Accession of Malcolm II of Scotland
Malcolm II is being crowned King of Scotland atop the Stone of Scone, marking the culmination of his violent ascent to power through the slaying of his predecessor Kenneth III. The ceremony is charged
Setting
Outdoor ceremonial grounds at Scone Palace, near the ancient Stone of Scone where Scottish kings were traditionally crowned. The area is surrounded by early medieval timber fortifications and overlooks the River Tay. Fresh spring grass covers the earth, trampled by the gathering of nobles and warriors.
Characters
Malcolm II of Scotland
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 40s with a warrior's build. His face is weathered from years of campaigning, with piercing blue eyes and a close-cropped auburn beard streaked with gray. A fresh scar runs from his left temple to cheekbone—a trophy from his recent victory at Monzievaird.
Abbot of Scone
primary
A tall, gaunt man in his late 50s with a sharply defined jawline and deep-set gray eyes that seem to pierce through those he gazes upon. His tonsured head shows the marks of age with thinning white hair around the crown, and his hands are long-fingered with prominent veins from years of scriptorium work.
Highland Chieftain
secondary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 40s with a weathered face marked by years of battle. His thick red beard is streaked with gray, and his piercing blue eyes survey the scene with sharp vigilance. His muscular frame is adorned with intricate Pictish tattoos visible on his forearms.
Royal Bard
secondary
A middle-aged man with a wiry build, his face lined with the marks of a life spent traveling between courts. His dark hair is streaked with grey, tied back with a simple leather thong. His keen eyes, accustomed to memorizing long verses, scan the crowd as he recites.
Wounded Warrior
background
A battle-hardened Gaelic warrior in his late 30s with a muscular frame bearing the marks of recent combat. His face is weathered with deep-set eyes and a broken nose that's healed crooked. Fresh bandages wrap around his left thigh where a spear found its mark, and his right forearm shows an angry red gash barely scabbed over. His dark brown hair is matted with sweat and dirt, tied back with a leather thong.
Dialog
Abbot of Scone
By land, by sea, by sky, we anoint thee, Malcolm, son of Kenneth, as rightful king over Alba.
Malcolm II of Scotland
The king accepts this burden, by the will of God and the strength of his right arm.
Highland Chieftain
Aye, and by steel and storm, we shall see if this burden is borne as well as it is given.
Malcolm II of Scotland
Will have silence! The king's justice is swift as the northern wind.
Abbot of Scone
Peace, my lords. Let not this holy day be marred by strife. The Lord watches over His anointed.
Highland Chieftain
Then let us hope the Lord watches closely indeed.
Malcolm II of Scotland
Enough! This day belongs to Scotland, not to petty squabbles.