Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 2 Interlude

 Act Two

Interlude

The knock on the door of the chamber was permitted to proceed. The slender female figure in the stiff high neck gown stepped in and walked to the bed. Her face was covered by the half mask that reveal only her lips. Her hair was cut with the bob-cut above the ears.

“I am here …. My love.” The lady said.

“Elementary, you are. I desire you to be here.” The other figure, a male by gender in the chamber stood by the window looking to the street below. “Your arrival was seen by me.”

The man there was dressed in a bathrobe and smoked the pipe unlit then. He was masked the same as the lady but his hair design was swept back revealing the forehead. He kept his lookout at the window, looking earnestly at the corners for any moving shadows.

“I can see no one has followed you.” The man took an imitation of the puff with the pipe. “It’s desired that our liaison be kept discreet.”

“Yes, my love. I had told the driver to make two rounds of the black before I was to disembark.”

“One cannot be too careless, Ophelia. Society frowned at us but naught they know of our needs.”  The man replaced the pipe on the table nearby. “Haste not by choice but an act of the needs.”

“I am aware, my love.” The lady proceeded to unbutton the front of her dress but the man was impatient. He stepped toward her and pulled the dress apart with the buttons springing free.

“Dear Sir!” The lady was to protest but the man was without any care. He latched his lips on her exposed flesh, taking huge bites on the nipples.

“Sir…” The lady tried to push him off but he was stronger.

“Protest no more, Ophelia. The torn shall be compensated as our needs of ours shall be consumed.” The man’s hands were at the hem of the dress dragging it up and tearing the last resistance to his lust. He was in and then was quick when he released his pent-up feelings.

“Begone now. You will be paid handsomely for your damages.” The man pulled back his bathrobe while the lady adjusted her clothing.

“Thank you, Sir. Shall there be a next time?” The lady asked.

“Leave me!” The man roared out. “Reynaldo, send the lady away.”

The aide of the man rushed in and pulled the lady away. He was soon to return to the chamber to find his master seated by the armchair holding the violin.

“She left, Sire. I had paid her for indiscretion.” Reynaldo reported to the man. “Was she …”

“There was no part of her that I liked. She was at best …. a whore. At worse, a whore who can’t even act the moans of the scene.” The man picked up the pipe once more. “You need to be more …selective. I expect nothing but the best.”

“Aye, Master. I will try better.” Reynaldo acknowledged his shortcomings. “It was long the delay for you.”

“Yes, it was. At the castle, I had to confront her daily and yet was unable to do what I desire. It has been years and even the holidays away, we can’t be together…. Alone for any. She still harbors the urge for the impotent one, and despite my overtures, she still thinks him the one to take her virtue.”

“Aye, Master. It pains me to see you ….deprived.”

“Deprived! I was not. I could have any I want. Their sacrifice offered with their sight removed, I am pleased for the one I was to release my desire was not them but her. Yet she was denied to me.”

“Aye, Master. She may come to …. Desire you one day.”

“I hope so, Reynaldo. But first I must part them away. Hamlet does not deserve her. He is impotent to her love. Ophelia shall be mine, and mine only.”

“Yes, Master. Your father asked of you.”

“So soon, and it was only a night that I had left him.”

“He cares, I guess,” Reynaldo muttered.

“Yes, he is concerned but he cares more for Norway. It what’s keeps him moving. I wonder how he fares now that the King is dead… prematurely. Instead of the Prince, an Emperor sits there. His plans go awry. He sees the Prince as inconclusive.”

“Yes, I heard that he holds other plans now.” Reynaldo slotted his words carefully.

“The Great Chamberlain is forever revising the script to appease the actors. I wonder who he has in mind now with the King dead.”

“To whom or for whom, it shall be determined,” Reynaldo uttered.

 

 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 1 Scene 5 Sub-scene 3

 Act One Scene Five

Sub-Scene Three

The hunt is on

“Horatio, he speaks in tongues. Shall we clobber him senseless to bring him back?” Marcellus motioned to Hamlet’s gibberish words. “I got my billy jack.”

“Nay, Marcellus. Hamlet is in his element. He speaks in the way he was trained. I need to check on his well-being and if you lay a hand on him, it will you to talk in tongues soon.”

“My Prince! My Prince! Are you well?” Horatio approached Hamlet.

“I will secure him.” Marcellus rushed toward Hamlet but was stopped by Horatio.

“Hillo, ho, ho, boy! Come, bird, come!”

“What news, my Prince? You met the ghost then?”

“Wonderful!”

“You can tell us.” Horatio stood by Hamlet.

“Nay, not a word. Not a whisper, I am telling you now. The King was done in the foulest manner.” Hamlet said. “The Emperor did him that.”

“That was …. Not expected. Does the …”

“My mother had a hand in it.” Hamlet sighed. “She who looks plain yet deceitful.”

“It’s true there is rotten in the state of Denmark.” Horatio sighed.

“I am told to hush it. And so, without more circumstance at all, I hold it fit that we shake hands and part.”

“You, as your business and desire shall point you for every man hath business and desire and my poor part,
I will go pray.” Hamlet bowed his head. 

“These are but wild and whirling words, my Prince.” Horatio looked to the Prince who looked back.

“I am sorry they offend you, heartily; Yes, faith, heartily.” Hamlet smiled. “You have my welfare in your care.”

“There’s no offense, my Prince but …” Horatio was cut off.

“Yes, by Saint Patrick, but there is, Horatio, And much offense, too. Touching this vision here”, Hamler looked to where the ghost was floating. “It is an honest ghost—that let me tell you for your desire to know what is between us. And us alone.”

“O’ermaster ’t as you may. And now, good friends, As you are friends, scholars, and soldiers, Give me that one poor request.” Hamlet reached out to Horatio.

“What is ’t, my lord? We will.” Horatio looked at the Prince.

“Never make known what you have seen tonight.” Hamlet was stern in his words.

“My Prince, we will not.” Horatio nodded.

“Nay, but swear it, ” Hamlet demanded. “Never make known what you have seen tonight.”

“My Prince, we will not.” Horatio and Marcellus voiced out in unison.

“Upon your souls and mine,” Hamlet added.

“We have sworn, my Prince….  Already.”

The ghost cries under the ground where they stood. A voice heard only by Hamlet.

“Swear…”

“Ha, ha, boy, sayst thou so? Art thou there, true penny?” Hamlet stomped the ground with his feet. “Come on, you hear this fellow in the cellarage. They have sworn not?”

“Propose the oath, my Prince.” Horatio held steady to protect the Prince but the Prince was looking at the ground.

“Rest, rest, perturbèd spirit.” Hamlet turned to look at Horatio.

So, gentlemen, with all my love I do commend myself to you, And what so poor a man as Hamlet is. May do to express my love and friending to you.”

“God willing, shall not lack. Let us go in together, and still your fingers on your lips, I pray. The time is out of joint. O cursèd spite That ever I was born to set it right!” Hamlet made his oath.

“Nay, come, let’s go together.” Hamlet motioned to Horatio who follow him. Marcellus stood there unsure of what had happened but reckon in his mind, the Prince may indeed be mad.

“He speaks in tongues.”

“Go your way, Marcellus.” The one standing there turned icy cold on hearing his name. He rushed to catch up with Horatio.

“Did you call me just now?”

“I did, and you here,” Horatio replied.

“How thoughtful of you.” Marcellus proceeded to walk ahead lest he was left behind again.

 

 

Chronicles of the Brittany Kings Chapter 42

 42

 

The pass near Maisbeli was guarded by Lord Eidol on the instruction of King Aurelius. Archers were deployed on the high ground on both sides of the pass, while the main army remain in the narrow pass. King Aurelius soon arrived and met Lord Eidol. He was short in the numbers in his army compared to the Anglo-Saxons. The army he brought there to the pass after the attack at Vortigern was reduced although he had recruited Britons on the victory.

”Leave for Cunungeburg with the main army. Leave me a detachent of the calvary.” Aurelius told Lord Eidol. “We can’t march the army past here. It’s too narrow. We will defend it, while the main army will attack the flank of the Anglo-Saxon from there.”

It was a sound strategy for Hengist had massed up to two hundred warriors, and the terrain after the pass to Maisbeli was flat fields. Even if Aurelius had moved the army then past the narrow pass, his army was still below the strength of the Anglo-Saxons for a full battle.

“We need more warriors and that will take place if we win here or make a decisive battle. Once you cross over, I have the other Lords there awaiting you. That will give us the numbers.”

“My King, you will be left with a smaller army while we take the route past the mountain here.” Lord Eidol told the King. “Let me be the one here while you lead the main army.”

“I will be fine. My calvary will be with you so they can be more versatile. Spare me the archers to defend the pass. March the army as instructed.” Aurelius explained his strategy. “I need to be seen in battle. With that, more Britons will join you at the fields. Ride with my brother, Uther to victory.”:

“What if you are overrun by the Anglo-Saxons?’

“I will be fine. I will hold them to give you time to reach their flanks.  Once you reached their flanks, the Anglo-Saxons will retreat, They will probably move to …Cunungberg.” Aurelius looked at the map. “I would for there I can occupy the castle there to gather my army.”

“What if you are to be defeated?” Lord Eidol pressed on.

“I will be fine, as I have said. I will retreat the army to the rear. If the Anglo-Saxons followed on, they will face the same issues as us.” Aurelius assured Lord Eidol.

“What if they ignored you?” Lord Eidol had his concern.

“I am the bait that Hengist will not ignore.” Aurelius laughed. “If I am ignored, I will attack from the flank, No army will battle when their flanks are attacked. It will jeopardize their retreat and their supplies will be cut off.” Aurelius further explained his strategy. “The Anglo-Saxons are fierce warriors but we will battle on our strengths and stealth.”

The strategy was adopted and Aurelius took command of the army to which he was assigned. He told that his strength was ten thousand against the two hundred thousand marchings there.

“Warriors of Briton. We are to create an event that will be remembered for generations. We are to hold the advances of the Anglo-Saxons. It stops here in this battle.” Aurelius was nervous but he remain confident that the event will be in his favor.

“We ate outnumbered but we defended our land. Our people and our pride as Britons.” With that, his words resonated to the hearing of those there,

“For Briton!” The call went out.

For Hengist, it was a march of long columns of warriors bearing the Anglo-Saxon banners. The chiefs replied to Hengist and soon they marched as one.

“Never will we turn our back on the land we have settled here. We will fight to defend our rights here.” Hengist rallied the clans.”We taught the Britons once and will do once more.”

Hengist looked to the younger warriors there including his son, Octa standing beside Horsa. His blood relative Eosa stood there behind Horsa.

“Today, our young ones will join us in battle. Father and sons will be in the fight. Fight well for your family. Fight well for your mother awaits you at home,” Hengist called out. He was proud of the gathered for they numbered about two hundred thousand. He did look for more but some of the chiefs are far or looking to see Hengist will fare. Nevertheless, it was a huge army and from his scouts reports, the other side was less than a tenth of his army.

“The main army had marched off north, and we are trailing them.” Hengist heard the reports. He did wonder why the Britons split their forces. He was expecting a full army to match his. He heard reports of the death of Vortigern.

“Was Rowena there?” Hengist asked.

“Yes, she was there before the siege took place. She may have died in the fire with her lover.” Hengist sighed when he heard the news. He has many children and Rowena was one of his favorites, as her mother was to him.

“Rowena was a brave lady. She was also strong like her mother.” Horsa heard the news and consoled Hengist.

“It’s better that she died by her lover’s side than to be ravished by the wolves.” Hengist swallowed his emotions and then rallied the army to march.

“We will meet them in battle.” Hengist took to the lead, while Horsa manages the wagons and carts carrying the supplies. He assigned Eosa to guard the convoy trailing the main army.

“In a war, the supply of our army is crucial. Send out scouts to look for any enemies on the flank.” Horsa looked to the main column ahead. He was concerned about the hunger of two hundred thousand who will be on the trail for days. It was different when they were raiding the villages then. The numbers were few and the fights brief.

 

 

Chronicles of the Brittany Kings Chapter 41

 41

 

Aurelius’ cavalry rode ahead and in their path, they routed the Anglo-Saxons while Britons came to the banner. The words were the same.

“My main army will march by here. Wait for them and joined with their banners.” Aurelius left words to the Britons that met him. “We will win this war.”

“Where are you off to, my King?” Aurelius was asked many times.

“To kill the one named Vortigern.” Aurelius found the hatred of the people was more toward Vortigern. He told them to remain there for the army, He rode on and looked at the path ahead. When he came close to a place named Maisbeli, he was attacked by a group of Anglo-Saxons who had gathered there.

“Charge at them, my calvary.” That was the call of Aurelius. The cavalry charged at the Anglo-Saxons but found their path hampered by the narrow passage there.

“Retreat!” Aurelius called on the cavalry.”They are well protected.”

Aurelius then consulted the locals who explain to him on the pass there.

“It’s narrow, but we have paths on the sides that can go over.” Aurelius was told and they offered to take the battle to the Anglo-Saxons. The King agreed to it and rode to his destination.; Caer Guorthegirn.

The Britons at the pass were soon reinforced by the gathering Britons, Some of them took to the mountain paths to go past the Anglo-Saxons. The main group pressed on at the pass battling the Anglo-Saxons. Soon the Anglo-Saxons found themselves in a pincer move and surrendered. It was a small victory but it yield information that Aurelius was find useful.

“My King, we have besieged the castle. Vortigern has collected his people into the castle with many supplies.” Aurelius heard the reports of his scouts. With his calvary, he had stopped the reinforcement to the castle.

“We have stopped the others from joining into the castle. Some of them have changed sides on hearing that it was you who is the King.” Aurelius smiled on hearing that. It may be that the words of his return have not reached there, or these leaders feared for their lives.

“Assemble them to the direction of where the Anglo-Saxons may reinforce Vortigern. There they will prove their loyalty to me or switch sides once more.”

Meanwhile, at the pass near Maisbeli, the Briton army of King Aurelius had arrived there but was told to wait for their King.

“Lord Eidol, the King has asked that you wait here. Beyond the pass lies Maisbeli but the main force of the Anglo-Saxons there outnumbered us.” Lord Eidol was frustrated but he knew that he was to adhere to the command. He waited there and gathered more of the Britons who came to the cause.

“My King, we have besieged the castle with our army.” King Aurelius was told after several attacks on it were repealed. “The castle walls are stronger than what we were expecting.”

Essentially there are three main ways of attacking a castle and, of course, the defenders knew this and so developed counter-measures to each. These were getting over the wall into the castle, going under the wall, and battering a way through the wall to get inside. When all else failed, it was to lay siege on it. The siege was to starve the defenders when they run off supplies or they may revolt from within.

“How else can we break the walls down?” Aurelius asked.

“Fire, my King.” That advice came from a druid who came there to heal the wounded. Aurelius turned to look at the other. It was his once faithful adviser.

“So shall it be,” Aurelius called on the archers to release their arrows with the tips coated with oil and weeds or anything that will burn when lighted with fire. The archers released the flaming arrows and some struck the wooden structures or the hays that fed the horses. Some arrows went past the wall openings and ignited the tapestries.

“Send forth the carts with the burning leaves to smoke the defenders.” The carts laden with dry leaves were dragged to the wall, and set alight to create huge smokes over the ramparts,

“Set it to the castle gates. Burn them all.” King Aurelius was merciless then. His anger was at Vortigern who was his enemy.

“Pour it on. We cannot delay the siege.” Aurelius called on the army. He knew that the delay will give time for the Anglo-Saxons to arrive and reinforce Vortigern.

“Where is Uther? “Aurelius called on his brother.

“I am here,” Uther replied. “I was with the archers.”

“Prepare thyself. Once the gates are breached we are riding in.” Aurelis told his brother. “Vengeance is ours.”

Once those words were spoken, the call was heard.

“The gates are breached!” It was the call for the army to push into the castle ground. King Aurelius mounted his horse and led the cavalry into the breach. Uther followed on with the foot soldiers and archers.

The defenders were routed from the ramparts and courtyard while some were still loyal to Vortigern barricaded in the castle towers.

“My King, they are in the towers. I saw Vortigern there.” The calvary reported to the King.

“Burn the castle towers. Nothing shall remain.” Aurelius gave the command. “Anyone leaving is to be killed. Women and children.”

Aurelius then looked at the wall opening on the tower.

“Vortigern, you will burn in Hell.” Aurelius rode off from the castle. He will not look at the condemned who does not deserve his mercy.

Merlin stood behind to look at the burning castle. He saw some monks offering their prayers to the ones inside.

“I do not know if Hell resembled that.” Gildas had approached Merlin from the rear. “You may not know of Hell for you are not our faithful.”

“Hell as I was told is a location in the afterlife in which evil souls are subjected to punitive suffering, most often through torture, as eternal punishment after death.” Merlin voiced out. “We call it Hades. The soul departs from the body, and first, it will meet Thanatos, the God of Death. A lock of your hair will be cut off. Yours are aplenty. Then Charon will take across the river….”

“Cease your prattling like a child. I know of the Greek’s Hades.” Gildas stopped the druid.

“Then why do you want me to listen to yours?” Merlin looked at Gildas. “We will all die, and let the soul be on its way to wherever it was to go. It does not matter.”

“May you rot in Hell,” Gildas cursed at Merlin.

“Will we meet there?” Merlin asked. “I hoped they roast you.”

Gildas had walked away then from the druid. Merlin looked at the burning tower.

“I smell roasted meat, but without the herbs, it won’t quell my desire,” Merlin muttered.

 

 

 

 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 1 Scene 5 Sub-scene 2

 Act One Scene Five

Sub-Scene Two

This “lily-livered” no more.

Once while in his studies, young Hamlet was challenged by some of the seniors on the playing field. It was after the game of cricket, and with the bats stored away, the boys cornered the younger Hamlet then.

“Go prick thy face and over-red thy fear, thou lily-livered boy.” The boys called out to Hamlet with the words from Macbeth to call him a coward.

“I am not one. Pick your numbers and take me on.” Hamlet had challenged back. “Or come all as the English do.”

“This push will cheer me ever or disseat me now.” Hamlet quoted the extracts from the play on facing the overwhelming odds.

“He will be done.” The leader of the seniors rushed toward Hamlet but they stopped when they saw the burly figure of Hamlet’s guardian approaching.

“Run! His guardian is here.” The seniors scattered off while Hamlet stood there fretting with anger. He turned to Horatio.

“You could have let me at them. I would have taken one bloody nose or two.”

“And have you infirm with more bones than your mother will be allowed to heal.” Horatio looked at the younger man. “Do not make my task more difficult than that to keep up with your antics.”

“All I did was pour salt into their water? Hamlet smiled. “They were perspiring too much.”

“Aye, you did but do let me know. I would have added in the pepper.” Horatio laughed. It was the bond they have built.

It was still there that night.

“My Prince, are you well?” Horatio finally caught up with the other. “We lost you in the woods.”

“It was your fault, Horatio. You were running blind like the bat.” Marcellus cut in. “I bruised my left knee on the last fall.”

“You held the lamp.” Marcellus reminded the other. “I only follow the voice.”

 Hamlet was in his thoughts about what he was told.

“O all you host of heaven! O Earth! What else? And shall I couple hell? O fie! Hold, hold, my heart, and you, my sinews, grow not instant old but bear me stiffly up. Remember thee?” Hamlet looked at his legs which were quivering from the short walk by the walls. He was not unhealthy but the sudden adrenaline had subsided and the strength wane.

“Ay, thou poor ghost, whiles memory holds a seat in this distracted globe. Remember thee? Yea, from the table of my memory.” Hamlet recalled his talk with the ghost. “I’ll wipe away all trivial, fond records, all saws of books, all forms, all pressures past, That youth and observation copied there, and thy commandment all alone shall live within the book and volume of my brain.”

“Unmixed with baser matter. Yes, by heaven!” Hamlet roared out in anger while he purge the memories of his youth. “O most pernicious woman!”

Hamlet sighed at the evil deeds of his mother.

“O villain, villain, smiling, damnèd villain! My tables—meet it is I set it down that one may smile and smile and be a villain.” Hamlet was told not to harm his mother. He shall not but keep his table with her.

“At least I am sure it may be so in Denmark.” Hamlet hissed his desire. “Only at this home, mother I will hold my hand against you.”

“As for him, my dear uncle and soon-to-be-named Father by me, now o my word, it is “adieu, adieu, remember me.” I have sworn to it your smile shall be mine to remove.”

 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 1 Scene 5 Sub-scene 1

 Act One Scene Five

Sub-Scene One

The dead and the living

If one was expecting a scene from Dante’s Inferno, of the fiery hades and fleeting demons on wings that will stab at the souls with its spear, well, there will be disappointment there. The scene that Hamlet was subjected to is a series of the ghost apparition moving along the wall sometimes for a length of a few seconds and then nothing.

“Where art thou?’ Hamlet will be calling out with his feet treading over the uneven ground/ He was past the gravel road into the woods, but never far from the moat to the wall. He almost tripped on the roots and if not careful would have fallen into the moat.

“I am here.” Finally, the ghost spoke as it appeared a distance away. Hamlet made his way there and looked around. He was by the wall but to the darker side of the castle walls.

“Mark me.” The ghost called out when Hamlet closed the distance. “My hour almost comes when I to submit to the sulfurous and tormenting flames. I must render up myself.”

“I can’t help you but sympathize with you/” Hamlet stood there. He was relieved that the ghost could speak then. “Speak. I am bound to hear.”

“So art thou to revenge, when thou shalt hear.” The ghost voiced out.

“What? I will be the one to judge then.” Hamlet laid out his terms.

“So be it. I am thy father’s spirit,” The ghost voiced out. Hamlet shuddered in the cold air, with the muscles of his frame stiff from the ghost speaking of its identity. “Thy father speaks here.”

“Doomed for a certain term to walk the night and for the day confined to fast in fires till the foul crimes done in my days of nature are burnt and purged away. But that I am forbidden to tell the secrets of my prison house.”

“I could tell a tale unfold whose lightest word that would harrow up thy soul, freeze thy young blood, make thy two eyes, like stars, start from their spheres.” The ghost continued with its voice hoarse yet heard by Hamlet.

“Were you undone by foul deeds?” Hamlet asked. “Was it sad?”

“Murder most foul, as in the best it is but this foulest, strange and unnatural.” The Ghost replied.

“Haste me to know it, that I, with wings as swift as meditation or the thoughts of love,
May sweep to my revenge.” Hamlet said valiantly.

“I find thee apt, and duller shouldst thou is than the fat weed that roots itself in ease on the wharf wouldst thou not stir in this.” The ghost spoke. “Now, Hamlet, hear this given out that, sleeping in my orchard, a serpent stung me. So the whole ear of Denmark is by a forgèd process of my death rankly abused.”

“But know, thou noble youth, the serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown.”

“That …prophetic soul who is my uncle/” Hamlet uttered out in anger. “I should have known.”

“Ay, that incestuous, that adulterate beast, witchcraft of his wits, with traitorous gifts.” The ghost added. “O wicked wit and gifts, that have the power so to seduce!—won to his shameful lust the will of my most seeming-virtuous queen.”

“O Hamlet, what a falling off was there! From me, whose love was of that dignity that it went hand in hand even with the vow I made to her in marriage, and to decline, upon a wretch whose natural gifts were poor to those of mine.” The ghost moaned in grief.

“But virtue, as it never will be moved, though lewdness court it in a shape of heaven. So, lust, though to a radiant angel linked, Will sate itself in a celestial bed And prey on garbage. But soft, methinks I scent the morning air.” The ghost describes his last hour. 

“Brief let me be. Sleeping within my orchard, my custom always of the afternoon. Upon my secure hour, thy uncle stole, with the juice of cursèd hebona (poisonous plant extract) in a vial, and in the porches of my ears did pour the leprous distilled, whose effect holds such an enmity with blood of man. That swift as quicksilver it courses through the natural gates and alleys of the body and with a sudden vigor it doth posset and curd, like eager droppings into milk,
The thin and wholesome blood.”

“So did it mine, And a most instant tetter barked about, most lazar-like, with vile and loathsome crust all my smooth body.” The ghost mimicked the sleeping posture and awakened with a jolt.

“Thus was I, sleeping, by a brother’s hand of life, of the crown, of the queen at once dispatched, cut off, even in the blossoms of my sin, unhoused, disappointed, unaneled, no reckoning made, but sent to my account with all my imperfections on my head.”

What Hamlet heard was like the drop of the curtain to a bad play and an unsatiated audience. It was the ultimate bane to any act.

“O horrible, O horrible, most horrible! If thou hast nature in thee, bear it not. Let not the royal bed of Denmark be a couch for luxury and damnèd incest, he whom I considered as my brother in blood. But, howsoever thou pursues this act, taint not thy mind, nor let thy soul contrive against thy mother aught.” The King had loved his mother and spoken of it many times to the Prince to love his.

“Leave her to heaven and those thorns that in her bosom lodge to prick and sting her.” The King faults not his lover too. “Fare thee well at once.”

“The glowworm shows the matin to be near and gins to pale his uneffectual fire.” The ghost looked at the breaking sunrise. “Adieu, adieu, adieu. Remember me.”

The ghost apparition fades.

 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 1 Scene 5 Interlude

 Act One Scene Five

Interlude

Lover’s needs

“Claudius, you must restraint yourself.” Gertrude pushed the man off her and then walked from the divan. She buttoned her blouse and straightened her skirt. She walked to the window and drew the drapes to get the afternoon sunlight to brighten the chamber. She then turned to look at her lover who was reclining on the divan, with his breeches unbuttoned and his manhood raging with madness to be released of its content.

“Would you please cover yourself? He may be back anytime.” Gertrude moved to the adjoining kitchen where she placed the kettle to boil. It was a humble abode with enough chambers for the three of them to stay together.

“He wouldn’t mind our needs for he held others above all toward his lover.” Claudius then younger was a budding actor alongside Hamlet. They were in the city to ply their trade and pittance came to them with the minor roles. Gertrude was made to do the work as a seamstress with some baking on the sides to complement their needs.

“He is still my wedded lover and shall remain so till death do us part.” Gertrude stoked the firewood to get the flames up. They have come from the countryside when the farms were sterile without the rains that needed to nurture the soil, Hamlet and Claudius had met casually in the marketplace and later worked out an audience to their singing. They became a duo and were rewarded with minor acts until Hamlet decided to move up the stakes.

“We shall move to the real stage of plays. I am told there is a dire need for good actors.” It was agreed and the move to the city. They carve a room to share with Hamlet having the bigger share with Gertrude. The privacy of the intimate moments was after dark behind the drawn curtains. Young Hamler was only wedded to Gertrude that year while Claudius remain single awaiting his break in his career.

The toll on the relationship and work was difficult in the early stages but the consuming wanton of the man was never denied. When Hamlet was not at work, he was doting on his lover. He was impossible and Claudius took to the pavement most times to deny himself the raging urge. He would have left the couple but Hamlet was bringing in the acts. Claudius was usually added to the employment of the persuasive charm of Hamlet.

The acts came with a price; the lady left in the dark and on occasions the rush of the consummation left her wanting. Hamlet was plagued by many acts that he was always buried in the script than between his lover’s breasts. He handed the other roles to Claudius and soon his other responsibilities.

“Ugh…” Gertrude rushed to the wash basin before throwing out. Claudius had approached the lady to hold her.

“Are you well?” Claudius had asked.

“I am …fine. I have seen the healer. It’s …” Gertrude was cut off by the man.

“So, you are with a child. How long and shall I tell Hamlet?” Claudius was laughing with glee. “And he just landed the role as Julius Caesar. Me as Brutus. What a break?”

“Claudius, you can’t tell Hamlet. Not yet.” Gertrude cautioned the other. “He …”

“Why not? He is the father.” Claudius was smiling. “Is he not?”

Gertrude remained silent and Claudius had to ask then.

“I mean he may have.” Claudius tried to find the words to speak. “I…We…”

“I am not sure. There were …some but there was …”

“Speak no more, Gertrude.” Claudius hushed the other. “It does not matter who for the child shall hold both as the father. Perhaps one that will remain as shadowy till the day when he may declare it.”

“Thank you, Claudius. I do need that.” Gertrude hugged the other into her arms. “I can feel you still.”

Claudius had his breeches open.

“I think Hamlet may be delayed.” Gertrude reached for Claudius.

“Then we shall do not do much ado about it. I will be called Father one day.” Claudius laughed. “Do you know madness trends in my family? That may be a telling sign of the real father.”

 

Buzz....Buzzer...Pre-Valentine ....13/02/23

 The days when lovers come to say their vows... and spent to honor that day.

Do you know when I first bought my Valentine's gift; a single stalk of red roses to be delivered to my girlfriend then like....... 30 years ago, it cost me a week's allowance... And she was there to receive it...... Her roommate was the one who received it.... and added to the insult, her roommate queried her own boyfriend, why didn't he send one that day... and I was confronted by the other chap why did I not tell him I was sending.....

Since then, I send it by myself and it's cheaper. And I got kisses for it. 

The moral of the posting; if you want to do it, then do it by yourself.... don't rely on messengers...they are like CUPID...all stupid to shoot the arrows from afar, and not sure they reached the correct person. And someone please tell CUPID, it hurts when the arrow pierced you.

At my age now, VALENTINE is just a murmur in the dark before I snooze. 

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 1 Scene 4 Sub Scene 2

 Act One Scene Four

Sub-scene Two

The ghost arrived

“Could it be him? Let me speak to him the way he may understand.” Hamlet took to approach the ghost. The ghost was seen in his bathrobe and nightcap. He was floating toward Hamlet along the wall.

“Angels and ministers of grace, defend us! Be thou a spirit of health or goblin damned, Bring with thee airs from heaven or blasts from hell, be thy intents wicked or charitable.” Hamlet spoke. “Thou com’st in such a questionable shape.”

“Who are thee? That I will speak to thee. I’ll call thee “Hamlet,” “King,” “Father,” “Royal Actor” O, answer me!”Hamlet called out. His voice raised above the swinging music from the castle. It was his acting voice trained to carry far into the hall and his audience’s ears.

“Let me not burst in ignorance, but tell why thy canonized bones, hearsèd in death have burst their cerements? Why the sepulcher, wherein we saw thee quietly interred, hath oped his ponderous and marble jaws?” Hamlet insistence to hear the ghost’s explanation. 

“You mean the King did return here?” Marcellus quivered in fright.

“To cast thee up again. What may this mean thou, corpse, again in complete steel, revisits thus the glimpses of the moon.” Hamlet points in the direction of the burial mound. “Making night hideous, and we the fools of nature so horridly to shake our disposition, with thoughts beyond the reaches of our souls?”

“Say, why is this? Wherefore? What should we do?” Hamlet looked at the ghost.

“It beckons me to follow it.” Hamlet saw the ghost wave its right hand. “It begs to go there.”

“Hold your action, my Prince. It’s dark there. Please don’t follow. We may lose track of you.”

“It won’t speak lest I followed. I will do so to know of its voice.” Hamlet took the stride forward.

“What if it tempts you toward the flood, my lord? Or to the dreadful summit of the cliff that beetles o’er his base into the sea, and there assumed some other horrible form, which might deprive your sovereignty of reason and draw you into ….. madness? Think of it.” Marcellus had taken the sense of the possible calamities that may unfold.

“Marcellus, we have no sea nearby. Silence will do you better than a voice.” Horatio snapped at his twin. He then turned to Hamlet.

“Caution, my Prince.”

“There is no sea nearby but a moat that is behind us. Its depth un-measured but to drown I may. It’s the very place puts toys of desperation; without more motive, into every brain
That looks like so many fathoms to the sea, and hears it roar beneath.” Hamlet said as if he was in the play Tempest facing the storm.

“You shall not go, my Prince.” Horatio held Hamlet back.

“Unhand me. I shall go. By heaven, I’ll make a ghost of him that lets me! 95
I say, away!—Go on. I’ll follow thee.” Hamlet left with the ghost leaving Horatio and Marcellus behind.

“What are we to do?” Marcellus chose to speak. “We were to meet only.”

“The Prince waxes desperate with imagination. He believes the ghost more than we.” Horatio replied.

“Do we follow then? We are the night guards here.” Marcellus asked.

“What are we to guard at night? Ghosts or enemies or both as they are. I think we are best to retire lest our sanity is taken to break.” Marcellus then looked to the castle where the celebration was still on. “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark? A death celebrated with joy instead of remembrance of memories.”

“If it’s, let Heaven be the judge.” Horatio then led Marcellus into the trail after Hamlet.

“To madness, we will entertain.” Horatio voiced out.

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 1 Scene 4 Sub Scene 1

 Act One Scene Four

Sub-scene One

The wait for the ghost

It was a cold night when Hamlet donned the overcoat to join Horatio and Marcellus at the gate. He arrived there to look at the walls. It was funny that for something that was there for years and you never took notice of it. He examined the moat and the moss on the walls. He even touched the huge padlock there.

“It was installed by your father when he moved in here. He told my father to buy the lock from the continent.” Horatio explained. “It was once the lock to the lower dungeons of a medieval castle.”

“It must have been older than the castle.” Hamlet smiled. “Was it to keep the ghosts from or to the dungeons?”

“I won’t know but the key itself is a heavy one.” Marcellus cut in. “Took me a while to know how the turns work.”

Hamlet was examining the walls. From where he stood, it looked a like dark backdrop on the stage; its surface was coated with decaying mortar and creeping moss from the moat. He turned around and looked to the ground after the moat. There was the gravel road that lead to the main gate. He remembered the drive that early dawn in the steam four-wheeler. Its noise carried far into the night and alerted the new guards that took over from Horatio and friends.

Hamlet drove like a speed demon trying to outrun the rising sun as if the sunlight will burn into his flesh.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me,” Hamlet recalled speaking to himself while he drove then. The gaslight headlights of the vehicle shone onto the walls, with fleeting shadows passing by as if they were in the same pursuit as Hamlet.

“You shall not win, ghastly shadows. I am the main one here.” Hamlet said when he came down the straight towards the main gate. He pressed the rubbery design horn on the side of the steering to alert the guards but the main gate remained closed. He braked on the pedal and the vehicle slowed to a full stop. The relief guards stepped into the lights of the vehicle.

“Tell the household, I am back. I am Hamlet the Prince.”

It was his voice that carried his claim. And Hamlet was home after many years.

“The air bites shrewdly; it is very cold.” Hamlet felt the cold then. Even when he was driving that dawn before, he had not felt anything except the need to get home.

A home that was not seen for a long time.

“It is a nipping and an eager air,” Horatio said. “Do you want a lamp to warm on?”

“Nay, the overcoat works well. Is it time?”

“It lacks the hour of midnight,” Horatio replied.

“No, it struck now.” Marcellus voiced out. It was true then the sounds of merriment came from the castle. It was the sounds of the musical band doing dance music.

“How does it? Are we in any celebrations again?” Horatio asked.

“It’s the new Emperor living on the tradition of the old King. The lighter side to celebrate on his wedding night.”  Hamlet replied.

“I had not seen it before.” Horatio who had lived there was not to know.

“You were away before you with me, Horatio.” It was true that Horatio did spend some years with his mother and soon after her death, he was sent to stay with his father.

“The King doth wake tonight and takes his rouse, as I were to know from the younger age.” Hamlet explained “It was after mother’s mother died and the wake was not a sober affair but of fun and revelry. Father had decided that the gloom and doom feeling was to be celebrated in the castle since then.”

“That explained the wedding after wake or was it before?” Marcellus was confused.

“The King had his swaggering upspring reels; his list of comedies to laugh over, and drains his draughts of Rhenish down while the kettle drums and trumpet thus bray out
the triumph of his pledge.” Hamlet recalled then.

“That’s entirely madness,” Marcellus uttered out of line then. “Pardon me, my Prince.”

“None has taken on the offense. But, to my mind, though I am native here and to the manner born, it is a custom.” Hamlet sighed. “More honored in the breach than the observance. This heavy-headed revel east and west makes us traduced and taxed of other estates.”

“They clepe us drunkards and with swinish phrase soil our addition. And, indeed, it takes From our achievements though performed at height, the pith, and marrow of our attribute.” Hamlet paraphrased his words. “So oft it chances in particular men, that for some vicious mole of nature in them, as in their birth (wherein they are not guilty, since nature cannot choose his origin. God forgives the mothers here.)”

“He demeans the mothers”?” Marcellus asked but was told to remain silent by Horatio.

“By the overgrowth of some complexion (Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason)”, Hamlet continued. “Or by some habit that too much o’erleavens the form of plausive manners—that these men, carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect, Being nature’s livery or fortune’s star.”

“Was he saying about the horses and goats?” Marcellus cut at Horatio. The other hushed the question.

“His virtues else, be they as pure as grace, as infinite as man may undergo, shall in the general censure take corruption from that particular fault. The dram of evil. Doth all the noble substance of doubt to his scandal.”

“Why can’t he speak plainly?” Marcellus asked. “I am doth in confusion with the animals and mothers?”

“Your’s is a plain mind, and remain as such,” Horatio advised his twin. “Hamlet disliked the Emperor was what he meant. To Hamlet, the Emperor is an undeserving beast.”

“The ghost arrives.” Marcellus quipped out. “It comes.” 

Chronicles of the Brittany Kings Chapter 40

 40

 

King Aurelius heard the call but he had his plans. He had arrived with an army of Amorica’s calvary; lancers on mounts that he had trained and used in battles. He found them versatile to move in formation when during battle.

“My King,” Uther addressed his brother. “The call of the Lords and leaders must be replied to soon. They await your command.”

“I am aware.” Aurelius then having reached adulthood, was poring over the strength of his army, then reinforced with the Britons’ own, and some of the neighbouring kingdoms. It was triple the numbers from what he brought in when the ships landed. The town of Totnes was accommodating to the army with some nearby villages offering their harvest and meats for the coins that were paid by the Lords and leaders. They were grateful to be given equal value for the supplies rather than be cheated by the Anglo-Saxons. Such was the mood among the people who had suffered much from the Anglo-Saxons.

“Your command is needed.” Uther was impatient to march to battle.

“It will soon, once I studied the land. We are new to this part of the land. We can’t march blindly unless we know where we must occupy to replenish our supplies and the terrain that suits our battles.” Aurelius had been consulting the local leaders for their ideas.

“A bear can face the wolves but if the wolves knew of the bear’s weak points, the bear will lose the battle. And perished.” Aurelius cautioned his brother. “You are a hunter. Have you lost your prey when you rushed to kill it? I am sure it happened. The doe that eluded you.”

“You listened too well to Gildas.” Uther recalled the doe that he was not to find then after his arrow had wounded it.

“No, not Gildas. I hardly listen to the monk. Both of you were seen by one another when you told Vortigern off.” Aurelius told the brother. “You were … brave or foolish then. Vortigern could have you killed then like Constan.”

“I do not fear Vortigern. If I am to meet him again, he will be killed by me.” Uther snapped in anger. “He and that Anglo-Saxon.”

“Emotions do not win battles. A well-planned strategy will do so.” Aurelius continued his study of the land. It was the servant called to announce the arrival of Lord Eidol and the Bishop.

“My King,” Lord Eidol addressed the King. He studied the young King, years younger than himself, who could have been his son by age, but the other was crowned King and he was not.

“Speak, Lord Eidol. I see you came with the Bishop of Auxerre.” King Aurelius addressed the two.

“How is the House, your Holiness.” The King remembered his manners then.

“It’s fine, my King. It would be better if we are without the threat of the Anglo-Saxons. They are not of the House.” The Bishop of Auxerre stated his call then before adding. “The King will be wise to seek the guidance of God in the matter.”

The Bishop of Auxerre had heard tales of the one named Aurelius dabbing in the realm of the dark arts, with the druids and others. That was not allowed by the House on its parish’ ‘It’s pagan arts those acts.”

“Your Holiness speaks for us too, my King. We need to remove the Anglo-Saxons. They are a …” Lord Eidol bowed to the King.

“The invaders will be dealt with but the immediate threat is Vortigern. He sits as the other King and held some followers among them Britons. Not all of them liked him but they need a new leader. I want to be that leader to avoid unnecessary bloodshed among ourselves. If we are to battle with our lives, then it’s toward the Anglo-Saxons and not our own.”

“I …” Lord Eidol was to question the King when Aurelius added then.

“We will remove Vortigern first. He is trying to garner his army as we speak. We will take him on before he consolidated his.” Aurelius gave the command. “We march at dawn.”

Lord Eidol and the Bishop of Auxerre stood there in silence and Aurelius added to his command.

“Lord Eidol, you will lead the command of the Britons. I will lead the calvary of mine,” Aurelius did not name as the Amorica’s army but as his calvary. “We will ride ahead and recruit more to our cause. The more we recruit, the less will fight us with Vortigern. We will snare Vortigern in his castle at Caer Guorthegirn. The spot on the map was marked by the dagger imprint there.

Meanwhile, at Caer Guorthegirn, Vortigern was upset that his call for the loyal Lords was hardly responded. Some ignored his call, while others found ailments or delays in replying citing their army was scattered.

“Cowards! Fools!” Vortigern was upset. “They whom I had protected from the Anglo-Saxons now deserting me when I need their support.”

Vortigern had heard of the new army led by the one, newly crowned King Aurelius. They have grown in strength and were marching inland.

“My King, the army marched toward us.” The scout reported to the King.

“The army as it’s the new invaders?” King Vortigern snapped at the scout. “Who was it? Where are the Anglo-Saxons?”

“The …. Invaders, my King. They marched strong at over ten thousand or more in numbers.” The scout explained. “As we know, more are joining them. There is another army from the north with half that number joining in. …and more from other directions.”

 “You are unsure. Maybe they are battling the Invaders? Maybe they are my allies? Or the Anglo-Saxons? Why would they abandon their borders? Don’t …” Vortigern was searching for answers to his mind, but there were none. 

“Have the Anglo-Saxons replied to my call?” Vortigern had sent words to Hengist for reinforcement. No scouts replied to his question. He dismissed them all and then turned to his advisers.

“If I am being challenged, let them come to me here. I want the castle reinforced and the walls to be strengthened. Bring in supplies inside.” Vortigern called out. “We will survive the siege here. We will await the army from Hengist.”

 

 

Chronicles of the Brittany Kings Chapter 39

 39

 

“Here I stand and here I rest. And this town shall be called Totnes.” Aurelius spoke out the famous quote of Brutus of Troy when he landed on the isle a long time ago.

“Aye, my young Prince.” The Lord who received him there was Lord Eidol who escaped the killings by the Anglo-Saxons. The Lord was wounded in the attack but escaped with his life near death, but the people aided him when he was found. They nurtured and hid him from the Anglo-Saxons till he was able to return to his castle. He had then rested to recover while his guards fought off the Anglo-Saxons. Upon his recovery, Lord Eidol had sent words to young princes on the betrayal.

“We were set upon by Hengist while Vortigern sat on the throne.” Those words were soon to spread throughout the land, and Britons have once united to one cause; the defeat of the Anglo-Saxons.

“It’s time to go home, Uther.” Aurelius had told the other just before they boarded the ship to lead the armada to reclaim their land.

“Aye, Captain of the armada. We sail to Totnes.”

Totnes was in the south of the kingdom but it was a well-known landing of heroes like Brutus of Troy. According to the legend, Brutus had killed his father by mistake.

“I have committed the foul act of killing my father.” Brutus had pleaded to the Council of Elders. “I was hunting and thought I saw a fox. I released my arrow and soon knew it was my father that was shot by my arrow. I plead innocence.”

The Council decided otherwise and Brutus was banished from Troy. It was not told to him, that his fate was to take on greater events, prophesied by a soothsayer at his birth. Brutus was banished from Troy and set off on a journey with his followers. He reached Greece and was told of a group of Trojans enslaved there.

“Trojans are still my people. I will see to their freedom.” Brutus called on his followers to assist him in freeing the enslaved Trojans. After a series of battles, Brutus defeated the Greek King Pandrasus. It was an attack in the dark that Brutus and his followers captured the King.  

“Free my people or face death.” Brutus had cautioned the King.

“They will be freed.” King Pandrasus took the option of avoiding death. He then invited Brutus to his palace, and on learning of the ancestry of the conqueror, the King offered his daughter Ignoge in marriage.

“I am to be your ally. As a gift, wedding my daughter and pursue greater success among the islands.” Brutus accepted the gift and was given more ships and provisions for the voyage. He then sets sail with the Trojans he freed.

Brutus was with a bigger fleet of ships, soon landed at an island to replenish their supplies including meat, and he discovered a temple dedicated to the Goddess Diana,

“Aye, the Goddess of the Hunt is here. I shall do the needed to get her guidance on our hunt here.” An elaborate ritual was performed before the hunters proceed on their hunt. It was a good hunt with much accumulation of meat. Brutus tired from his hunt fell asleep in front of the goddess's statue. In his dream, he was given a vision of the land where he was destined to settle.

 “Beware the land is inhabited by giants.” Brutus heard the Goddess. “Slay them as Hercules will lend you his strength.”

Brutus eventually landed at the place soon to be named Totnes and met not the giants but the leaders of the land. He fought them as he did with the Greeks. He was the victor and asked for the name of the land.

“Albion.”

“Under my name, it will be called Briton.” Hence, Brutus was said to be the first King of Briton.

The armada from Amorica was tracked by the Anglo-Saxon scouts while it sailed the coasts to Totnes, and then when it landed, the scouts reported to Hengist.

“Who dares to challenge us?” Hengist was furious. “Where is Vortigern?”

“I know not where,” Rowena replied to her father. “He left wandering with his guards. He desired me no more.”

“Does he desire then death?” Hengist cursed at the name of Vortigern. “He can father other bastards like Vortimer but none will ever be my challenger.”

“Lord Hengist, the ships total over three hundred. We are looking at an invasion. It's led by  one named Aurelius.” The scout reported.

“The cub had grown and was now poised to retake their kingdom.” Hengist turned to the scouts. “Call the other chiefs in for a gathering. We have a war ahead of us.”

The two princes were given a grand welcome when they landed at Totnes. The news of the fleet had driven many of the Britons to view their new King.

“He is the son of King Constantine. He will overthrow the tyrant Vortigern and be King.” Those were the words that were spoken by the people.

“Hail to our King! King Aurelius.” The chants of the King were soo heard on the land. It brought many leaders who were in hiding after the killing by the Anglo-Saxons, and among them was one named Lord Eidol of Gloucester.

“It’s time for us to bring our banner with the new army of King Aurelius.” Lord Eidooil recovered from his wounds had called on his brothers to join in.

“We shall not march with arms of ours, but the sanction of the House. I will call on the clergy to bless and give us God’s guidance in our battles.” Lord Eidol then approached the Bishop and the other leaders of the faith.

“Guide us, Father, for we are the lost sheep of the flock. We have found a shepherd but we still favor your guidance.”

Soon, Aurelius was crowned the King of Briton by the senior cleric there, the Bishop with the other members of the clergy in a simple ceremony. The newly crowned King was then met by the surviving Lords, and leaders. Their call was to reclaim their titles and lands.

“Lead us to victory, my King.”