Execution of Simon Sudbury
An enraged mob storms the Tower of London, seizes Simon Sudbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and drags him into the courtyard for a brutal beheading. The scene is chaotic, with the crowd baying for
Setting
The outer courtyard of the Tower of London, near the main gate. The cobblestone ground is uneven and worn, surrounded by towering stone walls with battlements. The air is thick with the scent of sweat and smoke from nearby fires.
Characters
Simon Sudbury
primary
A gaunt, elderly man with a prominent hooked nose and deep-set eyes, his thinning white hair disheveled from the mob's rough handling. His pale skin shows veins beneath the surface, and his lips are thin and pressed tightly together. Despite his frail appearance, there's a defiant set to his jaw.
Peasant Leader
primary
A rugged, middle-aged man with a sinewy build, his face weathered by years of hard labor. His dark hair is streaked with grey and tied back with a strip of leather. A jagged scar runs from his left temple to his jawline, a testament to past struggles. His hands are calloused and strong, gripping a rusted scythe repurposed as a weapon.
Guard Captain
secondary
A battle-hardened soldier in his late 30s, with a muscular build and a weathered face marked by a prominent scar across his left cheek. His short, dark brown hair is slightly greying at the temples, and his piercing blue eyes show both determination and fatigue.
Mob Member
secondary
A burly peasant in his late 30s with a weather-beaten face, sunken cheeks, and wild, unkempt brown hair. His hands are calloused from years of labor, and his teeth are yellowed and crooked. His eyes burn with a mixture of fury and desperation.
Dialog
Peasant Leader
Behold the bloodsucker who fattens on our sweat! To the block with him!
Simon Sudbury
I adjure thee by the mercy of Christ - this violence profits thy soul naught!
Peasant Leader
Thy Christ turned water to wine, but thou hast turned our bread to taxes!
Simon Sudbury
As the Apostle saith - vengeance belongeth to the Lord alone!
Peasant Leader
Then let Him stay thy head from rolling! The people's justice comes today!
Simon Sudbury
Miserere mei, Deus...
Peasant Leader
Hear how the mighty bleats! Let this day be remembered when lords feared peasants!