A Tale of Silence

For over a year civil war has been raging in Portugal. The war began when King Afonso ordered the execution of the beautiful Ines de Castro because he believed she was encouraging his son, Crown Prince Pedro, into unwise actions that might lead to war with neighboring Castile. Ines was the only woman Pedro had ever truly loved. Maddened by her death, Pedro raised an army and swore to avenge her by destroying all involved in her execution. Up to this point neither side has obtained a decisive advantage. Pedro is considering what his next actions should be when a new crisis occurs. Lourenco, one of his most trusted aides, is accused of raping and murdering the daughter of Nuno Gaultas, a prominent local noble. Gaultas wants to try and execute Lourenco. But Pedro believes in his young follower's innocence and is determined to save Lourenco's life and honor.