Scene 15: The Last Refuge
Exterior CITY OF SANCTIS – DAY
Days have passed since the undead horde began its unstoppable rampage. The once-thriving province has been reduced to a desolate wasteland, with any survivors fleeing to the nearby city of Sanctis. The military and soldiers, despite their best efforts, have found their weapons useless against the dark magic animating the undead. The city has become a refuge for those who have escaped the horrors, its streets filled with the frightened and displaced.
Exterior CITY GATES – DAY
Beatrice stands among the crowd of survivors, her face a picture of fear and exhaustion. She has long, wavy brown hair and striking blue eyes that now reflect the terror she has witnessed. Her clothes are worn and dirty from the journey, and her hands tremble as she clutches a small, wooden cross.
A city guard, a tall man with a stern face and kind eyes, stands at the gates, trying to reassure the newcomers.
CITY GUARD
(reassuringly)
You’re safe now. The city of Sanctis will protect you. The nearby cathedral has sent word from the bishop that the Holy Order is ready to fight against the undead. We must all pray to God and place our hearts in His hands.
Beatrice nods, still dazed and confused, and makes her way towards the nearby church, seeking sanctuary and solace. The streets of Sanctis are bustling with activity, filled with people preparing for the looming battle. The air is thick with a sense of urgency and desperation.
Exterior CHURCH OF SANCTIS – DAY
The church is a grand structure, its stone walls adorned with religious symbols and stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible. Beatrice enters the church, her footsteps echoing on the marble floor. The interior is filled with the soft murmur of prayers and the flickering light of candles.
Interior CHURCH OF SANCTIS – DAY
Beatrice approaches the altar, her eyes filled with tears. She kneels, clasping her hands together, and begins to pray.
BEATRICE
(whispering)
Dear God, please help us. Protect us from this evil. I don’t know what to do. Please, show us the way.
As she prays, a priest approaches her. He is Father Gabriel, a man in his late forties with a calm demeanor and wise eyes. His dark hair is streaked with gray, and his face is lined with years of service and deep knowledge. He wears the traditional robes of a priest, adorned with symbols of his faith. Father Gabriel is well-versed in demonology and has been preparing for this moment when the Order of the Crossinium would be called to fight against demons and the undead.
FATHER GABRIEL
(gently)
My child, you seem troubled. What brings you here today?
Beatrice looks up, her eyes meeting his. There is a brief moment of silence before she speaks.
BEATRICE
(softly)
Father, I’ve fled from the province. The undead… they destroyed everything. I don’t know what to do. I came here seeking refuge, but I’m so scared.
Father Gabriel nods, his eyes filled with compassion and understanding. He senses something divine about her but can’t quite place it.
FATHER GABRIEL
(calmly)
You are safe here, my child. The Lord watches over you. We are preparing to face this evil, and with God’s help, we will prevail. Tell me, what is your name?
BEATRICE
(sobbing)
Beatrice. My name is Beatrice.
FATHER GABRIEL
(comfortingly)
Beatrice, you have endured much, but do not lose hope. The Holy Order has been called, and we are ready to stand against the darkness. You are not alone in this fight.
Beatrice nods, taking comfort in his words. She looks around the church, seeing the other survivors praying and preparing.
BEATRICE
(tentatively)
Father, do you really think we can stop them? The undead… they seem unstoppable.
FATHER GABRIEL
(firmly)
With faith, all things are possible. The power of light and love is stronger than any darkness. The Order of the Crossinium has been preparing for this battle for generations. We know the ways of the demons and the undead, and we will fight with all our strength.
Beatrice listens intently, her fear slowly being replaced by a glimmer of hope. Father Gabriel’s presence is reassuring, and his words are like a balm to her troubled soul.
BEATRICE
(whispering)
I want to help. I don’t know how, but I want to do something. I can’t just sit and wait.
Father Gabriel smiles, placing a hand on her shoulder.
FATHER GABRIEL
(gently)
Your willingness to help is a testament to your courage and faith. There are many ways to contribute. Prayer is powerful, and your prayers will strengthen us. If you wish to do more, we can find a way for you to assist the Order in their preparations.
Beatrice feels a sense of purpose beginning to form within her. She looks at Father Gabriel, her eyes filled with determination.
BEATRICE
(resolutely)
I want to do whatever I can, Father. Please, show me how I can help.
Father Gabriel nods, feeling a sense of pride and admiration for her bravery.
FATHER GABRIEL
(softly)
Come with me, Beatrice. There is much to be done, and every hand, every heart, is needed. Together, we will stand strong against this darkness.
As they walk through the church, Father Gabriel explains the preparations being made by the Order of the Crossinium. He tells her about the sacred weapons and relics being gathered, the prayers and rituals being performed, and the strategies being planned.
FATHER GABRIEL
(continuing)
The Order of the Crossinium was founded centuries ago, with the purpose of protecting the world from demonic forces. We have faced many challenges, but this… this is unlike anything we have seen. Your presence here, Beatrice, is a sign. I sense something divine within you, though I cannot yet understand what it is.
Beatrice listens, feeling a mixture of awe and responsibility. She looks at the priests and acolytes around her, all working with a sense of purpose and dedication.
BEATRICE
(humbly)
I am just one person, Father. How can I make a difference?
FATHER GABRIEL
(earnestly)
One person can make all the difference, Beatrice. Your faith, your courage, and your willingness to stand with us give hope to others. Never underestimate the power of a single soul in the fight against darkness.
As they continue their conversation, Father Gabriel shows Beatrice how to assist with the preparations. She helps organize supplies, joins in the prayers, and learns about the sacred rituals that will be performed.
BEATRICE
(determined)
I will do everything I can, Father. For my family, for my home, and for everyone who has suffered.
FATHER GABRIEL
(smiling warmly)
And that, Beatrice, is all anyone can ask. Together, we will face this darkness, and with God’s grace, we will prevail.
The scene ends with Beatrice and Father Gabriel working side by side, their faith and determination shining brightly in the face of the impending battle. The city of Sanctis, now a beacon of hope, prepares for the fight that will determine its fate.
FADE OUT.
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