Battle of Parma
The Guelph forces have just defeated the Ghibellines outside Parma in a brutal winter battle. The Guelph captain surveys the carnage while his soldiers loot the fallen. A wounded Ghibelline pleads for
Setting
The battlefield outside the walls of Parma, a mix of frozen mud and trampled snow with scattered bodies and broken weapons. The city's medieval walls loom in the background, their crenelated battlements smoking from recent attacks.
Characters
Guelph Captain
primary
A broad-shouldered man in his late 40s with a weathered face marked by scars from previous battles. His sunken eyes, framed by deep lines of exhaustion, still burn with strategic intensity. A broken nose and a thick, graying beard complete his battle-hardened visage. His hands, gripping his sword's pommel, are calloused and bear old burn marks from siege warfare.
Guelph Soldier
secondary
A lanky youth of about 18 years, with sunken cheeks and a patchy beard still in its first growth. His knuckles are scraped raw from battle, and his left ear bears a fresh cut that drips blood onto his rust-stained gambeson. His breath comes in exhausted puffs of vapor in the cold air.
Wounded Ghibelline
secondary
A middle-aged soldier of the defeated Ghibelline faction, his face streaked with blood and grime. His once-powerful frame is now broken, with an arrow protruding from his thigh and a deep sword wound across his chest. His breathing is labored, and his skin has taken on a pallid hue from blood loss.
Camp Follower
background
A weary woman in her late 30s, her face lined with worry and fatigue. Her dark hair is partially covered by a simple linen wimple, loose strands clinging to her damp cheeks. She moves with a hunched posture, her shoulders tense as she steps carefully through the battlefield debris.
Dialog
Guelph Captain
Move the wounded within the walls before nightfall—the frost will finish what our swords began.
Guelph Soldier
Cap...Captain! The Ghibelline standard—it's torn but still whole! The silk alone could buy a farm!
Guelph Captain
Leave it. That is Ser Alboino's personal device—let his men bear him home with honor.
Guelph Soldier
But the spoils...the men expect...
Guelph Captain
They'll take the Imperial eagle pendants instead—each one proves our victory without making martyrs.
Guelph Soldier
Aye...aye, Captain. The pendants'll make fine trophies!
Guelph Captain
Just remember—when the Emperor hears of this day, let it be said we showed more wisdom than mercy.