Roman Play - Part 4

Part 1: HERE

Part 2: HERE

Part 3: HERE

 Characters: 

Madelyna – Nobleman Trilogy’s daughter

Peter – Nobleman Citrus' slave

Marcus – Madelyna's betrothed, a soldier

Proconsul Pompous – Government leader of the city

Army Commander

Harmony - Nobleman Citrus' slave girl

 

Scene 9:

Behind the public baths; Madelyna and Peter lean against the wall, eating apples

Peter: I still can't believe your dad would blow up like that. Besides misjudging Marcus, he seems like a pretty level guy, at least compared to Citrus.

Madelyna: Did the beating hurt really bad?

Peter: [Shrugs] It's painful, but I heal quick at least. One of the older ones gets beat and they are out for a month. Probably why they can get away with more.

Madelyna: Thankfully, at least, my dad he let the escort-issue drop. Could you imagine if I had Mark trailing me all day? That'd be terrible! Meeting you would be so awkward.

Peter: Impossible, you mean. An escort can't keep his mouth shut; trust me. The whole town would know about us.

Madelyna: [Giggles] True. My dad still makes me tell him where I'm going, though. Thankfully we meet normal enough places.

[Both sit and eat in silence, until Madelyna groans and sits upright]

Madelyna: We have to do something, Peter. The assassination is in 3 days! We can't just let it go; and know that we didn't even try to stop it!

Peter: [Takes another bite] But you did try! Your dad just wouldn't listen.

Madelyna: But that's not enough! I wouldn't be able to live with myself if the Proconsul dies in two days time and I knew about it! [Thinks for a minute] Could we go straight to the capital house? Talk to a senator, or something?

Peter: Same problem as before; if your dad won't listen to you, why will a senator want to listen to us?

Madelyna: But, Peter, we have to try. If you don't want to, I'll go alone.

Peter: [Throw apple core aside and stands up] No way. If your gonna do something this crazy, I'm with you.

[Madelyna grins, and offers hands for Peter to pull her.]

[Exits]

Scene 10:

The Capital Building

Madelyna: [To Door Guard] Excuse me, excuse me sir, I have an urgent matter I need to discuss with someone close to the Proconsul. Is there someone here I can talk to?

Guard #1: You could; but there is a meeting going on right now, and it can't be disturbed.

Madelyna: When will the meeting be out?

Guard #1: [Shrugs] I don't know. They often go on into the night, though. I'd try again tomorrow.

Madelyna: [Turns away and frowns; talking to Peter] Tomorrow! That is only the day before! Is that enough time?

Peter: [To Guard] Where is your commander?

Guard #1: Commander Reed? He is back at the guard station on North. Why?

Peter: Thanks! [Grabs Madelyna's hand and they run to North street.]

Guard #2: Halt! This is private property of the military. Move along.

Peter: We need to speak to your commander.

Guard #2: You won't be speaking to anyone! Now, I said...

Commander: [Interrupting] Hold your peace, soldier. [To Peter and Madelyna] What be ye needing, young things?

Peter: My lord, we have some information that we think you should know, sir.

Commander: [Chuckling] I'd love to hear it. Come to my tent.

[All exit]