Falaise

Buggy the Conqueror

Finally, time for the awaited battle! I hope this chapter does justice to the battle of Hastings, and that you'll enjoy it. Let the war begin!

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The Norman troops' departure was delayed by adversed winds. Though the Channel crossing went smoothly, the late landing rescheduled the initial plans, causing a stir in the Duchy's battle expectations.

Having arrived a few days later than expected, the Norman troops only got one day to settle down and mentally prepare themselves for the battle. The quickness of it was not a surprise, as delay had been taken into consideration during the landing planning.

Still, many feared this only day of reprieve after the Channel crossing would not be enough. It didn't matter, though, as the battle would happen no matter what.

The Duke's troops set to work quickly, despite it all. In the few hours of peace they got, the troops built a makeshift wooden castle and set up camp in the vicinity, reinforcing their defences with fortifications.

Buggy went through the troops one last time, and reviewed the plans with his advisors. He reunited with Osbern, Jinbe, and Alvida for a last revision, and then they waited. It didn't too long for Teach to attack.

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The look-out post apprised of an arriving army on the edge of Caldbec Hill, opposite their camp, at 8.30 am. Running at full tilt across the camp, a young messenger delivered the news to the Duke and his vassals a few minutes later, setting a plan, which had been practised for weeks in Normandy, going.

The young valet from Lisieux, who had insisted upon coming to England with them, but whom Buggy had refused the request to join the battle, brought Buggy and his knight's horses to the wooden castle, despite the commotion throughout the camp.

Mounting his horse, Crocodile shot a look to Mihawk, before turning to look at Buggy. 'You're sure about this, Jester? Once you join the battle personally, there is no turning back. Your absence will signify the end of the fight, and our loss.'

Buggy glared at his knight, obviously displeased by the question. 'I've made up my mind, Crocodile. You won't stop me from engaging in the war.' Out of respect for his Duke and boyfriend, Crocodile stifled a sigh. He understood the need for the Duke to take part in the battle, but it did not mean that he did not find the decision foolish and approved of it. He was his bodyguard, after all, and he wouldn't have been a proper one if he didn't see any issue with his "protege" engaging in a literal war.

At his side, Mihawk felt the need to adjust Buggy's helmet, to make sure it covered his nose properly. He wasn't used to seeing the man in full armour. Had it been in any other context, Mihawk would have been delighted at the sight. Now, he only had a lump forming in the pit of his stomach. He only now took in the full extent of Buggy being on the front-line.

The Norman troops, alongside Bretons and soldiers of different origins, gathered on the battlefield quickly, each and every single soldier having already repeated this scenario at least a couple of times before. Crocodile and Mihawk were surprised by their discipline.

At 9am, the battle of Hastings was launched. It started slowly, arrows flying towards Teach's troops, mostly missing their target as they were hiding behind shields.

Sensing that a long-distance attack would not be fruitful, and after a quick word with Osbern, Buggy launched an assault. The spearmen rushed up the hill, but were met with projectiles. Seeing as they failed to make headway, Buggy ordered the cavalry to join the attack.

Marshall D. Teach's men had the reputation of being vicious soldiers, but Buggy had never quite gotten the chance to really grasp why. Any poor soul having the misfortune of being within Teach's army's arms was a dead man, spears piercing Norman soldiers with irrational strength, and soon enough the dell was filled with the echoes of howling soldiers.