The Ruin of Mimsie Hawley - Turn 8

At the start of turn 8, Sir John Falstaff challenges Lord Melchett to a Duel. Should Melchett accept this challenge, no other figure would be able to interfere following the En Garde! rules. Melchett declines the challenge and Bottom shoots at Falstaff. Bottom has obviously not been carrying out regular weapon maintenance as his ball goes flying over Sir John's head, narrowly missing the Hawley banner that Melchett so proudly carries. Falstaff charges Lord Melchett shouting "Refuse a challenge, eh? Shoot at me, eh? Well, have some of this my son, you have as little honesty as honour!"

Stirrup (remember him?) reloaded last turn and takes a long shot at Sir Miles Cholmondely-Warner. The wind must be blowing in the right direction as Stirrup scores a hit on Sir Miles and causes a light wound. Sir Miles limps in to join Melchett in combat against the massive figure of Sir John Falstaff. It was to be said (particularly in the Boars Head Inn) in later years that this was Sir John's greatest moment since hiding in the laundry basket (see The Merry Wives of Windsor). Adolf Schrödter captured Sir John in oils, showing him at his best with his page in attendance.

But I digress, back in Bloody Lane, Wrench runs at Lord Melchett and tries to cleave him in twain with his halberd. The stage is set for another round of combat in this already blood-soaked drama.

To resolve this combat, the fight was divided into two separate combats with Melchett fighting Wrench and Sir Miles taking on the mighty Sir John. Sir Miles lunges at Sir John, but the big man is able to parry. Sir John steps forward, strikes and Sir Miles sinks to the ground breathing his last. Another death in Bloody Lane.

We now turn to Melchett whose skill it seems, is more than able to overcome Wrench's mighty weapon. A well-placed thrust from Melchett and Wrench is an ex-servant, he is brown bread. Morale is tested due to the amount of bodies piling up in the road. Sir Jaspar's men start to waver but Sir Francis's men remain steady (this is where the banner comes in handy).

To be continued...