ON THE BATTLEMENTS OF A CASTLE. THE SOUNDS OF BATTLE REVERBERATE AROUND. A GROUP OF SOLDIERS ARE MANNING A CANNON. SMOKE DRIFTS ACROSS THE SCENE.
CAPTAIN BRINGS HIS ARM DOWN FORCEFULLY:
Fire!
THE CANNON FIRES.
THE WORRIED-LOOKING CAPTAIN TURNS TO A SOLDIER AND HANDS HIM A SCROLL.
THE SOLDIER SALUTES AND EXITS.
CUT TO: SOLDIER EXITING THE CASTLE ON HORSEBACK, GALLOPING INTO THE DISTANCE.
A MONTAGE FOLLOWS OF THE SOLDIER RIDING ACROSS SCENERY, OVER VARIOUS FORBIDDING CONDITIONS. FINALLY, LOOKING TIRED, HE ARRIVES AT A COTTAGE. THERE'S A HOLE IN THE WALL.
THE SOLDIER USED THE DOOR KNOCKER, THEN GENTLY PUSHES THE DOOR OPEN AND ENTERS.
A MAN LIES SLUMPED AGAINST THE WALL, CRADLING A CANNON BALL IN HIS LIFELESS HANDS. A CRYING PEASANT WOMAN SITS BESIDE.
SOLDIER (HANDING HER THE SCROLL):
Hi...I'm really sorry about this, but could we have our ball back please?
HE PICKS THE CANNONBALL UP AND GENTLY BACKS AWAY. THE WOMAN CRIES HARDER.
