Epiphany Rising
King Henry IV confronts the captured conspirators of the failed Epiphany Rising in the Great Hall of Westminster Palace. The nobles, including Thomas Holland, John Montagu, and Thomas Despenser, stand
Setting
Westminster Palace, London, England. The scene is set in the Great Hall, a vast space with high ceilings and stone walls adorned with tapestries depicting historical battles. The hall is dimly lit, with shadows stretching across the floor. Outside, the palace grounds are blanketed in snow, and the Thames is partially frozen.
Characters
Henry IV
primary
A man in his early 30s, with a strong, athletic build honed by years of military campaigns. His face is angular, with a prominent nose and piercing dark eyes that seem to weigh every word spoken before him. His hair is dark brown, slightly receding, and his beard is neatly trimmed in the fashion of the English nobility. A faint scar runs along his left cheekbone, a remnant of past battles.
Thomas Holland
primary
A nobleman in his late thirties, with a lean but muscular build from years of military training. His sharp, angular features are accentuated by a neatly trimmed beard and piercing hazel eyes. His dark brown hair is shoulder-length, slightly unkempt from recent turmoil.
John Montagu
secondary
A nobleman in his early forties, with a lean but strong build. His face is angular, with a prominent nose and deep-set eyes that suggest both intelligence and weariness. His dark brown hair is streaked with silver, tied back neatly. His hands are well-kept but bear the faint scars of past swordplay.
Thomas Despenser
secondary
A nobleman in his early 30s with a lean but muscular build, standing at average height for the period. His face is angular with a sharp jawline, framed by dark brown hair cut just above the shoulders. His piercing hazel eyes betray both intelligence and defiance. A faint scar runs diagonally across his left eyebrow, likely from past military engagements.
Royal Guard Captain
background
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a weathered face marked by a long scar running from his left temple to his jawline. His piercing blue eyes are constantly scanning the room, and his close-cropped brown hair is streaked with gray. His hands, resting on the pommel of his sword, are calloused and bear the marks of many battles.
Dialog
Henry IV
By the grace of God and the will of Parliament, we wear this crown—yet you, Thomas Holland, would tear it from our brow with treasonous hands.
Thomas Holland
Deo volente, my loyalty lies with the rightful king—Richard, whom you imprisoned and defamed. I act not against the realm, but for its lawful order.
John Montagu
The blood of Plantagenets flows in Kent’s veins, as it does in mine. You ask us to kneel to a crown stained with usurpation—yet call us traitors for refusing.
Henry IV
Your ‘lawful order’ would drown England in war. We are the anointed king—and treason, however nobly cloaked, must answer to the block.
Thomas Holland
Then let history judge which of us served England’s true interest—the man who seized a throne, or those who sought to restore it.
Henry IV
History favors the victor, my lord. And victory is ours.
John Montagu
Then let our deaths be swift—for the longer your reign, the heavier the reckoning.