Original subtitles

[ chattering ]

Hey!

King zad wants breeding stock

For his new war horses.

We bring him that stallion,

He'll give us Anything we want.

We'll take it to xinca Through the forest.

If another patrol sees it

They'll take it For themselves.

Zad's knights.

Tao: It's getting worse.

They take whatever they want.

It's zad's law.

He doesn't care If they abuse it.

Can't let them see us.

Zad's got a price On our heads.

You came here for herbs, Didn't you?

Maybe some mandrake root and Mist berry for the fever balm.

Let's go and get them.

[ chattering ]

Some people still manage To have fun.

People need To laugh.

Does our entertainment Please you?

We have to eat, too.

[ kodo and podo squealing ]

Stop complaining -- I'll feed you later.

Pola: Thought of taking this act On the road?

[ chuckling incredulously ]

Did you see?

It's the beastmaster.

I've already told you.

Stop or you won't get anything 'til you get home.

Olana: Why do you search Across the land,

When what you seek Is close at hand?

These blind eyes See nothing of what is,

But see all of what will be.

Are you talking to us?

Your fate is bound To the fate of a friend.

When your questions Are answered,

They unravel again.

A fortune-teller.

That sounds like me.

The more answers I find, The more questions I have.

Give her something.

See what she says About you.

No -- I cannot take gifts From the dead, beastmaster.

Tao: Dead?

How does she know Who you are?

Unless she isn't blind.

Anyone could have told her.

Olana: In moonlight You fight in xinca,

For captured is your quest.

But in the sun you fall,

Your sword pierced Through your breast.

How does she know About my quest?

My shadows never lie.

In xinca, By your own sword, you die.

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.

We're not going Anywhere near xinca.

I'm not worried.

Many tell me I'm going to die.

It's just an act.

I'd like to know how she found Out about your quest.

Take the horse Straight to xinca!

Let him go!

Stop! Forget The horse.

Let him Go! He belongs To king zad now.

I'll tear out your eyes!

This little spitfire Is all yours.

Beastmaster: Let her go.

That's no way To treat a lady.

Beastmaster,

This time You're in over your head.

Take him!

Arghhh!

[ grunting ]

[ panting ]

[ growling ]

Walk away.

Niva: I must follow them.

No, it's too dangerous.

They took simtar. Niva.

What are you doing?

Keeping you Alive. I'll kill Them first.

They're zad's knights.

They'll return, Looking for revenge.

They don't care Who they kill.

He's right, niva.

We must get out of here.

If we have to.

I'm going to get my horse.

Come to arakann.

You'll be safe with us.

[ horse neighing ]

[ horse snorting ]

[ horse snorting ]

Bolak: We've heard You've been

Looking for a great stallion, My lord.

Where did you steal him?

At the circus.

[ neighing ]

[ moaning ]

I suppose the jugglers And clowns resisted,

Did they?

Bolak: The beastmaster.

Some of us kept him occupied,

While we got away With the horse.

I suppose you expect A reward.

Whatever would please Your majesty.

What would please me Isn't always hearing

That my knights have let The beastmaster escape!

[ choking ]

You touch him, And I'll have you flayed alive.

He's worth a legion Of you idiots!

Slythius: A noble beast,

The sire Of many powerful steeds,

I would guess.

If my knights had Half his fire,

They would have brought me The beastmaster on his back.

The beastmaster Was there.

Yeah.

What are You doing? Preparing An augury.

If you want him To sire your new cavalry,

We should know more About it.

Zad: Auguries, potions,

Hocus-pocus.

[ laughing ]

Pola: And now,

A tale to show everyone What happens to those who dare

To stand up to king zad.

[ audience cheering ]

You're mine, beastmaster.

Rot and die -- argh!

[ grunting ]

[ cheering ]

Pola: The beastmaster has fallen.

Will the sun rise no more?

Boo!

Lie still So I can kill you.

[ booing ]

Ugh!

Pola: Will the sword of king zad Triumph?

Bring more sorrow, Death and war?

Can this be the end Of the beastmaster?

[ cheering ]

[ grunting ]

Looks more like Zad's end to me.

Man: Hooray for the beastmaster!

[ cheering ]

I was afraid You would be offended.

No, uh...

You're very talented.

It's strange To think of myself as a puppet.

Glad you liked the show.

If only it was that easy To defeat zad.

Your victories inspire us.

Perhaps you could share

Some of your adventures With me.

Ever fought a dragon, Defeated any demons?

Beastmaster: I have the perfect person For you to talk to.

They'll have more than enough To say.

A-a-a-about What?

Everything.

Um, herbal tao -- Tea?

[ bubbling ]

Well?

Is it the horse I'm searching for or not?

Patience, my lord.

This isn't just any horse.

It's descended From a long, noble line.

I knew it... From the moment I saw him.

It's more than that, Much more.

[ moaning ]

A natural king will ride This steed.

And if he stays the course,

Be carried to victory.

Then it is fate.

It was meant to be!

There's just One problem.

First, you must ride The horse,

And he doesn't seem To like you.

We'll see about that.

Aren't you Afraid

Of making fun Of zad?

It's only a puppet show.

Who could get mad at that?

Besides, somebody Has to tell the truth.

What about the fortune-teller?

What's her story -- Somebody's helping her.

What's Her trick? There's no trick With olana.

She's a fortune-teller In a travelling show.

So she must be a fake.

I didn't mean that.

You should take olana Very seriously.

She really can see Into the future.

She said dar was going To die in xinca.

If I were dar, I'd stay out of xinca.

What's The hurry?

I'm going to get simtar back.

You're going Into xinca alone?

Through the gates of hell, If I have to.

You're not going to stop me?

No.

I'm wondering why you want To get yourself killed.

You're the beastmaster.

If zad took your animal, Would you abandon it?

Of course not.

That's why we'll go, Together.

Dar.

Where are you going?

Xinca.

Are you serious?

I'll be back soon.

I'm going With you. No.

Besides, you have to look After pola.

What about olana's warning?

She saw you die at the point Of your sword.

I'll try not to stab myself.

[ neighing and snorting ]

[ laughing ]

Don't like being constrained, Do you, huh?

I don't blame you.

It's not easy to be a king.

People fear us, respect us, But they don't love us.

But love, that doesn't matter.

It's respect that matters.

I'll gain your respect With every victory we win.

[ laughing nervously ]

You guard him well.

Anything happens to him,

You'll wish You'd never been born!

Ahh, what are you doing?

We must take Care of them.

Leave it to me.

Guard duty can be so dull.

I can think of a way To pass the time.

[ grunting ]

Simtar.

Simtar.

Guard: Kill anyone You find near the horse.

Simtar.

[ groaning ]

Guard: Triple the sentries On every post.

Guard: King's orders.

Shhh.

How long are we Going to wait?

Until they change the guard.

That might not be until morning.

By then, These men will be tired.

The new guards Won't expect anything.

Pola: You've got a sword -- Kill them.

I can't do that.

Why -- you're afraid?

Is that what you think?

I thought you were supposed To save animals.

If I kill those men, I'll be no better than they are.

I should have come By myself.

Simtar and I would Be home by now.

[ panting ]

[ neighing ]

[ panting ]

[ neighing ]

[ panting ]

[ neighing ]

[ neighing ]

No-o-o-o-o!

[ grunting ]

[ panting ]

Slythius, slythius, Damn you!

Slythius.

Where the hell are you?

I'm right here.

Something ails you, My lord?

Uhh.

Tell me more About that stallion.

It invades my dreams Like a bad omen.

Indeed.

What happened?

It tried to kill me.

What does that mean?

That you're Afraid of it.

Like hell I am.

It's just an animal.

Of course it is.

Why should you worry?

That's right.

Since you're the king, You must ride the horse.

You've nothing To worry about.

It feels safe here, Peaceful.

I can see why you stay.

It's the First place

That's felt Like home

Since zad took Over xinca.

What about Your home?

Niva and I Never really had one.

We've been travelling The countryside

All our lives.

It hasn't been safe To stay in one place.

Tao: That's why We built arakann,

As a haven from zad.

A place of rest.

You're worried about them.

They should be back by now.

I wish I knew what happened.

Why don't we ask olana?

What's the point?

If she's a fake, Why am I worried?

If she's not, she's already Said dar would die.

If she tells me not to worry, Why would I believe her?

Let's just ask her anyway.

I know why you've come.

You fear for your friend.

I do.

Olana, when you said Dar was going to die...

I'm sorry, I only told you what I saw.

And there he must be.

Without the beastmaster,

The horse cannot be free.

Simtar.

What is it?

Olana, thank you.

[ snorting ]

They're changing the guard.

Time for you and I To meet our destiny.

How does she know About dar and niva's horse?

I didn't even know.

Do you believe She has the gift?

I'm starting to.

What is that?

It's a book.

It was written A long time ago.

Where did you get it?

In a ruined Temple.

It tells the story

Of dar, his family, His destiny.

What does the beastmaster's Destiny have to do with simtar?

You've seen how evil

Is spreading across The land?

Dar's been chosen to stop it.

He's a son of eldar, The true king.

If he regains the throne,

He'll restore harmony To the world.

How does simtar fit in?

There are five animals Linked to dar.

And one of them is a horse.

Is that why zad's army Stole him?

I don't think They knew.

But if zad finds out Who this horse is,

Simtar's dead.

We understand each other, Don't we?

Steady.

No -- still.

[ neighing ]

Argh!

[ neighing ]

[ moaning ]

[ neighing ]

What's the matter?

Ugh, ugh.

[ neighing ]

[ panting ]

All right, That's the way you want it.

If I can't ride you, Nobody will.

Archer, take aim.

[ neighing ]

Kill it.

Zad: Shoot it, you idiot.

Wait, wait.

You can't -- stop!

What do we have here?

You can't kill him -- He's mine.

You're the girl The beastmaster rescued.

Yes.

So, where's The beastmaster now?

I don't know.

Ready?

Wait -- I can train him To let you ride him.

There are other horses,

And there are other women -- Kill them both.

Beastmaster.

Predictable as always.

Nothing better to do Than kill

A horse And a young woman?

By balcifer, it's time I got rid of you.

You can do what you want With me.

Let them ride out of here.

Why are you so interested In this particular horse?

Don't worry about the horse.

Your fight is with me.

Is you presence here Merely coincidence?

I distrust coincidence,

Especially when There's a kingdom at stake.

Archer, stand down.

Why don't you let them go?

Drop your sword, And I might let them live.

[ whooshing ]

You...

You have until

The full moon to break That horse.

You won't be disappointed.

Because if I'm not riding it By then,

I'll kill you And the horse.

I won't be long.

[ grunting ]

After him, you morons!

Guards: Come on, get him!

You,

You will be my guest

Until you've trained That horse.

Ugh.

Shhh. How did You get here?

There isn't much time -- We must get simtar out of xinca.

I will, by myself.

He'll never let Zad ride him.

My horse will do anything For me.

Not this.

When zad can't ride him, He will kill the both of you.

You're the beastmaster.

Talk to simtar.

[ sighing ]

Not this horse.

What happened back there... To your hand?

There was a strange light.

A spell was cast Over my family.

Five of them were turned Into animals.

I think simtar Is one of them.

You're not serious.

You're serious.

He could be my brother.

But then there's no hope.

Zad will come after all of us.

Unless we let zad think He is riding simtar.

We must find a horse That looks like him

And switch them.

Good circus thinking.

We'll never find one in time.

I have friends in arakann Who can help.

We must get a message to them.

Circus people have This secret way

To get messages To one another.

Marks on walls And doorways.

You've seen them And didn't even know.

It's how We survive.

All right.

All right.

I need you To write a message.

I'll send it With my friend sharak.

Sharak's an eagle.

Zad won't hurt you,

As long as zad thinks That you're training simtar

So he can ride him.

[ straining ]

I can hold simtar back.

What about you -- I can't ask you to stay here.

I'll be fine.

What do we say?

Find a horse That looks like simtar.

[ calling ]

I need you To get this to tao.

It's urgent.

Have any of her prophecies Ever been wrong?

Never.

Are you sure?

If they're not back by midday, I'm going after them.

[ bird calling ]

Sharak.

That's niva's.

She needs us to find a horse That looks like simtar.

[ calling ]

[ neighing ]

[ growling ]

[ neighing ]

[ tiger growling ]

[ panting ]

[ neighing ]

No, none of them are right.

Ohh!

[ neighing ]

You still haven't made him Love me yet.

[ snorting ]

He's not used To being fenced in.

He needs more time To calm down.

Maybe it would be easier To calm him down

If his trainer Got a little soothing herself.

Come to my Chambers tonight.

I prefer to sleep alone Before a big performance.

I don't think you heard me.

It's not a request.

A man as powerful as you Can always get what he wants.

How perceptive.

But can he always get What he needs?

I know what I need.

And I want you...

In my chambers, tonight.

Give me a little longer With him.

For what?

Imagine having this kind Of power over a steed like him.

You have until tonight.

[ calling ]

[ neighing ]

Thank you.

Can you get the others?

Oh, easy.

Easy.

Easy.

Shhh.

I have a favour To ask of you.

Are you sure we can make him Look like simtar?

A little makeup Does wonders.

That and A little luck.

I guess People see

What they want To see.

With the right makeup, I could make you believe

Any one of my troop Was the beastmaster.

Welcome.

I was just telling king zad How much we could use

A little diversion, And here you are.

What a wonderful coincidence.

Thank you.

We're ready to perform Whenever you choose.

Don't I know you?

What's your trick?

I'm addressing you, speak!

He can't speak.

He's a mime.

Think of yourselves As my special guests.

Of course, sire. We're going To become

Good friends.

I can feel it.

Make sure my friends Are given everything they need.

That's not The kind

Of welcome We get often.

That's not the kind Of welcome you want, ever.

Simtar, What's the matter with you?

The horse will Never let zad

Ride him, Will it?

What do you want?

To help you.

I don't need your help.

At least take the opportunity To help yourself.

Give me the beastmaster.

I would if I could --

I don't know Where he is.

Is he worth the sacrifice

Of your life, Your horse's life?

I'm sure your sister and Your friends don't think so.

Didn't you know?

They're all here in xinca.

I swear on this stone of oaths I'll kill you!

I'm impressed.

You're in no position To carry out threats.

They're innocent.

Tragic if they should come To harm.

One more time -- Where is the beastmaster?

Behind you.

Ha!

Ahhh.

I thought you'd Never get here.

I told you I'd come back.

I found a horse.

[ shouting ]

[ cheering ]

Have you found slythius yet?

No, sire.

I don't want That scheming snake to miss

One moment of My glorious triumph -- find him!

[ drumming ]

And now, for the pleasure Of king zad

And the edification of all,

We present a tale of king zad's triumph.

Hmm, I like it.

[ audience laughing ]

Pola: The world is our stage, Where destiny plays,

Where king zad rules With iron and blood.

[ chuckling ]

The story of my life.

Pola: That king zad rules, No one denies.

But in all the great kingdom, Just one man defies.

This better be good.

Pola: Ohhh, beastmaster!

Stand and fight on two legs Like a man.

Take that and that.

Uhh -- no, there!

Hold still, you coward.

Where are your animal friends?

You dare to stand up to me?

How does he look?

He'll have To do.

We only have to fool zad Long enough to get simtar out.

You're the one Who should get out.

It's a full moon tonight.

You know what olana said.

That's a chance I'll have to take.

[ grunting ]

Argh, argh!

[ chuckling ]

[ laughing ]

[ spectators cheering ]

Zad: Finish him!

Kill him -- Ha, ha, ha!

Cut him down like a dog.

Pola: The beastmaster is vanquished.

The reign of zad Has just begun.

[ laughing ]

Long live king zad!

[ cheering ]

Get this garbage

Out of my palace Before I burn the lot.

Your horse is ready for you, My lord.

Perfect timing.

[ neighing ]

Steady.

Steady, whoa!

[ zad laughing ]

Well, this is more like it!

Well, slythius.

You said, "A natural king Will ride this steed."

I'd say the victory is mine!

[ laughing ]

This is not the horse.

What are you talking about?

They've switched it,

Right under your nose.

Tricked by a bunch Of bumpkins.

Argh!

[ yelling ]

Not for long!

Find that girl!

King zad!

Come and fight me like a man Or do you only fight puppets?

There!

Beastmaster!

[ yelling and grunting ]

No!

No, leave him for me!

No, no-o-o-o-o!

Argh!

The beastmaster is mine!

I'll boil

Your blood, damn you!

Come on, simtar.

[ grunting ]

You dare defy your king?

You've never been my king And you never will.

Ahhh!

[ neighing ]

Go.

The day is coming.

Get him, you morons!

You can't escape me, Beastmaster!

You could travel with us.

We could use a healer.

[ chuckling ]

I thought you'd Say a mime.

I need to have a home.

You could stay here.

I'll come back.

Next time, there'll be A tao puppet in my show.

Really?

A little tao -- wow.

He'll be wonderful.

I'll make him Just like you are.

You're sweet.

You'll always be in my heart.

I'll miss him.

This is where he belongs.

Thank you for helping him.

You made a difference.

It's still hard to believe.

You and him.

Did you ever think He was just an ordinary horse?

Not for a second.

If you ever need anything...

...You know where to come.

Pola: Niva, it's time to go.

[ neighing ]

[ neighing ]

The third family member: A sister and now two brothers.

Only two More to save.

I'll find them As quickly

As I can -- I promise.

[ neighing ]

Closed captions produced by Alliance atlantis broadcasting