Telltale sample
Edinburgh, 1715. Rumours are rife about a Jacobite uprising. Doctor Robert Arthur, a local physician who takes a neutral stance, gets a surprise visit from his brother Thomas, a known Jacobite sympathiser. The doctor is alarmed when his brother discloses a Jacobite conspiracy to capture Edinburgh Castle.
THOMAS Robert, I think I know you well. I know you don't take sides.
ROBERT I can't. Because of my profession.
THOMAS I understand. But you're still loyal to the cause?
ROBERT Sympathetic, I'll say.
THOMAS That's good enough. The cause needs every supporter it can muster. And I know I can trust you. I'll tell you straight; the rising has begun. In the highlands. The Earl of Mar has raised the clans. Already he has an army.
ROBERT How large?
THOMAS Almost a thousand strong.
ROBERT Only a thousand....
THOMAS Hundreds more are joining every day. And we've been promised the support of the English Jacobites.
ROBERT Your army's marching south?
THOMAS Soon. I daren't tell you everything. But I can tell you there'll be a French fleet with weapons and troops. What if I told you the King himself will be coming?
ROBERT When?
THOMAS Very soon. After his loyal subjects have secured his capital.
ROBERT That's a daunting task. Troops outside the city and volunteers patrolling the streets.
THOMAS Volunteers? Traitors, you mean. Imagine honest men of Edinburgh turning against their true King and serving the wee German lairdie.
ROBERT Thomas, they're merchants and traders. They've prospered thanks to the union. They've no reason to welcome back the Stuarts.
THOMAS We'll teach them. There's a plan, my plan, in fact. Suppose I told you the castle is virtually ours.
ROBERT The castle! But how? There's a garrison....
THOMAS No more than a hundred men.
ROBERT Still enough to withstand a siege.
THOMAS No siege. That's the value of my plan. Instead, a surprise attack over the walls in darkness. We've men on the inside pledged to help us. A sergeant and two sentries.
ROBERT Jacobites?
THOMAS No, but they've been suitably rewarded.
ROBERT Bribed?
THOMAS Call it what you will.