Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Titus Adrian Prologue & Act 1 Scene 1.1.1

Prologue 1
They called the land Little Acre but they left out the word God’s for the land was cursed by those who travelled
through it. They called it Hell’s Gate. The land was in actual description a system of mountains that was formed
centuries ago and with the harsh weather it was eroded to form a dividing terrain with a series of alternating
ridge lines with valleys. The natural mountains divided the land giving each side its flow of cold streams that will
irrigate the land on both side of the divide with fertile soil. For centuries, the mountain had seen peaceful seasons
without the cries of mercy or blood that will seep into its soil. Its growth then tells the tales better for it flourished
well with its stout trunks that reached the skies.

Initially, it was inhabited by the four legged creatures which sought its natural growth for food. With the abundance
of such creatures and growth, the attraction of man was soon drawn to it. The first arrivals were the wanderers;
nomadic tribes of Man. Soon these tribes learned to stay on the land and named themselves Goths. They were lived
in close association with the land; nurturing it, growing on it and claiming on the animals that fed on it. They were
simple people with simple thoughts; living in isolation from the others. They worshiped the spirits of the land, and
feared nobody alive or dead. With their isolation from the other groups, they harbor mistrust on strangers but when
they do meet, it was with to end with bitter killings and kidnappings of the young and women. Nevertheless, they
strive and survived for centuries until the new people arrived.

The new people to the lands were named the Romans came from a different background of the infamous nation.
They adopted the name for themselves for these new people viewed themselves as civilized and knowledgeable in
many skills with bravery as one of it. Like their namesake, they came to the land to expand their empire. They were
told the land there was open for settlement. As once mentioned in the words of one great leader; they came, they saw
and then they grabbed. There were vast lands for everyone, but the two groups had to meet eventually. Both groups
viewed the other with mis-trust and have only one syllable to describe the other.

“Savages!”

It was that cry that made them clashed. Since then they have fought over many battles and more lives were lost to
both sides. It was no different from any battles fought by others in the annals of history but the tale here needed to
be told. It’s a tale that reside in us despite all the civilized and faith teaching, we still hold savagery inside. All it
needed was a provocation for it to surface.



Act 1

Scene 1.1.1

The home of the Land Baron Julius Caesar was without its usual fanfare of merry making during that evening. The
sixteen chambers of the large mansion were all quiet although it had some guests in there. They were not frolicking
at the back pool or the open yard with the burning flesh of the hog nor were they at the rooms indulging in forsaken
acts of arousals. They were all at the grand library chamber in the mansion. It was considered a grand library for it
housed three decks of bounded books with great array of subjects. The library was built within the rectangle design
covering over a thousand feet in space. The sixteen guests; all elders or leaders of their own lands were all seated on
the available seats and for those who were derived of it had to make do with the leaning on any free standing
furniture or the wall. None of the guests were in the mood to discuss the contents of the books nor were they into
any conversable subject.

They were in wait of the new master of the mansion; the son of Julius Caesar. The later was reported to die in recent
battle with the Goths. The sixteen guests were then drawn to the doorway of the library when it was opened to admit
its new appointed master.


Saturday Julius Caesar was a young handsome man despite his dust coated clothes and weary look on the face. The
man was tall in his youthful frame with the inherited wavy blonde hair of his father; left to grow long to flow freely
past his shoulders. He was dressed like any of the land riders; long sleeved hand stitched with motif shirt with the
tough denim sewn leggings covered with the leather covers to protect the rider when mounted on the horses. The
man had his waist belt with the twin holster slung low on the side. In the holsters were the pearly mounted pistols
that were a gift of his father. The man was without his hat which out of courtesy was left hanging by the front door.
So was his hunting rifle that he could reach the target at two hundred feet. He stepped in with his step brother
following close behind.

Bastion was the name and it was given by their father for he was to protect the former like a bastion at all times.
Bastion took his role with diligent; standing up for his younger step brother in any situation. Both brothers have a
shared understanding to watch out for each other. Bastion was dressed like Saturday, but he had one extra pistol on
his waist belt. On the left side of his belt was the foot long machete which he was skillful with it.

Saturday proceeded to the standing bar and then poured himself two glasses of the wine there. He offered one to his
step brother before he drank his own. He then looked to the assembled guests who were giving him the look over.
They should for filling his father’s position was not easy. The man was the Lord Baron of the Barons there; each of
them owning large vast of lands, while Julius held the biggest and most fertile one. The barons did not earn their
lands without loss of blood and loved ones; but they were hard men there. And more to it, most of these barons does
not consider him as worthy successor to the rank as Lord Baron or Leader as they preferred to call it.
“Noble patricians,” Saturday addressed them with care. He used his words carefully. The baron term was their honor
namesake, but in that room they liked to known as patricians; a rank that befits them in the ruling hierarchy
structure.

“Patrons of my right, defend the justice of my cause with ….arms.” Saturday eased his word at the end for he knew
there are more capable contenders for his father’s position. There they were not promoted on the heritage but on
valor. Anyone of the sixteen could challenge him for the position. Such was the law of the Romans.

“And countrymen, my loyal followers, plead my successive title with your might.” Saturday studied the glare of
some. They were sizing him with his earlier address and he took the master over servant tone on them. He hoped
then that they will back down and favored him. It was what his father taught him before; never show your fear to the
opponents.

“I am his first born son.” Saturday attest that point across. He could feel the glare of Bastion but he had to do that to
win the support. “His son that made me his rightful successor. Let my father’s honor live in me. Don’t wrong mine
age with this.”

Saturday knew that some will consider him unworthy with his age. His battle scars were few with his heroic acts
fewer. He hoped that they will ignore that. He turned to look at Bastion for the next cue. The later reluctantly
stepped forth and rehearsed his lines.

“Romans,” Bastion chose to sink his words with the people. He was not truly family there; the illegal son of the
patriarch with one of the servants during one of his delirious moments. Julius Caesar had the ailment of possession
by the devil at times, much of it hidden from the other patriarchs for fear they will considered it as his weakness. It
was not an issue anymore with the man dead then. He owed his worth then to Saturday with Caesar dead.

“I am Bastion, Caesar’ …son. I am ever gracious to be in your company. I would like to keep the passage of
succession to my father’ rank, and suffered not the dishonor to approach it myself. The rank belonged to Saturday
for he will do justice and invoke nobility to it.”

Bastion took his bow to the patriarchs before he took his place behind Saturday. The later was to speak when
another person intervened.

Coriolanus Act 5.4.7 & 5.4.8 ( Finale )

Scene 5.4.7

A lover’s longing
\
Virgilia stormed back to her room. She had slept alone since Coriolanus left Rome. Her son sleeps in the adjacent room as the wishes of the grandmother that he won’t wean on her milk too long. She walked to her bedding and looked at it. It had been cold on the right side, but she had endured it. She pulled away at the cords that held her dress and soon stepped out of it. She stood there with her nudity shadowed by the dim light.

“You looked as good like before.” Coriolanus spoke from the dark corner. He had climbed in by the wall opening and waited for her. He stepped up to her and held her by the back. She arched back to the feel of his hands while her body responded to the touches. She turned to face him, and laid her kiss on his lips. She moved her legs towards his, but she found he was not moving much to conclude the act.

“Is there something wrong, my love?” Virgilia asked. “Are you too tired? Or…”

“No, Virgilia. I am well, but I meant to tell you more.” Coriolanus told her. “I still love you but…”

Virgilia had placed her fingers to his lips.

“I do not want to know. Just tell me that you still love… me.” For that Coriolanus nodded and then turned to leave.

“Caius…” Virgilia whispered to him. “Before you go, leave me a child. Another one which I could raise on my own.”

Coriolanus looked at her and then nodded. It was not a long night but it was a sleepless one. It was before dawn when he left the room by the same he came in. Virgilia heard him leave and picked up her night gown. She pulled it on before laying there on her back staring at the ceiling. He will never know if it was his or whose it was but he would think it’s his.

“Thank you, Caius.” Virgilia whispered out. At the later part of the day, she will visit her lover and then they will elope. He will think it’s his too but she does not care as long as she was out of this house.




Scene 5.4.8

A political ending

Menenius brushed his left sleeve of his jacket after he stepped out of the house. He was to walk to the café, when  he saw the Audile approached him. The later passed him the box.

“Was it done?” Menenius asked. The other nodded. “Good, then there will an ending to our tale.”

Unknown to all, Menenius had switched the vid pad with the terms of the treaty to one which he had doctored. That one was endorsed by the General and Coriolanus. He held the original which Audifius had engaged in the terms. He also had the doctored one sent to Audifius which he knew would be handed to the Lords of Corioli for contempt proceedings.

“Caius Marcius, you were a good candidate, but your arrogance and overwhelming personality was too big for me. I had to control you or destroy what I had created,.” Menenius whispered to himself when he remembered the senior Marcius who always frown in his hologram. “I am sorry, old by. Your son dug his own grave. And your wife was a poor lay.”
Menenius took his walk and later disposed off the vid pad in the incinerator. He was on his way to meet his new protégé named Brutus; a Commoner but one of faithful qualities with the brashness of the pit bull.




The End

                                                                                                                                                                                  

Monday, April 6, 2015

Coriolanus Act 5.4.5 & 5.4.6

Scene 5.4.5

A Hero’ death

Coriolanus dropped to the ground, with this vocal cords severed he could not scream out. His pain was gargled in saliva and blood before he fell forward. Audifius stood over the dead soldier with his hands dripping blood. He looked to his own men and then at the people.

“People of Corioli, hear me out.” Audifius spoke out. “We owe this man our good feeling the last weeks; we shown the Romans how it felt to be on the edge of losing. We beaten them back but yes, we were robbed of the final victory. Nevertheless, we won the war in some manners.”

Audifius looked to the dead soldier.

“Coriolanus may have taken our victory but he showed us how to fight his own army. He showed us more tactics we would have never known.” Audifius spoke out. “For that, he was …a hero to us too.”

“No!” One of the assembled shouted. “No more. We have been fighting the wars for over two generations. The war which all of you started and we get to be mop by it.”

“No more death of our loved ones.” Another assembled one shouted but it was the third person who moved the mob.

“The war was started by the army. Get rid of them and we end all these wars.” That call was heeded and the assembled charged at the six army officers. It was impossible to describe the beatings and stabbings, but the six officers of Volsces had no chance. When it was over, there were seven bodies left lying on the streets.

“Their rage is gone, and I am struck with sorrow.” The Lord of Corioli spoke up. “We came here today to welcome a hero and now we are to bury seven of them. They had give up their life for Corioli and how they died mattered not, but they will be interned as the heroes. Their tomb will remind us of the war and why it must never resume again. This was not a war of two nations, but of two person’s pride and the result of it was the sacrifice of many lives.”

With those words, the Lords motioned to the nearby servants to assist in clearing the dead bodies to the mortuary.





Scene 5.4.6

A Mother’s curse

Twelve hours ago, Coriolanus sat at the long table facing his old commander and then looked to the doorway of the large hall. He was watching for his friend and joint Commander, Tullus Audifius to step in. They had previewed the truce terms and agreed to it, although much of it was handled by Coriolanus. He knew all of them across the table and handed the negotiation much to his favor. Once the terms were agreed, they all had a toast before the endorsement ceremony.

But Audifius was missing then.

Coriolanus heard the calling by the staff to the agenda of the meeting which was to endorse the terms. General Cominius and Colonel Menenius had endorsed for Rome, leaving it to Coriolanus. He looked to the vid pad and then to his attending officer.

“Must there is two endorsements?” Coriolanus asked. The staff nodded and Coriolanus was left hanging onto the decision. He could endorse the vid pad because Audifius had agreed to the terms. In the end, Coriolanus in his eagerly 
awaited moment placed both his hands on the vid pad to endorsed it.

“I am doing so to cover for Audifius.” Coriolanus explained to the Roman’ General. Once he had endorsed it, he had a copy sent to Audifius for his safe keeping. He then went home to see his family. He had his mother and wife gathered at the living area. His son had taken to bed for it was late. Menenius had invited himself in and sat next to the older lady.

“Mother, I had not the chance to sit with you since I have come to Rome.” Coriolanus smiled at his mother. He then smiled at his wife before he nod to the older man.

“Come to Rome? My son, you have returned to Rome. It’s your country.” Volumnia replied with glee at her words. “Surely you must have missed us.”

 .”Yes, Rome…. It is my country. Since I have been to Corioli, I have found my peace there. It was the means to undo my wrongs there.” Coriolanus explained to her.

“Wrong there? My dear son, you speak as if they were Romans. I forbade you to return to Corioli. They have poisoned your mind.” Volumnia told him. “You belong to Rome, and to the Romans.”

Coriolanus turned his back to his own mother. He looked at his father’ hologram and then bowed.

“I must be on my away.” Coriolanus turned to leave but Virgilia stopped him.   

“My husband, have you not seen me in your eyes anymore?” Virgilia asked of him.

“Perhaps I had, but pardon me for the City of Corioli called for me with more urgency.” Coriolanus brushed her off and walked to the doorway. The two ladies stood there with confusion on their face, and the older man spoke for an explanation.

“I am sure he has more on his mind. He will come back to you soon.” Menenius added in the comforting words but Volumnia was not convinced.

“He is my son, and deserved to my side. Not at some Volsces wench there” Volumnia raised her voice. “I shall have my son back in one way or another.”

“Hold your tongue, Volumnia.” Menenius cautioned her. “Caius had changed when he was in Corioli.”

“Then unchanged him.” Volumnia screamed. “I will have him dead than living in Corioli.”

“I say to hold your tongue, lady. You may have cursed him to his grave.” Menenius spoke out.


“Then leave my home now.” Volumnia shooed the old man away leaving her with the wife of her son. “Suffer not my wrath or it will be you outside the door.” 

Coriolanus Act 5.4.4

Scene 5.4.4

Hell can be cold at times

Coriolanus had arrived with the people of Corioli in his tow. He had informed the people of the treaty He was hailing the silence of the guns was due to the treaty. Homes and life would be saved, and home need not be rebuilt again after they had these built.

“Hail, lords!” Coriolanus called out. His battle fatigue was covered with the garland of flowers and silvery medals favored by the Coriolian.”I have returned your soldier.”

Coriolanus hugged the Lords before he continued.

“No more infected with my country’ love than when I parted hence, but still subsisting under your great command. You ought to know that I have attempted, and with bloody passage led your wars even to the gates of Rome.”  Coriolanus had his index finger and thumb to show the distance they were to Rome’ gates. “Our spoils we have brought home doth more than counterpoise a full third part the charges of the action. It will rebuild the city.”

The Lord was to speak but Coriolanus was into continuing his victory speech.

“We have made peace with no less honor to the Antiates.” The Antiates was the next hated enemies of the Rome, until Rome dealt them a major blow and exerted a hefty bounty for the victory.

“Read it not his words, noble Lords.”Audifius turned to the Lords. “That man had robbed our victory to that of a truce. He brought back treasures to hide his true self from us. That man sold out our victory to gain his own favor back with Rome. He treads this land as a traitor.”

“Traitor? How now!” Coriolanus was surprised at the turnaround in friendship. They had bonded well in the last weeks and then he had accused Coriolanus of betrayal.

“Traitor! You whose name is Caius Marcius; I declared thee as the traitor to the Volsces.” Audifius shouted out for all to hear. “I will grace thee that robbery; thy stole the name Coriolanus in Corioli? Dear Lords and heads of the city. He had betrayed your business and given up for certain drops of tears, your city to the Romans. He gave it also to his mother and wife. He’s more devoted to his family than you all.”

The people who earlier tailed Coriolanus began to move aside and gave the hero a wide berth. Audifius was not yet complete.

“Coriolanus had broken his oath to us.” Audifius lashed out to the people who were digging into their past and began remembering the atrocities of the Romans. Coriolanus sensed the shift of the people emotions and prayed to the Gods

“Heat thee, Mars. These fellows know not of loyalty and friendship.”

“Name not the God; thou boy of tears.” Audifius barked back. “I am sure the Gods are ashamed of you with your moving loyalties.”

“Measureless liars! Thou has made my heart too great for what it contains.” Coriolanus turned to the Lords. “Pardon me, Lords, this the first time that ever I was forced to scold. Your judgments must give his cur the lie; and his own notion shall join to thrust the lie unto him.”

Coriolanus looked to Audifius. Then he began to hate the man once more.

“Slain me, Volsces. Be the man you were to be.” Coriolanus cursed out. “I fluttered your city, Volsces, Corioli was mine then. So were you before. You were not worth the seeds I spewed into you.”

Audifius felt the anger welled up his head, and murderous intention in his eyes. The people standing nearby had begun to move towards Coriolanus. They were then muttering in words of killings and murder. Past memories were brought out; my father died in his hands; my wife died in the bombing; my son died fighting here.

“Peace, people of Corioli. The man is noble and would be heard justly with a judicious hearing.” The Lord spoke out in defense of the Coriolanus. “Don’t let ourselves be a lynch mob. We are not …”

A Corioli there floored the Lord and stepped over the fallen body. Coriolanus had seen the immediate danger and pulled off the garlands of flowers before he withdraw his hidden dagger.

“He has a weapon.” One of the assembled shouted. Those words went out fast to the others and they all grabbed at anything they lay their hands on. Audifius stepped forth to hold back the people. He faced them and spoke to them.

“If there was to be any killing, it would be mine. All of it mine, and I would be assisted only by my own.” Audifius told the people. He signaled his close friends who had drawn out their weapons. All of them carried daggers in their jackets. 

They began to circle Coriolanus and taunt him with feigned attacks.

“Come and fight me, you curs.” Coriolanus shouted out, but he was one against six. He charged at the Major but that one had age and was battle hardened with the last war. He side stepped and chopped with weapon onto the other. Coriolanus was good at knife fighting, but of late, he had not done it like before. He felt the searing pain on his wrist and dropped the dagger. It was then Audifius charged in and struck with his dagger. He stabbed it into Coriolanus at the left ribs, while another Colonel stabbed his into the back. It was happening too fast for Coriolanus to react but he tried. It was of no use for Coriolanus was already mortally wounded. Audifius saw his chance and pulled out the dagger before he grabbed Coriolanus by the neck. He pushed Coriolanus neck back and stabbed the dagger into the throat.

“Die, Coriolanus. Die and bleed on Corioli streets where you had taken many of them before.” Audifius whispered to Coriolanus. “Die well, my old friend.”


With that Audifius twisted the dagger inside Coriolanus throat. 

Heroes Return VI: Book One London Chapter 26

  26.    Lord Greystokes did not leave Sherlock Holmes's unit and narrated the past events to them on Mindy Kewal. “Mindy was the ...