Treaty of Troyes
The signing of the Treaty of Troyes, which officially disinherited the Dauphin Charles and recognized Henry V of England as heir to the French throne, uniting the two kingdoms under English rule.
Setting
Troyes Cathedral, a grand Gothic structure with high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, filled with nobles, clergy, and dignitaries gathered for the signing of the treaty. The nave is lined with wooden pews, and the altar area is prepared for the formal ceremony.
Characters
Henry V of England
primary
A tall, lean man in his early 30s with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. His face bears the weathered look of a seasoned campaigner, with a prominent nose and a neatly trimmed beard. His posture exudes confidence and authority, befitting a victorious king.
Charles VI of France
primary
A gaunt man in his early 50s with hollow cheeks and sunken eyes, his once-regal bearing now diminished by years of mental instability. His thinning gray hair is unevenly cut, and his hands tremble slightly. Despite his condition, he maintains a fragile dignity in his posture.
Philip the Good
secondary
A tall, well-built man in his mid-20s with sharp, aristocratic features, a neatly trimmed beard, and piercing blue eyes that convey both intelligence and ambition. His posture exudes confidence and authority.
English Herald
secondary
A tall, lean man in his late 30s with a clean-shaven face and sharp features. His piercing blue eyes scan the crowd as he prepares to speak, and his short brown hair is neatly trimmed. His posture is rigid, reflecting his formal role.
French Noble
background
A middle-aged nobleman with a gaunt, angular face, deep-set dark eyes, and a sharp nose. His thinning brown hair is cropped short in the fashion of French nobility, and a neatly trimmed beard frames his mouth, which is set in a grim line. His posture suggests aristocratic bearing despite his evident displeasure.
Cathedral Priest
background
An elderly priest with a thin, slightly hunched frame, deep-set eyes, and a long, wispy white beard that reaches his chest. His pale complexion contrasts with the rich fabrics of his vestments.
Dialog
English Herald
By these presents, it is solemnly declared that Henry, by the grace of God, King of England, shall be recognized as heir and regent of France, and shall espouse the Lady Catherine of Valois, daughter of our most sovereign lord Charles VI.
Charles VI
Our most... beloved... daughter...
Philip the Good
Thus shall this noble union bring an end to discord, as vines of peace entwine these realms in prosperity.
Henry V
We accept this charge as both duty and honor, as Mars himself would sheath his sword before so blessed an accord.
Charles VI
Les lys... les lys sont coupés...
Philip the Good
My liege, the fleur-de-lis shall endure - united now with England's leopards in heraldic harmony.
Henry V
Let this treaty stand as Troyes' new foundation stone - not raised by mortal hands, but by divine providence and the will of princes.