiles.
You, My Love, are my reason for living.They kiss.
INT. DINER - LATER
Susie sits alone in a booth. She smokes a cigarette and drinks a cup of coffee. Tear strewn mascara stains her face.
A shadow moves across from her. Susie looks up to find Varchone.
You!Varchone places a dozen red roses in front of her.
I saw you from the street. I came in to apologize. Please take them.Susie scoops up the roses, sniffs them and smiles.
Thanks. That was sweet.
You unnerved me the other day. You see I'm a psychic. When I could not read your mind I feared for my abilities.
Do you always go around peering into young girl's minds?
No. Only the beautiful ones.Susie laughs.
I don't have to be psychic to know a line when I hear one.
A line? Maybe, but also true.
And what did you expect to find in my mind.
I expected nothing. I hoped to find you attracted to me.Susie looks Varchone over again.
I find you very attractive, but I'm already hooked up.
What a lucky man. He must think the world of you.
He does.
And is he as handsome as you are beautiful?Susie smiles again.
He's very handsome. Very romantic, too.
And what would this romantic young man's name be?
Corwin.Varchone smiles an evil smile.
I thought as much.
You know him?
I thought I would never see him again. We separated in Europe years ago.
You knew Corwin in Europe?
We were like brothers. He the eldest of course. I swear to you he made me what I am today.
Well I should hook you two up. I'm his famulus you know.Varchone smiles even deeper.
His famulus! Oh this is wonderful! Wonderful! We must surprise him!
Yeah! That would be great. Imagine when he sees you after all of these years!
He'll just die!!! We will do it tomorrow night.Varchone whips out a paper and pen. He scribbles some notes.
Bring him here tomorrow night, and we shall give him the surprise of his life!
This is going to be great.
Remember you must hide your thoughts. I know of Corwin's abilities too.
O.K. I can't wait!INT. THE WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
The dark stranger sits on his dais before the four remaining telepaths.
A table sits between the stranger and the telepaths. Five unlit candles sit on the table. A stack of manila folders sits at one end of the table.
Julia walks in.
Evidently punctuality isn't one of your stronger points, Sister.Julia replies by flipping Dan the bird. Dan smiles.
You have all studied the material I gave you?They all nod in ascent.
We can wait no longer. As I am sure you all realize, Varchone got to Cindy.Julia starts, but no one notices. She looks around realizing Cindy is gone.
He is that much more powerful. I fear for all of your lives.
You think we got what it takes?
Let us see. Agatha, light the candle on the end.Agatha starts to reach into her purse for some matches. The stranger heaves a frustrated sigh.
With your mind, Agatha.
Oh. Silly me.She concentrates only for a second and the candle lights.
Gloria and Julia applaud, Dan nods in appreciation.
All right, Agatha!
Now you, Gloria.Poof, light.
Dan.Poof, light.
Carl.Poof, light.
And Julia.Julia concentrates and the candle goes up like a flame thrower. Everyone shies away in awe.
I guess we know who had their Wheaties this morning!The stranger chuckles. He points at the pile of folders.
Take the file with your name on it. It contains your instructions. We trap the beast tomorrow.
We KILL the beast tomorrow.
So be it.EXT. 18th CENTURY - MANSION - NIGHT
The Rochambeau mansion is in flames. A bucket brigade is just forming. Julia's screams can be heard over the roar of the fire.
No one notices the dark shadow that jumps through the front door.
INT. 18th CENTURY - ROCHAMBEAU MANSION - SAME
Corwin bounds up the stairs through the flames to Julia's bedroom, the source of her screams.
Click here for PART IV of "Immortal Fool"