Death of King Oswald of Northumbria
King Oswald of Northumbria lies slain on the battlefield of Maserfield, his body surrounded by fallen warriors. The Mercian forces, led by Penda, celebrate their victory as the Northumbrian army flees
Setting
A rolling battlefield near Maserfield, now Oswestry, in the early medieval British countryside. The field is strewn with fallen warriors, scattered weapons, and trampled grass. The remnants of a small hillfort can be seen in the distance, its wooden palisades partially collapsed.
Characters
King Oswald of Northumbria
primary
A fair-haired man in his mid-thirties with a warrior's build now broken by battle wounds. His face is pale from blood loss, with deep-set blue eyes that still burn with conviction. A gilded torc hangs loosely around his neck, its metal dented from blows. His right arm lies at an unnatural angle, the mail sleeve soaked crimson where Penda's sword found its mark.
Penda of Mercia
primary
A powerfully built man in his late forties, with a battle-scarred face and piercing dark eyes. His long, unkempt dark hair is streaked with gray, and his beard is thick and braided with iron rings. His skin is weathered from years of campaigning, and his muscular frame bears the marks of numerous battles.
Northumbrian Warrior
secondary
A battle-hardened Northumbrian soldier in his late 30s, with a muscular build from years of combat. His face is weathered, with a thick beard streaked with grey and a deep scar running from his left temple to his jawline. His hands are calloused and grip his weapon tightly.
Mercian Warrior
secondary
A burly, battle-hardened Mercian soldier in his late 20s, with a thick beard matted with sweat and blood. His muscular frame bears the scars of previous conflicts, and his eyes gleam with the thrill of victory.
Dialog
King Oswald of Northumbria
Deus miserere... Lord, receive this warrior's soul into Thy light...
Penda of Mercia
Your Christ could not save you, Oswald! Woden gives me this victory!
King Oswald of Northumbria
You win only earth, Penda... while I gain heaven.
Mercian Warrior
The Northumbrian king's head for our victory feast!
Penda of Mercia
Hang it high where all may see - let the ravens feast on Christian flesh!
King Oswald of Northumbria
May... the Lord... have mercy... on your soul...
Penda of Mercia
My soul answers only to the gods who gave me this day!