Death of Saint Columba
Saint Columba, on his deathbed, dictates his final words to the monks in the scriptorium of Iona Abbey, ensuring his teachings and legacy are preserved.
Setting
Iona Abbey scriptorium, a small stone-walled chamber with a high arched ceiling. Rough-hewn wooden beams support the roof, and a single narrow window lets in the faint moonlight. The room is lined with simple wooden shelves holding vellum manuscripts and ink pots. A large oak table dominates the center, scattered with quills and partially completed illuminated manuscripts.
Characters
Saint Columba
primary
An elderly Irish abbot, pale and gaunt with deep-set blue eyes and a long, white beard. His face is weathered with deep wrinkles, but retains a peaceful, wise expression. His hands, resting on the woolen blanket, are thin and veined, yet still bear callouses from years of manual labor and writing.
Brother Aedan
primary
A middle-aged monk with a wiry build and a tonsured head, his face lined with deep furrows from years of study and prayer. His hands, though calloused, are delicate from years of transcribing manuscripts. His sharp blue eyes reflect both wisdom and weariness.
Brother Drostan
secondary
A young monk in his early twenties, with a slender yet sturdy build. His short brown hair is neatly tonsured, and his clean-shaven face reveals a youthful complexion, though with the pallor of one who spends most of his time indoors. His hands are calloused from years of labor in the monastery, yet gentle in their ministrations.
Brother Lugaid
background
A middle-aged monk with a lean, ascetic build. His face is weathered from years of outdoor labor, with deep-set eyes that reflect both wisdom and weariness. His tonsured hair is gray at the temples, and his hands are calloused from manual work.
Dialog
Saint Columba
Brother Aedan, write this... 'As the salmon returns upstream to where it first drew breath, so too shall my spirit return to the Lord who formed me.'
Brother Aedan
Domine, dirige nos... I have it written, holy father. Every word.
Saint Columba
Mo chreach! The pain... yet sweeter than honey is this final labor. Add... 'Let my monks be steadfast as the oaks of Derry, rooted in prayer and good works.'
Brother Aedan
Sic transit gloria mundi... Shall I prepare more vellum, father?
Saint Columba
Nay... enough leaves for this old tree's final fruits. Now hear... 'When wolves howl at midnight, remember—'
Brother Aedan
Oremus! Father, your breath grows faint—
Saint Columba
Peace... I see angels where you see shadows. The words are complete...