ALPHA Timepoint is in alpha Talk to Us
D

Death of King Saebert of Essex

King Saebert of Essex lies dead in his royal hall, surrounded by a divided court of Christian and pagan nobles. The Christian priest performs last rites, while pagan nobles quietly remove hidden pagan

Setting

A dimly lit royal hall in Lundenwic, constructed of timber and thatch, with a central hearth smoldering low. The hall is lined with woven tapestries depicting pagan symbols, recently uncovered after being hidden during the king's Christian reign. The space is heavy with the scent of burning herbs and damp earth.

Characters

King Saebert of Essex
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 50s, with a regal bearing even in death. His face is weathered from years of battle and rule, with deep-set eyes and a strong jawline framed by a neatly trimmed grey beard. His hands, crossed over his chest, bear the scars of a warrior.
Queen
primary
A regal woman in her early 30s, with a slender but strong build, her pale complexion accentuated by the dim light of the hall. Her high cheekbones and deep-set eyes give her an air of quiet authority, though shadows of grief linger beneath them. Her long, auburn hair is braided intricately and adorned with simple silver clasps, a mark of her status.
Christian Priest
secondary
A gaunt man in his late forties with deep-set eyes that burn with fervor, his pale complexion contrasting sharply with his dark brown robe. His thin lips are often pressed together in determination, and his hands bear ink stains from copying scriptures. A prominent crucifix hangs from his neck, which he frequently touches when agitated.
Pagan Noble
secondary
A tall, broad-shouldered thane in his late forties, with a weathered face marked by old battle scars. His thick, auburn beard is streaked with gray, and his piercing blue eyes burn with fervor. His hands are calloused from wielding weapons, and he carries himself with the confident bearing of a warrior.
Royal Guard
background
A battle-hardened warrior in his mid-thirties, with a muscular build and weathered skin. His dark brown hair is tied back in a simple knot, and his beard is trimmed short. His sharp eyes scan the room constantly, alert for any threat.

Dialog

Queen The loom of fate weaves tightly now... and we must choose the threads with care.
Pagan Noble Care? Our king lies dead while Christian prayers whisper over him like thieves in the night! Woden's ravens cry for vengeance!
Christian Priest Verily, the blessed king's soul ascends even now to the bosom of Abraham. Would you deny him Christ's mercy as Thunor denies rain to barren fields?
Queen The frost comes whether we welcome it or no... Tell me, wise thane, what harvest grows from uprooted vows?
Pagan Noble Harvest? I see only blight where holy stones stand broken! The Allfather's oak still grows here - let us feed it with true kings' blood!
Christian Priest As Lot's wife became salt for looking backward, so shall-
Queen Enough! The dead hear your squabbling... and the living must choose their silence.

Related Moments

B
Battle of Maserfield
642 · same figure
C
Coronation of Charles II
1661 · same figure
C
Coronation of Alexander III
1249 · same figure
C
Coronation of David I
1124 · same figure
D
Death of Wat Tyler at Smithfield
1381 · same figure
D
Death of Ælfweard
924 · same figure
A
Accession of Malcolm II as King of Scotland
1005 · same figure
D
Death of Duncan I
1040 · same figure