Viking raid on Lindisfarne
The peaceful morning prayers at Lindisfarne Priory are violently interrupted by the sudden arrival of Viking raiders. Monks scramble to defend their sacred space as the raiders storm the monastery, lo
Setting
Lindisfarne Priory, a small island monastery off the northeast coast of England. The priory is surrounded by sandy shores and grassy dunes, with the North Sea visible in the distance. The monastery's stone buildings are modest but well-constructed, with a central church and surrounding cloisters.
Characters
Prior Eadfrith
primary
An elderly man in his late 60s, with a gaunt frame and sunken cheeks. His white hair is thinning, and his pale blue eyes are filled with wisdom and sorrow. His hands, though wrinkled, show signs of years spent illuminating manuscripts.
Brother Wulfstan
primary
A young monk in his mid-20s with a strong, muscular build from years of manual labor in the monastery fields. His sun-browned face is framed by a tonsured head of thick brown hair, and his intense blue eyes burn with righteous fury. A fresh cut on his cheek drips blood from the initial skirmish.
Viking Raider
secondary
A towering Norse warrior in his late 30s, with a muscular build honed by years of raiding. His face is weathered by sea winds, marked by a long, jagged scar running from forehead to chin across his left eye. His remaining eye gleams with predatory intensity beneath thick blond brows. His beard is braided with iron rings, and his unkempt hair falls to his shoulders.
Monk Scribe
secondary
An elderly monk, thin and slightly hunched, with wisps of white hair escaping from his tonsure. His hands are ink-stained from years of meticulous work on illuminated manuscripts, and his pale blue eyes are sharp despite his age.
Novice Cuthbert
background
A slender teenage boy of about 15 years, with close-cropped brown hair and wide, frightened blue eyes. His pale complexion has gone ashen with terror, and his thin frame trembles visibly. His hands clutch at the rough stone of the cloister wall for support.
Dialog
Prior Eadfrith
Deus miserere nobis... Brothers, run to the scriptorium! Save the holy texts!
Viking Raider
Skraeling priest! Your White Christ won't save you today!
Brother Wulfstan
In nomine Patris! Back, pagan! Touch not God's servant!
Viking Raider
Hah! Pretty words from a sheep in wolf's clothing!
Prior Eadfrith
Take what you will, but spare these holy books - they contain God's wisdom!
Brother Wulfstan
Father Prior! The tide rises—their ships will be trapped!
Viking Raider
Enough talk! Gold or blood—choose!