In Kings' Byways

A young clerk, newly married and proud of his modest rise, serves the powerful Bishop of Beauvais in the bustling heart of post‑Richelieu France. One bright summer morning, as the city celebrates a recent victory, his routine is shattered when he is abruptly seized, accused of grave misdeeds, and thrust into a chaotic courtroom of clerks, stewards, and the Bishop’s stern gaze.

The narrative plunges listeners into the tense atmosphere of a court‑room intrigue, where accusations of fraud, falsified records, and dangerous political meddling swirl around the protagonist. As he scrambles to defend his innocence, the story reveals the precarious balance between ambition and loyalty in a world where a single misstep can mean ruin. The first act sets the stage for a gripping tale of survival, honor, and the hidden perils of life within the corridors of power.