Murder of Thomas of Woodstock
Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, is held captive in a dungeon by conspirators loyal to King Richard II. The moment captures the tense confrontation before his murder, as the conspirators final
Setting
A damp, oppressive dungeon in the Castle of Calais, with rough-hewn stone walls and a low, vaulted ceiling. The chamber is small and windowless, with a single heavy wooden door reinforced with iron bands.
Characters
Thomas of Woodstock
primary
A middle-aged nobleman with a sturdy build, standing tall despite his imprisonment. His face is lined with the marks of both age and stress, with piercing blue eyes that reflect his defiance. His dark hair, streaked with grey, is unkempt from weeks in the dungeon.
French Conspirator
primary
Late 30s, tall and lean with a sharp, angular face. Dark, piercing eyes and a meticulously groomed beard. His hands are smooth, betraying his noble status, yet there's a cold precision in his movements.
Guard Captain
secondary
A burly man in his late 30s, with a weathered face marked by a prominent scar running from his left eyebrow to his cheek. His short-cropped hair is greying at the temples, and his thick arms suggest years of wielding heavy weapons. His stance is rigid, betraying his military training.
Dungeon Servant
background
A gaunt, middle-aged man with wiry frame, sunken cheeks, and deep-set eyes that reflect years of toil in the dim dungeon light. His hands are rough and calloused from labor, and his posture is slightly hunched from years of carrying burdens in the confined space.
Dialog
Thomas of Woodstock
By the blood of Edward III, is this how England rewards loyalty? To be murdered by French hands in an English dungeon?
French Conspirator
Ne parlez pas de récompenses, monseigneur. Vous êtes ici pour l'équilibre du royaume, rien de plus.
Guard Captain
The irons hold fast, m'lord. No trouble from this one.
Thomas of Woodstock
Look at me when you damn your soul, captain! Does your oath mean so little?
French Conspirator
Assez. Captain, the dagger - quickly now.
Guard Captain
Aye... but Christ have mercy...
Thomas of Woodstock
Then strike true, coward! Let all see how French steel answers English truth!