1. Young Siddhatta and the Priest
Long shadows indicate the nearing end of day. People disperse in all directions from the tilled soil.
Young Siddhatta sits absorbed, eyes closed, motionless under the tree.
PRIEST (O.S.)
Siddhatta, time to go.
Siddhatta remains still. The Priest approaches, shakes him.
PRIEST
Siddhatta!
Siddhatta opens his eyes slowly, gets up.
HISS. A snake's deadly call. Siddhatta and the Priest stand still, stare at a cobra slithering toward an unaware bird.
The snake rears in preparation. Siddhatta CLAPS his hands as the snake strikes. The bird flies off, an inch away from the snake's venomous fangs.
The Priest trembles in fear as he seizes a large stick, raises it toward the snake. Siddhatta grabs the Priest who lurches sideways.
SIDDHATTA
Stop.
The Priest stumbles and falls, allowing the snake to slide off. Shocked, the Priest rages as he struggles up.
PRIEST
You must never interfere with me, ever again! Do you understand?
A long moment as Siddhatta's eyes narrow on the Priest's angry glare.
SIDDHATTA
No.
PRIEST
I am the highest caste, a Royal Brahmin Priest. You are just a mere upstart prince. The gods' wrath will be on anyone who interferes with me. You must remember who I am and who you are.
SIDDHATTA
I will remember.
Siddhatta turns and walks away.
