Lindisfarne Raid
Viking longships approach Lindisfarne Priory at dawn, monks scramble to hide sacred relics while armed raiders wade ashore with axes, signaling the start of a brutal raid.
Setting
Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island, a small tidal island off the northeast coast of England. The monastery is surrounded by sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. The priory itself is a simple stone structure with a thatched roof, standing stark against the coastline.
Characters
Prior Eadred
primary
An elderly man in his late 60s, gaunt from years of fasting and prayer. His wispy white hair forms a thinning tonsure, and his pale blue eyes are wide with urgency. His hands are gnarled from years of scribing, and he moves with a slight stoop.
Brother Cuthbert
primary
A young monk in his early 20s, slight of build with a pale complexion typical of those who spend long hours indoors. His close-cropped brown hair frames a face marked by earnest devotion and recent sleeplessness. His hands are ink-stained from manuscript work, and his frame trembles slightly with adrenaline.
Viking Raider Captain
primary
A towering figure in his late 30s, with a muscular build honed by years of raiding. His face is weathered by sea winds, adorned with a thick, braided red beard. Piercing blue eyes survey the chaos with predatory focus. Scars crisscross his forearms, telling tales of past battles.
Monk Scribe
secondary
An elderly monk in his late 60s, with a frail but wiry frame, bald head with a prominent tonsure, and deep-set, watery blue eyes behind age-spotted skin. His hands are gnarled from years of writing but move with surprising dexterity.
Viking Berserker
secondary
A massive, wild-eyed warrior with a muscular build, standing well over six feet tall. His face is streaked with dark blue woad paint, and his unkempt blonde hair is matted with sweat and blood. His bare arms are covered in scars and tattoos depicting Norse symbols and battle scenes.
Dialog
Prior Eadred
Brother Cuthbert, take the relics to the crypt! The Lord shall be our shield and buckler this day.
Brother Cuthbert
The crypt... the crypt? Yes, Father. But the Lindisfarne Gospels—should we not—
Prior Eadred
All things of this earth may perish, but the Word endures. Go now, my son!
Viking Raider Captain
Hark! The Christ-men scurry like rats before the storm! Break their doors and take their gold!
Brother Cuthbert
Father, they come! I see their axes gleaming in the dawn!
Prior Eadred
Be steadfast, child. 'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...'
Viking Raider Captain
No prayers will stay my blade this day, old man! Your god cannot save you!