Siege of Haddington
The Franco-Scottish forces, led by a Scottish Captain and a French Lieutenant, are preparing for a decisive assault on the besieged town of Haddington. Amidst the smoke and debris, a Townswoman pleads
Setting
The outskirts of Haddington, near the town's damaged walls. The area is littered with debris from recent bombardments, and the remnants of a once-thriving market square now serve as a makeshift camp for Franco-Scottish forces. Smoke rises from smoldering fires, and the distant sound of artillery echoes across the landscape.
Characters
Scottish Captain
primary
A rugged, battle-hardened man in his late 40s, standing tall with a broad, muscular frame. His face is weathered, with deep-set eyes, a prominent nose, and a thick, graying beard. A jagged scar runs down his left cheek, a testament to past battles. His hands are calloused and strong, accustomed to gripping swords and commanding men.
French Lieutenant
primary
A young man in his mid-20s with a lean but athletic build, clean-shaven with sharp features. His dark brown hair is kept short under his cap, and his piercing blue eyes reflect both determination and fatigue. A fresh scar runs along his left cheekbone, a recent reminder of battle.
Scottish Soldier
secondary
A wiry, sunburnt infantryman in his late twenties with a close-cropped beard and deep-set eyes that squint against the smoke. His hands bear the calluses of frequent swordplay, and a fresh scar runs along his left forearm from recent combat.
Townswoman
background
A thin, middle-aged woman with sunken cheeks and weary eyes, her hands rough from labor. Her dark hair is loosely tied back under a simple linen cap, strands escaping to frame her face. She moves with the cautious grace of someone accustomed to hardship.
Dialog
Scottish Captain
Aye, lads, gather round. The English dogs are dug in tight, but we'll flush 'em out like rats.
French Lieutenant
Mon Dieu, we waste time. The breach is there—send the pikemen now before they reinforce it.
Scottish Captain
Patience, Frenchie. Charge blind, and we'll be crow-food by noon. Scouts say their powder's low—we wait for dusk.
French Lieutenant
Every hour gives them time to barricade. You Scots fight like bears—all strength, no strategy.
Scottish Captain
And you Frenchies dance about like courtiers. This ain't a duel—it's a butcher's yard.
French Lieutenant
Then let us butcher efficiently. The culverins are primed—one volley to soften them, then we advance.
Scottish Captain
Fine. But tell your gunners—if they hit our lads again, I'll feed 'em their own shot.