Erik pulled his hood over his head. He entered the theatre.

"You!" Some shouted. "What 're you doin h're?"

"I have a play." He whispered. The man laughed.

"Let's see this play, then." The man took the manuscript from Erik's hand. He was about to open it when he looked back up at Erik.

"Took off your hood."

"Excuse me?"

"Come on the play can't be that bad." The man laughed again. Before Erik could stop him his hood went flying off. "My God…" The man backed away. The other actors turned and saw Erik. Two large men grabbed Erik and threw him out of the theatre. He landed face down in the mud. A moment later his manuscript came flying out the door. He picked it up and pulled his hood back up. Erik took a seat at The Mermaid and opened his manuscript. Anthony and Cleopatra.

As he began to read, his eyes lids felt heavy. Before he knew it he was asleep.

"Signore," A man with a thick Italian accent shook Erik awake.

"Hm?" Erik replied groggily.

"Is this your play, signore?"

"What?"

"This, Anthony and Cleopatra."

"Oh, yes, it's mine."

"This is excellent, signore."

"Thank you. You're the only one who thinks so."

"Why do you say that?"

"No one will give it a chance."

"And why is that?"

Erik threw back his hood. The man flinched, but did not scream.

"There is someone I wish you to meet." The man said.

Erik shrugged and followed the man out of The Mermaid.

They got into a boat and began to sail down the river.

"My name is Francesco." The man said.

"Erik."

"Ah, we have arrived." Francesco said. They climbed out of boat. Erik saw that they were at a large estate.

"Who are we meeting?" Erik asked. Francesco didn't answer. The entered a large garden. There was a man standing in the center.

"Signore." Francesco said. The man turned. "I brought him here as you ordered."

"What's going on?" Erik barked.

"Keep your voice down. You are not in any trouble. Do not worry."

"Then why am I here?"

"I hear you are a writer."

"I am. May I ask who you are?"

"Forgive me, I am Edward Devere, 17th Earl of Oxford.

Hope you liked it! Please Review!

~Kate