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THE BEAST OF GEVAUDAN

by

Paul Williams





SCENE   FOREST

SHEEP BLEATING IN BACKGROUND. A GIRL RUNS DOWN A STEEP UNEVEN HILL, 
FRIGHTENED. 

ANNETTE:	(V.O.) Wolves are not dangerous to people. People in the Gevaudan 
have known that for years. We worked in the same forests, the same fields, 
always keeping an eye on our sheep and accepting that the odd animal would be 
taken by the grey ones but never believing that we were in danger.

A WOLF HOWLS IN THE DISTANCE 

ANNETTE:	(V.O.) Then it changed and I was nearly a victim.

THE GIRL RUNS FASTER AND FASTER. THE HOWLING DRAWS NEARER AND THE WOLF BEGINS 
TO CHASE.  MEN RUN UPHILL, THE GIRL STOPS, RELIEVED AND OUT OF BREATH. THE 
WOLF SNARLS AND FLEES

SCENE   MICHEAL’S HOME

MICHAEL:	Have another brandy girl? It will do you good.

ANNETTE: 	I thought the beast was going to kill me. I just ran and ran then 
the others came. 

MICHAEL:	You were lucky. I wish I could say the same for Agnes and the 
others.

ANNETTE:	And tomorrow? Must I take out the sheep again?

MICHAEL:	Your brother will go with you.

ANNETTE:	It’s killed men before.

MICHAEL:	It’s never attacked two people. We won’t let it beat us.

ANNETTE:	I know. I can’t help being scared.

MICHAEL:	We’re all frightened Annette. Yes, even me.

ANNETTE:	You father?

MICHAEL:	We must conquer fear together. 

ANNETTE:  	Do you think of Agnes?

MICHAEL:	I’m more concerned with my daughter who lives. The beast won’t 
take a second one. 

SCENE  OUTSIDE THE CHURCH

A LARGE MIXED CROWD HAS GATHERED TO HEAR THE PRIEST SPEAK. 

FATHER PIERRE:	That is the message from the bishop. We must stand together 
and pray to defeat this evil. The beast is a judgment for our sins but it can 
be taken away.

CHASTEL:                         What sins had Agnes committed Father? 

FATHER PIERRE:	Your feelings for Agnes are well known Jean and I have no 
doubt that she is now in heaven. The punishment is for the sins of the 
village. All of us have contributed to Agnes’s death by our immoral and 
ungodly behaviour.

CHASTEL:	Why weren’t we slain then? Why her and the others? Why not you 
and me?

MURMURS OF AGREEMENT

FATHER PIERRE:	It is a warning. A warning that nobody is safe.

CHASTEL:	Not if they go up the hills or into the meadows. The rest of us 
are fine. We can sin all we like in our own homes.

FATHER PIERRE:	God’s judgment is everywhere.

CHASTEL:	If we abstain from our bad behaviour for a week can you guarantee 
that the beast won’t return?

SOME LAUGHTER

FATHER PIERRE:	I have no control over God’s decisions and it would be 
wisest not to mock.

CHASTEL:	It wasn’t a divine decision to burn my ancestors? Maybe the beast 
is a punishment for that crime. Did the bishop consider that?

FATHER PIERRE:	We must not dwell on the past or start arguing amongst 
ourselves.

CHASTEL:	My ancestors weren’t allowed to voice their opinions either.

FATHER PIERRE	We live in more enlightened times now.

CHASTEL:	We’re still afraid of what we don’t understand.

FATHER PIERRE:	And only God can grant us true understanding provided we 
honour him and do not break his commandments.

SCENE   OUTSIDE TAVERN:	

HORSES GALLOP UP, CARRYING SEVERAL MEN. THERE IS SHOUTING AND MOVEMENT AS 
WEAPONS AND LUGGAGE ARE UNLOADED. THEN HEAVY MILITARY BOOTS MARCH INTO THE 
TAVERN

SCENE   TAVERN

THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE DRINKING BUT THE ATMOSPHERE IS SUBDUED. AS THE 
HEAVY BOOTS OF SOLDIERS MARCH IN SILENCE FALLS.

ANTOINE:	Are you the landlord?

MICHAEL:	I am indeed sir.

ANTOINE:	I am Antoine de Beauret, wolf-hunter to his majesty King Louis 
XIV. I am here to destroy the beast that has been terrorising you for the 
past nine months.

MICHAEL:                          If it can be destroyed.

ANTOINE:	My men are the finest hunters in France. We shall succeed. I 
personally have killed over four hundred wolves. 

CHASTEL:	(LOW) Amateur.

ANTOINE:	Do you have a room available?

MICHAEL:	Just one sir.

ANTOINE:	One is all I need. The soldiers can sleep outside.

MURMURMINGS OF DISCONTENT

ANTOINE:	Silence.

MICHAEL:	The rates are reasonable sir.

ANTOINE:	Rates? What is this talk of money? You would charge an emissary 
of the King?

MICHAEL:	I have to live sir.

ANTOINE:	The soldiers will pay for their drinks. How many people request 
the room at this time of year?

MICHAEL:	You’re the first sir but…

ANTOINE:	No buts. We are here to do you a favour. Ensure the soldiers are 
fed and watered. I shall be at the church if anyone requires me.

CHASTEL:	Prayers will not bring you success.

ANTOINE:	Hunting expertise will. 

CHASTEL:	Expertise. What can a city dweller know of this region? Your 
wolves were they all killed in a park?

SOME LAUGHTER

ANTOINE:	Do you not want your children protected?

CHASTEL:	We fight our own battles.

ANTOINE:	With what? Pitch forks and spades. Leave this to the 
professionals.

CHASTEL:	If the army is so professional then why hasn’t it conquered 
Europe?

ANTOINE:	It will my friend. It will. 

SCENE   PRESBETRY

ANTOINE IS EATING AND SIPPING WINE

FATHER PIERRE:	You are most welcome. I trust the journey was pleasant.

ANTOINE:	Tolerable. It is good hunting country.

FATHER PIERRE:	The beast has found it so.

ANTOINE:	And the stories are all true? His majesty thought there might be 
some exaggeration.

FATHER PIERRE:	Inevitably the facts will have been embellished but I have 
buried fifteen victims so far and three of them in the past fortnight.

ANTOINE:	None of the wolves slain by my sword were man-eaters. I never 
thought I would encounter one. 

FATHER PIERRE:	This may not be a wolf.

ANTOINE:	What else could it be?

FATHER PIERRE:	Divine punishment, Satan, another animal altogether or a 
werewolf. Those are the alternatives.

ANTOINE:	So the people here are as backward as I was led to believe. There 
are no werewolves. 

FATHER PIERRE:	Less than a century ago three were executed in this 
district. I understand that there have also been executions in Paris in 
recent times.

ANTOINE:	Of lunatics who killed and raped children under the delusion of 
lycanthropy.

FATHER PIERRE:	You may call it madness. Some would call it possession.

ANTOINE:	Is that what you believe? That your flock are being killed by men 
who change into wolves?

FATHER PIERRE:	Nobody, in history, has witnessed such a spate of ferocious 
attacks by a wild animal, save for those which were rabid.

ANTOINE:	Six months is a long-time to survive rabies.

FATHER PIERRE:	Too long. Besides rabies hampers intelligence. This beast 
has hidden itself well from hunters.

ANTOINE:	It will not hide from mine.

FATHER PIERRE:	When your soldiers march into the thicket all wildlife will 
take fright and vanish.

ANTOINE:	We will find its den.

FATHER PIERRE:	If it is a mortal animal and has a den you may discover it. 
I do not have much confidence.

ANTOINE:	So you do favour a supernatural explanation?

FATHER PIERRE:	The terrain is large and the beast knows it better than 
your men. I don’t regard God as supernatural; he works within the hearts of 
men.

ANTOINE:	But not the hearts of animals surely?

FATHER PIERRE:	He controls all of nature. Everything from the tiniest 
insect to the largest wolf. Only humans refuse to do his bidding and 
therefore he will utilise the powers of nature to punish them.

ANTOINE:	When I see wolves dragging people from the brothels of Paris I 
might start believing.

SCENE   TAVERN

THINGS ARE GETTING SLIGHTLY RAUCOUS WITH THE SOLDIERS SHOUTING AND 
OCCASIONALLY BREAKING INTO DRUNKEN SONG

CHASTEL:	France’s finest.

MICHAEL:	You can see why there is unrest against the king.

CHASTEL:	Ssh? You talk treason in a pub full of soldiers.

MICHAEL:	Look at them ogling the ladies. I prefer my Agnes dead than in 
their hands.

CHASTEL:	Annette had better not come to the bar tonight.

MICHAEL                          She may be needed to serve.

CHASTEL:                         She has been in the field all day.

MICHAEL:	If this lot continue at the rate they’re going and we get the 
farmers in then we will need extra people serving.

CHASTEL:	You could always refuse to serve the soldiers. They need to stay 
alert if they are scouring the woods tomorrow.

MICHAEL:	I’m happy to take their money. It will pay for the balance of 
Agnes’s funeral.

CHASTEL:	Don’t keep talking about Agnes.

MICHAEL:	I know how you feel. 

CHASTEL:                         Do you?	

MICHAEL:	Annette is identical in character as well as looks. I would have 
no objections if you transferred your interest.

CHASTEL:	This is not the time to plan a wedding. 

MICHAEL:	I think it would be a good time. The announcement would make it 
easier for you.

CHASTEL:	A public display of trust from you would indeed enhance my 
standing in the community. If I was unduly bothered about the perceptions of 
my peers.

MICHAEL:	Some of the men are spreading rumours.

CHASTEL:	That witchcraft and the lycanthropic gene in particular are 
inherited.

MICHAEL:	That’s the gist and I don’t like it.

CHASTEL:	No more do I.

ANTOINE ARRIVES IN A BAD MOOD

ANTOINE:	(SHOUTS) Get out. All of you. You’re a disgrace to his majesty. 

MUMBLING AND SWEARING THE SOLDIERS DEPART

ANTOINE:	Two of you patrol the village all night.

CHASTEL:	The beast has never come down to the village. Nor does it hunt at 
night.

ANTOINE:	Surely you will sleep more soundly knowing that you are 
protected.

CHASTEL:	I’m sure the women will be reassured even if their husbands 
aren’t.

ANTOINE:	If any of my men harass the women here they will be punished. You 
have my word on that.

SCENE   OUTSIDE BLACKSMITH’S:	

CHASTEL WALKING SLOWLY AND EXHALING IN FEAR

FATHER PIERRE:	Bit late for a social call to the blacksmith’s isn’t it 
Jean? Especially when unaccompanied by a horse. 

CHASTEL:	Father (PAUSE) I was just (PAUSE) passing by.

FATHER PIERRE:	Show me what he has made for you.

CHASTEL:	Nothing.

FATHER PIERRE:	Show me.

JANGLING SOUND AS CHASTEL REMOVES SOMETHING FROM HIS POCKETS

FATHER PIERRE:	Silver bullets, Jean? 

CHASTEL:	You know the stories father.

FATHER PIERRE:	I know the rumours that connected the blacksmith’s family 
with yours. A friendship that goes back centuries.

CHASTEL:	We haven’t done anything.

FATHER PIERRE:	You understand the black art and now you protect yourself. 
Just remember this Jean Chastel, a bullet will kill any living creature. The 
colour is irrelevant.

CHASTEL:	And if the creature doesn’t live, father? What then?

FATHER PIERRE:	It cannot be killed.

FATHER PIERRE WALKS AWAY. CHASTEL, STLL FRIGHTENED, LISTENS TO THE FOOTSTEPS 
WHICH FADE TO BE REPLACED BY THE HEAVIER TREAD OF A SOLDIER

SOLDIER:	You there. What are you doing out here?

CHASTEL:	What business is it of yours?

SOLDIER:	I am empowered to enforce the curfew.

CHASTEL:	Curfew? This isn’t Paris; the streets are safe at night.

SOLDIER:	Antoine wishes to protect everyone from the beast.

CHASTEL:	We protect ourselves. See (PAUSE) look there.

SOLDIER:	Silver bullets.

CHASTEL:	 Your weapons may not work soldier. Be afraid.

CHASTEL STARTS TO WALK AWAY

SOLDIER:	Stop. Where are you going?

CHASTEL:	Home, soldier. I’m going home.

FOOTSTEPS FADE AWAY. THE SOLDIER STANDS STILL. A WOLF HOWLS IN THE DISTANCE.. 
THE SOLDIER BECOMES ALERT AND NERVOUS. THE HEAVY BREATHING OF AN ANIMAL IS 
HEARD, THE SOLDIER TAKES A FEW PACES BACK, EXCLAIMS IN ALARM THEN THERE IS A 
HEAVY THUD AS SOMETHING CRASHES HIM INTO HIM.

SCENE   OUTSIDE BLACKSMITH’S

A CROWD HAS GATHERED, WORRIED AND CONCERNED

ANTOINE:	Prepare the corpse for burial. Send word to Paris to alert his 
family. Also say that nobody should enter the village from now on.

FATHER PIERRE:	You cannot enclose the village, Antoine. We may be isolated 
but there are essential contacts needed with our neighbours.

ANTOINE:	I cannot put anyone else at risk.

FATHER PIERRE:	The wolf has now penetrated the fold. It chose not to 
attack a local girl but a grown soldier. There were horses in the stables, 
chickens and sheep in the pens. Yet it decided to ignore them. Are you still 
certain this is just a wolf?

ANTOINE:	I don’t believe in superstition.

FATHER PIERRE:	The people do.

(PAUSE) 

ANTOINE:	Listen to me everyone. The beast may have killed one soldier but 
it cannot fight against the platoon. We will ride out immediately to confront 
it and I will deliver the head to the door of your church. The head of an 
animal not a sorcerer or a demon.

:	(PAUSE) 

THE CROWD BEGINS TO DISPERSE

FATHER PIERRE:	If the beast is a punishment sent by God you will not be 
able to stop it.

ANTOINE:	If God wanted to punish this village he would do it through 
famine or drought. You’re trying to scare them.

FATHER PIERRE:	Why would I want to do that?

ANTOINE:	Because frightened people go to church for protection.

FATHER PIERRE:	No, frightened people stay indoors and protect themselves. 
The only person profiting from this is the blacksmith, I understand there has 
been an increase in demand for silver bullets and swords.

ANTOINE:	The undertaker is also profiting. Arrange this man’s funeral, the 
best coffin you can get. His Majesty will pay.

FATHER PIERRE:	A generous gesture which the people may remember when their 
crops fail and no compensation comes from the royal palace or when they 
starve because money for food has been spent burying their own children.

ANTOINE:	The king looks after his subjects.

FATHER PIERRE:	Yes, if they are in the army or live in Paris 

ANTOINE:	If you weren’t a priest I would arrest you for treason. Why would 
his majesty send me here if he didn’t care?

FATHER PIERRE:	He cares about the publicity. Only since the beast became 
famous, by exaggeration, has he shown an interest. The terror started last 
year Antoine.

ANTOINE:	And it will end this year.

FATHER PIERRE:	I hope and pray that you are right.

ANTOINE:	Bullets not prayers will bring this matter to an end.

SCENE   HILLSIDE

SEVERAL HORSES GALLOPING. THEY COME TO A STOP WITH MEN CALLING TO THEM

ANTOINE:	You girl, come here.

SLOW FOOTSTEPS OF ANNETTE

ANNETTE:	I cannot leave the sheep sir.

ANTOINE:	The boy can watch them. Come, we have travelled for hours without 
seeing a soul.

ANNETTE:	We are not permitted to leave them alone now sir.

ANTOINE:	You have some of France’s best soldiers close by. No wolf would 
dare approach.

ANNETTE:	It approached one in the village last night. (PAUSE) Sorry sir.

ANTOINE:	You are from the village?

ANNETTE:	You are staying at my father’s tavern.

ANTOINE:	I did not see you there.

ANNETTE:	Some nights I help in the bar sir. 

ANTOINE:	As well as tending to the sheep by day.

ANNETTE:	My twin sister, Agnes, used to do the sheep sir. Before she was 
taken.

ANTOINE:	By the beast? I’m sorry.

ANNETTE:	There isn’t much time to grieve.

ANTOINE:	Then you must find time. Tonight when you return home come and 
dine with me.

ANNETTE:	My father wouldn’t like that sir.

ANTOINE:	Why not?

ANNETTE:	It is likely that l will be engaged soon sir. I should not be 
seen with another man.

ANTOINE:	We don’t have to be seen. I can eat in the privacy of my room 
where you are welcome to join me.

ANNETTE:	I couldn’t sir. Really I couldn’t.

ANTOINE:	I insist. Will you not share a meal with the man who will avenge 
your sister?

ANNETTE:	I must be getting back sir. Goodbye.

ANNETTE MOVING AWAY. A SOLDIER LAUGHS SARCASTICALLY

ANTOINE:	Twenty lashes for that man.

SCENE   PRIEST’S HOUSE

FATHER PIERRE AND ANTOINE ARE DRINKING AND ANTOINE IS FLICKING THROUGH PAPER

FATHER PIERRE:	The records are quite extensive. They surprise you?

ANTOINE:	I didn’t expect to find anyone literate out here.

FATHER PIERRE:	I promote the education of the young but it is difficult. 
They are needed to work on the farms and in the fields. For them learning 
does not open any doors, unless they have the right temperament for the 
priesthood.

ANTOINE:	And you read them these stories of werewolves?

FATHER PIERRE:	Historical accounts not stories. 

ANTOINE:	This name is familiar, Jean Chastel.

FATHER PIERRE:	A lycanthrope who achieved notoriety throughout France 
before his execution. Perhaps someone read you his story?

ANTOINE:	No, there is a man in the village of the same name who was rude 
to me in the tavern. A descendant?

FATHER PIERRE:	I have not researched it.

ANTOINE:	Are you so unfamiliar with the lineage of your subjects? (PAUSE) 
By lying you break one of the commandments.

FATHER PIERRE:	The Chastel family have suffered enough. Still some people 
blacklist them although Jean would have married Agnes.

ANTOINE:	The landlord’s daughter?

FATHER PIERRE:	The same.

ANTOINE:	This Jean Chastel, according to witnesses, appeared as a wolf and 
slew three people. I cannot believe it.

FATHER PIERRE:	The graves of the victims can still be seen in the 
churchyard.

ANTOINE:	Suppose he was wearing a wolf-skin? That would remove the 
diabolical element.

FATHER PIERRE:	There are precedents. Some of the other werewolves admitted 
to dressing in wolf skins.

ANTOINE:	You prefer to believe he was possessed by the Devil?

FATHER PIERRE:	I prefer not to judge situations where I am not a witness.

ANTOINE:	Jean Chastel was seen talking to the dead soldier last night.

FATHER PIERRE:	By whom?

ANTOINE:	One of the villagers in a cottage nearby.

FATHER PIERRE:	Yet nothing was heard of the attack. As I said some people 
still shun Jean and his family. 

ANTOINE:	They think he is the beast. 

FATHER PIERRE:	You don’t believe in lycanthropy.

ANTOINE:	I do believe in men who wear animal disguises to commit crimes.

FATHER PIERRE:	Jean Chastel is worried about the beast.

ANTOINE:	Is he? Or does it concern him that I’m here to locate the truth?

FATHER PIERRE:	You will not find the truth, or the beast, in Chastel’s 
cottage.

ANTOINE:	Will I find the skin of a large wolf? The costume of a murderer?

SCENE   TAVERN

SUBDUED DRINKING, THE LOCALS RESENT THE SOLDIERS BEING PRESENT

CHASTEL:	You’re very quiet Annette. Do you not like serving me?

ANNETTE:	I’m tired but wish all the customers were like you.

CHASTEL:	You want me to have rivals for your hand?

ANNETTE:	You make me sound like a piece of meat. Anyway there are others 
interested.

CHASTEL:	Out of all the peasants I am the most handsome and the most 
sophisticated. The one who has benefited most from the priest’s education. My 
way of trying to redeem the family name and when you join the family that 
redemption will be complete.

ANNETTE:	If not when. 

CHASTEL:	Is it too soon because of Agnes?

ANNETTE:	No. We, father and me, think it’s best that we move on quickly. 

CHASTEL:	I will support you in that.

ANNETTE:	There are others who wish to support me too and they are not all 
peasants.

CHASTEL:	Who? (PAUSE)  Has he said anything?

ANNETTE 	He asked me to dine with him.

CHASTEL:	To become his whore and in your father’s house.

ANNETTE:	I think he meant well.

CHASTEL:	He despises us. They all do. This is just a game to them.

ANNETTE:	Nobody could despise me. (PAUSE)  Where are you going?

CHASTEL:	Where do you think?

ANNETTE:	No.

CHASTEL:	(SHOUTS) Antoine.

SILENCE APART FROM CHASTEL’S HEAVY BREATHING ANTOINE TAKES A LONG SLOW SIP

ANTOINE:	Yes.

CHASTEL:	Might I have a word in private.

ANNETTE:	No.

ANTOINE:	Be my guest. It isn’t that cold outside.

THEY MOVE AWAY, ANNETTE GASPS

MICHAEL:	Stay Annette. I need you to serve.

ANNETTE:	But…

MICHAEL:	Stay.

ANNETTE:	It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have said anything.

MICHAEL:	Let Jean fight his own battles.

SCENE   OUTSIDE THE TAVERN

IT IS SNOWING. FOOTSTEPS OF ANTOINE AND CHASTEL APPROACH

ANTOINE:	Well.

CHASTEL:	She’s my girl.

ANTOINE:	I didn’t see a bill of sale.

CHASTEL:	Go home. You’re not wanted here.

ANTOINE:	If I’m not here who will protect your girl from the beast?

CHASTEL:	We’ll manage.

ANTOINE:	As you managed with the sister?

A WOLF HOWLS IN THE DISTANCE

ANTOINE:	A normal wolf or…

DOOR OF THE TAVERN OPENS, PEOPLE ARE MUTTERING

MICHAEL:	Did you hear that?

ANTOINE:	We will investigate. Come men.

CHASTEL:	I will go with you.

ANTOINE:	This is a job for soldiers.

CHASTEL:	That inebriated lot don’t know the area. They could easily fall 
into the marshes.

MOVEMENT AND THE SOUNDS OF HORSES BEING PREPARED

CHASTEL:	Besides it came into the village last night. They might be needed 
here.

ANNETTE:	You can’t go.

ANTOINE:	I will accept your offer. Come, be my guide.

THE TWO MEN SADDLE THEIR HORSES AND RIDE OFF

SCENE   HILLSIDE AT NIGHT

THE RIDERS TROT AT A STEADY PACE, LISTENING TO SOME ANIMAL NOISES

ANTOINE:	You say it never came at night before.

CHASTEL:	Not before yesterday. The howling was unusual.

ANTOINE:	Surely not an uncommon sound in these parts.

CHASTEL:	Most of the wolves stay away from the village. They lurk around 
the sheep at dusk but only this one has attacked the shepherd girls.

ANTOINE:	They are normally scared. Man is the hunter and the wolf his prey 
like every other creature. Humans control nature not God.

CHASTEL                           The priest would call that blasphemy.

ANTOINE                           I have yet to see an animal obeying God. 
Where are you going?

CHASTEL:	Over the marsh. The horse is pulling in the opposite direction 
which suggests that there’s something that he’s afraid of.

ANTOINE:	Or that he fears losing his footing in the marshes.

CHASTEL:	Not with an expert rider. Stay close to me.

ANTOINE:	I am an expert hunter. I don’t need advice… (SHOUTS IN ALARM)

FRIGHTENED SQUEALING OF HORSE AS ANTOINE FALLS IN THE MARSH. SQUELCHING 
SOUNDS

CHASTEL:	I told you to stay close.

ANTOINE:	Don’t just stand there, get me out.

CHASTEL:	I could leave you.

ANTOINE:	What?

CHASTEL:	You come to the village and hassle our women, not just you by the 
way there have been complaints about several soldiers. You treat us like 
primitives.

ANTOINE:	If you don’t help lift me out now I will arrest you.

CHASTEL:	You’re hardly in a position to dictate to me.

ANTOINE:	Release me.

CHASTEL:	Fortunately we’re not primitives and enough people have died 
around here lately.

CHASTEL DISMOUNTS ANTOINE’S BREATHING BECOMES DEEPER AS HIS SUSPICIONS RETURN

ANTOINE:	What are you waiting for? Release me.

CHASTEL:	Behind you.

ANTOINE’S MOVEMENTS ARE HAMPERED BY THE MARSH

ANTOINE:	What are you looking at?

CHASTEL:	It’s over there.

CHASTEL MOUNTS HIS HORSE WHICH IS VERY FRIGHTENED. 

ANTOINE:	Where are you going?

CHASTEL:	I’ll be back. There’s a wolf close by. I need to get nearer to 
get a shot in.

ANTOINE:	I demand that you release me first.

CHASTEL:	It could be the beast.

CHASTEL RIDES OFF. ANTOINE BECOMES MORE ANXIOUS AND STARTS SHOUTING

ANTOINE:	Come back at once. Release me.

SCENE   TAVERN:	

DOOR OPENS AND A GROUP ENTER. LAUGHTER FROM THE CUSTOMERS, MICHAEL AND 
ANNETTE

ANTOINE:	Where is Chastel? (PAUSE) Stop laughing. 

MICHAEL:	Forgive us sir, the marshes are treacherous.

ANTOINE:	Especially when assisted. Where is Chastel?

MICHAEL:	Gone home. 

ANTOINE:	He left me to die.

MICHAEL:	No, he was on his way back when he saw the soldiers heading to 
your rescue.

ANTOINE:	Lies.

ANNETTE:	He was after the beast.

ANTOINE:	And he killed it, I suppose. The great Jean Chastel.

MICHAEL:	He killed a wolf. (PAUSE) But it wasn’t the beast. That privilege 
has been saved for you on another day when you are more familiar with the 
terrain.

ANTOINE:	Which is Chastel’s house? (PAUSE) Answer me.

SCENE   OUTSIDE CHASTEL’S HOUSE 

THE PEACE OF THE NIGHT IS BROKEN BY THE SOLDIERS MARCHING, SOME WINDOWS OPEN 
AND PEOPLE MUTTER. HEAVY KNOCKING ON A DOOR

ANTOINE:	Open in the name of the King.

THE DOOR OPENS

CHASTEL:	Is his majesty here? Surely not.

ANTOINE:	I am arresting you Jean Chastel. You are advised to surrender 
quietly.

CHASTEL:	Supposing I don’t.

ANTOINE:	My men are armed.

CHASTEL:	I thought those weapons were for the beast.

ANTOINE:	Some would say they are one and the same.

CHASTEL:	You don’t believe that superstition do you? 

ANTOINE:	I will slay the beast, whatever it is. Come.

CHASTEL:	Am I allowed to get dressed first?

ANTOINE:	Of course, we would not want you to die of cold.

SCENE   PRIEST’S HOUSE

FATHER PIERRE HAS PREPARED DRINKS FOR HIMSELF AND ANTOINE

FATHER PIERRE:	Where is Chastel now?

ANTOINE:	Under guard in an unoccupied house. There are no jails here.

FATHER PIERRE:	Crime is not high in the villages. We support each other.

ANTOINE:	A shame that such support does not extend to strangers especially 
when they have your best interests at heart.

SCENE   CHASTEL’S PRISON

EARLY MORNING, COCK CROWING IN BACKGROUND. CHASTEL IS SLEEPING BUT WAKES WHEN 
THE DOOR OPENS

CHASTEL:	Is this breakfast? Annette!

ANNETTE:	Jean, I’m so sorry.

CHASTEL:	It’s not your fault.

ANNETTE:	Would he have arrested you if he didn’t want me?

CHASTEL:	Probably. You look tired.

ANNETTE:	I haven’t slept through worry.

CHASTEL:	And now you’re taking the sheep out?

ANNETTE:	With my brother.

CHASTEL:	Be careful. Last night I saw some tracks much larger than those 
of the wolf, certainly not made by the one I killed.

ANNETTE:	You were brave to tackle it alone.

CHASTEL:	Antoine has killed more, allegedly.

ANNETTE:	Do you really think I would go away with him?

CHASTEL:	I’m not doubting your morality. 

ANNETTE:	Never doubt me Jean.

CHASTEL:	I might not be around to doubt. Attempted murder is a hanging 
offence.

ANNETTE:	They can’t!

CHASTEL:	Antoine thinks he can do anything he wants.

ANNETTE:	If he gets what he wants maybe he will spare you.

CHASTEL:	I forbid it.

ANNETTE:	You’re not my father Jean Chastel. I’d better go.

CHASTEL:	Don’t do it Annette. Avoid Antoine.

SCENE   ANTOINE’S ROOM AT THE INN

MICHAEL:	Sorry to disturb you sir, I know you had a long night.

ANTOINE:	I’m glad that your manners have returned this morning. I will be 
leaving shortly to look for the beast. Please ensure my men are fed, nothing 
for me. I have no hangover to destroy.

MICHAEL:	I was hoping I might speak to you sir.

ANTOINE:	That is what you are doing. Please continue.

MICHAEL:	Well it’s like this, Jean, that’s Jean Chastel, is a regular 
customer here. Some people like him and they were wondering, well asking 
really, if it was right for you to stay here.

ANTOINE:	You don’t want me. There’s gratitude for you. Especially when I 
understood that many people are suspicious of Chastel. 

MICHAEL:	It’s not me sir. I’m glad of your presence. Although you’re not 
paying for the room there’s been a lot of money handed over the bar. Enough 
to bury one daughter. I want this thing killed. Annette and her brother are 
out there in the fields today. 

ANTOINE:	I shall succeed and I understand your dilemma. Give me time, say 
a week. Then, if I have to remain in the area, I will seek alternative 
lodgings.

MICHAEL:	Thank you sir.

MICHAEL EXITS, CLOSING THE DOOR

ANTOINE:	Are there alternative lodgings here. Perhaps I should camp out. 
Perhaps then the beast will come to me. I will mount its head on the door of 
this tavern. I will. God help me, I will.

SCENE   HILLSIDE

SHEEP GRAZING, ANNETTE IS HUMMING. QUIET PADDING OF FEET, RUSTLING OF BUSHES, 
SOFT GROWLING THEN THE SOUNDS OF A SCUFFLE. A MAN SCREAMS. THE GROWLING 
INTENSIFIES AND THE SHEEP ARE DISTURBED, FLEEING IN ALL DIRECTIONS

ANNETTE:	(SCREAM) Michael!

ANNETTE STARTS RUNNING DOWNHILL, PANTING FRANTICALLY. MEN ON HORSES APPROACH 
AND SLOW

ANTOINE:	Annette.

ANNETTE:	Up there. It’s killed Michael, my brother. Oh God.

ANTOINE:	You, take the girl back to the village. See she has a warm drink. 
Rest of you, come with me. The beast won’t escape this time.

HE SETS OFF AT A GALLOP, THE HORSE RELUCTANT

SCENE   CHASTEL’S PRISON

CHASTEL:	Father Pierre.

FATHER PIERRE:	Greetings Jean.

CHASTEL:	I assume you’ve come for my last confession.

FATHER PIERRE:	You haven’t been condemned.

CHASTEL:	Not yet.

FATHER PIERRE:	There are procedures to go through.

CHASTEL:	Procedures. You know what happened to my ancestors.

FATHER PIERRE:	We are more enlightened these days.

CHASTEL:	So I may get buried in hallowed ground. Would you do the service 
father, pretend I was a good Christian?

FATHER PIERRE:	Do I need to pretend? You have always been a good neighbour 
to the people in the village. I still have hopes of performing your wedding 
ceremony.

CHASTEL:	Would anyone go apart from the bride and her family?

FATHER PIERRE:	The villagers do not like Antoine and the soldiers. They 
may recast you as a hero. Already some have told Michael that they would 
rather drink with you than Antoine.

SOUND OF A HORSE GALLOPING PAST. THE DOOR OPENS

FATHER PIERRE:	One of the soldiers has brought Annette back from the 
hills. I must go.

CHASTEL:	Annette? Is she injured?

FATHER PIERRE:	I’m afraid it looks that way.

CHASTEL:	Take me to her.

FATHER PIERRE:	You know I can’t do that.

CHASTEL:	What authority does Antoine have here?

FATHER PIERRE:	That invested in him by the King.	

DOOR CLOSES. CHASTEL KICKS IT

CHASTEL:	Screw the King.

SCENE   PRIVATE ROOMS AT TAVERN

FATHER PIERRE:	We must thank the lord that she was saved.

MICHAEL:	What about Michael? What about my son? What about Agnes. Nobody 
saved them. Tomorrow I am closing the tavern and going with the men to find 
the beast.

FATHER PIERRE:	Trained soldiers are searching now. If they cannot succeed 
what chance have you got?

MICHAEL:	You think I should wait until my friend is executed and my only 
surviving daughter gets taken?

SOUNDS OF ANNETTE WAKING

FATHER PIERRE:	The child is stirring.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

MICHAEL:	Enter.

DOOR OPENS AND ANTOINE ENTERS, OUT OF BREATH

ANTOINE:	We scoured the area. Never have our horses moved so fast. Oh for 
a couple of good dogs to catch the scent. I should have brought them from 
Paris.

FATHER PIERRE:	You were unsuccessful?

ANTOINE:	Foxes crossed our path, even one wolf. All lie dead where they 
fell. We couldn’t find the beast. I must ask the girl some questions.

MICHAEL:	She is resting.

ANNETTE:	I’ll be fine.

ANTOINE:	Let me see your injuries.

A DRESS IS LIFTED, ANNETTE WINCES

MICHAEL:	Don’t show your legs Annette.

ANTOINE:	I wanted to examine the wounds. The injuries are fascinating.

MICHAEL:	Fascinating? Two of my children are dead and it was nearly three.  

ANTOINE:                          Up there, on the harsh slopes, I questioned 
for the first time if it was a wolf that we sought. It is scarcely credible 
that it would leave no trace so soon after the attack. 

FATHER PIERRE:	You thought it was a werewolf.

ANTOINE:	Or a man in disguise but those bites were made by an animal. Take 
note.

FATHER PIERRE:	Did you see anyone?

ANTOINE:	No peasants who might have changed form temporarily. We will 
continue to hunt. We will avenge your son landlord.

MICHAEL:	As you avenged my daughter?

ANTOINE:	Tonight I will pay for my own lodgings. I’m sure that the money 
will be needed.

MICHAEL:	I don’t want your charity.

ANTOINE:	We rounded up your sheep. They’re in the pens.

MICHAEL:	Who will take them on the hills tomorrow? Not Annette.

ANNETTE:	No.

ANTOINE:	There are others in the village with sheep. Perhaps if they 
combined there would be more protection. The beast might think twice about 
attacking six boys.

MICHAEL:	The only man I would trust with my livestock is your prisoner.

ANNETTE:	Father.

MICHAEL:	Yes.

ANNETTE:	Father Pierre, I need to talk to you alone.

FATHER PIERRE:	Perhaps you could wait outside.

MICHAEL AND ANTOINE LEAVE. ANNETTE IS SPEAKING SLOWLY, STILL TRAUMATISED.

ANNETTE:	Father I must ask you about Jean.

FATHER PIERRE:	He is still a prisoner.

ANNETTE:	Can you not persuade Antoine?

FATHER PIERRE:	I will try but am not confident. He isn’t a bad man. He 
sincerely believes that Jean left him to die. We know Jean well enough to 
know that is unlikely.

ANNETTE:	So he’ll be killed?

FATHER PIERRE:	The longer Antoine goes without the blood of the wolf the 
more he will want to assert his authority in other ways. You have to remember 
that he is fighting the villagers now. We should all be co-operating to 
defeat the beast.

ANNETTE:	Releasing Jean would be a sign of goodwill.

FATHER PIERRE:	Or of weakness, depending on how you interpret it.

ANNETTE:	I could speak to him but father wouldn’t like us being alone. 
Unless Antoine knew to meet me elsewhere.

FATHER PIERRE:	Child I cannot be a party to deception.

ANNETTE:	Don’t you want to help save Jean’s life?

FATHER PIERRE:	Of course but you need to trust in God.

SCENE   PRIEST’S HOUSE

A QUIET ROOM

ANTOINE:	It’s most irregular to be meeting at the priest’s house.

ANNETTE:	Father did not want me to go out at all. He walked me here 
because I said I needed spiritual guidance. The priest will take me back and 
father need never know that we spoke.

ANTOINE:	What guidance did you want from me?

ANNETTE:	Can you not guess?

ANTOINE:	You want your lover released.

ANNETTE:	He’s not my lover. We do things differently here.

ANTOINE:	I am not the villain you suppose.

ANNETTE:	That is what the priest said.

ANTOINE:	It would be easy for me to take advantage of you here, yes even 
in the house of the priest. 

ANNETTE:	Would that save Jean?

ANTOINE:	I will consider Jean’s case on the facts and the facts only. 

ANNETTE:	But you see the facts differently. He wouldn’t have left you to 
die.

ANTOINE:	You know of his past.

ANNETTE:	The family history? Yes.

ANTOINE:	And you still wish to marry him?

ANNETTE:	I will take Agnes’s place at the altar assuming that you don’t 
deprive me.

ANTOINE:	As the king’s representative I am only interested in justice.

SCENE   CHASTEL’S PRISON

FOOTSTEPS.

ANTOINE:	You don’t have to get up.

CHASTEL:	I didn’t intend to. This straw is rather comfortable. My 
ancestors were chained to prevent them escaping.

ANTOINE:	Silver chains, I presume.

CHASTEL:	A man who carries silver bullets does not intend suicide. Besides 
I was here when the beast attacked. Your guards would have seen a wolf 
rushing past them.

ANTOINE:	I am not stupid enough to think that you are a lycanthrope.

CHASTEL:	But my ancestors were, officially.

ANTOINE:	I do not believe that either,

CHASTEL:	Will you petition the king for a pardon to clear their names?

ANTOINE:	We live in different times now and I am only concerned with 
present crimes.

CHASTEL:	I have committed none.

ANTOINE:	You left me to die. 

CHASTEL:	Killing the beast was my priority, I meant to come back.

ANTOINE:	You put that ahead of my life.

CHASTEL:	This beast will kill a hundred if it isn’t stopped. Would you 
halt to rescue a peasant if you were on its trail?

ANTOINE:	I am not a peasant and yes, I would so stop. 

CHASTEL:	A noble attitude. Life is cheap here. People die of diseases 
unknown in your big mansions and cities. 

ANTOINE:	I come from the countryside and do not own a mansion. Remember I 
have killed many wolves.

CHASTEL:	Aye, with dogs and a hundred men behind you but how many times 
have you confronted a wolf face to face? How many times have you taken that 
risk? Little girls here do it regularly when they take the sheep out and most 
wolves are deterred. Why is this one different?

ANTOINE:	I don’t know but I do know now that it isn’t a man.

CHASTEL:	How many of Annette’s sheep did it take?

ANTOINE:	I will have to ask the landlord.

CHASTEL:	He told me earlier. None. Wolves love the taste of sheep. They 
don’t need to chop and roast it as we do. Yesterday was a fine feast but 
instead the beast chose to attack a man.

ANTOINE:	The behaviour is unusual.

CHASTEL:	It’s unique. You can see why people think it’s a werewolf. Some 
of them think it is me because of my history.

ANTOINE:	That’s why you carry the silver bullets.

CHASTEL:	Yes. It shows that I am truly human and stops my peers from 
putting a bullet through me. Bit pointless really as you intend to execute 
me.

ANTOINE:	I intend to investigate the incident.

CHASTEL:	And execute me if guilty, by the rope rather than the stake?

ANTOINE:	Justice will be done.

CHASTEL:	Your justice is just as corrupt as the one which killed my 
ancestors.

ANTOINE:	Unlike their persecutors I am prepared to listen.

CHASTEL:	Prove that the enlightened age has arrived in the countryside.

SCENE   ANNETTE’S BEDROOM

ANNETTE:	Dear Lord I ask that you protect me and my father and the rest of 
the village from the beast. Forgive me my sins; forgive me for going to 
Antoine with wicked thoughts. Please let Jean be spared. If you must kill 
someone else then let it be me. Please Lord, please help us survive. Agnes, 
if you’re up there pray for me.

SCENE   OUTSIDE TAVERN:	

EARLY MORNING THE SOLDIERS ARE GETTING ON THEIR HORSES, CHATTING AND PERHAPS 
A BIT LIVELIER THAN BEFORE. IT’S A WARMER DAY

ANNETTE:	Today my men. Today we shall find and slay the beast of Gevaudan.

THEY RIDE OFF

SCENE   CHASTEL’S CELL	

ANNETTE:	There’s no guard.

CHASTEL:	Where am I going to run to? Antoine now trusts me not to escape.

ANNETTE:	But if they want to hang you then you must go.

CHASTEL:	And camp with the beast? Better a quick death at the end of a 
rope but there would be one consolation.

ANNETTE:	What’s that?

CHASTEL:	If the beast was consuming me it would be sparing you.

ANNETTE:	Come to the tavern Jean. Sit with me, keep me company. It would 
help me recover.

SCENE   IN THE HILLS

THE SOLDIERS HUNTING, HORSES GALLOPING QUICKLY, A FEW DOGS BARKING AS THEY 
MANAGED TO BORROW SOME FROM THE VILLAGERS. OTHER WILDLIFE RUNNING AWAY, 
ANXIOUS AT THE INTRUSION. SHOUTS OF EXCITEMENT

ANTOINE:	There she goes.

THE SOUND OF THE CHASE, HORNS BLOWING SLOWLY AT FIRST THEN MORE TRIUMPHANT. 
CLOSE IN ON THE SOUND OF THE FIRST HUNTER, ANTOINE AS HE GALLOPS FORWARD, 
BREATHING EXCITEDLY. THE FAINT PANTING OF A WOLF CAN BE DISCERNED. ANTOINE’S 
HORSE GOES FAST, WE HEAR THE WOLF MORE NOW. TERRIFIED IT CONTINUES TO RUN BUT 
THE GAP NARROWS AND THEN SUDDENLY, THERE IS A SINGLE SHOT AND ANTOINE’S HORSE 
COMES TO A HALT FOLLOWED BY THE OTHERS. SOME MEN ARE CHEERING BUT IT IS 
ANTOINE’S VOICE WHICH CAN BE HEARD ABOVE THEM ALL

ANTOINE:	Behold the beast of Gevaudan.

MORE CHEERING

SCENE   TOWN SQUARE

MANY VILLAGERS HAVE GATHERED, EXCITED. THE HORSES RIDE IN AT A NORMAL PACE. 
THE WOLF IS FLUNG ON THE FLOOR WITH A HEAVY THUD. ANTOINE DISMOUNTS

ANTOINE:	Behold the beast of Gevaudan. The largest wolf I ever saw.

ANNETTE:	(WHISPER) It’s too small. The one that got Michael was much 
bigger. And it was male.

CHASTEL:	Let him have his moment.

ANTOINE:	I have kept my promise to you and to the King.

SOME CHEERS. A FEW VILLAGERS AREN’T CONVINCED

ANTOINE:	Now I will join you for a celebratory toast. Tonight all the 
drinks are on me.

SCENE   TAVERN

EVERYONE IS GETTING VERY DRUNK, EXCEPT FOR ANNETTE WHO IS SERVING

ANNETTE:	Will you leave tomorrow Monsieur?

ANTOINE:	Indeed I will, assuming that the soldiers are sober enough to 
mount their horses. If not maybe I will leave them behind. 

ANNETTE:	Some of the village women would appreciate that.

ANTOINE:	But not you.

ANNETTE:	That depends on what you do with Jean.

ANTOINE:	He isn’t here.

ANNETTE:	Would you want to drink with your executioner?

ANTOINE:	I will talk with him.

SCENE   CHASTEL’S HOUSE

KNOCKING ON DOOR, GENTLE AT FIRST THEN FIRMER. IT IS OPENED.

CHASTEL:	Is this a social call?

ANTOINE:	May I come in?

CHASTEL:	Indeed.

ANTOINE COUGHS AS HE GOES IN

ANTOINE:	Pictures of your ancestors.

CHASTEL:	A local man painted them in jail. See the resemblance.

ANTOINE:	Indeed.

CHASTEL:	What have you done with the wolf’s carcass?

ANTOINE:	I will take the skin to Paris.

CHASTEL:	To be displayed as your finest achievement?

ANTOINE:	I consider it a failure. If it had been slain sooner Annette’s 
brother would still be alive.

CHASTEL:	What of her intended? Is he to be spared?

ANTOINE:	I bear you no ill will.

CHASTEL:	I’m delighted to hear it. 

ANTOINE:	Will you not join us for a drink?

CHASTEL:	I don’t see that there’s anything to celebrate. You may have 
killed an exceptionally large wolf but it isn’t the beast.

ANTOINE:	That remains to be seen.

CHASTEL:	Indeed but you will not be here to see it.

SCENE   TAVERN

IT IS THREE MONTHS LATER. EVERYONE IS CELEBRATING

FATHER PIERRE:	Of all the weddings that I have celebrated this one gives 
me most pleasure.

CHASTEL:	The pleasure is all mine Father.

FATHER PIERRE:	Let us hope that your children grow up in a peaceful 
environment.

CHASTEL:	Is there any reason why they would not?

FATHER PIERRE:	There is a lot of unrest against the King.

CHASTEL:	That has always been the case.

FATHER PIERRE:	The peasants have always complained, I hope you’re not 
offended by that title, but now they have more power than before. When the 
citizens of Paris start openly preaching rebellion it cannot be long before 
words turn into action.

CHASTEL:	That won’t affect us here.

FATHER PIERRE:	It could affect the whole world.

ANNETTE:	(SCREAMING) Jean, Jean.

SHE RUNS UP, THE OTHERS IN THE TAVERN ARE SILENT

CHASTEL:	What’s wrong?

ANNETTE:	Outside.

CHASTEL:	What is?

ANNETTE:	The beast. It’s back.

QUICK MOVEMENT AS CHASTEL RUNS TO THE DOOR

FATHER PIERRE:	The boy is injured.

CHASTEL:	He’s dying. 

ANNETTE:	He said he fought the beast. It took his sister.

MICHAEL:	Are we never to be free of this? Men to arms.

SOUNDS FADE

ANNETTE:	(V.O.) For two more years the beast terrorised the region. Over a 
hundred people fell, mostly children. Father Pierre prayed continuously, 
Jean, my brave Jean, hunted every day scouring the mountains in search of the 
beast. Many people came to believe that it was, as the priest said, a 
judgment from God. Two more hunters came from the King but both departed 
without success. One was chased from the village by the men but no reprisals 
came. The King seemed to be treating it as a game but, for us, there was no 
fun. I stayed at home with my children, hoping, and yes praying, that they 
would grow up to know of the serenity we had once enjoyed. Then one day Jean 
came across the beast….

SCENE   FOREST 

GROWLING AND SNARLING. CHASTEL’S BREATH, APPREHENSIVE AND CAUTIOUS

ANNETTE:	(V.O.) He had never been so scared but he managed to stab it with 
his pitchfork.

GRUNTING AS JEAN RUNS FORWARD. THE WOLF SNARLS IN PAIN. SOUNDS OF A FIGHT

ANNETTE:	(V.O.) He sustained terrible injuries but slew the beast.

CHASTEL’S HEAVY BREATHING ESCALATES THEN HE SCREAMS IN TRIUMPH. AFTER A WHILE 
HE STARTS CUTTING THE DEAD WOLF OPEN

ANNETTE:	(V.O.) Inside the beast they found the scarf worn by one of the 
victims.

CHASTEL:	(V.O.) It was an ordinary wolf. Large but no different to the 
others that take our animals but never attack us. 

ANNETTE:	(V.O.) Nobody knows why it turned on people or left the sheep 
behind.

CHASTEL:	(V.O.) Legends were formed because of its ingenuity in evading 
the hunters.

ANNETTE:	(V.O.) And in Paris the skin of another wolf lies in a museum, 
announcing to the world the skills of Antoine.

SCENE   OUTSIDE CHURCH

A LARGE CONGREGATION CHEERING AND TALKING HAPPILY

FATHER PIERRE:	We thank God that the curse has ended.

CHASTEL:	What of my curse father?

FATHER PIERRE:	Your family has been redeemed.

CHASTEL:                         A benevolent God indeed. 

35 Crown Lofts

Walsall

WS2 9LB













-51-





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