Original subtitles

[ thunder rumbling ]

Sharak.

[ shrilling ]

Sharak.

The ancient one Who imprisoned you is gone.

His curse can now be broken

And you will be released, My love.

[ thundering ]

Spirits of the earth, Land and sea.

Take the imprisoned one And set him free.

Spirits, I beseech you.

Restore him To his rightful place

And set him free.

[ thundering ]

[ shrilling ]

Oh, no.

[ whooshing ]

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.

[ birds calling ]

[ chickens clucking ]

[ whooshing ]

Ahh.

[ whooshing ] Ahh.

Ahhh.

[ whooshing ]

Ahh.

[ whooshing ]

[ growling ]

Tao: Caro wouldn't send for us If it wasn't serious.

Does she know who it is?

No, no one does.

[ growling ]

What's bothering ruh?

He's afraid.

Ruh is afraid?

What's he afraid of?

He doesn't know What it is.

Just that It's evil.

[ ruh growling ]

He doesn't want us to go.

He says whatever it is, It's ahead of us, in xinca.

If ruh's afraid, No wonder caro needs us.

Ruh, we have to go -- Wait here for me.

I'll come back.

Don't worry.

[ whooshing ]

Who are you?

What do you want -- Leave me alone!

[ screaming ]

[ pounding ]

We haven't seen Any of zad's knights.

Or anyone else.

This is market day.

The streets should be Brimming with people.

There's no blood.

What could have killed her?

Think it was zad's knights Or a robber?

There's not A mark on her. Something had To kill her.

Brrr!

You felt that.

It's all around the body.

The life was sucked Out of the air.

[ screaming ]

They did it! We found her Like that.

She was already dead.

I don't think They believe me.

You're making a mistake.

I don't want to hurt you.

I came here to help you.

The beastmaster didn't do this!

Caro.

He was strangling her.

We came here To help. It's true.

They're frightened -- They won't listen.

Knight: Clear the street -- Make way!

Make way!

Never thought I'd be glad To see zad's knights.

Let's go, hurry up.

Get out of the way!

Ten people have died so far.

That girl makes 11.

Tao: Who's doing this?

Caro: I thought it was zad,

Using murder To keep his people terrorized.

There wasn't A mark on her.

Caro: Just like the others.

Tao: You're a healer And an intellectual.

You find the truth Behind what others call magic.

What is killing these people?

Caro: There's no explanation In the ancient text.

Whatever they saw Before they died,

They were all terrified.

Tao. [ squealing ]

Kodo and podo are frightened.

They sense something.

[ whooshing ]

It's close. I live By the well.

I'll meet you There.

Dar: Whatever is doing this killing Will strike again.

I want to catch it.

If it doesn't catch you.

Let's stick together.

I'll be all right.

Kodo and podo Will watch my back.

Another body!

Yes, sire, a young woman.

Maybe it was something She ate.

People die all the time.

I should know.

I kill most of them.

People believe it's sorcery -- They want you to do something.

Fine -- Arrest someone.

Who?

The sorceress.

Not the sorceress!

The people want a scapegoat.

Someone they can see Tied to four wild horses

And torn limb from limb.

That's what I'm going To give them.

Any idea for a volunteer, Bolak?

The beastmaster was seen Near the dead woman's body.

[ chuckling ]

The beastmaster was here.

Don't tell me he escaped.

He was gone when we got there.

Find him And bring him back here.

I'll feed him to the crowd Instead of you -- out!

[ heels clicking ]

Sorceress!

Show yourself.

Where are you?

You don't have to shout.

Why shouldn't I shout?

Dead bodies are piling up

All over my city And not a mark on them.

Hmm, maybe it was Something they ate.

[ whooshing ]

Self-control was never Your strong point.

What good is it being king, If all my subjects are dead?

Hmm, you have a point,

But it's really None of my concern.

Oh, no?

Well, People suspect sorcery.

They wonder if you've had

A hand in this.

That's ridiculous.

Did you?

Of course not.

Or you could find out Who did this.

Hmm.

The lives of mortals Don't concern me.

I can think of one Who might.

The beastmaster's in xinca.

I don't believe In coincidence.

Don't be foolish.

He never kills Unless he's forced to.

People change, people grow.

There must be a reason, And I want to know what it is.

Why, king zad.

You're not frightened,

Are you?

Just find out Who is behind this.

[ whooshing ]

No...

It couldn't be.

Caro: I'm glad you came.

We're both eirons -- We both studied the old texts.

I would help you Any time you needed it.

I wish I had more To tell you.

It's like one day It fell from the sky.

Or from beneath Our feet.

Balmagesh.

Excuse me?

You remember the legend.

You told me your aunt shandra Used to tell you the story.

She was more Like my cousin--

Tao, balmagesh.

The city That was here

Before xinca.

King nolos The terrible.

Evil incarnate.

He'd slaughter hundreds Of people for no reason.

Hunted them for sport.

Finally, a great eiron sage Led a rebellion.

The people tore king nolos Into a thousand pieces.

Buried him in A secret chamber

Underneath The palace.

Do you recall the curse Of king nolos?

Yeah -- when there was Enough evil in the world,

His spirit would be awakened By a magic spell,

Return to the realm of the Living and wreak its revenge.

And hunt down the one Who had awakened it.

We should tell this to dar.

He said to wait for him.

You wait here -- I'll go on ahead.

Alone?

With the killer out there?

We'll go together.

[ whooshing ]

[ shrilling ]

Thanks, sharak.

Keep looking.

[ shrilling ]

Come on!

[ whooshing ]

Let's go!

[ shrilling ]

[ screaming ]

What is it?

[ squealing ]

Don't try to sneak up on me.

You seem tense.

Everyone seems A bit tense right now.

They have good reason to be.

Something is killing Innocent people in xinca.

Yes, the killings.

That's all anyone Ever talks about these days.

How is sharak?

What do you mean?

Does he seem Different?

Changed In any way?

He's worried.

He sensed something evil.

That's all?

Could you tell me Where it's coming from?

Why does everyone Think I know?

Do you?

No -- If your friends

Know so much, Ask them.

I did.

They're sensing The same danger.

There's something It wants to kill.

I can do many things, But I cannot conjure evil.

[ shrilling ]

It's happening again.

[ whooshing ]

[ screaming ]

[ screaming ]

Two more.

We have to stop this.

There's the killers!

Let's go.

Argh!

[ whooshing ]

[ screaming ]

Dar, no!

[ whooshing ]

Tao, no!

Dar might need Our help.

Something's coming.

Dar, are you all right?

Yeah.

What happened To the knights?

They tried To run from it.

Just like all the others.

Yeah.

I want slythius.

Get me slythius!

He's not here Or anywhere in the kingdom.

I never gave him Permission to go.

Does a rat ask permission To leave a sinking ship?

Argh.

Maybe I can help you.

You know who the killer is?

Yes...

And no.

I think it's a spirit.

Or a ghost.

Anyway, it's something That's not living.

At least That's what attacked your men

And the beastmaster.

So he's dead?

He's very Much alive.

And my knights?

They're dead.

What?

All of them?

Not the beastmaster.

You're protecting him.

Not me.

Then why wasn't he killed too?

He didn't run from it, Like your men did.

Perhaps

His courage protects him.

Angry man: Where's the sorceress?

[ clamouring ]

I think you had something to do With the killings.

Me, why?

Oh, ha, ha -- it only started After your arrival.

How do they even know I'm here?

You can't expect palace staff To keep a secret.

It's hard to find Good help these days.

Aren't you going to favour them With a glance?

I'll favour them With more than that.

[ zad chuckling ]

This is something I must see.

[ shouting ]

[ silence ]

You're their king.

Can't you do something With this rabble?

She's evil! [ shouting ]

Either you stop them Or I will.

People of xinca.

Quiet!

Sorceress has nothing to do With these killings.

But I know who does.

A creature from the forest,

Uncivilized, unnatural.

And he's amongst us, Right now.

Who? Who?

Do tell us!

The one you seek... Is the beastmaster!

Beastmaster!

Beastmaster? Beastmaster?

[ clamouring ]

Go, find him!

Bring him back to me.

Let zad, your king, be The instrument of your revenge!

[ clamouring ]

King nolos, It has to be.

He's returned.

Can he Be stopped?

We must destroy His remains.

We have to find The tomb.

Tao's aunt said There was a gate

Leading to the Burial chamber.

My aunt said many things That weren't true.

Called it the Gate of darkness.

Or the tunnel of despair.

It never saw The light of day.

It would be On the north wall.

It wouldn't see The light of day.

There he is -- Get him.

He's the one.

Find the gate -- I'll see you later.

Go.

I know you're afraid.

You have every Reason to be. Give it to him!

[ grunting ]

There's been enough killing In xinca.

It has to stop, now.

Get him!

[ clamouring ]

You'd better be right About the beastmaster

Or you might as well fall On your own swords.

Save me the trouble.

The mob has him Cornered

In the northern Sector.

That's not a mob.

Those are my loyal subjects.

Assemble more men.

Make sure he doesn't escape.

I'll handle this personally.

Yes, sire.

[ shouting ]

He's On the wall! Cut him off.

He's up there! Cut him off!

There he is, get him!

This way!

Remember,

I don't want him dead, Just badly hurt.

Let's not spill more blood Than we have to.

Tell your men To drop their weapons.

You arrogant pup -- Take him.

[ grunting ]

Take him!

[ whooshing ]

[ screaming ]

Damn you!

Stand up and fight!

What's the matter -- Fight.

What's wrong with you?

[ whooshing ]

[ moaning ]

Beastmaster.

I need your help.

You want my help?

I don't like it either, But I don't have any choice.

These are my best knights.

It's killing everyone But you.

Why?

It feeds on fear.

You and I are alive 'cause we stood our ground.

Imagine that.

Me and the beastmaster.

Brothers under the skin.

I wouldn't go that far, zad.

Well,

What do you say?

You're everything I fight against.

The worst of human nature.

You won't turn your back

While innocent people Are murdered.

I'll help you.

Do I have your word?

You have my word.

We've searched All over this north wall.

Still no sign of any gate.

It must be here Somewhere.

You have that much faith In the old legend?

I have faith In your aunt.

Hmm, all right -- She said the sun

Would shine upon the gate One special day every year.

Could be months From now.

Hmm.

I have a chart -- It follows the sun's movements.

I've noticed that it sets

In a different place Every day

And its rays follow A certain path

Like this.

Caro.

Xinca was built on top Of balmagesh.

The gate Must be underneath.

[ groaning ]

[ exhaling ]

Tao!

Ow!

I don't believe it.

Ohh!

Ahhh!

Are you okay? Yeah.

Caro: King nolos' palace.

It could be.

It's certainly older Than xinca.

Which way to his tomb?

This way.

Okay.

[ whooshing ]

Did you hear That?

Right behind us.

We can't go back.

Dar said It feeds on fear.

As long as we're not afraid, We're fine.

[ whooshing ]

Tao.

Yeah?

You think king nolos would just Let us destroy his remains?

I think I'm afraid.

[ whooshing ]

Nolos the terrible, Balmagesh?

All this right underneath xinca?

Sorceress: The ancient one was impressed With nolos' cruelty.

Why has He come back?

Because there's so much evil In xinca.

What evil?

There's no evil here.

There's you.

I rule with an iron fist.

People need that.

Dar: Nolos probably said The same thing.

According to your legend, Something had to awaken it.

Or someone.

Why are you both looking at me?

Who else here Can cast a spell?

Who else Can raise the dead?

Oh, no, not me.

Not even the ancient one Could raise the dead.

You said that nolos was torn

Into a thousand pieces.

Maybe his soul Never died.

Maybe you did something To awaken it.

Dar: Maybe you don't even know You did it.

Maybe she does -- She's tried to destroy me.

Don't flatter yourself -- Why would I bother?

To help him Steal my kingdom!

Maybe I should cut you Into a thousand pieces.

Are sure you wouldn't be afraid If you had to face nolos?

Sorceress: Because

If you were afraid, Nolos would destroy you.

Well, if you boys are going To survive,

It looks like you're going To have to work together.

[ growling ]

[ whooshing ]

It's getting colder.

Yeah.

Listen.

[ whooshing ]

Don't be afraid.

[ whooshing ]

[ squealing ]

What are they Doing? Trying to find Tao's scent.

Dar: They found it.

Nolos' tomb Is down there?

So are tao and caro.

Well, After you.

Woman, bring me fire!

[ screaming ]

Ugh.

Smooth.

Tao?

Caro?

They're probably dead.

Dar: No.

Kodo and podo said They've gone this way.

You expect me To trust my life

To a pair Of smelly rats?

Ferrets.

What?

They're ferrets.

Wait, wait!

I'm coming.

[ whooshing ]

It's after us. Run!

Go!

[ panting ]

Is it gone?

I think so.

Tao!

King nolos' tomb.

This is ancient eiron.

It'll take some time to read.

What are you doing?

We must destroy His remains.

Ahhh!

[ rattling ]

I don't think he likes eirons.

It's coming.

Whatever you do, Don't be afraid.

Nothing -- It's empty.

Tao?

Caro?

So, this is nolos' tomb.

Tao's bag.

They've been here.

Then they're dead.

If they've gone Through that door,

They'd have to pass us.

Forget them -- We're here to fight nolos.

Wait.

That's where the evil came in.

Or how tao And caro got out.

Here. What Are you doing?

Finding My friends.

We had a deal. We still do.

Ugh!

I'm not going to die Like some rat in a hole.

Caro?

Nothing to be afraid of, Just evil incarnate.

[ squealing ]

Ohh!

Sorry, uh, kodo?

Where's dar?

What am I doing -- That's ridiculous.

That might work.

Where is he? Right here.

Ahh! [ chuckling ]

Sorry.

I thought you were nolos.

I thought You might need this.

Thank you.

Where's caro?

We climbed up inside the chamber And the torch went out.

We were separated And, uh...

I don't know.

We'll find her And get back to zad.

Zad's down here?

[ panting ]

All right, nolos.

Meet king zad!

Ahh!

Who the hell are you?

Caro -- I'm a healer.

Where's nolos?

He's coming.

Ahhh!

Where -- I can't see him.

Listen.

[ whooshing ]

Ahhh!

[ chuckling ]

I'm not afraid.

You will be.

Nonsense.

You will feel his hate, His evil.

You'll be afraid.

You won't be able to help it.

[ whooshing ]

Maybe you're right.

Feed on that.

[ whooshing ]

Caro?

[ whooshing ]

What is it?

The cold -- Right in this very spot.

Feel it?

Yeah.

Nolos has Been here.

Caro!

She's still breathing.

Is she hurt?

She's fine.

Tao.

I was trying To find you...

But found zad Instead.

He left me For nolos.

Nolos spared you -- Why?

I don't know.

I felt A terrible cold.

He wasn't interested -- You were unconscious.

You weren't afraid.

Zad saved your life.

He didn't mean to -- Let's get out.

Where are you going?

Find nolos -- Take the torch.

How will you find him?

Just go.

What are you Doing here?

Same thing as you.

Looking for a way To stop him.

Why do you care?

According to this, he'll come Looking for his saviour.

You had something to do With this after all.

I might have.

I knew it.

She did summon King nolos.

I didn't mean to.

What were you trying to do?

I wanted to change sharak Back into a man.

Instead I freed nolos, And now I may have--

Can you send Him back? No.

It says he must be killed In battle.

You can't fight a spirit.

Unless he has a body.

You think he'll turn into flesh For us to fight him?

No, but you can.

It is possible.

He was once flesh.

A transformation spell Might work.

You really think We ought to do this?

It's the only chance we have.

Try and get it right this time.

Spirits of the earth, Land and sea,

Find the one That was set free.

Give this spectre flesh, So that it may be called

To account for itself.

[ roaring ]

He's back.

Good luck.

Hear it.

[ roaring ]

[ laughing ]

Zad,

You gave me your word.

You gave me your word too.

I'm just seeing That you stick to it.

'bye, beastmaster.

[ roaring ]

I've waited A thousand years.

I hope you're worthy.

Find out.

[ roaring ]

[ grunting ]

[ laughing ]

[ yelling ]

[ screaming ]

You left dar To face nolos.

What could I do?

He insisted.

It's not my fault If he wanted to go it alone.

I appreciate your concern.

You won?

Nolos is dead.

We're all free to leave.

Are you sure he's dead?

How do you know He won't return?

You know what he feeds on.

If you want to make sure, End the fear

And the suffering In xinca.

No.

I'll seal up The catacombs.

Destroy the foundations Of nolos' palace.

There'll be Nothing left.

You'll never learn.

I'll let you walk away This time, beastmaster.

Don't you expect this mercy Again.

You're welcome.

[ growling ]

I know you want to go, ruh.

Just give tao a moment.

[ growling ]

Come with us.

Tao.

You know I can't.

As long as zad is king, People in xinca will suffer.

They need a good healer.

I could use your help here.

Dar needs me.

I know.

But one day,

We'll be free...

To follow our destiny.

[ whooshing ] [ growling ]

I see my spell Worked out perfectly.

I didn't mean to cause All this trouble.

I just wanted To set sharak free.

Maybe some things Aren't meant to be.

But we don't know that.

There's only one way To find out.

[ shrilling ]

[ twittering ]

You're not going to give up That easily, are you?

Tell me something.

Would you?

No.

[ twittering ]

[ growling ]

All right, ruh, Let's go.

Closed captions produced by Alliance atlantis broadcasting