An encounter at Arithdale part one

What follows is a true and faithful account of the action at Arithdale, a skirmish which resulted from the events recounted here: The Road To Arithdale

Captain Jepson and part of his company of Trained Band musketmen accompanied doctor Hugo back to the bridge near Arithdale, but finding no sign of the enemy, continued to the village itself with muskets loaded and matches alight,

though the precaution seemed unnecessary since only a few disheveled looking villagers were to be seen shambling around the streets.

(Old Mother Bankes remained out of sight at the end of the street)

With the arrival of the soldiers, the nearest "villagers" turned and made their way awkwardly towards them - the plague doctor quickly recognizing, by their corpse-like complexions, that these were no simple village folk and raised the alarm.

Stepping forward, the front rank took aim and fired.........

...... all three musket balls found their marks, yet only two of the abominations fell dead in the street (only two headshots), while the third continued on, the gaping wound clearly visible in its chest.

Sergeant Jones charged into the black powder smoke to attack the creature with his halberd,

and only just managed to get the better of the beast as it fought back with tooth and nail!
What on God's earth were these foul beings?

At this point dear reader, the skirmish must pause. This is as far as I've got before both sides declared a time honoured truce, so they can share a pipe of tobacco and engage in a traditional game of foote the ball on the village green.
Hostilities will resume after the festive celebrations.

Merry Christmas