Death of Kenneth III
King Kenneth III lies mortally wounded on the battlefield near Scone, surrounded by his loyal warriors and a monk who attempts to administer last rites. The Warrior Captain barks orders to secure the
Setting
Battlefield near Scone, under a moonlit winter sky. The ground is frozen and uneven, littered with weapons, shields, and fallen warriors. Nearby, the silhouette of a small stone chapel looms, its walls stark against the night.
Characters
Kenneth III
primary
A middle-aged man with a muscular build, his face lined with the cares of kingship and battle. His dark hair is streaked with grey, and his beard is matted with blood and dirt. His piercing blue eyes, though dimming with pain, still hold the authority of a warrior-king.
Warrior Captain
primary
A battle-hardened warrior in his late 40s, with a muscular build and weathered features. His face bears several old scars, and his thick, dark beard is streaked with gray. His piercing blue eyes are filled with a mix of grief and determination.
Monk
secondary
A middle-aged man with a gaunt face, deep-set eyes shadowed by fatigue, and a tonsured scalp. His hands are rough yet gentle, bearing ink stains from manuscript work. His posture is slightly hunched from years spent copying texts.
Young Warrior
secondary
A young man in his early twenties, lean but muscular from years of training. His face is streaked with dirt and blood, and a deep gash on his left arm shows through his torn sleeve. His short, dark hair is matted with sweat, and his piercing blue eyes reflect the flickering torchlight. Despite his wounds, he stands with the posture of a trained warrior.
Standard Bearer
background
A battle-weary soldier in his late 30s, with a stocky build and a weathered face marked by scars from previous conflicts. His unkempt brown beard is flecked with frost, and his eyes are bloodshot from exhaustion and grief. His hands, though calloused, grip the banner with solemn reverence.
Dialog
Kenneth III
Mo chreach... the blood-price is paid. See my son safe to Iona.
Warrior Captain
By the old gods and new, mo righ... it shall be done.
Monk
Dominus vobiscum... iterum dico... receive this unction for thy journey.
Kenneth III
The stone... will know another king's shadow ere winter ends.
Warrior Captain
Malcolm's host gathers beyond the ridge. We must move your body.
Monk
Let us complete the rites first... in nomine Patris...
Kenneth III
Enough... the crows will feast regardless. Go.