Battle of Fossalta
The Guelphs, having gained the upper hand in the Battle of Fossalta, are closing in on the Ghibelline forces who are desperately trying to protect their captured king, Enzo of Sardinia. A Ghibelline k
Setting
A dusty battlefield near Fossalta, surrounded by rolling hills and scattered olive groves. The ground is trampled by hooves and feet, with patches of dry grass and wildflowers crushed underfoot. The nearby River Panaro glistens under the summer sun.
Characters
Guelph Captain
primary
A grizzled warrior in his late 40s, with a powerful build hardened by decades of combat. His sun-weathered face bears several old scars, the most prominent being a white slash across his left cheekbone. Thick, dark brows shadow piercing blue eyes that miss nothing on the battlefield. His black beard, streaked with grey, is cropped close to his jaw. A broken nose sits atop a mouth set in a permanent grimace.
Ghibelline Knight
primary
A battle-hardened knight in his late thirties, with a muscular build honed by years of combat. His face bears several scars, including a fresh gash across his cheekbone. His dark brown hair is matted with sweat and dust beneath his coif, and his piercing blue eyes blaze with determination.
Squire
secondary
A young man of about 16 years, slight of build but wiry from years of training. His face is dust-streaked and flushed from exertion, with dark brown eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination. His light brown hair is matted with sweat beneath a padded coif.
Wounded Soldier
secondary
A young Guelph infantryman in his early twenties, lean but wiry from years of marching and fighting. His face is streaked with dirt and sweat, his dark hair matted with blood from a glancing wound to his temple. His chainmail is torn at the shoulder, revealing a deep gash that stains his tunic crimson.
Standard Bearer
background
A sturdy Guelph soldier in his late twenties, with a muscular build from years of military training. His face is weathered from sun exposure, with a short, unkempt beard and a determined gaze. His hands are calloused from gripping the banner pole through countless battles.
Dialog
Guelph Captain
Press them hard, lads! They waver like reeds in the wind!
Ghibelline Knight
Stand fast, men! For honor and the Emperor!
Squire
Ser! The left flank collapses! What do we do?
Ghibelline Knight
Then we die as men should—with steel in hand and fury in heart!
Guelph Captain
There! The banner of their false king! Cut it down and the day is ours!
Squire
They come too many, Ser! We cannot—
Ghibelline Knight
Then pray, boy, but keep your blade ready!