Scene 5 Lord Gabriel’s House

Inside, Francis is greeted by a richly clothed court.

Gabriel: I sent out word and gathered my household here. I am Lord Gabriel. To be able to meet one of the brave men of the lordly Templar Order is a unique honor. Please relax and enjoy yourself.

Francis: Thank you.

Maya: Ah, this man-

Gabriel: What is it, Maya? She is our astrologist.

Maya: He is the one who will shoulder the fate of our household.

Francis: I will?

Mikhail: Don’t let it bother you. It’s a faith from before Christianity spread wide over this land.

Francis: I have been declared anathema by the Church. A little thing like this doesn’t astonish me.

Gabriel: You are a broad-minded man. Tonight is the night when my people celebrate the harvest of the roses which have been handed around. Please join us. Come, everyone, sing! Dance!

All: Yes, my lord!

M 8 “The Rose Love Song”

As music begins in the background, Mikhail moves to slip away.

Mikhail: You’ll have to excuse me now.

Francis: You’re leaving so soon?

Lydia: Mikhail has work to do.

Francis: If he was one of the corrupt priests of the Church, he would be cheerfully joining the banquet. His dedication is admirable.

Maya steps in front of Mikhail as he leaves.

Maya: Mikhail, I can see the fires of jealousy burning your heart.

Mikhail: Don’t say such sinister things! Excuse me.

Mikhail goes around her and hurries away. Francis watches him depart with a slightly troubled frown.

Francis: Lydia, doesn’t Mikhail love you?

Lydia: The monks are not allowed to love or marry.

Gabriel: Come, Lydia, your task as lady of the household is to entertain our honored guest.

Lydia: Yes, father.

Minstrel:

Lovers’ eyes burn hotly

Glowing like a bonfire

Chests thumping, cheeks the color of roses

From seething blood

Which dyes them scarlet

M 9 “Dance Song” (quadrille)

After everyone finishes dancing, Gabriel speaks with Francis once more.

Gabriel: Francis, where do you intend to go from here?

Francis: Honestly, I haven’t considered yet. The French king and the church think I know of some secret Templar fortune, and so they follow me. But I don’t know anything hidden by the gods of heaven and earth. A great many of my innocent comrades were executed for no profit. If I’m found, my life will be forfeit as well.

Gabriel: If so, then can you see yourself remaining in this Valley of the Roses? The briars which surround the valley are stronger than a thoughtless rampart, and protect us. You can live in this house.

Francis: This is… I am extremely grateful.

Gabriel: One more thing, a favor.

Francis: Yes?

Gabriel: Won’t you take my daughter Lydia as your wife? My household needs a successor. We have been waiting for the arrival of a young man overflowing with courage, and with heart, wisdom, and strength.

Francis: Lydia rescued me. More than that, she has healed my wasted heart. But this is very sudden.

Gabriel: Please, take some time to consider.

Francis: I will.

Francis (voice-over): The next day I ventured forth from the house in search of the temple to ask God in Heaven what my fate was to be. The head of the temple, High Priest Raphael, sought me out.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-30