Setting: Low Fantasy
Character – Priest or Monk, Brother Bernard, on a pilgrimage
from the British Isles to the Vatican. Sees horrors done in the name of the
church in war torn France during the 100 years war.
1st Part
1st act, leaves from Canterbury. Optimistic about
faith and pilgrimage, diary entry from at the beginning while still at the
monastery. Another diary entry on the boat to France, hears of evil done by
nobles in the name of god and money being used for war and not to help starving
peasants. Final entry of act one, Bernard witnesses first major atrocity at the
port from which he disembarks the ship.
2nd Act
Bernard witnesses yet more atrocities done in the name of
God. He begins to question his faith due to what he sees. Obstacles on his path
whilst walking through war torn France. Arrives at a church in a rural French
town, Priest reassures him of god’s work until he sees the priest’s own
corruption.
3rd Act
Goes to town under attack by the Priest’s forces. Joins
peasants in battle, ambiguous ending.
1st Entry
13th of the Month of July in the Year of our Lord
1247
Today, I have been set with a grand assignment from his
holiness, Brother Superior Jon. I am to head to the Vatican in order to further
my studies into the holy lands and the word of god. I leave this day, and leave
behind me, my life in the monastery.
2nd Entry
6th of the Month of August in the Year of our
Lord 1247
Today, whilst I cross the channel between Britain and
France, I heard tell of acts of slaughter committed by nobles charged with the
defence of the smallfolk. They sit in banquet whilst their people starve and
blasphemously hide their deed ‘neath the cloak of faith. These are dark days,
the faith of the people is shaken, I shall prey for their souls this night.
3rd Entry
12th Month of August in the Year of our Lord 1247
Dear Lord, today my faith has been shaken unto its
foundations. I witnessed the work of the devil masquerading under the banner of
justice, three maidens burnt at the stake for witchcraft, with nary a shred of
evidence. I beseech thee lord, guide these lost sheep back into the light of
your flock.
4th Entry
1st September
I have today taken to rest under the generosity of Pere
Jacques at his parish grounds in Reims. Jacques has assuaged my fears concerning
the acts of brutality which have cast a shadow over my soul. Je has confirmed
the righteousness and truth of these actions and the piousness of the men that
committed them.
5th Entry
4th September
I have this day renounced my faith, not to our lord, but
unto the foul men that do evil in his name. The wicked, false Priest, Jacques,
who sullied the word of god with orders of the slaughter of innocents, has
utterly shaken my faith. I overheard a knight, and Jacques speak of a town not
far, Guignicourt, the famished people there, with children dying of hunger in
their parents arms were unable to pay the tithe to the church and knights. The
false priest, unwilling to help, has ordered the knights to purge the town of
their sinful ways. I will leave the church on the morrow to aid and protect
these people to the best of my abilities.
6th Entry
6th September
Today I likely go to my death, for the cause is hopeless.
These people have nothing, not even the weapons to defend themselves. I am not
skilled with blade, yet these people look to me to lead them. I cannot lead
them through strength, though my faith may warm their souls in their hour of
greatest need. Bless us this day Father, and welcome those of us that fall into
the light of your kingdom.
