Original subtitles

Sound the alarm!

Someone's stealing the horses!

Over there!

What's happening, Hjalmar?

Thieves, milord. They've stampeded the horses.

Where were The guards?

No one saw anything -- They swept

In out of the darkness Without making a sound.

They disappeared...Like ghosts.

Ghosts have no need For my horses, hjalmar.

Find them.

Yes, milord.

Horses.

There's more over here.

Fresh.

Tao?

A small herd, grazing, I'll bet.

There's plenty To eat around here.

These are excellent For sore muscles. Uh?

We've doing So much walking lately,

My feet and legs are killing me.

So why are you so interested In these horses?

Tracks are deep. They carry men.

Nords?

They're the only People I know

Who enslave horses.

Enslave? Dar, I know how you feel,

But some would say That a friendship

Can be formed Between man and horse.

One is free and the other isn't. That's not a friendship.

[ galloping ]

-horses. -they're coming this way.

-they're all around us. -we'll stay here.

I thought you'd say that.

There's your weapon.

You know that I'd loosened it.

Doesn't matter.

I thought you might be The thief we'd been tracking.

-we're not theives. -where are our horses?

I don't know what you mean.

Last night, King voden's best mounts

Were stolen; we want them back.

Well, I can't help you.

We'll see about that. Take them.

Dar!

I'll be back, beastmaster.

Who was that?

Tao?

Whoa, whoa, easy, easy, easy.

It's all right.

It's all right.

Let him go.

Who are you?

The animal is ours.

We will take him. Turn him loose.

Take him.

You communicated with him.

What did he say?

The horse will be safe with him.

-he'll finally run free. -you sure?

It was exactly The same feeling I have

When I speak with the animals.

But he's a man.

Yeah.

In an age when nature And magic rule the world...

There is An extraordinary legend:

The story of a warrior

Who communicates with animals,

Who fights sorcery And the unnatural.

His name is dar, Last of his tribe.

He's also called...

-you lost two more horses. -and two more men.

Men I can replace. Horses are scarce.

I'm planning A campaign, hjalmar.

Every horse we have is worth Its weight in gold.

I'll go back and Try and track them.

Who were they?

Mounted archers, A man and woman.

They rode as if They were born

On horseback -- They use the bow

With a skill I've never seen.

They surprised us while we were Questioning the beastmaster.

Was the beastmaster with them?

No, he was as surprised As we were when they rode in.

And yet they attacked you And not him, why?

Ordinary thieves don't attack Trained soldiers, hjalmar.

They must be some advance Parties from one of our enemies.

We're surrounded By those who wish

To drive us from these lands.

Seemed to me, they Simply didn't fear us.

Then they must learn to.

Dar, I know we have to keep Going, but...We're on foot.

We're not going to catch them Any time soon.

He might have the same skills I do. He might be just like me.

No. He's willing To kill for the horses.

-curupira said to respect life. -then what?

I don't know, But I have to find out.

[ chuckling ]

What is it?

Sharak's found the archers. They're not far.

-including their own? -they're waiting unrestrained.

-what's happening? -we'll know when we arrive.

But we're on foot... Not that that matters.

I could watch them all day.

They're so pretty.

They have such grace And harmony with their animals.

Yes, well, they would, Wouldn't they?

What do You mean?

No, I'm agreeing with you.

Harmony, concord, peace. No argument.

What's wrong?

They don't belong here, do they?

Because they have a power That is unknown in this land,

A power that even much Of time has found a problem.

What kind of problem?

Ha, ha, you wait. You'll see.

[ sighing ]

[ giggling ]

It's so lovely. Such a bountiful land.

So full of people Who don't deserve it.

What land is not?

[ giggling ]

Our land.

Maybe things will Get better and

We can go Home soon.

Yeah, well, until then, We shall just have to live

What about that man with the Staff? He felt different.

He's not of this place.

He can't be. I...

I don't know what To make of him.

They want to roam free.

[ laughing ]

Perhaps we should oblige them.

Night's falling. They'll be resting soon.

We keep moving, We can make up some ground.

Dar, I can't Take another step.

-stay here. I'll go on alone. -dar,

I know you feel a connection With these people,

But if you find them, then what?

Tao, every day, the animals I protect, face new dangers.

There are cities like xinca, There are tribes being displaced

By great walls of ice, not to Mention men like zad and voden.

If there was someone else, Someone who could help me,

Then it's going to make such A difference for the animals.

But what if their intentions Weren't as noble as yours?

They had no qualms In killing the soldiers.

Then that's all the more reason I find out

What my animal friends Are up against.

Good point.

[ laughing ]

Get some rest. I'll be back before dawn.

Ohhh.

Wait, don't go!

What are they?

Centaurs.

Centaurs.

I've never seen Such creatures.

Why haven't you Told me of them?

An oversight, I apologize.

They've been around Almost as long as I have.

Well, then why Haven't I ever

Seen them?

They keep to themselves mostly.

In this age of upheaval, Even they must venture forth

Into this part of the world.

The wall of ice Has intruded on their land.

And quite covered it.

Sadly, they were never built

For the cold -- nor were they Built for the human world.

What do you mean?

Well, humans combine the human And the animal, the rational

And the intuitive.

To varying degrees.

But the centaurs, Don't you think they're

A bit obvious, a touch crude?

They're not crude.

They're pure.

They're perfect.

They're relics, throwbacks, Past their prime.

But...

They do have a power Of the imagination,

And that makes them a danger.

What sort of danger?

They tend to inspire those It is best not to inspire,

Bringing chaos Galloping after them.

-so you saw them change? -yeah.

-and they weren't just shadows? -no, I saw them.

That's how I can communicate With them. They're animals.

I've heard legends Of skilled riders and archers

Who could transform Into what you saw.

Now, because of Their animal nature,

They disobeyed the necessary Laws and restraints that man

Has put upon himself, obeying Only their animal instincts.

But they're free.

Ah, but more free Than anything else.

It's a good day for hunting.

Yes, milord.

I know fortune Will favour us today.

You ride alone?

Less chance they'll Hear me coming;

More chance I'll catch them by surprise.

I dreamt of them last night, Riding like the wind

Before our army, Showering our enemy

With arrows, crushing anything That stood in their way.

It was magnificent.

Yes, milord.

Don't let them know That you found them.

If they're the warriors You describe, they'd rather

Fight than accede to my wishes.

Be cautious.

They will be yours, my king. I swear.

Breakfast?

Such service.

[ laughing ]

Ah!

How shall we spend This glorious day?

The only ones still penned Are those the warriors ride.

Not many of them left.

One captive is One too many.

Don't worry.

We're not leaving until We've freed them all.

What do you want?

We mean you no harm.

Sagitto...

We have food. Join us.

Thank you.

Sorry I surprised You last night.

How is it that you have The powers that you do?

It's a long story.

Very long story.

Where are you from?

Far from here.

And your home?

Our home is where We find ourselves.

Always a good place to live.

Ahem. How quickly an interest Becomes an obsession.

I'm not obsessed. I'm just trying--

I'm well aware of what You're trying to do, my dear.

But intervention Is out of the question.

Intervention? What are you talking about?

Events take their course.

There is a time for all things

And a logic, whether You grasp it or not.

What's going to happen? You know, don't you?

Whatever it is my Sentimental friend,

The outcome Will not be decided by you.

Our land was a paradise, hidden From men's eyes.

The first years, we flourished

In isolation, but now...

The ice age and the migration.

We were overrun.

There weren't enough Of us to turn them back.

And the ice covered Our land too.

So we scattered... To find new land.

And we found this place, Where they enslave horses.

I must show you something You may find interesting.

Just hold this.

A little invention of mine.

Put the berries in the top.

Push down and the juice...

Comes out through The bottom there.

It's faster.

Yeah. Not as messy either.

Can I try?

Of course.

[ laughing ]

-have thought of this. -it's just simple

-mechanics, really. -that's not the way we are.

We live by instincts, By our will.

We accept life. We don't think about change.

Well, change Isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Perhaps, but humans Are never satisfied.

They strive to climb higher, To dominate.

Ones like us are left behind.

He feels something.

So do I.

Someone's approaching.

No, they're already here.

Radia!

No!

He's taking them to xinca. We'll get them.

-you don't understand. -there's no time.

We can't survive Without them.

If we're separated For even a few hours...

We'll die.

Brilliant strategy.

I knew you were worthy Of your rank, hjalmar.

-thank you, milord. -look at them.

They won't give up. They're loyal to their archers.

Let's just hope the archers Are loyal to them.

They'll come for Them, milord,

I'm sure of it.

They've roped the mare.

That's it, easy.

Easy.

Ahh, ahh...

Oh, what happened, What happened?

[ groaning ]

Some pain, as if I'd stumbled.

I can't see anything.

[ groaning ]

If that horse has been lamed, You will be lamed...Permanently!

What is it?

We're as one with our horses.

A single spirit in two bodies.

Yes, if she were injured, I'd share in her pain...Ahh!

I can travel faster alone. You two care for her.

-I'll come back for you. -tao can stay.

I'll go.

He's right. Go.

Hurry.

[ groaning ]

We have to do something.

The centaurs Have lost their horses.

Without them, they'll die.

You realize this is Pure self-indulgence.

I can't stand by And watch them be destroyed.

We have to do something. We must.

There's nothing To be gained from

Becoming emotionally involved.

How can you be so cruel?

Not cruel, simply aloof.

It's my job and yours.

They need our help.

They need our attention. There is a difference.

Please, let Me help them.

Centaurs pride themselves on Their freedom and independence.

If you help, you take that away.

Leave them to their fate.

If their time has come, Then we must watch

Their demise with respect.

No.

Or if they should be spared,

It must be in a manner

That leaves their vision Of themselves intact.

Don't become involved.

You'll thank me that you didn't.

Voden's compound's

Inside the city gates.

I've never been in a city.

You're not missing much.

When I was younger, I could take...

No.

I can kill them both.

Why?

Why? Because they are the enemy.

There's no reason To raise an alarm.

There's no need to kill.

Look, I understand your anger.

We're here to save your horses.

We can't do that If you don't curb

Your instincts And use your head.

What do you suggest?

Follow me.

[ chuck;ing ]

Have our sentries Detected anything?

Not yet. I expect Them at nightfall.

We'll post guards at all

-the gates and corrals at dusk. -I win...

Don't look at me like that. You left yourself open.

Fortune favours those Who do the unexpected.

Make sure our Sentries are alert.

With these archers in my army, We would be invincible.

We're invincible now.

I still want them alive.

I must see them In battle. Understood?

This way.

There's a tunnel into the city.

Now, this should help.

It may feel a little bit Hot...Soothing.

-uh, may I? -of course.

Ahhh...

Yes, it feels hot.

It feels good.

I like it.

I told you...

It's been A good day.

I need a hand With these.

Hey...The horses are near.

I can sense them.

Come on.

There are guards everywhere.

Voden must be expecting us.

Send him off. He'll give us away.

We need to act. There is No time. Radia will die soon.

We wait.

Good.

-stay here. -where are you going?

Trust me.

I've never seen it work This quickly before.

-I've changed the formula-- -something has happened.

They found the horses.

Ah.

No, no, don't you see -- Your balm's

Having an effect on my mare.

Of course.

Rub in some more?

My pleasure.

The horses! The horses!

The horses are loose.

No, they're here.

Come on!

This is our chance. Come on.

They're coming.

Stop them!

Did you see that?

After them.

I said get our horses.

We're going after them. Now!

Yes, milord.

I must have that creature.

Half man, half horse. The image sets my mind on fire.

Yes, milord.

A human's skill And the speed of a steed

And apparently Change form at will.

Imagine a phalynx of such Archers galloping down on the

Armies of our enemies -- Who would dare stand

Before them -- we must Find out where they're from.

-where they're from? =must be a land nearby.

I'll wager there's Hundreds of them.

Perhaps thousands -- When we capture these two,

We'll force them To tell us where the others are.

But such warriors May not warm

To your service, milord.

We already know What their weakness

Is, hjalmar -- their dedication

To their horses Will be their downfall.

Half the battle is already won.

Sagitto. She's growing weaker.

I know. We have to hurry.

I can feel her getting closer.

They're coming.

They'll be here soon.

Lie down next to me, tao.

-what? -lie down next to me.

I'm cold. I need your warmth.

Please.

[ groaning ]

They ride as if Born on horseback.

Your words were well-chosen, Hjalmar. They're magical.

They're freaks, Monsters from

Some bygone age.

But did you see the effect They had on the men?

They were terrified, As were you -- can you imagine

An army of creatures like That -- nothing would be

Our of our reach...Nothing.

-sagitto, we got to stop. -we can't stop.

-handle the pace. -that's why we must move.

Unless she and radia are joined, They'll both die.

Maybe it's not too late.

She says she can make it.

No, no, no, just lay still.

Don't tax your strength.

I want To help, tao.

I must try To find my mare.

No, they'll be here, And you'll be gone.

They're coming. You said it yourself.

They'll be here any minute now.

Just a minute.

Yah! Yah!

This is unimaginable cruelty.

Faster!

Must we stand by and watch such Beauty erased from the land?

Not necessarily.

But we must stand by.

It's all right, tao.

I'm content.

I know sagitto is all right.

This isn't over. You'll see.

We've shared so much,

Sagitto and I.

We were never apart.

[ sighing ]

That's the hardest thing.

Tao...

Tell him that every day Of my life was joyful, full,

Because of my love for him.

Will you tell him?

Yes.

Yes, of course.

Radia.

Radia!

Oh, radia.

Radia.

Radia.

Radia.

Hey, hey,

Radia.

Radia.

Oh, no!

Get her on the horse.

If the horse lives, she'll live.

Radia...

Radia, please come back to me.

Well, that was too close.

Too close by far.

There they are!

Voden.

They've changed back again. Are they never the same?

As I said, They're monsters.

Our turn to provide the help.

You can't outrun Them carrying us.

-we won't leave you here. -we can't stay here.

Yes, we can. Go ahead.

I know what I'm doing.

I certainly Hope so.

What he always does -- Defending some dumb animal

From becoming part of history.

-now what? -he wants a fight?

And he'll get one...

There he is!

Faster...Yah!

I'll never doubt you again.

Let's get out of here.

After them, you idiots!

Go!

I hope that Wasn't too traumatic.

It was, but I understand.

Good, because it was Your most important lesson.

What was put in motion Has created the dreams

And desires That drive all creatures.

And we must never Allow them to feel

As if they have No control over their lives.

Correct -- even though They don't. Ha, ha, ha...

Any other reason You tried to stop me?

Well, to be quite frank, I didn't want

To see you mess it up.

You tend to become Emotionally involved,

And that invariably Leads to mistakes.

If you don't mind me saying,

You do seem pleased With the outcome.

Why so happy to see The beastmaster

Save relics and throwbacks?

You may not have Noticed this, my dear,

But I'm somewhat Of a relic myself.

And one doesn't like to see Old friends fazed out.

I'd have missed them.

It's as simple as that.

And you accuse me of Being sentimental.

It takes one to know one.

So where will You go now?

Uh, we don't know.

Lowlands perhaps.

We've heard tales of a place

That's green, lush And safe for horses.

There will be a home for us.

We'll find it someday.

Perhaps we'll rule it With more than

Just instinct... In order to survive.

I'm sure of it.

Travel safely.

Bye, tao. How can I ever thank you?

Actually, I have Something for you.

Ha, ha, ha, Thank you.

Take this and some Fruits and berries.

You'll need that.

What is it?

I'll show you Tomorrow at breakfast.

We'll meet again.

Thank you.

Farewell.

What did he say?

He said that freedom Is wonderful.

But freedom combined With respect for others

Is much more rewarding.

[ sighing ]

Captions performed by The national captioning centre