ACT ONE

Scene 1

(Bruce and Bishop Lamberton are waiting to meet the Comyns)

LAMBERTON

Robert, the bishops are of one mind on this---aside from those appointed by King Edward.

BRUCE

Does the Pope support your demands for independence?

LAMBERTON

Probably not. Edward has a lot of influence with him; the best we can hope for is that he will stay out. But, if we present him with an accomplished fact and hope of a another crusade, he'll probably relent.

BRUCE

Why are you so determined to have me lead another rebellion?

LAMBERTON

You're the only candidate left. Not that you're not our best general, you are, and if I have to say that to the Comyns when they arrive, I will; but the relevant point is that you're the only one who can lead.

BRUCE

William, I think you're forgetting how disliked I am by the Comyn faction. If I was in command, they would switch to the English side without a second thought.

LAMBERTON

You would win over many Comyn supporters. They also want independence and will follow whoever can deliver it. Some victories, your personal charm, and they will follow you. Those that don't will be so few in number you will have little trouble to defeat them in the field. The active support of the church will bring you funds and large numbers of recruits. And don't forget your reputation for chivalry, which is sure to bring many foreign knights to your side.

BRUCE

You're a little too optimistic I think. Men will think I fight strictly in my own cause...

LAMBERTON

They know John Balliol to be an empty jacket.

BRUCE

Then there's his son Edward for them to rally around.

LAMBERTON

There's no one ready to fight for King John anymore. He is disgraced, and rightly or wrongly his abdication makes his son's claim questionable.

BRUCE

And what will the Comyns say?

LAMBERTON

Forget the Comyns! They're discredited since surrendering. They couldn't rally anyone but their own vassals, hardly enough for a war.

BRUCE

There is the question of whether the country will rally around anybody! Everyone is exhausted after eight years of war. The country still lies in ruins, Edward has everyone terrified...

LAMBERTON

No Robert, he has them angry. Scared, yes, but angry. They need only a bit of hope to make them rise up again. Perhaps, Robert, you're the one who has grown scared.

BRUCE

When I joined the rebellion I went directly opposite my father's orders, and he had his instructions from King Edward. Nobody can call me "scared". Perhaps I've just grown more sensible.

LAMBERTON

Sensible enough to give up your family's claim to the crown?

BRUCE

Of course not. William, do you think I could forget the promise I made my grandfather? Right after the arbitration was over, and King Edward awarded Scotland's crown to John Balliol, my grandfather made me promise to never cease pursuing our family's claim. Not my father, not an uncle, me.

LAMBERTON

It's your crown now Robert, has been since your father died. It's only waiting for you to claim it.

BRUCE

Now is not the time!

LAMBERTON

Of course not! Edward would squash you, then who knows how badly this country would feel his wrath. But he is old and, as I understand, ill. His death will offer the opportunity we're looking for.

BRUCE

I'll see for myself. I have to attend the English parliament and give homage to Edward. Then I'll know. You're right, his time can't be long in coming. What about the Comyns? I can't just spring this on them when Edward dies, they'll assume I'm attacking them.

LAMBERTON

That's why you must come to some understanding with Red Comyn beforehand. Offer him your crown...

BRUCE

Is that why you arranged this meeting?

LAMBERTON

...in exchange for his land. Or the other way around, contingent of course on you being able to assert your claim.

BRUCE

What if he chooses the crown?

LAMBERTON

You would have all his lands and he would have a crown he can't use. Remember, the claim isn't his personally, it's Balliol's, and no one will rally to Balliol anyway.

(He looks out a window.)

Red Comyn is here. Looks like he brought his black cousin with him. Time to decide.

(Comyn and Buchan enter.)

COMYN

Greetings your grace.

LAMBERTON

Welcome my lords.

COMYN

Bruce.

BRUCE

Comyn.

COMYN

(pause)

Well, now that we're done with the small talk, why am I here?

LAMBERTON

The Earl of Carrick has an offer which will end the enmity between your houses, or at least give a final resolution to the dispute over Scotland's crown.

COMYN

What dispute? King John's claim is clear.

(Bruce starts to answer. Lamberton stops him.)

LAMBERTON

The Bruces' claim will be relinquished to you, in exchange for all your lands.

COMYN

Small price for my lands. What do you think I own, a couple shielings and a cow?

LAMBERTON

Or else you relinquish your family's claim to Bruce, and in exchange receive all of his lands.

COMYN

And when would I receive them?

BUCHAN

Cousin...

LAMBERTON

When he is able to assert himself as king, he will grant his lands to you.

COMYN

You can keep the crown. I'll take your lands. Draw up the document.

LAMBERTON

Already done.

(He presents the written agreement.)

And here is some wax. My lords, you need only affix your seals.

(After hesitating, Bruce and Comyn do so.)

BRUCE

I hope, Comyn, that we have bought ourselves peace.

COMYN

I sincerely hope so too.

(Bruce and Lamberton leave.)

BUCHAN

Cousin, tell me it isn't true.

COMYN

Tell you what isn't true?

BUCHAN

All this. COMYN

All what?

BUCHAN

Your dreadful deal with Bruce.

COMYN

You were right here.

BUCHAN

But I don't want to believe my eyes! I am fairly amazed you have placed such trust in such a man. Couldn't you see how prepared they were for this? What's more, word is bound to get back to King Edward. Do you know what he'll do to you when he hears about this foolish bargain?!

COMYN

It's Bruce who's been the fool, cousin.

BUCHAN

It's both of you, but you more. Edward's been a personal friend of the Bruces', and is known to think highly of the current Earl. He may confiscate his lands and banish him, but you he will surely hang!

COMYN

It's well known Edward is near death; I'm just planning ahead.

BUCHAN

I have it from one just back from Edward's court that he is recovered and quite vigorous for his age.

COMYN

(Thinks)

I must get that document back.

BUCHAN

Your little treaty is already gone! That means word is already out. You better tell Edward before someone else does; or can't you see what a trap has been set for you?

COMYN

I'll write him a letter confessing everything and craving his pardon. I just realized, Bruce will be in his court by the time Edward gets it.

(blackout)

Scene 2

(Edward I's court. The men are getting roaring drunk, especially the king. Bruce is next to him, and senses something is wrong.)

EDWARD I

You know, don't you Bruce?

BRUCE

Know what, your majesty?

EDWARD I

Your father and I were great friends.

BRUCE

Yes sire.

EDWARD I

He's told you stories, I would imagine, about our times together during the last crusade.

BRUCE

Many times.

EDWARD I

He told you about the Syrian woman?

BRUCE

Oh yes.

(forces a laugh)

EDWARD I

You haven't repeated that one to the wife I'll warrant. You know Bruce, there is a certain sense of loyalty between men who live through times like those. You know what I mean?

BRUCE

Yes sire.

EDWARD I

I doubt it. You haven't lived through times like those. It is a shame. A man could wish such loyalty could be passed from father to son, just like land or armor. To often I fear it is not, don't you? I wish it could be drunk like mothers milk. But I fear that, like milk, loyalty sours. And the consequences are dreadful.

BRUCE

Of course sire. If you'll excuse me, the wine I had earlier no longer wishes to be contained.

EDWARD I

If you have to piss just say so. Was it at your mother's knee you picked up these prissy manners?

(Bruce leaves and goes to his private rooms. Lights come up as he enters revealing Elizabeth brushing her hair.)

ELIZABETH

What are you doing back already?

BRUCE

Somehow, as I get older, getting drunk and comparing vomit with other drunks starts to lose its appeal. I thought I'd do some reading. Why aren't you with the other ladies?

ELIZABETH

I complained of an upset stomach.

BRUCE

Something you ate?

ELIZABETH

A sudden reaction to the prospect of another evening of embroidery. The youngest of them is eight years older than me.

BRUCE

Well, I hope being free of their company has made you feel better, because it looks like we have some time alone.

(He starts to embrace her.)

ELIZABETH

Robert, at least let me get the brush out of my hair. You've got it all tangled.

BRUCE

Here, I'll fix that. Where are your scissors?

ELIZABETH

No!

(She jumps up and giggles. They are interrupted by a knock at their door.)

BRUCE

Now what.

(Clifford enters)

CLIFFORD

Bruce, I have to talk to you.

BRUCE

My old friend Robert Clifford. It's good to see you again, but this really is a bad time. I'll see you at tomorrow's hunt.

CLIFFORD

But you'll be the quarry. Listen Bruce, this can't wait! Your life is in imminent danger.

ELIZABETH

What?!

BRUCE

Let's discuss this elsewhere.

ELIZABETH

No, discuss it here.

CLIFFORD

There isn't time for this wrangling. Edward knows about your plot with Red Comyn!

BRUCE

There isn't any plot with any Comyn.

CLIFFORD

Fine then, he thinks you're plotting. When you were out of earshot he started babbling about how you've betrayed his trust and the terrible things he's going to do to you. He intends to arrest you tomorrow in front of the parliament.

BRUCE

We must be gone by then.

CLIFFORD

No, you must go now! Remember, he's drunk; he might decide not to wait until tomorrow. You can't wait.

BRUCE

You're right. Elizabeth, have a groomsman start loading our baggage and leave the carts by the main gate. We'll take two horses and slip out another way. Thank you Robert, I'll never forget this.

CLIFFORD

Let me be clear about one thing; I have warned you out of personal friendship, but I don't like this bargain with Comyn and I think you brought this on yourself. I want you to know I am loyal to my king and I will obey his orders, whether to make war, destroy Scottish homes, whatever, and I'll take any lands he offers me for it.

BRUCE

Fair enough, and I still thank you.

CLIFFORD

Good, now be on your way, I'll try to keep Edward occupied.

(They exit. Blackout)

Scene 3

(The scene is outside Greyfriars church, where Bruce is meeting Comyn. Bruce enters with brother Edward, MacIntyre, and other men.)

EDWARD

Greyfriars kirk? Why are we here?

BRUCE

I've arranged to meet with Red Comyn here. We have much to discuss, and we feel safer from treason inside a church. In my case I might say further treason.

EDWARD

What do you mean?

BRUCE

I have learned it was Comyn told Edward of our arrangement.

(Lights come up revealing Comyn's companions.)

Comyn must be inside.

(Bruce enters church.)

EDWARD

(to the other Bruce men.)

Be alert against an ambush.

(Lights go down on attendants and up on Comyn as Bruce joins him inside the church.)

COMYN

Well, I came. What do you want?

BRUCE

I think that's pretty obvious, even to you.

COMYN

I'll do without the verbal sneers, Bruce. Just state your business.

BRUCE

We had an agreement Comyn and you broke it.

COMYN

I did no such thing. That agreement means nothing with Edward still alive.

BRUCE

That's not what I meant and you know it. You told the king about us, and you wasted little time in doing so.

COMYN

You mean I avoided your trap. You were going to tell Edward yourself in hopes of taking my lands and winning his favor.

BRUCE

I had no such intention.

COMYN

Knave.

BRUCE

Now it's name calling.

COMYN

Tell the truth; you still have hope of gaining the crown for yourself.

BRUCE

Of course I do. That's why I would have kept the bargain.

COMYN

No, you would have told Edward to gain his favor and have him just hand you the crown.

BRUCE

He would hardly have looked favorably on me.

COMYN

He already did! Everyone knows your father was his friend and he liked you. Yes Bruce, it's known far and wide, Bruce is the favorite of the man who ordered the massacre of Berwick and murdered William Wallace.

BRUCE

Let's stick to the point Comyn. Whatever you think I would have done, it was you betrayed me, not the other way around.

COMYN

I sought to protect myself. What of it?

BRUCE

Have you no sense of honor?! You are the one committed treason!

COMYN

I will not have my honor questioned by a man who changes sides as often as he changes clothes.

BRUCE

What does that mean!?

COMYN

While the rest of us were defending Scottish liberty, the Bruces were fighting in the service of our oppressor.

BRUCE

We obeyed our oath of fealty to Edward, the same one Balliol swore. You were the ones who broke it.

COMYN

What would you have had us do? You know how King John was dishonored. Edward ignored the promises he made. The bonds were already broken.

BRUCE

Balliol's bonds were broken, but nothing Edward did freed us from our bonds. When he gave an order we had to obey.

COMYN

What about the loyalty you owed to King John?

BRUCE

We never recognized him as king.

COMYN

And you wonder why we didn't trust you.

BRUCE

Are you forgetting that I did join your side?

COMYN

So now you switch sides and want to be trusted.

BRUCE

I did so because of Berwick and the occupation laid on the country, but I never broke my oath until I felt Edward had behaved dishonorably.

COMYN

But you went back to him! You were troublesome when you were with us and then you switched sides again!

BRUCE

I was troublesome? What was troublesome was your incompetent leadership, that's what drove me out. You were a horrendous choice for a Guardian! Were your family not so powerful...

COMYN

As opposed to you, who got everything on merit? I'll remind you who first made peace with Edward.

BRUCE

And I'll remind you who tried to win his favor by betraying me.

COMYN

How can one betray a traitor?

BRUCE

How could I support a man who has knows nothing of honor or valor?

COMYN

That's the second time you've questioned my honor. Do it again and I'll forget where we are.

BRUCE

Now you threaten me? I'll question your honor, your valor, even your legitimacy.

COMYN

Take that back!

BRUCE

I'll die first!

COMYN

And you will!

(Comyn moves, Bruce thinks he is reaching for a weapon and draws his dagger.)

So that way goes it; that's what you planned all along.

BRUCE

You reached for yours first.

COMYN

No I didn't, but I'm reaching now.

(Comyn draws his dagger and they fight. Bruce stabs Comyn. When Bruce sees Comyn severely wounded he runs out and back to his men.)

BRUCE

I think I've killed Red Comyn!

MACINTYRE

You "think"? I'll make sure.

(MacIntyre enters the church while drawing a weapon.)

BRUCE

Brother, what have I done? I've killed him in a church. I may never be forgiven for this.

EDWARD

Keep calm brother. We must act quickly.

BRUCE

I can never make peace with the Comyns now. Even those who hate the Comyns must turn against me. What will King Edward do? What knight in all Christendom won't think it an honor to kill me?

MACINTYRE

(reentering)

Red Comyn is dead!

(Comyn's men hear this declaration. They and Bruce's men attack each other as Edward tries to calm Bruce. The Comyn men are all killed, Bruce and his survivors exit.)

BRUCE

I am at war with the whole world! (blackout)

Scene 4

(King Edward's court. Present are King Edward, Pembroke, Clifford, the Prince of Wales, Umfraville, Buchan, and Seton.)

EDWARD I

Lords, I have raised a viper at my breast! This foul knave who enjoyed my company, my friendship to himself and his father, who has spent considerable time in my court, has turned upon me in a most treasonous manner. He has claimed a crown that is mine to bestow, broken all vows of fealty, and committed sacrilege by the killing of his rival in a church. When I am done he will think I punished Wallace lightly.

WALES

Let me lead the attack father.

EDWARD I

Not yet. Summon my levies, it's time for another campaign.

WALES

Father, let me have the army. I'll crush this rebellion.

EDWARD I

You have shown yourself a worthy soldier, but you are not yet a general.

WALES

A king must prove himself a general. How can I do this if I don't get the chance?

EDWARD I

You are not king yet boy; you will have your chance when I say so.

WALES

You are not up to the rigors of a campaign at your age.

EDWARD I

There's nothing like a war to reinvigorate a man.

WALES

Father...

EDWARD I

Do not argue with me! You know better than to anger me when I am in a temper.

WALES

I also have your temper; let me prove it!

EDWARD I

All right, I'll give you your own division, make the most of it. Now my lords, I always suspected Bruce, but when I had proof he slithered away. How did he find out?

PEMBROKE

Perhaps some of our Scottish lords are not as loyal as they seem.

EDWARD I

Is this true my lords?

UMFRAVILLE

Sire, the murdered Comyn was my best friend in the whole world, and there has long been enmity between myself and the Bruces.

BUCHAN

Red Comyn was my dear cousin Sire. Why would I help his murderer?

SETON

The Bruces have no sense of honor. God damn me if I ever help them.

EDWARD I

A little girl can speak brave words. Let your blood prove your loyalty. Raise your levies. I will see you next at Berwick castle, and my epitaph will say I was "The Hammer of the Scots".

(blackout)

Scene 5

(Lights dim as clergy and lords assemble for the coronation. When the lights come back up, Lamberton places the crown on Bruce's and Elizabeth's heads.)

LAMBERTON

Let all be witness that I declare King Robert to have been absolved of all his sins, including the death of John Comyn. Robert Bruce takes his place as Scotland's king with the blessing of the holy mother church. Those who fight in his cause against the English invader serve the will of God as surely as if they joined a crusade to the Holy Land.

BRUCE

Lords, ladies, clergymen, my loyal subjects. I begin my reign under difficult circumstances. Most of our country lies occupied. Scottish taxes are sent to England's treasury. Our commerce has been stopped up, and I must acknowledge that many in our own country oppose me and will help our enemies. But I ask all to bear witness to the presence here of almost all of Scotland's bishops and abbots, the presence of several earls, and many barons besides. And bear witness to the careful observances of Scottish tradition. We go into the coming war with confidence in the rightness of our cause, a determination to meet the enemy with honor and valor, and we humbly crave the blessing of the almighty on our enterprise.

(All kneel as Bruce and Elizabeth start to exit.)

ELIZABETH

(to Bruce)

I fear we are but king and queen of the May.

(lights fade to black.)

Scene 6

(The castle at Perth. Sounds of preparation for battle. Pembroke is speaking with Buchan.)

BUCHAN

Bruce gave a brave speech I've been told, but then, as he and Queen Elizabeth, as she now styles herself, were leaving the coronation, she was overheard to say, "Husband, I fear we are but king and queen of the May."

(They laugh)

PEMBROKE

Perhaps we should have him hanged from a maypole.

BUCHAN

And instead of swinging ribbons around it we can swing Bruce corpses.

(Umfraville enters)

PEMBROKE

What do you want Sir Ingram.

UMFRAVILLE

To win the battle Sir Aymer.

PEMBROKE

We outnumber Bruce's rabble a good three to one. I don't think that's much of a concern.

UMFRAVILLE

He's not renowned as one of the ablest commanders around for nothing. Even if you win, you will have to fight him again----unless you use a stratagem I have for you.

PEMBROKE

What's that?

UMFRAVILLE

Parley with Bruce; tell him it's too late in the day for a proper battle, but if he'll return to the field tomorrow morning you'll meet him in open combat.

PEMBROKE

What's the point of putting it off until tomorrow?

UMFRAVILLE

You don't wait for tomorrow. When his army is camped for the night you launch a surprise attack. The combination of surprise and superior numbers should completely destroy his army.

PEMBROKE

Why, Sir Ingram, I'm amazed to hear such an idea put forth by such an advocate of chivalry as yourself.

UMFRAVILLE

It's what Bruce deserves. He is foreign to any notion of chivalry.

PEMBROKE

Then why will he trust us? (Umfraville is speechless.)

Yet I think you're right. I'll try it. Come, let's go lie to the devil.

(They exit, blackout.)

Scene 7

(Bruce's tent at Methven. Night before the expected battle. Bruce, Edward, Lamberton, and Randolph are relaxing, chatting, and drinking.)

RANDOLPH

...then the priest says "it takes more than poison to stop a sinner going to Paris."

(All laugh except Edward.)

BRUCE

Come on brother, try to relax.

EDWARD

What? Sorry, I can't help feeling a little tense.

(He raises his cup.)

To whatever it was you were just toasting.

(All laugh)

LAMBERTON

Randolph was telling a joke Edward. Now we'll start chuckling whenever you're around and you'll always wonder why.

EDWARD

Forgive me my lords, or my bishops, or anything else that's sitting around. In truth gentlemen, I feel uneasy about putting off the battle.

BRUCE

Nonsense Edward, delaying until morning is a fine suggestion. It will do our reputations much more good to fight a day-long battle to its proper conclusion than to break it off at suppertime. We would look like foolish squire boys then.

EDWARD

But you trust them?

BRUCE

Why not? They used the straightforward language that becomes a knight.

EDWARD

There's a sound in the language that speaks deceit.

BRUCE

Edward, you were always the suspicious one.

EDWARD

I suppose you're right. My lords, here's to my elder brother, who will soon be recognized by the whole world as king, even by King Edward and the Pope. Soon that jackass will say "call me a Saracen if I ever excommunicate you again".

(all laugh)

(Elizabeth enters)

ELIZABETH

And soon I'll say, "Call me a lonely wife if I don't get my husband to myself for a while."

(All laugh)

BRUCE

She's right as usual my lords. It's late already, and I have always been with my lady before a tournament.

EDWARD

(whispered to Randolph)

Or whatever lady was available.

(They chuckle discretely. Bruce hears but has no idea what the joke was.)

BRUCE

Come on, time enough for laughing after we win. Good night.

(Bruce ushers out Edward, Randolph, and Lamberton, who stop a moment outside the tent. They are talking amongst themselves while Bruce and Elizabeth are talking.)

ELIZABETH

Robert, how many of them are there?

BRUCE

How many what?

ELIZABETH

How many soldiers against us?

BRUCE

No more than a couple thousand.

ELIZABETH

And how many are we?

BRUCE

Fewer. You really shouldn't worry about it.

ELIZABETH

I can't help it. Something seems wrong.

BRUCE

Leave me to worry about it. Maybe after the battle, if I take the castle, I'll give it to you to do with as please.

ELIZABETH

(She chuckles)

What am I going to do with a castle?

BRUCE

You'll build the world's biggest closet, with so many queenly gowns that you'll have to change into a different one every hour in order to wear them all.

ELIZABETH

Then I'll cover the whole castle wall with the world's biggest embroidery.

BRUCE

You can't do that. You'll want to show off the wall after you knock it down and replace the stones with blocks of gold.

ELIZABETH

No no, we'll just cover the stones with gold leaf.

BRUCE

Why?

ELIZABETH

Because it's cheaper. We are Scots after all.

(Their laughter is interrupted by MacIntyre's entrance.)

MACINTYRE

Ambush!

(The lords react with disbelief, some think it's a joke.)

Sire, they're assaulting us on all sides!

BRUCE

To your tents, arm yourselves quickly!

(Sounds of battle. The lords dash for their tents. Bruce is just reaching for his arms when Buchan reaches him.)

BUCHAN

Come quick, I have the new-made king!

(Buchan tries to grapple Bruce. Bruce fights his way clear before help arrives and exits. Lights come down as the stage clears. Bruce reenters with Edward and MacIntyre.)

BRUCE

Where's Lamberton?!

MACINTYRE

Captured sire.

EDWARD

We can account for the captured later!

BRUCE

Sergeant, you know that wood a few miles from here? Take what survivors you can and hide there, I'll join you shortly. We'll wait a couple days to pick up stragglers. Edward, find our brother Neil, have him take the women and children to Kildrummy castle and fortify it as best he can. I'll send reinforcements if I'm able. I'll seek out more of our men. Hurry!

(They exit, Blackout.)

Scene 8

(Bruce's camp. Bruce enters with footsoldiers. Several months have passed.)

BRUCE

We'll make camp here. Sergeant, do we have any tents left?

MACINTYRE

We have one two-man tent left sire.

BRUCE

Give it to the men who carried the cooking gear. They did the most work. The rest of you find a space around the fire. I'll retire in that cave. When supper's over I'll read to you while the light lasts.

SOLDIERS

Yes, your majesty.

MACINTYRE

Sire, there's a woman approaching with a band of mounted men.

(The soldiers rush to their arms.)

BRUCE

It's all right, I know her.

(Enter Christian of Carrick)

Christian?

CHRISTIAN

Robert.

BRUCE

Is that really you?

CHRISTIAN

Indeed it is. Or perhaps I should say indeed it is Your Majesty. You've moved up in the world since last I saw you.

BRUCE

If you call this moving up.

CHRISTIAN

Won't you ask me to sit down?

BRUCE

Of course, won't you step into my throne room?

(They sit on stumps or rocks.)

CHRISTIAN

Thank You my lord.

BRUCE

I think in this private space...relatively private...you may call me Robert.

CHRISTIAN

Ah, such familiarity with a king!

BRUCE

Some king. I rule the ground I stand on, and even that is precarious.

CHRISTIAN

Then I bring you good news. I have brought you 15 men; from the looks of things that almost doubles your forces. Perhaps more important I have brought you blankets and food.

BRUCE

My dear Christian, you must be sent by God himself.

CHRISTIAN

I guess God hasn't heard about the Pope's interdict.

BRUCE

You've heard of it. I suppose the whole country has by now.

CHRISTIAN

Robert, most of the clergy have been telling the people that the interdict is meaningless, and that you're God's instrument to deliver us from the English.

BRUCE

God should keep his instruments better tuned. I'm sorry, I know I sound morose. I am moved by their support. In fact, I am always touched when I think of the sacrifices people have made on my behalf.

CHRISTIAN

Well, Robert, this might sound strange coming from a former mistress, but I'm truly sorry to hear about the queen.

BRUCE

What's happened to the queen?

CHRISTIAN

You haven't heard?

BRUCE

I've done little more than hide these last few months. In fact, I've had no news at all since Methven.

CHRISTIAN

I guess I have a sad mission to perform. I wish there was an easy way to tell you. Elizabeth tried taking the women and children to the Orkneys when it became clear Kildrummy would be surrounded. They were captured shortly after the castle fell. They were taken to England, and your wife and some other women have been imprisoned in cages and put on public display at various castles. Your daughter is a prisoner in London Tower.

BRUCE

Dear God in heaven, can Edward hate me that much? What about my brother?

CHRISTIAN

He was besieged by the Prince of Wales. The garrison held off at least two assaults, but a traitor burned their food supplies. After they surrendered, the garrison were hanged and beheaded.

BRUCE

Neil's dead?

CHRISTIAN

Yes. I'm so sorry.

BRUCE

Have you heard anything of my brothers Thomas and Alexander? They were attempting a landing in Galloway.

CHRISTIAN

The MacDougals captured them. I believe they were executed like Wallace. Robert, I grieve for you, I honestly do.

BRUCE

Grieve for someone who deserves it, not for a man who destroyed his friends and family.

CHRISTIAN

Robert...

BRUCE

What a monster I must be! What has this war accomplished? The death and ruin of everyone I know. Look at these soldiers; not even a tent to keep the rain off when they could have stayed home. I must be insane, taking on England with this little army! I can't stay here.

CHRISTIAN

What are you talking about?

BRUCE

This war is hopeless. I should go into exile. No, I have lifetimes of penance. I should go to the Holy Land and fight the Saracens, perhaps that would make the Pope lift my excommunication. Maybe he would even intercede for my family's release. This is punishment for Red Comyn's death. God will not give victory to a murderer!

CHRISTIAN

You're not a murderer, the church has said so. God has forgiven you; you must forgive yourself. Listen to me! All those who have fought in your behalf have done so willingly. They see you as Scotland's last hope for liberty. If you want their sacrifices to mean something you must keep fighting. Robert, are you listening to me?

BRUCE

Yes. Look, I'm not very good company right now. I need to be alone. You're welcome to stay the night. I'll have an escort party arranged to see you home tomorrow. Good night.

(starts to exit)

I'll think about what you said.

(He exits to his cave. Lights dim on Christian who looks after him as he leaves. Lights come up on soldiers sitting around their campfire. Ian is grinding leaves. Donald is watching him.)

DONALD

What are you doing?

IAN

Mixing up some medicine for my stomach.

DONALD

What's wrong with it?

IAN

It's been bothering me all day. I think it's just indigestion.

DONALD

You shouldn't take that right after a meal, should you?

IAN

That's the best time I think.

DONALD

What are you using?

IAN

I don't remember what it's called, but the leaves are shaped like a stomach.

DONALD

What's that got to do with anything?

IAN

The shape of the leaf tells you what the plant is good for.

DONALD

I've never heard that.

IAN

That's what my mother always said.

DONALD

Wait a minute, this isn't shaped like a stomach.

IAN

Yes it is.

DONALD

This looks more like an oval.

IAN

A stomach is shaped like an oval.

DONALD

No it's not. You've got one tube where the food goes in, and there's another where it goes out, so it's shaped more like a foot.

IAN

Your stomach is shaped like your foot?

DONALD

Yes.

IAN

If a plant was shaped like a foot you'd use it on your foot, not on your stomach.

DONALD

You know, it's only a lack of oats that stops me using you for haggis. Look, herbs match up to the four humors. You've heard of those I suppose, or are you completely ignorant?

IAN

Yes, I've heard of the four humors, but

(keeping his voice down)

don't they have something to do with witchcraft?

DONALD

No, this is the arts of medicine, a perfectly godly thing. The four humors are these four fluids in your body that are supposed to balance each other. Let's see, there's blood, bile, phlegm, and, um, sweat.

IAN

What's phlegm?

DONALD

It's like snot.

IAN

So the four humors are blood, bile, sweat and snot?

DONALD

Right, and then there's two of those that are hot and wet, and two are hot and dry, and you look for herbs that match.

IAN

They're all of them wet, and they're all hot if they've been listening to you for too long.

DONALD

Am I making you angry?

IAN

You're making my snot boil.

(They stare at each other a moment, then they break down and start laughing. MacIntyre enters.)

MACINTYRE

What on Earth are you two talking about?

IAN

Boiling snot.

MACINTYRE

(Sits himself by the fire.) Remind me to never put you lads on a cooking detail.

DONALD

Did you get the Lady Christian all tucked in?

MACINTYRE

Yes, then I told her a story and kissed her good night.

DONALD

I would've thought the king would do that himself.

MACINTYRE

I'd give a lot to know what they were talking about.

IAN

Why?

MACINTYRE

The woman was on the edge of tears. She never once looked at me while I was getting her fire started.

IAN

Did she say anything to you?

MACINTYRE

Yes, but it was all in English so I didn't understand a word. And the king himself looked just beaten when he entered the cave. He wouldn't have anyone enter.

DONALD

I feel sorry for him, I really do. He's not used to hardship.

MACINTYRE

Come on, do you know how many campaigns he's been on before?

DONALD

But sleeping on the bare ground was just an adventure for him. Now he looks utterly alone. The whole world's turned against him. He's just trying to still be alive tomorrow. No, he's the one knight in the world I would not trade places with.

MACINTYRE

Me neither. I can't imagine what it's like to have so much and lose it all.

IAN

Save some of the pity for ourselves. We're as hunted as he is. We're brought as low, even if we started close to here. And at least he has his armor; we face the world with a ragged tunic and a rusty spear.

MACINTYRE

You shouldn't speak so ill of a man you've fought so long with.

IAN

I love the king as dearly as you do, but if the king might be sad for himself, permit me too to be sad. I have no idea where my family is or if they're alive. Do you?

MACINTYRE

I saw my house burnt down. And I can't help thinking of my mother, who hoped I would never have to be a soldier.

DONALD

My mother was real sick when I left home. I think she was starving herself so the rest of us might get through the winter.

MACINTYRE

The crops failed?

DONALD

Yes. Some thought it was witchcraft. Others said it was God's wrath for the king's killing of Red Comyn in a church. The priest said we might win God's grace by fighting in King Robert's cause. I pray every night that I'll get to go home again.

MACINTYRE

It's a sad night for all of us I guess. Try to get some sleep lads or you'll be drowsy during your watch later tonight.

(They lay down. All is quiet for a few moments. Bruce dashes on stage and rouses everyone.)

BRUCE

Wake up! I've got something to tell you, wake up!

CHRISTIAN

Robert, what is it?

BRUCE

I must tell you what I've seen, I feel positively inspired. Come on lads, up!

MACINTYRE

Are we under attack?!

BRUCE

No no, gather everyone, bring those sleepers here. Listen; as I was laying on my limestone mattress, feeling completely sorry for myself, wishing I had been strangled at birth, I saw a spider spinning its web. It was swinging from one rock to another. It couldn't quite reach the next rock but it kept trying, swinging back and forth to build up enough momentum to reach its goal. Seven times it tried, and on that seventh try it made it. I saw this and thought to myself, if a spider can try seven times just to spin a web, how many times can I try to win a kingdom? Arm yourselves everyone, we're going out now to find and attack our enemy. Come lads, the MacDowalls have been hunting for us. Let's make it easy for them!

MACINTYRE

Shouldn't we wait until morning? The men are exhausted.

BRUCE

They'll never be expecting us now sergeant.

CHRISTIAN

They won't be expecting you in the morning either. And you haven't eaten anything. Rest for a night and hit them fresh in the morning.

BRUCE

You lads really do need some rest, don't you. How long would you guess before dawn?

MACINTYRE

A few more hours.

BRUCE

A few long hours. All right, get a bit more sleep. We'll hit them right before dawn. Capture their supplies and you'll have three meals today.

MACINTYRE

Sire, I think I speak for all the men when I say I'm glad you've chosen to continue the war.

BRUCE

I'm not continuing the war, I'm beginning it. Good night lads.

(All wish him good night. Bruce exits. Christian goes back to sleep. Ian and Donald start to lie down.)

MACINTYRE

Ian, Donald, haven't you forgotten something?

BOTH

What?

MACINTYRE

It's your turn at the watch. No grumbling, go on.

(Ian and Donald exit grumbling. MacIntyre lies down. Blackout.)

Scene 9

(Somewhere in Carrick. Douglas enters looking about him warily. Edward Bruce comes up behind him. Douglas turns and sees him.)

EDWARD

Identify yourself.

DOUGLAS

I am James Douglas, and you should learn to be quieter if you're going to be sneaking up on people.

EDWARD

Fortunately I have several men who are more quiet than me.

(MacIntyre, Ian, and Donald enter.)

What is your business here?

DOUGLAS

I will be polite and answer you honestly. After all, I would hate to set a bad example for the men accompanying me. They're hidden all around with arrows pointed at you.

EDWARD

What do you want?

DOUGLAS

I have come to join the Bruce in his war against the English. Are you one of the king's men?

EDWARD

I am Sir Edward Bruce, his brother.

DOUGLAS

It's an honor to meet you sir. Where's the king? (Bruce enters)

BRUCE

That's me.

DOUGLAS

I am James Douglas, son of Sir William Douglas.

BRUCE

A highly renowned knight. What do you want from me?

DOUGLAS

Permission to join your army. I have brought more men with me, and I'll gladly add them to yours. In fact, I dare to say they'll become your elite soldiers.

BRUCE

And yourself?

DOUGLAS

I will be one of your first commanders.

EDWARD

Cocky, isn't he.

BRUCE

He should be in familiar company around here. Sir James, why do you wish to join my cause?

DOUGLAS

Haven't you heard about my father?

BRUCE

We don't get much news out here.

DOUGLAS

He's dead my lord.

BRUCE

I'm truly sorry to hear it.

DOUGLAS

He died in an English prison. That's no way for a knight to die. I'm a son seeking revenge for a dead father. Is there a better cause than that?

BRUCE

It's a good cause sir.

DOUGLAS

Your Majesty, I humbly request to be allowed to join your army, and God grant that I may revenge my father and reclaim my father's lands.

BRUCE

You are welcome here, Sir James.

DOUGLAS

Thank you Your Majesty and, if I may, to show I'm not just a braggart, I have already brought you a prize.

BRUCE

That's fast. What is it?

DOUGLAS

It's a nephew sire, yours, Sir Thomas Randolph. (to his men)

Bring him here!

(Two of Douglas's men bring in Randolph.)

BRUCE

Where did you find him?

DOUGLAS

Fighting with your enemies. He was captured at Methven and switched sides.

BRUCE

Thomas, ... why have you done this?

RANDOLPH

For honor, Uncle. Something you have forgotten.

BRUCE

What do you mean by that?

RANDOLPH

Skulking in shadows is no way for a knight to comport himself.

DOUGLAS

I'll remind you, Sir Thomas, that your uncle is the king, and you must speak to him with the proper respect on both accounts.

RANDOLPH

You fight for your father; shouldn't I fight for my family honor? What he does as my uncle, as the head of the Bruces, and in his proclaimed title of "king" all reflect on me. Have I no say? Have I any obligation greater than to recover my honor?

BRUCE

Leave him with me. Edward, set up the camp. Everyone else go with him. I'll be all right.

(All exit except Bruce and Randolph.)

BRUCE

You are cold to me Nephew. (Randolph gives Bruce a hard look.)

Nor, I see, do you appreciate understatement.

RANDOLPH

No charm, no subtlety; how are you going to punish me?

BRUCE

For joining my enemies? I'm not inclined to punish you just for changing sides. I've done that myself. You may have had your reasons, just as I did.

RANDOLPH

Yes, I do have my reasons.

BRUCE

I think highly of you Thomas, I always did. Before Methven I thought you would become one of my generals.

RANDOLPH

Why do you bother flattering me?

BRUCE

You may not believe this, but I'm telling you the truth. In fact, I still hope to win you back to my side.

RANDOLPH

Do you think I could fight like this?

BRUCE

Like what? You may speak your mind, not that you've done otherwise.

RANDOLPH

Knights aren't supposed to hide and fight in ambushes. Chivalry demands open combat.

BRUCE

This isn't a tournament. We don't charge our horses and turn around for another charge. You don't get to rearm yourself when your lance breaks. This is war. It's a war between enemies that have no respect for each other.

RANDOLPH

Why should your enemies respect you when you won't engage in open combat?

BRUCE

Have you forgotten Methven?! I did agree to open combat, and with a smaller force no less, and my honorable opponent attacked me at night. That's what brought me to this state.

RANDOLPH

Then why haven't you fortified a castle?

BRUCE

(Starting to lose his patience.) With what? With so few men? With no food, no hope of relief? And what would I do with a castle; it would just be taken from me. I might as well surrender now and get it over with. In fact, I might as well have myself hanged and quartered so as to save King Edward the trouble. I'm trying to survive, nephew, and this is the only way. To fight any way other than this would be suicide.

RANDOLPH

What's life without honor?

BRUCE

Without honor? Do you know what happened to your uncles and other knights who have fallen into English hands since your capture? They have been executed, some in Wallace's manner. Douglas must have told you his father died in an English prison. Where was the honor in that?

RANDOLPH

Is your enemy's dishonor an excuse for your own?

BRUCE

You exasperate me nephew. No, their dishonor is not an excuse for mine; their dishonor is the necessity that forces me to take these tactics. I must content my honor with personal bravery, persistence, and my treatment of individuals. It is my policy to treat captives humanely. I've even let them go, though I'm taking a chance that they'll fight me again. I take care of the rights of my subjects, not that I've had much opportunity to wrong them; but time will prove me honest or a liar.

RANDOLPH

These are good words, but as you say, time will tell.

BRUCE

You'll believe it when you see it; you're certainly your mother's son.

RANDOLPH

I didn't think you knew my mother well.

BRUCE

Actually we got along quite well, considering we were siblings. She married when I was just a boy so I didn't see her often, which probably is why we got along. Thomas, will you stay with us tonight?

RANDOLPH

I don't have a choice, do I?

BRUCE

No. But if you'll promise, on your honor, to stay with us tonight, I'll leave you unguarded and release you when you wish. I just ask you to give me a fair chance to show you I'm telling the truth.

RANDOLPH

That is a generous offer uncle. I will give you this test.

BRUCE

Good. Go get something to eat. (Randolph starts to leave, turns and bows, then exits. Douglas enters.)

DOUGLAS

Are you sure you can trust him sire?

BRUCE

I sure hope so. I'm about to create him Earl of Moray. Come Douglas, we also need to see about making you master of Douglasdale.

(They exit, blackout.)

Scene 10

(Loudon Hill. Pembroke enters with Buchan, Seton, and Umfraville.)

PEMBROKE

This is our opportunity to finally finish off Bruce. Let's make the most of it.

SETON

Why has he suddenly agreed to an open fight?

PEMBROKE

Who cares. We've been trying to lure him into the open for a long time; let's just accept our good fortune.

BUCHAN

I share Sir Alexander's doubts my lord. Bruce can't be this stupid.

PEMBROKE

Why not? He was this stupid at Methven. Perhaps he thought he could recruit more soldiers. Maybe my public invitation to fight was more than his honor could refuse. Look, it doesn't matter.

UMFRAVILLE

It does matter if he's planning something. It was foolish to give him control of the ground so long before the battle.

PEMBROKE

He said he would fight when and where I wanted. I chose this spot Sir Ingram, and our scouts say there are only a few hundred rebels opposing us. We will make short work of them. Assemble the men for the attack.

(They exit. Bruce enters with Randolph, Edward, and Douglas.)

RANDOLPH

The English are drawing up their forces for an attack.

BRUCE

Right where we planned for them. It's a shame for poor Pembroke he doesn't have the subtlety in war he has in politics. Advance our spearmen into position by the trenches. Set out the cavalry and archers to protect our flanks. Remind the spearmen to hold their positions no matter what happens. We'll break them like waves on rocks.

(They exit. Battle scene. Enter Pembroke.)

PEMBROKE

Umfraville, what's going on over here?

UMFRAVILLE

(Entering)

We had to slow our charge to get around the trenches they dug. When we reached them our first ranks fell apart.

PEMBROKE

So continue the attack!

UMFRAVILLE

The men are bunching together, and the riderless horses are making things worse. We must regroup.

PEMBROKE

No, press on the attack!

UMFRAVILLE

The cavalry can't maneuver! Where are the archers?

PEMBROKE

Do you want archers to win your battle for you?

BUCHAN

(Entering with Seton)

Sir Aymer, the cavalry are broken, send in the archers. I don't care how we win a battle, just send in the archers!

SETON

It's too late for that my lords, we must pull out our troops and retreat to a defensible position.

PEMBROKE

I'll do as you ask my lords, but it's you, not me, who has some explaining to do to the king. All right, retreat.

(They exit. Bruce enters with Douglas, Randolph, and Edward.)

EDWARD

Let us go after them brother!

BRUCE

No! If we go on open ground, they can turn right around and attack again. They still outnumber us greatly.

EDWARD

Send the cavalry to harass their rear.

BRUCE

I'll do that, but no more. Tell the men to hold their positions. This battle has already done what it was meant to do.

DOUGLAS

What do you mean?

BRUCE

We've embarrassed the English. That will draw more men to our side----maybe even make King Edward drop dead from apoplexy.

(Blackout)

Scene 11

(Lanercost abbey. Pembroke, Clifford, Umfraville and other lords are assembled outside King Edward's quarters.)

UMFRAVILLE

All your politicking isn't worth much when you've been bested in the field.

PEMBROKE

Your jealousy does not become you Sir Ingram.

CLIFFORD

What is there to be jealous of? Bruce finally agrees to an open battle, and you let him beat you with a much smaller force.

PEMBROKE

He had ample time to prepare the ground to his liking.

CLIFFORD

You chose it.

PEMBROKE

I didn't choose the Scots. They're worthless when it comes time to stop boasting and start fighting. Give me an English army and I would win.

(indicating Clifford)

And I wouldn't need the help of this friend of the Bruce. No wonder the younger Edward distrusts you.

CLIFFORD

You encourage the petty jealousy he feels because I have several times beaten him in tournaments. What makes it worse is he keeps beating you. No wonder you poison his ears against me.

PEMBROKE

You want to poison his ears against me, and persuade him this is all my failure.

UMFRAVILLE

You'll avoid blame for this debacle like your army avoided Bruce's spears, by running away.

WALES

(Entering)

There's plenty of blame to go around Umfraville.

(They bow and greet him.)

I'm well aware of what fell out at Loudon Hill. I am sorely displeased, and I suspect the part of your conversation I missed would have been quite interesting. I did hear you two criticizing Sir Aymer, and I can't help remembering that Bruce dodged you for several months Sir Ingram, and now sits quite comfortably in Turnberry castle. In fact, he chased you out of Carrick. You, Clifford, were sent fleeing from Douglas castle by a small band of outlaws. Black Douglas made his name at your expense.

CLIFFORD

My lord, you weren't there.

WALES

Wasn't I? I led a campaign too, remember? I succeeded in defeating one Bruce, and even the MacDougals have two Bruce heads for trophies. What have you done?

UMFRAVILLE

We don't deserve to be spoken to this way.

WALES

I know I'm not king yet, but understand, my lords, I am actually being gentle with you out of respect for my father who lies dying inside.

PEMBROKE

He may die at any minute, that's why you were sent for.

(Wales turns and enters Edward's chamber. The rest follow him. Edward is in bed, attended by a bishop and a servant.)

EDWARD I

Gather around my lords, I have a very short time left.

WALES

Father, the campaign against Bruce has gone very poorly.

EDWARD I

My son, your timing is as atrocious as ever. That's not what I wanted to hear. Forgive me my lords for leaving you like this, I thought I had one more campaign in me. It looks like I'm wrong.

CLIFFORD

You may yet recover your health your majesty.

EDWARD I

No I won't. I'm leaving my work unfinished. Edward, I want you to promise you will carry on the war until these Scottish bastards are broken and begging for mercy. Then deny it to them.

WALES

I will father, even if it kills me.

EDWARD I

How much different things might have been if my wife had lived. I became a hard man when she died.

(He dies.)

CLIFFORD

God have mercy on his soul.

PEMBROKE

My condolences my lord.

WALES

Thank you. Clifford, arrange my father's funeral. When that is done we'll depart for London.

CLIFFORD

London?

WALES

Yes, London. There are a lot of ambitious men who will try to take advantage of the passing of the crown. The war will have to wait.

CLIFFORD

You just promised to carry on the campaign against the Scots.

UMFRAVILLE

Surely we can't rest while...

WALES

Are you going to argue with me with my father's soul still hovering above us?! Do as I tell you.

ALL

Yes, your majesty.

(blackout)

Scene 12

(Bruce enters accompanied by Edward, Randolph, and Douglas. Buchan enters with Seton, and Umfraville.)

BUCHAN

Why have you asked for this parley, Bruce?

BRUCE

Because I would sooner add your army to mine than destroy it.

BUCHAN

I'm not terribly worried about that.

BRUCE

You should be. The English army ran home, the English garrisons don't want to leave their castles, and most Scottish lords have accepted my mercy. You're the last resistance outside the southeast.

BUCHAN

Then there's that much more honor for me in beating you.

BRUCE

Except you're not going to beat me. I think you know that.

BUCHAN

I know you're in for a bit of a surprise.

SETON

What a bunch of silly chatter. Let's leave here and get on with it.

EDWARD

Brave words from a man with no land left.

BRUCE

A bit of patience, please gentlemen. If we fight, a lot of men will be killed, a lot of women will be widowed, a lot of children orphaned. If we fight, the division in our country might never be healed.

BUCHAN

Who started this war Bruce? Scotland wears a crown of thorns for the sake of your crown of gold. Scotland was united under King John.

BRUCE

I fought alongside you for Scotland's sake, remember? But you can't expect me to accept him as king when my family had that right. Tell the truth----Balliol was the choice of the king of England, and look what's happened.

BUCHAN

Yes, I see you making war upon your supposed subjects.

BRUCE

The whole purpose of this meeting is to prevent that from being necessary. Make peace with me Comyn.

BUCHAN

My cause is King John.

BRUCE

King John has abdicated his throne. It was waiting there to be sat in.

BUCHAN

But not by you! The legitimate king is John's son, Edward.

BRUCE

Who would be an "empty jacket", like his father.

BUCHAN

Seton is right. We're just talking in circles.

BRUCE

All right then Comyn, I'll ask you straight out for your final answer. Will you make peace with me?

BUCHAN

With my cousin's murderer? You must be insane.

BRUCE

It was a fair fight!

BUCHAN

You're the only witness.

BRUCE

My sin was fighting with him in a church, and the church has forgiven me for that!

BUCHAN

Your lackeys among the clergy have forgiven you. The Pope has excommunicated you and placed our country under interdict.

BRUCE

That's only to please King Edward. The Scottish church has held me up before the whole country and said that I have been forgiven.

BUCHAN

So let the church forgive you, the Comyns do not.

BRUCE

He would have been as guilty as me had he lived! Comyn, I want you on my side; I have come to offer you mercy!

BUCHAN

Mercy! It is you who should be begging for mercy, with your dying breath and a noose around you neck! Do you really think I have so little honor as to make peace with my cousin's murderer? Do you think the memory of the Red Comyn means so little? Let your bishops forgive you, the Comyns will not. Let the Pope forgive you. Let Jesus Christ himself come down to Earth and pronounce you blessed, and we will still not forgive you. I will take revenge on you, and if I spend eternity chasing you through Hell to gain it, I will consider it eternity well spent!

BRUCE

Then consider your worldly possessions Comyn, because when I have beaten you, I will ravage your lands so thoroughly that you will never collect a penny of rent from them again, even if you send the English army to collect it. You'll think old Edward has risen from his grave.

BUCHAN

And may he haunt you.

(All exit. Battle scene. Bruce enters with Douglas, Randolph, and Edward.)

BRUCE

I meant what I said. Tell the men to take everything they can and destroy the rest. Burn every crop, pull down every house, slaughter all the livestock we can't take with us.

EDWARD

With our enemies beaten here, it's time to give the English a bellyfull of the same rotten meat.

RANDOLPH

We should get the English garrisons out of the country.

BRUCE

We will. And we'll pay for it with revenues from northern England.

(Blackout.)

ACT TWO

Scene 1

(Edward II's office. Elizabeth is standing in the middle of the room. Edward is at the door.)

EDWARD II

(to guard)

Wait outside. I'll call you when I need you.

(to Elizabeth)

Welcome Madame.

(She doesn't reply.)

Welcome Lady Elizabeth.

(She still doesn't reply.)

Or should I call you Lady Bruce? I'm a soldier, not a courtier; I can never keep these things straight. Well, why don't you answer?

ELIZABETH

Were you talking to me, sir? I'm sorry if I had trouble hearing you, my health isn't what it used to be. That happens when you've lived in a cage.

EDWARD II

You're out of your cage now, Madame.

ELIZABETH

You know, I think I did hear you, but I didn't think you were talking to me.

EDWARD II

Who else is in the room?

ELIZABETH

I thought you were talking to some Lady Elizabeth.

EDWARD II

Isn't that you?

ELIZABETH

No sir, I am Queen Elizabeth, and the proper form of address is "your majesty", though I will settle for "my lady".

EDWARD II

No shrewishness please Madame, I get enough of that from my wife. I hoped a Scot would have simpler manners.

ELIZABETH

Actually, I'm from Ulster. In fact sir, I'm the daughter of the Earl of Ulster.

EDWARD II

You say that like I'm supposed to be impressed.

ELIZABETH

You are, sir. He is a powerful lord...

EDWARD II

who knows what his title would be worth if he rebelled against me. And will you stop calling me "sir".

ELIZABETH

No, sir, I will not while you refuse to recognize my royalty.

EDWARD II

All right, I will address you as "my lady", but the title means nothing other than I don't like playing games.

ELIZABETH

Very well, my lord.

(pause)

Why have you had me brought here, my lord?

EDWARD II

You have put me off my purpose mada...my lady. All right, the reason I sent for you is to offer you a chance for freedom.

ELIZABETH

Under what terms?

EDWARD II

I want you to convince your husband to make peace.

ELIZABETH

What sort of peace?

EDWARD II

I will recognize him as king. In return, he must pay reparations for costs of the war and pay homage to me as his overlord.

ELIZABETH

I'd laugh if I could laugh anymore. Another effect of being in a cage.

EDWARD II

God's blood Madame, that was my father's doing, not mine.

ELIZABETH

You captured me, and I don't recall you interceding on my behalf. If you were so concerned for my welfare, you could have released me before now.

EDWARD II

I haven't released you yet. You should show the humility that goes with being a captive.

ELIZABETH

What if I say "no"?

EDWARD II

Then you'll remain a prisoner. But think of the good you could do both countries. I would be grateful to you, and in time so would your husband. I'm sure as fetching a woman as you could charm him into peace in a short time.

ELIZABETH

I see you're new at giving compliments.

EDWARD II

Just give me a straight answer. Will you do it?

ELIZABETH

What's to stop me staying with my husband and remaining free?

EDWARD II

You will not be going to your husband's court. I will find some neutral location and allow him to bring only a small party while you remain heavily guarded. I expect you to bring back the treaty with his seal on it. Then I'll give you your final release. If you do escape, I will eventually defeat your husband and capture you again, and believe me I can find much harsher conditions for your punishment.

ELIZABETH

My husband will not agree, and he would disown me if I brought this to him. Besides, you must be in trouble if you're even making this offer.

EDWARD II

Can't you just believe I prefer peace? The language of my offer is simple enough.

ELIZABETH

No. Take me back to my prison. I need more hardening.

EDWARD II

Fine. I'll just find somebody else.

(lights fade)

Guard, take her back.

(blackout as Elizabeth exits.)

Scene 2

(Bruce's office. Bruce is attending to paperwork. There's a knock at the door.)

BRUCE

Yes?

EDWARD

It's your brother.

BRUCE

Come in. I'll be right with you, I just want to finish this. I was always slow at math.

(Bruce finishes working and while talking to Edward he melts wax on the document and places his seal on it.)

Now, what is it?

EDWARD

I have some good news from Stirling.

BRUCE

You took the castle?

EDWARD

No.

BRUCE

Then what are you doing here?

EDWARD

The castle will soon be ours.

BRUCE

How so?

EDWARD

I have arranged a truce with the castle governor.

BRUCE

A truce?

EDWARD

Yes, a truce. We've done it before.

BRUCE

For how long?

EDWARD

Patience brother, as you're always counseling me, I'm telling you. King Edward must send an army to relieve the castle within one year's time. If he doesn't, the governor will surrender the castle to us.

BRUCE

A year?!

EDWARD

By midsummer's day next year.

BRUCE

You fool! You complete and utter fool!

EDWARD

What?

BRUCE

Don't you have any idea of what you've done? You've brought a disaster upon us!

EDWARD

I am no fool and this is no disaster. Edward will not be able to relieve Stirling.

BRUCE

And what makes you so sure?

EDWARD

He won't resolve his problems with his barons in time to mount another invasion. If he tries, it will be so weak that it will peter out like the last one.

BRUCE

On the contrary, this is just what he needs to rally his barons to his side. A lesser castle he might ignore, a truce of a few months would be too short, but a year? For the most important castle in Scotland, the castle he has to hold for a successful invasion? Brother, what you've done is challenged him to single combat in front of the whole world! He can't ignore that, nor can even his most rebellious barons. They will have to flock to his side or bear this insult to the whole country. In a year's time he can raise every levy in England and Wales, he'll have soldiers from Ireland and his dominions in France, plus every freelance knight in Europe.

EDWARD

You overstate things.

BRUCE

Overstate! How are we supposed to repel an army like that? We'll be hiding in the hills again. We're betting this whole war, the whole kingdom, on one roll of the dice!

EDWARD

Good, let's have one open battle and decide the matter. I have no patience for sieges and ambushes.

BRUCE

So I've noticed.

EDWARD

One roll of the dice suits me fine.

BRUCE

But his dice have higher numbers than ours.

(blackout)

Scene 3

(The Scottish spearmen are being trained to fight in a ring formation called a schiltron. MacIntyre, Ian, Donald, and other soldiers enter marching in formation.)

MACINTYRE

Squad halt. Most of you men are new at this, so I want you to pay close attention. When the English come, the training stops, regardless of how far along you are. Now, this is going to be a different sort of fighting from anything you've done before...

DONALD

Sergeant, why am I here? I've been doing this for years.

MACINTYRE

You know what else you've been doing for years? You've been slow to get up in the morning, straggling during marches, showing up late for watches, and you were even born late I'll warrant! Of more immediate importance, you were caught drinking during your watch last night! That's why you get to do some extra marching today.

IAN

Why am I here?

MACINTYRE

Because anything he was doing, you must have been doing it too! Now, the first rule is never break your ranks, no matter what happens. Your lives and the lives of the men next to you depend upon you staying right where you are. I don't care how thick the arrows are or how many knights come charging at you; if you don't hold your lines you are dead. If you run away, the enemy cavalry will hunt you down. If your enemy runs and you go after him, all he has to do is turn around, and all of a sudden there's you with your little spear against an archer that's flinging arrows at you, or maybe you're facing an armored knight on his horse, which can seem awe-inspiringly big right at that moment. In short, you can't fight a man on a horse when you're on foot. I also guarantee you'll never catch an archer, leave him for our cavalry to cut down. What you can do is stay in your formation. Horses hate running onto spears and will usually turn back. You block the paths of advancing units and provide shelter for our own cavalry and archers.

IAN

Why can't they bring their own tents? (soldiers laugh)

MACINTYRE

Ian, step forward please. Face the other men. Now, please demonstrate how we prepare to meet a cavalry charge.

(Ian takes one step forward with his left foot, turns his right foot sideways, places the butt of his spear in his right instep, leans forward, places his left elbow on his left knee and holds the spear at an angle to spear a horse in the chest.)

MACINTYRE

I want all you men to observe this. The spear is aimed at the horse, not the rider. When a horse runs onto the spear, that will be enough to throw the rider, who will then be easily killed. That spear gets heavy after a while, doesn't it Ian?

IAN

Yes sergeant.

MACINTYRE

We usually go into this position only when the enemy charges because you can't hold this position a long time. Isn't that true, Ian?

IAN

Yes sergeant.

MACINTYRE

Would you like to get up?

IAN

Thank you sergeant.

MACINTYRE

Not yet. I want all you men to study his position. Take a good, long look.

(All look at Ian, whose arm is starting to shake.)

All right, fall back into line.

(Ian does so.)

All of you, prepare to receive cavalry.

(They assume Ian's former position.)

That's all right for a first time, you'll have to get much faster at it. Stand up. We'll try it again. Prepare to receive cavalry.

(Randolph and Douglas enter.)

RANDOLPH

Sergeant MacIntyre...

MACINTYRE

Yes my lord.

(to soldiers)

Stand up.

RANDOLPH

How goes the training?

MACINTYRE

These men are raw my lord, but I think they'll work out.

RANDOLPH

Time is shorter than we thought. The king wants us to clear the English out of the southern castles before the invasion.

MACINTYRE

They'll be ready my lord.

RANDOLPH

Good. Where are they now?

MACINTYRE

They're learning to receive cavalry.

DOUGLAS</