THE KIDS' TEN COMMANDMENTS
Episode #3
FADE IN:
OPENING TITLE SEQUENCE 
(FROM STOCK FOR ALL EPISODES)

CUT TO:

TEASE
EXT.  ISRAELITE CAMP - NIGHT
WE TILT DOWN from a star-studded sky to catch an Israelite sentry (MALACHI) ... he stands with a spear on a foreground bluff, a thicket of brush close-by. We HOLD as we reveal the Camp below. SHOW TITLES FADE IN AND OUT: 

"A Life and Seth Situation"

Commandments #5 and #6
SETH (V.O.)
We'd been camped at Mount Sinai for several months, and things were kind of boring. When you are in the desert, you want ADVENTURE. Not--
INT. SETH'S AND LEILA'S TENT - NIGHT  
Several oil lamps burn inside the small tent. Seth is sitting on his side of the tent, he is not happy. Leila is mending a tunic with a crude stone "needle" and leather "thread."
seth (v.o.)
--MEMORIZATION!
leila
Seth, I will let you go camping with Ephraim, IF you can tell me the Fifth Commandment.
seth
That's, uh ... "Honor your father and mother."
He opens his eyes, not at all sure that he got it perfectly.
seth (CONT'D)
Right?
leILA
Right -- which means that you'll follow my instructions?
SETH
Of course.
leILA
Good, because I have a few extra rules for your camp out.
seth 
Awww, Mom ...
LEILA
One, there are animals prowling the desert at night, so I want you to sleep inside the tent.
seth 
No problem.
LEILA
Two, do not leave camp to collect manna before checking with me.
SETH 
Sure, I won't leave camp without your permission.
LEILA
And, three, you'll be very careful.
Seth grabs his sleeping roll/blanket. He stops and kisses her goodbye. Leila smiles.
seth
I will, Mom, I promise.
Seth races towards the TENT FLAP FLIES; Leila follows and holds it OPEN ... revealing a view of Mount Sinai.
leila
(shouting after him)
Just remember the Ten Commandments that God gave Moses on the mountain and you'll be fine!
(looking at the mountain)
Lord, please help Seth to remember your words.
int./ext. - mount sinai - night - p.o.v. from tent
WE PUSH IN TOWARDS THE MOUNTAIN as we hear ...
GOD'S VOICE
"Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God will give you." "Do not murder." (Exodus 20:12-13, NLT)
FADE OUT.

ACT ONE
FADE UP:
ext. pup tent near animal pen - night (a little later)
A small oil lamp burns inside a TINY TENT that has been placed between Seth/Leila's tent and Omri/Zillah/Ephraim's tent ... near the animal pen. It's a small cloth tent, held up by sticks on either end. We see the shadows of the boys in the tent.
seth (v.o.)
Ephraim and I had been planning a "camp out" for weeks -- we really wanted to be out on our own -- away from our parents -- and ready for ADVENTURE!
INT. PUP TENT - NIGHT  
A SMALL OIL LAMP illuminates the inside of the tent.
seth
Ephraim, this is soooo neat!
Eyes alight, Ephraim rummages for something even better.
EPHRAIM
Take a look at what I brought.
He shows off a bronze sword with jeweled hilt, the sight of which briefly troubles Seth.
seth
That's your dad's sword. He let you borrow it?!?
epHrAIm
Well, not exactly, but I'll put it back before he wakes up.
A glint of light hits the sword as he shows Seth.
seth
What a beauty.
ext. pup TENT - NIGHT - ZILLAH'S P.O.V (over shoulder)
Zillah looks out onto the Boy's Tent ... she sees the shadows of the boys (but not the sword).
OMRI (O.S.)
Zillah, come to bed.
Zillah turns and lets the tent flap close.
int. zillah/omri/ephraim's tent - night - continuous
Omri crosses to her (note to artists: All we really need to establish is the tent flap area and a lamp/light source).
ziLLAH
What about the desert bandits?
OMRI
Rumors, darling, just rumors. Besides, Joshua has posted sentries, so even if a bandit could possibly slither his way into camp, what kind of idiot thief would expect to find something valuable in a boy's tent?
snap Cut to:
EXT. SAND DUNE NEAR CAMP - NIGHT
Omri's question is answered as we see UGEE, a tall, gaunt thief, who is as soft in the head as a Halloween pumpkin in January. He starts to DISMOUNT HIS ARABIAN HORSE, but he gets his foot caught in the reins, and ends up flipping upside down and hanging on the side of the horse.
ANGLE - UPSIDE DOWN
We see a jackal (wild dog) named ODIFEROUS as he moves close to NATHA, sheik of thieves, a vain, urbane and sociopathic version of Rudolph Valentino. They are joined by RACA, who is squat and barrel-like.
natha
Ugee -- what are you doing?
ANGLE - FOLLOW ACTION (BACK TO RIGHT SIDE UP)
RACA 
He's just hangin' around, boss ... he-he-he.
natha
Enough with the jokes Raca -- help him.
racA
Yes, boss.
Raca crosses and cuts him free, as Ugee <falls> in a lump on the ground.
uGEE
Whhhoooaaaa ... thanks.
Natha
You two cover the west side of the camp; I'll take the east.  Grab what you can.  Valuables, you understand. And remember...if anyone spots you... <kkkkkeeekkk>
Natha makes a cutting gesture across his own throat then starts over the slope at a crouch.
Natha (CONT'D)
Come, Odiferous, my fiendish little friend, we have work to do.
oDIFEROUS
(following his master)
<growls>
When the jackal slinks off, Raca speaks his mind to Ugee.
Raca
You better steal something useful this time or the boss will be really mad.
Raca starts off.
Ugee
Okay, okay ...
...and moves on, Ugee hurrying after him.
dissolve to:
Ext. Pup tent - just before sunup
The boys sleep peacefully, totally oblivious to the TWO SHADOWS skulking up to their tent -- the Quasimodo form of Raca, who moves on, and...the Vampire-like one of Ugee, who suddenly brandishes a knife ... which slowly <rips> through the tent.
ext. animal pen - JUST BEFORE SUNrise
AMOS, the rat, hears <A LONG, SLOW RIP>.
amos 
(to himself)
I thought rodents were the only one's up at this hour.
WE HEAR <LOUD FOOTSTEPS> come in our direction. Amos's eyes bug to an O.S. terror; and he ducks back down with a mousely:
amos (CONT'D)
AHHHHHhhhhh ... what's going on?
We see Raca, carrying a sack and running as fast as his little legs will carry him.
RACA
Let's get outta here!
ugee
Hold on ... I see something really valuable!
UGEE reaches into frame and grabs MARTHA, the lamb!
amos
Oh no!
INT. PUP TENT - JUST BEFORE DAWN
Ephraim's face takes in the breeze from a jagged gash in the makeshift tent. MOVE TO Seth who wakes with a start to frightened O.S. <BLEATING>. 
martha (o.s.)
Baaaahhh ... <loud bleat>
seth
Martha?
Seth jumps up -- Ephraim looks around.
epHRAiM
Look! Someone cut a hole in the tent! 
seth
Bandits! 
ePHRAIM
My Dad's sword is gone!
Seth races outside, followed by Ephraim. He looks just past the pen, where he sees Ugee and Raca jump onto the backs of their ARABIAN STALLION. Ugee carries a sack -- Martha's head sticks out.
Ephraim (CONT'D)
Over there!
seth
(reacting)
Martha! We've gotta do something.
epHRAIM
What?
Seth
I'll get Rachel. We'll go after them -- before they get away!!
As Seth vaults over the top rail of the pen. Ephraim follows him.
ext. pen - JUST BEFORE dawn
Seth places a BLANKET on Rachel's back.
epHRAIM
Shouldn't we wake the adults?
seth
Would you rather tell your Dad that his sword is missing and you don't know where it is? Or, give him a detailed description of the bandits and where they are heading?
ePHRAIM
Good point -- let's go. But we'll only go as far as the manna fields -- then we'll be able to show the adults where to find them. Right?
Seth grabs Rachel's reins and jumps on her back. Ephraim reluctantly jumps on the back of the donkey
seth
Right! Rachel -- fly like the wind!
Seth pulls back Rachel's reins. Rachel takes off out of the corral gate <bray>, leaving the animals in the dust. Hannah and Jacob wake up.
EPHRAIM
I hope we're doing the right thing.
hannaH
What happened?
amos
(too scared to talk, Amos babbles)
Well, ya see, There was this one -- who -- you know --
(gestures like he picks up Martha)
And then Seth and Ephraim -- well, they you know ...
(gestures like horseback riding)
And then Rachel -- you know ...
Shadi wanders over.
shaDI
We don't KNOW, Amos ... slow down ... speak clearly.
haNNAH
Where is Martha? And Rachel?
amOS
(points towards the desert)
Gooonnneeee.
shadi
Where?
jacoB
Who cares, it means more food for us all.
shadi
Jacob!
jACOB
Sorry.
haNNAH
Amos, why would Martha and Rachel go into the desert?
Amos
Thievesssss ... robbbbbbers ... AAAaaa ...
shadi
Amalekites!
amos
(nods his head)
Uhh-huhhh.
SHADI
The most evil bandits of the desert.
Amos nods his head up and down ... The word "AMALEKITES" puts fear into the hearts (and onto the faces) of the animals.
EXT. CAMP - JUST BEFORE DAWN - TIGHT ANGLE
Rachel emerges from the periphery of tents at a trot, the boys on board. Seth reins her in and points ahead. 
Seth
There they are.  Three of them.
INTERCUT BOYS' P.O.V. - EXT. DUNE
Natha's horse (and Odiferious) join the group as the Amalekites gallop from view.
Ephraim
C'mon, Seth, isn't this close enough?
Seth urges the donkey to go as fast as she can.
Seth
NO! Giddy-up, Rachel.  Pretend you're a race horse. 
ANGLE ON RACHEL <bray>
Rachel picks up the pace (somewhat).
Cut to:
Ext. Bluff overlooking the ISRAELITE camp - EARLY MORNING
The sun's orange sphere is just squeezing itself above the horizon, the wind growing stronger. JOSHUA reaches the path where the sentry stood earlier.
Joshua
Malachi? Malachi? 
(beat)
Oh no.
Joshua spots a fallen spear.  He picks it up and looks around anxiously. Then Joshua spots a nearby brush where he sees a pair of feet lying lifelessly on the ground. He races behind the bush, then turns and <BLASTS THE RAM'S HORN>.
Cut to:
Ext. Desert - MORNING 
Angle on the sun, now in full fiery yellow view.  We HEAR HOOFBEATS first then see the three Amalekite horsemen silhouetted against the sun.  They gallop closer and closer, the sound of hoofbeats becoming like thunder until men and horses and Martha's jiggling head OBLITERATE THE FRAME.  
Ext. edge of manNa field - MORNING
Seth and Ephraim ride up on Rachel.
EXT. DESERT - Intercut SETH'S P.O.V.  
In the distance, we see the Amalekite horsemen snake toward the hills. 
seth
They went into those hills.
ephRAIM
Okay, let's turn back and tell the adults. Our parents never let us go any further than the manna fields, right?
Seth
If we keep 'em in sight we can guide Joshua right to them. We've gone this far ... we can't turn back now, can we?
ePHRAIM
Of course we can.
seth  
C'mon Ephraim -- this is adventure! We'll be heroes!
(to Rachel)
 ... Getty-up, girl.
Just as they continue, Ephraim throws a worried look back.
EPHRAIM
This is NOT a good idea.
Cut to:
EXT. PEN - EARLY MORNING - MOMENTS LATER
In the distance we hear the <RAM'S HORN BLOW> ... Leila comes from the tent, wrapping a shawl around her shoulders.  She sees two animals are missing ... she thinks for a beat ... then looks at the pup tent ... ZOOM IN TOWARDS THE KNIFE RIP IN ITS SIDE. She rushes to the pup tent.
Leila
 <gasps with fright>
Seth!
Ext. OMRI'S TENT - MORNING
Omri exits and heads for the pup tent ... Leila intercepts Omri and Zillah.
LeILA
Seth and Ephraim are gone!
zILLAH
Gone?
leila
There's a knife slit in the tent!
ziLLAH
Omri!
Omri crosses to the tent and sees the rip as Joshua arrives from one direction, followed by AARON from another direction. MATTHEW and SARA, come from their tents as Omri, Zillah, and Leila join the group.
joshua
Malachi the sentry has been killed.
aARON
Oh no, I must go comfort his family.
joSHUA
Wait -- there's more -- I think deserters from the Amalekite army we defeated at Rephidim [Ref-i-dim] have stolen items from all over the camp. 
omri
Seth and Ephraim are missing as well.
aARON
Oh, no.
joSHUA
Omri, come with me ... if the boys are out there, we must quickly find them.
leila
(to Omri)
Take Shadi, our camel. Find my son ... please ... he's all I have left.
omri
We will find him.
(to Zillah)
Zillah, bring me Zeek, perhaps the falcon can help find his young master.
Zillah
Right away.
Zillah runs out of frame.
AARON
Leila, you search the camp.  I must tell Moses. Remember ... we are the Lord's people.  He is our ever-present strength in time of trouble. 
Cut to:
Ext.  Amalekite hideout - day 
A cathedral of rock drops to a level area that slopes steeply down to a twisting canyon.  On the edge of this plateau a fast-talking gecko named JOSEPHAT turns irritably to the clatter of hooves. He POPS his head out of the hole in a small mound of sand ... sees the horses ... ducks under the sand ... HOOFS fill the frame ... then he pops back up.
Josephat
(to himself)
Just when I was getting used to a little peace and quiet ... and suddenly I'm on a trade route.
The Amalekite horsemen, followed by Odiferous, head for a creepy cavern in the background. 
Josephat (CONT'D)
Peee-ewwww ... talk about your dirty rotten scoundrels ... 
Cut to:
EXT. THieVES CHAMBER -DAY 
Torch light illuminates the vast ceiling of the underground vault. PAN DOWN to where the horses are corralled and FIND Raca squatting before a scattering of utensils, some clothing and Omri's sword. Ugee's sack IS protectively wrapped around Martha, whose terrified eyes keep darting toward Odiferous, who pants expectantly.  Natha dramatically pours out his sack of treasure.
Raca
Wow, boss, look at all that gold and jewels. You're the best ... I mean -- the worst -- bandit ever.
NATHA
(modestly)
Thank you ... I do try to set an example.
Natha kicks at Raca's meager pickings.
Natha (CONT'D)
Thinking of opening a second hand shop at the bazaar, are you? Well, you stole at least one useful thing.
Natha picks up the sword and swings it around to test the feel. Ugee sees that Natha's scabbard is empty.
Ugee
What happened to your sword?
Natha
It got stuck in something...
(winking at Odiferous)
Hey, ol' boy?
The jackal slavers and shakes with a chuckle.
oDIFEROUS
<slobber and chuckle>
RACA 
What did you steal, Ugee?
Ugee proudly shows off the sack containing Martha. 
marTHA
<scared bleat>
NATHA
A lamb? You stole a lamb?
uGEE
Yeah ... you have a pet.
(he gestures to the jackal)
natha
Ugee ... rough and tough bandits don't keep lambs as pets, as a snack maybe ...
Odiferous <licks his chops> ...
natha (CONT'D)
... but not as pets.
cut TO:
EXT. HILLS - DAY 
Rachel dutifully plods up to a height overlooking a sweeping plain bordered by an escarpment heaved into phantasmagoric shapes.  Although a hard wind blows, what the boys see is bright and sunny.
Ephraim
I want to go back, Seth.
Seth
Stick with me, pal, and we'll come home heroes.
Ephraim
Seth, this is really dangerous.  
Seth
(excitedly)
Ephraim, this is real adventure!
Seth urges Rachel downward, and as she traverses toward flat ground, Seth SINGS with the whimsey and longing that lie behind his eagerness to be such an innocent fool. 
SONG #1: MONTAGE - EXTERIORS - INTERCUT SCENERY - DAY 
"THE FOUR CORNERS"
Music and Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland

							SETH 
Y'got to be ready when destiny calls you
Right now there's no time to waste.
							EPHRAIM
We must obey our Mom and our Dad--
							SETH
There are battles to win,
Yes and challenges men have to face --
							EPHRAIM
We're not men, we're just boys being bad!

							SETH
I have longed for adventure to find me
Where I'll fearlessly face the unknown
							EPHRAIM
But our parents don't know
							SETH
I believe it's time to make a choice of our own--
							EPHRAIM 
Is this the right way to go?
CHORUS
							SETH
I want to see the The Four Corners of the Earth
							EPHRAIM 
Someday perhaps, couldn't it wait?
							SETH
Find out the mettle I'm made of, see what I'm worth
							EPHRAIM 
We can turn back, it isn't too late
							SETH
Learn the secrets of the desert
And sail the oceans wide
Brand new sights and aromas--
							EPHRAIM 
Back there is where home is!
							SETH
New colors and splendors--
							EPHRAIM 
And thieves and pretenders!
							SETH
Where secrets and truth lie
I'll see them with you by my side--
							EPHRAIM
I'll pray we'll have God as our guide!
							SETH
Are you with me my friend?
							EPHRAIM 
I guess so, but where will this end?
							SETH/EPHRAIM
On the trail of adventure we ride!
EXT. plain - day 
As Seth finishes, we hear the <sound> of a sandstorm.
ePHRAIM
Seth, what's that sound?
seth 
I dunno.
EPHRAIM
(looking back)
Sandstorm!
Seth twists around to see: A WALL OF SAND AND DIRT
Turning the sky beige, blocking it entirely from view.
rachEL
<brays in fear>
Seth
Sandstorm!  Run, Rachel, run!
They get about a dozen yards before the howling frenzy swallows them whole. SAND COVERS THE FRAME ....
Fade out.

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO

Fade in:
Ext. plain - day 
THE WIND HOWLS WITH SAND ... Seth hunkers forward on foot, leading Rachel, and Ephraim keeps hold of her tail.  
SWISH PAN to:
EXT. DESERT ON the OTHER SIDE OF FIRST RANGE OF HILLS - day 
Much less wind and dust. From the beige horizon where the storm still vents its wrath, Joshua canters his war camel up to Moses. MOSES is mounted with his staff on a camel, and Omri rides Shadi.
josHUA
This sandstorm came out of nowhere.
moses
What of the boys?
Joshua
(whispering)
Not a trace, Moses. If they're caught in that sandstorm, Lord have mercy. 
moses
We must find them, Joshua.
JOSHUA
(louder; a more encouraging tone)
Omri! Time to see what that falcon can do.    
FEATURE OMRI
raising his forearm on which EZEKIEL is perched.
Omri
Find, Ephraim and Seth. You can do it.  
(a heart-wrenching whisper)
Find my boy.  Please, Zeek, please.
zEEK
<shrieks>
With a shriek the powerful bird wings upward.
TRACk the falcon -- beating its wings against the wind.
From on high the tracking party can be seen, but the plain and encampment beyond are a-swirl in a maelstrom of sand.
CROSS DISSOLVE:
Ext. Pen - day 
The shape of the sand funnel matches shape of the fodder as its dropped inTO the trough. WE WIDEN as we find a distraught Leila tears in her Eyes. 
leila
<sobbing>
Jacob comes up and begins to eat ravenously.  Hannah admonishes him. Amos watches.
Hannah
How can you stuff yourself at a time like this?
Jacob
(chomping away)
When I'm upset, I eat.
amOS
You must be upset a lot.
HANNAH
I'm worried ... what if our friends don't ever come back?
JACOB
Don't talk like that -- they'll be back.
AMOS
They'd better, I have to apologize to Martha ... just yesterday I told her that she looked like a fur-bearing chicken.
(as a huge tear forms)
And Rachel, you don't want to know what I called her.
HANNAH
<sniffle> I miss 'em ...
JACOB
Me too ... <gulp>
AMOS
(sniffing)
Me three ... 
A BIG TEAR form in Jacob's eye ... <honk> ... then it DROPS on AMOS, dowsing him with water.
amos (CONT'D)
I feel like I'm drowning in tears.
Cut to:
Ext. THIEVES CANYON - DAY (WE CAN'T SEE WHERE WE ARE)
WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF THE SANDSTORM. A CANTED ANGLE STARTS ON RACHEL's face set against the sand storm's onslaught, MOVES DOWN PAST Rachel to Ephraim and Seth who are trying to push forward.
Seth
It feels like we're going uphill!
Ephraim
I can't hear you!
As Ephraim's FOOT SMASHES A SMALL SAND MOUND, Josephat comes spitting and blinking from a blanket of sand.
Josephat
(to himself)
What is going on around here? There's a whole desert out there and everybody's stepping on me! 
EXT. THIeVES HIDEOUT - DAY
Seth breeches the plateau.  Rachel bumps into his backside because he stops to peer ahead.
INTERCUT P.O.V. CAVE
Seth
A cave! Let's go inside!
They head for the opening in the mountain ... as the SAND WIPES ACROSS THE SCREEN ...
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DESERT - PERIPHERY OF CAMP - DAY 
Zillah's eyes are scanning the horizon for any sign of Ephraim ... she stands vigil, looking mournfully out at the vast desert.  Leila comes up and puts an arm around her.
ziLLAH
Any news?
leila
They are definitely not in the camp ... Old Jeshanah saw them leave early this morning on our donkey.
ziLLAH
I was afraid of that. What can we do? 
Leila
We need to pray.  That's all we can do.
Zillah looks at Leila gratefully, she grabs her hand.
Zillah
Yes.
Leila gives one last look at Mount Sinai as we ...
leila
Oh Lord, brings our boys back safely ...
diSSOLVE TO:
INT. CAVE - DAY
Seth and Ephraim are in the cavern's dark foreboding depths.  Their respective noses twitch and flare.
Seth
Gosh, it sure smells.  
An O.S. <SNARL>.
Ephraim
Wh-what's that?
REVERSE ANGLE - INTERCUT BOYS FROZEN WITH FRIGHT
First they see a beady set of yellow eyes; then a flickering torch splays grotesque light over Odiferous, and before they can run away, Natha appears holding the flame.
Ephraim mutters out of the side of his mouth.
Ephraim (CONT'D)
He's wearing my dad's sword ... he's one of the bandits!
NATHA
Well, well, well. Boys, what brings you to these desolate and lonely parts?
Seth
We were...were just passing by.  Collecting firewood.  
Natha
Ah-ha.  Alone? I see.
ePHRAIM
(starts to answer)
Unn-
(Seth elbows him)
SETH
Ahhhh, we'll just be going...
Natha grandly gestures.
NATHA
Don't go ... You must be my guests ... besides, we can't have you telling people where to find us, now can we?
(he draws his sword)
Get the point?
seth
<gulp> Yup ... got it.
Natha uses his sword to push them further into the cave.
INT. Entrance to bigger chamber - angle into connecting PASSAGE - DAY
Natha toys with the boys, while Ugee and Ratha tie them up.
SONG #2: WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?
Music and Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland
naTHA
I would rather you had not discovered our location
Anyway you slice it's a sticky situation
I'm inclined to send you on a permanent vacation --
Well, What Did You Expect, from a murdering thief like me?

You'd've had a charming life of happiness and cheer, though
I would say your chances here are something less than zero
Now you'll see what happens when you try to be a hero--
Well, What Did You Expect an Amalekite thug to be?

I look at a lamb and all I see
Is a belly full of lamp chop stew
And I've gotta stop boys who are where they shouldn't be
Doin' what they shouldn't do -- wouldn't you run'em though?

Murder is a crime, ah, but I'm above all
The regulations, laws and stipulations
Try and catch me, will they -- Never!
They're too slow, and I'm too clever!

Sorry boys but don't you see you're just an inconvenience
Sure I'd like to spare you but I've got no time for lenience
Murderers are known for being mis'rable and mean, hence
I just don't give a hoot for the fate of two boys like you
So you'd better say your prayers,'cause I'm sure nobody cares
If you're shishkabab before I'm through--
Well, What Did You Expect one so good at being bad to do?!?
Cut to:
ExtERIORS - plain  & THieVES CANYON - DAY
Zeek flies over country that the boys traveled, the storm breaking up below.
The bird spots Thieves Canyon and takes a banking turn over its twisted, rocky walls.
His eyes flash at the sight of something we can't see, and he swoops downward.
EXT. THieVES CANYON  - DAY
Josephat rests on top of his sand mound -- which he is trying to rebuild, by pushing sand with his front arms/legs and tail.  Zeek's shadow startles him, he DIVES for his hole, but Zeek's talon pulls him out by his tail.
Josephat
Oh, boy, this has been a bad day ... Please, please, don't eat me.  I don't taste very good.  I'll upset your tummy.  I'm... I'm poisonous! That's it. I am death to anyone who tries to chew me up.
ZeEk
I am looking for two boys and one donkey.
JOSEPHAT
Oh.  There's been a lot of traffic around here lately ... What's it worth to you?
ZEEK
It's worth a bad case of indigestion unless you tell me everything you know.
Zeek brings him closer to his beak.
Josephat
Oh ... I think they went into the mouth  ... ahhhh, better not use that word ... I mean the "opening" ... of the cave! Over there!
(Josephat points)
zEEK
Thank you -- that wasn't so hard, was it?
(turns on him)
But you had better be telling me the truth!
Zeek puts him down and flies off. Josephat falls to the ground.
joSEPHAT
(to himself)
 ... Truth is, I've had it with desert living.
Cut TO:
INT. CHAMBER OF THieves - DAY 
Rachel is over with Martha, Odiferous is standing guard. Natha smiles at the boys.
NATHA
Ugee, see if you can cook up that pillow with legs into something that tastes a little beefy.
marTHA
<fearful bleat>
SETH
No, not Martha! AAhhhh ... Let us go!
NATHA
Not an option ... kill the lamb and the boys!
seTH/EPHRAIM
<shock> Uggghhhh. What??!
RACA
(nervously)
Do we have ta kill 'em boss? What if we just made 'em our slaves for life?
ugeE
Yeah, maybe they're trainable.
naTHA
(leaning over the boys)
Hummm ... tell me, boys, have either of you ever picked a pocket?
SETH
(eyes glistening with conviction)
Our God tells us not to steal.
NaTHA
(with whiney disdain)
Ohhh. And I suppose you always obey your parents too?
Seth glances down with pangs of guilt.
Seth
I wish.
Ephraim
Me, too.
NaTHA
Well, that settles it ... after carefully considering the costly expenditures of time, money, energy, meager rations, constant beatings and so forth, we have only one choice .... Raca, kill them.
seth/EPHRAIM
What!?!!   
Odiferous SNARLS at Martha, whose eyes glisten with tears.
oDIFEROUS
<snarls>
Seth winces as Raca hauls him and Ephraim to their feet.
An O.S. <CAW> has Natha looking toward the passage.
VARIOUS ANGLES
Zeek dive bombs Raca, forcing him to let go of the boys.
rACA
Whoooaaaaa ... watch out!
nATHA
Odiferous -- kill that bird!
Odiferous leaps with flashing fangs, biting only air. With wings beating furiously, Zeek wheels on Odiferous and buries his talons into the back of the jackal ... Odiferous YELPS and YIPS in fear of one-to-one combat.
oDIFEROUS
<yelps>
Odiferous bolts for the passage, zipping past Joshua and Omri, who enter -- swords drawn.
ePHRAIM
Father!
Natha grabs the jeweled sword and swings at Omri ... Omri moves quickly, obviously skilled with the sabre.
Joshua heads for Raca and Ugee, who join together, but they are not a match for Joshua's strength and cunning ... with a parry and a repost, he knocks the swords from the hands of the two thieves ... then holds his blade against them.
Meanwhile, Ephraim and Seth step back, as Omri goes full force against Natha -- Natha slashes part of Omri's cape -- Omri responds by loosening his cape and throwing it over Natha's head, then he pushes the shrouded villain up against the cave wall, and stands over him with sword drawn.
joSHUA
Let's tie up these pathetic thieves.
ugee
Pathetic? I thought we were just "petty" thieves?
naTHA
Be quiet, Ugee.
Joshua and Omri tie up the thieves. MOSES enters and looks around.
MOSES
(unties the boys)
Boys, are you alright?
seth 
(getting untied)
Yes, sir.
Ephraim crosses towards his father.
Ephraim
I'm so sorry for causing you all this trouble.
OmRI
I'm just glad that you and Seth are all right.
Ephraim
We are now. 
(hugging him tightly)
Thank you, Father, thank you.
Zeek flies up and lands on Ephraim's shoulder.
omRI
You must also thank Zeek ... for it was he who found you.
Ephraim pats the bird.
zEEK
<coos>
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. DESERT - NEAR THE CAMP - SUNSET
The tracking party nears the camp.  Joshua's camel leads the group. Ephraim rides nestled against his father (on the camel that Moses rode earlier), and Rachel and Martha are tied to ropes and scamper alongside Shadi, on whom Seth rides with Moses. 
Track moses and seth
seth
(contrite)
Thank you for saving us. I feel so bad, I shouldn't have ignored my Mom's rules. I almost got Ephraim and me killed. Do you think she will ever forgive me?
moses
What do you think?
seth
I think I never should have disobeyed.
MOSES
It is wise to honor your mother by listening to her. It's one way in which you show respect for God.
Moses spots Leila as they reach the outskirts of camp.
seth
(calling)
Mom!
EXT. CAMP
With Zillah, Leila stands on the periphery of the camp, she breaks into a run, calling his name:
Leila
Seth!
Seth jumps down from Shadi to race to her open arms.
They collide in an embrace that swings them in a circle. Zillah runs past to greet her own son.  
Zillah
Ephraim!
Ephraim jumps from his father's camel.
epHRAIM
Mother!
Leila laughs with utter joy, and Seth cries with heartfelt relief and repentance.
Seth
Mom ... I am soooooo sorry.
Leila
I am so glad that you are safe.
They hug ... 
Seth (V.O.)
I promised to listen to my Mom when she told me not to do things. I also promised myself to never forget Malachi the sentry, who was murdered while protecting our camp.
You know, after our little "adventure," I think I appreciate how sacred life is a lot more.
Seth and his Mom walk toward the animal pen area.
PAN DOWN FROM:
EXT. ANIMAL PEN - DAY
Zeek perches on the trough and watches as Martha and Rachel are "telling their story" to Shadi, Jacob, Amos and Hannah.  
Martha
(to Rachel)
Thank you ... thank you for saving me.
Rachel
I'm thankful that Shadi and Zeek found us!
Shadi
Without Zeek, Martha,and Rachel, the boys would have been goners.
Zeek
I'm glad we made it in time.
JacoB
Hummm ... The way I see it, you guys waited until the very last minute.  Now, if I had been there... I'd have been a bit more prepared.
RACHEL
Yeah, right, you'd have been prepared as beef stew!
jaCOB
Hey, wait a minute!
While Jacob and Rachel argue, Amos leans back on his pail to watch.
RACHEL
Jacob, you wouldn't have made it through the first sandstorm.
jaCOB
Would too!
racheL
Would not!
amos
It's nice to see that things are getting back to normal.
The bickering continues ...
JACOB
Would too!
rachel
WOULD NOT!
We PAN UP TOWARDS MOUNT SINAI.
EXT. MOUNT SINAI - Day
We settle on Mount Sinai as the END CREDITS roll.
Final fade.