Vendee

Scene 1: A Peaceful VillageEXT. SAINT-FLORENT-DES-BOIS - DAWNThe sun crests the horizon, painting thequaint village of Saint-Florent-des-Boisin golden light. A rooster crows.Children chase each other through thevillage square, their laughter brightand carefree. The imposing stone churchdominates the landscape, its spirereaching towards the heavens. Washinghangs from lines strung between houses, billowing gently in the morning breeze.The air is filled with the scent offreshly baked bread.FATHER MICHELFather Michel, a kind-faced priest inhis late fifties, emerges from thechurch, a worn prayer book clutched inhis hand. He smiles gently at thechildren.FATHER MICHELGood morning, my little lambs!The children scatter, some waving, others bowing politely. Father Micheladjusts his robes, a slight frowncreasing his brow.FATHER MICHELSuch joy... a fragile thing these days.He looks towards Paris, a distant smudgeon the horizon. A villager, MARIE, awoman in her early forties, approaches, her face etched with worry.MARIEFather, have you heard? More unrest in Paris.They say... they say they're coming for our faith.FATHER MICHELcalmlyWe must pray, Marie. Pray for peace, forunderstanding. Our faith is strong, it will notbe broken by whispers of rebellion.MARIEBut Father, the whispers are growing louder. Andthey carry the wind of violence.FATHER MICHELThen let our prayers be louder still. Let ourfaith be our shield.He pats her hand reassuringly, but hiseyes hold a deep concern. The churchbells begin to toll, a solemn sound thatcontrasts sharply with the earliercheerful atmosphere.FATHER MICHELCome, Marie. It is time for Mass.FADE OUT.

Pages: 186, Paperback, Dr. Ant