Mud Pit Set

All of the quicksand scenes in this story take place in a volcanic mud pot. Genuine volcanic mud pits are generally filled with very smooth clay of uniform color (but not white) that is churned constantly by bubbles of gas that rise from deep below. A clay such as bentonite (drilling mud) will give a good color and consistency. A medium-sized aquarium pump or even a hand-operated pump should be sufficient to create bubbling, and this bubbling is not necessary during sinking scenes (just in preliminary shots of the pit). There must be a wooden platform immediately adjacent (and slightly overhanging) the mud pit. The mud next to the platform must be deep enough to permit players to step off the platform into the mud without risk from striking the bottom. It also must be deep enough to stage a convincing submergence at this point. The pit itself should be as large as possible (fifteen or twenty feet in diameter would be ideal) altough most of it need be only a few inches deep. Also a highly desirable addition to this set would be some method of producing plumes of 'volcanic gas' rising from the ground. Carbon dioxide is sometimes used to make 'fog' that should look about right. However, as CO2 is heavier than air, great care must be taken that it does not accumulate in low parts of the set (eg the middle of the mud pit).

Scene 1

Inside a village house. Mai, wife of the crown prince of Emor is seated and tied in a chair. The Kai, a religious and political advisor to the king, is standing directly in front of Mai and hovering over her in a domineering manner. Zoanna, assistant to the Kai, is seated to one side.

Mai: But I’m completely innocent. I was nowhere near the king when he was killed. I was in Fendatown the whole day.

Kai: You’re knife was found outside afterward. How do you explain that?

Mai: It was stolen from me. It was stolen weeks ago. Ask Mola.

Zoanna: I have talked with Mola. She knows nothing of your knife being stolen. She says she saw you with it just the night before the assassination.

Mai: (incredulous) But I told her about it. She knew it was stolen. Besides, the people know I was in Fendatown!

Kai: You are married to Crown Prince Chalo. He will now become king. You killed the old king so you could become queen and your daughter Kitha would be first in line of succession. How long will Chalo live if you get away with this?

Mai: No! I did no such thing!

Zoanna: Yes you did. And you will stand trial for it. You and Kitha will both die in the pit for it.

Kai: Perhaps not.

(Zoanna glares at the Kai in sudden surprise but quickly covers her reaction)

Mai: You believe me then?

Kai: No! (Zoanna looks relieved) If you insist you are innocent you will be tried… And you will be found guilty… (a long pause) And then both you and Kitha will die in the pit.

Mai: No, not Kitha. She’s three years old!

Zoanna: That is the law!

Kai: You will leave the kingdom forever. It will be reported that you drowned at sea. Your husband will never know. Kitha will be raised as a Princess, but she will not inherit the crown if the king remarries and has another child. But she will be allowed to live.

Zoanna: You AND Kitha will die if you force a trial.

Mai: Very well. I will go.

Scene 2

Overall shot of the village with overlaid text: "25 years later"

Narrator: Mai did leave Emor and Kitha was raised as promised. The young king was terribly aggrived by the loss of Mai. With the encouragement of the Kai, however, the king married Mola, whose memory had failed Mai, just a year later. As a result, Kitha is now third in line of succession behind Mola’s two daughters, Crown Princess Zema and Keena.

Scene 3

No dialogue. The camera follows the Kai as she breaks into Zema’s quarters and hides a vial of poison and then leaves.

Scene 4

Keena is alone in her quarters. There is a knock on the door.

Keena: Come

(The Kai enters)

Kai: It is done. The mooncap oil is hidden in Zema’s hut. Anyone doing a careful search is certain to find it but it is well enough hidden that Zema will not notice it.

Keena: Excellent.

Scene 5

Outside and in front of an open window to Keena’s quarters. Zoanna is listening to the conversation inside, which is a continuation of that from scene 4.

Keena: Now all we have to do is slip the king enough to make him sick and Zema will be destroyed.

Kai: You will become Crown Princess.

Keena: And you will be my chief advisor.

Scene 6

In the jungle outside the village. The camera follows Zoanna as she cautiously moves through the jungle and meets with Zema

Zoanna: Zema I have tremendous news.

Zema: What can be so important we must meet like thieves hiding in the jungle.

Zoanna: This afternoon I was watching the Kai, just as you ordered.

Zema: Is that all?

Zoanna: She went into your hut.

Zema: (Showing great surprise) What? She’s a conniving bitch, but she would not steal from me. Why would she?

Zoanna: She took nothing. It is much worse than that.

Zema: Tell me!

Zeema: I followed the Kai after that. She went straight to Keena. They plan to make the king sick with poison and frame you for trying to kill him.

Zema: What?

Zoanna: The Kai planted a vial of mooncap oil in your hut somewhere.

Zema: (After a brief pause for thought) Excellent. It’s perfect!

Zoanna: We must warn the king. You’ll be thrown into the pit if their plan works.

Zema: No, we will not warn the king. If he dies, I will become Queen.

Zoanna: Zema, we’ll both die in the pit if they find that vial. We must at least get rid of the vial.

Zema: We’ll get rid of it all right. Here’s what we’re going to do.

(fade to black)

Scene 7

Inside Zema’s quarters. Zema is holding the vial of poison.

Zema: Here it is. (She hands the vial to Zoanna) You know what to do.

(Zoanna takes the vial with a sly, evil grin and leaves. The camera then returns to Zema, who is breathing somewhat heavily with excitement)

Scene 8

A moderate sized banquet is going on with the king at the center of attention. Zema, Keena, and Kitha are seated at the table along with the Kai and various extras. The king picks up his cup and rises to make a toast.

King: My friends…. (shows some discomfort) My friends…. (The king collapses in pain)

Someone: Poison. The King’s been poisoned.

The people crowd around the prostrate king)

Kai: (Picks up the King’s half eaten plate and smells it carefully) Mooncap!…. Let’s hope he only ate a little. (The Kai turns to the King’s guards) Keep everyone here. Everyone! Even myself. Search everyone’s quarters and belongings. My quarters, Zema’s, Keena’s, Kitha’s, everyone here…. Go!

(The guards rush out)

fade to black

Scene 9

Later the same night, still in the banquet room. The king has recovered but is still shaky. Three guards enter the room as the scene opens. One is carrying a small box. They approach the king and the others.

Guard1: Permission to speak, sir.

King: Go ahead. (He sounds somewhat weak.)

Guard1: We have important evidence. And it is very grave.

Kai: Out with it man.

King: Proceed.

Guard1: We have searched the quarters of everyone present here and anyone who could possible wish you harm.

(We briefly cut to the expressions on Keena,s and Zema,s faces. Keema has a sly expression of impeding victory. Zema shows a very slight shiver with just a hint of sexual excitement.)

We found mooncap poison hidden in the hut of one of your daughters.

Kai: She must face the pit immediately (looking angrily at Zema).

(At the same time the king’s eyes widen with horror)

King: (turning back to the guard) Which one?

(The camera now shifts to show Keena’s face as the guard continues. Keena confidently expects to hear Zema’s name called.)

Guard1: The vial was found in a locked jewel case in Keena’s hut. (Keena now shows an expression of complete surprise and horror as she is named. She is immediately seized by two guards. As she is hauled away she stares at Zema in disbelief. Then the camera switches to Zema. Her face shows complete triumph, although the expression is subtle. It also shows a degree of cruelty.)

Scene 10

At the mudpit. Keena is held a few yards behind a wooden platform that projects over the pit. Several bubbles rise and burst through the mud as the scene opens. The scene opens with a pan of the mudpit itself and the various spectators. Then the camera focuses on Keena. And the guards around her.

Guard1: Keena, the evidence is overwhelming against you. Have you anything to say?

Keena: That vial must have been planted. It’s a frame. I’m innocent.

Guard2: The vial was locked in your jewel case. We had to break the lock to find it. Who else had a key?

Keena: I don’t know. Some one must have a key.

Guard1: You were also seen three days ago in the marsh where mooncaps grow. Do you deny that?

Keena: I was there. The Kai was there too. She will tell you I was not gathering mooncaps.

Guard1: (turning to the Kai) Well?

Kai: I don’t know what Keena is talking about. I was not there.

Keena: Kai!

King: Keena! You stand convicted. You are my daughter but I cannot save you. You know the penalty for what you have done. (Turning to the guards) Give her a minute to prepare herself and then get it over with. I will not watch.

(The King turns and leaves)

Scene 11:

Keena is brought up to the edge. She looks around in panic for a moment.

Keena: The Kai was in on it with me. Don’t let her get away with this!

(No one moves against the Kai as there is no evidence except the word of Keena)

She’s as guilty as I am….(Keema then points at Zema) You did this. How did you do it? Zema you conniving bitch!

(Now Keema is shoved and falls into the pit to her waist)

Keema now ad-libs a variety of screams, complaints, accusations, groans, etc. as she sinks deeper and deeper and finally goes under.She sinks rapidly at first, then more slowly.  She struggles a great deal (with her hands) toward the end, and submerges very slowly as she gradually tires. The Kai and Zoanna remain silent. Zema and Zoanna also display sexual arousal as they watch Keema succumb to the quicksand.

Scene 12

Text screen "Six months later"

Narrator: Six months passed. Zema is still Crown Princess but has become increasingly unpopular with the people. The people still think very highly of Kitha, who spends much time visiting and helping the poor. As a result, Zema and Zoanna have put increasing pressure on the King to crack down on public dissent, which they define as heresy.

Scene 13

In the King’s Council Chamber. The King is seated behind a table with the Kai next to him. Zema, Zoanna, and some others are in the room also.

King: Zema, based on the recommendation of the Kai and your own request you are hereby appointed chief of justice of the realm for all matters of heresy and offenses against the realm. Use your power wisely.

Zema: I shall. Thank you. I shall indeed. (We see a subtle smile of conquest on Zema’s lips.) As my first official act I appoint Zoanna to hear all appeals in such matters. (We see a similar smile on Zoanna’s lips.)

Scene 14

In a village. Various people are going about their business, including Synda.

Guard1: There she is, grab her! (pointing at Synda)

(Synda is seized and is taken totally by surprise)

Guard2: You are under arrest.

Synda: What? What have I done?

Guard 2: Come with us.

Scene 15

In a room set up for a trial. Zema is presiding.

Zema: Synda you are charged with helping Keena six months ago when she tried to poison the King. Do you have any defense to offer.

Synda: I don’t know what you are talking about. I did not know Keena.

Zema: You know Kitha.

Synda: Everyone knows Kitha. She works with the poor and the sick. She is among the people everyday.

Zema: You spoke out to many people against my appointment of Zoanna.

Synda: That I did. Is that a crime?

Zema: I find you guilty of obstructionism. You have obstructed the process of justice and made law and order more difficult. I sentence you to the pit.

(Zema turns away abruptly to conceal a grin of conquest from Synda and the others – but not from the camera)

Scene 16

In the same trial room, but Zoanna is presiding, as this is an appeal.

Zoanna: Did you or did you not say, in this very room, that you spoke out against Zema’s actions.

Synda: I did say that but…

Zoanna: You’re appeal is denied. (Zoanna turns away and the take Synda by the arms.

Scene 17

At the pit again. Synda is a few yards from the edge of the platform.

Guard1: (whispering to Synda) Fall straight in and keep your legs straight and stiff. Try to drop in as deeply as possible and get it over with quickly.

Synda: I don’t think I can.

Guard2: You had better. If you land in a thick spot and do not go under the acids will gradually burn you. You will die anyway after several days of terrible agony.

(Synda is now brought forward to the edge.)

Guard1: You have one minute to prepare yourself. You may step in yourself during that time or you will be pushed.

(The guards now step away. Synda closes her eyes and composes herself, then steps off the platform, keeping her legs straight as instructed. She goes in to her chest only. Then she opens her eyes in terror. She struggles desperately but gradually sinks completely.)

Scene 18

Zema is alone in her hut. Zoanna enters.

Zoanna: Zema, we are ready. Mira has managed to place a vial of mooncap poison in the Kai’s room. She put it in the hidden drawer the Kai thinks is so secret.

Zema: Good. Now all we need is for someone to accuse the Kai of plotting against the King and we have her. People are already suspicious of the Kai after Keema’s accusations. Zoanna, you will be Kai within the week.

Zoanna: The rumor will be started tomorrow.

Scene 19

No dialogue. A quick scene of the king’s guards seizing the Kai.

Scene 20

The Kai is brought to the edge of the pit.

Guard1: You have one minute to prepare yourself. You may step in yourself before that time or you will be pushed.

(The Kai looks about frantically. She twice tries to bolt but is restrained. She struggles for a moment, then stops.)

Kai: (In tears, speaking to just the guards) Listen to me. Listen to me. This is of vital importance. You must tell the king something. You must tell the king – and no one else.

Guard1: What is so important?

Kai: Tell the king. Mia, his wife before he became King. Mia is not dead.

Guard1: (looking incredulous) She’s dead twenty-five years.

Kai: No. She was sent into exile on a false charge. What’s more, Zoanna knows all about it.

Guard1: Where is she in exile?

Kai: She went to Kembo and she is still alive there. Release me and I can prove it.

Guard1: (Smiles slightly in recognition of a clever ploy to escape the pit) Ah Ha! A very clever ploy, but it will not save you.

Kai: Please, you must tell the king.

Guard1: I will tell the king what you said, but your story, true or false, will not save you. If it is true you deserve what you get here for not speaking sooner. Your time is up.

(The Kai is now pushed into the pit. She falls forward into the mud and struggles in a wild panic for a minute or two (as much film as can be used) before going under. As the Kai sinks the camera cuts back and forth between the Kai, Zema, and Zoanna. Zema and Zoanna watch the struggle with orgasmic pleasure as their main threat for power is destroyed in the pit).

Scene 21

We are in the village. Mina walks across the clearing and is seized by guards.

Guard1: Mina, you are under arrest!

Mina: What for?

Guard2: You are accused of witchcraft.

Scene 22

Zoanna is confirring with guards in her hut.

Zoanna: She is clearly a witch. You must prevent her from saying anything or using her hands or she may cast a spell. She must be bound and prevented from speaking at the pit.

Guard: Very well. It will be done.

Scene 23

At the pit. Mina’s hand are tied behind her back and she is gagged. She is brought to the edge.

Guard1: You have one minute to prepare yourself. You may step in yourself before that time or you will be pushed.

(Mina looks about frantically. Quick shots of Zema and Zoanna, watching in eager anticipation, are intercut before the scene proceeds. Then Mina is pushed into the pit. She struggles as she sinks. Additional shots of Zema and Zoanna show their excitement as they watch Mina go under.

Sceme 24

In the appeal room. Zoanna is presiding. Kenda and Moana are the accused.

Zoanna: The two of you appealing a sentence of hard labor for the crime of theft. Is that right?

Kenda; Yes

Moanna: That’s right.

Zoanna: I suppose you think two years of hard labor is too harsh?

Kenda: Yes

Moanna: Yes, It’s unreasonable.

Zoanna: According to your file, Kenda, you have been convicted of theft five times before. Is that right?

Kenda: Yes.

Zoanna: And Moanna, you have six prior convictions, correct?

Moanna: Yes.

Zoanna: Well, I don’t like your sentence either. It is much too lenient. We need to set an example here that the law cannot be ignored. Your sentences are hereby changed. Both of you are sentenced to the pit! Out of mercy I will allow that you be given kolo oil before suffering your sentence. It will take away the fear.

Scene 25 and 26

Scene 23 is repeated, first with Kenda and then with Moanna, including the dialogue. However, Kenda and Moanna are not gagged but their hands are tied together over their heads.

NOTE: It may be helpful to work some dialogue into scenes 25 and 26 indicating that Kenda and Moanna have been drugged (by kolo oil) prior to being taken to the pit. This would permit these characters to do scenes in which they appear to enjoy the mud, at least until the last moment. The drug they have been given renders them unaware of what is really happening and makes them respond to the sensual aspects of the mud rather than its lethal aspects.

Scene 27

In the King’s tent in the field as he dictates a letter to Zema.

King: Take this letter to Zema. Show it to no one else. Zema, my daughter. I am very concerned about public morale. I keep hearing reports of unrest in the capitol. The law and order campaign seems to be creating more unrest, not less. Your popularity is being harmed, especially after the execution of the two thieves I just heard about. That did seem a bit extreme to me. Please let me know what you plan to do about it.

Guard1: (The guard finishes writing the King’s words.) Very well. I shall leave at once.

Scene 28

In Zema’s hut. The guard has just delivered the letter and leaves as the scene opens. Zema opens the letter and reads it. Zema is alone, but talks out loud to herself.

Zema: (Looking upward with dreamy excitement).. Well Zoanna, you’re turn has come. You have gone too far and abused the power I gave you.

(fade to black)

Scene 29

Scene 23, 25 and 26 is repeasted (without ties or gag) with Zoanna as victim.

Scene 30

In Zema’s hut again. Zema is alone and talking to herself again.

Zema: Why don’t the people appreciate what I do for them? They need laws. I give them laws. They need discipline and order. I give them discipline and order. Of the strongest kind. But no! They want Kitha. Kitha just works with the sick and the poor. The sick just die. The poor just get poorer and grow in number. She accomplishes nothing, but everybody loves Kitha. Everybody wants Kitha. Kitha. Kitha. Kitha. Well, Kitha, now its time for you to get what you deserve.

Scene 31: Quick shot of Zema being taken ill during a dinner.

Scene 32: Repeat of scene 21 except the accusation is plotting to assassinate the King and Zema so as to make herself Queen.

Scene 33

At the pit again, this time with Kitha about to be brought to the edge.

Kitha is brought to the edge by the guards.

Guard1: You have one minute to prepare yourself. You may step in yourself before that time or you will be pushed.

Kitha: (Looking around at many onlookers, but with dignity and without expectation of help. Then she looks at Zema.) Zema, you know this is wrong. But it is within your power so I have nothing further to say to you. (Kitha now turns to the people watching) Do not try to interfere, you will only condemn yourself to my horrible fate. Please remember me.

(Kitha is pushed in. She begins to struggle, but maintains some dignity. Gradually she sinks to her shoulders. Then a bugle sounds announcing the arrival of the King. The King runs into view near the edge of the pit area. Kitha is now up to her lips.

King: Stop. Stop this. Guards. Get her out of there. (The guards near the pit hesitate with indecision Kitha has now gone under except for her arms which stick up above the surface.) Get her out of there or you will promptly join her. (The guards plunge into the pit and l;ift Kitha above the surface. Kitha gasps for breath and is pulled out by other guards.)

Scene 34

Still at the pit. Kitha has been extracted but is still covered with mud.

King: (Turning with outrage to Zema) What is going on here?

Zema: Kitha poisoned me with mooncap. And she plotted to poison you as well.

King: How do you know this?

Zema:I became ill last night while eating, just as you did when Keema poinsoned you.

King: Anyone could have poisoned you. How do you know it was Kitha.

Zema: She is next in line of succession if anything happens to me. Besides, she was heard plotting against you too.

King: When was this?

Zema: yesterday.

King: When yesterday?

Zema: About midday.

King: (Hardening) Rubbish! Kitha has an alibi for all of yesterday. She was with me all day! (Zema blanches) I also know it was you who poisoned me, not Keema.

Zema: You couldn’t know any such thing. Only Zoanna new th…

King: Zema, you have convicted yourself. Kitha will take your place as Crown Princess. And you will now take Kitha’s place in the pit. (Guards seize Zema and push her immediately into the pit.)

(Zema struggles, screams, and cries but eventually goes under.

Scene 35

Still at the pit but Zema’s struggle is over.

King: My people, hear what I have to say… I have been king for too long. I have been weak and negligent in certain matters… I now intend to correct my errors…

First, Kitha, I want you to meet someone. (The king beckons with his hand and an old woman in a shawl comes forward. The king removes the shawl and the woman is revealed to be much younger than she appeared at first.). Kitha, this woman was taken from you by Zema’s mother when you were only three years old by falsly accusing her of poisoning my father. This woman is your mother. Kitha and her mother embrace with no concern about the mud covering Kitha.

Second, as of this moment I am abdicating as King. Kitha, you are now Queen and ruler of Emor.

(Scene is interrupted by wild cheering)

Kitha: (Raising her muddy arms for attention.) It will take me a while to get my bearings. I ask your forebearance while I do so. I may have to learn to act in a more dignified manner (looking at herself).

(laughter)

However, I will make two proclamations right now. First, by royal decree all further use of the pit as an instrument of punishment is hereby abolished. Second, the power of being King or Queen is too great. I will serve for four years only. At the end of that time, and every four years after that the people will have the power and the responsibility to choose a new ruler. The people will have to decide how that will be done.

End