Death of Athelstan
King Athelstan, the first king of all England, lies dying in his bedchamber, surrounded by his closest advisors and clergy. The room is heavy with grief as they witness the passing of a ruler who unit
Setting
The royal bedchamber in Gloucester's royal residence, a large timber-framed hall with a high ceiling. The room is dimly lit, with heavy tapestries lining the walls to keep out the autumn chill. The king's large oak bed dominates the space, draped with rich fabrics.
Characters
Athelstan
primary
A gaunt man in his mid-forties with thinning grey-blond hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His once-powerful frame is now visibly weakened by illness, with hollowed cheeks and dark circles under his piercing blue eyes. His hands, resting atop the embroidered coverlet, bear the callouses of a warrior but now tremble slightly.
Bishop Wulfhelm
primary
A tall, gaunt man in his late fifties with a deeply lined face and piercing gray eyes that reflect both wisdom and weariness. His thin lips are often pressed together in contemplation, and his high forehead is framed by thinning silver hair. His hands are long-fingered and slightly trembling with age, yet they move with deliberate precision during sacred rites.
Ealdorman Ælfric
secondary
A tall, broad-shouldered nobleman in his late 40s with a sharply trimmed beard streaked with grey. His weathered face bears the marks of both battle and court intrigues, with piercing hawk-like eyes that miss nothing. His left hand bears an old sword scar across the knuckles.
Housecarl
secondary
A tall, broad-shouldered warrior in his late thirties, with a weathered face marked by old battle scars. His thick beard is neatly trimmed, and his piercing blue eyes remain fixed on his duty. His muscular frame suggests years of rigorous training and combat experience.
Monk
background
A thin, pale man in his late 30s with close-cropped brown hair in the tonsure style. His hands are ink-stained from years of scribal work, and his posture is slightly hunched from long hours bent over manuscripts. His deep-set brown eyes are attentive but tired.
Dialog
Athelstan
Dryhten... grant me strength... to speak my final will.
Bishop Wulfhelm
The Lord hears you, my son. Speak, and let His mercy guide your words.
Athelstan
Let Edmund... my brother's son... inherit this whale-road kingdom.
Ealdorman Ælfric
My liege, should not wiser heads... counsel on this matter?
Athelstan
Silence, wolf in ealdorman's robes! I know your... hungry eyes.
Bishop Wulfhelm
Peace, my king. Let us commend your soul to Heaven's keeping.
Athelstan
Swear... on Christ's wounds... Edmund shall rule...