opera in yuk-minor (Act 3 scene 2)

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Scene 2

Storyteller

On Thursday, March the 10th, in the year of our Lord, fourteen hundred ninety-six, Cristoforo Colombo left the new world for Spain. Aboard his ship was none other than Father Bishop Louis Paschal. Resolved in his determination to bring an end to the persecution by Tomas de Torquemada and his zealots, the good Father took up the sword and studied the art of fencing. As his skill developed his indignation at all injustice swelled in his heart and soul. He was intent on facing Torquemada and revenging all the years of being denied his one and only true love. This anger was only tempered by the hope of possibly finding Alonso Montilleo alive.

After coming ashore at Palos de la Frontera, Father Paschal bid Cristoforo a hearty thanks and farewell. Donning his clerical garments again, he rushed to the prison in search of his lost love, Alonso.

Guard

Who goes there?

Louis

It is I, Father Louis Paschal.

Guard

Why does one of such nobility grace this hole the Lord has forgotten?

Louis

I come to inquire about a prisoner.

Guard

Father, we have many prisoners here.

Louis

I am searching only for one. His name is Alonso Montilleo. Do thou know of such a man?

Guard

Yes, he is here.

Louis

Then I must see him.

Guard (opening the gate)

When does a priest give last rites to a prisoner?

Louis

Alonso is ill?

Guard

His release is near.

Louis

Let’s hurry. Please take me to him.

Guard (pointing to a man)

There he be.

Louis (gently)

Alonso?

Alonso (weakly)

Who is there? The voice I know. I cannot remember.

Louis

It is I, Louis.

Alonso (coughs)

Louis?!?

Louis

It is I, dear Alonso.

Alonso

I was told you had died.

Louis

And I believed you were dead.

Alonso

It has been so long.

Louis (cradling him in his arms)

If I knew you were here I would have come.

Alonso

Torquemada made me confess. I am so sorry!

Louis

Do not be, my friend. His evilness has ruined many a men.

Alonso

He killed Juan and Pierre.

Louis

This I know.

Alonso

Then he had my eyes gouged so I could never look upon a man again.

Louis

When did he send you here?

Alonso

When he came back from Vatican City. He told me you had confessed and was burnt at the stake.

Louis

The man is full of deceit.

Alonso

And now my time has come.

Louis

So much time has been lost. My only wish is to go back and start anew.

Alonso

If it could be done. But, alas, it is too late.

Louis

Torquemada will pay for his hideous crimes. I vow to thee.

Alonso (coughs)

Your love was always near to me.

Louis

You never left my thoughts.

Alonso

I am tired. My countenance grows weary.

Louis

Sleep well, my love. Rest in peace.

Alonso (dies)

Louis! Louis!!

Louis (with anguish)

Alonso!!! May the Lord be with your soul.

(gently lays Alonso down and turns to the guard)

Have him sent to the monastery in Sevilla.

Guard

I am not able to do so, sire.

Louis (handing him money)

Here is a gold piece. Are you able to do so now?

Guard (bowing)

It will be done.

Louis (leaving the prison and gazing upwards)

Lord of the heavens, why? Why has so little been denied? What is your will when all love has died? What am I to do when all tears have been cried? The cause of this all is a man who will fall! Once again, I make this vow to you: No matter what, Torquemada is through!!

--Hunt You Down, Torquemada

Louis

♫ I’m gonna hunt you down, Torquemada,

I’m gonna hunt you down, you feign.

I’m gonna hunt you down, Torquemada,

I wanta see you beg and scream.

No matter where and no matter how far,

I’ll hunt you down like the scoundrel you are.

I’m gonna hunt you down, Torquemada,

I’m gonna hunt you down, you’ll see.

I’m gonna hunt you down, Torquemada,

I’m gonna cut you ‘til you bleed.