All language subtitles for 1955 Land of the pharaohs(Howard Hawks)

I, Hamar,
Lord High Priest of Egypt...

am preparing a chronicle
of the reign of Khufu,

ruler of Egypt.

Word has come that again
he has been victorious

in the war
against our enemies.

And now Egypt
has taken its place

as the greatest of all
nations in the world.

Today, Pharaoh
and his army return.

This was Pharaoh,

direct descendant
of our deity Amon,

God of the sun
who rules the heavens,

as Pharaoh rules the earth.

Again, he brought treasure,

gold and precious jewels
taken from our enemies,

for, to Pharaoh,
riches were power.

And power was to be desired.

And also again
he brought many captives.

For is it not by slaves
that one becomes even richer

and then has more power?

Greetings, my lord priest.

Sire, the gods rejoice
at your safe return.

Thank you, my lord priest.

Your Majesty.

My lord, it is good
to have you back.

It is good to be back.

I'm afraid to touch you

because of the dirt of travel.

Perhaps my lord would care
to remove the dirt.

An excellent idea.

Then I will come to my lord.

When I am ready,
I will send you word.

I rejoice at your safe return,
my lord.

Thank you.

- Your name is?
- Mava, my lord.

Oh, yes. I remember.

Has the bird learned
to speak yet?

Oh, yes, my lord,
but only in private.

Well, perhaps
it's better that way.

Hamar, dear friend.

It's good to see you again.
I've missed you.

I've missed you, too, sire.

It's been three long months.

We've much to talk about,
but first I must bathe.

The sand seems to get

in every pore of one's body.

Why can't we do away
with the desert, Hamar?

I'm only a priest,
not a god, sire.

Outside of the discomfort,

the desert hasn't been too much
of an obstacle to you

in the past or this time,
has it?

No, the Egyptian soldier
fights well in the desert.

I've done well, Hamar,
very well.

So I have heard.
400 men loaded with treasure.

Wait till you see it.

Ah, that feels much better.

Tell the queen I've finished.

Well, have I changed?

Not very much.

You're one war older,
that's all.

I hope to age by many more
before my time is come.

More wars, more treasure.

Still not enough?

You know I can't resist gold.

Yes, I know. The first fight
we had as children, remember?

We fought for
a little gold ring

that had been a gift to me.

You won the fight
and you took the ring.

And you tricked me
into some wager

and got it back before
nightfall. Remember that?

And you've been fighting
for gold ever since.

And I mean to keep it forever.

Hamar...

I see that you have
cleansed yourself

of the desert, my lord.

You're beautiful,

even more beautiful
than my memories of you.

Three months in the desert is a
long time. Perhaps that's why.

Oh, to any man at any time.

Isn't that so, Hamar? Hamar?

Oh, he's gone.

You've always said

he's the wisest man
in the kingdom.

And by his going,
he proved it.

Each morning and each night,

I have prayed to the gods
for your safe and speedy return.

Let me look at you.

Am I a fool to leave you here

and roam the world
seeking for treasure?

No, my lord,
if treasure's what you want.

I want treasure, yes,

but there's something else
I want, too.

And that is?

I've been thinking.
Egypt is a great country.

When I am gone, who will rule?

I want an heir. A son.

I know, my lord.

You have fought five wars

in the six years
of our marriage.

This has not been your home,

only a place to leave
to another war.

I know that.

Supposing I say

I'll stay at home
and not go to war?

I will not ask that of you.

Only stay with me
for a little while.

And if the gods will it,

I will give you a son.

I'm looking for a prisoner
called Vashtar.

I am he.

I've brought you food and wine
and various supplies.

You can put it in the tent
over there.

You mean
you brought this for me?

- Yes.
- What about the others?

The food and wine is yours. You
can do with it as you please.

Thank you. We'll use the tent.

Mikka,
take charge of the food.

Give it to those
who need it most.

Yes, sir. I'll take charge
of the wine, too.

Mikka, the wine's for the sick.

- Yes, sir. I'll see to it.
- Senta, go with Mikka.

Senta, don't you understand?
They brought us food.

- Egyptian food? Pbht!
- Senta!

You'll have to
excuse my son, Captain.

He's too young
to accept captivity.

It doesn't matter.

I bring another message for you.

This afternoon
we bury some of our people

who were killed in battle.

Perhaps you'd like
to attend the ceremony.

- You're free to do so.
- Free?

Aren't you afraid
I might try to escape?

And leave your people? No,
I don't think you will escape.

Perhaps you're right.

Yes, I should like
to see the ceremony.

I'll come for you
when it is time.

Thank you, Captain.

People of Egypt,

we meet here today

to pay homage
to our heroic dead.

Let their stilled hearts

hear no sound of lamentation,

only of rejoicing

that their destiny
has been fulfilled.

Their earthly lives
they have given

so that they and you may enjoy

both the present
and the second life.

Let them hear now the manner

in which they will live.

Let the gods of Egypt speak.

In the name of the gods, listen.

Hear the voice of Osiris,

the judge of the dead.

- Amen.
- Amen.

The goddess Isis
commands you to listen.

- Amen.
- Amen.

Give heed
to the god Anubis,

the conductor of the dead
from this life to the next.

- Amen.
- Amen.

Give heed in the name
of the god Horus.

- Amen.
- Amen.

Let Pharaoh now,

the living god of Egypt, speak.

And in the name of the gods,
listen.

This is my decree.

The bodies of those who died
well and bravely by my side

shall be delivered
to the City of the Dead.

Fine linen and armor shall
be their burial garments.

They shall rest
in tombs of stone.

And for their comfort
in the second life

they shall have ample treasure.

To each man,
three measures of gold

and nine measures of silver,

one vessel each of onyx
and alabaster,

food and wine in plenty.

All this and all honor

shall each man enjoy
in the second life.

There we shall meet again,

to stand side by side and serve.

Till then, farewell.

- Amen.
- Amen.

The gods of Egypt have spoken.

Listen to them, Vashtar.

This is a funeral,
but they're not sad.

They almost seem
as if they're happy.

I believe they are happy.

The life they hope for
in the future seems to mean more

to them than their present life.

I wonder if any of them
ever saw or spoke

to somebody living
in the future.

I don't think so, Mikka.

I'd rather enjoy this life.

Mind you, the wine in the grave

sounds a good idea.

But how do I know
I'd be thirsty?

Officer, what is this,
another ceremony?

Yes, if you could
call it that.

The singing is different.

This time they're not happy.

This is for those who
were cowards in battle --

those who deserted
or failed in their duty.

They will not be buried

and will therefore
have no second life.

That is why their people mourn.

Strange religion
to deny the future

to one who fails in the present.

Look, Vashtar.
Look what they're doing.

Aah!

Aah!

Aah!

Ah. Hamar. Look.

This is the portion
of the spoils

that I've chosen to be mine.

Look at this. Feel it.

I love the feel of gold.

There's no other metal like it.

Add this to what I have already,

and it'll be the greatest
treasure in the world.

No man will ever
have had so much.

That is true, sire.

Now all that remains
is to build a tomb

to receive it and my body,

a tomb that no man can violate

where I can rest in peace
and enjoy all this

in my second life.
You got my instructions?

I did, sire. The builders
have been at work

day and night
since the message came.

Their plans are ready
for you to see.

Do you think
their work is good?

It is your treasure, sire,
and your tomb.

You must be the judge.

That means you don't like them.

You must decide, sire.

And what is this?
A labyrinth, eh?

To hide the passage
to the tomb.

Here is the beginning, my lord.

And here is the maze
that hides the secret.

It will make
the tomb secure so that --

Secure as the last tomb in which
such a labyrinth was used?

My ancestor Serati was protected
by such a labyrinth.

Perhaps you heard
what happened to him. And this?

This is different, my lord.
It begins here --

Different in what way?

I've just brought treasure
back to Egypt

that was stolen
from a tomb like this

three nights after
the crypt was sealed.

Look what we have here, Hamar.

This is like
meeting an old friend.

A false tunnel
and a false crypt

to hide the real one.

It would scarcely
keep out the wind.

Are they all like these?

What reason is there to build
a pyramid to hold a tomb

if the tomb may be violated?

It is better to lay
the treasure on the sand

so that the thieves
will not disturb my body.

You may go, all of you.

Go home and consider
yourselves lucky

that you've escaped the lash
or the dungeon.

Go on! Get out of here!

- I was afraid of this, Hamar.
- I'm sorry, sire.

Every one of these plans have
been used for a royal tomb,

and not one of them has escaped
the grave robbers.

There are many thieves
and very few pharaohs.

I'm waiting to hear
your solution, sire.

Why do you presume I have one?

You were curiously gentle
with the builders.

Does anyone have a secret
from you?

What is your plan, sire?

Do you know what happened
in the last battle

for that Kassite city?

Only the outcome.

The outcome was very
nearly disastrous for us.

There were three passes
that led into the city.

Two of them were narrow,
rock-filled nightmares,

where a legion could be held
by half as many.

The third was almost a highway.

There seemed to be
no possible defense.

That highway was one of
the most cunning traps

that has ever been constructed.

When we were well into it,
parts of the road dropped,

creating pitfalls.

Other parts suddenly rose
as if by magic,

giving shelter to the defenders.

Luckily I had sent
small divisions

through the other passes.

They fought their way through
and fell upon the defenders

from behind.

The man who constructed
those defenses

was the finest builder
who has ever worked with stone.

When the city was taken,
I gave a gold sword

to the soldier
who brought him to me alive.

- Is his name Vashtar?
- What?

When I heard
of the special treatment,

the tent and food you ordered
for one of the captives,

I made some inquiries.

I had him brought here.
He's waiting outside.

Bring him here.

Is the captive Vashtar here yet?

- Yes, my lord.
- Bring him in.

I should have known better
than try to keep a secret

from you, my friend.

You are Vashtar,

the man who prepared
the defenses of your city?

I am the architect
who drew the plans.

You cost me many lives.

I congratulate you on your work.

Each of us must fight
with such weapons as he has.

Yes, I know that
because I'm a soldier.

I do not intend
to punish you, architect,

but to reward your skill.
You shall build for me.

Do you understand
what these are?

Yes, Pharaoh. They're designs

for a royal tomb
within a pyramid.

But I do not understand
what you want of me.

All the world knows that

in the building of pyramids
Egypt is unsurpassed.

True enough. But where we have
failed is making the tomb

secure against violation.

Can it be done? Can you do it?

Perhaps.
But I have a better plan.

Load your treasure onto boats,
float them

to the deepest part of the
ocean, and sink them there.

Then you need not fear
that anyone will rob you

of what you've stolen.

Men don't talk to me like that.

I could make you wish those
words had not been spoken.

But unfortunately,
you have need of my talent.

As I thought, you're a
shrewd man. What's your price?

- My price?
- What do you want?

Nothing you would give me.

Even what little I know
of Egyptian customs

tells me that
if I build your tomb

I sign my own death warrant.
Is that not so?

While you build my tomb, you
can build your own, as well.

Let it be done
as richly as you please.

Every honor shall be given
to you and yours.

Fair prospect and a good offer,

provided one believes in
the second life. I do not.

Look elsewhere
for your architect, Pharaoh

- I told you before --
- One moment, sire.

With your permission,
perhaps I can

convince this man
to do as you ask.

I fear not. There is no reason
why I should serve you.

There are many reasons.

I'll show you. Follow me.

Do you know what lies
behind that wall?

I do.

Your people are not far
from there.

And only your talent stands
between them and the wall.

You were right when you said
there were many reasons.

If I serve you,
will you spare my people?

- All of them.
- Will you set them free?

If your plan pleases me,
they shall be freed

as soon as the work is done.
All of them.

Except for yourself.

When I have conceived a plan,
I will send you word.

Good. Hamar, see that
he has all he needs.

Work swiftly, architect.

That I may die the sooner?

No, that your people may live.

Well, architect,
you sent word you had a plan.

I believe I have.

One minute. Both of you, go.

Well, what is it?

It is to use the best labyrinth
designed by your own builders.

A labyrinth?

You know these labyrinths
were rejected.

- That was --
- I know that, but hear me out.

After your body
is placed in the tomb,

the labyrinth will be sealed --
every passage

every foot of the way
from the burial chamber

to the outer door of the pyramid
sealed with solid stone.

Solid stone? But that would
take years, and in that time --

No, Pharaoh, not years.
It can be done in a few minutes.

You are a fool. What power could
move stones in that time?

A power that Egypt possesses
in abundance.

I will show you. Follow me.

What is this?

It is with stones such as this,

and others larger, that
the passages will be sealed.

I asked you before,
with what power?

- Sand.
- With what?

With sand. Wait, Pharaoh.

If the boy can lower that stone
precisely into place

using only one hand,
will you believe me?

I did believe in you once,
architect.

If this is a joke, you and
your people will regret it.

Senta, lower the stone.

It will be the same
with the larger stones.

They'll be lowered in
every foot of the labyrinth

and others on top of them

until the whole tomb
is surrounded by solid stone.

To enter, you'll have to
tear the pyramid apart.

Do you believe me now?

Tomorrow I shall give orders
to start the work.

You have served me well,
architect.

Take this as a token
of my gratitude.

You gave me your promise that
when the work was completed

you would set my people free.

- I will keep that promise.
- The work will take many years.

A long time for a people
to remain in slavery.

I must ask you this.

Set free a certain number
every year

while the work is in progress.

If you do this,
I will serve you.

I will not bargain with you,
architect.

But my pleasure in your work
grants your wish.

Let it be done as he asks.
Come. We have much to do.

This day, I have sent couriers
to every part of our country,

to every city and village.

They carry this decree --

that I have set a task for Egypt

which in any other land
would be impossible.

On the desert sands,
you will raise a pyramid,

a structure greater
than any other in the world.

This pyramid shall be
my resting place

for the second life.

Each man has a covenant with me,

to work as man has not
yet worked in all time.

And as the living
god of Egypt,

I promise you
that each man, by his labor,

shall secure for himself
a place in the life to come.

What say you?

As with one heart,
the people responded

to the call of their pharaoh.

They came from the farms
and the groves,

from the valleys
and the hill countries.

They gave up
their accustomed lives

and marched
to their holy labor.

They sang songs
of their faith...

and of their joy.

Three million
of such stones would be needed

before the work was done.

Three million stones of an
average weight of 5,000 pounds.

Every stone cut precisely to
fit into its destined place

in the great pyramid.

From the quarries, they pulled
the stones across the desert

to the banks of the Nile.

Never in the history
of the world

has so great a task
been performed.

Their faith gave them strength.

And their joy gave them song.

Look out!

In a little more than a year,

the hallowed ground
had been prepared

and the first courses of stone
had been raised.

And still they sang.

What is that stone, father?

That's the sarcophagus
of the Pharaoh,

the stone will hold his body
after death.

Is that thing hollow then,
Vashtar?

Yes. The top part can be lifted
to receive the body.

Where does it go to?

Into a great chamber
in the pyramid.

But where that is
you must not know.

Those are only the first
three courses of the stones.

When it's finished, there'll
be more than 200 of them.

With all those men, the work
will be finished quickly,

won't it, father?

No, Senta.
No, it will take a long time.

They'll work for many years.

And some will grow old
and some will die.

And the stones of the pyramid
will be cemented

with blood and tears.

And the years passed.

And in those years,
the joy in the hearts

of the people was stilled.

And in place of the song
came the drum.

And with the drum, the whip.

And the spirit and the faith
were gone.

And the work became labor.

Remember, Senta, how they sang
when they hauled the stones?

They stopped singing
15 years ago.

I thought it would be done
so quickly.

And you were only a boy then.

I was a slave then,
and I'm still a slave.

Yes, Egypt has changed.

Changed because of the pyramid.

To build a tomb to house
one man in his second life,

thousands are finding
misery in this life.

Pharaoh has changed, too.

He has riches, power,

even the son he desired.

But he's like a man obsessed.

I never came here before.

The guards would not let me,
father.

Why do you keep it locked up?

Gold is desired by every man,
my son.

There are many
who would rob me of this,

take from me what I have
accumulated for my second life.

But all this is mine
and will stay mine.

And when my tomb
is finished and sealed,

it will be mine while the earth
stands, till the end of time.

- You're hurting me, father.
- I'm sorry.

My lord, forgive me
for disturbing you,

but it is time
for the boy to go to bed.

It was my fault.
I forgot the time.

Come on, Xenon.

Thank you, father.

You call yourselves builders.
I want no more excuses.

No more old women's tales

of why this won't be done
or can't be done.

It will be done.

Or you'll go to the quarries
yourselves, all of you.

I'll teach you
the meaning of work.

In the next month,
one complete level

of the stones will be raised.

- It cannot be done, my lord.
- You are near the top.

There are fewer stones
on each level.

But the stones must be raised
to a greater height.

And because the nearby quarries
are almost exhausted,

the stones must be brought
a greater distance.

- Always some reason
- The man is right, sire.

You too, Hamar?

Are you telling me that what
I ask for cannot be done?

- Only with more workers, sire.
- I'll get more.

We don't have supplies to feed
a new army of labor, sire.

If you have sufficient, will
there be any more excuses?

None, sire.

- And you?
- None, sire.

I'll get men. And I'll get food.

Ambassador of the land
of the Amorites.

Mighty Pharaoh,
700 head of cattle

have been brought to you
by our people.

The decree is not yet fulfilled.

2,000 measures of grain
were also called for.

Why have you not brought
the rest?

In lieu of the grain,
of which we have none,

my ruler sends you
500 weights of silver.

I am content. Note that
the decree is fulfilled.

The next.

Ambassador of the tributary
province of Cyprus.

Ambassador of the tributary
province of Cyprus.

What is this?
Who answers for Cyprus?

- I do.
- Who are you?

I am Nellifer,
Princess of Cyprus.

Why did you not answer
when you were called?

This is the first time
I have served as an ambassador.

The duties are new
and strange to me.

You are young for such a role,
Princess.

Perhaps my lord would prefer it
if I were old?

We are only interested
in the tribute that you bring.

What tax was decreed
for the province of Cyprus?

2,000 measures of grain,
a thousand of oil,

and of cattle, 800 head.

- What have you brought?
- Nothing, my lord.

I came in place of the tribute.

- You came in its place?
- Yes, my lord.

- Why?
- My country is poor.

To pay the tribute,
some of us must starve.

Starving, huh?

You do not have the appearance
of starving.

If I do not please you,
you may send me back.

It will be a great burden
to my country,

but your tribute will be paid.

- If that is what you wish.
- I could have both.

No, my lord, not both.

You may choose between me
and the tribute from my father.

I said I could have both.

And I said not both,
but you may choose.

You have much to learn,
Princess.

And we will start
your education now.

See that
she is securely locked up

and her father notified
that payment is demanded.

I do not allow brawling
in my court.

Take them both away
and see that

the slave is lashed
to teach him manners.

One moment, my lord.

Would you punish a slave
for merely obeying?

I told him to act.

See that they are both lashed.

And give her her cloak,

that she may hide
her starved appearance.

You took it from me.
It is mine no longer.

Now the next.

The ambassador of Al-Hasa.

Bring the girl Nellifer
to my room.

In the presence of Pharaoh,
you kneel.

Alright. You can go.

Education is sometimes painful,
isn't it?

Drink this.

Do I stay
or do you want the tribute?

Both.

Don't ever do that again.

I'll offer you wine
just once more.

And I will only take it
when you have chosen.

It's the only way, my lord.

In the succeeding weeks,

she became the favorite
of the Pharaoh.

And they were married and she
became his second wife.

Sit here, my lady.

I have provided sport
for your amusement.

What form of sport, my lord?

A test of strength
between myself

and another living god of Egypt.

You shall see.

I have heard many stories,
my lord,

of the treasure
you have gathered.

They probably lie,
because no man

could have as much as they say.

They do not lie.

But they only guess,
because none have seen it.

And I may not see it?

Yes. Yes, you shall judge
whether the stories are true.

You shall see for yourself.

Well?

You were right, my lord.

Those that speak
of the treasure do not lie.

I see that their stories
do not do it justice.

Do you wish to know
how they were won or
where they came from?

No. Only to see it
and to feel it.

Just like a woman.

Would you change me, sire?

No, no, never.

Feels almost soft,
like something to be caressed.

Only gold feels that way.

Words from my own mouth.
We are much alike.

If you like it, take it.
Take what you want.

I will thank you
when I have chosen.

Oh, it's all so beautiful.

What lies beyond that door?

That is my own domain.
I alone go there.

I have taken my son,
my priest, no others.

And I may not enter?

Yes, yes, you may.

Captain, bring a torch,
that she may see the better.

I want you to see
what I've chosen.

It's unbelievable.

It's even more beautiful
than that outside.

For this,
I fought hard and long.

I shed my blood and the blood
of those who followed me.

What I have chosen here
represents --

Take off those jewels.

- What?
- Take them off.

- But I would have this, sire.
- No.

But my lord told me to choose.

Not of this. Of that outside.

You may choose
what you like of that.

But all this must stay as it is.

Until the time when it's removed
to the pyramid, to my tomb.

All? Surely not all for one man.

All.

The contents of this room
are the symbols

of my life to come.

They are not for this life.

Not to adorn my body or yours
or any living thing.

Take off those jewels.

Yes, my lord.

Well, what is it?

Sire, certain of your guests
are departing.

The high priest suggests
that you return.

Alright. I am coming.

May I stay a little, sir,

that I may see better
all that is yours?

Yes, come when you've finished.

- See that all is secure.
- Yes, sire.

What is your name, Captain?

Treneh, my lady.

And your duties, Captain?

I'm charged by Pharaoh
with the security

of his treasures, my lady.

Guarding all
the Pharaoh's treasures

is a great responsibility,
Captain.

Yes, my lady.

What if I were to take this?

You heard the Pharaoh's orders.

Then you must take it from me.

Remember your duty, Captain.

I wish it were mine to give.

Unfortunately, it is not.

Now also the quarries
are becoming exhausted.

Great holes have been cut in
the earth.

It is well that the work
is nearly completed,

as each day
the gathering of the stone

becomes more difficult.

Now, too, the finer stone

for the outer covering
of the pyramid

is being brought from remote
quarries on the Upper Nile.

Good evening, my lady.

Good evening, Captain.

You may go, Nabuna.

You sent for me, my lady.

That is right, Captain.

May I ask why?

Need there be a reason?

No, I presume not.

Would you have some wine,
Captain?

No, thank you.

You seem nervous and afraid.

Why?

Perhaps because
you are Queen of Egypt.

Even a queen may be lonely.

Perhaps that's why
I asked you to come.

That would make a difference.

Then you are no longer afraid?

No.

- Well, Senta?
- I'd like to talk to you, sir.

I was just stopping anyhow.

- You've finished your work?
- Until tomorrow.

The planning for the inner part
of the pyramid complete?

Not yet. I wish it were.
There is a lot to be done yet.

Is that what you wanted
to talk about?

No, sir. Found this
old scarab today.

Perhaps you can tell me
what the inscription means.

I'm sorry. I'm afraid I can't.

That's strange.

You yourself gave it to me
years ago

and told me its whole history.

I must have forgotten
all about it.

You do not work nights anymore.
Why?

Don't hide things from me,
sir. You just can't see.

I've been noticing it
for months.

- Is it all that apparent?
- Only to one who knows you.

I'm an old man now, Senta.
Faculties begin to go.

It's alright in the daytime,
but at night

by torchlight,
I can't see things close to.

But the light in the pyramid
comes from torches.

How will you work? Read your own
figures, do what you have to do?

I shall find a way.

You start your actual work
soon.

How is that to be done?

I go to the palace tonight
to receive

my instructions
from Pharaoh himself.

Whatever those may be,
you will need help.

You are offering to give it
to me? No, Senta.

No one need know
what you tell me.

Don't you realize
what would happen

if anyone even suspected
you knew the secret?

- I do.
- Well?

You need help.
Your work depends on it.

Our people's freedom
depends on you.

The boy's right, Vashtar.

Are you asking me to choose
between my son and our people?

What happens to our people
and your son

if you fail to fulfill
your part of the bargain?

I don't know.

It's settled, then.

I'll only accept your help
if I can think of no other way.

A man thinks best
on a full stomach.

Greetings, Pharaoh.

Architect, I understand
that you're ready

to start work
on the inner labyrinth,

the secret part of my tomb.

That is true, my lord.

I've given considerable thought

as to the method
of doing this work

so that the secret
will remain ours.

Yes, my lord.

These men are your assistants.

They are priests, and they
may be trusted completely.

They have been well schooled
to work in stone.

You will obey the orders
of the architect

as though they were mine.
Is that understood?

- Mnh!
- Mnh!

Their tongues have been cut out

so that even in their sleep
they will not betray the secret.

- They will die when we die.
- So many?

And they are volunteers, so
spare me any humane speeches.

You trust no vows, not even
those of your own faith?

No. I have not gone as far as
this, done what I have done

to risk betrayal by any man,
not even my own flesh and blood.

I see.

Now, as to the workers, the
men who do the actual labor,

they will be blindfolded and led
into the pyramid by these men.

On their way out, their
eyes will again be covered

so that they will not know
where they've been

or in what part of the pyramid
they have worked.

That at least sounds logical.

Have you any suggestions?

You seem to have thought
of everything, my lord.

Then the work
will begin tomorrow.

Oh, and, Hamar,
see that these men

have the best of food and wine,

slaves and pleasure
when their daily work is done.

- Mnh!
- Mnh!

Your goodness and charity
have pleased them, my lord.

Well, see that your work
pleases me, as well.

No man must loosen
his blindfold.

The penalty for knowing the way
to the inner chamber is death.

This man's working with me.

Make sure your blindfolds
are tight.

- Why are we stopping?
- Never mind.

Slip your blindfold a minute,
Senta. And go carefully.

This is a further test
to determine

if the workers can see.

They think of everything,
don't they?

There are many traps like this.
You'll need to remember them.

No. No, that stone goes in later
when you finish both sides.

- Do you understand?
- Mnh.

I'll come back.

Carefully. There are
three steps here.

Lift your blindfold a minute.

This is the beginning
of the labyrinth.

Most of these passages
are only to deceive.

We go on this way.

You may remove
your blindfold now.

But do not leave
under any circumstances

without putting it on.

This room is the exact center
of the pyramid

and will be the key to the
device for sealing the tomb.

When the trigger is released
in the burial chamber,

the stone will slide down
that ramp into this room

and set in motion forces
that will spread

throughout the pyramid.

Now, you'll begin the
construction on that wall there

according to these plans here,
as you see.

All ready down here.
Start it up slowly.

Up slowly.

- Senta.
- Yes, sir.

What is this figure
and this angle?

The figure is six.
The angle is three divisions.

Ah, thank you. I am going
to the upper chamber.

I should be back
in about an hour.

We have plenty to do.

You'd better get up there,
both of you.

See that the stone
is securely fastened.

Where is the architect Vashtar?

He left through
that passage, sire.

- Where does that lead to?
- We are not told, sire.

Get this off my leg.

Roll out.

Help me up.

You have a bad cut.
I'll stop the bleeding.

- Get some help.
- There isn't any help.

The mute priests are finished.

It will be an hour before
some of the others get back.

Tell me if I get it too tight.

It'll stop the bleeding
for a while.

You'll have to get out of here.
Can you walk if I help you?

It's no use. We can't
get out of the labyrinth.

- I don't remember the way.
- I do.

You?

See if you can walk.

Who are you that know
the secret of my tomb?

- I am a son of Vashtar.
- Then you are also aware --

Yes, I know the penalty
of knowing the secret.

Enough of this.
Stop fussing about nothing.

It's only a wound.
Anybody will think

it was the first time it'd ever
happened. Do something useful.

Get me a stick
so that I can walk.

Young man,
today you saved my life.

And I am not fool enough
to think

it was done
because of loyalty to me

but rather
because of your loyalty

to Vashtar the architect.

For when I die, he dies, too.

- Is that the reason?
- That was the only reason.

And you learned the secret
of the labyrinth from him.

I know the secret.
That should be sufficient.

No, it is not.

I believe that Vashtar's sight
is failing, sire.

Undoubtedly, they've shared
the secret of the work.

Is this true? Come, now!

If his sight is going,
it will be easy to find out.

- His eyes are failing.
- Young man,

I am asking you these questions
to justify myself

in allowing you to live
while I live

and to allow you to assist
Vashtar until the work is done.

I take it that's what you want.

That is true, sir.

Well, it merely means
that one more

will die when I die.

However, I must feel that
the secret is safe with you,

to be sure that you know
the fate of your people

if that secret is revealed.

- I know only too well.
- I believe you do.

And I believe
I can take that risk.

Thus, since you saved my life,

while I live,
you shall live well.

A palace, slaves, gold,
anything.

I live with my people.
I prefer to continue that way.

Vashtar raised you.
That's obvious.

Ask any reward,
and you shall have it instantly.

Anything within my power
to grant. Except one thing.

There's nothing that I --

Clumsy fool!
Look what you've done.

I am sorry, my lord.

This bottle contained a perfume
which you yourself gave me.

This stupid slave has
broken it. I was angry --

I did not break it.

You see? She is also insolent
and slow to obey.

I'm not a slave of yours
or anyone.

Silence. She will learn manners
and to obey orders.

I am not a slave.
I will not obey.

If she does not, see that
she is whipped until she does.

- Take her away.
- My lord, give me this slave.

You told me to ask for what I
wanted, and it'd be given to me.

The girl is mine, my lord.

You passed judgment.
Let it be fulfilled.

"Ask any reward, and you
shall have it instantly. "

Those were your words, sire.
I ask for the girl.

Take her.

What manner of judgment
is this?

- You give me a slave and then --
- Be still. I've given my word.

You have slaves enough
for your amusement, mistress.

Judgment here is mine
to be decreed

as I see fit
and to alter as I see fit.

Is that understood?

Yes, my lord.

Take the girl, Senta, and go.
She's yours.

Thank you, sire.

Don't you understand?

Had that man not saved
the Pharaoh, had he died today

or if he were to die tomorrow,
what would I be?

- You are his wife.
- No, only his second wife.

Today, he made a fool of me

before the real wife
and the whole court.

And if he were to die, I would
be nothing, have nothing

unless I were queen.

What are you trying to tell me?

That Queen Nailla must die.

No, no. No, Nellifer.

- Look at me, Treneh.
- I'm afraid to.

Afraid of what I see
in your face.

You want me, don't you?

Wouldn't you like to share
with me what would be mine?

- Wouldn't you?
- Not like that. We dare not.

Look at me. You say you love me.

Then you must choose
for us both.

Or for yourself,
while you are afraid to see

what you see in my face.

Look at me and choose.

Either I am yours
and you help me...

or I go on without you.

Which is it to be?

I'm glad it will be this way.

Now we must plan.

Tomorrow I shall start by
making a friend of the queen.

Whatever we do, it will be
dangerous with the Pharaoh here.

Then you must see that he goes
away while it is being done.

There's no use you just
sitting there saying nothing.

- What's your name, anyway?
- Kyra.

What part of our country
do you come from?

- Mekio.
- Young lady,

by any chance, can you cook?

- Of course I can cook.
- Well --

- But I won't.
- Oh.

Senta, you say Pharaoh
offered you a palace

and fine food and wines.

And you refused him
and took her instead.

You drive a shrewd bargain.

Look.
Why don't you stop sulking?

Don't you realize
they were going to whip you?

- Then I'm not your slave?
- No.

Whoever heard of a slave
having a slave?

Is this what you have
been eating?

- Every day.
- Have you any black pepper?

- Yes.
- And a little garlic.

- Yes.
- And bay leaves?

- Yes.
- And some rice?

And mint and sugar for cakes?

Yes, but if we haven't,
I'll soon get it.

Maybe you didn't do so badly
after all.

- Greetings, my lord priest.
- Greetings, Captain.

Well, Captain?

My lord, I thought
this might interest you.

How did you come by this,
Captain?

Came from one of the workmen
on the pyramid.

One of the new arrivals.

- A slave with such treasure?
- Yes, sire.

He came to me
because he was very ill.

He was hoping to buy
his freedom with that.

Where did he get this?

He said it came from
his native land of Tiba.

Then he told me of a tomb,

a tomb which was found
under the sand in a valley

near the village of Byblos.

He said the tomb
contained a vast treasure

of which this is only
a small thing.

- Has any of this been reported?
- No, sire.

Where is the man now?

Unfortunately, he died
during the night, sire.

I cannot vouch for him.
This statue is the only proof.

Where is the rest
of the treasure?

According to the slave,
it's still in the tomb.

A small force could reach Byblos
in five days, sire.

Sooner the better. The slave
could have told others.

Possibly, sire. That's why
I came to you immediately.

My lord, the wound in your leg
has not yet completely healed.

The exercise will do it good.
I'll go tomorrow.

- You've done well, Captain.
- Thank you, sire.

May I come in?

- Good evening, Nellifer.
- Good evening, Your Majesty.

- Good evening, Xenon.
- Good evening, Lady Nellifer.

I've brought a present
for Xenon.

- Do you hear that, Xenon?
- What did you bring me?

- Is it a flute?
- Not just a flute.

A magic flute.

And when you learn to play it,
it will do amazing things.

Will you show me how?

You sit down,
and I'll show you now.

Now, watch carefully.

It is very pretty.

If I learn to play it,
what magic will it bring?

When you learn then you shall
see. Now, I'll do it again.

The cobra will always come
to the sound of the flute.

You've done well.

Bring the snake
in a strong basket.

Be careful that no one sees you.

Xenon, it is time
for you to go to bed.

Just a little while, please?

Very well,
but just for a few minutes.

It's very nice, Xenon.
Just keep on playing.

Don't stop.
Just keep on playing.

You better go, quickly.

And don't come back tonight.

Such a cruel way to die.

She was so gentle, so kind.

What a terrible accident.

And the young prince
was not harmed?

Oh, no, my lord. The
queen's body protected him.

Can you account
for what happened?

The serpent must have been
drawn to the music of the flute.

We all encouraged him
to learn to play it.

Even the queen herself, after
Lady Nellifer gave it to him.

You say Lady Nellifer
gave it to him?

Yes, she seemed
very fond of him.

Who could have foreseen
that this would happen?

- You may go now.
- Yes, my lord.

My lady. My lady.

I told you not to come back
here tonight.

It was necessary. Hamar sent
a messenger to Pharaoh.

I'm not surprised.
It's his duty to do so.

Also, Your Majesty, he has sent

men to every city
in the kingdom

to question any man
who deals with serpents --

every fakir,
every handler of snakes.

- He suspects, then.
- Why else should he do it?

That is dangerous.

We must be rid of the man
who gave us the snake.

Nabuna will silence him.
Nabuna!

No. Wait. I have a better plan.

Where will Hamar's messenger
find the Pharaoh?

At the oasis of Solaar. But what
good will that do you to go?

- If Hamar finds --
- I will not go. Nabuna will go.

- What?
- Why not?

With Pharaoh dead,
let Hamar learn what he can.

Because then
I shall rule in Egypt.

Nabuna will not fail.
Will you, Nabuna?

- No, my lady.
- Do you agree?

- Yes.
- Then tell him the way.

The oasis is near the border
of Tiba. On the road to Byblos.

The queen is dead.

It's hard to believe.

I should not have left.

You're sure
my son was not harmed?

Only badly frightened, sire.

We leave for Luxor at dawn.

See that the men rest and the
camels are ready to start then.

- Yes, sire.
- Leave me, all of you.

Guard! Guard!

Who are you? Why did you --

You're Nellifer's slave.

Who told you to do this? Speak.

Who told you? Was it her doing?

Did she order it? Did she?!

This slave tried to kill me.
I want to know why.

Well, just don't stand there.
Make him talk.

He's got to talk.

The man is dead, sire.

Only a few knew where I was.
She was one of them.

Be careful, sire.
The wound is not serious --

- I know that.
- But you must not move.

Bandage it well!

You, prepare the fastest camels.

- I ride for Luxor tonight.
- But, sire, your wound --

I am the best judge of that!
Do as you're ordered, at once!

Do you remember?

You said to me once,
"If it were mine to give..."

It is not yet mine to give.
But you wanted it.

I wanted it for a long time.

- Now it is yours.
- Yes.

Soon, all will be mine.

Nabuna should be back tonight.

Before morning. Unless he fails.

- What's the matter?
- Nothing. I...

I suddenly felt cold as if...

as though...

What is the old saying?

As though someone
walked on your grave.

Hold me. Tight.

- What's that?
- Camels.

A small troop of camels.

Stay here, all of you.

The camels are part
of Pharaoh's bodyguard.

They could be bringing word.

You must go.

You shouldn't be here.
Something tell--

Why do you come and see me
when the Pharaoh is gone?!

Even my slave is not here!
Is that your doing?

Did you send him away?!
Answer me!

Oh, by the gods,
you shall answer to Pharaoh

when he returns!

He shall answer to me now.

Oh, my lord.

- Traitor. Coward.
- Sire.

You were afraid to strike
with your own hand.

Let me speak, sire.

Now you shall die by mine.

So should all traitors die.

Nellifer. Nellifer.

Yes, my lord?

Call Hamar. Quickly.

Yes, my lord.

You were badly hurt, sire.

I am dying.

Call Hamar. I must talk to him.

I've already called him.

Come closer,
so that I can see your face.

Nellifer.

I thought it was your doing.

Because your slave attacked me.

- I'm glad it was not.
- Yes, my lord.

"Not both," you said.
Remember?

"Not both. Choose."

Over and over again,
you said, "Choose. "

And I chose.

And now you are my queen.

Where is Hamar?

He is coming, sire.

We've not much time.

I am dying, and you are to live.

I ask only one thing of you.

Promise that I shall be buried
as I planned.

Promise me.

Yes, I promise.

That's all I ask.

Just that you...

What is this?

There is only one way
you could have come by this.

- So it was you!
- Yes.

And you can know now.

I planned it all, and it's
turned out as I hoped it would.

And do you hear that?

I told you once
that your treasure was

too much for one man.

And do you hear that, too?

You think
that you will cheat me?

You think that I shall not
live long enough to see you die?

You will see.

Guard! Guard!

Hamar.

I need you. Help me.

You were right.

- He's dead.
- Are you sure?

The heralds are going through
the city telling the people.

- May he find peace.
- How did he die, Mikka?

They didn't say.

I didn't expect it so suddenly.
Did you, sir?

No, I didn't.

I thought we'd finish our work,
our people would go free,

and that we would have a number
of years still to live.

You must go. Both of you.

Now. Before they come.

No, Kyra.

If we were to run now, all
we've worked for would be lost.

But don't be frightened.
Nothing can happen to us

until our task is completed.

How much remains to be done?

Not very much.

- Hamar.
- Yes, my prince?

Must we wait
for Queen Nellifer, Hamar?

It is your duty, my prince.

I am afraid I'm going to cry.

- I don't want them to see me.
- Oh, no, no, my prince.

You will not cry.
You're your father's son.

Yes, Hamar.

We share each other's sorrow,
Prince Xenon.

Thank you. May I go now, Hamar?

Yes, my prince.

It is my wish that the doors to
the treasure vaults be opened.

It shall be as you wish,
Your Majesty.

What is all this?

All the doors are open.
It's gone.

Where is the treasure?

In that place
for which it was destined,

the tomb in the pyramid.

- By whose orders?
- By Pharaoh's orders.

It's quite safe, Your Majesty.
His own guards protect it.

It is I now who decides
what is safe in Egypt.

- Yes, Your Majesty.
- Have it brought here at once.

When you are in fact the queen,
you will be obeyed

by myself, as by all.

What do you say?
That I'm not the queen?

According to the laws of Egypt,

when you have given burial
to Pharaoh,

when his body is laid
within the tomb,

you will inherit
all that was his --

the treasure, the power,
the state.

Until then, the will
of the Pharaoh lives on.

The treasure remains in
the tomb. That is the law.

When is the burial?

According to custom,
30 days from now.

- And then I rule in Egypt.
- Yes, Your Majesty.

One more thing.

Why did you allow me to come
down here to find this out?

Shall we say
I would save Her Majesty

from being told in public?

My lord priest, I'm well aware
of your hostility and enmity.

May I say that
the feeling is mutual.

Within 30 days, I --

A long time ago, Your Majesty,
I made a pact.

I swore to be buried
with my friend and ruler.

Therefore, madam, when you
are queen, I will not be here.

And you no longer
need to worry about me.

- Mikka.
- Yes, Vashtar?

Perhaps it's time
we talked of a few plans.

Now, yours will be
the responsibility of

leading our people home
across the desert.

I want you to see they carry
with them only what's necessary,

for many will be tempted to
take more than they should.

Have they told you
when we may go?

Hamar has promised
that you're to be freed

when Pharaoh is buried
two days from now.

Vashtar, you've never told me
or our people,

and we ought to know.

How are you and Senta to --

- What is to be the manner of --
- I don't know.

I believe that
Hamar intends to be sealed

in the tomb with Pharaoh.

He and the mute priests.

I can only presume it will be
the same for Senta and myself.

But he hasn't told you
it'll be so.

Not yet. Tomorrow,
I'm to show him

the device for sealing the tomb.

Perhaps we shall know then.

- Please, Kyra, don't.
- We have so little time.

- So little
- I know, my darling, I know.

Hold me. Hold me close to you.

My lord priest, yesterday
Senta asked me a question

that I could not answer.
Maybe you would?

Certainly, if I can.

These boats, sir.
What are they for?

They are solar boats, for
Pharaoh to use after his burial.

They are the means
by which Pharaoh will journey

across the skies with the sun
with the God Horus.

Each day, they will sail
from east to west.

And each night,
Pharaoh will return to the east

by the river which runs
under the earth.

I see.

Again, you'll probably
not agree with our beliefs.

Tell me, Vashtar.
What remains to be done?

Only the setting
of the mechanism.

Apart from that,
our work is finished.

You remember the stone we
lowered for Pharaoh and you

so many years ago?

Very well.

This is exactly the same.

When those bits of earthenware
are broken,

the sand will run out,

and the cover of the sarcophagus
will be lowered.

While it's coming down,
the lever will release

a stone in the chamber
beneath this one.

That stone will set in motion

all the forces
for sealing the pyramid.

How long will it take?

Within a few moments of that
cover coming down,

every passage will be closed.

- Only this room will remain.
- Are you certain of this?

Once that starts down, no power
on Earth can stop the rest.

That will be the end.

You have done well, Vashtar.
very well.

You have lived up
to your bargain.

Now as to our part
of the bargain...

I will give orders that when
the burial procession starts

your people will be released.

Those orders
will include both of you.

You may lead your people home.

- You mean that --
- Yes, my friends.

There is no need
for either of you to die.

When the tomb is sealed,
the secret evaporates.

When it's solid stone,
what does the way

through the labyrinth matter?

I will believe always
or choose to believe

you planned it this way.

I also believe

Pharaoh would approve
of what I'm doing.

Will you set the mechanism now?

People of Egypt...

in this moment, our Pharaoh puts
down the burden of this life.

Let his lawful successor
now claim

the power and the glory
that was his.

Are you, Nellifer,
prepared to do this?

I, Nellifer, wife to Pharaoh

as regent for his son and heir

do assume the burden
he has put down.

Are you then prepared
to give him burial

according to our laws
and customs

that you may inherit
that which was his?

I am prepared.

For the last time,

we will pay homage
to our Pharaoh.

All is ready, Your Majesty.

You must give the order,
Your Majesty.

The order is given.

It is done, Your Majesty.

Then, I, Nellifer,
am now queen of Egypt.

And I order...

What is this?

The tomb is being sealed,
Your Majesty.

No.

No!

Show me the way out!
I command you!

- Show me the way!
- There's no way out.

This is what you lied and
schemed and murdered to achieve.

- This is your kingdom.
- No, no!

I don't wanna die!
I don't wanna die!

I don't want to die!
Please help me!

I don't want to die!

So it's finished.

A structure to house one man

and the greatest treasure
of all time.

And a structure
to last for all time.

Only history will tell that.

Will he be remembered?

I don't think
I'll ever forget him.

Yes, he'll be remembered.

The pyramid will keep
his memory alive.

And that he built better
than he knew.

Come. We have a long way to go.