Killing of Simon Sudbury
The frenzied mob, led by the Peasants' Revolt, has breached the outer defenses of the Tower of London and seized Simon Sudbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor. They drag him into the
Setting
Outer courtyard of the Tower of London, near the main gates where the mob has gathered. The cobblestone ground is uneven and littered with debris from the revolt. The high stone walls of the Tower loom ominously overhead, casting long shadows in the afternoon light.
Characters
Simon Sudbury
primary
A man in his early 60s, with a gaunt face framed by a neatly trimmed white beard. His deep-set eyes, usually full of authority, now show fear. He has a tall, slightly stooped frame, a result of years spent in scholarly and clerical duties. His hands, though delicate from a life of privilege, are trembling.
Rebel Leader
primary
A burly man in his late 30s, with sun-weathered skin and a thick black beard streaked with grey. His muscular frame, built from years of labor, stands out among the malnourished peasants. A deep scar runs from his left eyebrow to his cheekbone, a mark of past confrontations with authority.
Tower Guard
secondary
A middle-aged man of sturdy build, his face weathered from years of service. His dark hair is streaked with grey and tied back loosely under his helmet. His eyes are wide with exhaustion and fear, darting between the advancing mob and his superior. A fresh cut on his cheek drips blood, mixing with sweat.
Peasant Woman
secondary
A gaunt woman in her late 30s with sunken cheeks and wild, unkempt straw-colored hair. Her hands are calloused from field labor, and her teeth are crooked or missing. Sun damage has prematurely aged her face. She moves with the jerky energy of desperation.
Young Apprentice
background
A scrawny boy of about 12 years, with tousled brown hair and a smudged face from days of unrest. His wide eyes gleam with a mix of excitement and fear, his thin frame tense with adrenaline.
Dialog
Simon Sudbury
In the name of Holy Church, cease this madness! The King's justice shall—
Rebel Leader
Justice? Ye bleed us dry then speak o' justice! The axe'll show ye justice!
Peasant Woman
Hang 'im high! Hang 'im high like my boy they took for tax!
Simon Sudbury
Miserere... I beg— The poll tax was but—
Rebel Leader
No more Latin lies! The Tower falls today!
Peasant Woman
God sees ye, thief! God sees!
Rebel Leader
To the block with 'im! Let Essex see Canterbury bleed!