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Storyteller
Sworn to secrecy and in great despair, Father Louis Paschal returned to the monastery in Sevilla. His ideals to be the next pope and his desire to change the Church’s intolerant views had been dashed to pieces. Only on the direct orders of Pope Innocent VIII was his life spared by the relentless and unforgiving Inquisitor General Tomas de Torquemada. Now, these tragic events would be enough for any one story. But there is more to be told.
It is late summer in the year of our Lord, fourteen hundred eighty-six. Two years have passed as Father Paschal continued his ministry to the village. Most were surprised when he returned from Vatican City. They had believed he would be elected the successor of Sixtus IV. His refusal to reveal any details led many to wonder and try to imagine the secret doings of the Holy See. Not only was he not chosen, but the good Father had become serious and solemn. He was a changed man. It was as if his spirit had been broken.
Many of the village showed concern for Father Paschal. None the least was Beatriz Enriquex de Arana. Watch as she timidly approaches the bishop.
Beatriz
Excuse me, Father. I have brought thee bread.
Louis
Thank you, Beatriz. Place it on the table.
Beatriz
Father, may I speak with candor?
Louis
In times like these, truthfulness is not appreciated. In fact, it can be quite dangerous.
Beatriz
Then I will not speak.
Louis
My deepest apologies, dear Beatriz. Any thing you say will stay with me.
Beatriz
Father, I know my love for you is stronger than any you have for me. But, for two years now, you’ve had a sadness that all can plainly see.
Louis
It is a gloom that will never heal. A sadness of the heart is what I feel.
Beatriz
Father, love cures all. No matter how big. No matter how small.
Louis
But dear, Beatriz, love is my disease. There is no remedy for me.
Beatriz
If only you had such love for me!
Louis
I am deeply sorry, faithful one. The love I have lost can never be replaced. Death has touched. It has sealed my fate.
Beatriz
You have lost love and I have lost thee.
Louis
Beatriz, you well know I have a fondness, too. But I’ve never confessed love. Not to you.
Beatriz
This I am aware. Though you don’t love, at least you care.
Louis
Let time work its magic and then you will see. Love be nearby and it is waiting for thee.
Beatriz (stepping to the side)
I will wait, Father. I will wait.
--I Bare My Love
Louis
♫ I bare my love, I bare my soul,
I’d share my love but it’s grown cold.
There is no one to share with me a life of joy and serenity.
I bare my love, I bare my heart,
I’ve shared my love, I’ve done my part.
There is nothing else I can tell, no cure to make my heart feel well.
I bare it all, I bare my love,
I pray to God, way up above,
Send a miracle remedy and take this pain away from me.
I pray.
I pray as I bare my love! ♫
Beatriz (from the side)
♫ I bare my love, I bare my soul,
I’d share my love but it’s grown cold.
There is no one to share with me a life of joy and serenity.
I bare my love, I bare my heart,
I’ve shared my love, I’ve done my part.
There is nothing else I can tell, no cure to make my heart feel well.
I bare it all, I bare my love,
I pray to God, way up above,
Send a miracle remedy and take this pain away from me.
I pray.
I pray as I bare my love! ♫
Louis & Beatriz
♫ I bare it all, I bare my love,
I pray to God, way up above,
Send a miracle remedy and take this pain away from me.
I pray.
I pray as I bare my love!
I bare—my—love—. ♫
Cristoforo (approaching Louis)
Pardon me, Father. May I have council with you?
Louis
Cristoforo! How does the world treat you today?
Cristoforo
As well as I’m accustom. Friar Marchena sends his regards.
Louis
Ah, dear Friar Marchena. I pray he’s well.
Cristoforo
Yes, very well. He has become a dear friend since we share the same vision.
Louis
Your vision of sailing to the east by going west?
Cristoforo
Indeed, Father. I know I am right. The Friar and I spent many nights under the stars at La Rabida debating and making my plans.
Louis
Queen Isabella has smiled with favor on you.
Cristoforo
Yes, but that is all. The war with the Muslims takes most of the king’s attention.
Louis
He has little time for other matters?
Cristoforo
Indeed. He is determined to finish this war that was begun centuries ago. I only pray the end comes quickly.
Louis
Are ye able to live until then?
Cristoforo
Yes, thanks to the graciousness of the queen. She provides for me while I stay here in Sevilla. But I have this eagerness to begin my quest.
Louis
And what of thy own needs?
Cristoforo
It has been hard since Felipa died. Our son Diego misses his mother and so do I. He is such a tender age.
Louis
He needs a mother and you need a comforter.
Cristoforo
Alas, there is no one.
Louis (directing Cristoforo’s attention toward Beatriz in the distance)
There is a fair maiden.
Cristoforo
Such beauty cannot be alone.
Louis
She is alone and ripe for the taking.
Cristoforo
Shyness prevents me. Father, will you intercede?
Louis
For you, my friend.
(Calls to Beatriz)
Beatriz, will you join me and my friend?
Beatriz (approaching the two men)
Yes, Father?
Louis
Have you become acquainted with my friend, Cristoforo Colombo?
Beatriz
No, Father.
Louis
Cristoforo, this is the fair maiden Beatriz Enriquex de Arana.
Cristoforo
A vision of beauty!
Beatriz
Thou flatter this lowly peasant.
Louis
Cristoforo has come from the royal court.
Beatriz
You have met King Ferdinand? And Queen Isabella?
Louis
Indeed, he has. The Queen is maintaining his expenses while he resides in our fair village.
Cristoforo
The Father brags of me too much. I am but a humble explorer awaiting to prove my theories.
Louis
Beatriz, please show Cristoforo our fair village and countryside. After all, he is an explorer.
Cristoforo
Will the maiden honor me?
Louis
And Cristoforo shall tell thee of the royal court.
Beatriz (taking Cristoforo’s arm)
I beg, please tell me all about the King and Queen.
Cristoforo (following Beatriz’s lead as they leave the monastery)
I shall, but let us see the city. I have already partaken of its beauty.
Louis (watching the two leave)
Ah, the seed has been planted. Love will surely grow.
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