Calais chief executioner is given an assignment to execute the Queen, Anne Boleyn. But for Jean
this is either the pinnacle of a gruesome career or the chance to do some good in life.

SYNOPSIS:

In Calais a rogue is publicly beheaded by sword. JEAN ROMBAUD is then informed Henry V111

schemes to be rid of his wife to marry another. Jean will be paid 100 crowns which will set up the

fencing school he has longed to establish. With RAOUL his nephew, he is also requested to escort

Lady ROSELYN to her family home in London. Before leaving Jean must visit his apothecary.

Roselyn's servant CASSANDRA does not approve of the familiarity between Roselyn and Raoul.

Arriving in London Roselyn is shocked to learn she is to be married for great advantage to her

family to NIGEL who she hates for his cruel and arrogant ways.

Before being taken to execution Jean gives ANNE BOLEYN a calming drink. After Anne then

declares her innocence, Jean's sword swings to ends her life.

Celebrations take place for Henry's betrothal. Roselyn persuades Raoul to join in the merry-making.

Soon Raoul has a lifeless drunk on his hands who he has to return home. He is confronted by Nigel

who accuses him of drugging Roselyn to abduct her. Raoul wounds Nigel and is arrested.

Raoul is found guilty of abduction and attempted murder. Nigel is the son of Jean's old foe, now a

favourite at court. Jean had fought him over Nigel's mother twenty years before. Old wounds are

opened meaning Jean and HOWARD are to duel once again.

CROMWELL gives Jean a cruel ultimatum. Win the duel and he can execute Raoul. If he loses but

remains alive, they can both return to Calais. Roselyn arranges for Nigel's mother and Jean to meet

secretly. She admits her love for him, how her ambitious family made her marry Howard and how

Jean was drugged before their original duel.

Jean is far more superior and easily beats Howard, humiliating him in front of the king and forcing

him to admit his previous deceit. Jean's brother is a clever magician. As Raoul is about to be

executed a hooded priest is in attendance. Jean presents the severed head to the guards who act as

witnesses then deceive Cromwell.

Travelling to Dover Jean joins his brother as their ship is being loaded. A magic cabinet opens and

out step a happy Raoul with Roselyn. In mid-channel Jean looks at his sword with nostalgia one last

time then lets it slip from his fingers down to the depths below.

This screenplay has won BEST HISTORICAL SCREENPLAY at Best Script Awards 2024 using its other title The Queen's Swordsman.

Adapted from my book The Sword of Calais using my pen name Paul Meachair.

paulmaher53@yahoo.co.uk