EDGE - Battle Books: Hastings by Gary Smailes

Author:Gary Smailes
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781445108391
Publisher: Hachette Children's Books
Published: 2011-06-09T00:00:00+00:00

54 It takes only a couple of minutes for you and your bodyguard of fifty knights to reach the desperate Bretons. With a yell you draw your mighty broadsword and plunge into the battle. The first Englishman you meet stands no chance as your weapon rips into his back. His armour is useless against your razor sharp blade and a huge wound opens up. The next warrior sees you coming and raises his sword high in the air. However, you are a skilful swordsman and you slash into the man’s neck. As you rush past, you see his head bounce on the ground.

The arrival of your knights has turned the small fight at the base of the slope to your favour. Many of the English now begin to head back up the slope to safety. The Bretons now have the upper hand and you decide to return to the centre. You pass the order to your knights to finish this fight.

Your horse has taken only a few strides when a spear hits. You actually see the weapon leaving the hands of a tall warrior only seconds before it slams into your horse’s flank. You twist round as the beast falls, slipping from the saddle and landing on your feet. You are furious and rush through the crowd. Your sword is out. You ignore all about you, focusing on the man who killed your horse. He feigns a slice to your legs but instead aims a blow to your face. However he is an unskilled warrior, a dangerous thing to be when facing a Norman knight. You block his strike with ease. With your left hand you punch him in the face – breaking his nose. The warrior raises his hands. It is his final move. You quickly slice your sword across his exposed stomach, spilling his intestines. You leave the man to die in the mud.

You glance around for another horse just as Eustace appears from the crowd. Angers flushes your face as you realise he has disobeyed your order to steady his men. He rushes to your side and leaps from his horse and offers you the reins.

“Sire, take my mount, I will find another.” You are loath to accept Eustace’s offer, but the battle is more important than your pride.

• If you wish to return to the centre to take command of your army then go to 60.

• If you feel you can do more good here and wish to keep fighting, then go to 34.

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