Death of Charles I of Anjou
Charles I of Anjou, the powerful and controversial ruler of Sicily and Naples, lies on his deathbed in the Castello di Foggia. Surrounded by clergy, courtiers, and his closest advisors, he struggles w
Setting
The royal bedchamber in the Castello di Foggia, a grand stone fortress with vaulted ceilings. The room is dimly lit, with heavy tapestries lining the walls to keep out the winter chill. The bed, centrally placed, is surrounded by a small group of courtiers and clergy.
Characters
Charles I of Anjou
primary
A gaunt, pale man in his late 50s with sunken cheeks and thinning grey hair, lying weakly on his deathbed. His once-powerful frame is now frail beneath the heavy blankets, with veins visible against parchment-like skin. A prominent Angevin nose and deep-set blue eyes that still retain a flicker of royal authority.
Bishop of Foggia
primary
A tall, gaunt man in his late 50s with a deeply lined face that speaks of years spent in contemplation and service. His thin lips are pressed in solemn reverence, and his piercing blue eyes reflect both the weight of his duties and the compassion of his calling. His hands, raised in blessing, are long-fingered and delicate, yet show the strength of one accustomed to holding the Eucharist.
Royal Physician
secondary
A middle-aged man with a gaunt face, deep-set eyes, and a neatly trimmed beard streaked with gray. His hands are long-fingered and delicate, accustomed to the precise work of his profession. His posture is slightly stooped from years of bending over patients and manuscripts.
Knight Captain
secondary
A rugged, battle-hardened man in his early forties, with a broad-shouldered build and a scar running diagonally across his left cheek. His sun-weathered face is framed by short, dark brown hair streaked with gray, and a thick, well-groomed beard. His hands, gripping the hilt of his sword, bear calluses from years of wielding weapons.
Chamber Servant
background
A slender youth of approximately 15-17 years old with unkempt brown hair and pale skin marked by smudges of ash from chamber duties. Delicate features and red-rimmed eyes betray their lowborn status and tender age.
Dialog
Charles I of Anjou
Non timebo... mala... (coughs violently) The will—where is the scribe? We decree... our son Charles... heir...
Bishop of Foggia
Peace, my son. Your earthly concerns must now yield to the care of your immortal soul. (switches to Latin) Per istam sanctan unctionem...
Royal Physician
By my estimation... the black bile predominates. If the humors could be— (interrupted by bishop's Latin)
Charles I of Anjou
Silence! (gasps) The realm... the realm must not... (lapses into Latin) In manus tuas, Domine...
Bishop of Foggia
Like the mustard seed in our Lord's parable, even now your faith suffices. (to physician in lowered voice) The king's soul requires what his body cannot receive.
Royal Physician
It would appear... yes, of course. (steps back awkwardly) But observe the fingernails—when the blue reaches the quick...
Charles I of Anjou
Sicily... must hold... against... (exhales sharply) Aragón...