THE UNKNOWN SAVIOUR

PRISON CELL 

Dust motes dance in the single shaft of light piercing the gloom of the cell. JOHN PETER sits on the cold stone floor, despair threatening to consume him. He knows this is his last day.

Suddenly, the cell door creaks open. A GUARD enters, carrying a tray of food.

GUARD

Here's your meal, prisoner.

Before the guard can set the tray down, another GUARD bursts into the cell, his face pale.

GUARD 2

(Panting)

The CSO… he's summoned all the guards to the palace! Immediately!

The first guard, startled, fumbles with the tray.

GUARD

(Confused)

All guards? But…

GUARD 2

No time to explain! We have to go!

Both guards rush out of the cell, leaving the door wide open. John Peter stares at the gaping entrance, his mind racing. Escape. The word explodes in his mind.

He scrambles to his feet, his heart pounding. He cautiously emerges from the cell, his eyes darting around the dimly lit corridor. The guards are gone. He takes a deep breath, his senses heightened.

PALACE GROUNDS 

John Peter, his heart hammering in his chest, navigates the maze of corridors and courtyards. He moves with the stealth of a shadow, avoiding the occasional patrolling guard. Finally, he reaches the outer gates of the palace, slipping through a rarely used side entrance.

He runs, his breath catching in his throat, towards his small cottage on the outskirts of the city. He needs to gather a few essentials, some money, and his most prized possession – a small, intricately carved wooden bird, a gift from his late mother.

JOHN PETER'S COTTAGE

John Peter frantically packs a small bag, his hands trembling. He grabs the wooden bird, clutching it tightly to his chest. He must disappear, vanish without a trace. He has no idea where he will go, but he knows he cannot stay here.

PRISON

The first guard returns to the cell, the tray of food forgotten. He stops short, his eyes widening in disbelief. The cell door stands open, empty.

GUARD

(Stuttering)

He… he's gone!

The deputy CSO, a man with a face like thunder, interrogates the guard.

DEPUTY CSO

(Voice booming)

Explain yourself, guard! How did the prisoner escape?

GUARD

(Stuttering)

I… I don't know, sir. The CSO summoned all the guards… we were in a hurry… I… I may have… forgotten to lock the door.

DEPUTY CSO

(Furious)

Forgotten to lock the door? You incompetent fool!

The deputy CSO roars with anger.

DEPUTY CSO

(Calming his voice)

Find him. Find John Peter and bring him back to me. Alive.

HOSPITAL 

The air in the opulent hospital room is thick with tension. QUEEN ELARA sits beside the bed, her hand clasped over Benson's lifeless-looking hand.

CSO

(To Elara)

My Queen, how is…

DOCTOR

(Interrupting)

His Majesty remains in a coma. We are doing everything in our power, but…

ELARA

(Voice trembling)

But what, Doctor?

DOCTOR

(Hesitantly)

The coma may be prolonged. Perhaps even… permanent.

Elara's face crumples. Tears stream down her cheeks.

CSO

(Trying to comfort her)

Please, Your Majesty, remain strong.

ELARA

(Through sobs)

He… he was my husband. Despite everything…

The CSO, his gaze darting nervously around the room, receives a frantic message. He pulls out a small, leather-bound scroll.

CSO

(Reading)

"John Peter… escaped…"

He stares at the message, his face a mask of shock and disbelief.

CSO

(To Elara, his voice strained)

My Queen… there's been… an incident. John Peter, the… the accountant… he has escaped from prison.

ELARA

(Confused)

Escaped? How?

CSO

(Stammering)

I… I don't know, Your Majesty.

HOSPITAL 

The news of Benson's deteriorating condition spreads like wildfire through the palace. Whispers of conspiracy and betrayal fill the air.

Hours later, the air in the room hangs heavy with grief. The beeping of the heart monitor suddenly flatlines. The doctor shakes his head, his face grim.

DOCTOR

(Somberly)

I'm sorry, Your Majesty. He's gone.

Elara stares at Benson's lifeless form, her heart aching. The man who had been her husband, the man who had betrayed her trust, was finally at peace.

PALACE 

The deputy CSO stands before the throne, his face grim.

DEPUTY CSO

(To the assembled court)

Your Majesties, I regret to inform you that King Benson… he has succumbed to his illness.

A collective gasp fills the room.

DEPUTY CSO

(Continuing)

Furthermore, John Peter, the man accused of treason, has escaped from prison.

The court erupts in a flurry of whispered conversations.

PALACE 

Elara, her face pale and drawn, sits on the throne, the weight of the crown pressing down on her shoulders. The news of Benson's death has shattered her. But now, a new challenge awaits her. She must navigate the treacherous waters of court intrigue, protect the kingdom from internal and external threats, and bring John Peter, the man who holds the key to exposing Benson's crimes, to justice.