Expulsion of the Bentivoglio family from Bologna
The Bentivoglio family, once the rulers of Bologna, are being forcibly expelled from their palace by papal soldiers. Giovanni II Bentivoglio and his son Annibale II are overseeing the hurried packing
Setting
Palazzo Bentivoglio, the grand residence of the Bentivoglio family in Bologna, Italy. The scene unfolds in the main courtyard, surrounded by the palace's imposing Renaissance architecture. The courtyard is paved with cobblestones, and the air is thick with tension as the family prepares to leave.
Characters
Giovanni II Bentivoglio
primary
A middle-aged man of noble bearing, with a strong, imposing frame. His face is weathered from years of rule, with deep-set eyes that burn with defiance. His dark hair is streaked with gray, and he sports a neatly trimmed beard. His hands, though now idle, bear the calluses of a man who has wielded both sword and pen.
Annibale II Bentivoglio
primary
A young nobleman in his early twenties, with a lean but muscular build inherited from his warrior ancestors. His dark brown hair is cropped short in the fashion of Bolognese nobility, framing a face marked by high cheekbones and a strong jawline. His piercing hazel eyes reflect both the fire of youth and the weight of sudden exile.
Papal Captain
secondary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 40s with a weathered face marked by a deep scar running from his left temple to his jawline. His steel-gray eyes are cold and calculating, and his posture exudes military precision. His hands are calloused from years of wielding weapons.
Bentivoglio Servant
secondary
A middle-aged man with a wiry build, his face lined with years of service. His hands are rough from labor, and his dark hair is streaked with gray. His eyes dart nervously as he works, reflecting his distress.
Papal Soldier
background
A rugged, middle-aged man with a muscular build and a hardened face marked by years of military service. His dark, close-cropped beard and sun-weathered skin suggest a life spent under harsh conditions. His posture is rigid, trained to enforce authority.
Dialog
Giovanni II Bentivoglio
The Bentivoglio do not flee. We depart with dignity, as befits our name.
Annibale II Bentivoglio
Father, this insult—this insult cannot stand! The papal dogs strip us like thieves!
Papal Captain
As decreed by His Holiness, all property of the Bentivoglio is forfeit. You are permitted only what is necessary for your journey.
Giovanni II Bentivoglio
Necessary? A Bentivoglio needs more than rags to uphold their name. You mistake exile for erasure.
Annibale II Bentivoglio
Let them take their fill—they will choke on it. One day, I swear by the blood of our ancestors, we will return.
Papal Captain
The hour grows late. His Holiness expects you beyond the city gates by sunset.
Giovanni II Bentivoglio
Tell Julius this: Bologna remembers her lords. And memory... is a sharper blade than steel.