Robert de Fiennes reaches a narrow village bridge with the fleeing remnant: mud-streaked infantry, exhausted men-at-arms, and mounted knights pressing close behind him. Beyond the fields, English riders move beneath the pale afternoon sky.
At the near end, villagers hold the crossing with raised bills, spears, and hunting bows. A line of barred carts blocks the bridge, while smoke from distant fires drifts low over the thatched roofs.
The Village Spokesman
Keep your horses back! We will not open for armed men until we know whose side you serve.
A broad-shouldered middle-aged man stands before the carts, wearing a faded brown coat over a padded jack. His weathered face is framed by iron-gray hair, and a woodcutter’s axe rests in both hands.
The Wounded Man-At-Arms
French, fool! The field is lost. Let us cross, or the English will take us all.
Behind Robert, frightened horses stamp in the churned road. One rider looks back toward the fields, where several mounted figures have separated from the smoke and begun angling toward the bridge.
The Village Spokesman
Frenchmen may cross one at a time. Lay down your weapons first, and pray your pursuers are slow.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get past the village defenders
✓ Quest Accepted
Escape the English pursuit
“*I bring my horse to the front of the group, raising the houndskull visor of my bascinet* "Good sir, we have been routed by the English. Their riders are giving chase, I can see your people are strong in will and pride. If you allow us to pass through your village to flee I will assure you that no man shall bear arms against you."”
SUCCESS (Fair Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Robert brings his horse to the front of the halted column and raises the houndskull visor of his bascinet. Mud and sweat darken his mail as he faces the village spokesman.
Robert de Fiennes
Good sir, we have been routed by the English. Their riders are giving chase. I can see your people are strong in will and pride. Let us pass through your village, and I assure you no man shall bear arms against you.
The spokesman studies Robert’s uncovered face, then glances toward the smoke and the mounted figures closing across the fields. His axe lowers a fraction.
The Village Spokesman
You speak as one who knows what these fields will suffer if the English reach them. Very well. Your promise is heard.
He raises one hand. The villagers drag the barred carts aside, opening the narrow bridge while keeping their bills and bows ready.
The Village Spokesman
Cross in order. Keep your weapons peace-bound and your men from the houses. Any hand that reaches for plunder will find this village less welcoming.
The first French horses step onto the planks. Behind them, the English riders emerge more clearly through the smoke, but the village passage now lies open.
“"Merci. We must beg our leave." *I say as I swiftly lead the group of French soldiers across the bridge. I ride along side the group, making sure all men are moving at a swift pace and remain vigilant against any who would desert of attempt to break formation*”
SUCCESS (Superb Horsemanship, rolled -1)
Robert de Fiennes
Merci. We must beg our leave.
A rider in the halted column, a young adult man with a lean build, olive skin, close-cropped dark hair, and a weathered blue surcoat over chain mail, catches a loose bay by its reins and yields it to Robert. He mounts swiftly, settling his weight as the first men cross.
Robert leads the Frenchmen onto the bridge at a brisk pace, riding alongside the files and driving their attention forward with sharp gestures. Weapons remain peace-bound, and no man breaks ranks.
The narrow planks shudder beneath the hurried column. Robert checks a wavering horse, but his boot slips on the wet wood and his knee strikes the saddle pommel hard.
Robert de Fiennes
The knee will bruise, but the bridge is holding.
He keeps the bay moving and reaches the far bank with the soldiers gathered behind him, their formation intact. The last rider clears the bridge before the English can reach it.
The Village Spokesman
Go, then. Keep to the road, and may your haste carry you beyond the English.
Quest Complete
Get past the village defenders
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Fair→Good
+ New Item Acquired
Bay Horse