Original subtitles

We thank you, gods, For bringing us zuraya.

In two days,

She will join with king rolan

And become The vessel of our rebirth.

[ growling ]

Favour their union With an heir

To the kingdom of tira.

[ crowd chattering excitedly ]

Finding you Has made my life complete.

Let us drink To the end of loneliness.

[ growling ]

People of tira,

Rejoice in our future queen.

Crowd: Yes, yes, wonderful!

[ growling ]

Slayer, no!

[ growling ]

Slayer, stop it!

I'm sorry -- he's been acting So strange lately.

You did teach him to kill.

Only to protect me.

You're in no danger here.

I know -- He won't do it again.

Let's put this Unpleasant business behind us.

This is, after all, A most joyous occasion.

Rolan: Nagha is right.

Nothing must spoil the Preparations for our wedding.

What's wrong with you, slayer?

Can't you see How much I love rolan?

Why won't you give him a chance?

Eh?

He has lifted My curse of loneliness.

I know you want your freedom,

But we're safe here -- There's nothing to be afraid of.

Do you want to go out?

[ thudding ]

Hello?

Is anyone there?

[ rattling ]

You'll have to wait Until tomorrow.

I can barely keep my eyes open.

No, no-o-o-o!

[ screaming ]

in an age when nature and magic ruled 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 is also called beastmaster.

Ohhh!

Ah!

[ splashing ]

I felt a sharp pain In my shoulder.

It was like I'd been wounded.

This happened Before,

When your sister lycia was hit With an arrow.

Think we've found One of your family?

I think so.

Then we'll have to find Whoever it is.

Do you know which animal To look for?

No -- It could be anywhere.

Maybe there's a clue in here.

According to the book,

There are still four animals:

The bird, a horse, a wolf And a goat.

[ rooster crowing ]

Mmm.

Ohh.

Slayer?

Slayer?

Rolan!

You Slept well?

I was so tired.

Must be The excitement.

Last night the door was locked.

For your own Protection.

The village Has become

Dangerous At night.

Slayer's missing -- Have you seen him?

No, but, Then,

He doesn't Adore me.

It's natural for a wild beast To wander.

He's run off before.

He's always back By dawn.

It breaks my heart to see you So unhappy over a pet.

Slayer is my family.

He stood by me all those years I was cursed to be alone.

You're not alone anymore.

I know,

But I couldn't stand To lose him.

Don't worry, I'll do everything In my power to find your wolf.

Thanks.

Slayer?

Slayer!

[ neighing ]

Dar!

Someone's coming, fast.

They're going to kill Themselves.

No, she won't.

Dar.

It's been a long time.

Too long.

I've thought about you.

Me, too.

You know, I had a feeling I'd see you again.

It's good to be here.

Tao: Zuraya!

What brings you to arakann?

Slayer is missing.

Your wolf.

He ran off last night.

I've looked everywhere -- I can't find him.

Maybe you could help me.

You know that dar Can't communicate with slayer.

Where did you See him last? In tira.

Travellers talk of tira.

Its healers have the ability To prolong life.

What have you been doing there?

Tomorrow I marry the king.

We have tried.

We'll need more.

Rohan, here you are.

Dar, I'm not sure It's a coincidence.

Maybe you couldn't talk With slayer

Because he's one of your family.

Dar: Until I know for sure, I won't say anything to zuraya.

Tao: I can't believe She's getting married.

Why not?

She deserves To be happy.

I know.

I just thought The two of you were...

Ready?

Let's go.

Sure you don't want me to come?

It'll be faster If we travel this way.

Be careful.

Come on.

[ hooves thudding ]

Tira's not Much further.

Zuraya, stop.

Do you ever bring slayer here To run?

Sometimes -- why?

He was here.

How recently?

Not long.

What's happened?

Up until here He was moving easily.

Suddenly, he took off.

What is it?

Blood.

Slayer's?

We have to Find him.

It's still warm -- He can't be far.

Huh?

Uhh!

Ohh!

Arghhh!

[ whining ]

Slayer!

I'm sorry, This is going to hurt.

The wound isn't that bad -- Why isn't he moving?

He's in shock.

Who were those men?

My future husband's Royal hunters.

This is The imperial sign of tira.

Tao must treat him.

Tira's closer, and we have Many skilled physicians.

No, rolan's hunters tried To kill him.

Rolan has a lot to answer for, But he would not refuse me this.

I hope you're right.

Rolan: Zuraya!

I've been so worried.

Everyone has been looking For you.

Like them?

They tried to kill slayer With one of your arrows.

It's true.

I gave the order.

How could you?

Perhaps we should discuss this In private.

Dar is a good friend.

You can speak in front of him.

The beastmaster.

I've heard of your exploits.

I'm sorry to meet you under Such painful circumstances.

Why did you do it?

I didn't want to tell you this.

I was hoping you'd always Believe your wolf just ran away.

Zuraya: Did you think I would rest Until I found him?

I know how much you care for Him, but slayer is a killer.

Zuraya: No, he's just not used to you, Yet.

I'm not talking About our incident yesterday.

That was nothing -- Guards.

After he got away from you Last night,

He did something much worse.

No.

Not slayer -- He couldn't have done this.

Rolan: I know you wish it were true -- So do I --

But that's his fur in her hand.

I was teaching him To live among people.

Rolan: After an animal Has tasted human blood

It's difficult to change Its behaviour.

Don't you agree, beastmaster?

Sometimes.

But every animal Is different.

Zuraya: I don't believe it.

If dar hadn't removed the arrow, Slayer would be dead.

Unfortunately, your friend has Only prolonged his suffering.

The arrow was poisoned.

Why?

Why would you poison--

Your wolf is a trained killer.

I can still Teach him.

I can take him away with me.

Then he wouldn't trouble you.

It's too late.

What kind of poison was it?

Is there an antidote?

If there is, We've never found it.

So it's fatal.

Almost always.

There is a chance He could be saved.

That depends on the wolf.

Only time will tell -- Take him to his pen.

I'll stay with slayer.

Zuraya's friend must not disrupt The wedding.

Rolan: Don't you think that I, Of all people, know that?

Stop worrying.

He's called the beastmaster -- He talks to the animals.

Nagha: Don't laugh -- What will the wolf tell him?

Rolan: I don't think the wolf has much To say these days.

He'll be dead before he wakes.

Nagha: Why do you take such chances?

You should lock zuraya up And be done with it.

Rolan: You worry too much.

Zuraya is as eager For this wedding as I.

You've seen how much She loves me.

Nagha: Love is a luxury You can't afford.

Your time is running out.

You're not getting any younger.

Everything will happen As it should,

As long as you've prepared her.

She must drink the final potion Tonight.

Tomorrow she will be ready For the renewal.

But as the Time approaches,

My desire for her increases.

The anticipation Is overwhelming.

This is a good sign.

I will double the guard On her door tonight.

Yes, we must protect her.

Zuraya will be the vessel Of my rebirth.

[ calling ]

Sharak, find tao

And bring him here.

I need his help To save my brother.

Zuraya: At least he's not worse.

Thanks for staying.

Are you really going To take him back to arakann?

He'll be safe there.

That's how I feel here.

Like nothing can hurt me.

When rolan found me, I felt really safe.

I think that's what happens When you fall in love.

How did you meet?

It was strange.

My horse fell lame one day.

I stopped to treat her.

Rolan was just there.

By himself?

With a hunting party and nagha.

Rolan invited us back to tira.

His healers were wonderful -- The horse improved.

Then what happened?

Then I realized I wasn't lonely Anymore.

Yeah, that's a good feeling.

Good?

For the first time, I feel like I belong somewhere,

Like I have A home.

I'm glad You found your happiness.

Thanks.

You're the only one Who can help slayer.

Zuraya, dearest.

What are you still doing here?

Nothing -- We were just talking.

Excuse me, beastmaster,

But it's time for Zuraya's ritual purification.

Already?

I'm sure Our time-honoured rituals

Must seem a little tedious

To one as full of life as you,

But you are to be our queen.

Don't let me stop you.

Nagha will meet you At the baths.

In our tradition, From now until the ceremony,

The bride can see no one outside The wedding party,

But you need not go lonely.

Mmm!

That's not necessary.

I insist.

They have been told to cater To your every comfort.

Mmm!

A drink?

Thank you, But I'm not thirsty.

Have Some fruit.

I'm not hungry, thank you.

Something wrong?

You locked the door.

For your own safety, I assure you.

No one should wander the village After dark.

So I've heard.

Why?

An ancient evil spirit Stalks our village by night.

And there's nothing you can do?

Rolan's vigilance and dedication Protect us.

For your safety,

He has placed two guards Outside your door.

Is there, um...

Anything else you need?

No, you've been More than hospitable.

Thank you.

See if this goes anywhere.

[ pleasure girls moaning ]

Good work -- Thank you.

[ guard sneezing ]

[ sniffling ]

[ grunting ]

Remember what the king said -- Watch for the grey animal.

What is it About this grey animal?

It killed a woman today.

Zuraya: What are you doing here?

Rolan: No regrets?

Zuraya: Of course not.

Not even your beastmaster?

Zuraya: I told you before, He's just a friend.

I love you.

Before I met you,

There was no one.

Since I've met you, There can be no one else.

Rolan: I have waited a long time For my queen to arrive.

Only a few more hours.

After all this time on my own,

It's hard to believe.

Don't we deserve Happiness?

Nagha: Zuraya -- I've been looking All over for you.

Don't be angry at her -- It's my fault.

You should know better, sire.

It's time for zuraya To drink her tonic.

Do I have to -- It makes me so tired.

You've got a big day tomorrow -- You want to be ready.

Just one more night, Then no more tonic.

It will assure the birth Of your son.

That's good.

Good night.

When next we meet, You'll become my queen.

I understand Your hunger.

Do you, nagha?

Do you know what it's like

To feel the life burning in her, While you yourself grow old?

Zuraya is Our salvation.

If I didn't lock her Away from you,

You'd ruin Everything.

Is this how you speak To your eternal king?

You cannot Touch her,

Until the potion Has taken effect.

If you take Her before,

Your spirit will Not inhabit

The child She conceives.

Your rebirth will Not happen.

It's only Two more hours.

If only she didn't have to die.

You're not growing attached To her, are you?

She loves me.

There is no other way.

You can only be reborn Through her child.

She cannot survive the birth.

The nagha have served you For a thousand years.

We will serve you For a thousand more.

Guard: You checked the far end?

Guard 2: I saw nothing.

[ squeaking ] What was that?

Did you Hear anything?

Draw them away -- Be careful.

I'll be back as soon as I can.

Did the king say There was two of them?

You found tao?

Take me to him -- We haven't much time.

Sharak flew towards the sun.

So, if I take this axis,

Tira should be right...Here!

It's nice to see you, too.

So, how was your journey?

Sharak says it was easy.

For an eagle, maybe.

Last time I looked, I didn't have wings.

This will be very useful One day -- you'll see.

The moment I saw sharak, I knew it was serious.

Slayer's your brother?

He's been poisoned.

We must be close to tira -- Can the king help?

He's the problem -- he'll kill Zuraya and wants slayer dead.

I have potions for spider bite, Snake venom, black thistle.

I can't guarantee These potions will work.

Dar: If you can't save slayer, My quest is over.

We're wasting time -- Let's go.

Tao, this way.

[ chuckling ]

[ chuckling ]

Oh, sorry.

But if you could see What I was seeing...

You're on duty.

Whoa!

You look like red-blooded men.

You should take a look at this.

It'll change your life.

Keep turning.

While I turn the bottom -- I'll turn it here --

Any second now.

Can I see?

[ thunking ]

I told you, very useful.

How long has he been like this?

Since I Found him.

Do you know the type of poison?

Bet his royal physicians know.

They want him dead, so they said There's no antidote.

It's up to us to save him.

Eyes are glazed over,

Tongue's dry.

His heart's barely beating.

Can you Cure him?

I've seen these signs before -- I can neutralize the poison.

I saw my teacher heal a man With the same signs.

He used bloodroot,

Moonberry, willow bark.

That should work on a wolf.

Take kodo, podo and sharak.

Find what You need. What About you?

Wedding's tonight -- I must stop Zuraya before it's too late.

Don't give up.

We'll be back.

Idiots.

How could you let him escape?

Find him!

Zuraya.

Zuraya.

Dar!

You have To wake up.

Ohh -- the tonic they give me Makes me sleep.

What are you doing here?

I can't see anyone Until the wedding.

You can't Marry rolan.

What?

He's not who you think he is.

What are you talking about?

I heard him talking to nagha.

After the baby's born, he...

...He's going to kill you.

Why are you saying this?

Because it's true.

No!

He loves me -- I belong here.

No, you don't -- He's a monster.

Slayer knew, So he attacked him.

No, no.

If we leave now, We can get slayer and go.

Rolan: Zuraya?

Is the beastmaster with you?

Come with me.

[ pounding ] Please.

Yes, he's here.

Beastmaster.

Is this the way You betray our hospitality?

Did he Hurt you? No.

Don't go through with this.

Dar, you're only Making it worse.

He doesn't understand Our ancient ways.

What do you know About his ancient ways?

What have you told her?

What are you talking about?

Beastmaster, Admit it's too late.

Zuraya and I are pledged To each other.

You'd say anything to win Her back -- who wouldn't?

The wedding will proceed.

Take him away.

You think about what I said.

What are you going To do with him?

He was worried About me.

"Jealous" is the word I'd use.

All I want is to marry you In peace.

After the ceremony, I'll let the beastmaster go.

This is as far as you go, Beastmaster.

Nagha, why are you doing this?

Because I am sworn to protect The eternal reign of our king.

For how long?

Until I die.

Then the duty will fall To my daughter.

Then, to Her daughter.

How many women must die So rolan can live?

It has been this way For a thousand years.

You will not be the one To end the cycle.

[ grunting ]

Eee-arrr!

[ gasping ]

[ sharak screeching ]

Bloodroot, moonberry.

I assume that you found The willow bark.

Okay -- Paws off.

Thank you.

Take me to it.

Rolan, the beastmaster got away.

Nothing can interfere With my rebirth.

We must start the ceremony now, Or all is lost.

Bring zuraya to the garden.

No mistakes this time.

Dar.

Do you have everything For the cure?

We don't have much time.

Rolan knows I'm trying To stop the wedding.

And zuraya?

She won't listen to me.

She won't believe anything bad About rolan.

She must be under An enchantment.

It's called love.

What are you Going to do?

Stop the ceremony.

You must save slayer.

I'm not ready yet.

Rolan, what's The hurry?

I couldn't wait a minute longer.

I thought the ceremony was To be tonight.

Yes, but the stars are aligned

Most auspiciously right now.

But I wanted to look perfect For you.

You couldn't look more lovely -- Please, zuraya.

This is important to me, To all our people -- begin.

Wait.

This is no time to be afraid.

Rolan, this doesn't feel right.

You're just nervous.

Now, more than ever, You must trust our love.

You're hurting me.

We call upon the gods

To continue King rolan's unending reign.

Through this woman, And his offspring's body,

He will find shelter For his ancient soul.

What is she talking about?

This child must be conceived

Before the moon and the evening Star share the sky.

Continue.

How you doin', slayer?

How you doin'?

Can't die now, slayer.

Dar needs you.

If only you knew How hard he searched for you.

He's found your sister.

I bet you can't wait to see her Again.

Dar needs all of you,

To save the world From balcifer's evil.

Come on, slayer.

There's a whole world Counting on you.

Moment of truth.

Welcome back!

Good boy, good boy.

With the spilling Of this vessel's blood,

Let king rolan's cycle Of renewal begin.

As it has been For a thousand years,

So it will be again.

[ moaning ]

Zuraya, no!

[ grunting ]

Huh!

[ grunting ]

Uhh!

Arghhh!

[ growling ]

[ growling ]

[ rolan screaming ]

He is a monster.

Slayer knew it all along.

I should have listened To you both.

You saved me from a nightmare.

Thanks to you and slayer My curse has been lifted.

Dar: Zuraya, there's one more thing.

I'm going to need you To leave slayer here with me.

Zuraya: Why -- He's not dangerous anymore.

He had to kill rolan.

Dar: That's not it.

You see... Slayer isn't really a wolf.

Come here, sit down.

Come here.

Before he died, my father turned My family into animals.

I thought your People were killed.

It turns out that my real father Was king eldar.

You're the true king?

I only recently found out.

Why would he turn your family Into animals?

They'd be safe from balcifer,

Until I could find them And protect them.

And slayer is one of them.

He's my brother.

I always knew there was Something special about him.

Like he came to me For safekeeping.

I'll miss you.

If I have to leave him with Anyone, I'm glad it's with you.

Thank you For taking care of him.

You're the one who has Truly ended my loneliness.

Ohh.

Let each sun find you safe.

We'll meet again.

[ hooves thudding ]

[ sighing ]

Thank you for taking care Of zuraya for me.

I have a hunch she'll be back.

You believe in hunches now.

I believe in this one.

In you go.

Our sister's waiting for you.

I'll find the rest Of our family, soon.

I promise.

Closed captions produced by Alliance atlantis broadcasting