Execution of John Ball
John Ball, a radical priest and leader of the Peasants' Revolt, is publicly executed in St Albans' town square. The scene is tense as the townsfolk watch silently, some mourning, others fearful, while
Setting
The execution takes place in the town square of St Albans, surrounded by timber-framed buildings with thatched roofs. The square is dusty from summer heat, with a crude wooden platform erected at its center for the execution. Nearby, the Abbey looms in the background, its Norman architecture contrasting sharply with the humble surroundings.
Characters
John Ball
primary
A gaunt man in his late fifties, with deep-set, burning eyes and a wild mane of unkempt grey hair. His face is lined with hardship, yet there's a fierce intelligence in his gaze. His hands are rough from years of manual labor, and his posture is straight despite his impending doom.
Sheriff
primary
A middle-aged man with a stocky build, his face lined with the strain of his duties. His greying hair is cropped short, and his beard is neatly trimmed. His eyes dart nervously between the crowd and the condemned man, betraying his discomfort with the proceedings.
Guard Captain
secondary
A hardened soldier in his late 30s with a muscular build, bearing the scars of numerous battles. His face is weathered from years of campaigning, with a broken nose and piercing grey eyes that miss nothing. His posture is rigid with military discipline, and his hands—one gripping his sword hilt—are calloused from constant weapon use.
Town Crier
secondary
A thin, middle-aged man with a gaunt face and sunken cheeks, his complexion sallow from years of town service. His narrow shoulders hunch slightly forward, and his hands tremble slightly as he holds the parchment. His small, watery eyes dart nervously between the document and the ground, avoiding direct eye contact with the crowd.
Blacksmith
background
A burly, broad-shouldered man in his late 30s, with muscular arms scarred from years of working at the forge. His dark hair is cropped short, and his face is smudged with soot. His thick beard partially hides a deep frown, and his calloused hands clench into fists at his sides.
Dialog
John Ball
Harken to me, good people! Though they bind my body, no chain can fetter the truth!
Sheriff
Enough of this rabble-rousing! Crier, read the indictment that all may know this traitor's crimes.
Town Crier
By order of... um... His Most Royal Majesty... John Ball stands... ah... condemned for sowing discord among the commons...
John Ball
Discord? Nay! I sow but the seeds of justice! When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?
Sheriff
Cease your heretical teachings! The order of society is ordained by God Himself.
John Ball
Then God shall judge me soon enough - but woe to those who grind the faces of the poor!
Sheriff
Executioner, proceed. May God have mercy on his rebellious soul.