"CAPITAN FUOCO / CAPTAIN FALCON (Orig." "Germ.:" "Rebell ohne Gnade)" "It's the end of the 13th Century; and" "Nobles have absolute power over the lives and wellbeing of their serfs." "In the foothills of the Apennines, there are two neighbours," "Count di Roccalta and Baron di Serra." "And they have very different ideas on how to govern their subjects..." "Here they come." "Brilliant!" "A fantastic shot!" "Tell the others to get a fire started." "Halt!" "Throw down that knife!" "Seize him!" "Is the apple to your liking, Captain?" "A man must eat." "How much longer is this game going to last?" "You know the Count is such an enthusiastic hunter." "Holy Hubertus, what does he find so special about it?" "A splendid hunt, Countess." "I hope that you fared well today." "I assume your Father will be returning soon." "Oh, I don't think so." "He still wants another wood grouse." "I couldn't keep up with him." "My Father is such an avid hunter, the kind who never gets tired." "Can there be a finer passion than hunting, though?" "After armed combat, it is clearly the noblest." "Look!" "They're bringing someone in." "What do they have there?" "Excuse me, please." "Who is this fellow?" "A poacher, Sir." "We caught him red-handed." "He had just killed this boar." "Did he put up much resistance?" "None at all." "If he had, I can assure you... he wouldn't be standing here now." "Who is that little beauty?" " Er, what do you mean?" "Over there." "The pretty girl." "There's nothing there to dislike." "She's as sweet as honey." "How dare you speak that way about the daughter of the Count?" "Did you hear what he just said?" " But it's the plain truth." "She really is as sweet as honey." "I'll soon shut your impudent mouth." "You'll feel the power of my fist." "Manfredo, what did he do?" "He was poaching." "That explains why he is bound." "Why did you also strike him?" "That's an easy question." "I couldn't resist..." "Leave him." "Answer me - didn't you know that only the Count... is permitted to hunt in these woods?" "Sweet Countess, the animals here have no master." "You delude yourself." "Everything in this shire:" "men, animals, dwellings, belong to my Father, and only he has a right to them, no-one else." "The wild boar knew nothing of that, else it wouldn't have let itself be hunted by me." "You have a ready wit." "However, it is more rude than amusing." "I don't like people of that kind." "That's a shame." "When I first saw you, I liked you immediately." "That's enough of that." "Manfredo, I decide when enough is enough." "We come to the crux of the matter." "How should a poacher be punished?" "With 50 lashes, and the mutilation of his hand, so that he can't bend a longbow any longer." "Well, perhaps..." " It's the law, Countess." "We don't want any attempts at coercion from you." "If I can no longer bend a longbow, I'll become a mere beggar for alms." "In any case, I have many other uses for my hand." "Perhaps I've met a sympathetic soul, who possesses a heart." "Take him away." "Remove his shirt." "String him up!" "Tighter!" "Pull harder!" "Ready: one!" " two!" " three!" "four!" " five!" " six!" " seven!" "eight!" " nine!" " ten!" " eleven!" "Stop!" "Desist!" "Manfredo, Lando!" "I heard we finally have a boar." " Yes, Count, there it is." "Is he the young fellow who killed it?" "Yes, I caught him in the act." "Untie him!" "Renato, Tonio, release him!" "Did you instruct them to whip him?" "Your Grace, I was..." " No, I instructed it." "Why did you return to camp?" "I could hunt no more." "If you wish to retire early a next time, let me know, Elena." "I was very worried about you." "Forgive me, Father." "Bring him here to me." "Is this your longbow?" " Yes." "And where was he using it?" "At the mouth of the Gorge, the boars were hiding in the bushes." "And to think we rode past them several times." "Where did you shoot from?" " From a tree-top." "He was sitting in a tree, 100 yards from the Gorge mouth." "I saw him climbing down." " He was... 100 yards outside?" "Yes, Your Grace." "Nicely done!" "And, from there, you pierced its thick skin through to the heart?" "Is this ash wood?" " Larch, it's significantly lighter." "And the feathers?" " Wild duck." "There's something for you to learn, you simpleton." "You, and your inevitable falcon feathers." "A splendid weapon, and one you understand thoroughly, and the results are clear." " Of necessity." "I live on it." "Bravo!" "Oh" " Oh!" "Forgive me, I had forgotten." "Come, let's drink together, my boy." "Why did you have the servants whip him?" "Your health, and the death of the boar." "He has achieved more than all the rest put together, my child." "You're an exceptional huntsman." "What is your name?" "Pietro." " Pietro." "Would you like to stay here?" "I could use a good gamekeeper." "Would you trust a man like me?" "Why ever not?" "You're an honest fellow." "How do you know?" "I have a good feeling about you as a hunter." "I have never worn a jerkin." "I believe I would suffocate in one." "Give it a try, anyway." "Why are you trying so hard to persuade him?" "If he doesn't want to stay, he should be free to leave, Father." "I believe the Count would later regret his offer." "I'm sorry you feel like that." " Don't think badly of me." "As you wish, but let me give you a few ducats..." "No thanks, but if you'd like to give me back the boar..." "But, of course." "He is yours." " Then, good-bye." "You may take the ham as well." " Oh, thank you." "All the best to you!" "Good-bye." "Why is he taking so long?" "He should be here by now." "He'll be here." "I'd like to see you try to carry such a heavy beast." "Here's the laurel leaf you wanted." "Wonderful, it makes a roast." "But we mustn't forget the juniper berries." "Juniper berries stink." "Yeah, for you, maybe - with your great peasant's snout, but with my more refined sense of smell..." "And aristocrat's nose, which only permits pleasant smells enter." "Yes, and that's why I always keep my distance from you, because you stink like a billy goat." " Here comes Pietro." "Why did you take so long?" "We thought they must have captured you." "We are overcome with hunger." "Where is it?" " What?" "The wild boar." " Didn't you bring it?" "I can understand that." "It was very heavy." "Then we'll all go and get it." " No, no, no, stay here." "And I was so looking forward to the roast." "What went wrong?" "Nothing, but it's better if we moved on." "I can smell a juicy ham, and I am never deceived." "Do as you wish, but I'm heading off." "See there, he has a ham." " What did I say?" "That ham." "Pietro, wait for us." "You'll not want to eat alone." "The river marks the border." "The Count's control of the land ends there." "There's also a ford." "Poor devils over there." "Yes, they have nothing to laugh about." "The Baron is Satan himself, from the fires of Hell." "Hey, leave some for us." "Three little slices, is all I took." "I say, enough!" "Who knows how long it will have to last us." "Come, let's get on." "Look over there." "Who is that?" "He's being chased." "Riders, right behind him." " The poor fellow." "We'd better hide ourselves." " Yes." "They may not see us." "Halt!" "Come back here!" "He's made it, God be praised." "How so?" "They are not allowed to cross the river." "Maybe not, but it may still happen." "Come back, you dog, in the name of the Baron." "They dare not come any further." "It would be the worse for them." "Now what do you say?" "What cowardly riff-raff!" "Don't you interfere there." "Do you not want us to show ourselves?" "They'll kill him." "What is that to us?" "They'd kill us too." "That poor little pig, now they'll have him for sure." "He can hardly stand on his feet any more." "Hey you, come here!" "What are you searching for here?" "In the name of Count di Roccalta:" "Drop your weapons." "You must let us pass, we are pursuing that fellow." "He killed one of our men." "That is no concern of mine." "Dismount, and lay down your arms." "Calm down, friend." "Don't be so hot-headed." "This takes two - one to give the order, the other to obey." "For the last time:" "Drop the arms and go back the way you came." "We're not going without that man." "He belongs to us." "That's enough." "If you won't listen, then you must suffer." "Forward!" "Hey, come here!" "Hurry!" "Give me your hand." "We are friends." "Don't celebrate too soon!" "We'll be back." "And we'll prepare a warm reception for you." "Nothing happening." " Are they still there?" "Perhaps they are waiting, in case the others come back." "I reckon they'd had enough." "We'd better look for another place to cross." "As it's Hell everywhere you go over there, we're missing nothing." "Who was it you killed?" "One of the Baron's grooms." "He wanted a new shoe for his horse." "So, you are a farrier." "I was one then." "But there was one ahead of him, and I said he should wait for a moment." "He became furious, and attacked me with a whip." "I just saw red." "I didn't mean to do it." "I swear it." "I can imagine, seeing all these you are carrying." "Rest assured, I wouldn't have acted any differently." "And there you found yourself in the soup, like a poor wild pig." "My name is Rocco." "I didn't mean to insult you, but seeing you running away, with others chasing you, reminded me of a wild pig hunt." "Yeah, a wild pig that has saved its skin again." "Is he really such a mean fellow, the Baron?" "Mean?" "He is worse than a wild animal." "Why did you stay there for so long, then?" "I had no choice." "I am the property of my master." "I am a serf." "A slave." " Worse." "You don't understand, however I'm called, what's it's like to live or die at the whim of a master." "Ah, well...." "Do you know of another place we can ford the river?" "Depends on which direction." "Where is the nearest, or should we go further on?" "There is one nearby that way, but it is guarded." "But if we go in the direction of the mountains, we will reach the next forest, and then be able to hide." "Good, we'll go that way." "We'll soon be there." "I don't understand why you don't want to stay here." "Compared with the rule of the Baron, this is Paradise." "That may be true, but the omens aren't in my favour." "God be with you, Padre." "I am so pleased to meet you." "These are my friends." "Tell me, Rocco, how did you manage to end up here?" "I'm accompanying my friends down from the high ford." "I've just come from there." "I saw a number of horsemen there." "The Baron's men?" " Yes." "Looking for someone" "Dear God, that's not want I wanted to hear." "Is it you they are looking for?" "Are you wanted for anything?" "Yes." "He was attacked, and Rocco protected himself." "Did you injure someone?" "He killed one of the Baron's grooms." "Father, I didn't mean to do it." "I swear." "The groom struck out at him, and he retaliated." "Someone also struck out at Jesus, but he did not strike back." "Forgive me, Padre, but we don't need any sermons now." "Rather, we need to find another river crossing." "You want to go with them?" "Wouldn't it be like running into the arms of the executioner?" "What is to become of your wife and children?" "I will get them tonight." "And where will you take them?" "Somewhere in the woods." "I need to find a hiding place." "Yes, Rocco; and I know such a place." "I'll lead you there." "You can stay there overnight - you and your people." "You surely need security from your enemies." "Even though I have roamed these forests for years," "I have never heard talk of these caves." "I do not believe anyone else knows about them." "It's certain no-one will find us here." "Here is as safe as the bosom of Abraham." "Come, follow me." "From here, one can see the whole valley." "Hey, friends, look at this view." "This place has possibilities." " It's a real fortress." "On the other hand, you could be stormed from below." "You'd only need rain rocks and stones down on them." "Are we still on the Count di Roccalta's land?" "This is approximately the border." "The land beyond the river belongs to the Baron di Serra." "Civetta, the Father must be hungry." "Carve off a piece for him." "It was honestly acquired." "Of that I have no doubt." "But I must be going." "Once again, Rocco, be careful, my son." "Yes, Father." "And now, God bless you, my children." "May the Lord be with you." "Heaven must have sent him to us." " An amiable fellow." "He was wonderful." " He is a saint." "There are some truly fine "wise old owls" in the World." "Believe me, I know our obligations and rights as well as you do." "But these people, whom the King entrusted to us, also have their rights and obligations." "They are people - just like us." " Up to a certain point." "Yes, Baron, up to a certain point." "Up to death." "Because afterwards they will be better treated than us, because they have had to endure more." "Let's discuss my reason for coming here." "I come, to demand from you, the return of one of my subjects." "Of the rights entrusted to us, the greatest is the granting of asylum." "One of your subjects has taken refuge upon my land and is therefore no longer under your jurisdiction." "That is a viewpoint that all but justifies crime." "I am not giving you a viewpoint, it is the Law." "But we are the Law here." " How can you say that?" "Sooner or later, we will have to stand before our Maker, Baron." "Let me give some advice:" "Treat your subjects with kindness." "Then they won't be antagonistic towards you." "With regard to your armed men, you can tell them this:" "If they again illegally cross onto my land, they will be given a thrashing they will not forget in a hurry." "Is that a challenge?" " It's up to you." "Welcome to Roccalta, Baron." "You must forgive my Father." "May I apologise on our behalf for the annoying incident?" "It no longer seems so annoying, since it gives me the chance to see you again." "Did you hear that, Father?" "The Baron has travelled far, but he has not forgotten the rules of courtesy." "The credit for that is yours, Elena." "Your charming presence always makes me more conciliatory." "You are extremely kind, Baron." "If you had warned me of your visit, I could've received you more suitably." "I hope we will meet next time under more pleasing circumstances." "Then let us drink... to good neighbours and mutual understanding." "And I would like to stress, my Master has an exceptionally high opinion of you." "Of me?" "But he does not know me at all." "Well, you probably thought that." "But he said to me only yesterday, what a pity that brave Captain..." "Manfredo." "Right." "Manfredo.. works in the service of the Roccaltas." "He would be the right man for me." "The Baron said that?" " On my honour." "Here he comes." "At your service, Your Grace." "Who is that fellow?" "Today he's a friend, tomorrow he may perhaps be an ally." "Follow me!" "Here, take this knife." "You might find it useful." "No, thank you." "I've already seen too much blood." "All will go well." "You'll see.." "Let's hope so." "Will you be staying here?" "Yes, as long as it's safe." "Then I'll be on my way." " Keep safe." "Oh well, going back for his wife and children, poor devil." "Good luck." "Not so loud, I'm trying to sleep." "Don't be so grouchy." "Teresa!" "Teresa!" "Rocco!" "My God, is it really you?" " Yes, it's me." "Holy Virgin, why have you come back?" "Teresa, how can you say that?" "I simply had to come." "They searched all day long for you." "You cannot stay here." "They'll be back tomorrow." "You must go straightaway." "Alright, but with you and the children." " What are you saying?" "I came to take you to safety over on the Count's land." "But you must hurry, we must leave quickly." "I have sent to children to bed." "Bundle up your things, Teresa." "I'll waken them, and we'll set off." "Rocco!" "Oh my God!" "Dismount!" "Quickly, you must hide!" "Make sure no-one gets away." "Mama!" "Stay calm, Julietta." "Open up!" "Open up!" "In the name of the Law!" "Are you all deaf, you lazy good-for-nothings?" "If you don't open up now, We will smash the door down!" "Well, so be it!" "Break it down!" "No, wait, I'm coming." "Well, you seem to be a very sound sleeper." "No, I was awake." "Mama!" "I was terribly frightened." "I am alone with the children." "I understand." "So I'll come straight to the point." "Did you think we were going to leave you here on your own?" "It's not true, my little one." "Do you know what we're going to do, my dear?" "We are taking you all to the Castle, to the Baron." "You, Mummy and the others." "There we'll wait for Daddy's return." "If he doesn't return by tomorrow evening, you will pay a high price." "I beg you not to do this, I'll come with you if I must, but please leave..." " Such a cowardly mob." " Hush!" "And you are an even bigger coward." "And so, finally, a woman has the courage to open her mouth." "Don't do anything bad to my children." "You can thank your man for this." "Stop your whining; we are going." "No!" "You're looking for me?" "Well, here I am." "But leave the little one in peace." "Come on, if you want to arrest me." "Now, what's it to be?" "Throw that club away right now, you dirty dog, otherwise I'll cut your little darling's throat." "No!" " No!" "Mama!" "You filthy trash, you swine!" "Oh, wonderful!" "Finally, one who does not cower in fear." "There still are such men." "We must get away from here as quickly as we can." "Fetch your nags, you're coming along with us." "Come on, Teresa." "Bring all your weapons, don't leave any behind." "One moment, sir, forgive me." "What do you want?" "Let me go with you." "You're a courageous young man, but you must know, we live a rough life like the wild animals?" "I wouldn't mind that, here I live the life of a slave." "Come then, climb up!" "Giddy-up, horsey, giddy-up!" "Little horse, I'm afraid you might throw your rider." "This little horse has never - ever - done such a thing.." "Here is your shirt." "I have washed it." "Thank you." "Just a moment." "It was absolutely necessary." "What are those weals?" "Oh, they are the love scratches of a young lady." "That one must have had claws." "One day I will get my own back." "And what of your Father, my boy?" "What will he say of this?" "He will certainly think I did the right thing." "...that the Baron has hanged three innocent men." "They had the right to life, for they had done nothing wrong." "If we hadn't intervened, it would be Rocco's family on the gallows." "Those down there would not have lifted a finger to help." "See here the arrow which cost the lives of so many of our men." "You peasant fools have never seen such an arrow." "Am I right?" "These outlaws are supported by you and your property." "But your support will not last for long, because this dirty rabble are deceiving you." "However, all damages suffered by the Baron must be paid for." "And so, from today, your taxes shall be doubled." "Blood-suckers!" "Shush!" "Silence!" "Silence!" "All the mischief these outlaws arrange will fall back onto you." "But our Exalted Master is not vindictive, even when peace and order are threatened." "Think on this:" "Whoever brings us the outlaw leader, dead or alive, our Exalted Master, the Baron, will pay a reward of 1,000 ducats." "1,000 ducats?" "Think about it, you dolts, 1,000 beautiful ducats." "Who wants to earn it for himself?" " I do!" "Who was it called out?" "Over here, your Grace." "Be patient, I'm coming." "You see, I'm faster on foot than I seem." "How do you expect to make this money?" "Certainly, 1,000 ducats is not something one earns every day." "But you can tell me..." "Where Captain Firebrand is hiding?" "But, certainly." "What did you call him?" "Captain Firebrand." "Hold him, and he'll burn your fingers." "Silence!" "That's not a reason for laughter." "And you know where he is encamped?" "Not only where he is camped, but also where his cronies are." "Do you also know who support him secretly?" "Now, that's another matter, Your Grace." "How do you mean?" "Tell me!" "I see." "Give me evidence of your trustworthiness, and I will give you 500 ducats as an advance payment." "It's agreed." "So, you betray decent men, you filthy tramp." "Aren't you ashamed, you traitor?" "You scoundrel!" "You are worse than Judas!" "Shut her mouth, and take her away!" "Take your dirty paws off me!" "If you don't quieten down here, I'll put you all in chains." "Take no notice of what she said." "She's been removed." "So, now tell me." "Easy, easy." "First show me the gold coins." "I would like to look at it at least once." "Well, if you insist, here we are:" "1,500 ducats, hear them jingle?" "Yes, but copper coins can also jingle sweetly." "Let me see if they really are gold." "You are an impudent fellow." "There." "Everyone stay where you are!" "Stay back, or I'll cut his throat." "I learned this trick from your horsemen, when they tried it out on a child." "Hey you, leave the girl alone." "Take his weapons, and make sure no-one escapes." "Sorry for the deception, friend." "Tell the Baron that Captain Firebrand sends his regards." "And thank him for the gold." "If he's got any left, tell him to let me know." "Take me with you, I implore you!" "Ah, you're the little one who said all those nice things about me." "Don't leave me here alone, I beg you." "Women only cause trouble." "Hey little one, come with me." "I like trouble." "1,500 ducats?" "A pretty sum.." "The Baron will explode." "I only regret I wasn't there to see it." "You shouldn't take this news so lightly." "These bandits are a threat to peace across the region." "Their leader is a man who fears neither Death nor the Devil." "What was it you said, what he calls himself?" "Captain Firebrand." "I'd love to meet him." "He's a dare-devil." "That is not a good reason to admire him." "A rebel is always a rebel." "And, thereby, a possible ally for you." "Di Serra is surely convinced that he is one already." "Only a fool would believe I'd align myself with robbers." "That is a slander we must be quick to scotch." "Ah, how would we manage that?" "Quite simply:" "We allow the Baron's horsemen, naturally with the support of our men, to seek and destroy the robbers in their hiding place." "That will prove to the World, that doubts of your integrity are unfounded." "You really believe that?" "But, of course." "In your place I wouldn't hesitate an instant." "Not bad." "But you are not in my place, Manfredo, and the integrity of my name is mine to keep." "If, Your Grace, I mi..." "There are no signs of unrest across our land." "Or do you wish to tell us that... bandits have been causing any damage?" "Certainly not, Your Grace." "So, the bandits are not our problem, am I right?" "Until that changes, they do not concern us." "And if I ever need your advice in future, I will ask for it." "Of course, Your Grace." "Of course." "Why did you have to be so hard on him?" "However he put it, his advice was surely well-meant." "I know him." "What he just said, came from the mouth of another." "Do you mean he's been bought?" "No, bribery is probably taking it too far." "He is not a bad fellow, but he is a fool, and I think he has been duped." "Is the Baron behind it?" " I am convinced of it." "Come, men." "On to the next one." "Get a move on." "Go!" "Go!" "The swine, they are burning everything down." "They'll stop at nothing." "Our hut and crops have gone." "It's the innocent who have to pay." "Yes-yes, I know what you're thinking." "Why not say it?" "That I am the guilty party." "That it's all my fault." "Why won't they rise up against the injustice of the Baron?" "What have they got to fear?" "The soldiers, perhaps?" "At least with them, one can fight to a finish." "My son, you must help them." "They have lost all they had." "Here, give them this." "I might as well start with nothing." "I cannot, my son." "It is stolen money." "All of you, hurry - before the Baron comes to snatch you." "Do we leave them alone, Captain?" "Orders of the Count." "This will be a cause for disquiet, if our farmers have to feed and clothe these beggars." "I warned the Count, but he didn't want to listen." "And he accepted them all calmly?" "From the first to the last:" "men, women and children." "Attack from a standing position!" "He admitted those bumpkins, when my soldiers refused them." "That is insolence!" "Excellency, you confounded me with your talk." "Forgive me, Enzo." "That's enough for today." "Rusca, tomorrow I will lead my men onto the Count's land." "I don't wish to criticise your Grace's decision, but wouldn't it be simpler to convince our peasants... that nasty things will happen to them on Roccalta land?" "Painful hardships imposed on them by order of God." "And, you mean, the Count would be blamed?" "They would soon see through that deception." "In this case, not." "There are some arguments that are so overwhelming, that no other arguments are ever considered." "Who are these people?" "Refugee peasants." "The Baron had their farmsteads burnt down." "Your Father has expressly arranged to accept them." "They have lost everything." "God be with you!" "God will repay your Father for his compassion." "These poor unfortunates will forever hold him in high esteem." "Who is that noblewoman?" "That is Countess Elena, daughter and sole heir of our new master." "That is his daughter?" "She is lovely." "Your Father gives all the assistance he can, but it's not enough by far." "The poor must seek shelter." "They do not possess as much as a jerkin." "They must find a roof somewhere else, for they'll perish here." "I will speak immediately with my Father, and he will find them shelter." " Thank you, my Lady." "Lando, take this money and distribute it among the people." "Farewell, Father." " God bless you." "That was a bad fall, Countess." "You could've broken your neck." "Oh, it was nothing." "Come, sit down." "Can I be of any help to you?" "I can manage alone, thank you." "I've not seen you for a long time." "Are you still roaming around here?" "Sometimes here, sometimes there." "Something holds me here." "That must be the wild game, which doesn't belong to you." "Game perhaps beyond my reach." "But I gave up hunting long ago." "And your longbow, what is that now used for?" "To save my skin, whenever necessary." "In your place, I wouldn't roam here alone, Countess." "You could very easily suffer an unpleasant encounter." "Such as this, you mean?" "Ah, so, are you still my enemy?" "Not at all, you are an irrelevance to me." "Not you to me, else I wouldn't have helped you." "I unfortunately have no money with me, but come to the Castle, and I will reward you for your service." "Why do it that way?" "A beautiful girl does not need money in order to pay." "You will hang for that, you filthy tramp." "Isn't my daughter back yet?" "No, we've already looked for her everywhere." "I don't understand that." "There is no cause for alarm, My Lord." "Lando is with her." "Ah, look, here she comes:" "Elena, why were so long?" "I was worried about you." "Why are you so disturbed, what has happened?" "Nothing, Father." "I've been riding hard, as I knew I was late." "But why are you so agitated?" "I saw the refugees down in the clearing." "They are in a deplorable state." "We must help them." "Don't worry, we shall." "They can't stay where they are, they'll have to find somewhere." "If we were to take them on, we'd also have an obligation..." "Yes, of course." "Sisto, clear the tables and load everything on the mules." "But it is the evening meal for the hunters." "Yes, yes." "But others, who do not hunt, need it more." "We will eat late, my child, back at the Castle." "Go, hurry up." "Does that mean we cancel the hunt?" "Certainly." "How can we enjoy ourselves, while the poor starve?" "You organise everything, and meet me at the clearing." "Countess, I know well... that mere words cannot alleviate the sorrow you feel, but allow me to say to you that this despicable act has pained not only you, but all of us." "Particularly me... who was always a devoted friend of your Father." "I hereby present myself and my sword to avenge his death." "The Countess can rely upon our assistance." "Quite so, Tomaso, that is the obligation of friendship." "I thank you, gentlemen, but this task rests with me." "Only when it has been fulfilled will I again find peace." "These courageous and noble gentlemen have offered to avenge the death of my Father." "You all heard it, and my answer to them." "If I am not to accept their aid, then I must rely on all of you." "He was your Lord; and so I ask for your assistance... as the daughter of a man who both respected and ruled you, because he was both fair minded and kind hearted." "The upholding of Justice is a Holy obligation, it concerns every one of us." "I know who murdered my Father." "There is no doubt about it." "I bring you the proof." "Here is the arrow." "The arrow that killed your Master." "This crime must be punished, and I need your support." "We will hunt him like an animal in the forest, chase him wherever he runs, because he is a wild beast, and not a human being." "Did you hear, Father?" "Yes, Antonio, the Countess has endured much sorrow, and expressed herself in such a pitiless way." "But she was right, even so." "This monster must be punished." "And what if he is not the guilty one at all?" "One should listen to the man, Antonio, before condemning him." "You think too highly of human nature." "Looking for someone?" "Yes, a good acquaintance, but I see he's already left." "Perhaps it would be better if I stayed with you tonight, Countess." "No, thank you." "You must be tired, get some sleep." "As you wish, Countess." "Good night." "Giuseppe, the sword." "I'd like to keep it with me." "It means everything to me." "Excuse me that I didn't enter by the door." "For me, there was no other choice," "I must speak with you urgently, alone." "Why?" "I was at the funeral service, and I heard your accusation." "Why should you creep in here like a thief in the night?" "What do you want here?" "To kill me, like my Father was killed?" "Your accusation was unfair." "That is not true." "You murdered him." "Just listen to me for once." "Do not touch me!" "What are you frightened of?" "See, I have no weapon." "You have nothing to fear, I swear it to you." "Here is the sword, take it." "Now, why do you hesitate?" "Stab me, if you want, but hear me before you do." "Very well, I will listen to you, but when and how I kill you, I will decide." "Probably in the torture chamber." "Very likely." "Berta, Berta!" "I'm coming, Countess." "Get me the guard and Captain Manfredo." "Quickly!" "My God, what is happening?" "Quickly, Berta, move yourself." "And you, hear me well." "One move; and this blade will be driven through your ribs." "That is more easily said than done." "I see it was a sorry mistake to put my trust in you." "I thought you were fair-minded and noble like your Father, but you are different altogether." "You want to kill me?" "Then go ahead." "You will be surprised at what happens, when... the blade penetrates the flesh and blood runs across your hand, spurts up into your face, and..." "Stop it!" "I painted the picture for you, and it made you shudder." "It's not a pretty sight, at the first sight of blood, you will go weak at the knees." "Stop." "I am finished." "It is time to say goodbye." "Hear that?" "I believe it's the Captain who had me whipped." "I'd like to see his face, when he finds me here in your chamber." "Manfredo!" "Seize the ruffian!" "See you soon, Captain!" "Guards!" "Where are you!" "Come along, the fellow must not escape us." "I have him, quickly, help me!" "There he is, follow me!" "To arms!" "To arms!" "You both look over there, and you come with me." "You search in the direction of the river." "Head towards the ford." "Riders, follow me." "A Christian should always follow Christian principles." "You won't find a manhunt like this in the Testaments." "Even so, murder is murder." "He must pay for it." "Remember, it was the Count who first helped him." "Look what he got for being so good-natured." "What's happening outside?" "What is it?" "Be quiet, Nero, quiet." "Hey, you!" "What are you doing here?" "Hey, who are you?" "Are you injured?" "Easy." "I'll support you." "Put your arm 'round my shoulder." "Thank you." "We'll have you seen to directly." "Who is the man?" "Now's no time for questions, he is wounded." "Get some water." "The bowl." "But you're in no state to get up again." "I must get away." "Let me go." "Are you mad?" "In this condition you could not go two steps." "You can't help me, I must get away." "Why?" "Can you not guess?" "All I know is you are a wounded man, and need assistance." "You didn't ask to come in, I brought you here." "So, lay yourself down, and I will do everything else." "You wait here outside." "Antonio, open up!" "Well, so it's you." "What are you doing out at such a late hour?" "We are looking for the murderer of the Count." "He was at the Castle a while ago, and we wounded him, but he managed to escape." "Is there anyone here besides the five of you?" "Not that I know of." "You've not seen anyone suspicious hanging around?" "No, we haven't been outside." "May I have a look around?" "Of course." "Check wherever you want out here." "But not inside?" "Oh, it's very late." "You could wake up the children." "That's quite enough for me." "Good night, Antonio." "Good night, Sergeant." "And what now?" " Stay calm." "Tell me the truth, did you murder the Count?" "No." "Swear it on the Cross." "I swear it." "Is it far to the farmstead?" "No, it is just beyond the next hill." "Hopefully they haven't already captured him." "Woe betide them, if they've harmed a hair on his head." "Look!" "Down there." "A thousand thanks, Antonio, you are a brave fellow." "That's alright, good luck." "Farewell!" "Hello, Pietro." "You seemed to be leading him by the nose." "How did you manage to fall into that trap?" "You're a crazy man." "I warned you not to go there." "Are you in a lot of pain?" " It's improving." "Who was that fellow down there?" "A friend." "The hounds have found this, a blood-soaked rag." "Do you still deny it?" "Did you have him hidden here?" "Where did you take him?" "Why did you leave here this morning?" "We also found traces of blood on your donkey." "Are you going to answer me?" "I have ways of making you talk, you dirty traitor." "Captain, the Countess." "Enrico was right, Countess." "He took refuge here, and Antonio helped in the escape." "Antonio, is it true, what he just said about you?" "How could you do something like that?" "You, so respectable, so reliable, so faithful, the childhood companion of my Father." "The man is innocent, Countess." "He is not your Father's murderer." "Who can prove that?" "No-one can be sure." "I'm sure." " And so, you believed him?" "He swore it on the Cross." "We need clear proof." "That oath is not enough for me." "It was enough for me, Countess, and them also." "If you were convinced of his innocence, you could have told the truth last night... instead of deceiving Enrico." "Why did you deny that the fugitive was with you?" "Because I know Enrico." "He would have taken him by force." "At least, he would have tried." "Of course, it would have been his duty." "And mine was to protect him from you." "Your Father taught me that hospitality is holy duty, that there is no worse crime than to betray defenceless people who... have taken refuge under your roof." "Enough of your impudence!" "How dare you!" "Offering shelter to an armed murderer!" "These people do not deserve any compassion." "I wash my hands of all this." "Do what you want with them." "You heard that, she handed you over to me." "This is the moment I've been longing for." "I will enjoy teaching you scum the meaning of obedience." "By order of the Countess Elena di Roccalta, may be it well... understood by each of you, that anyone found guilty of assisting the outlaws will be punished by whipping," "and will be marked with the executioner's branding iron." "Let me go!" "Let me go!" "Further, it is announced that, all who entered our land on the assurance of a right to asylum, now loses that right and has until tomorrow evening to leave Roccalta." "If we could only have left our women and children here." "I beseech you, Father, help us." "I'm sorry." "There's nothing else I can do, other than pray for you." "Prayers will not save us from the wrath of the Baron." "Don't you understand what this eviction means for us, Father?" "Have faith, the Baron will not trouble you." "So, we have turned over a new leaf." "Now I control the destinies of these people." "I cannot believe the Countess is capable of such cruelty." "I am afraid you will have to believe it." "I must speak with her, today." "She won't receive you; she doesn't even let me in." "She has changed completely, obsessed by only one thought:" "to avenge her Father, whatever the cost." "She is almost demented about it." "Captain!" "Here they come!" "Do you know who they are?" "Mercenaries hired by the Countess, to hunt down the murderer." "They will rase this land with fire and sword." "It is the end of peace for Roccalta." "The poor Count." "My apologies, Father, I must inspect these new men, they will include many hardened criminals." "Let's review the column." "A little more gently, please." "I'm not your man, you know." "To that, I can only say:" "Thank God." "I wouldn't take one like you, even on my death-bed." "See there, the wound is almost healed." "Yes, it's lucky it was quickly burned clean." "Won't vinegar burn terribly?" "It does, I can tell you." "But it also works wonders, you'll see." "For wounds like this one, it's the best treatment." "If you can't bear to look, then turn around." "You're only getting in the way." "Why do you always have to be so rough with her?" "I find her sadness annoying." "Anna?" "Those who want, can't have." "Those who can, don't want." "Wipe off that stupid grin." "What do you mean by that?" "Nothing, it's just a saying." "Shut you mouth, and mind your own business." "But, Anna, why are you crying?" "It's not worth it, shedding tears over a man." "Here, I've made all the arrowheads this size." "Are they all right?" "Yes, up to standard." "Some new armed forces have just arrived, we saw them crossing the valley." "Soldiers, horses and wagons." "What is the Countess planning?" "A new Crusade?" "Keep it up, Rocco." "Each one of you has been assigned a party of men, do you understand me?" "Are those the people who are supposed to defend us?" "These are only the leaders, the troops are camped outside." "Mamma mia!" "Such brutal faces!" "What on earth will the troops look like?" "I hope, Countess, that you are content with our armed force." "Brave warriors, hand-picked men, experienced in battle." "I don't want them settled inside the Castle." "Tomorrow, at daybreak, they will set out on their march." "Tomorrow morning, so soon?" "Indeed, that is an order and I expect it to be obeyed." "You know what you have to do; we must rouse the people." "I understand, do not worry." "You still here, Father?" "I beg you, I must speak with him today, or it may be too late." "I regret there is nothing that can be done." "The Baron does not see anyone at this hour." "We must raise the drawbridge." "You must go, Father." "No, wait, tell the Baron that I've come from Roccalta, in order to present him with something, a large sum of money that was stolen from him." "And you have it with you?" "Yes, but I'd like to present it to him personally." "I will try." "Open up." "And be quick about it." "One moment, who are you?" "Oh, apologies." "I didn't recognise you." "We didn't expect you at this hour." "I'll open immediately." "Thank you." "Who, the priest?" "What did he want?" "He wanted to bring you a large sum of money, that he said was stolen from you." "Perhaps it's the 1,500 ducats." "Why did you let him leave?" "When I looked for him, he had disappeared." "Do you think the priest recognised you?" "I believe so." "Yes, Your Grace." "We must search for him, and intercept him." "I will arrange it." "What news do you bring?" "I am to take the troops from the Castle at daybreak." "Order from the Countess." "She insisted, unfortunately." "It doesn't matter." "We are ready." "And how strong is the crew?" "Apart from the servants, there are a dozen armed men, but they are with us." "And where are you taking the troops?" "Into the mountains, about as far from the Castle as possible." "A decent trek, without any risks." "If the outlaws happen to notice our departure, they will immediately move to create distance between us." "That's a pity." "I'd like to meet Captain Firebrand again." "Help!" "What was that?" "Alfredo, did you hear?" "Yes, someone calling for help." " Let's go and see, come on!" "It's the Father." "He is wounded, he is bleeding." "Hurry, take me to Captain Firebrand." "Where will we find him?" " I'll show you the way." "At daybreak, the soldiers will leave the Castle." "If we don't act now, we will always regret it." "Yeah, he's right." "We have a chance to talk to the Countess." "And, just like that, you think she'll give us justice?" "Nevertheless, she only has to listen to us." "Do not deceive yourselves, friends." "She'll only betray you." "Manfredo only follows her orders." "Only she is to blame for things getting as bad as they are." "That is not true." "I know her better than that." "With your spirited defence of her, perhaps you've forgotten, what she did to you..." " That was not her fault." "Even so, you were whipped on her command." "Yes, and none too lightly." " Apparently he enjoyed it." "Be reasonable, all this would only make matters worse." "Things can't get any worse than they already are." "Right, and she should atone for it." "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, let's burn the Castle!" "She burnt down our homes, we'll burn down hers!" "Right." "And we'll take back all that belongs to us!" "That's only right and proper!" "Our smouldering has caught fire." " Friends, this is pure suicide." "We haven't hope against the guards at the Castle." "But there aren't any guards left there." "The Castle is unguarded;" "and the few people still there, they are on our side." "Our way is clear, friends." " Tomorrow will be a big day." "It is our one great chance." "Would you like some?" "Yes." "Not a word." "Be still!" "Friends, I warn you, don't..." " And I tell you..." "You must warn her, promise me." "I will save her, I swear it." "Thank you." "How many men guard your camp?" "At night, usually ten men." "Listen:" "We'll surprise them with a charge from the forest." "The refugees will be brought here for safety." "Is that fully understood?" "Countess, I beseech you, don't agree to receive them." "They are armed, and they will do you harm." "Calm yourself, Berta." "Attilio!" "Open the doors." "You demanded to speak with me." "Here I am." "Now, tell me, what is it you want?" "Countess, this Throne Room is a place my ancestors and I have... only entered when we have needed to call for justice." "And it has always been granted." "But, this time, you call for it in a very strange way, Antonio." "Yes, it's true." "But, sadly, it had to be this way, Countess." "We were refused permission to speak with you, so we had to force our way in on this occasion." "Refused, did you say?" "Who did that?" "Only I give orders here." "Hear that, friends, she gives the orders!" "Her alone!" "Calm down!" "Be reasonable, friends!" "Just stay calm!" "Quieten down!" "And just listen to what she has to say!" "Look at her!" "But look at her well!" "She is scared, our noble Countess!" "Why don't you call your soldiers?" "Why don't you have us whipped?" "So much bluster;" "and not a man amongst you." "Like old women who whine in self-pity, so it takes only one nudge to drive them crazy" "Nanu?" "You here?" "I wouldn't have expected you here." "I thought you were men." "Since when do you attack women?" "What do you cowards want?" "They aren't cowards, they are desperate people, who demand nothing other than justice." "And they demand it with weapons?" "That is not polite!" "I thought you were honourable men." "Not bandits like I." "I thought you would have respect for the Law." "You were always on our side." "She wanted to hang you, and now you are guarding her." "Me?" "Then I shall be a guard!" "I came not for her sake, but to save all of you." "You are all in danger." "Do you know who is on the march here?" "The Baron di Serra, at the head of his army." "And, more." "That dolt Manfredo has defected to their side." "That means the Castle is left without any defence." "And you are about to be slaughtered like cattle." "The Baron has been waiting for you to rise up against your Lady." "He hopes to kill you all, so that the Countess might be grateful." "But if that is true, that means..." " If that is true?" "You still do not believe me?" "I will prove it to you." "Let us through, friends." " Hey, both of you!" "Stop them!" "What do you want of us?" " Bring them here!" "Let us go!" "Ah, so you wanted to get away?" "Now, let's settle our accounts with them." "Yes, it was them who provoked the whole riot." "That's not true!" " You damned liar, I will..." "Antonio, this is not the way to behave before a Countess." "Must I teach you proper manners?" "We beg your pardon, Countess." "Here, have you seen an arrow like this before?" "No, I've not seen its like." " So, have a really good look!" "No!" "It was with an arrow like this that you murdered the Count." "No, it's not true." " Liars!" "Don't believe him, it's not true!" " Civetta!" "Ah, there you are!" "Bring the witness here." "Answer truly." "Did he give you the arrow?" "Take him away, and give him the reward he deserves." "Move, get going, you dog!" "No!" "No, help me!" "Let me go!" "I don't want to die!" "Just to make it clear to you:" "The true murderer of your Father is not that paid underling, but the person who hired him to do the act." "And he is none other than the Baron di Serra." "Pietro!" "Pietro!" "Here they come, over a hundred riders!" "Here he comes to your rescue, the fine gentleman." "He will not be long in getting here." "Then we will prevent him." "Have the drawbridge raised and arm all available men." "I hand over command to you." "When the Baron gets here, he will find no-one will admit him." "Thank you, Countess; but I am not the right man for that job." "I don't know anything about the defence of a castle." "Civetta, make sure everyone leaves the Castle!" "As you command!" "Out of this mousetrap, away with you!" "Forward!" "So, you send away all my people and leave me unprotected, to defend the honour of my house alone." "I am afraid, Countess, that you have misunderstood me." "If I do not remain here, then neither do you." "I will never leave this Castle." "Excuse me, but we don't have very much time." "Make sure no-one escapes!" "Annihilate everyone!" "Your Grace, the Castle has been abandoned!" "There is no-one here, they have all gone!" "We've been betrayed!" "Quickly, mount up, follow me!" "See here!" "Here they come." "Halt!" "Everyone" " Halt!" "Take a half-hour rest!" "Unsaddle the horses, and let them graze." "Well, what are you waiting for?" "The ride is over." "They are setting up camp, the pigs." "Hopefully they'll soon ride on." "Careful, otherwise they might see us." "What if Pietro turns up now?" "Actually he should have been back some time ago." "Listen, friends." "Pietro is coming with the Countess." "Pietro has been busy." "You were away a long time." " What's the matter?" "Manfredo's soldiers are here." " They are camped below us." "No." "Only my arm, if you please." "I am a heavy lump, aren't I?" "Quite the opposite, you are the sweetest load of my life." "You're such a flatterer." " Oh no." "No exaggeration." "I would like to carry you in my arms to the end of the World." "There are still more coming." "We cannot stand against all of those." "Whose troops are they?" " Baron di Serra." "I know his banners." "No reason for excitement." "If we keep quiet, they won't notice us at all." "Draw back a bit!" "What is the matter?" " There is a cavalry troop arriving." "Men, mount up!" "The Castle was empty;" "everyone had gone." "Where is the Countess?" " Disappeared with the rest of them." "We have a traitor amongst us." " Was that aimed at me?" "Whom else?" "I warn you!" "No-one speaks to me in such manner." "I'll speak as I see fit." "Do you understand me?" "Captain Manfredo!" "I order you to arrest Baron di Serra immediately." "He is the murderer of my Father!" "Are you the Devil?" "Do you want to see us all killed?" "You've already been responsible for enough trouble!" "You cannot possibly be so naive, as to be taken in by the prattle of such a forlorn creature?" "She is held by those bandits, and forced to say such things." "Thus, they hope to spread discord amongst us." "But you must decide for yourself what you believe." "If you remain faithful to me," "I will naturally support you in the attack." "I hope that you can begin at once." "Perhaps we should wait until nightfall." "You are very cautious, I must say." "Are you perhaps afraid of this riff-raff?" "Then I will just do it alone." "No, it's our responsibility." "I do not need your assistance." "Hear me, lads!" "There is someone here who doubts your courage." "Let's show him what a trained soldier is capable of." "Who has the nerve to climb this escarpment?" "With me, of course." "Whoever is the first to the top, will get a bonus of 20 crowns." "A hundred!" "Forward, men, get the ladders!" "Everyone get ready!" "This way, lads!" "Hurry up!" "Advance the first troops!" "Come on!" "What are you waiting for?" "We have to get up there!" "Captain, the archers are ready!" "Attention, archers!" "Shoot!" "And again!" "Pietro." " Here, Rocco, look after him!" "Anna!" "Come on!" "Well, where are your people?" "At least their suffering has been brought to an end." "Who knows what we still have ahead of us." "You are tired." "Come, rest yourself a little." "Yes, you really should take a rest." "Ah no, Berta." "I feel useless enough as it is." "At least let me perform this small service." "That's strange." "I thought I knew you." "And now I see you are a better person than I thought." "If only those dogs would attack." "For three days now, they have made no move." "They don't even emerge from their tents anymore." "They eat and drink, and we can only watch." "A shabby ploy!" "The pigs mean to starve us out." " And I'll be their first victim." "That's all that now remains of my little horse." "If the Countess Elena is not delivered to us in good health by tomorrow evening, ten subjects will be hanged each day, starting the day after." "That is probably clear enough." " It couldn't be clearer." "Sergeant!" " At your service, Your Grace." "You know what you have to do?" " Yes, sir." "Then, be quick!" "Hey!" "You up there!" "I have a message for you!" "Can you hear me?" "Pietro!" "Pietro!" "They've sent us a message." "Can you read?" " Sadly, no." "Wait!" "Give it to me!" "I'll read it." "What do they say?" "The Baron offers 5,000 talents, if you deliver me to him safely." "But you can't do..." " You, be quiet, understand?" "5,000 talents?" "A tidy sum of money, is it not?" "For bandits like us, it's a lot." "But, for such a mean act..." "That is my answer." "We fight on, my friends." "Why did you lie?" "Because I don't want him to give up on my account." "Anna, please help me, I beg of you!" "Pietro!" "Pietro!" "Come here!" "Look down there!" "Pietro!" "Pietro!" " What is it?" "They've gone away." "Do you see?" "They've really gone away!" "We are saved!" "Civetta, they took off." "We are free!" "Elena!" "Elena!" "Come quickly." "They have gone." "We are free." "Elena?" "Pietro!" "Have you told the Countess?" "What's the matter?" "She has escaped." " That's why they broke camp." "She escaped to join them." "Why are you looking at me like cows in the pasture?" "It was all just a deceit." "She didn't join with us." "We didn't convince her." "She went off to join them." "She has betrayed us." "She played us like fools." "But now it's over, once and for all!" "Get out, all of you!" "Go, get out!" "All of you!" "Captain Firebrand is dead." "Dead and gone." "You treat me like an enemy, Countess." "And yet, it is to me that you owe your freedom." "Freedom?" "I am your prisoner." "How can you talk about freedom?" "Then you would have preferred staying with the bandits?" "One bandit; for whom honour is not an empty word." "I see." "You were enchanted by this young magician." "Perhaps I might be persuaded to leave this fellow alone." "I could equally destroy him, and all of his robber band." "But I am willing to temper justice with mercy." "Provided that he leaves this land." "Get up from there!" "You have no right to sit in that place!" "So, it was no idle boast that this was your goal, to merge the land of Roccalta with your own." "Roccalta and Serra will, from now, come under my rule." "I hope that, for people like us, disputes and controversy will become far less important." "The main thing is to avoid a scandal." "There is not a spark of decency in you!" "You are a criminal!" "Ha!" "Don't hold back." "Murderer and tyrant." "That's what you really mean." "Isn't it?" "Yes." "You had my Father killed." "Deny it, if you can!" "That's for you to prove." " I will bring you to court." "There I must disappoint you." "A wife cannot sue her husband." "Do you really think I would marry a man who is a murderer?" "I think so." "Because it's only on this condition that..." "I will preserve the life of your Captain Firebrand." "You seem somewhat fatigued?" "Allow me to accompany you to your chambers." "No, I am accustomed to being alone." "Pietro?" "We are ready." " You go on, I'll follow you." "Let's go." "Why are you still here?" "I want to be alone." "Why?" "Aren't we allowed to know you are only human?" "I wish!" "These were the only ones who didn't guess." "And you have betrayed all of them, the dead and the living." "All of the victims - all their sacrifice, all their courage." "That's enough!" "We believed in you." "You were our hope." "We thought you were a hero." "And what are you in reality?" "An overblown, vainglorious boaster." "A loudmouth!" "You never think of others, only yourself and your pride." "You speak of betrayal!" "Who betrayed you?" "Perhaps Elena?" "I forbid you to speak of her." "I'll speak of her, even so;" "and you will listen." "Elena sacrificed herself for you, even though you're not worth it." "Because she loves you, do you understand?" "Yes, loves you!" "That is the tragedy." "Elena loves you - just exactly as I do!" "Who is it?" " It is I, Countess." "Ah you, Berta." "Come in." "I beg your forgiveness, but the new brocade dress is finished." "Put it over there." "I would recommend you put it on directly." "There is still time." "I will let you know." "Come, Martha, we still have the veil to pack." "Anna!" "I did not expect you." "I have told Pietro everything." "Perhaps it was wrong of me." "He loves you alone." "He asked me to get you, Countess." "Come, he is waiting outside." " Anna, you did this for me?" "Quickly, we must hurry." "Follow me!" "Pietro!" "Pietro!" "Stop, don't move!" " Come, bring him along!" "Pietro!" "Anna." "Anna." "Anna." "Now, my dear, the people are jubilant and you are sad." "I gave my word of honour." "You promised to free him." "I will keep my promise." "Captain Firebrand will be freed, but he won't be of very much use to you." "By order of Baron Oddo di Serra and Roccalta, the outlaw known as" "Captain Firebrand is appropriately sentenced to blinding by firebrand" "Oh no!" "Alarm!" "Everyone!" "Yes!" "Go, save her!" "What do you want done with him?" "You must decide." "Don't come any closer, if her life means anything to you." "You are a coward." "I will kill you and free your people from tyranny." "With a sword, as it is your favourite weapon." "Andrea, give me your sword." "I always keep my word." " I keep mine also." "Come, watch your hero well." "It is his last performance!" "I was told you were a good acrobat." "Let's see you jump, buffoon!" "I would dearly like you to show us the colour of your blood." "Do us the favour!" "Leave it, wait a while." "I've amused myself long enough." "I cannot kill you while you are unarmed." "Now I can kill you." "English subtitles:" "David Blake (2013)"