The Resolute Heart

<p>INT. ROCHESTER'S STUDY - DAY</p><p>Sunlight thick with dancing dust motes streams into a </p><p>venerable study. JOHN FISHER 60s Bishop of Rochester sits </p><p>at a large wooden desk. His clerical robes are simple yet </p><p>of fine quality. His gnarled hands bearing the marks of age </p><p>and study trace the vellum pages of an ancient text. The </p><p>room is a sanctuary lined with towering bookshelves </p><p>religious artifacts glinting in the light. The air is still </p><p>pregnant with devotion and intellect.</p><p>A distant bell tolls its resonance a steady beat marking </p><p>the passage of time and the unwavering rhythm of Fisher's </p><p>life. He pauses his brow furrowed in concentration then </p><p>slowly turns a page.</p><p>FISHER</p><p>...and the Word was made flesh and dwelt </p><p>among us...</p><p>He closes his eyes a flicker of a smile gracing his lips </p><p>then opens them his gaze sharp and focused as he returns to </p><p>his reading.</p><p>FADE OUT.</p><p>INT. GREAT HALL - DAY</p><p>The Great Hall of Greenwich Palace is a spectacle of </p><p>opulence. Sunlight streams through arched windows </p><p>illuminating a throng of courtiers their silks and velvets </p><p>a riot of color. Amidst the buzz of conversations and the </p><p>clinking of goblets KING HENRY VIII late 20s a force of </p><p>nature in rich velvet and ermine strides purposefully. He </p><p>is undeniably regal his presence commanding.</p><p>Henry spots JOHN FISHER Bishop of Rochester standing </p><p>slightly apart from the main throng. He claps Fisher </p><p>heartily on the shoulder a gesture of familiar camaraderie </p><p>that draws surprised glances.</p><p>HENRY VIII</p><p>Ah Bishop! Just the man I was seeking. Still </p><p>poring over your books I imagine?</p><p>Fisher turns a practiced composed smile on his face. He </p><p>inclines his head respectfully his gaze steady.</p><p>FISHER Your Majesty. </p><p>Always ready to serve.</p><p>HENRY VIII</p><p>Serve yes but also to advise! This matter of </p><p>the French alliance... it weighs on my mind.</p><p>3.</p><p>Their king is a slippery eel and our </p><p>counselors offer only conflicting tides. What </p><p>say you wise Bishop? Your counsel has never </p><p>failed me.</p><p>Henry leans in his tone conspiratorial his eyes bright </p><p>with anticipation. Fisher considers the King the gilded </p><p>tapestries of royal triumphs behind him a silent testament </p><p>to Henry's ambition.</p><p>FISHER</p><p>Your Majesty alliances are like a house built </p><p>on sand if the foundation is not prayer and </p><p>righteous intent. France may offer much but </p><p>at what spiritual cost?</p><p>Fisher's words are calm measured a quiet counterpoint to</p><p>Henry's boisterous energy. Henry chuckles a deep rumbling </p><p>sound.</p><p>HENRY VIII</p><p>Spiritual cost eh? Always the voice of God's </p><p>own vicar. Yet a king must be pragmatic. </p><p>Still your point is noted Bishop. Your </p><p>words as always are a stone in the turbulent </p><p>waters of my thoughts.</p><p>FADE TO BLACK.</p><p></p><p></p>