THE FRANCISCAN MASSACRE - A Thesis on Human Unity in Five Acts

[Urahra 5781]

THE FRANCISCAN MASSACRE

A Thesis on Human Unity in Five Acts

Published 1797 IST. SA Year 2.

 

Penned by Bianca La Fleur

 

Play II of III in the Rosebud Trilogy
Inspired by the life and works of St. Tobias*.

 

This play is a work of fiction meant for entertainment only. Changes have been made for the purposes of simplifying the story for the stage. It is not to be treated as a historically accurate text for purposes of education

 

---

 

CAST
(In Order of Appearance)

 

Franz Carrion - The youngest son of Siegmund Carrion and his wife Helaine de Sarkozy. Dark hair, green eyes. Pessimistic, high-strung, and anxious - yet nevertheless a close friend of Tuvya. Their opposite temperaments balance one another. 

 

Tuvya Carrion - The eldest son of the Exalted Prophet, Siegmund Carrion. Bastard prince of Raev. Dark hair, blue eyes. Jovial, peace-loving, and good tempered.

 

High Pontiff Regulus I - The Heartlander High Pontiff who finds himself chafing under Raevir dominion. White hair, blue eyes. He quietly resents the dramatic changes to both the nobility and the faith introduced by Siegmund.

 

Vibius “Hanseticus” de Sola - A close friend and advisor of the Carrion brothers. Auburn hair, blue eyes. His iron, fiery temperament contrasts the peace-loving nature of Tuvya.

 

Archbishop Peter Pavel - The Archbishop of Vekaro. Dark hair, green eyes. He consents to aid Franz despite some misgivings. 

 

Sophia Horen - A rebel from the disgraced House of Horen. She wishes to oust the Carrions and claim the throne for herself. Blonde hair, blue eyes. Cold, iron-willed, yet haunted by what she’s forced to do.

 

The Spirits of Exalted Godfrey and Exalted Siegmund - The heavenly forms of the two Prophets. Not seen on stage.

 

Soldiers - Martial servants to the various lords and ladies in play. Their allegiance is indicated by their colors.

 

---

 

ACT ONE

SCENE ONE

 

Spoiler

 

The palace of KALDONIA, the seat of humanity’s power in the FRINGE. FRANZ CARRION sits at a table, his hands clasped in front of him. Expression grim.

 

ENTER TUVYA. Franz STANDS.

 

FRANZ

Pray, Tuvya, tell me that the news is good.

 

Tuvya pauses solemnly, removing his ushanka.

 

TUVYA

O, Franz… the Horen poison found its mark.

Ostromir lies still upon his death bed.

I’ll evermore curse that witch Sophia -

More a wicked serpent than noble drake!

Her venom crept into his victuals,

Placed there by an untrustworthy servant.

The poison slithered its way through his veins

And found his heart, where it snuffed out his life.

Her rebellion cost Renatus its king

And the two of us our cherished brother.

What shall we do? Someone must wear the crown.

The kingdom requires a strong leader -

Though none were more suited than Ostromir!

 

FRANZ

Our royal brother begat five children -

Are none of them fit to succeed his throne?

 

TUVYA

His oldest is but a toddling babe,

Still clinging to his lady mother’s skirts.

 

FRANZ

(anxious)

O, woe! What poor situation we’re in!

We cannot wait ‘til his children are grown!

Oren needs a monarch’s protection now!

Enemies threaten us on every front -

From Sophia’s band of disgraced nobles

To the vengeful armies of Urugan!

Is this the end of the Carrion line -

Torn apart by ravenous opponents?

Bereft of a leader to guide us out?

 

TUVYA

Peace, Franz! We must not lose sight of our goals.

Need I remind you of our House motto?

Besides, the solution seems clear to me!

Are you not a candidate for the throne?

 

FRANZ

What? Me? Is this another of your jests?

As the eldest, you are the rightful heir.

I am the unexceptional third son -

Unlike Otto, I was not groomed for greatness.

Father intended me to join the Church

And perhaps find merit as a friar.

I have neither the charm nor grace to rule -

Qualities which you, Tuvya, have in spades!

 

TUVYA

Franz, you claim you are not equipped to lead,

Yet far, far less fit am I than you are!

You were born a prince within castle walls

While Tuvya grew up in an orphanage.

Trained were you in the ways of royalty.

I know nothing about courtly manners.

Happier am I to serve at the throne

Than sit upon it clad in cape and crown.

You must be our king.

 

FRANZ

Do you truly have such faith in me, Tuv?

 

TUVYA

Franz, how you underestimate yourself!

I would see none upon the throne but you.

Ostromir had a martinet’s fire

And ruled with a firm, unwavering fist -

But his tyranny incited revolt

And courted Sophia Horen’s ire.

His death necessitates a new approach,

A gentler hand to plot the kingdom’s course.

 

FRANZ

(to himself)

Could I hope to compare to Ostromir?

Me, Exalted Siegmund’s forgotten son?

I suppose it matters not either way.

We have niet time to debate the issue.

A leader must rise to ward off our foes

And restore peace unto humanity -

Or else Sophia Horen shall frolic

And cruelly laugh atop our silent graves.

(to Tuvya)

Could I count on you as my advisor?

 

Tuvya crosses over to Franz and puts both hands on his shoulders.

 

TUVYA

Little brother, you need not even ask.

On my honor, I would not steer you wrong.

 

FRANZ

Then together let us quell this revolt

And secure a future for our kingdom.

 

They EXIT.

 

CURTAIN FALLS.

 

 

SCENE TWO

 

Spoiler

 

Curtain RISES on the HOLY SEE. High Pontiff REGULUS I sits upon his papal throne.

 

ENTER a SOLDIER of the Order of St. Lucien. He KNEELS.

 

SOLDIER

Your Most Holy and Gracious Eminence -

Two princes arrive from Kaldonia.

 

REGULUS I

Go, and summon the blackbirds to my throne.

 

EXIT the soldier.

 

He returns moments later with FRANZ, TUVYA, VIBIUS, and their retinue. Regulus RISES to meet them.

 

REGULUS I

My dear lords, I bid you fondest welcome.

What brings you into the Creator’s house?

 

Franz, Tuvya, and Vibius each kiss the Pontiff’s rings in turn.

 

TUVYA

O, would that we came with happier news.

With tears and a heavy heart, I declare

That King Otto of Renatus is slain.

 

REGULUS I

O, what unhappy reports you’ve brought me!

His funeral arrangements must be made.

Let us make haste and send him to the Skies.

 

TUVYA

We’ve a second predicament as well -

The matter of the kingdom’s rulership.

Without the blessings of the Almighty,

We cannot hope to crown a new monarch.

 

REGULUS I

Who is it, then, that claims Ostromir’s throne?

 

FRANZ

‘Tis I, Your Eminence. Siegmund’s third son.

 

REGULUS I

Why, Franz! I did not expect you to rule.

Did you not desire to become a priest?

 

FRANZ

Indeed, that was my original goal.

But as circumstances change, so must we.

 

REGULUS I

Pardon me if I feel some reluctance

To coronate another Carrion.

Heartlanders oft speak ill of the Raevir

And revile Siegmund for his vast reforms.

Many still question his Prophet status

And doubt the veracity of his Scroll.

A deep divide separates our people -

Which only widened under Otto’s rule.

‘Twould invite controversy to crown you

And incite violence among the masses.

 

VIBIUS

(quietly, to Franz)

Hearing the way His Eminence ponders,

Methinks he might support this rebellion.

 

FRANZ

Am I understanding you rightly, then?

You refuse to crown me as Oren’s king?’

 

REGULUS I

If I were to crown a third Carrion,

The people, already much put-upon,

Would quick resort to riot and bloodshed!

They view you Carrions as usurpers,

Stealing the throne from the Holy Horens.

I cannot, in good conscience, endorse you.

 

VIBIUS

Would you have us concede to Sophia?

 

REGULUS I

‘Tis no accident that Oren suffers

When ruled by any other than Horen.

Godfrey brought about an age of order,

While Siegmund’s reign was marked by endless war.

The Horens possess God’s mandate to rule -

Misfortune strikes when others seek their power.

Sophia would bring an end to this snarl

And place God’s chosen back upon the throne.

 

VIBIUS

So long as I continue to draw breath,

The Horen wh*re will never wear the crown!

 

TUVYA

Stay your tongue, Vibius! We must be calm.

Sound logic will surely convince the priest.

Pray, Your Eminence, do you not recall

How much Oren suffered under William?

When William ruled, the nobles sat idle,

Fattening themselves on the peoples’ tax,

Ignoring the cries of the impoverished.

‘Twas myself and my brother Ostromir

Who helped Abresi once more to prosper.

Franz will continue King Otto’s good works

Leaving aside our brother’s harsh strictness.

Would you wish to return to the old ways,

When they were so transparently unfit?

Franz has much better to recommend him -

Not only sacred blood, but good sense too.

 

REGULUS I

To deny the Horens their rightful place

Is to deny the Almighty’s command.

So long as I remain Vicar of GOD,

Oren’s throne shall not make a perch for crows.

 

FRANZ

If that’s your decree, then let it be so.

We’ll see how long you retain that title.

 

EXIT Franz, Tuvya, Vibius, and their retinue.

 

CURTAIN FALLS.

 

 

SCENE THREE

 

Spoiler

 

CURTAINS RISE on the palace of Kaldonia. ENTER Franz, Tuvya, and Vibius.

 

FRANZ

(anxious)

Would that I had not spoken so boldly!

Already, I regret my hasty speech!

We’ve made an enemy of the Pontiff

And now he’ll never confirm my kingship!

 

VIBIUS

Slay the Pontiff if he opts to rebel.

Death is the fate that awaits traitors.

 

TUVYA

Must we spill the blood of God’s ablegate?

Perhaps there might be another option.

 

FRANZ

(anxious)

Speak, Tuv, before I expire of dread!

 

TUVYA

If Regulus refuses his duties,

Then our only choice is to replace him

With a pontiff of our own selection.

 

FRANZ

You’re suggesting we create a schism?

 

TUVYA

‘Tis not we who drove a wedge in the church.

Rather ‘tis the priest who refused our claim!

 

VIBIUS

If you allow this foul wound to fester,

Then the infection will only grow worse.

Boils such as these must be lanced swiftly -

Not plastered over with thin bandages.

Your solution is temporary, Tuv.

 

TUVYA

If we were to assassinate the pope,

Would that not drive the faithful to rebel?

May as well hand Oren to Sophia

Dressed with garnish on a silver platter!

 

FRANZ

(anxious)

Anxiety pounds on the doors of my heart.

How my breath quickens and palms start to sweat.

What are these options that lay before me?

On one hand, author the Pontiff’s demise…

On the other, split the Church into parts?

I’ll suffer no matter which way I choose!

Perhaps far better to lie down and rot!

 

Tuvya puts his hands on his brother’s shoulders to calm him.

 

TUVYA

Let not your worries become your master.

I swore I would not guide you into error.

Franz, leave fate in the hands of your brother

And let Tuvya make the right arrangements!

Many days have I spent in Vekaro -

A goodly township some distance from here.

The Archbishop there will consent to help

And you’ll be crowned king upon the morrow.

 

FRANZ

I’ll trust you as I always have, Tuvya.

Your wit will surely free us from this bind.

 

EXIT Franz and Tuvya.

 

VIBIUS

I’ll honor the prince’s choice if this be it.

But too much leniency might spell our doom.

Tuv spares the rod and spoils the child -

And his compassion might cost us dearly.

 

EXIT Vibius.

 

CURTAIN FALLS.

 

 

---

 

ACT TWO

SCENE ONE

 

Spoiler

 

CURTAINS RISE on the CATHEDRAL of Vekaro. Undeniably and passionately Raevir in its design.

 

ARCHBISHOP PETER PAVEL tends to the altar, lighting candles and humming a gentle hymn to himself.

 

ENTER Tuvya, Franz, Vibius, and their retinue.

 

TUVYA

Hail, Archbishop Peter Pavel!

 

PETER PAVEL

O! What brings Your Royal Highness to my church?

 

FRANZ

What greatest pleasure to meet this bishop -

He who keeps the faith in fair Vekaro.

We princes prostrate ourselves before you

And beg your aid in this uncertain time.

 

PETER PAVEL

How might I assist you, honored highness?

 

FRANZ

Wicked wyrms crept into our brother’s food

And stopped his heart with black drops of poison.

I must now assume the throne of Oren

As prescribed by our lines of succession.

Yet Regulus refuses his duty

And declines to install me as monarch.

If the Vicar of GOD neglects his charge,

We must seek another to fulfill it.

My sibling Tuvya speaks highly of you -

Peter Pavel, would you bestow the crown?

 

PETER PAVEL

You would have me serve as the High Pontiff?

 

FRANZ

Da, if you would swear your support for me.

 

PETER PAVEL

Sirs, you place me in a cruel position.

These acts would supersede church doctrine.

The Pontiff is not chosen by the king,

But rather by priestly coalition.

Such is writ in the edicts of our faith.

To be sure, I support your royal claim —

But I cannot break those laws laid by GOD!

 

FRANZ

Regulus flaunts the laws of our nation

By granting his aid to a saboteur!

Would you bend the knee to a murderer?

 

PETER PAVEL

GOD set the heavenly spheres in orbit -

The clockwork turning of the seasons four.

Created He the estates of the Earth

And placed each one of us upon our path.

If one man sets his foot out of order,

‘Tis not to be employed as an excuse

For the remainder then to deviate.

Our requirement is to be moral,

Regardless of the sin that surrounds us.

If our brother fails to be righteous,

We must then set for him an example

By being paragons of rectitude

And sinking not to the sinner’s level.

I swore to uphold the Church’s doctrine,

Regardless of the High Pontiff’s conduct.

 

VIBIUS

Highness, if you would permit me to speak -

 

TUVYA

Speak, good Vibius.

 

VIBIUS

If Your Excellency grants his consent,

I would perhaps weave for you a fable.

 

FRANZ

(anxious)

What, Vibius? Now?

 

VIBIUS

Harken now the tale I intend to tell.

Two gamblers meet at a card table.

On one side is an impoverished man -

Of strong moral fiber despite his lack.

His opponent is a wealthy cheater -

Who has claimed many a person’s fortune.

The stakes are these: the poor man needs money

For the health and keeping of his children.

The swindler wants nothing but more power

And to make mock of his adversary.

The moral man plays fair as expected,

Following every rule to the letter.

The trickster counts his cards and stacks his deck,

Easily gaining his ill-gotten win.

The moral man weeps for his starving bairns,

But he contents himself with a game played fair,

Even if cheating would have prevented

That suff’ring visited upon his babes.

I ask you, which man bears the greater sin?

 

PETER PAVEL

Why, ‘tis the fellow who cheated the rules.

 

VIBIUS

And not the man who allowed his nurslings

To die for the sake of his integrity?

 

PETER PAVEL

(stunned)

O —

 

VIBIUS

(interrupting)

Thieves rely on moral men to be good,

For they then use us to their advantage.

Fairness and honor only benefit

When two foes agree to play by the rules.

 

PETER PAVEL

How can we permit the lowest among us

To set the standard for our behavior?

 

VIBIUS

‘Tis for this reason GOD gave us wisdom

And the same reason GOD grants forgiveness.

Regulus plays the part of the swindler.

He stacks his Synod with naught but cronies

And fawners who follow his every whim,

For he rewards them with wealth and status.

They would not remove their benefactor

Lest their ill-gotten riches be forfeit.

If we play fair and adhere to the law,

Regulus will claim a quick victory.

Sophia the murderess shall don the crown

And the nation will suffer ‘neath her thumb.

We shall stand atop the moral high ground

And watch all of Oren burn beneath us.

 

A BEAT as Peter Pavel considers this. He appears shaken.

 

PETER PAVEL

I must confess, I doubted Regulus,

Though I did not dare to criticize him.

In private, he mocked the Prophet Siegmund

And dismissed his Scroll as forgery.

In my heart, I believed in Siegmund’s truth

And hoped to lead the Pontiff by example -

That my faith would inspire its twin in him.

Were my hopes truly so badly misplaced?

 

VIBIUS

The fate of Oren turns upon your choice.

 

PETER PAVEL

(to Franz)

Arrange the crowning upon the morrow.

And I shall name you King Francis the First.

 

FRANZ

May Siegmund’s blessings rain down upon you.

 

Franz, Tuvya, and Vibius EXIT.

 

Peter Pavel makes the SIGN of the Lorraine.

 

CURTAIN FALLS.

 

 

SCENE TWO

 

Spoiler

 

Curtain rises on the day of CORONATION in the palace of KALDONIA.

 

PETER PAVEL, robed in the gown of a High Pontiff, awaits near the throne.

 

ENTER FRANZ in coronation robes, flanked by TUVYA and VIBIUS in plate armor. They walk the distance to the throne.

 

Franz FACES the audience while his compatriots stand off to the side.

 

PETER PAVEL

(to the audience)

Hear ye and harken, brothers and sisters,

We gather today to crown a new king.

I present to you, goodly citizens,

Francis the First, your undoubted monarch.

If you accept this man as your ruler,

Cry up to the Skies and let it be known!

 

Peter Pavel gestures for the audience to CHEER.

 

PETER PAVEL

GOD save our honorable King Francis!

(to Franz)

Is Your Majesty willing to take the oath?

 

FRANZ

With GOD as my witness, I am willing.

 

PETER PAVEL

Will you solemnly promise to govern

And swear to Oren an eternal bond?

To use your power for Justice and Law,

Tempered by the quality of Mercy?

Will you keep sacred the Creator’s Word -

The worship and doctrine of the Canon?

All these promises you must keep - and more.

 

FRANZ

These things which I have here before promised,

I will perform and keep, so help me GOD.

 

PETER PAVEL

Behold, Holy GOD, Your Anointed Chosen,

And by Your Grace, may he reign in glory.

 

Peter Pavel takes the CROWN from its place atop a nearby pedestal.

 

His priestly sermon is CUT SHORT by an ARROW flying in from offstage.

 

It PIERCES Peter Pavel’s breast, killing him in an instant.

 

VIBIUS

(drawing his sword)

Flee, my king! Assassins are upon us!

 

ENTER Knights of St. Lucien, their armaments drawn.

 

KNIGHTS

By the order of Holy Regulus,

This coronation shall not continue!

 

Tuvya GRABS Franz and pulls him OFF-STAGE.

 

Vibius remains long enough to FIGHT one of the knights.

 

However, his opponent gains the upper hand and WOUNDS Vibius, forcing him to flee as well.

 

The Knights pursue them OFF-STAGE.

 

CURTAIN FALLS.

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

ACT THREE

SCENE ONE

 

Spoiler

 

CURTAINS RISE on the PALACE of Kaldonia. Tuvya SITS in a chair while Franz PACES restlessly back and forth.

 

FRANZ

(anxious)

Curse this mess left behind by Ostromir!

Not yet king a day and already war!

Will the keen arrows of St. Lucien

Pierce our breasts as they did the poor bishop’s?

 

TUVYA

Franz, you fret too much. I beg you to sit.

 

FRANZ

(angry)

Too much, Tuv? How much is appropriate

When your Archbishop lies brutally slain

And saboteurs have spoiled your crowning?

 

Tuvya stands up and walks over to Franz, putting his hands on both of the king’s shoulders.

 

TUVYA

‘Tis nothing we did not anticipate!

The actors play their roles as we prescribed.

Let your mind be clear and your thoughts gentle,

For your brother is ever by your side.

 

The calming gesture has an immediate effect on Franz.

 

FRANZ

(soft)

Tuv, tell me you can fix this conundrum.

 

ENTER Vibius, bandaged but alive. He wipes the blood off his sword before sheathing it.

 

VIBIUS

We have routed the knights back to their source.

Kaldonia is safe for now, my king.

 

FRANZ

O, at last - ! A modicum of good news.

What is the next move in our strategy?

 

VIBIUS

Blood demands blood; that is my assessment.

Regulus thinks he can play at warfare

And flirt with the cause of revolution.

If he wishes to gorge himself on death,

Then - by GOD! - let us overfill his plate.

(noticing Tuvya)

Tuvya, you wear a frown. What troubles you?

 

TUVYA

Violence heaped on top of violence -

Who pays the price for these clashes of kings?

Wives shall weep for the loss of their husbands!

Children shall grow up bereft of fathers!

‘Tis better to be a sovereign of peace.

 

VIBIUS

We did not choose to ignite this conflict.

To defend the kingdom is why we fight.

Are we not allowed to retaliate?

Would you rather us roll over like dogs?

 

TUVYA

Do not misunderstand me, Vibius.

War ought only to be a last resort

When all other methods are exhausted.

Before we scramble to take up our blades,

Let us make a good faith attempt at peace.

 

VIBIUS

When have our enemies acted in good faith?

Why are we bound by a sportsman’s shackles?

Dispose of honor and act with gumption -

Lest Oren suffer for our hesitance.

 

TUVYA

You would pay a price for what could be free?

Win not with war what might be gained with peace!

One chance at dialogue is all I ask -

But, Franz, the final decision is yours.

 

FRANZ

I must set myself apart from Otto

And rule more in gentleness than bloodshed.

Ostromir’s tyranny caused this revolt.

Perhaps a serene approach might mend it.

Send a messenger with offers of peace

To the gilded doors of the Holy See.

 

VIBIUS

(reluctant)

As my King commands.

 

EXIT Vibius.

 

FRANZ

Tuvya, you swear you would not steer me wrong?

 

TUVYA

On my honor as your elder brother.

 

FRANZ

I pray then that honor will be enough.

 

They EXIT.

 

CURTAIN FALLS.

 

 

 

SCENE TWO

 

Spoiler

 

CURTAIN RISES on the HOLY SEE. Regulus I sits upon his throne.

 

ENTER SOPHIA HOREN.

 

REGULUS I

Ah, the true Queen of Oren has arrived.

 

He RISES and goes to kiss Sophia’s hand.

 

SOPHIA

When do the Carrions plan to join us?

 

REGULUS I

Shortly - or so their letters indicate.

 

SOPHIA

Would Your Holiness take my confession?

 

REGULUS I

My ears are yours, scion of sacred blood.

 

Regulus guides her to the throne, where she sits. He kneels next to her, clasping her hand.

 

SOPHIA

My mind oft drifts back to the days of old -

Summers spent in Arethor’s green gardens,

All fragrant with the perfume of blossoms.

Crystal droplets of dew kissed the petals

As dear sister Ari played with my hair.

O, I prayed our peace would be eternal -

That we could ever as maidens remain,

Innocents among those soft, twirling vines.

Then crows descended into my garden

And gorged themselves ‘pon our tender fruits,

Ripping infant seedlings from their flower beds,

And filling the air with discordant caws.

Too long has my garden hosted this scourge

And it’s time the pestilence was removed.

There’s but one method to rout out this blight -

Eradicate it down to its last cell.

 

REGULUS I

Indeed. You speak truly, Your Majesty.

 

SOPHIA

Can I return to that garden of innocence,

With these palms colored crimson by bloodshed?

Will GOD forgive those actions done by me,

In defense of this beloved nation?

I know ‘tis a stain against my womanhood

That I committed these deeds so brutal.

When I stand before the Almighty’s throne,

My only defense for my grisly feats

Is that I did what was necessary

To preserve the Oren of my childhood

And save it from the Carrion pestilence -

But would that deliver me from my sin?

Answer me, Holy Father. I beg you.

 

REGULUS I

If the blood you spilled restores the nation

And drives out the Carrion usurpers,

Then the price you paid is worth the reward.

Sometimes the individual must sin

So that the greater good can be achieved.

In the Seven Skies, GOD will wipe you clean

And welcome you into his loving arms

As the maiden warrior who rescued

His Chosen People from subjugation.

A sin in service of a greater good

Is not a sin at all; ‘tis a virtue.

You took the burden of sin for your people

So that they would no longer have to suffer.

GOD knows the truth, my child. He forgives

And He honors your noble sacrifice.

 

SOPHIA

(weeping softly)

What relief, to know that this curse of sin

Shall be wiped away ‘pon my ascendance.

Each painful drop of blood drawn by my blade

Shall turn to healing water in its time

And from those tears a new garden will grow.

 

ENTER a knight of St. Amyas.

 

KNIGHT

The crows have arrived.

 

REGULUS I

Dry your eyes, my queen. Show them your courage.

 

Sophia rises from the throne.

 

ENTER Franz, Tuvya, Vibius, and their retinue of guards.

 

FRANZ

Hail, Sophia and Regulus both.

The time has come to stow away our arms

And seek to mend this rift with talks of peace.

 

SOPHIA

Indeed, Franz. Peace will be achieved this day.

At last, an end to long-fought rivalry.

The rightful person shall sit ‘pon the throne -

I regret to say it will not be you.

Guards!

 

Knights of St. Lucien flood the stage, swords drawn. It’s an ambush!

 

A FIGHT ensues, but the Knights of St. Lucien gain the advantage. The Carrion soldiers die swiftly by their hand.

 

Franz, Tuvya, and Vibius are apprehended.

 

FRANZ

Unhand me, demons!

 

Sophia draws a dagger from a secret holster. She approaches Franz. Tears fall silent from her eyes.

 

SOPHIA

May this spilled blood turn to gentle drops of rain.

May they cleanse the black marks upon my soul.

 

FRANZ

What are you doing -- ?

 

She SLICES his throat. Franz lets out a GURGLE… and swiftly PERISHES. His body falls to the floor.

 

TUVYA

(hysterical)

Franz! Little brother!

 

VIBIUS

Curse you, you Horen witch! You vile sl*t!

 

SOPHIA

O, your epithets mean little to me.

I am a forgiving and gracious queen.

Should you opt to kneel, you will be pardoned.

 

VIBIUS

I would rather die!

 

SOPHIA

Let me grant your wish.

 

She raises her knife to fatally STAB Vibius.

 

At that moment, Tuvya SHAKES OFF his captors and GRABS his sword.

 

A second FIGHT ensues. The Knights of St. Lucien rush to PROTECT Sophia.

 

Tuvya FREES Vibius and the two escape OFF-STAGE.

 

SOPHIA

Crows fly fast but dragon wings are swifter!

Retribution will come to Carrion!

 

CURTAIN FALLS.

 

 

---

 

ACT FOUR

SCENE ONE

 

Spoiler

 

ENTER a KNIGHT wearing Horen colors - purple and black. He unfurls a MISSIVE.

 

KNIGHT

Hear ye, hear ye - all men who love Oren!

The age of the crow has come to a close!

King Francis lies dead at Sophia’s feet

The usurper removed once and for all!

 

ENTER Sophia and Regulus on the opposite side of the stage.

 

She kneels at his feet and he places a CROWN atop her head.

 

KNIGHT

The crown of Oren has now come to rest

On she who deserves it the most truly!

The daughter of Exalted Godfrey reigns

And her garden of peace shall bloom once more!

 

Sophia rises and turns to face the audience with a small, weary smile.

 

EXIT Sophia and Regulus together.

 

 

KNIGHT

Regulus declares the Carrion rule

As illegitimate and unworthy.

The name of Siegmund shall duly be struck

From all records within the Church Canon.

Any worship of this False Prophet

Is now criminal under Oren law.

Hear ye, hear ye, and far spread the news!

GOD bless Queen Sophia, the good and true!

 

EXIT the knight.

 

CURTAIN FALLS.

 

 

SCENE TWO

 

Spoiler

 

CURTAIN RISES on a roadside tavern, which the remaining Carrions are using as a hideout.

 

Tuvya sits with his head in his hands at a table while Vibius paces slowly. He pauses to regard Tuvya.

 

VIBIUS

Who is this man who mopes with head so low?

Surely ‘tis not Tuvya the jovial.

Tuvya meets all challenges with good cheer

And indefatigable energy.

 

TUVYA

Must you mock me, Vibius? Franz is dead.

 

VIBIUS

Aye, Franz now occupies an unmarked grave,

Rotting eternal in ignominy.

Sophia has claimed now not one, but two.

She slew Ostromir first. Now she’s killed Franz.

Of the Carrion brothers, one yet remains.

But one question springs from the peoples’ lips -

Will Tuv die like a dog? Or fight like a man?

 

TUVYA

I understand the root of your cruelty.

Believe me, I blame myself for this loss!

From the first, you advised martial solutions -

Ending the lives of these traitors by sword.

I opposed you and preached a peaceful course -

Cautioning my brother against bloodshed,

Lest he suffer cruel comparison to Otto.

Franz endowed me with utmost trust

And I led him into the arms of death.

 

VIBIUS

Your misguided acts have sealed Oren’s fate,

But it is not too late to right what’s wrong.

 

Vibius DRAWS the DAGGER from his belt and LAYS it on the table in front of Tuvya.

 

VIBIUS

I declare that you are my rightful king,

But only should you avenge the fallen.

If War is Hell, we must be as demons

That Oren might know the peace of angels.

 

Tuvya PICKS UP the dagger. EXAMINES it.

 

TUVYA

Alas, would that the opposite were true:

That moral men could act with an angel’s honor

And by their creeds emerge victorious.

Instead we must descend into the bowels

Of the Void’s most black and heinous pits -

Employing that darkness as a weapon

So that Light might shine upon our future.

To stop a villain, I must become one

And shed the blood of she who shed my own.

This sin weighs dark and heavy on my heart,

But the path of peace leads only to more death.

Da.. it seems we have no other option.

 

VIBIUS

At last, Tuv, you’ve seen the light of sense.

GOD will lift the burden from your shoulders.

This sin is the price of the greater good.

 

Tuvya NODS solemnly, adding the dagger to his belt.  He RISES and the two men EXIT.

 

CURTAIN FALLS.

 

 

 

---

 

ACT FIVE

SCENE ONE

 

Spoiler

 

CURTAIN RISES on the Palace of Kaldonia, now occupied by Sophia, Regulus, and their retinue. They are enjoying a banquet in her honor.

 

The door BURSTS open. ENTER a wounded Knight of St. Lucien.

 

SOPHIA

By Horen! What is the meaning of this -- ?

 

SOLDIER

A flock of Crows has broken past the gate!

Flee, my Queen! Flee! You must protect yourself!

They mean to storm the castle and take your head!

 

ENTER Tuvya - who steals up behind the Knight and SLITS his throat.

 

He is FOLLOWED by Vibius and a platoon of soldiers.

 

Sophia’s guardsmen DRAW their blades in preparation.

 

SOPHIA

Come at last to settle the score, have you?

 

TUVYA

Can a conflict such as ours ever end

In anything else but a clash of swords?

Two of my brothers lie slain by your hand -

So I must then extract my price in blood.

 

Sophia draws a rapier from her hip.

 

SOPHIA

It seems the smiling Tuvya has perished.

A grim-faced murderer stands in his place.

Dragons and crows are doomed e’er to battle

Until, at last, one claims supremacy.

Let today see the final drop of blood

Spilled by the hands of the bird and the wyrm.

 

TUVYA

May wyrm be an accurate moniker

For the one about to be made carrion.

 

SOPHIA

Ha!

A twist on words. Even now, Tuvya quips.

Let us cleave that laughing tongue from your head.

 

They LEAP up on the table and CLASH. The banquet erupts into violence around them.

 

Tuvya gains the upper hand. He KNOCKS Sophia’s feet out from under her and PREPARES TO SLAY her.

 

GODFREY

(off-stage)

Cease! I command you!

 

Immediately, the violence stops. All eyes turn toward the sky.

 

GODFREY

(off-stage)

Do you act on the Almighty’s word,

Raising the sword against your own kinsman?

The vile Krug slew his brother Horen

And kin-slaying was named the darkest sin.

Harken now this voice sent from high Heaven!

GOD demands that you sheath your cutting swords!

 

Sophia DROPS her sword with a clatter.

 

SOPHIA

(to Tuvya)

‘Tis my father’s voice! Exalted Godfrey!

 

VIBIUS

Relent not, Tuvya! It might be a trick!

 

SIEGMUND

(off-stage)

Heed you well the Holy Prophet’s decrees,

For they arise from a most sacred source.

The true Emperor arrives soon by ship

To unite Oren once again in peace.

By Heaven’s mandate, stow away your blades

And wait in friendship for the Emperor.

 

TUVYA

The voice of Siegmund speaking from on High!

 

Tuvya LOWERS his sword to the ground.

 

TUVYA

Our fathers reign upon Heavenly thrones,

Seated side by side as brothers in Faith -

Spiritual sons of Horen the First,

As foretold by the Holiest of Scrolls.

Does that not then make us kinsmen as well?

Can the crow and wyrm not fly together?

Are the Skies not big enough for us all?

 

SOPHIA

I thought I acted for the greater good.

To think our fathers saw us from Heaven

And shook their heads at our actions in shame!

 

Sophia begins to weep, covering her face with her hands.

 

Tuvya places his hands upon her shoulders, as he once did to calm Franz.

 

TUVYA

Our fathers spoke not in shame, but in love.

They disciplined us as good parents do.

As their children, let us follow their word.

God is forgiveness. So let mercy reign.

 

They EMBRACE as spiritual brother and sister.

 

CURTAIN FALLS.

 

 

 

[devvy 1348]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or another moderator.