Here is another short, original play by the blogger ibikunle Abraham laniyan in the Shakespearean tradition, concluding with a glorious and triumphant resolution for the protagonist. This time, a young hero overcomes the odds through bravery and honesty.
The Young Knight's Honour
Dramatis Personae:
SIR REGINALD: A young, newly-knighted noble.
LORD MARSHALL: A cynical, powerful courtier.
PRINCESS ELIZA: The virtuous heir to the throne.
THE KING: Ruler of the land.
SCENE I. The Royal Court of the King.
[Enter LORD MARSHALL and PRINCESS ELIZA. The Marshall is trying to persuade her.]
LORD MARSHALL:
My Lady Princess, heed my counsel well.
The kingdom stands on fragile, shaky ground,
Beset by foes from north and southern lands.
A strong alliance is the kingdom's need.
Duke Frederick offers aid, his mighty sword,
In exchange for your most gracious hand.
PRINCESS ELIZA:
The Duke is old and cruel, his reputation stained.
My hand is not a bargaining chip for war!
A man of honour, youth, and grace is what's desired,
Not one who buys his wife with threats of arms.
LORD MARSHALL:
Honour fills no coffers, nor doth grace
Protect the walls against a charging host!
You must agree, for duty to the crown!
PRINCESS ELIZA:
Wisdom, not fear, dictates my duty.
[Enter SIR REGINALD, a young, honest knight.]
SIR REGINALD:
My King's own daughter, pardon my intrusion.
The words the Marshall spoke just now were heard.
He speaks of need, but only speaks of greed.
Duke Frederick seeks the crown, not just your hand.
LORD MARSHALL:
(Angrily)
How dare you, boy! What proof have you of this?
Your words are treason, born of youthful folly!
SIR REGINALD:
A messenger, captured at the eastern gate,
Bore letters detailing all the plot:
A wedding here, a coup upon the King's life,
All planned by Frederick and this Lord Marshall here!
LORD MARSHALL:
(Drawing his sword)
Lies! Slander! I shall have your head for this!
[The Marshall lunges at Reginald. Reginald defends himself. A brief, fierce swordfight ensues.]
SIR REGINALD:
Defend yourself, you traitorous old dog!
[Reginald, using his agility, disarms the Marshall and holds his sword point to the Marshall's throat.]
PRINCESS ELIZA:
Hold! The King approaches!
[Enter THE KING and GUARDS.]
THE KING:
What madness is this? Swords drawn within my court?
SIR REGINALD:
My liege, a plot most foul is here revealed!
Lord Marshall is a traitor, in league with Frederick!
[Reginald presents the captured letters to the King.]
THE KING:
(Reading the letters, his face growing pale, then enraged)
Treason most black! My Marshall, a serpent in my house!
Take him away! To the dungeon with this scum!
[The Guards seize Lord Marshall.]
LORD MARSHALL:
It is a lie! A trick of this young knight!
THE KING:
Your guilt is writ in your own wicked hand!
Begone!
[The Marshall is dragged away.]
THE KING:
(To Reginald, with gratitude)
Sir Reginald, you saved my life, my crown,
And freed my daughter from a wicked fate.
How can I e'er repay this noble deed?
SIR REGINALD:
Your favour is enough, my gracious King.
I serve my realm with honour and with truth.
PRINCESS ELIZA:
(Smiling at Reginald)
He is a man of honour, youth, and grace,
The very man I sought within my heart!
THE KING:
Then take my blessing! You have saved the day,
And brought a glorious end to bitter strife!
Let bells be rung, let celebrations start!
A truer knight the world has never seen!
This glorious end shall ring throughout the land!
[A great fanfare of trumpets sounds. The King embraces Reginald and Eliza, and all the court cheers wildly in a moment of pure, triumphant joy.]
[CURTAIN]
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