Witch Hunter (2024) Movie Script
1
The Cardinal War had been
waged for nearly a decade.
So much death, famine, disease.
The conflict reached a
bloody and decisive conclusion,
with Konrad I of the
House of Barlow
emerging victorious as ruler,
his power absolute.
King Konrad soon
consolidated his reach,
unifying his dominion at
the border along the Weald,
and his reign continued on,
peaceful and fair,
until the King discovered
there still remained
one last threat
looming in his midst.
Many years had passed
when his kingdom
was first beset by rumor,
innuendo,
ghastly sighs
from the depths.
The tranquil land had begun
to change in horrific ways.
Gisela, the Witch of the Weald.
even a whisper of
her cursed name
could strike fear
in the bravest of men.
Children run and
recoil in terror
at the very mention of her.
One by one,
old warriors, mercenaries,
and agnostics would seek her
out to prove she was
only a myth, or to put
an end to her heresy.
But those who
entered the Weald
met a cruel and bloody end
as Gisela grew angrier
and more spiteful
at each of the challenges,
until the King
was left no choice
but to seek an appeasement
with her in official capacity.
[thunder]
Volker, why do we not try
to sneak our way inside?
Quietly.
Quietly?
We are here by the order
of King Konrad.
Let the Witch see us coming.
Caution has value,
young Lotten.
You cannot sneak up on a Witch.
She has eyes everywhere.
Then let's pluck them out
and finish this madness.
Witch dies tonight.
Quiet.
If we rush in with violence,
we do not stand a chance.
Your presence here is merely
as a backup, do you understand?
We are here to seek
an arrangement
with the Witch, that's all.
You think you can reason
with a Witch?
[chuckles]
That is folly.
We were sent by the King,
your King,
to find out what
she would agree to.
Do you understand?
Soon, my love.
[growling]
Soon.
They're getting closer now.
I can smell their sweat.
And... their fear.
Rise.
[growling]
Rise.
Rise!
Why have we stopped?
Because we have reached
the witch's doorstep.
This is the threshold
to her dark layer.
Never send a boy
to do a warrior's job.
Your bravado gains us
nothing, Willem.
We are here as diplomats only.
By dawn's light, we will
have driven this witch
and her dark magic away
from our land for good.
By force or by voice,
we are only as strong
as our weakest link.
And our chain is strong,
right, boy?
-For King Konrad.
-For King Konrad.
Volker, are you sure we can make
an arrangement with her?
I've heard stories
about the witch.
Bewitched men who
ate their own limbs
and swallowed their
sister's whole.
Cursed beasts taller than trees
that tore up the innocent
like mutton or pigs' meal.
Faces chewed up like cow's cud.
This is the problem
with stories.
Stories mean nothing
to the dead,
and they only
scare the living.
We have no time for stories.
We have a kingdom to protect.
[cackling]
[whispering voices]
Behind us!
A dark magic comes
from the woods.
[shouts]
Come on!
Back! Back!
Back! Back!
You beast!
[shouts]
Willem!
[screaming]
Stay close!
Son!
We merely seek an audience
with the witch in the woods!
There was no need for this!
[grunts]
You wanted an audience?
You've got one.
Go now, Volker.
Tell them a story.
Thanks to you and your
dead friend's trespassing,
I think your precious
little king
has finally outworn
his welcome in my lands.
My powers will have
reached beyond the forest.
And the beasts, my children,
will destroy King Konrad's
kingdom and everyone in it.
[cackles]
Your only son has
died this night, Volker.
Leave this place or I shall make
you watch him die again
every night until
the end of your days.
[shouts]
[laughs]
[wolf howls]
[growling]
[growling]
[crow caws]
Volker returns!
Sire, all is lost.
The witch's magic
was too powerful.
-LOTTEN: Willem!
-[cackling]
-VOLKER: Stay close!
Son!
[screaming]
Lord Hagen returns!
Your Majesty.
Hagen, you promised me
your men
would bring me the head
of this witch.
All I see is a broken soldier.
Volker has never
failed you before, Sire,
but this witch...
she grows stronger by the day.
She's a demon.
She's a flesh-eating monster.
I watched her eat Lotten.
She whipped his flesh
like it was mutton.
Please, Sire, please, please!
Send me back.
Let me redeem myself.
We must stop her before
the full moon rises again
or she will send
her monsters here.
She will destroy our kingdom.
She will kill our people.
Please!
[sighs]
You have already done
all you can, Volker.
Go and rest now.
This is no longer your concern.
Hagen...
this witch has plagued us
for far too many seasons.
The cursed forest encroaches
upon our land every day,
infecting our crops
with pestilence
and death and vermin.
My men tell me of babies
born without eyes,
of our army's horses
feeding on one another.
She is already at our door,
clawing inside our home.
If what Volker tells us is true,
then we must take the fight back
to her before it is too late.
We must fight smarter,
my liege. Not harder.
And to that end,
I have an idea.
Ideas are for schoolmarms
and poets, Elder Hagen.
Otto, treasured son of
the king and heir,
I ask you to trust your
Elder Hagen as you once did.
Killing a witch like
this is not sport.
But Hagen in this,
my son, is right.
No more words.
Action is needed.
We need Caspar,
the Witch Hunter.
Only he has the skills and
experience for a job like this.
Ha ha! The Witch Hunter?
Really, Hagen?
Him?
Sire, the witch hunter
is renowned for his magic
and his special skills.
He is a drunk, Hagen,
and untrustworthy.
He started a brawl
that sent one of my best men
to the infirmary for weeks.
-You started that brawl
-Father...
We need not this Witch Hunter.
Only I am up to task.
Sire, wait.
You would risk the witch
storming our gates,
killing and torturing
our citizens?
We must take the fight to her.
Send me, father.
I will sneak in with stealth
and take her out
before she catches wind of me,
and we will be rid of this
blight once and for all.
And if I fail,
your army will remain here
to protect our beloved kingdom.
My liege, I must object.
Otto, please.
Send your dragons, Sire.
It is the only defense we have.
No.
The dragons are under my care.
They are yet too young, Sire.
They need more training.
They cannot fight
a foe such as this.
Roon is right.
They are too young,
and they have not flown fair
since their mother died.
It is too great a
risk to send them.
But, Sire...
Save your breath, Hagen.
You have sent your best...
but I am king.
My blood flows in his noble
veins,
the blood of a fighter.
If I had seen as
few winters as he has,
I would put my own sword up
against this witch.
But, alas...
My Otto, great warrior of
this house and land,
champion and heir to my throne,
shall slay this witch
for the kingdom...
and protect our
citizens from harm.
I am honored, you see
it my way, father.
I will enlist my best men.
Otto, this witch and her beast,
they are foes like you have
never fought before.
You will need help.
And I will have none of
yours, Volker.
I have chosen my men and am off
to slay this witch at once.
I have protected our cities
from invasion before.
I will do my father and
my kingdom proud.
She knows sorcery.
You cannot fight against this.
Sire, please reconsider.
Sire, please.
We must not act too rashly.
That will be all,
Hagen, Volker.
Leave us.
Then let it be so.
Go, my son, and bring
me the head of this witch.
I have seen this witch
with my own two eyes.
Otto is a mighty soldier in
his own right, but this woman,
she can bend the shadows
with her own will.
And there is only
one man who can truly
compete with such a demon,
but we need a backup plan.
Come on.
We kill the witch by sundown,
we may have a chance
to save the kingdom,
and maybe even Otto and
those fools themselves,
but we're going
to need some help.
In there? Are you mad?
A tavern is no place
to find reinforcements.
Yes, but where else are
we going to find
anyone stupid enough to help us?
[chattering]
You expect us to
find someone here?
Yeah.
Perhaps.
[snoring]
I'm coming with you.
Volker, I have business
with my father.
I'll leave you to it.
I'm coming with you.
You're exhaling.
I'll take that as a yes, then.
Erica...
That's my name.
-Erica.
-So, when do we leave?
It's a witch, Erica.
A demon.
I can fight.
Look, this is my kingdom, too,
and I want to help protect it.
You didn't give me this sword
so I could pick my teeth.
I'll hold on to that.
I'm going to need
it more than you will.
You're going to need me
more than a sword, Father.
Your king needs
you to stay here.
Your king is going
to get you killed.
All the more reason
for you not to come.
What if I've been
practicing magic?
Magic?
Who have you
been practicing with?
Just practicing on my own.
Only light magic.
Behind my back?
Well...
If I'd done it in front of your
back, you'd have seen me.
Practice your magic, then.
But stay here.
Fine.
So what I'm hearing is that
it may be for me,
but who do you want
for the suicide mission?
The Witch Hunter.
Your Witch Hunter is there,
passed out for days.
At least I'm awake.
I don't have time
for this, dear.
You're smart.
You're talented.
You're the best thing
that ever happened to me.
But you are not coming with me
to kill this witch.
I don't want you to die
and have it be my fault.
Your mother would
never forgive me.
She's been dead for years.
Which is exactly
why I can't lose you.
Sit.
Don't speak.
Don't anything.
[snoring]
I'm not even sure
he's breathing.
Let's worry about that later.
Caspar can't do this alone.
We need more capable warriors
to join our party.
I may have a better option.
Good luck.
[snoring]
To the both of us.
I know why you're here, Volker.
Then you know I need
your help, Dreas.
I saw Otto and his party march
past just before you arrived.
They have it handled.
They're fools.
They think they have it handled.
Besides, these hands,
they're for farming now,
old man.
Not blood.
I would not ask if
I did not need you.
There is a demon witch
who must die.
For your king, for your village,
for your people, please.
My soldiering days
are behind me.
Dark days.
Volker, these rumors
I've heard about the witch.
Are they true?
The stories--
They are not stories.
They are not rumors.
I was there. I lived.
The rest did not.
Lotten was just a boy.
That thing ambushed us
as we approached.
Her shadow beast carried
them off into the dark,
screaming for their lives.
I could hear them
being torn apart
like scraps for a dog.
She must pay for
what she's done.
Blood for blood.
Poor Lotten.
Had his whole life
ahead of him.
Just a kid.
Revenge is something
my dags and I can get behind.
Thank you, my old friend.
Thank you.
May we both live to regret it.
[snoring]
Hilde, I have an important
mission from the king
that requires your...
[burps]
...special skills.
Oi, hey!
Is there any money?
I'm afraid...
Glory, then.
Well...
Love?
No.
Not interested.
Barkeep, more ale, please.
Aye, right away, miss.
Anything you say.
There's no turning back
after this, Hagen.
No second chances.
I know the rules.
If we don't stop that witch,
there'll be no second chances
for any of us ever again.
I need a barbarian.
Then you'll have one.
When do we leave?
Not soon enough.
Thank you, Hilde.
Now...
We only need our leader.
And you found him.
[chuckles]
Azzo, at your service.
Heir to the great
warriors of the North,
and born leader and slayer
of demons, dragons...
[chuckling]
And lucky for you, witches.
No. There's no way that
this street theater reject
gets to go, and I don't.
He's got longer hair than I.
You slander me child, and
in front of your batters.
I don't take kindly to
mouthy little younglings.
Don't touch me!
Erka, what are you doing?
-Sir, I beg you...
-Father, my sword.
Poor manners come from
poor parenting.
Allow me to teach her
a lesson in manners
she won't soon forget.
Don't worry, Father.
I've got this.
Erka, please.
[shouts]
Did you learn your lesson,
heir of the great
warriors of the North?
I've no belly for unfair fights.
He may have been unmatched.
But... you're still over there.
How?
Lesson number two.
A simple shade,
a trick of the eye.
A portrait of a moment that can
use to beguile your enemies.
Useful in a pinch.
Especially when you need someone
to think you're drunk or dead.
Witch Hunter Caspar,
you have my thanks.
I'm Hagen, town elder.
Your king is in need.
I will lead your party, Elder.
Under one condition.
That this one comes, too.
I'm sorry...
She comes, or I don't.
All the Witch Hunters
require an assistant.
But surely you have an
assistant you've used before.
Not around here.
I don't hire one
until I've been hired.
So you need me,
and I need her.
She's clearly proven
her skill in combat.
And she has
the enthusiasm we need
that is sorely lacking anywhere
else in this establishment.
But... But she's my daughter.
Father, please, I'll be fine.
Just give me this one chance
to prove myself
and protect
our kingdom, please.
Only if the Witch Hunter
vows to protect you.
Agreed.
-Assistant.
-Erka.
Assistant.
Bring me my bags.
Right away.
Didn't you know, Father,
all Witch Hunters
require an assistant.
Relax.
She shall be safe with us.
Safer when that witch is dead.
Enough talk.
The barbarian's right.
We're losing daylight.
If we leave now, we could be
in time to save Otto
from a fate worse than death.
Faster, you bastards!
Faster!
Come on, you fools!
Let's kill that witch.
Uh, sire?
We've been here before.
We must have come the wrong way.
We need to double back.
Faster, you bastards!
Faster!
Come on, you fools.
Let's kill that...
I think we're going in circles.
See, look, that big
one there, we were just...
No, no, wait.
It was that way.
No.
No, no...
Faster!
Kill that witch.
No, no there's nothing in
this forest but dried up old...
Big one there, we were just...
No...
[cackles]
It's the forest.
It's bewitched.
[roars]
One of the witch's monsters!
[shouts]
We can't hurt the thing.
An invincible demon!
Retreat! Retreat!
Trust the Witch Hunter to do his
duty once we found the witch.
But first we must
find the king's son.
My son has died.
We dare hold out hope
that the king's son
is still alive, Hagen?
We do.
And once we've found him,
we can use their help.
I would wish for an army.
I pray the thirst for ale has
waylaid their thirst for blood.
Dreas, back when
you were a soldier
did you ever fight alongside
any Witch Hunters?
Not many.
Even back then
the numbers were few.
Are they all like him?
Lag behind?
Keep to themselves?
Probably.
I've kept my distance whenever
I cross their path.
How come?
Don't you know?
Witch Hunters cannot be trusted.
My town elders
used to say,
the longer you hunt for evil,
the darker it makes you.
But... why would my father
trust him to help us?
Desperate times, my child.
We have no other option.
He's the only one
within a week's ride
who's killed a witch.
Your father knows
only a Witch Hunter
can protect us from
the evil within this woods.
[crow caws]
Wait.
Something dark was here.
Your senses are
very keen, Hilde.
What else?
Blood.
No!
We told Otto.
We told the king.
We told the guards!
The king has
lost his sole heir.
We shall have our revenge
for the king himself
and our kingdom.
We shall bring this witch and
her shadows to swift justice.
Whatever killed them,
it was big and fast.
Smells of bear, doesn't it?
Aye.
But bears, they don't
get that big, do they?
That's because it wasn't a bear.
It was a bear-made beast, one
of the witch's shadow hordes.
Yes, that's how it began.
They came as shadows.
We should say a few words.
Otto deserved better.
He did not.
I need to at least bury him.
No, we do not have time.
They came as shadows and
they grew upon the earth.
They grew into monsters.
What did they look like?
Spare no detail.
They were animals.
They were twisted.
They were evil.
They are coming for us.
They will come for all of us.
They're coming!
[laughing]
Got you!
You fool!
-It's just Azzo the idiot.
-I know.
Azzo, what are you doing?
It's foolish of you
to follow us here
and very dangerous
to attempt to startle us.
Do you need me to finish
breaking your nose?
Erka, enough.
Enough.
Aye, I came here to help you.
No, seriously.
I mean, look at the lot of you.
An old man, a cry baby,
a farmer, a barbarian,
a child and a drunk.
You need all
the help you can get.
Besides, if that witch
attacks the village,
I'm as doomed as everyone else.
And if you fail in your task,
well, then, we'll all end up
in the teeth of that demon, eh?
Yes, but why step
into the fire with us?
You could have left town.
You'd be leagues away.
Azzo of the North does not
run from a fight!
Oh, really?
But that one was different.
Also, eh, I need my sword back.
Erka, go on.
So, if, uh, your Witch Hunter
is gonna bring up the rear,
how about I lead
from the front, eh?
I am the best tracker I know.
In fact, I was the first
to warn the North
when the
Whitebranches of Conover
set to attack the
fair capital of our North.
They wrote songs about me.
We can trust him.
I've had my eyes on him the
moment he entered the forest.
You see?
Hey, what?
How'd you see me?
I was keeping to the shadows.
The very first place I'd look.
I'm sure young Azzo will
prove to have his uses.
Desperate times and all.
The shadow beasts will
be back, and soon.
We need to move now.
Great Azzo,
tracker of the North.
-Present!
-Take point.
You will work with Volker.
We need use of you, soldier.
Take us through
the boundaries of the domain
where you lost your men.
They were not men.
They were but boys.
One of them was my son.
Hagen, we should have known.
The witches' powers grow.
So does her influence.
Where you last faced them
was closest to the lair
and the best position where
we should strike.
I don't trust that guy.
We should not.
But if the Witch Hunter
is right,
he might be useful.
How so?
Bait.
How could we be back
where we started?
We've been walking for hours.
Hey, hold on!
Erka, come along!
I can't, I can't move!
Wait...
-My feet!
-The forest floor...
The forest floor!
It's in league
with the demon!
-No!
-We cannot get out!
No, that's the good news!
Everyone, jump!
What was that?
A trap.
An old trick.
But you said it was good news.
Caspar, explain yourself.
It means we're
on the right track.
The more obstacles in our path,
the closer we get.
Well done, Azzo.
Lead on.
Right.
Well, you see, the thing is,
whole new terrain,
I kind of lost my tracking.
Need a moment.
Have faith in yourself, warrior.
Believe in yourself.
Right, right, right.
Yeah, I'm thinking...
This way, right.
All right, this way.
This way, I think.
Oh, yes, it's
definitely this way.
You sure you want
to let him lead?
A boat may be steered
from the front,
but it is the rudder
that changes its heading.
Just because someone
is in the front,
that doesn't mean
they're leading.
Azzo is doing exactly
what I want him to do.
Erka, be careful.
Don't get too far behind.
Oh, yeah, definitely this way.
No, not this way.
No, no, no, look, look, look.
The moss on these trees
only grows in the shade,
-which means the position...
-That's not the way.
Look.
Oh, I'm wrong.
But how?
This doesn't make sense.
How could we be lost?
Witch Hunter, you said we were
nearly to the witch's lair.
We have travelled in circles.
This entire forest
has bewitched.
We should have had word by now.
[whispering voices]
What trickery is this?
GISELA: Such a gift,
you've given me, my king,
to snuff out the light
of your flesh,
your firstborn.
What have you done to my Otto?
GISELA: He ran.
But was so slow
with sloth and privilege
when he abandoned his loyal men.
My pet hardly had to flex
when he tore your precious Otto
into tiny bites.
No!
GISELA: Beware, oh king.
I am come.
This day is half done.
Every mother's son you send me,
I shall slaughter.
Your kingdom red with blood
until you bend
the knee before me
and surrender the throne.
[cackling]
ERKA: But how?
How could we be back
to where we started?
We've been walking for hours.
How will we kill a demon witch
if we can't get to her?
We need to hurry.
The day is getting shorter.
Caspar, any ideas?
No good ones yet.
Volker was right. This is
cursed ground, bewitched.
But merely trickery
to fool our own eyes.
We can't trust our own eyes.
Well, that's inconvenient.
What do you suggest?
Close them.
Close our eyes?
I had my suspicions, but
the witch has laid more traps.
So this, this is another trap.
Just like that brush
that grabbed our feet.
Anything to slow our path.
Assistant, behind me.
Everyone, link arms.
Form a chain.
Close your eyes.
I will lead us
to the witch's lair.
How? Will you not just get
lost like the rest of us?
Lesson number three.
A Witch Hunter doesn't need
his eyes to hunt the witch.
The witch may be able
to fool our eyes easily,
but our other senses
prove more difficult.
Yes, Assistant.
You're starting to understand.
Now, don't open your eyes.
It wasn't me.
[whispering voices]
If we can just get past this...
Stay together.
Eyes closed.
-Damn it!
-No.
Oh, forget this childish game.
I'm going to punch him again.
Look, look.
It's all new territory.
There's no curse anymore.
We're fine--
Get me out. Get me out!
Get me out of it!
God's above, what made that?
Assistant, don't open your eyes.
Yes.
Cut me loose,
cut me loose!
Stay still.
Stop struggling. You'll bring
the beast that made the web.
[hissing]
[shrieks]
Erka, get back.
Help.
Down, fool!
Monsters may not have
my land or my life!
[roars]
[shouting]
What's happening?
It's a spider.
Keep your eyes closed.
Keep your eyes closed.
I can help, though.
Stay here.
I have a plan.
Wait.
Ah!
[grunts]
Where did everyone go?
I can't see a thing.
Ah!
[grunting]
Devas!
[grunting]
[grunting]
[shrieks]
Were my instructions
not clear?
What? I was pushed.
We almost...
Come on.
Your eyes were open.
I'm sorry, Volker.
Volker, I'm sorry.
Everyone that I care for dies.
Revenge shall be ours.
His sacrifice will
not be in vain.
Assistant, know this.
There are few ways
to kill a witch.
But the most reliable is to use
her own magic against her.
Thanks to Dreas,
we have an edge.
Volker, take us
to the witch's lair.
Sire, you summoned
your dragon hoard.
Is there no other way?
Surely they will be killed.
They have not yet been
tested in battle.
And they are still so young.
So was my son, Roon.
So was my son.
We all must do our part.
The dragons watch
their mother fight.
They will know what to do.
-Sire...
-Send my brood, Roon.
Send them to torch the witch
in her own forest.
Go, my dragons.
The sky is ours.
The castle is ours.
The kingdom is ours!
The witch burns this day.
[roaring]
[roars]
[bats squeaking]
There they are.
My visitors.
[laughs]
My assassins have come.
Let's give them the warm
welcome they deserve.
[laughs]
Wait...
This is where we were attacked.
This is where Lotten died.
If we're near the witch's lair,
we should be on our guard.
Eyes open, everyone.
Look for clues.
Talismans. Body marks.
Burning marks.
Bodies, talismans.
Remnants of the witch's magic
will lead us right to her.
After you.
You're the one that's so
desperate to lead.
Whatever we meet next,
you're the one to meet it first.
I don't like the way
you talk to me.
We must bury them.
I owe them that.
No!
No, wait, Volker!
Don't touch the bodies!
-It's a trap!
-I must bury my son.
[growling]
What evil sorcery is this?
They are dead.
They are undead.
It's the witch!
She set a trap with her magic.
They are dead.
Willem, Sweet Lotten.
What poor fate is this?
Hunter, shall we close our eyes?
No. That's no good here.
Volker, stop back.
They're dead, yet they walk.
Not for long. Attack!
Don't!
It's no use, Volker.
He is my son.
I cannot kill him.
Father!
I cannot kill him.
[shrieking]
[screams]
I know you're in there, Lotten.
I know you're in there.
-Please, son!
-Volker!
Please, Lotten,
I know you're still in there.
I know you're still in there.
Come back to me.
[shouts]
Ah...
Hilde, I'm sorry.
Damn you, Gisela.
I shall have your head.
[laughs]
Not if I have yours first.
[whispering voices]
[roaring]
I think she heard you earlier.
That was the bear.
The beast is coming.
Where's Azzo going?
The great tracker
of the North
might finally have
the right idea.
Assistant, we're leaving.
Find an open field.
Erka, stay back.
[roaring]
The Witch Hunter said
we must find an open area.
It's just a spirit.
Whatever you're going
to do, do it quickly.
[roaring]
Coming!
[shouts spell]
Kill it now! Now!
You're next, witch!
Erka, I want you to stay
away from the Witch Hunter.
But Father, you were the one who
wanted to bring him to lead us.
What are you...
Maybe I was wrong.
We've lost Dreas and Hilde.
I don't want to lose you.
We may just lose everybody in
our party on this journey.
But if we don't do this, we
could lose the entire kingdom.
He's our best shot at
destroying this witch.
Maybe.
Maybe I'm just
a stupid old man.
Maybe both.
Be careful, Assistant.
Hilde wasn't going to come
till you gave her that.
What is it?
A promise kept.
One I hope you
never have need of.
[birds calling]
[rustling]
My father says I should
stay away from you.
He's right.
Why'd you bring me along?
Tell me now, Witch Hunter.
I've told you,
I needed an assistant.
All Witch Hunters require
an assistant, yes.
But what happened
to your last one?
They didn't last very long.
Why?
Because there weren't
good assistants.
I'm not even assisting you.
I just carry your bag.
I'm like a pack mule.
You taught me to track,
to use my senses.
But I want to learn real magic.
I can help you take
down this witch.
Just teach me something.
No matter how small.
It's not time yet.
That's no answer.
It's just not
an answer you like.
Because people are dying.
What's the point of your magic
if you can't even use
it to help?
In your belt, you store
spells in there, right?
Most Hunters use bags.
Pockets are better.
Potions, powders,
earth, and sparks.
Spark?
I can do a spark.
I've been practicing those.
What are those?
A simple shade you saw.
A defensive spell.
Thicket, ice, wind.
Wait, wait, wait, hold on.
You forgot one.
We're probably not going
to need that one.
But what is it?
Trickery, potion, and spark
for bringing back the dead.
Bringing back the dead?
You have a bringing
back the dead spell?
Why didn't we use it?
Why didn't we use it back then?
People, people are dying.
Everything has a cost.
But we've already paid so much.
And if it doesn't help, then
what good is your magic then?
Now you sound just like him.
Who?
My last assistant.
Tell me this, Witch Hunter.
Why do you always
lie behind on our journey?
The moon is full.
We're out of time.
My powers are growing.
Now you must grow, too.
[growling]
[gasps]
[crackling]
[pants]
Thank God you're all right.
The witch.
[howling]
Caspar, we need you.
It's too late for plans.
She knows we're here.
And every moment
her powers grow.
What do we do now?
Everyone, clean up and fan out.
Make more targets.
Don't make it easy on her.
Come on.
[roaring]
[grunting]
Ah!
Bar those gates, men.
Shore up the defenses.
Doom is coming!
-My liege, please.
-Doom is coming!
We must be ready.
GISELA:
What is yours shall now be mine.
My liege, please.
Come back, my liege.
You took my children from me!
Now I'll take yours!
A wise and powerful master
worthy of your claim.
You belong to me!
Now go!
Destroy the kingdom
in the name of Gisela!
[roaring]
We must be ready.
No hand without a weapon.
My kingdom and my people
will survive this night.
[Gisela cackling]
Yes, sir.
Yes, sire. Of course.
We shall.
[distant roaring]
It couldn't be.
It couldn't be!
-Not so soon.
-We must get to the keep.
[roars]
[Gisela cackles]
Our dragons return.
Yes, Sire.
There is something amiss.
Their eyes.
Roon, this means victory.
My gods, they are possessed.
She has possessed the dragons.
Guards, to your king.
Wallmen, to your defenses.
We must protect the castle.
The witch....
Now she controls the skies.
What have we done?
[roaring]
We must get you inside, Sire.
I will not abandon
my people, Roon.
You're not good to them
in the grave, Sire.
Run!
[roaring fire, screaming]
HAGEN:
She's taken too many lives.
Now she must be stopped.
CASPAR: Her powers are only
going to increase
as the night gets longer.
ERKA: Then why won't she
show herself,
face us directly if
she's grown so powerful?
My poor child.
Mind what you wish for.
Now that I have you,
well, what's left of you,
it would be so much fun
killing the three of you.
But I'd much prefer that
you do it yourselves.
[cackles]
Please, please,
I can't fight it.
[whispering voices]
Witch Hunter, watch out!
[grunting]
Keep fighting!
[shouting]
Erka...
You're fast, Witch Hunter.
Not fast enough.
Assistant, on your feet.
The full moon comes.
And with it, more power.
We failed.
Our work here is not done yet.
What do we do now?
I've learned something
about the witch.
Pitting you two against me.
She's playing games,
having fun.
Fun?
That helps us.
How does that help us?
She's busy.
She's distracted.
It gives us time to sneak into
her lair and set our trap.
No, we should
be following her.
It's just the three of us.
We chase her at full power,
we'll be done for.
We need the element of surprise.
It's the only leverage
we have left.
What kind of trap?
The full moon has
reached its apex.
The witch is at
her most powerful.
[men shouting]
Take cover! Take cover!
Roon!
Their hearts, their minds.
They have been corrupted.
She has taken them from me.
And she will pay
dearly for that.
[flames roaring]
[Gisele cackling]
The witch herself, Roon.
Her promise has come due.
She comes, my king!
She comes!
We fight her, Roon.
And her possessed
kin to the death.
They are our dragons, Sire.
-If we were...
-They are gone, Roon.
They are her beasts now.
And like every creature that
comes under her control,
they must be slain.
I must remember the great
fighter I once was.
I must lead the men,
the soldiers and the bowmen
to protect our kingdom
and our lives.
-Guards.
-Sire.
Soldiers, bowmen,
fire upon the dragons
before they fire upon you!
Show them no mercy,
as they would show you no mercy.
And they would feast
upon your bones.
Do not blink.
Do not give them a moment
to gain the upper hand.
Give them everything
until they are nothing.
Take them down!
Let's end this.
No, wait.
Something feels off.
That could have been you.
What was that?
It's like that trap
in the brush.
Something just felt off.
Good eye, Assistant.
Another trap.
This one is supposed to
keep out uninvited guests.
Uninvited guests like us.
Invisible barrier.
Cross it, and you trigger
obliteration spell.
Why can't we just run fast?
It'll just kill you faster.
Can't we go under it?
We need to trick the trap
into thinking
that these remains
remain alive.
Lick it.
How is that supposed to help?
Just do it.
The saliva will convince
the obliteration spell
that it's got trespasses.
If that works, the barrier
will obliterate the bone,
allowing us to pass
through unharmed.
And if it doesn't work?
On my mark:
three, two, one.
Push forward.
She's here.
This is just the witch's body.
We followed a shadow.
The witch's powers are
so great now
that the shadows are
taking full form as well.
Let's go find her.
She could be anywhere.
We need to be ready
when she returns.
We take this body,
she'll just find another.
We need to destroy her
soul from the inside out.
By force, if need be.
This could be worse, much worse.
Assistant, I need those items.
-The monster pots.
-Yes.
Each piece holds a tiny
element of the witch,
her own magic,
which means she won't sense
anything until it's too late.
What are we doing?
A binding spell.
Hagen, hold this.
Hey, you just cut my father.
I'm making a sigil.
And she'll turn us inside out
if we don't finish
before she gets here.
All magic requires a sacrifice.
But why cut him?
Not me, not yourself.
Old spell requires old blood.
Glad it's good
for something.
Hagen, keep your eyes on
the witch's body.
I can help you with your sigil,
with the magic.
Just keep your eyes on her,
and don't touch the body.
This is going to be close,
very close.
[roaring]
On your guard.
We are being attacked,
from without and within.
There's a traitor in our midst.
A traitor? Traitor?
Who?
GISELE: Me.
[laughs]
No!
Please make it stop!
I cannot take anymore!
Come, my lady.
I have made way for you
to exact your revenge!
In the name of the gods.
Roon, no!
[Gisela screams]
Uninvited guests, you shall
not take the kingdom from me.
I bind you.
No, Witch Hunter,
you're too late.
The counter spell!
Before she left.
You disappoint me, Witch Hunter.
Perhaps it's now time
for a lesson for you.
Now, let me show your
assistant some real magic.
[screaming]
[roars]
The witch has turned
herself into a monster!
How do we stop her now?
By sending her to
the depths of hell.
Caspar!
Father!
[shouting]
Father!
Hunter!
Hagen...
Father, no.
Don't leave!
The best thing that ever
happened to me...
...was you.
[growls]
Down!
I love you, Erka.
No, no, no, no...
Erka, hold on to me.
[shrieks]
I have done as you bid, my lady.
Roon, what have you done?
What my master has bid of me.
Who is your master, if not me?
The kingdom is yours!
Sweet desolation for all!
I am ready to receive my reward.
[roars]
The kingdom...
No.
It belongs to the witch,
Gisela, now!
Father
Why didn't you save him?
You could have saved him.
You used the shade like
in the tavern to save us, but...
You could have saved him.
It wasn't my choice.
It was his.
I had one shot.
It was either him or
you, and he picked you.
What is that?
A marker, a life debt.
He gave that to Hilde to get
her to come and help us.
That means once a long time ago,
your father saved
that barbarian's life.
He was barely a fighter.
Elder Hagen was more
capable than what he shared.
He was a cunning one.
What do you mean?
You were right about me.
I was using everyone.
Using them as bait
to collect my elements,
but now it failed.
But that was ever
my backup plan.
What are you talking about?
You asked me why
I brought you.
Your father knew not
all Witch Hunters
required an assistant.
Your father knew the only way
to stop the witch
was with your blood,
virgin blood.
I needed your blood
to complete my task,
and your father knew that.
No.
Didn't want you to come.
And that's why he
gave me the ducat.
You're a bastard, Caspar!
I'm a Witch Hunter.
And now my father is dead,
and that witch, now a beast,
is out there destroying
our kingdom.
What do we do now?
What we've been tasked to do.
With your blood, we can
enchant this sword
and use it to defeat the witch.
That's enough blood.
Spells require sacrifice.
I've sacrificed plenty.
Why didn't we do this sooner?
If you needed my blood,
you could have just taken it.
That would have
countermand a spell.
You need to give it willingly,
with your own volition.
There's magic in consent.
We're going to take
this fight to the witch.
That we are.
Then we need to
be ready to fight.
A start.
Do it again.
This time,
don't look at your hand.
Focus on who's it for.
Focus on your enemy.
Whoa...
I did it. I did it!
I did...
Ow.
Good enough.
No. It's not good enough.
If we're going to fight
this beast,
you need to give me
something to work with.
Teach me something, a spell,
a conjuration, anything.
I can do it.
I know I can.
It's not time for that. Yet.
I know what my father did,
giving you that ducat.
But you don't
have to protect me.
I need you to teach me.
If the witch has any inkling
that you're capable,
you're a threat,
even that spark.
And she'll destroy you.
You need to focus on me.
That's the only way.
Let her underestimate you.
And then you can show her
what you really made of.
Come, Assistant.
There's a witch beast
that needs killing.
We'll use my returning spell.
[hisses]
Back to hell, beast! Back!
[growling]
We cannot lose the night.
We cannot.
Witch Hunter?
Erka, you are still alive?
How can that be?
There is death for all
in the witch's path.
That is a story
for another time.
Get the king to safety.
Erka, you cannot be here.
This is far too dangerous.
I know. That's why we're here
to help you protect the kingdom.
Now move!
This one and
I have unfinished business.
[growling]
Stay here, Sire.
Where is Elder Hagen?
Erka?
Where is your father?
He's done his duty.
And now let me do mine.
[roars]
[grunting]
This isn't working.
-It's too big.
-And too strong.
I'll distract her.
You sneak around with the sword.
Then it is up to you
and the Witch Hunter
to save the kingdom now.
Hey! Over here!
[grunts]
[shouts]
On my blood...
My father sacrificed himself
so that I may live.
If I'm a Witch Hunter...
Magic requires sacrifice.
Focus on my enemy.
Now, Erka!
[crowd shouting]
Long live the king!
Sire!
Sire, you're alive.
Indeed I am.
I must... [sighs]
...thank you both
for saving my kingdom.
Erka, your father
would be so proud
of what you have done here,
and with two Witch Hunters
to protect this kingdom,
we should be safe.
I would send you both do a
drink, but we all need one.
Yes.
Glory be to thee,
thanks to the guard!
Hail the King!
Hail the king!
A toast to all those lost.
And new beginnings...
But King Konrad is buying.
Well, that would seem
to be the least I can do.
And then after that, we could
start my training, partner?
I said I'll think about it.
The Cardinal War had been
waged for nearly a decade.
So much death, famine, disease.
The conflict reached a
bloody and decisive conclusion,
with Konrad I of the
House of Barlow
emerging victorious as ruler,
his power absolute.
King Konrad soon
consolidated his reach,
unifying his dominion at
the border along the Weald,
and his reign continued on,
peaceful and fair,
until the King discovered
there still remained
one last threat
looming in his midst.
Many years had passed
when his kingdom
was first beset by rumor,
innuendo,
ghastly sighs
from the depths.
The tranquil land had begun
to change in horrific ways.
Gisela, the Witch of the Weald.
even a whisper of
her cursed name
could strike fear
in the bravest of men.
Children run and
recoil in terror
at the very mention of her.
One by one,
old warriors, mercenaries,
and agnostics would seek her
out to prove she was
only a myth, or to put
an end to her heresy.
But those who
entered the Weald
met a cruel and bloody end
as Gisela grew angrier
and more spiteful
at each of the challenges,
until the King
was left no choice
but to seek an appeasement
with her in official capacity.
[thunder]
Volker, why do we not try
to sneak our way inside?
Quietly.
Quietly?
We are here by the order
of King Konrad.
Let the Witch see us coming.
Caution has value,
young Lotten.
You cannot sneak up on a Witch.
She has eyes everywhere.
Then let's pluck them out
and finish this madness.
Witch dies tonight.
Quiet.
If we rush in with violence,
we do not stand a chance.
Your presence here is merely
as a backup, do you understand?
We are here to seek
an arrangement
with the Witch, that's all.
You think you can reason
with a Witch?
[chuckles]
That is folly.
We were sent by the King,
your King,
to find out what
she would agree to.
Do you understand?
Soon, my love.
[growling]
Soon.
They're getting closer now.
I can smell their sweat.
And... their fear.
Rise.
[growling]
Rise.
Rise!
Why have we stopped?
Because we have reached
the witch's doorstep.
This is the threshold
to her dark layer.
Never send a boy
to do a warrior's job.
Your bravado gains us
nothing, Willem.
We are here as diplomats only.
By dawn's light, we will
have driven this witch
and her dark magic away
from our land for good.
By force or by voice,
we are only as strong
as our weakest link.
And our chain is strong,
right, boy?
-For King Konrad.
-For King Konrad.
Volker, are you sure we can make
an arrangement with her?
I've heard stories
about the witch.
Bewitched men who
ate their own limbs
and swallowed their
sister's whole.
Cursed beasts taller than trees
that tore up the innocent
like mutton or pigs' meal.
Faces chewed up like cow's cud.
This is the problem
with stories.
Stories mean nothing
to the dead,
and they only
scare the living.
We have no time for stories.
We have a kingdom to protect.
[cackling]
[whispering voices]
Behind us!
A dark magic comes
from the woods.
[shouts]
Come on!
Back! Back!
Back! Back!
You beast!
[shouts]
Willem!
[screaming]
Stay close!
Son!
We merely seek an audience
with the witch in the woods!
There was no need for this!
[grunts]
You wanted an audience?
You've got one.
Go now, Volker.
Tell them a story.
Thanks to you and your
dead friend's trespassing,
I think your precious
little king
has finally outworn
his welcome in my lands.
My powers will have
reached beyond the forest.
And the beasts, my children,
will destroy King Konrad's
kingdom and everyone in it.
[cackles]
Your only son has
died this night, Volker.
Leave this place or I shall make
you watch him die again
every night until
the end of your days.
[shouts]
[laughs]
[wolf howls]
[growling]
[growling]
[crow caws]
Volker returns!
Sire, all is lost.
The witch's magic
was too powerful.
-LOTTEN: Willem!
-[cackling]
-VOLKER: Stay close!
Son!
[screaming]
Lord Hagen returns!
Your Majesty.
Hagen, you promised me
your men
would bring me the head
of this witch.
All I see is a broken soldier.
Volker has never
failed you before, Sire,
but this witch...
she grows stronger by the day.
She's a demon.
She's a flesh-eating monster.
I watched her eat Lotten.
She whipped his flesh
like it was mutton.
Please, Sire, please, please!
Send me back.
Let me redeem myself.
We must stop her before
the full moon rises again
or she will send
her monsters here.
She will destroy our kingdom.
She will kill our people.
Please!
[sighs]
You have already done
all you can, Volker.
Go and rest now.
This is no longer your concern.
Hagen...
this witch has plagued us
for far too many seasons.
The cursed forest encroaches
upon our land every day,
infecting our crops
with pestilence
and death and vermin.
My men tell me of babies
born without eyes,
of our army's horses
feeding on one another.
She is already at our door,
clawing inside our home.
If what Volker tells us is true,
then we must take the fight back
to her before it is too late.
We must fight smarter,
my liege. Not harder.
And to that end,
I have an idea.
Ideas are for schoolmarms
and poets, Elder Hagen.
Otto, treasured son of
the king and heir,
I ask you to trust your
Elder Hagen as you once did.
Killing a witch like
this is not sport.
But Hagen in this,
my son, is right.
No more words.
Action is needed.
We need Caspar,
the Witch Hunter.
Only he has the skills and
experience for a job like this.
Ha ha! The Witch Hunter?
Really, Hagen?
Him?
Sire, the witch hunter
is renowned for his magic
and his special skills.
He is a drunk, Hagen,
and untrustworthy.
He started a brawl
that sent one of my best men
to the infirmary for weeks.
-You started that brawl
-Father...
We need not this Witch Hunter.
Only I am up to task.
Sire, wait.
You would risk the witch
storming our gates,
killing and torturing
our citizens?
We must take the fight to her.
Send me, father.
I will sneak in with stealth
and take her out
before she catches wind of me,
and we will be rid of this
blight once and for all.
And if I fail,
your army will remain here
to protect our beloved kingdom.
My liege, I must object.
Otto, please.
Send your dragons, Sire.
It is the only defense we have.
No.
The dragons are under my care.
They are yet too young, Sire.
They need more training.
They cannot fight
a foe such as this.
Roon is right.
They are too young,
and they have not flown fair
since their mother died.
It is too great a
risk to send them.
But, Sire...
Save your breath, Hagen.
You have sent your best...
but I am king.
My blood flows in his noble
veins,
the blood of a fighter.
If I had seen as
few winters as he has,
I would put my own sword up
against this witch.
But, alas...
My Otto, great warrior of
this house and land,
champion and heir to my throne,
shall slay this witch
for the kingdom...
and protect our
citizens from harm.
I am honored, you see
it my way, father.
I will enlist my best men.
Otto, this witch and her beast,
they are foes like you have
never fought before.
You will need help.
And I will have none of
yours, Volker.
I have chosen my men and am off
to slay this witch at once.
I have protected our cities
from invasion before.
I will do my father and
my kingdom proud.
She knows sorcery.
You cannot fight against this.
Sire, please reconsider.
Sire, please.
We must not act too rashly.
That will be all,
Hagen, Volker.
Leave us.
Then let it be so.
Go, my son, and bring
me the head of this witch.
I have seen this witch
with my own two eyes.
Otto is a mighty soldier in
his own right, but this woman,
she can bend the shadows
with her own will.
And there is only
one man who can truly
compete with such a demon,
but we need a backup plan.
Come on.
We kill the witch by sundown,
we may have a chance
to save the kingdom,
and maybe even Otto and
those fools themselves,
but we're going
to need some help.
In there? Are you mad?
A tavern is no place
to find reinforcements.
Yes, but where else are
we going to find
anyone stupid enough to help us?
[chattering]
You expect us to
find someone here?
Yeah.
Perhaps.
[snoring]
I'm coming with you.
Volker, I have business
with my father.
I'll leave you to it.
I'm coming with you.
You're exhaling.
I'll take that as a yes, then.
Erica...
That's my name.
-Erica.
-So, when do we leave?
It's a witch, Erica.
A demon.
I can fight.
Look, this is my kingdom, too,
and I want to help protect it.
You didn't give me this sword
so I could pick my teeth.
I'll hold on to that.
I'm going to need
it more than you will.
You're going to need me
more than a sword, Father.
Your king needs
you to stay here.
Your king is going
to get you killed.
All the more reason
for you not to come.
What if I've been
practicing magic?
Magic?
Who have you
been practicing with?
Just practicing on my own.
Only light magic.
Behind my back?
Well...
If I'd done it in front of your
back, you'd have seen me.
Practice your magic, then.
But stay here.
Fine.
So what I'm hearing is that
it may be for me,
but who do you want
for the suicide mission?
The Witch Hunter.
Your Witch Hunter is there,
passed out for days.
At least I'm awake.
I don't have time
for this, dear.
You're smart.
You're talented.
You're the best thing
that ever happened to me.
But you are not coming with me
to kill this witch.
I don't want you to die
and have it be my fault.
Your mother would
never forgive me.
She's been dead for years.
Which is exactly
why I can't lose you.
Sit.
Don't speak.
Don't anything.
[snoring]
I'm not even sure
he's breathing.
Let's worry about that later.
Caspar can't do this alone.
We need more capable warriors
to join our party.
I may have a better option.
Good luck.
[snoring]
To the both of us.
I know why you're here, Volker.
Then you know I need
your help, Dreas.
I saw Otto and his party march
past just before you arrived.
They have it handled.
They're fools.
They think they have it handled.
Besides, these hands,
they're for farming now,
old man.
Not blood.
I would not ask if
I did not need you.
There is a demon witch
who must die.
For your king, for your village,
for your people, please.
My soldiering days
are behind me.
Dark days.
Volker, these rumors
I've heard about the witch.
Are they true?
The stories--
They are not stories.
They are not rumors.
I was there. I lived.
The rest did not.
Lotten was just a boy.
That thing ambushed us
as we approached.
Her shadow beast carried
them off into the dark,
screaming for their lives.
I could hear them
being torn apart
like scraps for a dog.
She must pay for
what she's done.
Blood for blood.
Poor Lotten.
Had his whole life
ahead of him.
Just a kid.
Revenge is something
my dags and I can get behind.
Thank you, my old friend.
Thank you.
May we both live to regret it.
[snoring]
Hilde, I have an important
mission from the king
that requires your...
[burps]
...special skills.
Oi, hey!
Is there any money?
I'm afraid...
Glory, then.
Well...
Love?
No.
Not interested.
Barkeep, more ale, please.
Aye, right away, miss.
Anything you say.
There's no turning back
after this, Hagen.
No second chances.
I know the rules.
If we don't stop that witch,
there'll be no second chances
for any of us ever again.
I need a barbarian.
Then you'll have one.
When do we leave?
Not soon enough.
Thank you, Hilde.
Now...
We only need our leader.
And you found him.
[chuckles]
Azzo, at your service.
Heir to the great
warriors of the North,
and born leader and slayer
of demons, dragons...
[chuckling]
And lucky for you, witches.
No. There's no way that
this street theater reject
gets to go, and I don't.
He's got longer hair than I.
You slander me child, and
in front of your batters.
I don't take kindly to
mouthy little younglings.
Don't touch me!
Erka, what are you doing?
-Sir, I beg you...
-Father, my sword.
Poor manners come from
poor parenting.
Allow me to teach her
a lesson in manners
she won't soon forget.
Don't worry, Father.
I've got this.
Erka, please.
[shouts]
Did you learn your lesson,
heir of the great
warriors of the North?
I've no belly for unfair fights.
He may have been unmatched.
But... you're still over there.
How?
Lesson number two.
A simple shade,
a trick of the eye.
A portrait of a moment that can
use to beguile your enemies.
Useful in a pinch.
Especially when you need someone
to think you're drunk or dead.
Witch Hunter Caspar,
you have my thanks.
I'm Hagen, town elder.
Your king is in need.
I will lead your party, Elder.
Under one condition.
That this one comes, too.
I'm sorry...
She comes, or I don't.
All the Witch Hunters
require an assistant.
But surely you have an
assistant you've used before.
Not around here.
I don't hire one
until I've been hired.
So you need me,
and I need her.
She's clearly proven
her skill in combat.
And she has
the enthusiasm we need
that is sorely lacking anywhere
else in this establishment.
But... But she's my daughter.
Father, please, I'll be fine.
Just give me this one chance
to prove myself
and protect
our kingdom, please.
Only if the Witch Hunter
vows to protect you.
Agreed.
-Assistant.
-Erka.
Assistant.
Bring me my bags.
Right away.
Didn't you know, Father,
all Witch Hunters
require an assistant.
Relax.
She shall be safe with us.
Safer when that witch is dead.
Enough talk.
The barbarian's right.
We're losing daylight.
If we leave now, we could be
in time to save Otto
from a fate worse than death.
Faster, you bastards!
Faster!
Come on, you fools!
Let's kill that witch.
Uh, sire?
We've been here before.
We must have come the wrong way.
We need to double back.
Faster, you bastards!
Faster!
Come on, you fools.
Let's kill that...
I think we're going in circles.
See, look, that big
one there, we were just...
No, no, wait.
It was that way.
No.
No, no...
Faster!
Kill that witch.
No, no there's nothing in
this forest but dried up old...
Big one there, we were just...
No...
[cackles]
It's the forest.
It's bewitched.
[roars]
One of the witch's monsters!
[shouts]
We can't hurt the thing.
An invincible demon!
Retreat! Retreat!
Trust the Witch Hunter to do his
duty once we found the witch.
But first we must
find the king's son.
My son has died.
We dare hold out hope
that the king's son
is still alive, Hagen?
We do.
And once we've found him,
we can use their help.
I would wish for an army.
I pray the thirst for ale has
waylaid their thirst for blood.
Dreas, back when
you were a soldier
did you ever fight alongside
any Witch Hunters?
Not many.
Even back then
the numbers were few.
Are they all like him?
Lag behind?
Keep to themselves?
Probably.
I've kept my distance whenever
I cross their path.
How come?
Don't you know?
Witch Hunters cannot be trusted.
My town elders
used to say,
the longer you hunt for evil,
the darker it makes you.
But... why would my father
trust him to help us?
Desperate times, my child.
We have no other option.
He's the only one
within a week's ride
who's killed a witch.
Your father knows
only a Witch Hunter
can protect us from
the evil within this woods.
[crow caws]
Wait.
Something dark was here.
Your senses are
very keen, Hilde.
What else?
Blood.
No!
We told Otto.
We told the king.
We told the guards!
The king has
lost his sole heir.
We shall have our revenge
for the king himself
and our kingdom.
We shall bring this witch and
her shadows to swift justice.
Whatever killed them,
it was big and fast.
Smells of bear, doesn't it?
Aye.
But bears, they don't
get that big, do they?
That's because it wasn't a bear.
It was a bear-made beast, one
of the witch's shadow hordes.
Yes, that's how it began.
They came as shadows.
We should say a few words.
Otto deserved better.
He did not.
I need to at least bury him.
No, we do not have time.
They came as shadows and
they grew upon the earth.
They grew into monsters.
What did they look like?
Spare no detail.
They were animals.
They were twisted.
They were evil.
They are coming for us.
They will come for all of us.
They're coming!
[laughing]
Got you!
You fool!
-It's just Azzo the idiot.
-I know.
Azzo, what are you doing?
It's foolish of you
to follow us here
and very dangerous
to attempt to startle us.
Do you need me to finish
breaking your nose?
Erka, enough.
Enough.
Aye, I came here to help you.
No, seriously.
I mean, look at the lot of you.
An old man, a cry baby,
a farmer, a barbarian,
a child and a drunk.
You need all
the help you can get.
Besides, if that witch
attacks the village,
I'm as doomed as everyone else.
And if you fail in your task,
well, then, we'll all end up
in the teeth of that demon, eh?
Yes, but why step
into the fire with us?
You could have left town.
You'd be leagues away.
Azzo of the North does not
run from a fight!
Oh, really?
But that one was different.
Also, eh, I need my sword back.
Erka, go on.
So, if, uh, your Witch Hunter
is gonna bring up the rear,
how about I lead
from the front, eh?
I am the best tracker I know.
In fact, I was the first
to warn the North
when the
Whitebranches of Conover
set to attack the
fair capital of our North.
They wrote songs about me.
We can trust him.
I've had my eyes on him the
moment he entered the forest.
You see?
Hey, what?
How'd you see me?
I was keeping to the shadows.
The very first place I'd look.
I'm sure young Azzo will
prove to have his uses.
Desperate times and all.
The shadow beasts will
be back, and soon.
We need to move now.
Great Azzo,
tracker of the North.
-Present!
-Take point.
You will work with Volker.
We need use of you, soldier.
Take us through
the boundaries of the domain
where you lost your men.
They were not men.
They were but boys.
One of them was my son.
Hagen, we should have known.
The witches' powers grow.
So does her influence.
Where you last faced them
was closest to the lair
and the best position where
we should strike.
I don't trust that guy.
We should not.
But if the Witch Hunter
is right,
he might be useful.
How so?
Bait.
How could we be back
where we started?
We've been walking for hours.
Hey, hold on!
Erka, come along!
I can't, I can't move!
Wait...
-My feet!
-The forest floor...
The forest floor!
It's in league
with the demon!
-No!
-We cannot get out!
No, that's the good news!
Everyone, jump!
What was that?
A trap.
An old trick.
But you said it was good news.
Caspar, explain yourself.
It means we're
on the right track.
The more obstacles in our path,
the closer we get.
Well done, Azzo.
Lead on.
Right.
Well, you see, the thing is,
whole new terrain,
I kind of lost my tracking.
Need a moment.
Have faith in yourself, warrior.
Believe in yourself.
Right, right, right.
Yeah, I'm thinking...
This way, right.
All right, this way.
This way, I think.
Oh, yes, it's
definitely this way.
You sure you want
to let him lead?
A boat may be steered
from the front,
but it is the rudder
that changes its heading.
Just because someone
is in the front,
that doesn't mean
they're leading.
Azzo is doing exactly
what I want him to do.
Erka, be careful.
Don't get too far behind.
Oh, yeah, definitely this way.
No, not this way.
No, no, no, look, look, look.
The moss on these trees
only grows in the shade,
-which means the position...
-That's not the way.
Look.
Oh, I'm wrong.
But how?
This doesn't make sense.
How could we be lost?
Witch Hunter, you said we were
nearly to the witch's lair.
We have travelled in circles.
This entire forest
has bewitched.
We should have had word by now.
[whispering voices]
What trickery is this?
GISELA: Such a gift,
you've given me, my king,
to snuff out the light
of your flesh,
your firstborn.
What have you done to my Otto?
GISELA: He ran.
But was so slow
with sloth and privilege
when he abandoned his loyal men.
My pet hardly had to flex
when he tore your precious Otto
into tiny bites.
No!
GISELA: Beware, oh king.
I am come.
This day is half done.
Every mother's son you send me,
I shall slaughter.
Your kingdom red with blood
until you bend
the knee before me
and surrender the throne.
[cackling]
ERKA: But how?
How could we be back
to where we started?
We've been walking for hours.
How will we kill a demon witch
if we can't get to her?
We need to hurry.
The day is getting shorter.
Caspar, any ideas?
No good ones yet.
Volker was right. This is
cursed ground, bewitched.
But merely trickery
to fool our own eyes.
We can't trust our own eyes.
Well, that's inconvenient.
What do you suggest?
Close them.
Close our eyes?
I had my suspicions, but
the witch has laid more traps.
So this, this is another trap.
Just like that brush
that grabbed our feet.
Anything to slow our path.
Assistant, behind me.
Everyone, link arms.
Form a chain.
Close your eyes.
I will lead us
to the witch's lair.
How? Will you not just get
lost like the rest of us?
Lesson number three.
A Witch Hunter doesn't need
his eyes to hunt the witch.
The witch may be able
to fool our eyes easily,
but our other senses
prove more difficult.
Yes, Assistant.
You're starting to understand.
Now, don't open your eyes.
It wasn't me.
[whispering voices]
If we can just get past this...
Stay together.
Eyes closed.
-Damn it!
-No.
Oh, forget this childish game.
I'm going to punch him again.
Look, look.
It's all new territory.
There's no curse anymore.
We're fine--
Get me out. Get me out!
Get me out of it!
God's above, what made that?
Assistant, don't open your eyes.
Yes.
Cut me loose,
cut me loose!
Stay still.
Stop struggling. You'll bring
the beast that made the web.
[hissing]
[shrieks]
Erka, get back.
Help.
Down, fool!
Monsters may not have
my land or my life!
[roars]
[shouting]
What's happening?
It's a spider.
Keep your eyes closed.
Keep your eyes closed.
I can help, though.
Stay here.
I have a plan.
Wait.
Ah!
[grunts]
Where did everyone go?
I can't see a thing.
Ah!
[grunting]
Devas!
[grunting]
[grunting]
[shrieks]
Were my instructions
not clear?
What? I was pushed.
We almost...
Come on.
Your eyes were open.
I'm sorry, Volker.
Volker, I'm sorry.
Everyone that I care for dies.
Revenge shall be ours.
His sacrifice will
not be in vain.
Assistant, know this.
There are few ways
to kill a witch.
But the most reliable is to use
her own magic against her.
Thanks to Dreas,
we have an edge.
Volker, take us
to the witch's lair.
Sire, you summoned
your dragon hoard.
Is there no other way?
Surely they will be killed.
They have not yet been
tested in battle.
And they are still so young.
So was my son, Roon.
So was my son.
We all must do our part.
The dragons watch
their mother fight.
They will know what to do.
-Sire...
-Send my brood, Roon.
Send them to torch the witch
in her own forest.
Go, my dragons.
The sky is ours.
The castle is ours.
The kingdom is ours!
The witch burns this day.
[roaring]
[roars]
[bats squeaking]
There they are.
My visitors.
[laughs]
My assassins have come.
Let's give them the warm
welcome they deserve.
[laughs]
Wait...
This is where we were attacked.
This is where Lotten died.
If we're near the witch's lair,
we should be on our guard.
Eyes open, everyone.
Look for clues.
Talismans. Body marks.
Burning marks.
Bodies, talismans.
Remnants of the witch's magic
will lead us right to her.
After you.
You're the one that's so
desperate to lead.
Whatever we meet next,
you're the one to meet it first.
I don't like the way
you talk to me.
We must bury them.
I owe them that.
No!
No, wait, Volker!
Don't touch the bodies!
-It's a trap!
-I must bury my son.
[growling]
What evil sorcery is this?
They are dead.
They are undead.
It's the witch!
She set a trap with her magic.
They are dead.
Willem, Sweet Lotten.
What poor fate is this?
Hunter, shall we close our eyes?
No. That's no good here.
Volker, stop back.
They're dead, yet they walk.
Not for long. Attack!
Don't!
It's no use, Volker.
He is my son.
I cannot kill him.
Father!
I cannot kill him.
[shrieking]
[screams]
I know you're in there, Lotten.
I know you're in there.
-Please, son!
-Volker!
Please, Lotten,
I know you're still in there.
I know you're still in there.
Come back to me.
[shouts]
Ah...
Hilde, I'm sorry.
Damn you, Gisela.
I shall have your head.
[laughs]
Not if I have yours first.
[whispering voices]
[roaring]
I think she heard you earlier.
That was the bear.
The beast is coming.
Where's Azzo going?
The great tracker
of the North
might finally have
the right idea.
Assistant, we're leaving.
Find an open field.
Erka, stay back.
[roaring]
The Witch Hunter said
we must find an open area.
It's just a spirit.
Whatever you're going
to do, do it quickly.
[roaring]
Coming!
[shouts spell]
Kill it now! Now!
You're next, witch!
Erka, I want you to stay
away from the Witch Hunter.
But Father, you were the one who
wanted to bring him to lead us.
What are you...
Maybe I was wrong.
We've lost Dreas and Hilde.
I don't want to lose you.
We may just lose everybody in
our party on this journey.
But if we don't do this, we
could lose the entire kingdom.
He's our best shot at
destroying this witch.
Maybe.
Maybe I'm just
a stupid old man.
Maybe both.
Be careful, Assistant.
Hilde wasn't going to come
till you gave her that.
What is it?
A promise kept.
One I hope you
never have need of.
[birds calling]
[rustling]
My father says I should
stay away from you.
He's right.
Why'd you bring me along?
Tell me now, Witch Hunter.
I've told you,
I needed an assistant.
All Witch Hunters require
an assistant, yes.
But what happened
to your last one?
They didn't last very long.
Why?
Because there weren't
good assistants.
I'm not even assisting you.
I just carry your bag.
I'm like a pack mule.
You taught me to track,
to use my senses.
But I want to learn real magic.
I can help you take
down this witch.
Just teach me something.
No matter how small.
It's not time yet.
That's no answer.
It's just not
an answer you like.
Because people are dying.
What's the point of your magic
if you can't even use
it to help?
In your belt, you store
spells in there, right?
Most Hunters use bags.
Pockets are better.
Potions, powders,
earth, and sparks.
Spark?
I can do a spark.
I've been practicing those.
What are those?
A simple shade you saw.
A defensive spell.
Thicket, ice, wind.
Wait, wait, wait, hold on.
You forgot one.
We're probably not going
to need that one.
But what is it?
Trickery, potion, and spark
for bringing back the dead.
Bringing back the dead?
You have a bringing
back the dead spell?
Why didn't we use it?
Why didn't we use it back then?
People, people are dying.
Everything has a cost.
But we've already paid so much.
And if it doesn't help, then
what good is your magic then?
Now you sound just like him.
Who?
My last assistant.
Tell me this, Witch Hunter.
Why do you always
lie behind on our journey?
The moon is full.
We're out of time.
My powers are growing.
Now you must grow, too.
[growling]
[gasps]
[crackling]
[pants]
Thank God you're all right.
The witch.
[howling]
Caspar, we need you.
It's too late for plans.
She knows we're here.
And every moment
her powers grow.
What do we do now?
Everyone, clean up and fan out.
Make more targets.
Don't make it easy on her.
Come on.
[roaring]
[grunting]
Ah!
Bar those gates, men.
Shore up the defenses.
Doom is coming!
-My liege, please.
-Doom is coming!
We must be ready.
GISELA:
What is yours shall now be mine.
My liege, please.
Come back, my liege.
You took my children from me!
Now I'll take yours!
A wise and powerful master
worthy of your claim.
You belong to me!
Now go!
Destroy the kingdom
in the name of Gisela!
[roaring]
We must be ready.
No hand without a weapon.
My kingdom and my people
will survive this night.
[Gisela cackling]
Yes, sir.
Yes, sire. Of course.
We shall.
[distant roaring]
It couldn't be.
It couldn't be!
-Not so soon.
-We must get to the keep.
[roars]
[Gisela cackles]
Our dragons return.
Yes, Sire.
There is something amiss.
Their eyes.
Roon, this means victory.
My gods, they are possessed.
She has possessed the dragons.
Guards, to your king.
Wallmen, to your defenses.
We must protect the castle.
The witch....
Now she controls the skies.
What have we done?
[roaring]
We must get you inside, Sire.
I will not abandon
my people, Roon.
You're not good to them
in the grave, Sire.
Run!
[roaring fire, screaming]
HAGEN:
She's taken too many lives.
Now she must be stopped.
CASPAR: Her powers are only
going to increase
as the night gets longer.
ERKA: Then why won't she
show herself,
face us directly if
she's grown so powerful?
My poor child.
Mind what you wish for.
Now that I have you,
well, what's left of you,
it would be so much fun
killing the three of you.
But I'd much prefer that
you do it yourselves.
[cackles]
Please, please,
I can't fight it.
[whispering voices]
Witch Hunter, watch out!
[grunting]
Keep fighting!
[shouting]
Erka...
You're fast, Witch Hunter.
Not fast enough.
Assistant, on your feet.
The full moon comes.
And with it, more power.
We failed.
Our work here is not done yet.
What do we do now?
I've learned something
about the witch.
Pitting you two against me.
She's playing games,
having fun.
Fun?
That helps us.
How does that help us?
She's busy.
She's distracted.
It gives us time to sneak into
her lair and set our trap.
No, we should
be following her.
It's just the three of us.
We chase her at full power,
we'll be done for.
We need the element of surprise.
It's the only leverage
we have left.
What kind of trap?
The full moon has
reached its apex.
The witch is at
her most powerful.
[men shouting]
Take cover! Take cover!
Roon!
Their hearts, their minds.
They have been corrupted.
She has taken them from me.
And she will pay
dearly for that.
[flames roaring]
[Gisele cackling]
The witch herself, Roon.
Her promise has come due.
She comes, my king!
She comes!
We fight her, Roon.
And her possessed
kin to the death.
They are our dragons, Sire.
-If we were...
-They are gone, Roon.
They are her beasts now.
And like every creature that
comes under her control,
they must be slain.
I must remember the great
fighter I once was.
I must lead the men,
the soldiers and the bowmen
to protect our kingdom
and our lives.
-Guards.
-Sire.
Soldiers, bowmen,
fire upon the dragons
before they fire upon you!
Show them no mercy,
as they would show you no mercy.
And they would feast
upon your bones.
Do not blink.
Do not give them a moment
to gain the upper hand.
Give them everything
until they are nothing.
Take them down!
Let's end this.
No, wait.
Something feels off.
That could have been you.
What was that?
It's like that trap
in the brush.
Something just felt off.
Good eye, Assistant.
Another trap.
This one is supposed to
keep out uninvited guests.
Uninvited guests like us.
Invisible barrier.
Cross it, and you trigger
obliteration spell.
Why can't we just run fast?
It'll just kill you faster.
Can't we go under it?
We need to trick the trap
into thinking
that these remains
remain alive.
Lick it.
How is that supposed to help?
Just do it.
The saliva will convince
the obliteration spell
that it's got trespasses.
If that works, the barrier
will obliterate the bone,
allowing us to pass
through unharmed.
And if it doesn't work?
On my mark:
three, two, one.
Push forward.
She's here.
This is just the witch's body.
We followed a shadow.
The witch's powers are
so great now
that the shadows are
taking full form as well.
Let's go find her.
She could be anywhere.
We need to be ready
when she returns.
We take this body,
she'll just find another.
We need to destroy her
soul from the inside out.
By force, if need be.
This could be worse, much worse.
Assistant, I need those items.
-The monster pots.
-Yes.
Each piece holds a tiny
element of the witch,
her own magic,
which means she won't sense
anything until it's too late.
What are we doing?
A binding spell.
Hagen, hold this.
Hey, you just cut my father.
I'm making a sigil.
And she'll turn us inside out
if we don't finish
before she gets here.
All magic requires a sacrifice.
But why cut him?
Not me, not yourself.
Old spell requires old blood.
Glad it's good
for something.
Hagen, keep your eyes on
the witch's body.
I can help you with your sigil,
with the magic.
Just keep your eyes on her,
and don't touch the body.
This is going to be close,
very close.
[roaring]
On your guard.
We are being attacked,
from without and within.
There's a traitor in our midst.
A traitor? Traitor?
Who?
GISELE: Me.
[laughs]
No!
Please make it stop!
I cannot take anymore!
Come, my lady.
I have made way for you
to exact your revenge!
In the name of the gods.
Roon, no!
[Gisela screams]
Uninvited guests, you shall
not take the kingdom from me.
I bind you.
No, Witch Hunter,
you're too late.
The counter spell!
Before she left.
You disappoint me, Witch Hunter.
Perhaps it's now time
for a lesson for you.
Now, let me show your
assistant some real magic.
[screaming]
[roars]
The witch has turned
herself into a monster!
How do we stop her now?
By sending her to
the depths of hell.
Caspar!
Father!
[shouting]
Father!
Hunter!
Hagen...
Father, no.
Don't leave!
The best thing that ever
happened to me...
...was you.
[growls]
Down!
I love you, Erka.
No, no, no, no...
Erka, hold on to me.
[shrieks]
I have done as you bid, my lady.
Roon, what have you done?
What my master has bid of me.
Who is your master, if not me?
The kingdom is yours!
Sweet desolation for all!
I am ready to receive my reward.
[roars]
The kingdom...
No.
It belongs to the witch,
Gisela, now!
Father
Why didn't you save him?
You could have saved him.
You used the shade like
in the tavern to save us, but...
You could have saved him.
It wasn't my choice.
It was his.
I had one shot.
It was either him or
you, and he picked you.
What is that?
A marker, a life debt.
He gave that to Hilde to get
her to come and help us.
That means once a long time ago,
your father saved
that barbarian's life.
He was barely a fighter.
Elder Hagen was more
capable than what he shared.
He was a cunning one.
What do you mean?
You were right about me.
I was using everyone.
Using them as bait
to collect my elements,
but now it failed.
But that was ever
my backup plan.
What are you talking about?
You asked me why
I brought you.
Your father knew not
all Witch Hunters
required an assistant.
Your father knew the only way
to stop the witch
was with your blood,
virgin blood.
I needed your blood
to complete my task,
and your father knew that.
No.
Didn't want you to come.
And that's why he
gave me the ducat.
You're a bastard, Caspar!
I'm a Witch Hunter.
And now my father is dead,
and that witch, now a beast,
is out there destroying
our kingdom.
What do we do now?
What we've been tasked to do.
With your blood, we can
enchant this sword
and use it to defeat the witch.
That's enough blood.
Spells require sacrifice.
I've sacrificed plenty.
Why didn't we do this sooner?
If you needed my blood,
you could have just taken it.
That would have
countermand a spell.
You need to give it willingly,
with your own volition.
There's magic in consent.
We're going to take
this fight to the witch.
That we are.
Then we need to
be ready to fight.
A start.
Do it again.
This time,
don't look at your hand.
Focus on who's it for.
Focus on your enemy.
Whoa...
I did it. I did it!
I did...
Ow.
Good enough.
No. It's not good enough.
If we're going to fight
this beast,
you need to give me
something to work with.
Teach me something, a spell,
a conjuration, anything.
I can do it.
I know I can.
It's not time for that. Yet.
I know what my father did,
giving you that ducat.
But you don't
have to protect me.
I need you to teach me.
If the witch has any inkling
that you're capable,
you're a threat,
even that spark.
And she'll destroy you.
You need to focus on me.
That's the only way.
Let her underestimate you.
And then you can show her
what you really made of.
Come, Assistant.
There's a witch beast
that needs killing.
We'll use my returning spell.
[hisses]
Back to hell, beast! Back!
[growling]
We cannot lose the night.
We cannot.
Witch Hunter?
Erka, you are still alive?
How can that be?
There is death for all
in the witch's path.
That is a story
for another time.
Get the king to safety.
Erka, you cannot be here.
This is far too dangerous.
I know. That's why we're here
to help you protect the kingdom.
Now move!
This one and
I have unfinished business.
[growling]
Stay here, Sire.
Where is Elder Hagen?
Erka?
Where is your father?
He's done his duty.
And now let me do mine.
[roars]
[grunting]
This isn't working.
-It's too big.
-And too strong.
I'll distract her.
You sneak around with the sword.
Then it is up to you
and the Witch Hunter
to save the kingdom now.
Hey! Over here!
[grunts]
[shouts]
On my blood...
My father sacrificed himself
so that I may live.
If I'm a Witch Hunter...
Magic requires sacrifice.
Focus on my enemy.
Now, Erka!
[crowd shouting]
Long live the king!
Sire!
Sire, you're alive.
Indeed I am.
I must... [sighs]
...thank you both
for saving my kingdom.
Erka, your father
would be so proud
of what you have done here,
and with two Witch Hunters
to protect this kingdom,
we should be safe.
I would send you both do a
drink, but we all need one.
Yes.
Glory be to thee,
thanks to the guard!
Hail the King!
Hail the king!
A toast to all those lost.
And new beginnings...
But King Konrad is buying.
Well, that would seem
to be the least I can do.
And then after that, we could
start my training, partner?
I said I'll think about it.