A medieval lord's mission to deliver a peace offering sword devolves into a nightmarish descent into madness, questioning his sanity and the influence of a hated wizard.
Type:
Short
Status:
For sale
Page Count:
31pp
Genre:
Fantasy, Mystery
Budget:
Independent
Age Rating:
17+
Based On:
Original short story by the writer.
Synopsis/Details

Medieval Lord Ritchie is tasked with delivering his family's crucible sword to their enemies, a peace offering to save his royal family. Along the way, Ritchie encounters a series of surreal and disconnected events, leaving him to question whether these challenges are his own or if someone—or something—is manipulating him. Haunted by the possibility of a wizard's involvement, a notion he loathes, Ritchie's grasp on reality begins to falter.

After a drunken attack in a public house, Ritchie finds himself alone in a room, experiencing a disorienting journey between past and present. As he faces his imminent death, he is transported back to the root of his tormented existence, revealing the full scope of his living horror. This screenplay, inspired by a short story chosen by the late actor Rutger Hauer for his 2004 contest, delves into the fragility of the human mind, the impact of vengeance, and the power of perception.

Ritchie's earlier life as a pirate, detailed in the sequel "Breaking on Cave Island" from the “Giant Tales, World of Pirates” anthology, further illuminates the reasons behind his current descent into madness.

All Accolades & Coverage

Based on an original short story by the writer, chosen by actor Rutger Hauer in 2004 as a winning story in his international short story contest.

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The Writer: JZ Murdock

JZ Murdock is a multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and indie filmmaker and horror author blending real history, psychological depth, and bold genre storytelling and based in Bremerton, Washington, in the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proud USAF veteran living in a Navy town, he brings a unique mix of discipline, depth, and dark imagination to his storytelling. Several screenplays are available for option or co-production, including award-winning true crime, horror, and historical projects. Murdock is open to collaboration with production companies, directors, and animation studios. His true crime drama The Teenage Bodyguard , based on a week in 1974 when a 17-year-old… Go to bio
JZ Murdock's picture
Agency: Seeking
Agent: Seeking
Manager: Kelly Hughes - zirrik.com