Battle of Orleans


by:: Cruella (paggio one)

.....As the early morning mist lifted from the greening fields of Orleans, an English sentinal called out the warning. An army was coming over the rise. The sentinal recognized the banner. " Tis Chabannes, me lord!" he cried. Scouts were quickly dispersed in the army's general direction.

They returned with a shattering report. His army was equal in size to Lord de Beaufort's. "Aye, I will eat'm fer supper!" the noble lord loudly boasted. He then began preparing for battle against the French commander.

Across the ridge, Chabannes calmly prepared himself for the ensuing combat. When his last piece of armor was placed upon him, he turned and exited the tent. His generals and men stood outside awaiting him. He looked amongst the trusted faces of his generals with his steel blue eyes and then began his speech. "Men, we have a great challenge facing us. Most of you know of Lord Beaufort's prowess in combat. He has proven himself to be most adept at the rigors of army life and is a strong and fearful leader. We, a small army in comparison to his might, may appear to have little chance for victory. But, we must disband his army. Our Roi is inside that keep and will be captured if we fail. We must succeed or die trying." With that last ultimatum, he placed his helmet upon his head. This helmet symbolized his very being. It was not shined like many other lord's, but battered and beaten from hard combat. It was, like the lord who wore it, experienced in war and not unaccustomed to the rigors of battle.

With his armor secure, Lord Chabannes mounted his grey Destrier. He looked back once again at his men, and then motioned them forward. His horse burst into the lead and the cry "Vive le France!" was heard throughout the countryside.

The terrible sound of metal upon metal was heard as the men clashed. Arrows shot from the Yeomen mercilessly killed man after man. After several hours of battle, the English were finally defeated by this inferior force. As the English soldiers were chased away, Lord Chabannes bowed over a fallen body on the battle field. Before him, Lord Beaufort lay. His body was crumpled and his helmet had been cleft in two by the fall of a mighty battle axe.

"My lord," his general softly called. "The English have been routed.'

Lord Chabannes arose and crossed his chest. "Our job is done here then. See that Lord Beaufort's body is honorably cared for and returned to his family. I must see to a message to Lady Beaufort. It will be small comfort in this man's death." With a look to the sinking sun, Lord Chabannes walked back towards his tent. His eyes were as misty as the morn of the battle.

........This was an excerpt taken from a message to all In Paggio One. the author is Cruella.


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