==========================
CHARMED
6X08: SWORD AND THE CITY
==========================

FADE IN:

[EXT. HALLIWELL MANOR -- MORNING]

(Establish.)

[INT. MANOR - KITCHEN -- MORNING]

(PAIGE and RICHARD MONTANA quietly walk into the kitchen.)

RICHARD MONTANA: Looks like they're all asleep. Maybe I should sneak out of
here.

PAIGE: No.

(She turns around in his arms and slowly walks backward further into the
kitchen.)

PAIGE: Why don't you stay for breakfast? How do you like your eggs?

RICHARD MONTANA: What about your sisters?

PAIGE: What about them?

(PAIGE trips over a pair of legs sticking out from under the sink. She slips
out of Richard's hold and falls backward.)

PAIGE: Aah!

RICHARD MONTANA: Whoa!

(PIPER stands up and brushes the dirt off her clothes.)

PIPER: (to PAIGE) Oh! Sorry. You ok?

(PAIGE gets to her feet.)

PAIGE: What are you doing?

PIPER: Trying to fix the garbage disposal. What are you doing?

(PIPER'S eyes shift and she sees RICHARD standing there.)

PAIGE: Messing around.

PIPER: Oh ...heh.

RICHARD MONTANA: Oh, hey, sorry. I should have told you I was here, right?

PIPER: No, don't be silly. Paige is a big girl. She can hang out all she
wants to, not that she does, a lot. I mean --

PAIGE: You can stop now.

PIPER: Great.

(He notices the clogged sink with Froot Loops floating on top murky waters and offers to help.)

RICHARD MONTANA: Hey, do you mind if I take a look?

PIPER: Sure. Go ahead.

RICHARD MONTANA: Ok.

(He steps forward and flicks the disposal switch on.)

PAIGE: What's wrong with the disposal anyway?

PIPER: Not disposing. Washer not washing. Cable not cabling.

PAIGE: Don't forget the sink upstairs.

PIPER: That's next on my list.

PAIGE: Sounds like fun.

PIPER: That's my life, actually, all about fun.

(RICHARD holds his hand over the clogged sink and magically unclogs it.)

RICHARD MONTANA: There you go, as good as new.

PAIGE: (smiling) Hey, he's handy to have around.

PIPER: (wary) Yeah. I thought you didn't use magic anymore.

RICHARD MONTANA: Just once in a while for little things. You want me to fix
the washer?

PIPER: No.
PAIGE: Yes!

(PHOEBE walks into the kitchen busy looking at the earrings in her hands.)

PHOEBE: Can you guys help me pick out some earrings?

(She looks up and sees RICHARD standing in the kitchen. Her smile is more
hesitant than welcoming.)

PHOEBE: Hi. I didn't know you were here.

RICHARD MONTANA: Hey, yeah. Well, we got in late last night.

PHOEBE: I see.

PIPER: He fixed the garbage disposal.

PHOEBE: Really?

PIPER: Mm-hmm. Magically.

PHOEBE: (not thrilled) Really?

(She looks at RICHARD who looks away awkwardly.)

PHOEBE: (to PIPER) Can you help me with my earrings out here, please?

PIPER: Sure.

(PHOEBE turns and leaves the room. PIPER grabs her tools and follows her out
the kitchen.)

PIPER: Excuse me.

(RICHARD watches them leave. PAIGE turns to RICHARD.)

PAIGE: So how do you like your eggs, scrambled or over-easy?

CUT TO:

[DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS]

(PIPER has the phone in her hand and the tool kit in the other as she exits the
kitchen and enters the dining room area.)

PHOEBE: Ok, listen, was that weird?

(PHOEBE stands up and moves into the main hall. PIPER follows her.)

PIPER: Why are you so dressed up?

PHOEBE: Because I have a date with Jason, but that's besides the point. Didn't
Richard lose it the last time he used magic? I mean, like, really lose it?

PIPER: Uh, I can assure you that he stayed in complete control over the garbage
disposal. It's 7:00 in the morning, how can you have a date?

PHOEBE: Oh, 'cause it's 7:00 here, but it's evening in Hong Kong. Ok, so
you're not concerned about Richard using magic?

PIPER: Yeah, I am, but I'm more concerned with Paige being really pissed off
because we've butted into her business again.

PHOEBE: Yeah, I know, but we're sisters. That's what we're supposed to do.

PIPER: Back to your date: I don't understand. Is Chris orbing you to Hong
Kong?

PHOEBE: No. We're video-conferencing. We just open our laptops, and there we
are, in color.

PIPER: Mm-hmm. In each other's laps.

PHOEBE: So do you think we should talk to Paige ... about ... Richard?

PIPER: We don't really know him.

PHOEBE: I know. We don't, and neither does she. That's the problem.

(PHOEBE suddenly realizes that PIPER is leveling her a "look".)

PHOEBE: What? Can't I worry?

PIPER: From afar, yeah. Now, excuse me. I have to go unclog a sink.

(PIPER takes her tools and leaves. PHOEBE nods as she goes, then holds up the
earrings trying to decide which ones to wear.)

CUT TO:

[INT. BATHROOM - DAY -- CONTINUOUS]

(Carrying her tool kit, PIPER walks into the bathroom and stares at the clogged
sink.)

PIPER: (mutters) Well, maybe a little magic couldn't hurt.

(She puts her tool kit aside and sighs. As she stares at the clogged sink, the
water beings to bubble and the image of a woman rises out of the sink.)

LADY OF THE LAKE: Help me!

(PIPER takes a step back.)

CUT TO:

[EXT. HARDING PARK - LAKE - DAY]

(PAIGE orbs PHOEBE and PIPER to the park. PIPER starts to look around the
area.)

PAIGE: Ok, so watery lady pops up from the sink. You sure she's not a demon?

PIPER: I'm sure she needed help.

PHOEBE: What else did she say?

PIPER: That was it: Harding park, pond, and poof.

(From the center of the pond, the water begins to bubble and surge. Out through
the center, the tip of a sword rises up toward the air.)

PIPER: Over there.

(They watch as the sword emerges, then the LADY holding the sword rises up and
out of the lake.)

(The LADY glides through the water and moves toward them. She's made out of the
image of water. As she reaches land, the water transforms into flesh. She approaches PIPER.)

(Off to the side, the DARK KNIGHT appears out of nowhere.)

(The LADY rushes toward PIPER.)

LADY OF THE LAKE: They're coming! Take this. It does not belong to them.

(As she rushes forward toward PIPER, THE DARK KNIGHT unsheathes a knife and
throws it at the LADY. It hits her square in the center of her back. She
releases the sword and it flies through the air and falls into the thick trees.)

(THE DARK KNIGHT gasps.)

(PAIGE, PHOEBE and PIPER rush to check on the LADY on the ground.)

(The DARK KNIGHT turns around and two EXECUTIONER DEMONS appear each carrying
their own axe. They step forward, past the DARK KNIGHT.)

(PHOEBE and PAIGE stand up to fight them leaving PIPER to attend to the wounded
LADY.)

(THE DARK KNIGHT holds out his hand and a sword materializes in his grip. He
starts to swing his sword with practiced ease.)

(The EXECUTIONER DEMON rushes forward. PHOEBE grabs his wrist and elbows him in
the ribs. He doubles over in pain.)

(PAIGE steps forward toward the SECOND EXECUTIONER DEMON. He swings, just
barely missing her in the abdomen. He swings high, she ducks.)

PAIGE: Axe!

(The axe orbs out of the EXECUTIONER DEMON'S hands and into hers. She swings
and hits him over the neck. He bursts into fire and flame, the disappears)

(PAIGE looks up and sees PHOEBE head butt the EXECUTIONER DEMON, swing him
around, grab the axe out from his hand and hit him in the stomach with it. He
bursts into fire and flame.)

(She exhales.)

(Meanwhile, PIPER kneels next to the LADY. THE DARK KNIGHT steps toward them
and swings his sword around. He points the sword at PIPER. PIPER blasts him,
hitting his shield. He takes a couple steps backward from the brunt of the
blast.)

(PHOEBE and PAIGE step forward to face the DARK KNIGHT.)

PHOEBE: I'm liking these odds.

(Reconsidering the odds, The DARK KNIGHT shimmers out. PHOEBE and PAIGE drop their axes.)

PAIGE: Wuss.

(They turn around to check on the LADY.)

LADY IN THE LAKE: The sword. The sword is ...

(The LADY IN THE LAKE dies. Her body glows white and dissipates into water.)

PHOEBE: Where'd she go? What did she say?

PIPER: She said something about the sword. Where is it?

(PAIGE looks around and sees it.)

PAIGE: It's in the stone.

(Camera moves in slowly toward the SWORD in the STONE.)

PHOEBE: The sword in the stone?

(PAIGE rolls her eyes and nods her head.)

PIPER: (exasperated) Oh, you gotta be kidding me, right?

(Camera holds on the SWORD as it gleams in the sunlight.)

FADE TO
END OF TEASER
ROLL TITLE CREDITS

(COMMERCIAL SET)

FADE IN.

[EXT. VARIOUS SAN FRANCISCO CITY (STOCK) - DAY]

[EXT. MANOR - DAY]

[INT. MANOR - CONSERVATORY -- DAY]

(PIPER sweeps up the mess on the conservatory floor around the huge bolder with
the sword protruding from it.)

PIPER: Ok, could you, maybe, miss the table?

PAIGE: Um, I'm sorry. I've never orbed anything that heavy before or that ...
historic.

(As RICHARD stares at the sword, it glows gold.)

RICHARD MONTANA: Is that glowing?

(As soon as PIPER turns to look at it, the sword stops glowing.)

PIPER: No. It's the sun room. There's a lotta light.

PAIGE: What part of this reality aren't you getting -- Sword, Stone, Lady in
Lake?

PIPER: It was a pond.

RICHARD MONTANA: You think she's from Avalon?

PAIGE: Yeah. I think she was flushed out by whoever's after Excalibur, the
maker of kings.

PIPER: Look, we're not talking about Camelot, right? Because that's not real.

PAIGE: So you're saying you never believed in King Arthur and the Knights of
the Round Table?

PIPER: Yes, I did when I was 7, and then I grew up.

PAIGE: Yeah. You grew up to be a witch that fights demons and silly-looking
dragons.

PIPER: That's different. That's real.

PAIGE: And this isn't real?

PIPER: What is real are those hooded freaks.

RICHARD MONTANA: Who are not gonna give up, now that the sword's out in the
open.

PIPER: How do you know?

RICHARD MONTANA: Whoever has Excalibur is unstoppable.

(PHOEBE walks down the stairs carrying the Book of Shadows. RICHARD looks up at
her warily.)

PHOEBE: Ok, there's definitely nothing in the book --

(PHOEBE looks up and sees RICHARD.)

PHOEBE: Oh, hi! How you doing?

PIPER: Phoebe, please, put a stop to this nonsense.

PHOEBE: Didn't realize you were still here.

PAIGE: That's ok. You can talk freely in front of him. Lord knows, he' been
through enough.

PHOEBE: (mutters) No, not really.

PIPER: (warning) Phoebe.

RICHARD MONTANA: Look, guys, I should probably go.

PHOEBE: Ah! Don't be ridiculous. It's great.

PAIGE: Ok, anyway, Book, Excalibur ... ?

PHOEBE: Yeah. Nothin'. Nada.

PAIGE: Really?

PIPER: Told ya.

PAIGE: You know, hey, maybe it's been out of circulation since ye olden days,
and maybe no Halliwell has ever come across it before.

PHOEBE: Well, we have run across these guys, executioner demons, lower-level
bad asses for hire.

(PHOEBE opens the book and looks at a page about the EXECUTIONER DEMONS. It
reads:

"Minions of a low order. Demonic mercenaries incapable of original
thoughts or deed. Usually found in the employ of higher level demons
or mortals proficient in dark arts.

"Vanquishing with own weapons or a spectrum of valerian potions." )

PIPER: Who hired them?

(She flips to another page on the DARK KNIGHT.)

PHOEBE: Uhh! This ... higher-level bad ass:

(PIPER walks over and reads it.)

PIPER: (reading) "A power-mad paladin of destruction."

PAIGE: Huh. Maybe--you know, maybe we should just kinda hang out later.

RICHARD MONTANA: Yeah. Ok. Bye.

(RICHARD heads for the door.)

PIPER: Bye.

(PAIGE gives them a look, then follows RICHARD to the door.)

[FOYER - DAY -- CONTINUOUS]

(RICHARD and PAIGE walk toward the front door.)

RICHARD MONTANA: Be careful with all this.

PAIGE: Always. I had a ... a really good time last night.

RICHARD MONTANA: Me, too.

PAIGE: What?

RICHARD MONTANA: Uh, I just don't think your sisters like me very much.

PAIGE: That's not true.

RICHARD MONTANA: Really?

PAIGE: Maybe they're just doing the overprotective-sister thing.

RICHARD MONTANA: Hmm. Well, that's a good thing 'cause I don't want anything
to happen to you.

PAIGE: Don't worry.

(He steps forward, kisses her cheek and gives her a hug.)

[CONSERVATORY - CONTINUOUS]

(PHOEBE cranes her neck and watches PAIGE with RICHARD while PIPER continues to
read from the Book.)

PIPER: So he's an upper-level demon, which means, you should be able to make a
vanquishing potion.

PHOEBE: (absently) Ok. (then realizes) Wait. Me? Why me?

(PHOEBE goes back to looking at PAIGE, but PIPER interrupts her.)

PIPER: Because ... hello! ... I have a few hundred things to do around here, in
addition to raising a small child.

(PHOEBE draper her arm around PIPER'S shoulder.)

PHOEBE: I know. You have so much to do. You're my hero, but I can't. I have
to go to work. I still don't have an assistant, and I'm swamped.

(PHOEBE beelines it for the front door.)

PIPER: But -- Phoebe?

(PAIGE walks into the Conservatory and heads back to the rest of the house when
PIPER calls out to her.)

PIPER: (hopefully) Paige, potion?

(PAIGE turns around to look at PIPER.)

PAIGE: Oh, I'm sorry, honey. The temp agency's already got me a new job.

PIPER: But that hardly compares with --

(PIPER motions to the sword ... and the boulder.)

PAIGE: Come on. You know there's a magical reason that I've had every one of
these jobs, and who am I to interfere with Destiny?

PIPER: Ok, so you want me to add "baby-sit the sword" and "mix vanquishing
potion" to my never-ending to-do list?

PAIGE: Look, sword is stuck in the stone. You know it. I know it. The bad
guys know it. And nobody's gonna get it out until King Arthur pulls it out, and
when that happens, there'll be lots of fireworks.

PIPER: And when might that be?

PAIGE: How should I know? Maybe a couple thousand years?

(PAIGE turns to leave the room, then something occurs to her. She stops and
turns around considering the possibility. PIPER watches PAIGE, puzzled by her
behavior.)

(PAIGE walks over to the sword, gets a good grip on the handle and gives it a
firm tug. And a pull. And another tug for good measure. She grunts with
exertion.)

(She lets go of the sword's handle.)

PAIGE: (shrugs) Well, you can't blame a girl for trying.

(PAIGE leaves the room.)

(PIPER sighs as she watches PAIGE go, then turns to look at the sword ... in the
rock.)

(Camera re-focuses on the sword.)

FLASH TO WHITE:

[INT. DEMON CAVE]

(Seething, THE DARK KNIGHT slams THE EXECUTIONER DEMON up against the wall, the
point of his sword held at his neck.)

DARK KNIGHT: Oh, but I do blame you. The sword is now locked in stone. You
promised me murderers. What you delivered was cannon fodder for witches!

EXECUTIONER DEMON: Those weren't just witches.

DARK KNIGHT: Tell me, demon, will your thick head still spout excuses when it's
cut from your neck?

EXECUTIONER DEMON: If the sword is with The Charmed Ones, it means we need a
better class of executioners. That's all.

(This makes sense and he lets him go.)

DARK KNIGHT: And how much more will this cost me?

EXECUTIONER DEMON: The Charmed Ones are formidable.

DARK KNIGHT: How much?!

EXECUTIONER DEMON: To provide you with more executioners and the training
needed to drown the charmed ones in their own blood ...

(The EXECUTIONER DEMON walks toward the round table.)

EXECUTIONER DEMON: ... a seat at the table. (He turns around.) If your goal
is to unite all evil under the corrupted power of the sword, you could do far
worse than have me at your side.

CUT TO:

[INT. BAY MIRROR - PHOEBE'S OFFICE - DAY]

(As PHOEBE works at her desk, a SECRETARY walks up carrying a stack of file
folders and puts it down on PHOEBE'S already cluttered desk. PHOEBE looks up.)

SECRETARY: Responses to last week's columns.

PHOEBE: Wha-- ? How'd you get into my e-mail?

SECRETARY: Your e-mail account is maxed-out, so your fans are using ours.

PHOEBE: (grumbles) Oh, I'll tell you, Elise better find me a new assistant
because, pretty soon, she's gonna have to ask Phoebe to take my foot out of
her--

(PHOEBE'S phone rings. PHOEBE pushes papers and files aside to find the phone.
She answers it.)

PHOEBE: (to phone) Hello? Phoebe Halliwell. Oh. Hey, Laura. Uh, I have that
down for ...

(PHOEBE searches for, finds and looks at her appointment book. She groans.)

PHOEBE: ... this morning. Oh, my god, I missed it. I'm so sorry. No. Of
course I can reschedule, absolutely.

PAIGE: Ahem!

(PHOEBE looks up and sees PAIGE waving to her from the doorway. PHOEBE closes
her appointment book and sets it down.)

PHOEBE: (to phone) Actually, Laura, can I call you back when I have my book
right in front of me. Ok, great. I'm so sorry. Thanks. Bye.

(PHOEBE hangs up.)

PHOEBE: Hi. (She rests her head down on her crossed arms folded on her
cluttered desk.) (muffled) I thought you had a new temp job today.

PAIGE: I do.

PHOEBE: (muffled) Why aren't you there?

PAIGE: Apparently, I am.

(PHOEBE looks up at PAIGE.)

PHOEBE: (surprised) What? Here?

PAIGE: Yep.

PHOEBE: As my assistant?

PAIGE: Well, I think I prefer to be called your Desk Manager.

PHOEBE: Wait. But I thought you get all of your temp jobs for divine reasons.

PAIGE: Usually I do.

PHOEBE: Yeah, but I don't need divine help. I need filing and faxing and desk
management help.

PAIGE: I'm your girl. I really am. We'll just, you know, see if the divine
stuff kind of appears later. It usually does.

PHOEBE: Yeah, but I can't tell you what to do. I mean, how weird is that?

PAIGE: Well, it's no weirder than usual.

PHOEBE: Oh. I see.

PAIGE: Just kidding. Sort of. Listen, you get back to your column. I will
call Laura and reschedule. I will ...

(PAIGE grabs a stack of messages off of the desk and riffles through the pieces
of paper.)

PAIGE: ... help ... stuff.

CUT TO:

[INT. MANOR - UTILITY ROOM -- DAY]

(The washing machine is running ... and thumping ... loudly. Soap suds seep out
from the cover and run down the side of the machine. PIPER stands in front of
it with her arms crossed, looking down at it. Finally, she puts the wrench down
on the dryer, reaches behind the washing machine and pulls out the plug.)

(Silence.)

PHOEBE: Perfect.

(She drops the plug, turns around and heads into the kitchen to check on her
potion on the stove.)

[KITCHEN - DAY - CONTINUOUS]

(The pot on the stove is boiling over. She turns the stove off.)

PIPER: (grimaces) Ew.

(She grabs a cloth to wipe up the mess.)

HEAD DWARF: (o.s.) Hey, Lady!

(PIPER looks then steps around the cluttered table where she finds the HEAD
DWARF standing in her kitchen.)

HEAD DWARF: We could really use an authority figure out there.

PIPER: What are you doing here?

HEAD DWARF: What am I doing here? I'm getting pushed around. I just lost my
place in line.

PIPER: What line?

(The HEAD DWARF turns around and walks out of the kitchen.)

PIPER: Wh-- ...

(PIPER follows him.)

CUT TO:

[CONSERVATORY - DAY - CONTINUOUS]

(The HEAD DWARF leads PIPER back to the Conservatory where there's a ... line. A really long line.)

PIPER: But--what's going on here?

(Standing in a line waiting for their turn to pull out the Sword from the really
big rock are magical creatures of all shapes, sizes, gender and varieties.)

PIPER: What is this?

HEAD DWARF: Natural selection. Naturally, I hope the sword selects me to be
king, finally get a little respect around here.

SATYR: Pfft.

(The magical creatures laugh at the thought.)

PIPER: Oh, you people, you creatures, whatever, you can't be here. You gotta
go.

OGRE: We have a divine right to try our hand.

(The breath. The stench.)

PIPER: Phew! Wow.

HEAD DWARF: Yeah. Ten feet's pretty much the distance.

SATYR: Eh, back of the line, please. Hoof it, sister.

PIPER: Chris? Chris?! Get down here.

(LEO orbs into the room.)

PIPER: Where's Chris?

LEO: Busy.

(LEO looks around and sees the commotion.)

LEO: What's going on?

PIPER: (re: CHRIS) Busy with what?

LEO: Other charges. I took him off your account again.

PIPER: Our account?

LEO: You know what I mean.

(LEO finally sees the huge boulder with the sword sticking out of it.)

LEO: (mesmerized) Whoa. Is that what I think it is?

PIPER: No! No, it's not! Ok? Now, look, you've gotta get all these people
outta here because I can't do this right now.

(LEO steps forward, however, it's the SATYR'S turn at the sword. He takes
exception and stops him.)

SATYR: Get--hey! Hey! No cuts, buddy.

(LEO looks at PIPER and shrugs. Camera holds on the disgruntled HEAD DWARF.)

CUT TO:

[INT. BAY MIRROR - BULLPEN - DAY]

(The meeting lets out and PHOEBE walks out with the other staffers. She looks
at the secretary sitting behind her desk in the bullpen.)

SECRETARY: How was the staff meeting?

PHOEBE: Endless. How's my new assistant working out?

SECRETARY: She put a fire under the interns. That's for sure.

PHOEBE: Really? Hmm.

(PHOEBE heads for her office.)

CUT TO:

[INT. BAY MIRROR - PHOEBE'S OFFICE -- DAY]

(PAIGE sits behind PHOEBE'S clean and organized desk.)

PAIGE: Ok, who can help me with that?

(In front of her, the three male interns sit side-by-side on the small couch.
They all eagerly raise their hands. PAIGE selects the one on the left.)

PAIGE: Great. You got it. And what about collating and cross-referencing?

(The other two interns raise their hands.)

PAIGE: You, and so you would have data-basing. All right. Great.

(PHOEBE peers into her office.)

PAIGE: You boys have your marching orders. I will check back with you in a
couple hours.

(The interns stand up and leave the office. PHOEBE walks in, amazed by how
clean it is.)

PHOEBE: Wow! Who works here?

PAIGE: You do. Who rocks? That would be me. By the end of the day, we're
gonna have a system in place that tracks your column ideas, your columns
written, and your columns considered, plus a separate file for your questions,
comments, and fan mail.

PHOEBE: I can't believe it.

PAIGE: Well, believe it, because you, my dear, are never going to miss anything
again.

PHOEBE: That's good!

(PHOEBE rushes to sit behind her desk as PAIGE steps aside.)

PAIGE: It is good news because you, my dear, need to concentrate.

PHOEBE: Yes, I do.

PAIGE: Yes, you do, starting with tomorrow's column.

PHOEBE: I already wrote tomorrow's column.

PAIGE: (nods) Yeah, you did.

(PHOEBE starts to type, then pauses.)

PHOEBE: Uh, is there a problem with it?

PAIGE: Well, I mean, I'm no expert, but I was just thinking about this one
question: Ok, the girl's family wants her to break up with him because they
think he's an alcoholic, and, absent of any proof, you're telling her to end it.

PHOEBE: Well, you know, not really end it, just slow it down a bit.

PAIGE: Ok, but slowing it down by not seeing each other is, in effect, ending
it.

PHOEBE: (mutters) I just think you should keep your eyes open.

PAIGE: Keep MY eyes open?

PHOEBE: (tries to cover) I mean--I mean, I think that SHE should keep her eyes
open. You know what I mean.

PAIGE: Yeah. This column's about Richard and I, isn't it?

PHOEBE: No, it is not about Richard. Don't be ridiculous.

PAIGE: You hate him. I can tell, and, what's worse, he can tell.

PHOEBE: Look, Paige, if you're sensing anything from me, it's just concern.
I'm concerned that you're falling too fast for a guy you barely know.

(PAIGE appears to seethe at that comment.)

PHOEBE: But, you know, it's none of my business.

PAIGE: You're right. It's not any of your business.

PHOEBE: Right.

(LEO orbs into the office.)

LEO: Hey, Piper needs your help, now.

CUT TO:

[EXT. MANOR - DAY]

[INT. MANOR - CONSERVATORY -- DAY]

(Back at the boulder ... up on deck is a fairy. She pulls, she tugs, she
flutters and grunts. After a moment, the OGRE slaps the fairy away and she
flies across the room -- past the line and past PIPER -- hitting the door glass
with a thud. She slides down the glass with a whimper.)

(PIPER sits back on the chair, too pooped to try to get rid of the line. Too
smart to try.)

OGRE: Pest.

(The ORGE reaches down both hands to pull at the sword.)

(LEO orbs in with PAIGE and PHOEBE.)

PHOEBE: Oh, my!

PAIGE: (mutters under her breath) I was afraid this would happen.

PIPER: You think you could have mentioned that?

PHOEBE: And they won't leave?

PIPER: Oh, no, no. More show up every minute.

PAIGE: But no bad guys yet, right?

(PHOEBE sniffs the air and grimaces at the smell.)

PHOEBE: What is that stench? What is that stench?

PIPER: We've got to get this thing out of the manor. Leo refuses to orb it.

LEO: Hey, the Lady of the Lake came to the Charmed Ones for help. I'm not
messing with that.

(PIPER has had it.)

PIPER: Oh, for god's sakes. If you will not get rid of it, then I will.

(PIPER stands up and walks over to the boulder. She swooshes the ogre away from
the sword, grabs it with both hands and slips it easily out of the rock.)

(PHOEBE gasps loudly.)

(Everyone gasps in shock. A murmur ripples through the room as the magical
creatures realize that PIPER has just pulled the sword from the extremely large
rock.)

(PIPER looks at the sword in her hands.)

PIPER: Wow.

(One by one, the magical creatures bow their heads before PIPER.)

(A powerful gust of wind blows through the room. A whirlwind descends from the
ceiling and a man dressed all in gray materializes in the room. He looks at
PIPER with the sword and walks toward her.)

MORDAUNT: I bet you didn't expect this when you got up this morning.

(He stands behind her and puts his hands on her shoulders.)

PIPER: I --

MORDAUNT: The sword has chosen. You are the new savior, the Champion of Good,
and Master of Excalibur. Welcome to your new destiny.

PIPER: Oh, crap.

FADE OUT

(COMMERCIAL SET)

FADE IN.

[EXT. MANOR - FRONT PORCH / FOYER -- DAY]

(PHOEBE ushers out the HEAD DWARF through the foyer and toward the open front
door.)

PHOEBE: Ok, let's go. Nothing to see here anymore, no more show. Adios. Scram.

HEAD DWARF: Your Majesty, seriously, anything at all-- castles built, suits of
Armour -- you name it, I got connections.

(He speeds forward out the front door and stops in front of the bush to smell
the flowers. He speeds off again.)

(PHOEBE closes the door.)

CUT TO:

[INT. MANOR - SITTING ROOM - DAY -- CONTINUOUS

(PHOEBE heads back to the sitting room where PIPER is holding and admiring
Excalibur. LEO stands behind her watching her.

PHOEBE: Is it just me, or does it still smell like ogre in here?

(PHOEBE sits down in the chair. PIPER puts the sword down on the table and sits
down on the sofa. MORDAUNT stands in the middle of the room.)

PIPER: I'm telling you guys, this is all a big mistake.

(Even on the table, the sword glows, then slides across the table toward PIPER.
She holds her hands out in front of her to stop it.)

PIPER: Stop that.

MORDAUNT: It's drawn to you, just like you're drawn to it.

PIPER: Do I look like I'm drawn to it, pal?

MORDAUNT: You will be in time.

PIPER: No. I don't have time to play Queen Arthur.

(PAIGE walks into the room carrying WYATT. She hands WYATT over to LEO, then
takes a seat next to PHOEBE. LEO sits on the piano bench with WYATT in his
arms.)

PAIGE: Oh, come on, Piper, have a little fun. Don't you realize what this
means?

PIPER: Hey. One more thing on my to-do list?

PAIGE: No. It means you, my dear, are The Chosen One, the first in centuries to
have power over the sword. Tell her all about it, Merlin.

(MORDAUNT turns and looks at PAIGE.)

MORDAUNT: Oh, actually, the name's Mordaunt. Merlin was just a fairy tale.

PIPER: Ha!

MORDAUNT: But Camelot was not.

PAIGE: A-ha!

MORDAUNT: And, thanks to you, it can rise again.

PAIGE: So what are you, a wizard, a sorcerer?

MORDAUNT: (chuckles) Oh, actually, I'm neither. I'm just a humble teacher in
service of the sword, and we must begin instruction immediately, before your
enemy attacks.

PAIGE: The Dark Knight.

MORDAUNT: You know him?

PHOEBE: Yeah. We've already kicked his ass.

PIPER: And if he shows up again, we have a vanquishing potion ready and
waiting.

MORDAUNT: What's in it?

PIPER: It's a mandrake variation with a little bit of griffin's blood.

MORDAUNT: Good ... if you're going up against a pustouous knave, which you're
not. If you want to fight the Dark Knight with magic, this is what you need ...

(MORDAUNT holds out his hand and a piece of paper appears magically out of thin
air.)

LEO: I thought you said you weren't a sorcerer.

(MORDAUNT hands the recipe to PHOEBE.)

MORDAUNT: I picked up a few things along the way. The Dark Knight is no
trifle. You'll have to hit him with everything you have.

(PHOEBE looks over the potion recipe.)

PHOEBE: I've never even heard of half of these ingredients.

LEO: (cautiously) It looks like you picked up quite a bit.

(LEO looks at PHOEBE.)

LEO: What do you think?

[CUE SOUND: EMPATH ABILITY]

PHOEBE: Can't get a read on him.

MORDAUNT: Distrust is expected, but don't let it blind you. If I haven't
taught Piper how to master the sword before the Dark Knight returns, your
survival depends on that potion.

(PIPER picks up the sword and looks at it. PHOEBE looks down at the list.)

PHOEBE: Ok, so where are we supposed to get the ingredients?

PAIGE: I think I know a place. Leave it to me, your trusty assistant.

(PAIGE orbs them both out of the room.)

LEO: (to PIPER) All right, I guess I will go check with the other Elders and
see what they know. You want me to take Wyatt?

(PIPER picks up the sword and studies it. She doesn't answer LEO.)

LEO: Piper?

PIPER: Hmm?

LEO: Do you want me to take Wyatt with me?

PIPER: Yeah, yeah. Sure.

(LEO orbs him and WYATT out of the room.)

PIPER: I'll be fine.

(PIPER stands up with the sword. MORDAUNT studies her for a moment. He holds
out his hand, a large long-blade sword materializes and he starts swinging it
around.)

MORDAUNT: En garde!

PIPER: (gasps) Aah!

(He attacks and PIPER blocks. She instinctively uses Excalibur to stop every
one of MORDAUNT'S blows.)

(MORDAUNT smiles.)

MORDAUNT: Not bad. Better than Arthur's first time.

(He takes a step back, his sword ready.)

PIPER: Really?

(He swings his blade again.)

MORDAUNT: Now, I'm gonna come in low. Believe in Excalibur. Just let it flow
through you.

PIPER: No, no! Wait!

(The training continues.)

CUT TO:

[INT. DEMON CAVE]

(THE DARK KNIGHT walks with the EXECUTIONER DEMON. There are more EXECUTIONER
DEMONS in the cave around them sharpening their weapons.)

DARK KNIGHT: These are your best?

EXECUTIONER DEMON: The highest quality. They'll get the job done.

DARK KNIGHT: They'd better. If they don't, it's not me they'll have to answer
to.

EXECUTIONER DEMON: I thought you were the --

DARK KNIGHT: I serve a greater power.

EXECUTIONER DEMON: Whose?

(The DARK KNIGHT doesn't say anything. In front of them, a second EXECUTIONER
DEMON walks up to them as he carries a burlap sack over his shoulder. Inside
the sack, there's something or someone inside struggling.)

EXECUTIONER DEMON 2: We've got a problem.

(He clears the table and puts the bag on it. He opens the bag to reveal the
disgruntled HEAD DWARF.)

HEAD DWARF: Well, should've figured you'd be after the sword.

EXECUTIONER DEMON 2: Tell him.

HEAD DWARF: Kiss my grumpy ass.

(An axe blade appears in the EXECUTIONER DEMON 2'S hand. He holds it up against
the HEAD DWARF'S throat.)

EXECUTIONER DEMON 2: Tell him.

HEAD DWARF: You're too late. Piper Halliwell has Excalibur, and she's being
trained how to use it.

DARK KNIGHT: By who? Who's training her!

(The HEAD DWARF shrugs. He makes a fist an hits the EXECUTIONER DEMON 2 in the
groin. The DEMON doubles over in pain.)

EXECUTIONER DEMON 2: Ah!

(The HEAD DWARF speeds off and out of the cave.)

EXECUTIONER DEMON: Does this change anything?

DARK KNIGHT: It changes ... everything.

CUT TO:

[EXT. MONTANA RESIDENCE - DAY]

[INT. MONTANA RESIDENCE - WALK-IN PANTRY -- DAY]

(The door opens. RICHARD walks into the room and turns on the light.)

RICHARD MONTANA: I think we've got everything you need: Plant roots, fungi,
herbs, creature parts, insects --

PHOEBE: Creature parts?

(PHOEBE looks around the room, her back toward RICHARD and PAIGE.)

RICHARD MONTANA: Uh, fairy wings.

PHOEBE: (warily) Wait. Fairy wings?

RICHARD MONTANA: Well, I didn't kill them, if that's what you're wondering.

PHOEBE: Then how'd you get 'em?

PAIGE: Uh, Phoebe.

PHOEBE: What? Fair question.

RICHARD MONTANA: Actually, I'm not sure. My family's been stockpiling this
stuff for years because of the feud.

(PAIGE nods.)

PHOEBE: Yeah, but the feud's over, right?

PAIGE: Hey, you know, I think we're gonna need a mortar and pestle for the
potion. Do you have one?

RICHARD MONTANA: (sighs) Yeah.

(RICHARD leaves the room.)

PAIGE: What are you doing?

PHOEBE: What?

PAIGE: You don't have to treat him like he's evil.

PHOEBE: Paige, I'm just reacting to what I see. I mean, how many guys do you
know that stockpile gremlin ears?

PAIGE: Ok, first your not-so-subtle column and now this. Why don't you just
come out and admit it? You hate him.

PHOEBE: Paige, I don't hate him. I'm just worried.

PAIGE: Well, don't worry 'cause I know what I'm doing.

PHOEBE: Ok, so are you telling me that it doesn't bother you at all that he's
using magic again or that he has this -- this room hidden?

PAIGE: What part of "This is not your business" are you not getting?

PHOEBE: Oh, Paige, I'm worried about you, ok? Just like you were worried about
me when I was dating a demon.

PAIGE: Richard is not a demon.

PHOEBE: No. I know he's not a demon, Paige, but he has a dark side and powerful
magic, and that's a very dangerous combination. I'm worried about you, ok? I'm
sorry.

(RICHARD walks back into the room carrying the mortar and pestle. He gives them
to PAIGE.)

RICHARD MONTANA: Here.

PAIGE: Thanks.

(The tension between the two sisters is noticeable.)

RICHARD MONTANA: Everything all right?

(PHOEBE sighs. RICHARD looks from one sister to the other.)

PAIGE: Let's just get this over with.

(RICHARD looks over at PHOEBE.)

CUT TO:

[INT. MANOR - ATTIC -- DAY]

(The training continues. MORDAUNT backs into the attic as PIPER continues her
attack. Swords clang as MORDAUNT swings. PIPER smoothly turns and jumps up
onto the box to attack MORDAUNT. He blocks the blow, then swings low. PIPER
jumps over the sword and lands on the attic floor. She strikes at MORDAUNT.
Swords connect. She swings, he barely moves out of striking distance. She
thrusts, he blocks. She advances, he backs away. Swords clang, PIPER disarms
him and pins him back against the wall at sword point.)

(Training is over.)

MORDAUNT: You're a quick study.

PIPER: You're a good teacher.

MORDAUNT: So, you feel the sword's power?

PIPER: Yes.

MORDAUNT: How's it feel?

PIPER: Not bad.

MORDAUNT: You and Excalibur are becoming one. Soon nothing will matter,
nothing except the desire to rule.

(PIPER removes the sword from MORDAUNT'S neck.)

(The DARK KNIGHT appears in the attic along with three other EXECUTIONER
DEMONS.)

(The DARK KNIGHT looks at MORDAUNT and recognizes him.)

DARK KNIGHT: You.

MORDAUNT: I was wondering when you'd show up. (to PIPER) Take him.

(The DARK KNIGHT attacks. PIPER turns and blocks the blows.)

(As they fight, MORDAUNT looks at his sword on the attic floor. Seeing his
chance, he rolls over toward it and grabs it. The EXECUTIONER DEMONS attack.
MORDAUNT picks up his sword and blocks the blows.)

CUT TO:

[INT. MONTANA RESIDENCE - PANTRY -- DAY]

(PAIGE crushes the leaves in the mortar with the pestle. PHOEBE is standing
over the potion pot as PAIGE reads the ingredients.)

PAIGE: "Wearboar tusk, one pinch."

(PHOEBE adds the ingredient to the mixture.)

PHOEBE: Ok.

(Outside, RICHARD paces the floor waiting for them.)

PAIGE: "Nymph hair, one lock."

PHOEBE: Oh, I hope this isn't from someone we know.

(PAIGE casts PHOEBE an irritated look. PHOEBE adds it to the mixture.)

PAIGE: "Wraith essence, three drops."

(PHOEBE adds it to the mixture.)

PHOEBE: One, two, three.

PAIGE: And, uh, "black poppy, one level teaspoon."

(PHOEBE raises the scoop over the mixture.)

PHOEBE: I've never even heard of black--

RICHARD MONTANA: (yells) No!

(He waves his hand and PHOEBE is pulled away from the potion and the potions
table. She falls to the floor and slides completely out of the pantry.)

(PAIGE rushes out of the pantry toward PHOEBE to help her up.)

PAIGE: Phoebe, you ok?

(RICHARD steps forward and takes the tiniest pinch of black poppy between his
fingers. He walks back toward them.)

PAIGE: Richard?

(He holds it up.)

RICHARD MONTANA: Wait. Watch.

(He leans forward and tosses the pinch of black poppy into the mixture. There's
a really large explosion and a thick cloud of white smoke.)

PHOEBE: Ooh!

RICHARD MONTANA: Don't ever mix Wraith Essence and Black Poppy ... EVER.

PAIGE: Why would Mordaunt do this?

(RICHARD turns to look at the decimated potion cauldron.)

RICHARD MONTANA: Because he wants you dead.

CUT TO:

[INT. MANOR - ATTIC -- DAY]

(MORDAUNT blocks the EXECUTIONER DEMON'S blows. The EXECUTIONER DEMON backhands
MORDAUNT across the cheek. MORDAUNT falls back to the attic floor.)

(Behind him, PIPER runs her sword through the EXECUTIONER DEMON she's fighting.
She pulls the sword out and the DEMON explodes in a burst of fire and smoke.)

(PIPER smoothly gets to her feet and swings Excalibur into the next EXECUTIONER
DEMON. He vanishes in a puff of fire.)

(The third EXECUTIONER DEMON gets to his feet and charges MORDAUNT. THE DARK
KNIGHT attacks PIPER. They fight. Swords clang, blows are exchanged. PIPER
and MORDAUNT change places, fighting as if they'd done it for years.)

(MORDAUNT locks swords with the DARK KNIGHT. The DARK KNIGHT grabs MORDAUNT'S
wrists and pulls him close.)

DARK KNIGHT: (quietly) I thought we made a deal.

MORDAUNT: (whispers) I don't need you to get the sword anymore.

(Behind them, PIPER expertly fights the EXECUTIONER DEMON.)

MORDAUNT: (whispers) I've got her.

(MORDAUNT turns and pushes the DARK KNIGHT out of his way. PIPER twists and
turns and maneuvers both opponents in front of her. She swings and with one
smooth stroke, vanquishes both demons with one blow.)

MORDAUNT: Your assimilation is complete. You are now one with Excalibur.

PIPER: Now what?

(PAIGE and PHOEBE orb into the attic. PIPER turns and raises Excalibur
expecting another attack. PAIGE raises her hand.)

PAIGE: It's just us.

PHOEBE: He's not what you think he is.

PAIGE: He tried to kill us.

PHOEBE: He wants the sword.

PIPER: But the sword chose me. No, he's just using you. He wants the power of
the sword for himself.

PHOEBE: You're not meant to control the sword.

PIPER: But I DO control it.

(MORDAUNT glances down at PIPER, then back at her sisters.)

PIPER: (realizing) And you don't think I can.

MORDAUNT: Perhaps we should leave.

PHOEBE: (whispering) Uh, Paige! Paige, Paige, Paige!

(PAIGE holds out her hand and calls out to the sword.)

PAIGE: Excalibur!

(PIPER looks down as Excalibur starts to orb out of her grip. She raises the
sword and it solidifies with her.)

(PAIGE looks surprised that it didn't work.)

PIPER: Don't do that again.

MORDAUNT: It appears your Queen has spoken.

(In a whirlwind of white smoke, MORDAUNT and PIPER vanish from the attic.)

PHOEBE: Her Majesty has left the building.

PAIGE: Or Her Madness.

FADE OUT

(COMMERCIAL SET)

FADE IN.

[INT. DEMON CAVE ]

(OPEN ON: The Round Table has a large pentagram etched in the center.
Excalibur lies across the table. PIPER stands over it. She's dressed
completely in black, both hands resting on the edge of the table as she looks
around the room. Different color banners hang from the walls. MORDAUNT stands
behind her.)

PIPER: Doesn't look like much of a kingdom.

MORDAUNT: This is just where it begins, where you form your inner circle.

PIPER: Let me guess -- the Knights of the Round Table?

(He steps up toward her and puts his hands on her arms.)

MORDAUNT: The Knights of Your Round Table. You're on a new path now, a new
destiny.

PIPER: That's good 'cause I was getting a little bored of the old one.

MORDAUNT: A world of adventure awaits you. Warfare, Conquest ... Camelot.

PIPER: And what exactly is Camelot?

(He turns her around and they look at each other.)

MORDAUNT: Whatever you want it to be. It's your kingdom to make.

PIPER: Could you be a little more specific?

MORDAUNT: There will be no one above you, no one to challenge you. You will
have free reign to reshape the way things are and to create a world of your
dreams.

(He reaches out and caresses her cheek.)

MORDAUNT: All will bow down before you. All will serve your every desire.

PIPER: Including you?

MORDAUNT: Especially me, My Queen.

(They kiss. As they kiss, MORDAUNT opens his eyes and reaches for Excalibur.
The sword glows gold and moves away from him, out of his reach.)

(He breaks the kiss and moves away from PIPER.)

PIPER: What is it?

MORDAUNT: Well, we must build your kingdom first, and to do that, we need to
fill your round table with knights.

PIPER: Very well. I have a few ideas.

MORDAUNT: No. Let me be your council. I know best who will serve you well,
but they wouldn't come easily. You must challenge them on fields of battle,
force them to join you.

(She reaches behind her, grabs Excalibur and holds it up. MORDAUNT gazes at it
enviously.)

PIPER: I think I can do that.

(MORDAUNT nods.)

CUT TO:

[INT. MANOR - CONSERVATORY -- DAY]

(There's a heaviness in the household, thick silence settles in the air. LEO
looks at the boulder in the center of the room. PAIGE sits at the table scrying
for PIPER while PHOEBE carries WYATT near his playpen at the back of the room.)

LEO: (to PAIGE) Anything?

PAIGE: Nope. Can't find Piper anywhere.

LEO: Well, keep looking. She's bound to show up somewhere.

PAIGE: Yeah? To do what?

LEO: I don't know.

PHOEBE: (bursts out) I don't understand. If she wasn't supposed to pull the
sword out of the stone, then why was she able to?

LEO: Because according to the other Elders, she was only meant to pass it on to
whomever was really meant for it.

PHOEBE: Ok, so she's not the new King Arthur, but she is the new Lady of the
Lake?

LEO: Basically, yeah.

PAIGE: Ok, so why is it turning her evil?

LEO: Because only the ultimate power on earth can handle Excalibur. That's why
the Lady stayed in the lake, to insulate herself from the power of the sword.

PAIGE: Ok, so we should find Piper and then drown her.

(LEO levels a serious look at PAIGE.)

PAIGE: Oh, I'm just kidding, Leo.

LEO: It's no joke. It's the only way to keep the power from consuming her,
destroying her.

PHOEBE: Still, what does Mordaunt want with Piper? I mean, he's tricky, but he
is hardly the ultimate power on earth.

LEO: But he could use Piper to become that power.

(The scrying crystal crashes down on the map. PAIGE looks down from the crystal
and back up at LEO.)

PAIGE: Guess who just surfaced?

CUT TO:

[EXT. -- DAY]

(The SOUL-BLASTER DEMON flies across the screen and crashes to the ground.
PIPER steps forward and points the sword at the DEMON'S neck.)

PIPER: Should I kill him?

MORDAUNT: You're the Queen.

PIPER: I need one more knight to sit at my round table. Care to join me?

SOUL-BLASTER DEMON: Join you? Which side are you on?

MORDAUNT: All we're interested in is the greatest power. Become one of us.

PIPER: What he said.

SOUL-BLASTER DEMON: What do I get out of it?

PIPER: You? You get to live.

(Off to the side, PAIGE and PHOEBE orb into the area.)

PAIGE: Piper!

SOUL-BLASTER DEMON: I should have known it was a trap!

PIPER: You, stay put. You, I warned you.

PHOEBE: Sorry, your majesty.

(PHOEBE throws a vial of potion at PIPER. It hits Excalibur and explodes
harmlessly in a puff of smoke. PHOEBE motions to PAIGE.)

PHOEBE: Paige, now! Orb her!

(As PAIGE orbs, PIPER throws Excalibur at her. The sword passes through the
orbs, swooshes past PHOEBE and embeds itself in the old heater behind her.)

PIPER: Unh!
PHOEBE: Whoa!

(PAIGE re-orbs behind PIPER. She grabs ahold of PIPER, but PIPER just breaks
the hold and flips PAIGE over to the ground.)

(PIPER holds out her hand and Excalibur flies back toward her hand.)

MORDAUNT: Impressive, huh? (to the DEMON) Now, make your queen proud.

(The SOUL-BLASTER DEMON gears up his power and sends of bolt of electricity at
PAIGE and PHOEBE.)

SOUL-BLASTER DEMON: Uhh!

(It hits them in their chests. Their bodies fall to the ground, while their
souls remain standing.)

PAIGE: What just happened?

PHOEBE: I don't know, but I don't think it's good.

(MORDAUNT, PIPER and the SOUL-BLASTER DEMON vanish in a mighty wind gust.)

(PHOEBE sighs.)

(PAIGE looks around and calls for help.)

PAIGE: Leo?!

FADE OUT.

FADE IN

[INT. CAVE]

(Lightning bolts strike down and the SOUL-BLASTER DEMON appears in a seat at the
Round Table.)

(PIPER walks around the table and heads for the remaining empty seat.)

PIPER: Welcome. I assume you're all wondering why you've been gathered here,
but don't worry. If I wanted to kill you, I would have done so already. You
are the chosen few who will help chart a new world order, united under me.

MORDAUNT: Excuse me, your majesty. We're getting ahead of ourselves.

PIPER: Are we?

MORDAUNT: The small matter of the loyalty oath?

PIPER: Oh, yeah. That's right. Uh ... administer that oath.

(PIPER motions for MORDAUNT to step forward. He does. He steps in front of the
empty chair.)

MORDAUNT: If you will all put your left hand ...

(One DEMON growls his exception to the term used. MORDAUNT takes a seat at the
table.)

MORDAUNT: Or claw, on one of the five points of the pentagram in front of you.

(Every demon does so.)

MORDAUNT: Beraxis ... Cotrah ... (shouts) ... Mierrahh!

(The pentagram etched in the center of the table glows gold. The power
emanating from the pentagram sucks out the power of the demon sitting at its
point. The gold light consumes the demons one by one. They shake as their
power leaves them.)

MORDAUNT: (chanting) Supreme demonic powers leave your hosts and find a new
home in this willing heart!

(PIPER watches and doesn't like what she sees.)

PIPER: What are you doing? Stop!

(MORDAUNT'S eyes shine wildly with the anticipation of receiving all this power.
The gold light from the pentagram, line-by-line, starts to disappear. It starts
with MORDAUNT, then goes to the next demon. When it hits that demon, the
demon's power is sucked out of it and the demon disappears, vanquished. The
power moves through the pentagram lines. Each demon it hits, it vanquishes,
sucking out its power.)

(Till finally, the last DEMON disappears and all the power rests in MORDAUNT.
He sits back in the chair, panting.)

(He grins with satisfaction.)

PIPER: (looking around) You vanquished all my knights. Why?!

(MORDAUNT raises his hand and Excalibur rises easily out from PIPER'S grip and
into MORDAUNT'S waiting hand.)

MORDAUNT: Fulfilling my centuries-old quest to control Excalibur.

(He studies the sword in his hand.)

PIPER: But it belongs to me.

MORDAUNT: No, it doesn't. It never did.

(MORDAUNT rises to his feet and turns to look at PIPER.)

MORDAUNT: But thanks to you and the combined powers of your knights, now it
belongs to me. I'm the Ultimate Power.

PIPER: I don't understand.

MORDAUNT: It's simply a transfer of power, that's all. And now, all that
remains to do is to eliminate the true recipient of Excalibur before he grows
old enough to fulfill his Destiny as the Son of a Charmed One.

PIPER: You can't hurt him. He's protected.

(MORDAUNT places his hand on PIPER'S shoulder.)

MORDAUNT: I couldn't before ... but I can with this.

(He runs the sword through PIPER. She gasps.)

PIPER: Unh!

(He pulls the sword out and gazes unsympathetically down at her.)

FADE OUT

(COMMERCIAL SET)

FADE IN.

[INT. MANOR - CONSERVATORY -- DAY]

(LEO paces the floor. PHOEBE scries while PAIGE lies down on the couch.)

PAIGE: Owww!

LEO: Feeling any better?

PAIGE: No, I'm pretty sure "ow" signifies that I am not, in fact, feeling any
better.

(PAIGE sits up and rubs her forehead with her hand.)

PAIGE: Oh, I am getting tired of this whole soul separating from my body thing.
It's getting to be a disturbing pattern.

LEO: It was pretty close, too. Your souls were getting ready to move on.

PAIGE: Move on to where exactly?

LEO: (shakes his head) Nice try.

PHOEBE: I cannot believe Piper. Did you see that look in her eyes?

PAIGE: Hey, at least it looked like she was having fun for once.

LEO: Find her yet?

PHOEBE: No, nothing.

LEO: Well, keep trying. Just like last time, they can't do anything till they
resurface.

PAIGE: Yeah, unless Mordaunt wants her to help him rule the underworld.

PHOEBE: There's got to be another way to get her out of this.

PAIGE: Sure wish we knew who King Arthur is.

PHOEBE: Wait, what do you mean?

PAIGE: I mean, if we need to separate Piper from the sword, what better way
than to figure out who she's meant to give it to?

CUE SOUND: WYATT GURGLING

(All three reach the same conclusion at the same time and turn to look at the
playpen.)

PAIGE: No ...

PHOEBE: It's Wyatt. Oh, my god, it has to be.

(LEO suddenly clutches his stomach and groans in pain. Mortal pain.)

PHOEBE: What -- what's the matter?

LEO: (wincing) It's Piper. She's hurt.

(PHOEBE'S crystal hits the map.)

PHOEBE: Harding Park. Let's go.

(PHOEBE stands up. PAIGE gets to her feet.)

PAIGE: I got Wyatt.

(LEO orbs PHOEBE out of the room.)

(PAIGE looks down at WYATT in the playpen.)

MORDAUNT: (v.o.) Don't worry ...

CUT TO:

[EXT. HARDING PARK -- DAY]

(MORDAUNT lays PIPER down on the grass. She's barely moving and groans with
pain.)

MORDAUNT: It'll all be over soon. Once they come for you, I'll go for him.

(PIPER doesn't respond. MORDAUNT hears them orb into the park. He whirlwinds
out just as LEO and PHOEBE finish orbing completely.)

(PHOEBE pushes LEO toward PIPER.)

PHOEBE: Hurry! Hurry, hurry!

(LEO scrambles down to kneel next to her.)

LEO: I am, I am!

(He puts his hands over her, they glow gold as he heals PIPER. PIPER gasps and
sits up.)

PIPER: Where's Wyatt?

CUT TO:

[INT. MANOR - CONSERVATORY - DAY - CONTINUOUS]

(MORDAUNT approaches the playpen. He looks inside.)

MORDAUNT: My apologies, King Wyatt. I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

(He takes Excalibur and viciously stabs the sword tip through the baby blanket
with all his strength. He raises the sword and we see TEDDY BEAR at the end of
Excalibur.)

MORDAUNT: (furious) What?!

(He throws the bear off the sword. PAIGE and WYATT orb into the room.)

PAIGE: Oh, and that's his favorite teddy bear.

(MORDAUNT whirls around. He holds the sword out in front of him.)

(LEO, PHOEBE and PIPER orb into the room. PIPER reaches for WYATT.)

PIPER: Sweetie.

(PAIGE gives WYATT to PIPER.)

PIPER: Bet you didn't expect this when you got up this morning.

MORDAUNT: But I've still got Excalibur!

PHOEBE: Not for long.

LEO: (whispers) Go for it, Wyatt.

(WYATT looks at LEO. Everyone looks expectantly at WYATT. With a thought,
Excalibur orbs out of MORDAUNT'S hands and reappears floating mid-air in front
of WYATT.)

(WYATT puts his hand down. Excalibur turns and zooms toward MORDAUNT with
deadly force, impaling him through the chest. The sword glows gold as MORDAUNT
starts to smoke. He explodes and vanishes.)

(Excalibur lands tip down to the floor.)

(WYATT turns and looks at PIPER.)

PIPER: Ok, sweetie, that's very, very good.

(PIPER walks toward Excalibur.)

PIPER: But we need to put this away so you don't put an eye out ... at least
until you're 18.

(She pulls the sword out of the floor. She carries it back to the boulder and
inserts it back easily into the stone where it belongs. The sword glows gold.)

PAIGE: How are you?

PIPER: Oh, fine. Think you can orb this into the attic?

PAIGE: Absolutely.

(beat)

PIPER: Away from any furniture?

(There's a loud crash in the attic.)

(PHOEBE stifles a laugh. PAIGE grimaces.)

PAIGE: Sorry.

PIPER: Don't worry. I'll just add it to my list.

(PAIGE laughs. PHOEBE laughs. LEO smiles.)

( ... and PIPER looks down at WYATT.)

CUT TO:

[INT. BAY MIRROR - PHOEBE'S OFFICE -- NIGHT]

(PHOEBE is in her office typing at her computer. PAIGE walks up to the door and
interrupts her.)

PAIGE: Hey. I just, uh, finished the last of the filing.

PHOEBE: Great. Thanks.

PAIGE: Is that tomorrow's copy?

PHOEBE: Uh, yeah. I'm just doing some last-minute changes. This woman right
here is worried that her mother might be marrying the wrong guy.

PAIGE: Really?

PHOEBE: Yeah. She thinks he might be the devil incarnate.

PAIGE: Didn't we vanquish the devil incarnate?

PHOEBE: (laughs) I told her that unless she has absolute proof, she should
probably butt out and let her sister live her own life.

PAIGE: I thought this was about a mother.

PHOEBE: Yeah, well, you know what I mean.

PAIGE: Yeah, I think I do. It's funny. This is the first job I've gotten
without a magical reason behind it.

PHOEBE: Well, there may not have been a magical reason, but there was
definitely a reason. I just have to learn to take my own advice.

PAIGE: Yeah, well, don't stop worrying about me too much.

PHOEBE: Ok.

(RICHARD walks through the bullpen and into PHOEBE'S office.)

RICHARD MONTANA: Hey. Sorry to interrupt. You ready to go?

(He leans in and kisses PAIGE on the cheek.)

PAIGE: Yeah.

RICHARD MONTANA: Um, we're going out. Do you want to join?

PHOEBE: I'd love to, actually, but, uh, I'm gonna take a rain check. It's been
a long day.

PAIGE: Ok. Good night.

(PAIGE turns to leave the office. As she leaves, PHOEBE calls out to her.)

PHOEBE: Hey, Paige? You're fired.

PAIGE: Actually, I quit.

(PHOEBE smiles.)

CUT TO:

[EXT. VARIOUS SAN FRANCISCO CITY (STOCK) - NIGHT]

[EXT. MANOR - NIGHT]

(Establish.)

[INT. MANOR - ATTIC - NIGHT]

(PIPER and WYATT are in the center of the attic looking at the SWORD in the
STONE. WYATT is drinking from his milk bottle.)

PIPER: (to WYATT) Listen, I want you to promise me that before we take that
thing out of storage, that you're gonna play lots of football and baseball and
have lots of normal toys, and maybe we'll even get a dog. What do you think?

(LEO turns the corner and walks into the attic. He settles down next to them.)

LEO: How we doing?

PIPER: Uh, His Highness seems content.

LEO: What about you?

PIPER: I'm doing all right. At least I have my priorities straight now. I was
so busy doing stuff, and all I really wanted to do was hang out with him.

LEO: Well, you should have more time for that now.

(PIPER looks at LEO.)

LEO: I fixed the washer.

PIPER: You did?

LEO: And the sink and the cable and the toilet.

PIPER: Wow. I forgot how handy you were to have around the house.

(She smiles at him and they share a moment.)

LEO: Pretty strange, huh?

PIPER: Kind of scary, actually.

LEO: (laughs) Why?

PIPER: Well, we've seen what he can do without the sword. I can't begin to
imagine what he could do with it.

LEO: Well, whatever it is, it's meant to be.

PIPER: Doesn't make it any less scary, though. But that's tomorrow's problem.
I'll worry about it then.

(PIPER picks up WYATT and gets to her feet. LEO joins her.)

PIPER: Okey-dokey.

(Together, they head out of the attic.)

(Camera moves to settle on the SWORD in the STONE. The light catches the handle
and it gleams.)

FADE TO BLACK

==========================
THE END
==========================