An Emperors Fate : A Roman Play

[Warspite]

An Emperors fate

(A play, as part of the on-going Roman Empire saga in the Encyclopedia Warspite, here is the link to the mother thread)
Encyclopedia Warspite : The Roman Empire
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CHARACTERS
Aruthos Proximus=19 year old son of the late Emperor Proxius, is now Emperor of Roman Empire.
Arigliona=The 19 year old wife of Roman Emperor Aruthos Proximus.
Lucious Parcellon= 40 year old Roman Councilman in Athens, is Arigliona’s lover there.
Prince Sorje Comnenus= Noble from Bosnia where Arigliona is from, a leader of Balkan opposition to the Empire.
Michael Petrus= 59 year old Roman Councilman in Athens, a prominent man in the Council and Empire.

SCENE ONE

--Roman Emperors Palace in Athens at midnight of September 11th, 1482. Arigliona, the wife of the New Emperor Aruthos Proximus who is away at war against Muslims in the east. She is hurrying to leave Athens to reach Constantinople in hopes Aruthos will travel there on his way home from the war. She also has other plans with Prince Sorje there.

Maid One- (Enters Arigliona’s dressing room anxiously) My lady (bows) zee carriage is waiting for you

Arigliona- (frustrated) Bah, get out you, I know this is so and I shall be there when I am ready, tell him that

(Maid one departs the scene and Lucious Parcellon, a council member in Athens steps out from her closet.)

Lucious- Ahh Arigliona; you are fair this night, I wish you would not go; let me go, surely I can talk to Prince Sorje in Constantinople.

Ari- It is too late (She stands and looks at him sternly) the rest of the council expects me to be traveling to meet my husband on his return from the war through Constantinople, I want to see Sorje also, he is a weak man and will bend to my charms like a child’s toy.

Luc- As do I my love (attempts to embrace Arigliona yet she backs away) and you have kept your secret from the council very well. When you have Sorje in your grasp, surely you will be the most powerful woman in the world

Ari- No! (she then brushes up against Lucious, looking up to him as if to kiss) (softly she says) Not until my husband is dead will the Empire be in our hands my dear Lucious

Luc- (Lucious smiles and grasps her firmly)Yes, your dreams will come to be Empress, I swear it and with Sorje the whole Empire will be ours no matter what the council thinks.

Ari- You are tempted so soon (says firmly, with an evil smirk)

Luc- You flirt?

Ari- Perhaps, perhaps too much. Yet my desire is for power not just love. If I flirt with fate let my fate be of my own will. The Patriarch is on my side, he will see to our plans in Constantinople.

Luc- Are you certain that Aruthos will travel to Constantinople on his way back to Athens from the war, and so soon?

Ari- He is not a fighter, he is a boy who wants power as much as I do (she chuckles) he will surely return quickly.

Luc- (clenches Arigliona tightly against his body and kisses her deeply) Stay one more night, let the next Emperor be made in our lust

Ari- (after the kiss, slowly breaks free from Lucious) (licking her lips her lustful gaze turns to a steely stare) Don't be a fool Lucious, your ambition is commendable yet you had best do your duty here in Athens while I am away. I know you have boyfriends but I won’t tolerate your lust to cause you to make mistakes.

Luc- (grabs Ari hand and kneels before her) By my word of honor, you must trust me my love, for as the sun does not betray the day, I shall neither betray your love or our destiny (kisses her hand gently) I beg you leave and may you return with the crown upon your glorious head.

(Arigliona then packs her things as Lucious slips out of the scene, she then takes a deep breath and looks around her and opens the curtains to reveal Athens)

Ari- Soon my fair city, my fair Empire, you will be mine and I will be yours

 

[Warspite]

SCENE TWO

Arigliona has arrived in Constantinople and meets with Prince Sorje. They are in a place provided by the Patriarch of the city, it is around noon and in the background is the sound of a busy city

Sorje- It has been a long time Arigliona, you have grown much since I last saw your glimmering face back home.

Arigliona- Two years is not much time darling, ever since those filthy Romans swept me from home I have never once stopped thinking of you.

Sor- You lie!

Ari- I swear it Sorje, I have been a slave to them, Aruthos left me soon after we arrived in Athens and forced me to marry him, he went to fight with his father and all that time, I was alone.

Sor- So is your intention to follow him?

Ari- I promised my people I would see justice done. God has appointed me to be the Angel of salvation for our people Sorje. Your coming is not in vein, you have my word. I love you today as I did then, you are still the man of my life. Let us help each other then. I asked you meet me here so that I can tell you how I truly feel and what I plan to do.

(Sorje gives little emotion to Arigliona as she talks to him, however she uses great passion in her words and gestures to lure him to believe her)

Sor- How do I know you are not filled with the poison of the Romans? How do I know you will not betray me and destroy our cause? (Sorje says louder than normal trying to intimidate her)

Ari- I am not a Roman, I wait here for my husband only because it will further our cause. Though I was raped of my dwelling place for the lusts of evil, just like Cleopatra I will rise up against the enemy with divine vengeance.

Sor- (gives a hearty laugh) you haven’t changed much then (stands to approach her) you are still obsessed with that Ptolemy Queen.

Ari- Yes my love, do you see also that she resisted the power of the Romans, for her land and her people she was strong and defiant as I am. Yet I need a hero, I cannot do this alone, I am a woman who will take down an empire yet I need my man to help me build another. Cleopatra would not go on without Antony and I will not go on without you.

Sor- (looks at Arigliona in a puzzled way) Wha.... What is this you say. You are not Empress. You are not Cleopatra or a goddess little girl, your ambition is but a dream.

Ari- No you are wrong my love. I am Gods answer to this world, I am not Isis true, but I am Arigliona and Athens will bend to my rule when I have eliminated Aruthos. The Patriarch is on our side, he despises the new Greek Emperors.

Sor- So that is what you are planning (begins to laugh and Arigliona gives him a cold look) you are going to kill your husband and you want me to help you secure Athens and the throne so you can be Empress.

Ari- With Aruthos gone nothing can stand in our way, the council is divided and they have no Army. I have the backing of some of them. With your armies we can cripple any opposition to my rule. Once I am in power I will dissolve the Roman Empire and we will rule a new Holy Kingdom and I shall be Queen and you the King.

Sor- It is too risky Arigliona......

(she stands and draws close to Sorje)

Ari- You once told me when I was a little girl, that nothing is too risky when the heart is set upon it. I fell in love with your passion and courage then. I love you now just as much, (she pretends to cry) I have lost you once, I beg you not abandon me this time. We are destined for each other Sorje, you promised me this.

Sor- (compassionately holds her) I did promise you, but what you say is of great importance, my men are at risk if......Arigliona do you swear you have enough support in Athens? Without it my armies could be crushed, I will be destroyed if this fails.

Ari- Are your men as important as I am to you? Do you risk losing me again to the loss of your army? I would sacrifice a thousand legions to have you back in my life Sorje, would a simple girls dreams become reality if not for her hero?

Sor- (Embracing Arigliona) (silence for a moment) My love, my dear sweet Arigliona we shall have our Kingdom. Your dream is the same as my own and our hearts beat as one. The Empire has been a thorn in my side for so many years, it is this time our people will have its day. Forgive me love if I doubted you, it has been so long. Now with you in my arms I feel the strength I need to carry on.

(The two kiss for a moment)

Ari- Aruthos is sure to pass through Constantinople soon on his way back to Athens. I can kill him then and you can march your army on a leaderless Empire. My supporters in Athens will move against the other councilmen and I shall claim the throne. With my power secured we will have our Kingdom and the Empire will be no more.

 

[Warspite]

SCENE THREE

The place is Athens at the Hall of the Imperial Council to the Emperor. Here, the Emperors scholarly helpers hash out diplomatic and domestic arguments and present solutions for the Emperor to ponder later. The Date is February 1483, Emperor Aruthos is still at war in the east.
Michael Petrus is a leader in the Pro-Imperialist faction of the council. He has many supporters but a growing number of opponents. Lucious Parcelon is a leader of that opposition to Michael, a faction of the council known as the Orthodoxians

(The council is brought to silence as Lucious gives a morning prayer, Michael speaks for the Imperialists and Lucious for the Orthodoxians in the play, there are a few councilmen next to each of them.)

Lucious- Yesterday you spoke of more funding for reinforcements for the war in the east Michael. Now I am to ask, where shall this money be raised considering your Imperialists have drained what money the treasury once had?

Michael- Well, I think that.........

Luc- For the war I might add! Or was it for your daughters dowry? (laughter comes from Orthodoxians and Lucious)

Mic- I told you before, I used my estate to fund her wedding. (more laughter) (then it subsides) I do not find your sarcasm funny Lucious, we must support the Emperor against the Muslims. If it means drawing a tax to raise money, It should likely come from the whole provinces.

Luc- Oh! Why not all of it come from the Balkan territories, they already hate us, let the nobles become poor men from our taxes so they cant buy armies. (he says this with hidden sarcasm)

Mic- That’s a fine idea, for once I like how you think.

Luc- Yes I thought you might like that (Lucious smirk turns to a frown at Michael) (then begins yelling) AND I SUPPOSE YOU ALSO LIKE THE IDEA OF BONDAGE!!!!

Mic- You may want to give greater freedom to the Balkan Nobles, perhaps independence as we discussed last week, but the Empire by the decree of Proxius must hold firm to its territory or fall prey to deterioration.

Luc- (waiving his arms in the air mocking Michael) Oh I like your ideas, Oh I like how you think

Mic- You are getting us nowhere on this

Luc- (bursts out) AND NEITHER ARE YOU MICHAEL, You betray progress with your hard line views. You deny nobles certain rights and cause them to rebel. Further, you......

Mic- That’s enough!

Luc- Yes it is (points finger at Michael) give the nobles in the Balkans greater rights, stop suffocating them with your biased laws and maybe they will stop fighting our rule and begin to appreciate our intentions for prosperity for the Empire.

(the council members talk silently among each other briefly while Michael composes himself)

Mic- Do we know if there is any word on when Aruthos is returning from the war?


Councilman One- No we don’t, the last messenger only said the Emperor was advancing and near a solution and an end to the war.

Luc- Perhaps we wont need to send reinforcements?

Mic- I don’t know, still we should begin to raise a few more Legions incase the Balkans heat up again.

Luc- Don’t collect taxes from them and they wont heat up again, sound like a good idea this time Michael?

Mic- Damn Aruthos, he should not have stayed on the war front. We need to know what he wants regarding this.

Luc- It is best to be patient Michael, rash decisions often lead to mistakes.

(some councilmen on Michaels side begin to voice agreement with what Lucious just said, Michael breathes in deeply feeling the pressure)

Mic- Very well, I will not call for the taxation for funds just yet. We are winning so its just a matter of when the Emperor comes back to decide how he wants to handle this.

Luc- (Lucious leans over, politely but with a smile of satisfaction on his face) That’s a fine idea, for once I like how you think.

 

[Warspite]

SCENE 4

(It is early winter 1483, the people wait anxiously for their Emperor to return home from the war. Finally, word comes that the Emperor had finished in the east and was returning home with his army. Everyone expected him, as armies before him had, to march through Constantinople while en-route to Athens. Lucious, timed his plot thinking Arigliona would crush Aruthos in Constantinople, but he could not wait any longer for her to send news of Aruthos destruction and he gambled by launching his offensive on Michael and his Imperialists. Michael did not build a new army (per scene 3) so it was easy for Lucious and his followers to overwhelm him. What Lucious did not know however, was that Emperor Aruthos had not marched to Constantinople, but instead took ships right to Athens.)

(on stage, seven soldiers represents Lucious’ army, there is a door that leads into the council hall and the other side of the stage is a tree representing the outskirts of Athens.)

Lucious- At last, Soon Athens will be mine and Arigliona will send word that she has destroyed Aruthos and his army in Constantinople. I will be Emperor and the world will be mine for the taking (raises sword)

Soldier 1- Sir, they are blocked in but refuse to surrender, Michael says he will fight to the death to save the Council and the Empire.

Lucious- Michael always was a fool. Prepare to assault them, If Michael will not surrender willingly, then I will force him too.

Soldier 2- Soon you will be Emperor Lucious, Michael and the Council will be destroyed, Athens will be yours. (the soldiers raise their swords and shout for Lucious)

(Lucious lowers his sword in thought as the soldiers prepare to storm into the building)

Soldier 1- Lucious, at your order we are ready to charge them.

Lucious- Wait, is there any word from Arigliona? She… She must have killed Aruthos, why is she not informing me of the destruction of Aruthos and his army?

(suddenly, a messenger appears at the tree and yells to Lucious)

Messenger- LUCIOUS…..Lucious I have news, I have important news…..

Lucious- It must be Arigliona, surely this is the report of Aruthos demise. Soon it will be finished and the Empire will be MINE!

Messenger- (rushes up to Lucious out of breath) Lord Lucious, I bring terrible news…(pauses to breath)

Lucious- (grabs hold of the messenger shaking him) TELL ME, WHAT IS IT YOU HAVE TO SAY MAN!!

Messenger- It is Emperor Aruthos, he has arrived in Athens by sea my Lord, he has heard you are sieging the Council and he is gathering his army to stop you.

(Lucious lets go of the messenger, he is greatly distressed and looks around as the soldiers wait and watch)

Lucious- Wha… What is this? NO! It cannot be! (pauses while gripping his sword tightly) That filthy whore, she betrayed me, ARIGLIONA HAS SET ME UP!

(enter the stage, Emperor Aruthos and several soldiers by the tree on stage)

Aruthos- (draws his sword) No Lucious, you have betrayed the Empire and for that the penalty is DEATH!

Lucious- I will not give up so easily Aruthos, this Empire is mine now.

Aruthos- By the blood of my fathers before me, you will not prevail! (orders his men to charge against Lucious and his men)

(the soldiers for Lucious and Aruthos battle and Aruthos shows his skill in combat and Lucious is wounded and all of his soldiers are dead. Aruthos holds his sword to Lucious)

Aruthos- Why have you betrayed the Empire Lucious? You were a strong man, I could have used you.

Lucious- I…(coughs) I was doing this for the Empire, I would have made a better Emperor.

Aruthos- What makes you think you would make a better Emperor than I, the son of Proxius and grandson of Ramileous the Great?

Lucious- Arigliona, your wife told me so, by her own lips am I better than even you.

Aruthos- YOU LIE!! Insult me if you wish, Then by my hand shall you DIE!

Lucious- Wait, No!!……….

(Aruthos shows great anger and with his sword, kills Lucious)

 

[Warspite]

I am trying to strike a balance in this play. On one hand I want it to be full of life and give detail to the drama of the story. On the other hand, I know reading this sort of thing can be difficult so I try to make it short and simple.

The next scenes will be coming soon. Thanks for being a part of the audience

 

[Sharur]

Warspite, do you want people to post replies to this play in here, or in the other thread? You're doing a great job!

 

[Warspite]

I dont mind Sharur, thank you for the encouragement. Its good others like this because I am not feeling confident with it. Not to mention its difficult to write.

Difficult because I have to balance the way I write this thing. This whole encyclopedia thing is about a modern encyclopedia describing what happened in the past. OK thats obvious, however I want to keep the play suspenceful and not give away what happens too soon. You know what I mean, hard to explain but Ill keep pressing on, Enjoy

 

[P.Q. Varus]

Warspite,

This reminds me of those wonderful old costume movies with Sophia Loren, Victor Mature, etc. o Everything I know about ancient history I learned from Victor Mature movies. )

I once wrote the world's worst one act play (about Tancred of Sicily) for a college course, so my main comment is only that what you are attempting here is a lot harder than most people imagine. Good luck.

 

[unmerged(6777)]

Decided to reply here rather than in your other thread like I did last time, and since you asked for comments/criticism...

*********************************

MrT (T): How's it going Warpite?

Warspite (W): Good. And you?

T: Pretty good, thanks. You know, I was thinking about that play you're writing - you know, the one on the AAR Forum - and, while I'm really enjoying it, I had this niggling little feeling that there was something that just wasn't quite right. It's tough to put your finger on, but I think I may have a suggestion for you.

W: (frowns) Yes?

T: Well, more of an observation really.

W: Come on man, spit it out. You can't just hit me with a "something's wrong" and then beat about the bush. If you're going to say something, say it.

T: Well, I know that it's a great deal harder to write one of these than most people realize - after all, I've done one myself - but it's just that as I was reading it I found myself thinking that the sentences were too short and choppy. It just doesn't feel like "natural" speech. Of course maybe that's intentional in order to accentuate angst or a feeling of urgency, but it just seems slightly...unnatural.

W: What do you mean?

T: When you think about normal speech patterns, you realise that conversations tend to swing back and forth between the communicator and the communicatee. The communicator usually speaks in longer, more descriptive sentences that disseminate information, while the communicatee tends to give clipped "I see" or "I understand" sort of responses. Of course the roles reverse during the conversation...for instance, once I've finished being the communicator here, I'd tend to adopt the role of a communicatee while you express your opinions and such. It's really the natural form of conversation - barring the usual everyday pleasantries and all.

W: But I can think of plenty of examples where two people converse in short back-and-forth sentences. Look at the famous "Who's on First?" sketch, or all of that Monty Python material. If everyone kept on delivering soliloquies all the time then half the audience would be asleep before the play hit the third act.

T: Look! You're doing it now.

W: Pardon?

T: We're swapping roles. You just had a nice, longer sentence.

W: But that's because I was expressing my point of view and...

T: It's easier to do if I don't interrupt you.

W: ...so I had to say more so you'd understand.

T: True, and it's much easier to read and make yourself understood if you get to say it in a block of text rather than having it chopped up into smaller bites with other people's words interjected. Besides, the two examples you gave above are actually almost more in support of my observation than not. The short sentences demonstrate how easy it is to become confused when more detailed information isn't presented in one or two larger "lumps".

W: Are you saying that there are never short sentences?

T: Not at all. Only that most conversations between people where they're doing anything other than passing the time of day tend to have longer phrases. It's only the natural course of speech, and I think, to come back to my original point, that the first four scenes you've presented have a certain choppiness to them that tends to diffuse the message somewhat.

W: Hmmm. So you're thinking that I should consider using longer sentences throughout?

T: Not necessarily. But I think that when the really important stuff comes along it would come across a little better that way. I'm not say that you should have a character launch into a soliloquy at the drop of a hat. When you think of Shakespeare you’ll notice that he saves the really “big speeches” for the key plot moments, but his characters do tend to have moments of verbosity at other times. Usually when he uses a series of short back-and-forth sentences – particularly in his histories – he is trying to create tension (which, incidentally, makes it entirely appropriate in that section of your fourth scene) or perhaps merely introduce a bit player.

W: Well, that’s certainly something to think about.

T: Just my opinion, of course, but I was wondering if that might help…

 

[Sharur]

Wow.

MrT, I think you deserve an honorary OscAAR for that post. Not only did you have the courage to actually criticize something in an AAR, but you did so in a very constructive, useful manner, that could teach not only Warspite, but his readers a little something about writing.

I've never seen such a well-constructed response to an AAR before. Bravo!

... And yes, for those who are wondering, it DOES feel a bit awkward to be complimenting one of the readers

 

[Warspite]

LOL, very nice MrT, Im not the best student so Ill try to apply what I have learned here

Scene 5 will be coming soon, my favorite part is coming
Those who have followed the history of my encyclopedia will see where im going with this very soon

 

[unmerged(6777)]

Originally posted by Warspite
LOL, very nice MrT, Im not the best student so Ill try to apply what I have learned here

Scene 5 will be coming soon, my favorite part is coming
Those who have followed the history of my encyclopedia will see where im going with this very soon

Glad you don't mind a little critique. I realized, after writing and then recently re-reading my own, that this (the short, clippy dialogue) was something that I had done and seems a little forced. Just thought I'd put my 2 ducat's worth in to see what you think.

 

[Warspite]

Act II, Scene I

(Aruthos has killed Lucious and his supporters; Michael has rallied the city back to order and backs the Emperor. Only a month after Lucious was beaten, Arigliona returns to Athens from Constantinople. She avoids the Council and goes directly to Aruthos.)

(On stage, representing the palace bedroom of Aruthos there is marble walls with large paintings of Ramileous and other Roman Emperors. The back wall is a view of Athens from a balcony. To the far right is a bar with water and wine, to the left is a bed, there is a wall separating the room. Arigliona is in a flowing white gown and the Emperor Aruthos in Purple and White Imperial robes.)

Emperor- I am glad to see you again Arigliona, I have been at war for a long time and have longed for your presence.

Arigliona- (soft, seductive voice) And I have longed to see you, I waited eagerly for your arrival into Constantinople. You deserve a Hero’s welcome and it broke my heart to find out you had sailed to Athens instead.

E- (peers out through the Balcony to Athens, then turns to Arigliona) There are some Councilmen who have suggested you are plotting against me with Lucious. I have had them imprisoned for this insult. No lie, no man can separate me from my Angel of fate. My grandfather (looks to the painting of Ramileous) was a wise man; he knew your family was of perfect blood. When he took your family from the conquered Dacia he had the Patriarch bless them and he prophesied that from them would come the Empires future.

A- I have dreamed of our destiny Aruthos, the prophecy will come to pass surely.

E- I know it will, for I have dreamed many dreams while in the east. The hand of God has touched me and he will touch your womb and give me the son I desire. His promise was to make a mighty nation from our union. What God has proclaimed no man can destroy, so it is with the Empire.

A- let me make that son for you my lord, your heart is true and your trust in me is thanks to God.

(Aruthos moves to Arigliona and holds her, he attempts to kiss her but she turns her cheek to him instead)

E- what is wrong Arigliona? Fair are you to me and I will not be denied this night.

A- I…. Wish for us to pray before we give our fates to God. (she begins to cry)

E- My love, why have you shed a tear (holds her hand) We will make history with our God…..

A- The power of God covers me, I am overwhelmed, and he has chosen me and made me a virgin again for this time. I am afraid of what the future holds and am confused.

E- Do not fear, for as sure as I am with you now I will always be there for you. I have great responsibility now that my father is gone. Sometimes I feel it has come too soon, yet I am determined to do what is best for the Empire. Yet I cannot go on without your loving support. I will die for you as sure as I would for my Empire.

A- (she suddenly turns away from Aruthos, her eyes open as her temperance turns from weeping to wide eyed alertness) It is time my love, I cannot go on until we fulfill the will of God. Wait by the bed while I prepare the blessed wine (she goes to the other side of the wall and prepares wine, she places poison in the cup of Aruthos and returns to the bedroom)

E- There are many plans I have for the future, long has the Empire been ignored and neglected of its right to power in the world. My father put into place the foundation for the Roman Empire to reclaim its place as keeper of Civilization. We are the light of the world, we are the authors of life and justice, we are the fruitful woman and courageous soldier. The chosen of God. The Roman Empire will once again bring the world to life, together. Watch over me God, let me see what you do for our Empire.

(They kneel together)

A- For God is faithful (her look is cold and determined as she hands Aruthos the drink) now, the time has come Aruthos, and God must fulfill the promise. We give our lives to him; we place our hope in him. Amen.

(They drink the wine together, looking into each other’s eyes.) Pause (Aruthos drops his wine glass and coughs, he grabs his throat his eyes open wide, Arigliona stands quickly and moves away, her glass drops as she nervously looks on)

E- (choking sound) My G… What has G-God done, my wine is nt blessed ugh (coughing). Ari..gli…na (reaches hand out to her) Ar…….I…….Lo…v…..e………..(falls to floor motionless)

(Arigliona moves to him and checks him then rushes from the stage as Imperial mourning music begins to play for the audience)

(Arigliona leaves Athens and returns to Sorje and his rebel army in Kosovo)

 

[Warspite]

Just a note, some may see contradictions between the Encyclopedia part of the AAR and the various plays I write for the AAR. That is normal because I am trying to depict the Romans (imaginatory) way of bending truth for drama and glorification purposes. So when you see the play says Aruthos killed Lucious but the Enyclopedia says he escaped the city, its all planned. The two are seperate AARs basically One is out of a history book, the other from writers plays. Hope you enjoy the story and virtual history as it develops over time.

Remember too that the full Chronology and links are in the first post of main thread.

I am working on screenshots also.

 

[Xanadu]

Very impressive Warspite!
Your writing skills have greatly improved since your "Trip to the Mall" AAR
Sorry that I don't come over much lately, but as you know the modship sure does take a lot out of you
Great work!

 

[Sharur]

Xanadu, welcome back!

Warspite, that's got to be the best installment thus far in this play. Very well executed. Good stuff!

 

[unmerged(6777)]

Great instalment!

Boy that Arigliona is a real piece of work. I hope that someone comes along and throttles her before the end of the play or I'm going to be really pissed off.

Whether you made it conciously or not, that slight change to your style works like a charm. Bravo, and eagerly looking forward to more.

 

[Xanadu]

Originally posted by Sharur
Xanadu, welcome back!

Just as an observer . I can't get a "Doge By-Tor" role going again.....no time . I see you have done great things here though Sharur ...it seems you never were able to shake MrT either . Anyhow, sorry to hijack your thread Warspite. Just thought I would say you (and others) are doing a great job.

 

[Warspite]

Originally posted by Xanadu
Anyhow, sorry to hijack your thread Warspite. Just thought I would say you (and others) are doing a great job.

No worry, its great to have you here again, if but for a moment. A great job everyone has done here I say too, without each other how could we go on

 

[Warspite]

ACT II, SCENE II

The setting
(Summer 1485, It has been over a year since Emperor Aruthos was murdered by Arigliona. Emperor Michael has re-gathered the Roman Army and prepared for the battle against Ariglionas rebel army in the north. With 55,000 men Michael was confident he could defeat the enemy and start bringing peace to the lands. Arigliona has seduced Sorje the rebel commander and together they command the 22,000 rebels to face Michael.)

(On Stage, Props about the stage and a large painting on the back curtain place the actors in a hilly battlefield. To the right of the stage is several men dressed as Roman Soldiers and Emperor Michael is not in battle gear but in Emperors Robes. To the left of the stage is several men dressed as rebel soldiers and Sorje is in armor and Arigliona is also dressed in armor for battle.)

STAGE LEFT

Sorje- Men, the day of victory has come. Soon you will defeat the Romans and the Empire will be ours. Do not fear, for God is with you this day. We are the righteous; we are the hand of Justice against the butchers of your grandfathers. Take hold men (raises his sword) for today you will draw the blood of Romans and cause future generations to grow above their graves.

(Soldiers raise their swords and shout) “Glory to the Holy Catholic Church”

Arigliona- I have seen the eyes of the Devil and by the power of God have I plucked them out of their sockets. Emperor Aruthos is dead and the Romans are weak and wayward. Do not fear men, stand strong and fight with all you have in you, for God has told me that Victory will be yours.

(Soldiers again raise their swords and shout chants to Arigliona) “Angel of God, we will bring victory, Glory to the Holy Catholic Church, Glory to the Angel of God.”

STAGE RIGHT

Michael- Romans! You have not marched in vain, I know that you are tired yet we must fight and defeat the enemy.

Soldier 1- My Lord, shouldn’t we wait and prepare more, they have the high ground and the men need rest.

M- We cannot compromise, victory does not come with delay. (He pauses to think, nervously looking around) We must show the enemy that the Romans will not be opposed, and to those who do, will come certain defeat.

Soldier 2- Emperor may I suggest something, Aruthos used a tactic against the Muslims that brought victory swiftly. This terrain is much the same and if we wait and prepare we can use the same tactic and bring easy victory.

M- No! Aruthos had his victory and now I will have mine. I know war; I have studied tactics used by the greatest Roman Generals ever. I will show you how the Romans of old won battles and put fear into their enemy.

(Soldiers look puzzled at each other for a moment and brace for battle)

M- Sound the charge, Go and fight and bring glory to the Empire once more.

(Trumpets sound and the Roman soldiers march in order to the center stage, Sorje raises his sword and with Arigliona and his soldiers they charge the Romans)

THE BATTLE

(Sorje leads the charge and swiftly takes down one Roman. Arigliona stays behind the others with her sword raised. There is shouting and cries of pain as another Roman soldier falters. One Rebel falls but then the Rebels shout and take down two more Romans. The remaining three Roman Soldiers break off and run back to where Michael is standing on the right side of the stage. )

(Michael moves franticly, he looks shocked as his men breath hard and look exhausted)
Michael- No, We must stand our ground, we cannot lose this battle.

Soldier 3- We have lost, they are too strong and the battle is lost, we must retreat or we will be destroyed.

Michael- yes, yes, they are coming closer, retreat, RETREAT!!! (Michael and his soldiers walk off the right side of the stage)

CENTER STAGE

(the soldiers begin to shout and Sorje grabs Ariglionas hand and raises it high)

Sorje- VICTORY IS OURS, HAHA! The Romans are running like Rats, RATS!! Go back to Athens you cowards we will soon meet you their HAHA!!

Arigliona- God has delivered our people from the bondage of Athens. Lift your swords to the heavens for today the Lord has been with us through me. Blessed are those who follow me and soon we will have a Holy Kingdom that will bring the Catholic Church to this land once again.

(the audience filled with Orthodox Romans, boo the rebel actors and some of them begin to chant the Roman battle cry) “Romileous, ROMILEOUS, GLORY TO ROME!!"

(the lights dim and the curtain closes amid the patriotic fervor of the audience)