A new spring came and the Earl requested the knights attend him at court, which was to be held in Leicester. The knights were overwhelmed with their first big excursion and their manners failed them, Sir Odrig made a particular fool of himself. Several comments were made about the country knights of Salisbury!!. Most of the talk was about the Saxons; apparently a new Saxon host had arrived to the east led by King Aethelswith. Prince Madoc made Uthers orders clear, the main army would assemble at Salisbury and seek battle with King Aelle, whilst Duke Lucius of Caercolun would hold of the new threat. Madoc made his feelings felt about the disloyal vassals who had failed to attend and particular anger was shown towards Cornwall.
Sir Ferroth did manage to attract the attention of a young damsel whilst at court; he became even more interested when he discovered she was not only beautiful but rich!
The knights returned to Salisbury and prepared for their first battle, in early summer the army was mustered at Salisbury. The knights were happy to find themselves assigned to the unit of Sir Amig an old veteran and former mentor to the knights. The journey to Sussex was a sullen one and worry was evident on the faces of Sir Donnacht and Sir Ferroth. Just over the border of Sussex King Aelle and his Saxon horde sought battle at Mearcred Creek. As Uthers army assembled Sir Amig gave them a last few words of advice “Stay with me and your unit, a loan man is easy prey, keep your shield up and lances down. Oh and don’t die else I will have Sir Elad whining at me like some old crone, he always complains when I get his new knights killed”.
The various battle cries of “Charge” and “for Uther” could be heard across the battlefield as the two armies crashed into each other.
Sir Amig’s unit charged through a unit of Heorthgeneat, each knight easily holding his own.
Unfortunately the initial charged found the battalion surrounded, even so, Sir Amig’s experience shone as he drew his sword and charged into another unit of Heorthgeneat. Even with the disadvantage the knights fought with skill and guile, with Arawain decapitating his foe where he stood, unfortunately Donnacht was wounded sorely.
This counter attack through the Saxons into confusion and Sir Amig pushed the advantage, launching a charge into a unit of Mounted Heorthgeneat. The charged was a great success and saw Saxon both dead and smashed from horse. This victory was spoilt when Arawain saw Donnacht’s rider less horse and then spotted the knight lying motionless on the battlefield.
Sir Amig wheeled the unit ignoring a Saxon noble who had become separated from his unit and went to Donnacht’s aid. As Sir Amig’s unit engaged the Mounted Heorthgeneat the battle carried on neither side could gain an advantage and it could go any way.
As Sir Amig’s called for squires to aid Donnacht, they found themselves surrounded yet again, then as if the gods were against them they heard the fearful battle cries of Saxon berserkers. For a split second each knight considered his fate, fight or flee, live or die, as each searched his soul, a united decision was made “Death to the Saxons”. As the berserkers hurled themselves at the knights, each knight looked within himself and focused all there hate and venom they held for the Saxon scum. The knights and berserkers met in a deadly embrace of axe and sword.
The blessing of Salisbury really was upon these knights, because as the dust settled and armies retreated our knights still stood, the bodies of several berserkers at their feet.
The armies retreated each claiming victory, both side knowing this was a hollow claim. The army disbanded and our knights returned to Salisbury. As the summer came and went sombre news arrived, the Saxons had defeated Duke Lucius and forced him to retreat to Colchester. In the process hundreds had been taken as slaves or forced to flee. As winter came the mood at Court was Grim all talk was about war and revenge, the Earl encourage the knights to practice their martial skills and was quoted for saying “now is no time for poetry”
.
Sir Arawain obviously found time for a bit of poetry a he composed himself a sonnet about the battle, as did Odrig squire, titled “Sir Odrig, The hero of Mearcred Creek”, the sonnet was then performed for Lady Gwiona. Sir Ferroth was further distracted with the young Damsel from Lindsay. Donnacht once healed spent much time in the pursuit of Lady Tawny and finally the yoke of bad luck slipped. As finally was granted both her father’s (Sir Saxe) and the Earls blessings to marry next spring.
Monday, 30 June 2008
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Local Gossip 484
“So what do you think of these new knights then?”
“Well Sir Luckless, sorry I mean Donnacht seems to be taking after his mentor; and also what does he see in that Tawny girl anyway?”
“I agree she’s a pretty little thing and worth a quick rut, but she has no estates or income.”
“I hear there is definitely trouble brewing between him and Sir Belldon, he’s only been a knight for short while and he’s already making powerful enemies.”
“Sir Ferroth makes me laugh he isn’t bad looking, but I have known dogs to with better courtly skills!”
“Did you see what happened between him and Lady Elaine, well if you can call her a Lady, the mans a dolt.”
“Well personally I think that hussy Lady Elaine and the little upstart are perfect match and the witch should be grateful for the attention, I don’t think most men would touch her with lance, well unless they want a knife in the back!”
“Yes but her lands make her a useful tool for the Earl, he won’t just give her away!”
“That Arawain’s a bit of a dark horse.”
“Vicious bastard from what I hear.”
“I wouldn’t let him hear you say that, bit eager to spill blood that one”
“I heard he was using peasants for jousting practice!”
“Well from what I hear only thing he has been using is lance on is April the Red back in Vagon.”
“Rutting with peasants, how common”
“What of Sir Odrig the meek, he makes me laugh.”
“I expect Sir Wilton has beaten all the spirit out of that one.”
“I wouldn’t say he’s that docile, from what I hear he has been making any excuse to see Lady Gwiona”
“A wolf in sheep’s clothing if you ask me”
“A wolf! more a puppy.”
“Well Sir Luckless, sorry I mean Donnacht seems to be taking after his mentor; and also what does he see in that Tawny girl anyway?”
“I agree she’s a pretty little thing and worth a quick rut, but she has no estates or income.”
“I hear there is definitely trouble brewing between him and Sir Belldon, he’s only been a knight for short while and he’s already making powerful enemies.”
“Sir Ferroth makes me laugh he isn’t bad looking, but I have known dogs to with better courtly skills!”
“Did you see what happened between him and Lady Elaine, well if you can call her a Lady, the mans a dolt.”
“Well personally I think that hussy Lady Elaine and the little upstart are perfect match and the witch should be grateful for the attention, I don’t think most men would touch her with lance, well unless they want a knife in the back!”
“Yes but her lands make her a useful tool for the Earl, he won’t just give her away!”
“That Arawain’s a bit of a dark horse.”
“Vicious bastard from what I hear.”
“I wouldn’t let him hear you say that, bit eager to spill blood that one”
“I heard he was using peasants for jousting practice!”
“Well from what I hear only thing he has been using is lance on is April the Red back in Vagon.”
“Rutting with peasants, how common”
“What of Sir Odrig the meek, he makes me laugh.”
“I expect Sir Wilton has beaten all the spirit out of that one.”
“I wouldn’t say he’s that docile, from what I hear he has been making any excuse to see Lady Gwiona”
“A wolf in sheep’s clothing if you ask me”
“A wolf! more a puppy.”
Year 484 - The blessing of Salisbury
It is a lovely summer’s eve, the trees and plants are in full blossom and the lands around you looks rich and green, the warmth of the day can still be felt. As you dismount from your horse you look up at the old hill fort at Hambury, the orange glow of the setting sun gives it an almost mystical aura. You and your fellow knights embark on a silent walk to the summit, leaving your horses grazing on its grassy banks.
Upon reaching the summit you enter the ruins that lie there, you can smell wood smoke in the air and you find at its centre a crude circle drawn into the dirt and standing within is Eartha kneeling before a makeshift altar, atop the altar sits a carved wooden cup and a knife. Without turning, she speaks “Greetings, knights of Salisbury, I welcome thee, please enter”. You step cautiously into the circle and as you do you can feel the hairs on your neck stand up. Eartha turns to you the cup in one hand and the hilt of the knife held outstretched. “You have come here to receive the blessing of Salisbury”, she hands you the knife,” but before she blesses you, she must receive your sacrifice”.
You take the knife and draw its blade across your hand; Eartha lowers the cup and catches your precious life blood. You watch as in turn each of your fellows do the same. Eartha returns to the altar, she draws a flask from beneath her robes and pours a thick dark liquid into the cup. Then she begins to chant in the ancient words, much of which is lost on you except the word Brigid (the triple goddess). As Eartha continues to chant, you can hear a faint song being sung and the smell of fresh blossom.
The smell of blossom becomes intense, almost overwhelming and you can feel a presence behind you. You try to turn, but your body refuses, you can feel the gentles touch of a women, as she caresses your neck. A beautiful young women walks into sight, she is probably the most stunning creature you have ever seen, she walks barefoot and is dressed in a simple white robe, which reveals her lean body and full bosom, golden locks fall from her head. She walks to Eartha, who kneels before her and offers her the cup; she takes the cup and drinks deeply.
The maiden then turns and approaches you; a wry smile on her face, her lips stained a bright red. You feel your senses becoming overwhelmed as she nears, your body yearns to take her and make her yours. She leans in closely and kisses you deeply, you feel her eager tongue probing your mouth and you can taste the wine and copper of the blood, it is the sweetest kiss you have ever had. You watch almost jealously as she kisses in turn your fellow knights. You start to feel heady and your vision begins to blur. You can just make out the maiden walking away, as she nears the edge of the ruins she turns and though her lips do not move, you hear her say “you are now joined with us and we with you, Salisbury gives you its blessing, serves us well Sir Knight”.
The following morning you awaken and find yourself at the bottom of the hill you can smell the dew of a new morning, you here the groans of your fellow knights as they too begin to wake. The previous night could well have been a dream, except for the wrist band of mistletoe each of you wears!
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Coats of Arms
Sir Odrig the reckless pagan knight of Burcombe
Sir Donnacht the pious pagan knight of Pitton
Sir Ferroth the reckless pagan knight of Woodford
Sir Arawain the vengeful pagan knight of Winterbourne-Gunnet.
Year 484 - Part II
So our squires awoke the following day in the village of Imber, after many thanks from the peasants and quick breakfast the band started the return journey to Vagon.
As the bands were headed back toward the Salisbury main a horseman was seen riding at a pace from Tilshead. As he neared he was recognised as Ferroth a fellow squire of Salisbury and he explained he was travelling to Vagon to give a message to Sir Elad from his knight Sir Edbert. It was decided it was in everyone’s interest to travel together. As the squires continued the return trip Arawain and Ferroth heard cries of a man in trouble “it’s me livelihood, not me prize pig, I’m begging you” and signalled the group to follow them. They rode down a small hillock to discover a small farm and a several men obviously assaulting the farmer and stealing his goods. The squires instantly decided to tackle these rouges. Odrig called out for the men to surrender and his mere request was enough for two of the men to drop the goods and capitulate (oratory crit). Arawain charged in, one of the men fired an arrow which caused a minor flesh wound, this only cause to further anger him and in one blow the archer was nearly decapitated (crit). Donnacht surged in to defend the farmer from a man who appeared to be the leader, in a single mighty blow Donnacht shattered the bandit’s sword and chopped him down (crit). Ferroth was the last to attack, he charged into the last bandit, who looked rather shocked as he found himself skewered on the young squire’s spear (crit), Ferroth calmly rode back and pulled spear from the dying mans chest.
The squires quickly gathered the facts from the farmer and had the surviving bandits were bound, they then had the peasants bring them some refreshment as they discussed whether to kill the bandits or not. Though Ferroth and Arawain (and the farmer) wanted to use them for lance practice Donnacht was forcefully adamant they should be taken to Vagon for trial. Odrig had the final ruling and decided that the bandits would stand trial. Ferroth used his charm and quickly won over the farmer’s daughter, who in turn took him to see the prize apple tree, which apparently produced very round, ripe and juicy apples (hello Carry on Pendragon).
The knights finally got back to Vagon and told Sir Elad of their ventures, he was most pleased and explained they would go Sarum on the following day were they would be presented to the Earl.
As this was such an important turn of events they decided the best preparation for such a visit to court would be spend the night in the pub drinking and bragging to the other squires. Arawain also composed a particularly good sonnet about the ‘Demon Bear of Imber’. The following morning most of the squires were a little worse for wear and Ordig was nearly late after he woke up in a horse trough.
Upon arriving in the Sarum they went into the main hall and awaited to be presented to the Earl, it was soon clear that these squires were lacking in courtly skills. Donnacht made a major blunder when that bowed to one of the pages and rather rudely ask a knights lady to serve him some mead (courtesy fumble). This indiscretion was noted by Sir Belldon who made a rather impolite comment about Donnacht’s bloodline. After making a rather bad impression they were presented to the Earl were Odrig made a very good account of their ventures (oratory crit), the squires displayed the bear skin and handed over the bandits, the Earl seemed most pleased. Afterwards Arawain and Odrig circulated in court, Donnacht flirted with Lady Tawny the young daughter of Sir Saxe and then escorted her round Sarum and Ferroth managed to persuade Sir Jardan to give him some tuition with the sword on the following day. That evening a feast was held and it was announced that several squires would be raised to rank of knight, this included our merry band. This raised Ferroth’s spirits a little too high and he approached Lady Elaine in a most insolent manner and was berated into a retreat (flirting fumble).
The following day spirits were high, Sir Elad explained what would happen and the band spent most of the day sleeping and eating, preparing themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually for their vigil. Ferroth managed to find time to meet Sir Jardan, were the knight proved his reputation with the sword was just, as the squire found himself outclassed and knocked to ground. During the day they were visited by Eartha, a rather strange but respected wise woman. She eyed each one of them keenly and the hand them a small wreath of holly and ivy, which she said would protect them from these new gods. She told them to meet her at the next full moon at the old hill fort off the Salisbury Main. That evening the squires were dressed in the traditional accoutrements and their sword, shield, armour and spurs placed in the church. After evening mass the squires were left for their overnight vigil (it should be noted that each one held to the wreath tightly and prayed to old ways), each squire maintained his vigil throughout the night. The following day they were led into the hall were in turn each pledged their allegiance to Roderick and King Uther. The entered the hall as squires and as they ran from the hall to leap upon their steeds as knights. Each one successfully leapt upon his steed as the crowd cheered and hollered. The newly knighted squires revelled in being the centre of attention.
The evenings feast was most agreeable to all involved, though Donnacht did use his new found position to exchange unpleasantries with Sir Belldon. To the amusement of his friends Donnacht also spent much of the evening looking doe eyed at Lady Tawny. It should also be noted that Arawain’s sonnet slowly became modified to Sir Arawain and the Demon Bear of Imber!!!
(This was a very long summary)
As the bands were headed back toward the Salisbury main a horseman was seen riding at a pace from Tilshead. As he neared he was recognised as Ferroth a fellow squire of Salisbury and he explained he was travelling to Vagon to give a message to Sir Elad from his knight Sir Edbert. It was decided it was in everyone’s interest to travel together. As the squires continued the return trip Arawain and Ferroth heard cries of a man in trouble “it’s me livelihood, not me prize pig, I’m begging you” and signalled the group to follow them. They rode down a small hillock to discover a small farm and a several men obviously assaulting the farmer and stealing his goods. The squires instantly decided to tackle these rouges. Odrig called out for the men to surrender and his mere request was enough for two of the men to drop the goods and capitulate (oratory crit). Arawain charged in, one of the men fired an arrow which caused a minor flesh wound, this only cause to further anger him and in one blow the archer was nearly decapitated (crit). Donnacht surged in to defend the farmer from a man who appeared to be the leader, in a single mighty blow Donnacht shattered the bandit’s sword and chopped him down (crit). Ferroth was the last to attack, he charged into the last bandit, who looked rather shocked as he found himself skewered on the young squire’s spear (crit), Ferroth calmly rode back and pulled spear from the dying mans chest.
The squires quickly gathered the facts from the farmer and had the surviving bandits were bound, they then had the peasants bring them some refreshment as they discussed whether to kill the bandits or not. Though Ferroth and Arawain (and the farmer) wanted to use them for lance practice Donnacht was forcefully adamant they should be taken to Vagon for trial. Odrig had the final ruling and decided that the bandits would stand trial. Ferroth used his charm and quickly won over the farmer’s daughter, who in turn took him to see the prize apple tree, which apparently produced very round, ripe and juicy apples (hello Carry on Pendragon).
The knights finally got back to Vagon and told Sir Elad of their ventures, he was most pleased and explained they would go Sarum on the following day were they would be presented to the Earl.
As this was such an important turn of events they decided the best preparation for such a visit to court would be spend the night in the pub drinking and bragging to the other squires. Arawain also composed a particularly good sonnet about the ‘Demon Bear of Imber’. The following morning most of the squires were a little worse for wear and Ordig was nearly late after he woke up in a horse trough.
Upon arriving in the Sarum they went into the main hall and awaited to be presented to the Earl, it was soon clear that these squires were lacking in courtly skills. Donnacht made a major blunder when that bowed to one of the pages and rather rudely ask a knights lady to serve him some mead (courtesy fumble). This indiscretion was noted by Sir Belldon who made a rather impolite comment about Donnacht’s bloodline. After making a rather bad impression they were presented to the Earl were Odrig made a very good account of their ventures (oratory crit), the squires displayed the bear skin and handed over the bandits, the Earl seemed most pleased. Afterwards Arawain and Odrig circulated in court, Donnacht flirted with Lady Tawny the young daughter of Sir Saxe and then escorted her round Sarum and Ferroth managed to persuade Sir Jardan to give him some tuition with the sword on the following day. That evening a feast was held and it was announced that several squires would be raised to rank of knight, this included our merry band. This raised Ferroth’s spirits a little too high and he approached Lady Elaine in a most insolent manner and was berated into a retreat (flirting fumble).
The following day spirits were high, Sir Elad explained what would happen and the band spent most of the day sleeping and eating, preparing themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually for their vigil. Ferroth managed to find time to meet Sir Jardan, were the knight proved his reputation with the sword was just, as the squire found himself outclassed and knocked to ground. During the day they were visited by Eartha, a rather strange but respected wise woman. She eyed each one of them keenly and the hand them a small wreath of holly and ivy, which she said would protect them from these new gods. She told them to meet her at the next full moon at the old hill fort off the Salisbury Main. That evening the squires were dressed in the traditional accoutrements and their sword, shield, armour and spurs placed in the church. After evening mass the squires were left for their overnight vigil (it should be noted that each one held to the wreath tightly and prayed to old ways), each squire maintained his vigil throughout the night. The following day they were led into the hall were in turn each pledged their allegiance to Roderick and King Uther. The entered the hall as squires and as they ran from the hall to leap upon their steeds as knights. Each one successfully leapt upon his steed as the crowd cheered and hollered. The newly knighted squires revelled in being the centre of attention.
The evenings feast was most agreeable to all involved, though Donnacht did use his new found position to exchange unpleasantries with Sir Belldon. To the amusement of his friends Donnacht also spent much of the evening looking doe eyed at Lady Tawny. It should also be noted that Arawain’s sonnet slowly became modified to Sir Arawain and the Demon Bear of Imber!!!
(This was a very long summary)
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Year 484 - Beast of Imber
The adventure begins.
Our potential new knights awaken in the hall of Vagon.
Arawain a vengeful squire, whose knight is Sir Ralston, a knight renown more for his ability to drink and wench than for his skills at arms.
Odrig a reckless squire, who is unfortunately, squired to Sir Wilton a rather nasty piece of work, whom is as vicious with his tongue as he is with his sword.
Donnacht a very pious young pagan, who is squired to Sir Saxe an honest but poor household knight, who is renowned for his ill-luck.
The merry band of squires awoke in the hall and started preparing their knights for the day, packing away personal effects etc. Arawain had to go find his master who had disappeared, he was found rather the worse for wear in the hovel of a local girl called April. Odrig was given some menial tasks by Wilton in his usual need to embarrass the poor squire. After breakfast the rest of the morning was spent doing various tasks polishing armour, sharpening swords, checking on the horses etc. All the squires completed their tasks and Arawain even found time to pay a quick visit the alluring redhead April, who taught the young man a trick or two!
The afternoon was spent on the martial field with some training, Sir Elad the castellan of Vagon gave the squires a few tasks which they all completed ably, well except for Donnacht who seemed to have gained some of Sir Saxes ill-luck, he was knocked from his horse by a Quintain and then proceeded to fall from his horse twice during the race. Arawain took much glee in mocking Donnacht and even Sir Elad had to laugh. Donnacht prayed to his gods to help him refrain from throttling Arawain and decided that he needed to increase his tributes to ward of this bad luck. Sir Elad returned later and told the squires he had a task for them, news had come from Imber that the peasant folk claimed they couldn’t work as the woods were being stalked by a man eating bear.
The squires had a quick joust to decide who would lead the band, this honour fell to Odrig.
The band left early the following morning and by mid-day had arrived in Imber they quickly contacted Old Garr the local priest who explained to them what had been going on. Odrig ordered for a hunt to be assembled and they headed off into the woods. The end of the day was nearing when the squires caught sight of the bear. Odrig arrived first, quickly followed by Donnacht and Arawain. The fight was brief but the vicious old bear was quick and strong and managed to pull Odrig from his horse and maul him into unconsciousness.
The corpse of the bear and the unconscious Ordig were taken back to the village, Odrig’s wounds were patched and he was well looked after by a young wench! That night a feast was held and roast bear was the main dish, our squires went to bed proclaimed as heroes, with a full belly, a light head and a young wench to warm their beds. What a nice way to end the day....
Our potential new knights awaken in the hall of Vagon.
Arawain a vengeful squire, whose knight is Sir Ralston, a knight renown more for his ability to drink and wench than for his skills at arms.
Odrig a reckless squire, who is unfortunately, squired to Sir Wilton a rather nasty piece of work, whom is as vicious with his tongue as he is with his sword.
Donnacht a very pious young pagan, who is squired to Sir Saxe an honest but poor household knight, who is renowned for his ill-luck.
The merry band of squires awoke in the hall and started preparing their knights for the day, packing away personal effects etc. Arawain had to go find his master who had disappeared, he was found rather the worse for wear in the hovel of a local girl called April. Odrig was given some menial tasks by Wilton in his usual need to embarrass the poor squire. After breakfast the rest of the morning was spent doing various tasks polishing armour, sharpening swords, checking on the horses etc. All the squires completed their tasks and Arawain even found time to pay a quick visit the alluring redhead April, who taught the young man a trick or two!
The afternoon was spent on the martial field with some training, Sir Elad the castellan of Vagon gave the squires a few tasks which they all completed ably, well except for Donnacht who seemed to have gained some of Sir Saxes ill-luck, he was knocked from his horse by a Quintain and then proceeded to fall from his horse twice during the race. Arawain took much glee in mocking Donnacht and even Sir Elad had to laugh. Donnacht prayed to his gods to help him refrain from throttling Arawain and decided that he needed to increase his tributes to ward of this bad luck. Sir Elad returned later and told the squires he had a task for them, news had come from Imber that the peasant folk claimed they couldn’t work as the woods were being stalked by a man eating bear.
The squires had a quick joust to decide who would lead the band, this honour fell to Odrig.
The band left early the following morning and by mid-day had arrived in Imber they quickly contacted Old Garr the local priest who explained to them what had been going on. Odrig ordered for a hunt to be assembled and they headed off into the woods. The end of the day was nearing when the squires caught sight of the bear. Odrig arrived first, quickly followed by Donnacht and Arawain. The fight was brief but the vicious old bear was quick and strong and managed to pull Odrig from his horse and maul him into unconsciousness.
The corpse of the bear and the unconscious Ordig were taken back to the village, Odrig’s wounds were patched and he was well looked after by a young wench! That night a feast was held and roast bear was the main dish, our squires went to bed proclaimed as heroes, with a full belly, a light head and a young wench to warm their beds. What a nice way to end the day....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)