Original subtitles

(somber instrumental music)

(dramatic music)

- [Melchior] Yes. (clicking tongue)

(cat meows)

(sniffling)

(distant screaming)

(eerie whispering)

(crying)

- Why did you bring me here?

- It was your actions that brought you here.

(sobbing)

- Take me from this place!

- There is no escaping.

You will only be reunited

in death.

- Tell me what I must do.

(distant screaming) (whimpering)

Please!

Take me from this place!

Please!

Take me!

(gasps)

Why do you come?

(sighs)

- Did I frighten you?

That was not my intention.

I also could not sleep.

- How did you get in here?

- Don't you remember how as a child

I would steal away to your chamber?

- Whenever a storm came upon us you would seek me.

- We all seek comfort.

We will find a new healer to attend to you.

A cure will be found.

- I will put all the false healers to death.

- While they have no been able to heal your affliction,

some can still set bones

and cure certain ailments of the body.

Spare some of them.

- They need to be inspired by fear.

- As you are?

- You imply I fear death?

- Don't we all?

- I had the dream again.

My wife.

And my sons.

And him.

- You did what you had to do.

Drink this.

Dear brother, we are in this together.

You cannot leave me in this cruel world

and I surely would not send you away before me.

- Do you hear it?

You do, don't you?

I follow the ways of their priests

and still they defy me!

You don't hear that?

- The Pharisees must be dealt with carefully.

They will divide themselves in time.

- Cease!

Cease, I say!

(mug shatters)

I am the Basileus.

I am the golden eagle!

- We all have a chance at redemption.

- I am beyond redemption.

The blood of my own stains my heart and my hands.

- Allow me to comfort you as you once did me.

- No.

I am beyond comfort.

Leave my chamber.

(mysterious instrumental music)

- A scepter shall rise over Israel.

- It's beautiful, isn't it?

- A truer truth I've never heard.

- You're not even looking.

- But I am.

It's said that watching the clouds drift evokes dreams.

That is how I feel when I look at you.

- You adore me with words of honey.

- I could adore you every day to my last.

- Do you mean that?

- With all my heart.

- It's not possible.

- All things are possible.

- My father looks to join me with another.

One to the west.

And your family, the priesthood.

- If they do not agree, we'll run off together.

Somewhere far away.

- Do not say such things.

To obey our parents is the law.

Speaking of that, I should get home.

- Us together,

it's written in the stars.

I've seen it.

- Perhaps in the stars we see written what we want to see.

(ominous instrumental music)

- West.

There's a chance.

- [Man] Do you know exactly where has arrived?

- [Priest] It is in the lands of Herod.

- Herod will not accomomdate us.

Nomadic tribes continue to attack our priests

on the outskirts of his lands, yet his does nothing.

- I still say we should move those priests

to a safer temple.

Leaving them in the wilderness is as good as casting

the stones ourselves.

- These wild men may yet learn our ways.

We must not lose hope, not yet.

We must keep our focus on the prophecy.

- How will you find the child?

- He will give us further signs in the heavens above.

I have sent word to one of our brothers in the Erued order.

A great astronomer, Balthazar.

He also has seen the star as a sign of the prophecy.

- We have received a request from Herod's court

wishing to speak with leaders from our order.

- No doubt his seers and sages

have also heard of this messiah.

To ignore his order could bring us death.

- Whatever we choose-- - I will go to Herod's court.

I will go as our voice.

And I will seek this Jewish Messiah.

- Melchior, surely you know the danger of this journey?

- I have waited for this all my life.

- We will pray for you.

Let us hope that Herod has had time to process

the arrival of the new king.

- Your Grace.

- This cannot be.

A Jew king?

No light in the sky has the power to anoint any man.

I am the king of Judea.

I was anointed by Augustus himself.

- Yes, my king.

- I built this kingdom.

There will be no other king.

And surely I will not be deposed by a child.

When did you get this?

Does the court know?

- I had only just heard, my king.

The court has already requested for the Magi to appear.

It is likely that they will request

to pass through your lands.

- Good.

Perhaps they can clear all this up.

Hm?

This cannot be true.

It's impossible.

(scribbling)

- It's 31 north.

Latitude.

30, no.

No, no, it's 35.

Wait, wait, wait.

Just a little bit longer.

No.

(mysterious instrumental music)

And as the body returns may you find oneness.

- It's done.

Goodbye, my son.

- [Balthazar] I'm here, father.

- I've lost it all.

- [Balthazar] No, you still have me.

- No.

You left me long ago!

No daughters to my sons.

No laughter of children.

You will enter the priesthood.

What will become of the land we once worked?

What will become of me?

- You will be provided for.

- Like the one who begs.

- I have a calling.

You know that.

- You speak of sacrifice.

You've made a sacrifice of us all!

- Master Balthazar.

We are making arrangements for your travel.

- Master Melchior will lead us into Herod's lands, correct?

- Yes.

One of our priests, Gasper, will arrive shortly.

He has volunteered for the journey.

The finest resin we possess.

- Perfect.

Thank you.

(ominous music)

- Master Melchior?

- Ah, boy.

- Many saw lights in the sky.

Was it truly the sign?

- Truly it was.

- I wish to travel with you, master.

If you'll allow it.

- The journey is long and dangerous.

Not suitable for a young lad such as yourself.

- Please?

I only wish to serve.

- If your father approves of this,

so do I.

- I'll start packing at first light.

- A lifetime of waiting to welcome this Messiah.

(distant screaming)

- Do not get caught in the past.

Hm?

- My king.

Lady.

The Magi have arrived as requested.

They await you.

All hail King Herod.

- Great Herod, greetings we bring you

from our homelands in the east.

- Basileus Herod is honored that you...

Appreciative.

Herod is appreciative that you traveled here

so far from your homelands.

- When great Herod requests an audience

the Magi gives his wishes the highest priority.

- Do you know why you've been summoned?

- We would not presume to know Herod's words

until he speaks them.

But we would wish to inquire

as to the whereabouts of one who has been born in your lands

who is the king of the Jews.

(Herod exhales)

- You stand before the king of the Jews as you speak.

- With respect, Herod is truly king

appointed by men.

But the heavens themselves have declared the arrival

of the Anointed One.

A celestial king.

The last Messiah.

- There is only one ruler--

- Silence!

Do you know of this Messiah prophecy that the Magi speak of?

- Yes, my king.

Our priests saw the lights in the sky.

- And you found it appropriate to inform me

with a piece of parchment?

- The prophecy spoke of a baby boy--

- I didn't hear of a damn prophecy!

- They wanted to be sure

before bringing such concerns to you.

- These men are sure.

They came all this way assured in their journey.

(whimpering)

Worthless!

You offend my eyes and ears with your very presence!

Leave my sight.

You must have a notion of where this Anointed One

has been born.

- We wish to travel in the direction of Bethlehem.

We believe we will be granted a sign

leading us to the Messiah.

- A sign?

What kind of sign?

- Perhaps again something in the sky or perhaps not.

(laughs)

- So you truly do not know.

- Our caravan waits outside your borders

for permission to pass.

We are not certain of where the Messiah is

but we do know that he has come.

I think you yourself also believe this to be true.

- Almost as if you proclaim to know what I believe.

Are you not too old to be making this journey?

- I feel reborn in my search for the Messiah.

- Seek out this child.

When he's found, report to me,

so that my kingdom and I may go and worship him.

- With honor, Your Grace.

- You may pass upon my lands to seek your Messiah.

(sheep bleating)

- Come on!

(bleating)

- How is this messiah different than the others?

- Many say the child is truly a prophet.

There's always a question as to whether or not he's divine.

- It's said this his birthright was announced by an angel.

- Did this not also happen to Zachary?

Announcing the birth of the one they call John.

- Indeed.

The Archangel Gabriel appeared

to pronounce the birth of John.

Zachary, being old and infertile, questioned the angel.

He became mute for nine months.

Speech returned when the child was born.

- Interesting.

- Does your faith waiver?

Perhaps this angel will come take your tongue.

- You talk too highly.

These are serious matters.

- Do they think that the same angel that came to this virgin

stood before Zachary?

- It's believed to be so.

The angels seem to favor this family.

- It speaks highly of them.

- I've tried but it has become impossible

to avoid the approaching storm.

- I had noticed it as well.

- No matter how fast we move, it follows.

We should stop and prepare.

There's a pass through those mountains.

It it risky but it may provide cover from the storm.

- We will lose much time if we stop now.

- I am not risking the lives of this camp

for a star in the sky.

We stop now.

- [Gasper] Would you like to assist me?

- [Boy] Yes.

- [Gasper] Find heavy stones

and use them to secure the stake.

- It's heavy. - Use your legs.

- He's right a storm is coming.

- We can't outdistance it?

- Not when it seems to change its direction to match us.

- I hope Master Melchior's alright.

- He'll deal with the caravan master.

- The attendants are fearful.

We travel with no destination, they say.

- God knows our destination.

That's what Master Melchior said.

- We must be close.

- What is that?

- Forget it.

- Secure the animals.

I must attend to my tent.

- Where's the animal?

- Was your day pleasant?

- Yes.

- [Father] Did you make trade in the market?

- You know I did.

- [Father] And?

- And what?

- You were with her.

- [Gasper] Father--

- [Father] I don't want to hear your excuses.

- This is not an excuse.

This is about my heart.

- Do you not the respect the opportunity

you've been presented with?

A priest!

No greater honor.

- I understand how important this is to you.

To the family.

- Good.

Understood.

We will not talk on this anymore.

It's decided.

- You've decided!

- Greatest love above all things is the serving of God.

You have been called.

Not me, not your brother, you.

- Father.

I love her.

- You should put no other love above

the serving of Ahura Mazda.

- But I do.

Father, I do.

Her!

- Do not speak these things!

Foulness spews from your mouth!

- Love is not ever foul!

- What's wrong?

- Return inside. - Why?

- [Gasper] I do not wish to speak to you.

- It's about Arzu.

- I should strike you down!

You followed me to the market?

This isn't funny.

You've gotten me into big trouble!

- She is pretty, but not worth it.

- You should not follow people.

It's not a good quality.

- But lying is?

- This isn't about me, it's about you.

- You have a dream opportunity.

- I don't care.

- How can you say that? - Because I don't!

I just want to follow my heart.

- The priesthood is the highest honor.

You're ungrateful.

- Then go be a priest!

- I wish I could.

They didn't choose me.

- I'm warning you, do not shadow me.

- You wish to speak privately?

- There has been much whisper

since we left King Herod's palace.

- Men will babel and call strife

when they let wickedness fill their thoughts.

- Your sky watcher has received no further sign.

Perhaps that is a sign unto itself.

- We will find the glorious child.

- [Caravan Master] Not if this storm stops us.

- If we travel through the night

perhaps we can outrun the storm.

- The men need rest.

It is not possible.

- You've been paid your retainer.

Supplies are abundant, yes?

- Yes.

- Then our arrangement is on the level.

Now, if you think we should hold here for the night

and wait for the storm to pass over,

that is what we will do.

(wind blowing)

- [Boy] Come on!

Come on!

- Here.

- Wine?

- Not for me.

Storm's here.

- Fear not.

The journey is blessed.

- I hope that to be true.

- [Balthazar] Made it this far.

- I feel we only got out of Herod's alive

by the grace of Ahura Mazda.

- I agree, he is a mad king.

- Would it have been better to avoid him altogether?

- We needed to seek his permission

in order to travel his lands.

If not he surely would have sent his soldiers.

What do you think?

- Herod

is an ill-tempered ass.

An evil man is small in all this.

- So when we find the Anointed One,

we will not send word to Herod?

- We will warn those who protect Messiah

to take him away to safety.

- And the king will find us and have our heads.

- If it is meant to be, so be it.

- Spoken like a true old man.

(chuckling)

- We've set up the camp as best we can.

The storm is now upon us.

And it's growing stronger.

- Your voice hides fear.

- Do you know the Ammonian tale of Cambyses?

- No.

- Nor I.

- An army of 50,000

sent to enslave the Ammonians and burn the oracle of Zeus.

A great wind from the south grows,

bringing with it a sea of sand that swept over them all

and buried them for eternity.

- So you do know the story.

- Do you fear eternity?

- I do not want to lose good people over a foolish--

- I didn't ask about good people.

I asked about you.

- I do not wish to die.

Not for you.

Not for anyone!

- That was joyous talk, Melchior.

Just joyous.

If the attendants believe that we have somehow

fallen out of favor with Herod

they will abandon us.

- Perhaps.

- Is that all you have to say?

I should go check on my attendants.

- I have to secure my gift for the Anointed One.

I will return shortly.

If this Messiah

is the One

of the One,

do you think we've lost his favor?

For fear of our lives, we did not speak up strong in faith

against Herod.

I fear that we Magi just speak the truth

only when it's safe.

Tell me I'm wrong.

- I cannot.

The first true trial of our faith,

given by him,

and we did fail.

- It was for the greater good.

We cannot serve if we are dead.

- No, no, no.

Accept truth, Balthazar.

Stand accountable.

If the One is judging us for our defense of truth

in his Messiah,

we must accept our failure.

We will not twist truth

to give ourselves comfort.

- I will return soon.

- Master, I secured the tents

but the storm is getting worse.

- Bless you child.

Fear not the storm.

- There is little doubt

that the Magi have no intention

of ever returning to this court.

You are to report the location of this child

should he be found.

That is Herod's decree.

- Yes, Your Grace.

- You will be paid an equal amount of silver

upon giving the child's whereabouts.

As for the Magi,

once you return them to the temple,

they will be dealt with.

Harshly.

And you, if for any reason,

do not return with the location of the child,

you will be executed.

- My allegiance is with Herod.

I will not fail.

- Smart man.

(wind blowing)

- It's getting worse.

- Secure your gift, I will meet you back here.

(sheep bleating)

- [Gasper] Get out.

Get, go.

- [Mother] Always with this place since you were a boy.

It's so dirty.

- Have you come here to scold me?

- No.

I've come to listen.

- You know how I feel.

- I know you to be full of love.

A great gift that you can share with a few or with many.

A possible savior to our world.

- I didn't ask for any of this.

- I know that you didn't.

Don't you want to make the world a better place?

- Of course I do.

- [Mother] Few are called to serve.

It is a great blessing.

- It doesn't feel like a blessing.

- But you will bring great honor

to your brothers and sisters

and to your father and I.

- You're just as blind to my heart as they are.

- You will be reborn again.

(thunder clashing)

- What are you doing here?

- This.

The smell.

Heavenly.

I'll be taking this.

- That would make you a thief.

- I've been worse.

(winds blowing)

Looks like you stumbled into the wrong tent, young man.

- There's no need to spill blood.

I believe the One rides in on the approaching storm.

Do what you will, for you do not steal from us.

You steal from Him.

(thunder booms)

- Here.

(dark brooding music)

- This doesn't have to happen now.

- Why delay what is to be?

- We can get some help.

- Enough.

Do not pretend to care.

It was always your mother, brother and I tending the farm.

You've always been distracted.

Placing yourself at the feet of these men,

listening to their words

and wishing they would take notice of you

to give your life meaning.

- It is wisdom I am seeking, Father.

- Look at me.

I am wisdom!

I've learned much by speaking, laughing,

being with the ones that I loved.

Who were once the ones you've loved.

You became a stranger seeking your own path.

I watched my son stare into the night's sky

and dream of the divine.

What is more divine than family?

A group of souls born to dance with one another

in their short passing of life.

You've missed so much.

- Stop.

Why do you torture me?

- Magi seek truth.

I've read of their ways.

Well, hear this truth.

I've lost everything and everyone that I've known and loved.

The sun is setting upon this life.

I've sold it all, gave it away.

We're the last of our line.

All of the other voices are silenced in death.

It's all upon you, my son.

Go.

Live.

Forget about us.

Follow your path.

- [Gasper] Something wrong?

- It doesn't matter.

- Allow me to be the judge of that.

- I fear we may have fallen out of favor.

- With the caravan master?

You think?

- Not him.

- [Gasper] Herod.

- Him.

There's reason to believe that we've been tested and failed.

- At the palace?

Herod's chariot lost a wheel somewhere along the race.

He would have killed us all.

- Perhaps we were supposed to die to stand by our faith.

- Herod beheads people if they're lucky.

Crucifixion, nails, barbaric practices.

- Perhaps sacrifice would have pleased the Almighty.

- Until the message comes directly from the source

I'm going to live by the creed of the Magi.

- Perhaps this storm is his greeting.

- There's a place, not far from here.

A family of an old friend.

If the storms gets to be too--

- You are not suggesting that we desert the camp.

- All I'm saying if that it becomes a choice

between living and dying,

at least we will have a say.

- We must return.

Don't mention this to Master Melchior.

Not yet.

(winds howling)

(man muttering indistinctly)

(thunder booms)

(coughing)

- What are you doing?

- Being calm.

I always wanted to die calm.

- Right.

Tie that down.

Tight!

Tight!

- That's the last of them.

- I've never seen anything like this.

- I'll sit here.

- [Gasper] Are you afraid?

- Are you?

- Yes.

But I have faith.

- There's nothing else we can do.

- Please, lead us in prayer.

- Ahura Mazda, please show us the best path to truth.

Guide us to think good thoughts.

To speak good words.

And to do good deeds.

Eternal happiness belongs to those

who do what is right and true.

- I'm still afraid.

- Don't be.

- The dark heart of Herod has tainted our journey.

- We still have our purpose.

Let us enjoy our fellowship.

Let us not think now on weal and woe but

reflect on how we came to be here together.

- To die together.

- Each of us chose this path.

I know that you, Gasper,

have experienced great pain in your short life.

Tell me,

did you go after her?

- How did you?

- [Boy] What happened?

- I.

Arzu!

(dramatic instrumental music)

Arzu!

Arzu!

(guests murmuring)

- Father is not pleased with your mood.

- I don't care.

- We've provided a great feast in your honor.

- His honor.

- I've heard Arzu is set to be joined.

- Why do you wish me pain?

Do you have no love for me, your own brother?

- I will be confined to a lifetime

of raising crops and livestock.

You will see and travel to many faraway places.

Do I feel bad for your loss?

No.

I don't.

Do you feel for my lot in life?

I didn't think so.

- My son.

I am so proud of you.

- Your pride comes at my expense.

So enjoy.

- To my son, Gasper.

From the first time I ever saw you, I knew you were special.

Now the world will know how truly special you are.

A Magi he will become.

- I am my father's Isaac, but with no one to replace me.

- It was a long night.

- [Gasper] I'm just glad it's over.

- This pain in your heart will pass.

- I don't want it to pass, Mother.

It does not feel right that marriages are made

based on exchanges of goods.

Sacred unions traded like wheat or livestock

on the marketplace.

- It's the way.

- The way's wrong.

- Perhaps that is why you are meant to serve.

So that others will not suffer as you do.

- I should sacrifice my happiness?

- Perhaps.

Many others have.

I too have felt how you do now.

- You?

- Yes.

I loved another before your father.

- Who?

- A shepherd boy from a poor family.

He had the kindest eyes.

And my heart flew like a bird when he spoke.

I loved him greatly.

- How could you not speak up?

- I was obedient.

I did as was expected of me.

- Trappings and possessions chosen for you

over the choice of your heart.

- Your father was firm.

He showed his love, rather than speaking it.

But I did eventually learn his heart.

- What of the boy you loved?

- Joined with a family of his own.

- Do you still think of him?

- Sometimes.

You, my son, are hope.

Make this world a better place.

You can only do that as a Magi.

- If you could see him again, would you?

- I try not to fill my head

with things that are not possible.

(wind blowing)

- She didn't understand your love?

- Or your lack of faith.

- I lost my faith in the rituals of mankind

when the purest and truest attribute

was commanded to be denied.

- I don't understand.

(breathing heavily)

- I had to follow my heart.

(tense music)

It's me.

- Gasper?

- I had to see you.

- What are you doing here?

If my father catches you.

- I don't care.

I would die a thousand deaths for you.

- Stop it.

Don't bring this shame down upon me or yourself.

- There's nothing shameful about what I feel for you.

Come with me.

No more laws.

Just us.

- What?

- We can go far way.

We can be together.

- But you have your priesthood to attend to.

- I only want you.

- It is the way.

- We can change the world.

- If only that were true.

No!

- You fool.

You come into our tent in the middle of the night!

I should kill you right here!

- I did not dishonor your daughter, I merely spoke with her.

- And what did you speak with her about, thief in the night?

- I didn't take anything.

- But you tried! (grunts)

- Go out and find the biggest stones that you can.

Bring them here.

- Father!

- Not a word.

I will deal with you later.

- It was just me.

Do not punish her for something she didn't do.

I beg you.

- Why did you follow us?

Why?

- Love.

Love!

I love your daughter.

- I did not give you permission to love my daughter.

- Love is real.

Permission granted or not.

- Your words have often be truthful.

But it will not be.

- No, no!

Please!

- Go home.

Do not return here ever again.

I will take your word that you left my daughter's honor

in tact.

- I would never harm her.

- But you have done just that.

If you truly love her,

you must leave forever.

Your calling is elsewhere.

- I never saw her again.

But I remembered my mother's words.

If I could not have Arzu,

then I could pursue change in the world in her honor.

- Come forth now from the dark waters

and make your intentions clear.

- I wish to become One.

- You are her of your own free will?

- I am.

- What is it you seek most in life?

- Truth.

I seek the light of truth.

- We welcome you into our fold

with love, honor, and respect.

May you go forth into the world bringing your unique gift.

How will you do this?

- With my thoughts, words, and deeds.

- Ahura Mazda be with you.

Always.

- I'm sorry for what happened to you.

- It is what it is.

(thunder clashes)

- There's no sign of anyone.

- We're alone?

- We are never alone.

You too had a strong family, didn't you?

- I, uh.

Yes.

My family was very different.

- [Gasper] In what way?

(chuckles)

- My father did not care for the priesthood.

If it wasn't for my talents

I would have never left the farm.

I had a divine passage.

It was as if I was staring into the face of the Almighty.

A mysterious, beautiful riddle written across the sky.

(kids playing)

(coughing)

Father?

- Balthazar.

My son.

- Let me get you out of here.

- Time and age will take care of that.

- No, no, no, no, no.

No, you're not dying.

- We all are.

I missed you.

- I never should have left you.

I'm sorry.

- No, no.

I'm the one who's sorry.

I was the one who failed to understand.

- I must go.

The Order.

I'm sorry.

It is not appropriate for a priest to

demonstrate such emotion.

I could not be seen that way in public.

- Did you go back for him?

(coughing)

- Father?

- Mine! - No!

- It's mine! - No!

- It was found in my tent! - I'm taking it!

- This is mine!

Where did you get it?

(fire crackling)

(sobbing)

And here I am.

- And here we are.

(wind blowing)

- I must admit, Master Melchior,

I do not know you as you know me.

- I'm afraid there's really not much to tell.

- Do you have a family?

- I do not.

I was an orphan.

What happened to my family, I do not know.

- I'm sorry. - We didn't know.

- No.

One cannot miss what one does not recall.

I was orphaned at a very young age.

A priest took me in.

The temple is all I ever knew.

I was accepted into their priesthood.

My faith was not found but affirmed.

The feeling that each of us could be a savior to our world.

We could make the world better by our good deeds

and actions.

Our founders spoke to each of us being a savior

in our struggle for truth and goodness.

My instinctual following of their path

brought me to a place of leadership.

I did not just talk.

I did.

I did not regard position or status.

I took every opportunity to help, heal, or enlighten.

A cosmic battle between good and evil exists.

I did not live in recognition of this battle.

I chose to live lonely in the light.

But the darkness came to our border.

(dark music)

The world of the Magi is finished.

Try as our will allowed us,

we could not be the saviors of this world.

(wind blowing)

(laughs) And now here we are.

- We're facing death and you're laughing.

- We're gonna die?

- No, we're not meant to die in the desert.

There's still time.

We can get outta here.

- I was such a fool.

- Brothers, let us pray once again.

(gentle music)

- I'll put you above everything I've ever loved.

Even her.

- Do with me as you will.

- Forgive us for presuming

that we could be the saviors of this world.

Save us from the darkness.

Save us from ourselves.

- Please, watch over us.

(wind howling)

(thunder clashes)

- [Gabriel] Your storm did nothing

but strengthen their faith.

- Perhaps that was my intention, Gabriel.

- [Gabriel] What brings you here?

- I could ask the same of you.

Strength in numbers?

'Tis pity strength alone doesn't win wars.

- Our unity in the Almighty has brought us here together.

Let it be known that the Magi are under our protection.

- This must be important to be born unto this weakness

to live as a man and you all allowed this to happen.

- We do not question.

We obey.

- Test us and you will be obliterated.

- I do not fear you.

I do not fear any of you!

I questioned the Almighty

and I was removed from his presence.

I was not destroyed.

If he was capable, he would have.

- I have begged Him, strike you from existence.

- And he didn't.

And he won't.

But surely, I don't want to invoke

the wrath of such

(chuckles) mighty servants.

- Continue to mock us and we will see you destroyed.

- Not without permission you won't.

But let me save you the time.

If he so wishes the Magi to be left alone, so be it.

Done.

Just three fragile men seeking value

in their meaningless lives.

Consider them left alone.

- They come to adorn him.

They do not need your mercy.

- They keep looking for the last hope of mankind.

Well, the many self-proclaimed messiahs before them

didn't do too much to save the world, did they?

How easily they fall

before anyone giving them the slightest hope.

- How dare you say such things?

- No.

Let them take their resin and gold

and see if it buys their way into the Kingdom.

- Vile tongue.

- Vile it may be, Gabriel, but truth it surely is.

I will stay clear of your wise men.

You know I use that word lightly.

But I ask,

what will the many self-proclaimed wise men think

when they wake to be fooled?

(deep rumbling)

- I am the voice of the One.

I am the hand of the One.

Greater than the lighting in Zeus' hand.

Greater than the radiance of Amun Ra.

- Praise be.

- Rise.

- Boy.

- Is he alright?

- He sleeps, for I have images for your eyes only.

I am Gabriel

and you are amongst the last of the Magi proper.

Your intentions are heartfelt and honorable.

But your tenets are tainted and your faith flawed.

- Flawed?

How?

- His heart arches for a love lost and never found.

- Your guilt challenges your faith every day.

You both have allowed these experiences to lead you astray.

- What do you see

in me?

- I see an abandoned boy who gave God

his unconditional love and admiration.

But you, by your own admission, have failed.

You spent your entire life inside the temple

studying and discussing what people need

to find fulfillment.

How can you ever know what it will take to save mankind

when have you have never learned

how to live alongside mankind?

You have sheltered yourself from darkness

both out in the world and from within yourself.

There are few that are as committed as Zoroaster.

He cannot see us, but we are there.

Know that this is often the way

for those who do good and for those who do evil.

Herod will not be forgiving for what it is you must do.

- My king.

Our scouts have seen the Magi caravan

leaving Bethlehem.

- Ah.

Perhaps they have found this so-called Messiah.

How long before they reach us?

- Unknown.

- Why is this?

- Because they travel away from us.

- They've lied.

What of the caravan master?

- Our communication with him ceased some time ago.

He has disappeared.

- Cowardly fool.

I shall raise his head on a pike

so all the kingdom may see.

So they made it to Bethlehem.

- If I may, my king,

our sky watchers did observe an event over the city.

A bright star.

- Dead.

All dead.

I want them all dispatched.

- Who, my king?

- All male children in and around Bethlehem

two seasons or younger.

- But what you ask--

- Ah.

I'm ordering.

- Yes, my king.

- Herod.

Are you sure?

- There is much beauty in the world.

It is worth fighting for.

You'll be allowed to greet the Messiah

but after you must flee far and never return,

for the king's wrath will be great.

- The people living in Herod's lands,

they'll be slaughtered.

We have to do something.

- But we are.

Remember, many may be lost.

But many more will be saved.

- The world will never be the same again.

- You all start out so innocent.

Come.

Behold.

(celestial humming)

- The symbol.

- What more do you require of us?

- The Messiah, once grown, will require guidance.

He will be sent east.

Do not announce it, nor put it to any writings.

- Understood.

- You three may be forgotten in time,

but your deeds will not be.

(dark music)

- [Old Man] That was a wild storm.

- Yes, but it's over now.

- I heard you were very brave.

Must run in your blood.

- My blood?

- [Old Man] Is your father not a soldier?

- Yes sir, Roman centurion.

- And what do they call you?

- Mostly boy. (Old man chuckles)

But my real name is Longinus.

And what do they call you?

- Fate.

(screaming)

- What'd you do?

(chuckling)

(soft instrumental music)

(crying)

(eerie whispering)

(gentle instrumental music)

(brooding instrumental music)