Battle of Hastings
King Harold II is struck in the eye by an arrow as his Anglo-Saxon shield wall collapses under the assault of William the Conqueror's Norman cavalry. Surrounded by his loyal housecarls, Harold fights
Setting
Senlac Hill, near Hastings, England — A muddy, blood-soaked battlefield with the remnants of the Anglo-Saxon shield wall collapsing. The hill is strewn with bodies, broken weapons, and the detritus of war. The earth is churned into a morass by thousands of trampling feet and hooves.
Characters
Harold Godwinson
primary
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his mid-40s with a warrior's build, now hunched in pain. His face is weathered from years of campaigning, framed by a thick auburn beard streaked with grey. His left eye is destroyed by an arrow shaft, blood streaming down his face. Chainmail torn at the shoulder reveals a deep sword wound.
Housecarl Captain
secondary
A battle-hardened warrior in his early 40s, broad-shouldered and muscular with scars crisscrossing his arms and face. His weathered skin and piercing blue eyes speak of years spent on campaign. His long, unkempt beard and hair are streaked with grey, tied back with leather cords.
Norman Knight
secondary
A battle-hardened Norman warrior in his late 30s, with a muscular build from years of mounted combat. His face is weather-beaten, with a thick brown beard streaked with mud and blood. His eyes are sharp and focused, scanning the battlefield with predatory intensity. His surcoat is torn, revealing glimpses of chainmail underneath.
Housecarl Warrior
background
A burly Anglo-Saxon warrior in his late 30s, with a thick beard matted with sweat and blood. His muscular frame is marked with old battle scars, and his arms are heavily tattooed with protective runes. His nose is broken from previous fights, and his knuckles are bruised and swollen from wielding his weapon.
Dialog
Harold Godwinson
Hold, thegns! Let them taste our steel one last time...
Housecarl Captain
By Christ's wounds, they've slain the king! Shield-wall! Close ranks!
Norman Knight
Par Dieu! Finissez-les! The usurper falls!
Harold Godwinson
I see... the raven... above Senlac...
Housecarl Captain
Die well, lord. We'll feast in Valhalla!
Norman Knight
En avant! Pour le Pape et la Normandie!
Housecarl Captain
For Harold! For England!