Battle of Haddon Rig
The Scottish forces have just decisively defeated the English at the Battle of Haddon Rig. The battlefield is strewn with the remnants of the clash, as the victorious Scots survey the scene with a mix
Setting
Haddon Rig, a rolling moorland in the Scottish Borders, dotted with heather and gorse. The battlefield is uneven, with slight rises and depressions, and strewn with the detritus of war - broken weapons, trampled banners, and the fallen.
Characters
Scottish Captain
primary
A rugged man in his late 30s with a weathered face marked by old scars, including a prominent one across his left cheekbone. His piercing grey eyes, framed by dark brows, survey the battlefield with sharp vigilance. His muscular build speaks of years of combat, though his posture carries the weight of command rather than brute strength. Thick auburn hair, streaked with early grey, is tied back with a simple leather thong.
Young Soldier
primary
A lean, wiry youth of about 18 years with sunburned cheeks and a tangle of reddish-brown hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. His calloused hands grip his spear too tightly, and his wide eyes flick between the carnage and his captain.
English Prisoner
secondary
A tall, lean man in his late thirties with a weathered face marked by the hardships of war. His dark hair is matted with sweat and dirt, and a freshly bleeding cut runs along his left cheekbone. His hands, though bound, remain steady, betraying his military training.
Wounded Comrade
secondary
A young Scottish soldier in his mid-20s, of average build but now weakened from his injuries. His face is pale and streaked with dirt and sweat, his auburn hair matted with blood from a deep wound to his temple. His hands, calloused from wielding a sword, now lie limp at his sides.
Bagpiper
background
A wiry man in his late 30s with a weathered face, deep-set eyes, and a closely-trimmed beard. His hands are calloused from years of playing, and his lips are pressed firmly around the pipe's blowstick. His kilt shows signs of long use, with faded clan colors still visible.
Dialog
Scottish Captain
Aye, we've bloodied their noses well enough this day, but dinnae grow soft—those Sassenach curs'll lick their wounds and come again.
Young Soldier
Captain! Tam took a halberd tae the leg—he's bleedin' fierce near the burn—d'ye ken if the surgeon's seen tae him?
Scottish Captain
Mo chreach! The lad should've kept his shield high. See him carried tae the wagons—and tell that butcher MacLeod tae use clean linen this time.
Young Soldier
Aye but—the English prisoner yonder keeps sayin' their main host's but three leagues off... d'ye think—
Scottish Captain
Pah! That one's tongue wags like a banner in the wind. Let him tell his tales tae the crows if he pleases.