BOONE

An Original Pilot

Written by

Katherine Boutry

Rep: Bruce Vinokour, CAA

424 288-2000
Alan Gasmer, Alan Gasmer Mgt.
310 208-7338
 TEASER
TITLE:

To travel alone into a wilderness is risky business;

more risky is to have dreams and not follow them.
Robert Perkins
FADE IN:
EXT. WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA WILDERNESS - DAWN
SUPER: BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, 1760s
The blue mist settles over rolling hilltops. The sun, just
cresting a snowy ridge, illuminates the breath coming from a
MAN and his HORSE.
The man is DANIEL BOONE (28) muscular, handsome, and bearded.
The red-brown hair he stopped caring about months ago gets in
his eyes as he surveys the valley below.
Its breathtaking. We can see that Daniel loves this land. He
runs his hand through low-frosted branches as he stares into
the mountains on the horizon.
JOHN
Kiss her goodbye and lets get
going.
JOHN STUART, 30s, more jerky than sinew, rides up. He trails
two other pack HORSES heavily-laden with a hundred deer hides
each. The horses flanks strain as they mount the hill.
One pack horse stumbles. A few rocks skitter off the cliff
edge and fall far below.
DANIEL
Theres gotta be a way through.
JOHN
Sure. Just Injun, bear and solid
rock between. Whys the Promised
Land always on the other side of
the wild?
Daniel smiles to himself.
DANIEL
Cant tell me hes not a sign. Risk
his life for his doe.
John sees what Daniel does: a 20-point BUCK just into the
tree line.
 2.

JOHN
He aint the first stag to follow
his rut and be sorry for it.
(beat)
We got moreen the horses can
handle as is.
DANIEL
Cant go on a long hunt and come
back short. Womenfolk been waiting-
JOHN
And Im dying with want of it much
as him. Waking up with Hannah on my
mind for days. Leave him to his and
lets get ours.
DANIEL
Like to, but your boots wont make
the trip home.
Before John can question him-
A BIRD flies up out of the trees. Suddenly, the STAG turns
its head, spooked, and drops over the ridge. Johns relieved,
case closed, but--
Daniels off his horse in a flash, over the cliff edge,
dodging brush and rocks, finding his footing; athletic and
silent as the stag he pursues.
Boone glides through the beautiful, treacherous landscape, a
long view. But while we can appreciate it, Daniel is single-
minded-- everything disappears for him but his prey.
Daniel pauses, still focused. Nothing in sight. But then--
The stag marches out into view right in front of Daniel.
Hunter and prey exchange a look, as if the stag agrees.
Daniel eases out his TOMAHAWK.
The buck flinches at this small movement, but doesnt move.
Keeping the bucks gaze, Daniel flings the tomahawk with a
beautiful economy of gesture. Silent.
The tomahawk lands-- a skillful blow thats almost gentle, as
if Daniels laying the deer down. It folds to the ground.
Daniel approaches it.
Still eye contact, but the bucks light is fading. He watches
the vapor disappear as the stag breathes its last.
Its spiritual, a moment.
Daniel rests his hand on the deer, a gesture of respect.
 3.

JOHN (O.C.)
Thats 200!! Whoo-eee!
John looks down from the ridge, panting. He skitters and
slides, sees the buck and breaks into a grin.
JOHN
I told you we could do it!
Damnation, Daniel!
Daniel smiles, getting quickly to work, making a clean red
slice with his knife from the deers groin to chest.
John whistles.
JOHN
Shawnee teach you that? Fucking
reds good with carving knives.
Daniels face clouds. Off limits. He lets it go.
JOHN
Ill make a fire.
DANIEL
Too risky. Well trade at Uriah
Stones camp. Venison steak ought
to get you some boots.
Johns wearing shredded leather with sinew ties on his feet.
JOHN
Yours aint better.
Johns turn to let it go. Hes in too good of a mood.
JOHN
Were gonna be the kings of
Sugarcreek. Im telling Hannah I
got him. You owe me that, you
S.O.B. bringing me out here-
Daniel smiles, then silences John.
Daniel listens: RUSTLING. Then quiet. The wind in the pines.
He looks up, alert now.
DANIEL
Lets load him and go.
EXT. WILDERNESS - SAME
CU: A slight movement in the treeline reveals a SHAWNEE
scout, HOKO, 20s.
 4.

Slowly, FIVE other SHAWNEE camouflaged in the trees come into

focus. They look frightening, made up to look like skeletal
wasps with deep black charcoaled circles around their eyes.
Theyre deathly silent.
EXT. WILDERNESS CLEARING, RIVER BANK - DAY
John brings his horse to the rivers edge.
DANIEL
(warning)
Rivers too open.
JOHN
I aint leavin it to chance. You
think our womenll come near way we
smell?
John dismounts quickly, stripping off his buckskin breeches,
leaving his rifle on the bank.
DANIEL
Hurry it up.
JOHN
Im only washin one part. And with
this freeze on, wont take long.
Daniel smiles despite his concern. John splashes.
Then we hear the SNORT of an unseen horse. They freeze.
Daniel, instantly alert, reaches for his gun and starts to
load it when an ARROW lodges deep into his shoulder. The
powder horn drops out of his hand. Daniel dismounts to pick
it up, shielded behind his horse.
Another ARROW narrowly misses him, grazes his cheek, drawing
blood.
John makes a run for his rifle on the riverbank.
SIX SHAWNEE SCOUTS crash through the brush.
FOUR cut John off from his gun. Hes naked, wet, shivering.
TWO other SHAWNEE surround Daniel. Daniel aims the gun. A
Shawnee holds a tomahawk over John, completely vulnerable.
JOHN
Daniel!
Daniel sees that John will be killed if he fights. Daniel has
no choice but to lower the gun.
One Shawnee warrior, CHEPI, grabs Daniels rifle and twists
the arrow in Daniels shoulder.
 5.

The other SHAWNEE grab Daniel. One hits him in the stomach
with a stick.
The leader, HOKO, 28, addresses Daniel.
HOKO
Youre lost, Sheltowee.
Before Daniel can answer-
JOHN
This aint Shawnee land.
Hoko ignores John.
HOKO
(to Daniel)
You told me you were going home.
(beat)
You told my sister. Three months
ago.
We see under the make-up and skins that one of the SCOUTS is
a beautiful Shawnee woman, KIMI, 19. She and Daniel exchange
a look that says theyve slept together or wanted to.
Judging by his look, Chepi wants to sleep with Daniel too,
but hes less romantic.
CHEPI
Ulethi. Cut-ta-ho-tha.
(subtitles)
Handsome. Kill him.
DANIEL
(No)
Matah. Were leaving.
Hoko indicates the packhorses.
HOKO
You do right to bring us these
skins. Paying homage to Blackfish.
Daniel sees where this is going, but John speaks first.
JOHN
You deaf? Were homebound. Thats
two years work, Cornstalk.
Hoko contains his anger.
HOKO
You have no rights here.
JOHN
Fuck we dont.
 6.

Daniel stays calm.

DANIEL
Iroquois gave us passage. I have
the deed.
This makes Hoko furious.
HOKO
The Iroquois sold what belongs to
the Shawnee.
JOHN
Then take it up with them.
Suddenly, Chepi grabs John by the hair. With incredible
speed, he slices across Johns forehead and behind his ears.
Then he PULLS. The flesh comes free, as clean as a deer
skinning.
CHEPI HAS BRUTALLY SCALPED JOHN. Its horrific.
Over Johns ear-splitting SCREAMS:
Chepi holds up Johns scalp and a string of Iroquois,
feathered scalps on his belt.
CHEPI
We are.
Two Shawnee restrain Daniel.
The screaming STOPS abruptly as Chepi slits Johns throat.
Daniels in shock, but he quickly snaps the arrow in his
shoulder in half and sticks the broken shaft into Chepis
palm. Then he reaches for the knife at his belt.
Chepi holds up his TOMAHAWK, menacing Daniel. The broken
arrow shaft protrudes out of Chepis palm.
Quickly, Daniel hits the packhorses hard to make them gallop
away. It works, but Kimi gallops after and grabs one.
Daniel makes a run for his horse. Chepi smashes Daniel on the
head with a rock. Daniel blinks blood out of his eyes. He
goes down to his knees.
Hoko makes a sign. TWO Shawnee round up all the horses,
skins, and provisions. They take Johns clothes, Daniels
coat.
DANIEL
Hoko, wait-
Daniel looks at Johns body. This is excruciating for him.
 7.

DANIEL
Its paid for.
Chepi yanks Daniel to his feet. He holds the bloody knife to
Daniels throat.
CHEPI
You havent begun to pay.
Kimi flinches. Hoko rebukes her.
HOKO
Kimi, ni-t-kweem-a.
She rides up ahead in obedience to her brother Hoko.
Hoko tosses Daniel a tomahawk and a rasher of jerky.
HOKO
Be safe, Sheltowee.
Hoko leaves.
Chepi gets right into Daniels space, intimate and menacing.
CHEPI
Leave. And if you are so foolish as
to come back--
Blood trickles down Daniels temple. Chepi licks it.
CHEPI
--you will feel the wasps sting.
Chepi mimics a creepy wasp. Daniel clenches his jaw.
DANIEL
Soon as I bury my friend.
Chepi lets Daniel go.
CHEPI
The wolves will finish what you
dont.
Chepi cuts Daniels leg deeply with his knife on the way out.
CHEPI
Now they can find you both.
Chepi whoops and rides off with Daniels rifle.
Hoko and Kimi ride off with the packhorses. Kimi looks back.
Daniel quickly stops the blood running down his leg.
 8.

He slumps to the ground for the briefest moment, seeing:

The scalped, open-eyed, naked BODY of John.
It starts to snow.
Daniel digs a grave with a thick branch and a heavy heart.
The snow is deep and the tool inadequate. Itll be awhile.
We pull out to see the vast expanse hell have to travel
alone now. The snowflakes thicken and fill the screen as we
FADE TO WHITE.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
EXT. WILDERNESS, RAVINE - DAY
Daniel struggles down a steep ravine by the river. No choice
but to cross. Theres ice at the waters edge.
Midway, he loses his footing at a sudden drop and sinks
under. He resurfaces, swims.
Daniel tries to grab the precious few provisions he has left
as they float away. He lets the food go in order to catch a
BOOK- we might see part of the title: TRAVELS.
EXT. WILDERNESS, VALLEY - LATE DAY
Daniel walks through a hauntingly beautiful, desolate valley.
Its the kind of vast landscape that swallows a man on foot.
Hawks circle the windswept trees. The deadly beauty of the
valley surrounds him.
EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHTFALL
Damp and cold, Daniel touches a trees bark, feeling the
mossy side in the darkness to know which way is North.
He adjusts his path, limping. We can see his arm pains him.
He peels a strip of bark from the elm branch and takes it.
EXT. WILDERNESS STATION, CLEARING - LATER
Daniel approaches the camp with relief. A fire visible.
DANIEL
Uriah Stone!
But its too quiet. Somethings wrong.
 9.

Scattered fires. The snows stained and trampled, indicating

a bloody scuffle. Confused HORSE TRACKS litter the snow.
EIGHT FRONTIERSMENs BODIES lie scalped and lifeless in
various horrific positions of defense and attack. Some who
tried to flee are face down.
One is close to the fire with a tomahawk slice in his
forehead, exposed skull and brain. Another bludgeoned beyond
recognition.
Blood, bones, teeth, flesh. Butchery. All scalped. Boots and
coats GONE.
Daniels knees buckle. Disaster.
Daniel covers his nose and mouth and stamps out the smoking
remains of two corpses who fell into the fire.
A crumpled PAPER is jammed inside the mouth of the tomahawk
victim. He removes it: a page from the King James Bible.
Daniel jams it in his pocket, and focuses on his task.
He pulls aside a DEAD BODY and some brush camouflaging a
large storage/hiding place.
EVERYTHING HAS BEEN TAKEN AND RANSACKED. He steadies himself.
SUDDEN MOVEMENT under a tree. He approaches, alert, tomahawk
drawn. He gets closer and closer.
He pulls aside a low-hanging branch. Suddenly, a HUNTING DOG
lunges out at him, frightened, growling. The starving dog has
been protecting his master, a scalped, bootless BODY. Daniel
recognizes him.
DANIEL
Youre Stones whelp.
Daniel holds out his hand to calm the snarling dog.
DANIEL
Been by your buddy a few days now
by the looks of you-
Daniel reaches into his pocket and pulls out a bit of jerky.
The DOG whines, famished, looks unsure, approaches, grabs the
food, then runs back to his post by the body.
Daniel looks at the TREE BARK near the dead man.
The initials U.S. carved by the dying Stone, a sharp rock
still in his hand.
Underneath is inscribed: RUIN - 1500 SKINS GONE
 10.

Daniel pulls the Bible paper out of his pocket and reads
Psalm 121 without emotion. A makeshift eulogy, but required.
DANIEL
Lift my eyes up to the hills,
where does my help come from?
He glances at a body, panicky eyes frozen upward in death.
The irony hits, but he goes through the motions.
DANIEL
The Lordll keep you. Sun will not
harm you by day, nor the moon by
night--
Bullshit. He crumples the paper and tosses it in the fire.
Daniel regroups and restarts with his own prayer.
DANIEL
An honest man here lies at rest.
Friend of man, friend of truth.
Theres a heaven, he lives in
bliss; if theres none-
Daniel gazes into the alluring wilderness beyond the carnage.
DANIEL
-he made the best of this.
EXT. WILDERNESS- LATER
Daniel shivers violently as he tries to warm by the fire.
He looks up at the stars to distract him as he digs the
arrowhead out of his shoulder.
He makes a poultice of the elm bark mixed with snow and
applies it to the wound.
Weary and overwhelmed, he wipes his brow, his hands
bloodstained.
Daniel pats the dog. Applies some poultice to Buddy too.
In the distance, a wolf HOWLS, then ANOTHER.
He peers into the evening, then sees EYES.
He picks up the tomahawk, holding a burning stick from the
fire to light the darkness.
A STAG stands just outside the fire in the trees. For a
moment hes not sure its real. It looks just like the one he
killed. He rubs his eyes.
 11.

Daniel holds out the burning stick. The light mesmerizes the
stag. Its eyes reflect the embers glow.
The stag looks away, as if urging Daniel to follow his gaze.
Daniel looks out in the moonlight and sees the heart-
breakingly beautiful, impassable mountains in the distance.
When he looks back, the stag is gone.
By torchlight, he notices a set of TRACKS, leading away from
camp in a different direction from the others.
He follows them into the black forest, tomahawk ready.
A SKITTISH HORSE shivers alone in the trees, his bridle
caught in branches. The horse has bloody scratches.
Daniels first bit of luck, but as he wraps the bridle around
his wrist, the horse smells something and panics, eyes
rolling, nostrils flaring. The horse KICKS hard. Daniel gets
thrown down to the ground, dropping the tomahawk in the
darkness. His arm is still caught in the bridle.
A LONE WOLF charges out of the trees.
The horse kicks again, dislocating Daniels shoulder with a
horrible CRUNCH. The wolf closes in, fangs bared. The horse
struggles. Daniel sees his tomahawk, but cant get to it.
Daniel reaches the torch, waves it and yells.
But the wolf wont scare. He smells blood. He nips at
Daniels leg. Daniels in bad shape. The wolf lunges and
bites Daniels leg harder, tearing flesh. The wolf might win.
But the dog Buddy barks frantically and attacks the wolf.
The wolf turns and goes after Buddy. Daniel gets free.
He throws his torch at the wolf. The wolf leaves Buddy. Then
leaps, snarling, on Daniel. Daniel grabs his tomahawk and
lodges it into the wolfs neck. A close, fatal blow. The wolf
crumples mid-leap. Daniel tackles him down, an odd embrace.
Daniel rolls over and collapses, next to the dead wolf.
DANIEL
Wheres your pack?
EST. YADKIN VALLEY, NORTH CAROLINA, BARN - NIGHT
A frontier town with cleared lots of farm land, dusted with
snow.
Daniel rides up on the skittish horse we saw in the trees.
Buddy limps heavily alongside, stays out of the horses way.
 12.

A BARN serves as a dance hall. Its illuminated windows form a

welcoming light on the homestead.
Daniel dismounts, exhausted. He stands and considers it-- he
couldnt be more of an outsider. The wolf is now a poncho.
DANIELS POV
He looks through the window, preparing to cross back over
into civilization. We hear a muted FIDDLE accompanying
Christmas carols and revelry inside. His eyes lock on
REBECCA, 26, tall, dark and beautiful, eyes flashing as she
dances.
Boone exhales, his breath smokes in the cold.
Blood mats his long, unruly hair. He looks terrible. Icicles
of spittle and blood cling to his beard. Blood stains his
shirt.
He smooths his hair and beard. No help.
INT. BARN, PUNCH BOWL - SAME
COUPLES in their Sunday best dance. Theres general gaiety.
NED BOONE (26) has his mind on the dance floor. Hes trying
to end a conversation.
NED
We Borderers are just a different
breed.
A snobbish British OFFICER keeps Ned from leaving.
OFFICER
No doubt. But you must miss the
comforts of the colonies--
He glances with disdain at the packed dirt and straw floor.
OFFICER
And civilization.
He catches the eye of a fawning, average woman, MARTHA (28).
OFFICER
Though charming in its way. Nothing
quite like a night sleeping in the
out of doors to brace a man.
Martha hangs on his every word. She loves Ned and is trying
to make him jealous with the Officer. Its not working.
Ned only has eyes for REBECCA, still dancing. She gives him a
quick smile.
 13.

NED
We like the edge. Excuse me.
Ned moves away towards Rebecca onto the dance floor. Martha
frowns, momentarily forgetting the Officer.
ON DANCE FLOOR
Ned cuts in on Rebeccas dance partner, an older MAN, SQUIRE
BOONE (60s).
NED
Lets give those hobnails a rest,
Pop.
SQUIRE
Try asking Martha?
NED
Shes occupied.
Ned takes Rebeccas hand. Squire leaves.
REBECCA
Thank you.
They dance. Their manner is intimate, but they try not to
show it. Shes doing a better job than Ned of hiding it.
He pulls her into a nook to steal a kiss. She pulls away.
REBECCA
Not here, Boone.
Ned releases her, serious. She smiles at him.
REBECCA
Lets dance while we still can.
She pulls him out onto the dance floor.
ON DOOR:
The door opens to the cold.
Daniel walks in looking like a Yeti despite his best efforts;
theres general movement away from him.
The Officer goes to kick him out.
OFFICER
Yuletide spirit or no--
Martha stops him-- puts her hand on his arm-- curious.
Daniel walks through the tangle of couples, then up to
Rebecca, laughing and whirling in Neds arms.
 14.

ON DANCE FLOOR
Daniel takes Rebeccas hand to cut in.
Rebecca startles and looks down hurriedly, embarrassed.
REBECCA
No. Thank you kindly, sir. Merry
Christmas to you.
DANIEL
Neednt refuse.
Rebecca fidgets, uncomfortable.
Ned puffs up to intervene. He makes eye contact with the MEN
at the door looking for possible back up. LOCAL MEN rally.
Daniel ignores Ned and looks at Rebecca.
DANIEL
Youve danced many a time with me-
(gently)
Rebecca.
Rebecca looks up and finally SEES him. A SOB escapes her. She
throws her arms around him, kissing him. Daniel can barely
stand up straight, but hes kissing her back.
Ned grabs Daniel roughly from behind.
NED
Whoa, there! Shes spoken for-
When Daniel turns around, Neds shock is complete.
NED
(harsh whisper)
Brother?
Martha rushes over and hugs Daniel fiercely.
MARTHA
Daniel! I been praying for the
miracle of your return.
The MUSIC stops. Dancers stare, a crowd gathers.
MARTHA
We thought you were dead!
NED
We all did.
Daniel speaks only to Rebecca. He cant read her.
 15.

DANIEL
Told you Id make it home for
Christmas dinner.
NED
(tight)
Two years ago.
DANIEL
Got caught in a blizzard. Stayed
through spring.
Rebecca SLAPS Daniel full across the face, HARD.
He sways a little. This is no weak woman. Their intensity
unsettles Ned.
NED
Could sure use whatever you brought
back. How much you get?
Daniels about to answer when the crowd parts to make way for
a small, pale woman, HANNAH, 29, rushing up to him.
HANNAH (O.S.)
Daniel?!
DANIEL
Hannah--
HANNAH
Wheres John?
She takes one look at Daniel and her face crumples.
HANNAH
I only seen one horse. I thought
maybe he come home direct to
surprise me.
Daniel speaks quietly in her ear. He supports her.
DANIEL
His thoughts were all you at the
end.
HANNAH
Wheres his share?
Daniel looks at Rebecca, hesitates.
DANIEL
Run into some bad luck.
Hannah shakes her head, disbelieving.
 16.

DANIEL
Shawnee come up on us-
HANNAH
No-
Hes telling Rebecca, too.
DANIEL
Got the whole lot. Stones camp
too. All the winter store for Sugar
Creek and Yadkin Valley.
Hannah sinks, this catastrophe weighs on all of them. Rebecca
can barely support Hannah.
NED
You come back two years late with
nothing?
HANNAH
How we supposed to eat?
DANIEL
You bring the girls to our table.
HANNAH
You aint got more than us.
(to Rebecca)
Tell him-
But Rebecca wont look at Daniel now. She leads Hannah away.
DANIEL
Rebecca-
Daniel wants to follow, but Ned blocks Daniels way.
NED
Shes gotta be real disappointed,
Daniel.
DANIEL
Thingsll be better now Im home.
NED
Hows that? You got debts, brother.
Wasnt for me, your farm would be
took.
Daniel looks at Ned hard.
DANIEL
I see you been taking care of
whats mine, Ned. Much obliged.
Daniel pushes past Ned.
 17.

INT. BOONE HOMESTEAD - NIGHT

Daniel enters the house surrounded by his EXTENDED FAMILY. He
treads lightly, still covered in grime and travel.
CAROLERS at the door supply false cheer to this tense scene.
Daniels father Squire talks to three small CHILDREN.
SQUIRE
Go welcome your pappy.
Daniels children: JAMES (10), ISRAEL (8), and SUSANNAH (6),
slowly walk up to him, unsure.
Daniel smiles his crooked, dried blood smile and holds his
arms out to them. They exchange a look. Susannah starts to
cry.
James is the only one brave enough to move in for an embrace.
Israel follows Jamess lead. Daniel closes his eyes, soaking
in the reunion.
DANIEL
You all been good?
JAMES
Yes, sir.
ISRAEL
You kill any Tawnies?
JAMES
We rich now?
Daniel disengages gently.
DANIEL
Wheres your mother?
Everyone suddenly looks uncomfortable.
Martha tries to lead Daniel to the table.
MARTHA
We kept a place for you. Last
Christmas, too. Aint that right,
Ned?
Daniel looks past her to the bedroom.
DANIEL
Wife!
Rebecca comes out of the bedroom buttoning her blouse. Shes
cradling a BABY, its clear shes just breastfed.
 18.

Rebecca wont meet Daniels gaze, but its stubbornness, not

shame.
Daniel indicates the baby in her arms.
DANIEL
Now whos this?
Daniels father Squire booms in.
SQUIRE
Shes your daughter, Daniel.
Congratulations.
Off Daniel-
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
INT. BOONE HOMESTEAD - NIGHT, CONTINUOUS
CAROLERS sing at the open door. Daniel shuts the door.
CAROLERS
A Virgin unspotted, the prophet
foretold, should bring forth a
Savior, which now we behold--
As Daniel takes in the reality of his baby, his family
watches. He turns to Rebecca, gruff.
DANIEL
Give her here.
Rebecca looks at Daniel, unsure. But she hands him the baby.
Daniels surprisingly gentle. He softly traces his finger
over her face, her hairline, her ears, the way one does with
a new baby, discovering unexplored territory, but its also
as if he were scalping her.
Rebecca is both uncomfortable and moved at the same time.
DANIEL
Whats she called?
Neds losing everything he loves in an hour.
NED
Jemima. Shes called Jemima.
Daniel nods. He takes in Neds attitude and the expectant
faces. Theyre all watching him.
DANIEL
She got the Boone nose.
 19.

Rebecca takes the baby back and leaves the room, upset.
Ned stands up to follow her. Squire intervenes.
SQUIRE
Sit down, Ned.
Ned reluctantly sits back down next to Martha.
DANIEL
I been away a long time, so I hope
youll excuse my manners-
Daniel unhooks his tomahawk from his belt.
Ned puts his hand reflexively on his knife.
DANIEL
-but I aint tasted sugar, salt,
nor bread in must be months.
He puts the tomahawk down on the floor and sits heavily at
the table.
Martha hurries to serve him. Daniel digs in to the dinner.
The rest sit down, relief apparent. Ned stabs at his food.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Rebecca pulls the curtains tight. She and Daniel undress
awkwardly. Rebecca from guilty defiance and Daniel from pain.
Daniel opens the curtains she just closed.
DANIEL
Sleep better with the stars.
He struggles with his weak arm. She sees and helps him. These
two clearly love each other, but theres a lot of hurt
between.
She helps him lie down on the bed.
She unties his shirt. He winces as the thin deerskin sticks
to his arrow wound. Perhaps she pulls it a little more
roughly than she should.
REBECCA
My God--
Shes uncovered arrow wound, badly bruised shoulder, and wolf
bite. He watches her tend him.
She pours some water into a basin and bathes him gently with
a moist rag.
 20.

DANIEL
Nothing you could tell me would
make me stop loving you.
REBECCA
I know. Maybe thats the problem.
Recognition passes through them like an electric current.
As she leans down, he catches her hair and pulls her to him.
He kisses her. She resists.
REBECCA
No--
Then she returns his kiss with the passion separation always
builds. He hesitates.
She stops and looks down.
Milk has leaked through the front of her bodice. She pulls
away, but it turns him on more.
He unlaces her dress and pulls her on top of him.
Rebecca moves on top of Daniel. His hand moves under the
blanket. He pulls her roughly to him. She gasps, turned on.
REBECCA
Whered you learn that?
DANIEL
You want me to ask you questions?
Rebecca grabs his arm where the wounds are, squeezes,
deliberate. He grunts, but theyre even hotter now. Theres
something animal in their lovemaking. Urgent.
REBECCA
I want you to talk to me.
Daniel talks, but his minds on sex as he moves inside her.
DANIEL
James and Israel got big.
Susannahll break hearts.
She holds back a bit, teasing.
REBECCA
Hope she has the sense to marry a
farmer.
Daniel gets it, tears open her blouse. They claw at each
other.
 21.

DANIEL
You want a farmer?
She groans. She wants him.
EXT. HOMESTEAD, PORCH - LATER
Squire smokes his pipe outside.
Martha eats another bun. Squire makes the kind of unwelcome
observation older men are famous for.
SQUIRE
Youre gettin big, Martha. Ned
likes his women spry.
Martha chews defiantly as Ned passes her and goes inside.
NED
Snowstorm last year dont explain
ten months in between.
Squire considers Neds frustration, taps his pipe.
SQUIRE
Thats his wife, boy, under God.
And you got one of your own needs
looking to.
They see Martha fussing and cleaning up inside.
SQUIRE
When you were younguns, smallpox
took the town. All of us locked in
our houses. One night Daniel slips
out and crawls into bed with a
neighbor girl half dead with fever.
Said hed rather catch his death
than be shut in.
NED
Then he takes what he gets, knowing
the risks.
SQUIRE
I could say the same of you.
NED
He died out there to all of us.
Shouldve done.
Squire hits Ned.
SQUIRE
He almost did.
Ned rubs his jaw, but knows he deserved it.
 22.

SQUIRE
You know when I beat Daniel, just
made my arm ache.
(beat)
You were a different story.
NED
I got strong desires too.
SQUIRE
You crawl into beds where you dont
belong. Ill give you that.
Ned sulks.
SQUIRE
Watch yourself, Ned. Out here,
lovesicks more danger than fear.
Ned leaves Squire to the glow of his pipe in the darkness.
NED (O.S.)
Martha! Get a move on.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - LATER
Daniel and Rebecca catch their breath. But after sex, the
resentment creeps back in. He glances out the window.
REBECCA
(angry)
What are you looking for out there?
He senses the mood shift, goes to caress her, but pauses.
DANIEL
I did it for us. We were rich.
REBECCA
(quietly)
Money never moved you.
This is a loaded question. Daniel knows it. Looks away.
DANIEL
Wilds a mystery you cant get at.
She turns away. He pulls her back, gazes at her fully.
DANIEL
Looking at her makes your breathing
go tight, and you think God made
her just for you. Cant ever be
from her for long.
Rebecca knows he means her, too. Shes moved.
 23.

DANIEL
She leaves you with a terrible
want.
He leans in to kiss her, but the baby CRIES. She gets up.
INT. BOONE HOUSE, BEDROOM - NIGHT, LATER
Rebecca settles the BABY back down after the feeding.
Then she hears a NOISE on the porch.
EXT. BOONE HOUSE, PORCH - NIGHT
Rebecca picks up a small rifle and walks outside, wary.
She senses movement and aims at the darkness, but sees
nothing. She hears a NOISE.
Suddenly, Ned grabs her from the shadows. She startles.
NED
Becky-
REBECCA
I thought you went home.
NED
I took Martha. I wanted to check on
you. Be sure youre all right.
REBECCA
I dont know what I am.
She pulls away from him.
REBECCA
But I know Im not with you
anymore.
NED
So this changes everything?
REBECCA
What about Martha?
NED
Now you got scruples?
REBECCA
Im a practical woman, Boone.
Neds frustrated, turns on her.
NED
How come you never call me Ned?
 24.

REBECCA
What?
NED
Not even when were alone. Just
call me Boone. No one else does.
Rebecca considers him.
REBECCA
You need me to say it?
(beat)
You look just like him.
It dawns on Ned that hes been a temporary replacement.
NED
I been real good to you.
REBECCA
I know.
She means it.
REBECCA
Daniel and I thank you.
He snorts bitterly and leaves.
Alone now, Rebecca lights the pipe Squire left, inhales
deeply.
She watches Ned cross the moonlit field and exhales smoke,
looking out at the wilderness.
EXT. NED BOONE HOMESTEAD - SAME
From her window, Martha looks out into the night, watching
the tiny light of Neds lantern coming home to her. Instead
of the false cheer she usually shows the world, we see her
vulnerable. Then angry.
INT. STATE HOUSE - DAY
Hoko and Chepi stand in the fancy state house parlor looking
at the stiff 18th century furniture imported from England.
British Lieutenant Governor HENRY HAMILTON looks at them from
behind an imposing desk.
HAMILTON
Scalp the American settlers and I
will reward you for it. Handsomely.
The Shawnee dont look as thrilled as he hoped.
 25.

HOKO
The American Patriots call you
hair-buyer Hamilton.
Hamilton smiles tightly.
HAMILTON
Americans like their big talk.
Patriots? Theyre common thieves
with no respect for limits.
Hoko stares out of the window and sees a SLAVE, brought
roughly through the streets.
HAMILTON
We want to keep them out of the
Frontier as much as you do.
HOKO
Because you want the land.
HAMILTON
Because if we keep them East of the
mountains, we can better contain
them. The Americans wouldnt know
what to do with the Wild.
HOKO
What you call the Wild, we call
home.
Hamiltons tired of this conversation.
HAMILTON
Hoko, do not make the mistake of
thinking that New France will be a
Shawnee ally for long. Theyre in a
weakened position and theyre using
you. Dont be on the losing side.
Bring me scalps.
Chepi reaches into a satchel and holds up a string of scalps.
He drops it heavily on Hamiltons mahogany desk.
CHEPI
You ever see a man scalped?
Hamiltons distaste is apparent, but he wont flinch.
CHEPI
It makes a noise you always
remember.
Hamilton gestures to a SOLDIER in attendance.
 26.

HAMILTON
My man will see you receive
payment.
(beat)
In future, dont bring those here.
He points to a stockpile of guns and ammunition.
HAMILTON
Those are for you.
Off Chepis sinister smile--

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE
EXT. BOONE HOMESTEAD - DAY
Daniel cleans up well, beard trimmed, fresh clothes.
He shows JAMES and ISRAEL how to throw the tomahawk. One
bulls-eye after another. Israel runs to retrieve it, and can
hardly pull the tomahawk out of the bark its in so deep.
ISRAEL
Whoo-eee! You aint missed one yet!
DANIEL
A Shawnee taught me.
JAMES
What was he like?
ISRAEL
You kill him with it afterwards?
DANIEL
Dont kill less survivals at
stake. Not people, not animals.
Sides, she was too fast for me.
The boys cant follow up on the she before Rebecca comes
over.
REBECCA
Told Hannah wed take her to Johns
service. Go wash up, boys.
The boys leave. Rebecca reaches out to Daniel, but she puts
her hand on his bad arm. He winces, then smiles tightly.
Theyre awkward, getting back to being married.
REBECCA
You going to Squires after?
 27.

DANIEL
Thought on it. Am I supposed to ask
you first?
REBECCA
No. Just now its winter, folks
have time to do book keeping.
DANIEL
How much we owe?
REBECCA
Half the farm.
Daniel splits a log, then puts the tomahawk down.
DANIEL
Didnt see any meat in the smoke
house.
REBECCA
We saved the last cut for
Christmas. Been eating eggs the
past month. Squire brings us what
he can. And-
She hesitates.
DANIEL
And Ned, yeah. I got it.
REBECCA
Thats not what I was going to say.
Daniel winces. Rebecca pauses, wrestles with something.
REBECCA
You need to go on a hunt.
Daniel looks at her, surprised.
REBECCA
Not far, but more than local.
He walks away to stack the wood. Now shes surprised.
REBECCA
We have to eat. And theres no game
here anymore. Too many settlers
moving in. I thought itd please
you.
DANIEL
It doesnt. You need me here.
 28.

REBECCA
(teasing)
You been gone two years, I think
well manage a few days.
DANIEL
(firm)
I dont want to leave you.
REBECCA
You fretful leaving or worried
you wont come back?
Low blow. Daniel looks her in the eyes.
DANIEL
Im the only one here never lost
faith in my return.
INT. SUGARCREEK CHURCH/SCHOOL - DAY
Hannah sits in the front row wearing a black shawl. Her two
GIRLS sit beside her. She wont look at Daniel as he enters.
Daniel sits stiffly in a pew with Rebecca and the children,
Martha and Ned. Susannah leans on Ned. Daniel notices.
REVEREND SOELLE, 20s, speaks at the make-shift pulpit.
SOELLE
We grieve for John Stuart and his
family. As we thank the Lord that
Daniel came back to us, spared.
Daniel bows his head, uncomfortable. Soelle glances at the
Officer in the congregation.
SOELLE
The Colonies believe we Borderers
lead a very irregular life. They
say our habits are Native- men go
off on long hunts and leave women
to the hard work. White savages
they call us-
Soelle looks directly at Daniel as he speaks.
SOELLE
So busy chasing the Frontier, they
let the Injuns scalp their partners
and their brothers fuck their
wives.
DANIEL WAKES UP SUDDENLY. Everythings back to normal.
 29.

SOELLE
But we are all Gods children,
bound by his laws-
Daniel stands up, sweating, making his way out.
GASPER MANSKER, a local ruffian stands up and blocks him.
GASPER MANSKER
I say we kill those savages what
did that to John!
Congregation murmurs; some shout agreement.
OFFICER
The Governor supports retaliation.
Native aggression cannot go
unanswered.
DANIEL
No revenge. You all hear me?
GASPER MANSKER
Those reds killed John!
DANIEL
John was like a brother to me. But
we send hate out there, theyll
come into Sugarcreek with war and
bloody vengeance.
GASPER MASKER
Eye for an eye! Lead us to em,
Daniel.
DANIEL
Were not ready. Supplies are low.
They defend whats theirs like any
of us. I wont take any part in it.
Widow Hannah looks at Daniel with disgust.
HANNAH
What kind of man are you?
Daniel exits the church, sweating.
EXT. SUGARCREEK CHURCH - DAY
Daniel smokes outside. Reverend SOELLE breaks off a
conversation to go to Daniel.
SOELLE
Maybe you forgot church ways.
 30.

DANIEL
Wilds only paradise I need,
Reverend. Thanks for your concern.
Daniel is about to walk away.
SOELLE
If you dont consider your soul,
Rebeccall be fending for herself
in the afterlife too.
Daniel pauses. Get a load of this minister.
DANIEL
Christ went into the desert,
Reverend. Least Im in good
company.
SOELLE
He didnt have a wife and children.
Womenfolk arent as strong as us.
Daniel points to Rebecca.
DANIEL
Ever seen that woman with a rifle?
SOELLE
I think you know what Im talking
about. I baptized Jemima.
DANIEL
Wouldnt have asked you to.
Squire, Ned, and Martha approach in the cart.
SQUIRE
Wasting your time, Reverend. Boones
dont take to religion.
Squire tips his hat to Soelle as they move off.
SQUIRE
See you next week.
INT. SQUIRE PUBLICK HOUSE - DAY
LOCALS gather. All men. Daniel and Ned sit. Squire tends bar.
GASPER MANSKER leads HENRY SKAGGS to Daniel.
SKAGGS
Im mighty glad to see you.
Daniel nods, wary. Theres an edge to them.
 31.

GASPER
Guess youll be able to make right
on your promises now.
Daniel pauses, takes a sip of ale.
DANIEL
Plan on it.
SQUIRE
Man just got back. Give him time.
Gasper gets in his face.
GASPER
I aint got time.
(to Daniel)
I been real considerate of your
widow, but I got my own mouths.
Young James comes in, senses the tension. Ned goes to him.
NED
Come on, James. Aunt Marthas been
hiding maple sweets in her apron
pocket-- thinks I dont know.
James leaves with Ned. Daniel turns back to Gasper.
DANIEL
Im going hunting. Ill bring you
all I take.
GASPER
A skin now and then aint gonna do
it. We got that from your brother.
DANIEL
Ill do what I have to do.
GASPER
Soll we.
Daniel registers the threat. Squire leans in, imposing.
SQUIRE
Finish up, boys. Bars closed.
Skaggs looks. Still plenty of people. Gasper downs his drink.
GASPER
I aint your boy. Come on, Skaggs.
Gasper and Skaggs leave.
 32.

SQUIRE
Those two been mouthing off for
months. Ned give em what he could
spare. You owe your brother a debt.
DANIEL
Im working on grateful.
Daniel watches Ned and James laugh and wrestle outside.
SQUIRE
Hes still your brother. That aint
changed.
EXT. BARN - DAY
Daniel chops firewood, we see his shoulder pains him. James
comes up to watch.
JAMES
You dont talk as much as Uncle
Ned.
DANIEL
Out of practice.
Daniel chops; notices that James is still watching him.
DANIEL
In the wild you gotta be quiet;
otherwise the animals hear you.
JAMES
Ill practice with you. Crop was
good.
Daniel nods. Okay.
JAMES
But two fields rotted. We couldnt
harvest in time.
Daniel starts to pay attention.
DANIEL
Thats a heartache.
JAMES
Mama was getting too big. Uncle Ned
had his fields and Aunt Martha
wouldnt let him anyhow. Grandpas
old and Israel and Susannah too
little. I tried, but I should have
done more.
Daniel sees James needs to tell him this.
 33.

DANIEL
You done good. No one went hungry.
ISRAEL
Yes we did.
Israel has joined them. James elbows him.
Daniel stops chopping.
DANIEL
Im sorry I missed the harvest.
JAMES
And the planting. You missed that
too.
Daniel looks at Israel, makes a decision.
DANIEL
You feel man enough to guard the
homestead?
ISRAEL
Why? Youre back now.
DANIEL
Hunters gotta hunt. Thought youd
be tired of eggs.
ISRAEL
What about James?
DANIEL
Im takin him with me.
James tries to hide the pleasure this gives him.
ISRAEL
I want to go.
DANIEL
Cant leave your Mama all alone.
ISRAEL
Shes not alone.
Daniel tries not to react.
DANIEL
Uncle Neds got his own family. We
cant be relying on his charity all
the time.
ISRAEL
He dont seem to mind.
 34.

JAMES
I mind.
James looks Daniel in the eye, they agree. Rebecca comes
over.
DANIEL
Gonna fill that larder. Im taking
James. Hes old enough.
She smiles. He leaves for the barn, pauses.
DANIEL
Taking Ned, too.
Once Daniel is gone, James reaches for the rifle propped up
against a tree. Rebecca helps him.
REBECCA
Careful, James.
JAMES
Let go, Mama.
Shes surprised by his firm tone.
JAMES
Best I learn. He wont stay long.
Stung, she realizes hes right and releases the gun.
INT. BARN - DAY
Daniel returns the hatchet to its hook.
Then Daniel sees: stuck in the back of the work table is a
small DEERSKIN bundle. Daniel picks it up and unwraps it.
Its a SMALL MAP. He looks at it like the Holy Grail.
EXT. BARN - DAY
Daniel rushes up to James, practicing with the rifle.
DANIEL
Whered this come from?
JAMES
Soldier dropped it off last summer.
Mama didnt know what to do with
it. What is it?
Daniel takes it without a word and leaves.
INT. SQUIRES PUBLICK HOUSE - DAY
Daniel comes in, excited. Finds Ned, drinking heavily.
 35.

He points to a greasy unlabeled FRONTIER MAP on Squires wall

showing roughly Tennessee, North Carolina. Kentuckys a lot
of white space. He points to it, excited.
DANIEL
There for the taking. Can-tuc-kee.
Ned barely looks up from his glass.
NED
Thats Shawnee land.
DANIEL
Was. They lost it to the Iroquois.
Who sold it to the British. But the
Shawnee dont agree. Found that out
the hard way. Changes everything.
NED
Theres solid wall through the
ridges.
DANIEL
Theres a secret door in the
mountains.
Ned leans in as if interested.
NED
Guarded by leprechauns.
DANIEL
The mountains curve down, look like
its solid rock and you cant get
in, but theres a gap. You gotta
know where it is. But its there.
A DRUNK leans in to them.
DRUNK
Sounds like my first wife.
Daniel ignores the Drunk, lowers his voice, speaks urgently.
DANIEL
Theres more game than you can
shoot in a year. Bison, elk, bear,
deer. Earths fertile. Grow
anything.
NED
Says who?
Daniel hesitates.
DANIEL
Findley.
 36.

NED
That drunk? Youre off your tree.
DANIEL
He was there. Told me about it
during the war.
NED
Wheres he now?
DANIEL
French ambushed us. Tried to get
word, but he never made it home.
That was three years ago.
NED
Guess the gates of heaven just
closed.
Daniel pulls out the DEERSKIN MAP we recognize from before.
DANIEL
He sent me this.
NED
Youd risk everything for a few
skins you hand over to the Indians?
DANIEL
Im not talking about a long hunt.
Im talking about settling. We take
our families. Pop. Start fresh.
This is my chance to do right by
Rebecca and the children.
NED
You just woke up from a nightmare,
John dead and how many others? And
youd go out again, wouldnt you?
DANIEL
I still got dreams if thats what
youre asking.
Ned looks out at Rebecca through the window.
NED
Most men dream of home.
Daniel grabs Ned. Hes reached his breaking point.
DANIEL
You think it didnt eat me alive
every second I was away?
 37.

NED
Two years is a long time. You had a
choice.
DANIEL
So did you.
NED
I made it. Family first.
And I got no regrets.
Daniel slams Ned into the bar. Men scatter. Ned lands a
punch. Daniel hits him back HARD. He might kill him. He slams
Ned back up into the bar. Pinned down, Ned points at the map.
NED
You been had, brother. Aint
nothing there.
Daniel picks up a PEWTER TANKARD to smash Ned with it.
SQUIRE
Daniel!
Daniel pauses, regains control, lowers his arm.
Daniel lets Ned go. Ned goes after him, but the LOCAL MEN
hold him back, as if they all agree Ned had it coming.
DANIEL
To most folks a blank spot on a map
is nothing.
(beat)
To me its everything.
Ned shakes off the MEN, angry.
DANIEL
Youre coming on a short hunt with
me. Three days.
NED
Hell, I am.
DANIEL
You think youre sorry I come home
now? You owe me this.
Daniel leaves. Squire listens from behind the bar.
SQUIRE
Go on. He needs money. And you
aint drinking for the joy of it.
Ned considers, rubbing his bruised jaw.
END OF ACT THREE
 38.

ACT FOUR
INT. BOONE HOMESTEAD, KITCHEN - DAY, LATER
Martha helps Hannah mend her black shawl. Rebecca kneads
bread.
REBECCA
I made extra for you and the girls.
HANNAH
Rebecca, did Daniel give you any --
particulars?
Hannah looks away at her GIRLS playing with Susannah. Rebecca
hesitates.
Martha jumps in, annoyed.
MARTHA
About John! I been wondering that
myself.
Rebecca warns Martha with a look, shakes her head.
REBECCA
Hes tore up about it, tossed all
night.
MARTHA
You can always tell about men in
bed. Ned must know. Hes been so
restless.
Rebecca knows the real reason Neds not sleeping.
REBECCA
Maybe its best not knowing. We
have to meet the life in front of
us.
HANNAH
You let me know whats best when
Daniel doesnt come home.
Rebecca feels the sting of this. Martha snorts.
MARTHA
Hardly be a difference for
conversation.
Rebecca looks at Martha, annoyed.
MARTHA
Tell her how he courted you.
(to Hannah)
Cherry-picking.
 39.

REBECCA
Oh, we got all stained. Lips,
fingers deep red. Then he sat next
to me so tongue-tied he couldnt
say a word, just took his knife and
made little tiny pricks in my new
apron.
She warms to her story.
REBECCA
When I held it up, looked like a
constellation of stars shining
through.
Hannah and Martha arent as charmed as Rebecca is.
MARTHA
Daniels a strange man.
REBECCA
Said it was a test of character.
See if I was a patient woman.
Rebecca smiles.
REBECCA
Once he dressed a deer right out
front. Mama was beside herself. He
come in with blood in his hair. You
all laughed, but he didnt care.
Hes been under my skin since the
day he picked up that knife.
Martha looks hard at Rebecca and picks up Baby Jemima.
MARTHA
We will love our husbands against
reason. No matter what they do.
Rebecca looks out the window as soft RAIN comes down. Daniel,
Ned, and James head off at the far side of the field. Theyre
almost out of sight.
REBECCA
Theyll catch their deaths.
Rebecca regrets her choice of words. Awkward, Hannah moves
off to attend to her DAUGHTERS.
Martha rocks Baby Jemima in her arms, looks out at Ned.
MARTHA
My experience, cant stand in a
mans way if he wants something.
Just blames you is else.
 40.

Rebecca considers Martha.

REBECCA
Martha-- I want you to know I
appreciate you lettin Ned help out
while Daniel was away.
Rebecca reaches to take Jemima back, but Martha pulls away.
MARTHA
She is a beautiful baby.
Marthas expression is hard to read.
MARTHA
Were sisters, Rebecca. Double
wedding. That old preacher even got
our names mixed up when we said our
vows. You remember?
Rebecca smiles faintly, uneasy.
MARTHA
Course it mightve been the way Ned
was looking at you caused his
confusion.
(beat)
Now your husbands home, see you
keep him there. I plan on doing the
same.
Martha hands baby Jemima back to Rebecca, but pauses before
she lets go.
MARTHA
I didnt test Neds character
before I married him.
(beat)
But Im right handy with a knife.
Martha smiles and releases Jemima. She walks away.
Rebecca holds Jemima close.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
On a beautiful and wide expanse of hilltop, a flock of SHEEP
scurry past as Daniel, Ned, and James make their way on
horseback. A wild turkey hangs from his saddle.
DANIEL
Now our lucks gonna change.
JAMES
We gonna shoot a sheep?
 41.

DANIEL
Nope.
They approach a log shelter-- a shepherds refuge.
DANIEL
Best hunter I know lives here.
JAMES
Folks say youre the best hunter.
DANIEL
That right?
JAMES
Yep. They say Daniel Boone could
track a fish through a river.
Ned confirms it with a curt nod.
NED
Dan Boone killed a bear when he
was twelve years old.
Pleased, Daniel lets his ego get the better of him for once.
DANIEL
When were they saying that?
NED
We had a little memorial service
for you last summer.
Daniels face drops. Ned shouts towards the house.
NED
Burrell!
The door to the refuge opens. The men dismount.
A black man, STEPHEN BURRELL, (33) comes out to greet them.
Ned walks through the door without waiting for an invitation.
BURRELL
Its a real pleasure to see you
back home safe, Mr. Daniel. Mr.
Ned.
Daniel claps him on the shoulder.
DANIEL
Invite us for supper?
Daniel hands him the turkey.
 42.

BURRELL
Ill put this on.
Burrell goes inside.
James looks at Daniel, surprised at the easy friendship
between the men.
JAMES
Hes a slave.
DANIEL
Animals were huntin dont know
anything about that.
Daniel walks inside. James considers.
INT. SHEPHERDS REFUGE - NIGHT
Burrell addresses James over the remains of their roasted
turkey. Daniel looks happy and at ease.
BURRELL
Your Pappy never crossed a trail
once without he knowed it forever
after. Hes got a gift. You too, I
reckon.
James shrugs shyly, hopes so.
BURRELL
Sho enough.
Ned stands up.
NED
Come on, James. Let me teach you
how to load the long rifle.
Both Daniel and James look sorry to cut this conversation
short. But Daniel nudges James.
DANIEL
Go on with Uncle Ned.
James follows Ned out with the gun.
Burrell cleans up the supper dishes. Daniel watches Ned put
his arm around James outside as he shows him the gun.
DANIEL
You recall us talking about the
Gap, Burrell?
 43.

BURRELL
You still after that Can-tuck-ee
land you was on about few years
ago, Mr. Daniel?
Daniel pulls out the map bundle. He points to an ODD MARKING.
DANIEL
This mean anything to you?
Burrell considers.
BURRELL
I give shelter to some Shawnee
awhile back. Dont know if they was
hiding out from the white man, but
I didnt ask no questions. One was
shot bad. They told me about a War
Path.
Daniel perks up.
DANIEL
Warriors Path. They tell you
where?
BURRELL
Nah.
Burrell shakes his head.
BURRELL
Once they seed I could hunt and
track, they showed me.
A fire lights in Daniel. Burrell catches the twinkle.
BURRELL
Guess they figured no harm in
telling a poor colored man.
DANIEL
I need a few months to set things
right at home. Gather men and
supplies.
BURRELL
Thing is, Master want the sheep
brought home to his new pasture.
Wont be back out this way again.
You want I should show you, we got
to go now.
Daniel looks outside at James.
 44.

DANIEL
I just got home. Got bridges to
mend.
BURRELL
Tell you what. Ill take you just
far enough to get your marks. You
spare two more nights?
Daniels fighting with himself.
BURRELL
Boys first hunt, cant go back
empty-handed.
EXT. SUGAR CREEK - DAY
THREE SHAWNEE walk into town. They get evil stares from the
Sugar Creek residents. We see many of the funeral attendees
including HANNAH.
The Shawnee enter a trading post, carrying skins.
Hannah faints. Commotion.
INT. SQUIRES PUBLICK HOUSE - SAME
Gasper Mansker and Henry Skaggs watch the Shawnee from the
porch of the bar.
GASPER
May be John Stuarts skins those
Injuns are getting rich off.
Skaggs and other BAR DWELLERS look over.
GASPER
Fact, theyre probably the ones
scalped poor John.
SKAGGS
What we gonna do about it?
GASPER
I always likes to help a widow when
I can.
Skaggs chuckles.
SKAGGS
You always helpful with widows,
Gasper.
Gasper turns to the MEN.
 45.

GASPER
Hell, were drinking to John, aint
we?
Theres violence in their eyes.
EXT. EDGE OF TOWN - DAY
As the THREE SHAWNEE leave town, TWO SHOTS ring out, hitting
two of them. One in the face, another in the back.
The one shot in the back slumps in the saddle.
TOWNSPEOPLE scatter. Panic. A badly-planned attack since a
group of WOMEN and CHILDREN have just left the CHURCH.
One Shawnee horse, spooked, drags the TANGLED BODY of the
wounded Shawnee through main street just a foot from the
church group. The WOMEN and CHILDREN SCREAM.
They get a close look at the Shawnee with half his face shot
off, trying to hang on. One FRONTIER WOMAN grabs him and
tries to pull him down.
The Third Shawnee spurs his horse and grabs the mane of the
second mans horse, his dead riders lifeless body slumped in
the saddle.
The wounded Shawnee strikes the Woman dragging him down. She
lets go. The Shawnee ride away.
INT. BURRELLS CABIN - NIGHT
Bedtime. James settles into Daniel. Daniel barely breathes,
not wanting to scare him off.
DANIEL
You want I should read?
James nods.
JAMES
Where you left off before. Giants.
DANIEL
(moved)
You remember that?
James nods again solemnly.
JAMES
Been wondering how it ends.
Daniel pulls out the well-loved copy of Gullivers Travels he
saved from the river.
 46.

DANIEL
(reading)
I lamented my folly in attempting
a voyage against the advice of all
friends and relations-
Daniel forges on despite the subtext.
DANIEL
For what could I expect but to be
a morsel in the mouth of one of
these savage barbarians who should
happen to seize me?
James eyes go wide. The words arent reassuring.
DANIEL
Cant waste the oil. Time for bed.
Daniel sees James worry.
DANIEL
If Gulliver stayed home, he
wouldnt find out the Giants were
good.
JAMES
He almost died.
DANIEL
Hiding aint living.
JAMES
What about Gullivers family?
DANIEL
They let him be the man destiny
carved.
JAMES
Cause they werent his destiny?
Daniel registers the hurt. He gently pulls the wool blanket
over James.
DANIEL
You pull your weight this trip;
next long hunt Im taking you with.
EXT. CHILLICOTHE, SHAWNEE VILLAGE - DAY
The COUNCIL HOUSE is 60-ft long. Surrounding it are several
bark-covered long houses.
 47.

INT. COUNCIL HOUSE - SAME

FIVE NATIONS meeting is in progress. CHIEF BLACKFISH speaks.
Subtitled scene.
BLACKFISH
Shawnee were murdered by white
settlers in Yadkin.
The SHAWNEE WITH HALF HIS FACE GONE steps out before them.
Theres an outcry. Chepi shouts out of turn from the ranks of
men and women.
CHEPI
The Iroquois will pay for selling
Shawnee land to the Whites!
ONE IROQUOIS STANDS, ready to fight.
HOKO
Chepi! You forget yourself before
the Clan Mother.
CLAN MOTHER stands, a regal presence draped in beaded robes.
CLAN MOTHER
The Iroquois profited from British
greed-
(beat)
and Shawnee foolishness.
BLACKFISH
I will hear the counsel of the
Five. Pushmataha?
PUSHMATAHA is a quiet man wearing British spectacles.
PUSHMATAHA
The Whites give things the Choctaws
need: tools, guns...
TECUMSEH scoffs loudly. Blackfish reprimands him.
BLACKFISH
Tecumseh-
THE PROPHET
We must teach them.
All turn to the small VOICE coming from the odd-looking
PROPHET, who smokes a pipe in the corner.
THE PROPHET
It displeases the ancestors that we
act like the Whites.
 48.

The Prophet traces a smoke ring towards Pushmataha.

PROPHET
The Earth will die and take her
children. Our graves turn into
plowed fields.
TECUMSEH
The Prophet is right. Sleep no
longer, Choctaws and Chickasaws.
Look around this table. Where are
the Pequot? the Narragansett, the
Mohican, the Pocanet?
All look around at the symbolic empty spots at the war table.
General agreement in the room. A MURMUR of assent rises.
Chepi talks to a group of young warriors in the corner.
CHEPI
The Prophet says teach them. I say
we attack their homes so they
learn.
The Warriors smile. A group of rebels forms.
Kimi has overheard their plan.
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
EXT. WIGWAM - NIGHT
Kimi gathers her things to leave in haste. Her young sister
SULI (8) observes her.
SULI
Men throw around their bellies and
their breath in the long house.
KIMI
The Clan Mother speaks well.
SULI
She scares me. I want to be like
her.
Kimi places a knife into a deerskin pouch.
KIMI
Like her, you talk too much.
SULI
And you never finish your stories.
 49.

Kimi relents, but rushes through the telling.

KIMI
On the pine the brothers found deep
scars. It is as we feared. This
one we hunt is a monster bear after
the Great Deer.
SULI
(worried)
She is no match for them.
KIMI
The Deer Spirit brings babies, but
shes dangerous too -- she leaves
men to pine away- lovesick or
dreaming.
(beat)
And she sits on unruly children!
Suli laughs and points to Orion.
SULI
Is that the Great Deer?
Kimi nods and points to a nearby star.
KIMI
The hunter is close behind.
SULI
The white hunters always follow,
dont they?
Kimi nods, troubled.
KIMI
But they are not all bad.
SULI
I do talk too much. But I wont
tell anyone youve gone.
Kimi didnt realize that Suli understood she was leaving. She
kisses Suli on the forehead and leaves. Suli watches Kimi
disappear into the forest, enveloped by darkness.
EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT
James stares into the pitch black tall trees. Frightening
forest NOISES swell around him. His fathers silent SHADOW
comes towards him and startles him.
JAMES
Im not scared.
 50.

DANIEL
Too bad. Only time you can be
brave.
The Boones and Burrell have made open camp on bare ground
with only blankets to cover them. No shelter.
DANIEL
Ill be along in a minute. Stick to
me against the cold.
James hunkers down into the blanket, staring into the
darkness.
EXT. CAMPSITE, FIREPIT - NIGHT
Daniel joins Burrell and Ned at the small fire.
DANIEL
Cant keep the fire going. Might be
seen.
NED
I hate cold.
DANIEL
Better than dead.
NED
Well freeze before the Tawnies get
us.
DANIEL
(firm)
Put her out.
Ned doesnt like taking orders from his brother. He turns to
Burrell.
NED
You heard my brother.
Burrell and Daniel exchange a small look.
EXT. CAMPSITE - NIGHT
The men bed down under the stars.
NED
Fuck, its cold.
Daniel grunts in assent. He holds James tight.
NED
Get over here and spoon me,
Burrell. Dont mean were married.
 51.

EXT. WILDERNESS - DAY, DANIELS DREAM

Daniel swims in a natural pool beneath a waterfall, watching
Rebecca undress to join him. He dives, but-
JOHNS SCALPED HEAD floats beneath the water.
Daniel surfaces, rattled. In Rebeccas place, he sees the
STAG.
EXT. CAMPSITE - NIGHT
Daniel wakes up with a start. A layer of snow has accumulated
on them all. Even the horses.
Daniel sees movement through the treeline.
DANIEL
Wake up, James!
James struggles awake, alert and frightened.
They walk through the trees and see a clearing filled with
hundreds of BISON. Theyre majestic, beautiful in the
moonlight.
DANIEL
Theres your Giants.
James cant believe his eyes. Daniel beams. This is the kind
of magical moment every parent hopes to give their child.
Burrell joins them.
BURRELL
They like the salt. Comes up out of
the ground like sweat.
JAMES
How come theres none at Yadkin?
DANIEL
Too many men, not enough space.
Pushed them West.
JAMES
Like us.
DANIEL
Like us.
Ned takes aim at a BISON with his rifle. Daniel sees, alarmed-
DANIEL
Ned, no!
 52.

BURRELL
Youre too far!
Too late. Ned fires, hitting the bison in the forehead.
NED
I might not be Daniel Boone, but I
can still hit an animal that size.
DANIEL
Not too far to hit him, too far to
kill him.
Neds smile fades. The buffalo shakes its head, then turns
towards Ned and lowers its head to charge. Daniel stays calm.
DANIEL
James, start walking back the way
we came.
The men start to back up. The buffalo snorts and paws the
ground. Ned quickly hands Daniel the other gun - a five-foot,
ten pound single-shot muzzle-loading flintlock.
NED
Youre a better shot.
The bison charges right towards them, fully committed.
Daniel runs towards the bison, aims and fires.
And we see where the expression flash in the pan comes
from. An EXPLOSION of powder on the outside of the gun
blackens Daniels ear and scorches his cheek, but doesnt
shoot the bullet. A misfire.
Bad luck, because the buffalos still coming.
Jamess eyes go wide. Now Daniel has to reload!
Daniel pulls at the plug from the spout of his powder horn on
his belt, pours loose gunpowder into an antler tine, then
into the muzzle, rams the .50 caliber lead ball down, pushes
the ramrod back into place, sprinkles powder into the priming
pan, snaps it shut, re-plugs the powder horn.
Daniels fast, but it feels like an eternity. The bison
charges.
Daniel snaps the pan into place and fires. BANG!
But the Bison doesnt even slow down, and as we feel the
bisons breath in our faces, and James braces for the worst-
A foot away, the bison suddenly crumples, snorting its last.
Blood frothing from its mouth.
 53.

James is shaking, then insanely relieved. But its brief.

Daniel turns angrily on Ned, pushes him.
DANIEL
You bait that beast and then give
me a gun misloaded?
Ned pushes back.
NED
You dont understand.
DANIEL
I understand I cant trust a
brother with my back turned.
Ned gets it, wants to punch Daniel.
JAMES
Stop it!
James is between them now.
JAMES
It was me!
Daniel pushes James out of the way.
JAMES
I loaded the gun!
Jamess words finally sink in. Daniel stops. He sees from
Neds face its true.
JAMES
(angry tears)
I wanted to pull my weight. I
wanted you to take me with you.
Daniel realizes his mistake. He puts his hand on Jamess
shoulder, but James shakes it off.
JAMES
(to Daniel)
I wish you stayed away.
James runs off. Daniel suffers this blow.
BURRELL
Ill go after him.
Burrell follows James.
NED
Daniel-
 54.

When Daniel turns, Ned snaps the pan and points the gun at
Daniel. Daniel puts up his hands.
DANIEL
Ned--
But Daniel turns and sees Ned is pointing the gun at KIMI
behind him. She speaks quietly and quickly.
KIMI
Chepi is coming. He will attack
your village.
Alarmed, Daniel moves towards Kimi. He looks her in the eye.
Ned observes the tenderness between them. These two have
history. More grist for the mill.
Then, in one swift movement, Daniel grabs Kimis wrists and
binds them. She struggles, putting up quite a fight.
KIMI
I came here to help you, Sheltowee!
DANIEL
I know it. Im truly sorry.
He pulls her onto his horse. She tries to bite his forearm.
He reacts and gags her with a piece of cloth. Ned comes up to
help.
DANIEL
(to Ned)
Take James back to Burrells. Safer
there than on the road home.
Ned indicates Kimi.
NED
Thought you didnt take revenge.
DANIEL
Family first.
Daniel rides off, racing towards home.
EXT. BOONE HOMESTEAD, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Rebecca, Israel, and Susannah sleep in the bed.
The children enjoy the spot where their father sleeps.
A GUNSHOT nearby startles Rebecca awake.
Extricating herself from tiny, sleeping limbs, Rebecca grabs
the RIFLE near her bed and rushes to the window, shielded
behind the rough curtains. She looks out.
 55.

She sees a group of SHAWNEE RIDERS cresting the ridge. We

recognize CHEPI and the other rebel WARRIORS. SETTLERS shout.
SCREAMS. Another GUNSHOT. A SHAWNEE kills and scalps a
SETTLER. Rebeccas pulse races.
SCREAMS of some LIVESTOCK.
MOVEMENT catches her eye. She sees TWO SHAWNEE rounding her
barn and heading for the house, bloody knives drawn.
Rebecca rouses Israel and Susannah. Shes careful not to wake
baby Jemima.
Susannah reaches for the candle.
REBECCA
No light-
INT. BOONE KITCHEN - NIGHT
In SILENCE and by moonlight- Rebecca leads the children
towards the back door. She HEARS a CREAK and a SHUFFLING: One
of the Shawnee is inside the house!
The BABY stirs and whimpers, but doesnt wake.
Rebecca reaches for the handle of the back door.
The SHAWNEE passes by the door frame! Rebecca freezes. Horror
washes over her. Then--
We refocus on the b.g. to see another SHAWNEE is standing
still in the kitchen WITH THEM! HE MOVES CLOSER.
Israel turns. He sees him!
Israel jumps and knocks a DISH off the sideboard. CRASH!
The BABY WAILS. But the DOOR is open.
REBECCA
Go!
Susannah runs. Rebecca aims the rifle with one arm, but shes
holding Jemima. Israel takes the rifle and aims. The Shawnee
clasps the aimed rifle. Rebecca quickly grabs a MEAT HOOK and
stabs it into the Shawnees eye. He lets go.
They make a break for it across the field towards Neds
house, just visible on the hilltop. Susannah joins them.
EXT. BOONE HOMESTEAD - CONTINUOUS
As they run for the field, ISRAEL suddenly gets shot by an
ARROW. He CRIES OUT and drops the rifle.
 56.

Rebecca looks in horror as he crumples to the ground. She

rushes to him.
Rebecca hands the crying baby Jemima to Susannah, whos
trying to be brave.
REBECCA
Susannah, take Jemima. Line the
shadows. Stay out of the moonlight.
Susannah can barely carry the baby. Shes getting hysterical.
SUSANNAH
I cant! Shes slipping.
Rebecca steadies Susannah and looks in her eyes.
REBECCA
Youre my girls. Were the strong
ones.
Susannah nods. She staggers towards Neds house.
Rebecca scoops up Israel and the rifle and struggles towards
a PLOW in the middle of the field.
She hides behind the plow and scoots down, protecting Israel.
She waits, holding her breath. She sees Shawnee FEET under
the plow, creeping slowly on the other side.
ANOTHER SHAWNEE sees her from the house. He smiles.
Suddenly, the first Shawnee appears menacingly from behind
the plow handles. He looms over Rebecca.
Rebecca shoots him, ripping a hole in his chest. He lurches
and falls on her.
She pulls Israel out and makes a break for Neds.
Another SHAWNEE gains on Rebecca as she struggles to cross
the moonlit field with Israel. Hes gaining on her.
She lays Israel down. She tries to reload the rifle, but her
hands shake too much. She spills the powder. There are so
many steps to loading. We see she realizes shes missed one.
Hes getting CLOSER. She turns to run to divert him from
Israel.
He grabs her skirt from behind. Hes got her, but the fabric
tears. She scrambles away, panting, desperate.
Martha, frightened, opens the door to usher Rebecca and
Israel in. She sees the Shawnee coming towards the open door.
 57.

Rebecca scrambles towards the door within reach, but she is

suddenly YANKED BACK. The Shawnee has her by the ankle now!
Rebecca swings the rifle and clocks the Shawnee right in the
face with all of her force, smashing his nose open.
He lets go, but quickly comes back at Rebecca.
Martha cocks a knife and aims, hatred in her eyes.
The knife whizzes past Rebeccas ear into the Shawnees
forehead. The Shawnee falls to his knees, dead.
Rebeccas ear bleeds.
MARTHA
Youre lucky I missed you.
Rebecca looks warily at Martha. Was that a hit or a miss?
Squire rushes over with a rifle. Hes been fighting on the
ridge.
SQUIRE
Get inside.
Rebecca scoops up Israel. Hes unconscious. Martha helps.
MARTHA
They took one of John Stuarts
girls.
They lay Israel down on the bed.
REBECCA
Wheres Susannah and Jemima?
MARTHA
I thought they were with you!
Rebecca, frantic, runs out into the night.
REBECCA
Susannah!!
Squire pulls her back in.
SQUIRE
Rebecca, get back in the house.
Take care of Israel.
Squire goes back out.
SQUIRE
(urgent whisper)
Susannah--!
 58.

EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT

Daniel rides for all hes worth towards home. His horse
sweats.
EXT. NED BOONE HOMESTEAD - DAWN
Squire searches the forest. He hears movement around the
treeline. He draws his gun and moves closer.
As he gets closer he realizes--
Its a baby WHIMPERING.
He approaches and sees baby JEMIMA alone in a pile of leaves
under a tree, like somebody buried her there. He scrambles to
pick her up.
No sign of Susannah.
SQUIRE
Susannah!
CUT TO BLACK.
END OF EPISODE