488 - The Siege of Bayeaux

So with Odrig returned from the coast and with the winter season over Donnacht, Arawain and Ordrig found themselves in Winchester for the Spring Court. The knights could feel that something major was afoot and news soon reached them of an offensive on the continent. This was later confirmed when Prince Madoc announced he would be leading half the British army against the Franks, in support of Praetor Sygarius. The knights discovered the main reason for splitting the force was Uther feared that either the Saxons or more likely Duke Gorlois of Cornwall would launch an attack if the whole army was absent.

Whilst at court Arawain decided to try and improve his reputation and to challenge a knight of reasonable reputation to a friendly duel. Sir Carter was more than happy to teach the youngster a lesson in combat. The duel ensued the next day and the knights exchanged some mighty blows with the rebated weapons, but both knights remained standing. Then foul luck would have it as Arawain’s sword smashed into the face of Sir Carter, battering his helm and driving the nose piece into his eye. Sir Carter fall to the ground unconscious, blood pouring from his face. Though shocked and stunned no blame fell on Arawain as the fight had been good hearted and the injury an accident. Arawain was still filled with guilt and used his funds to hire the best healer he could find to aid Carters recovery. That evening the Earl gave him stern talking to and explained he would prefer it if he and his friends could focus their skills on the Saxons or some other foe. More positively he did highlight that it did no harm for others to fear the knights of Salisbury.

The knights returned to Salisbury and several days later received a summons from the Earl, he wished to hold council. The Earl explained that Uther had offered him a choice of remaining in Britain or taking a force to the continent. The Earl asked what his knights felt about this choice and where they felt their priorities should lie. Donnacht and Arawain wished to stay and defend Britain, saying that a shepherd should not leave its flock to the wolves. Odrig wished to go to the continent to crush the Franks and hopefully in the process gain a new ally. Lycus highlighted that the county was safe and could do with loot from the continent. After much debate and after Arawain changed his mind and decided he would prefer the action the continent promised, the Earl decided to go.

The journey to the continent was a frustrating one, the force was huge and took forever to depart and land. Then after a week of unloading the bulk of the force was unloaded and prepping to march. The Earl gave the knights the job of going with the Praetor to rally support from the surrounding villages, the knights eagerly accepted as they welcomed the chance to stretch theirs and their horse’s legs.

On the whole they were impressed with the Praetor, though he had many heirs and graces and could waffle a bit; he did also seem to be a capable man and a leader. The knights first few visits were successful as the Praetor managed to rally many men to his cause. The last village before the return to the British Army did not go so well, as the villager seemed more than happy to live under the Frankish yoke. Though the discussion got heated, bloodshed was avoided and the Praetor and the knights left. Word had obviously got out as on the return trip to the main force they were ambushed by a Frankish war party. Odrig ordered the men to stand and fight, but Donnacht overruled his commands and got the men to break through. Upon getting a suitable distance away they turned to see the Franks taunting them. It was agreed to charge them, but as they did so the Franks leapt across a ditch which lay by the side of the road. Throwing spears at the player and taunting them further. This was all too much for the knight’s honours and they dismounted and assaulted the Franks. The fight was a bloody one, but at the end the knights stood victorious and the remaining Franks fled. They then returned to the British army unmolested.

The next day the army travelled to Bayeux to besiege the city, the army setup camp as Madoc and his advisors considered their options. The following day an assault was launched, led by archer fire and Irish Kerns. The Irish managed to force one of the gates and the Earls force charged forward, but as it did so the Franks counter attacked, stifling the charged and attempting to close the gate. Upon seeing this Odrig ordered his unit to take the gate. Odrig took his men through the flank of the force attacking the Earl and through the gate; many a Frank fell to their lance. They burst through the gate into the court yard, to find themselves under fire from Frankish archers, fortunately most of the fire was ineffectual. Odrig then wheeled his men in the courtyard, to charge the gate again. As he did so, he saw Ferroth had been grappled from his horse and was now fighting for his life in the gates mouth. Odrig ordered several men to support Ferroth and the rest to slaughter the men trying to close the gate, the unit charged again. The melee was short and violent, Odrig, Donnacht and Arawain fought with skill hacking and slashing at the Franks. Though Arawain nearly lost his leg to a Frankish axe. Ferroth blocked and parried taking several nasty cuts, but survived till support arrived and then joined the attack. The gate was held and Prince Madocs forces poured through it like wine from a bottle. Once the Franks had been routed the city was looted an event the knights took much relish in, each gaining a good haul.

The next day was spent getting the men and baggage back to the fishing village and loaded onto the ships. Late in the afternoon the Praetor arrived with several armoured equites and upon leaping from his horse, knelt before the Prince. He then requested the Prince should join his army at Rouen to crush the Franks once and for all. Surprisingly the Prince refused and after a short argument the Praetor left, hurling Latin insults at Prince Madoc. Several of the Earls knights including Jardan, Leo, Arawain and Ferroth, protested to him, stating that they were oath-bound to help the Praetor. The Earl refused for them to be involved and said the Princes word was final. Though none too happy they backed down as their loyalty was to their Lord.

The journey back to England was peaceful and Odrig was greeted by the open arms of his wife to be Lady Gwiona. Their wedding took place in October, so it would seem her curse was broken and they received many a splendid gift from his friends. Soon Christmas was upon them and a joyful one it was to, the army had a victory and the coffers were fuller than they had been in a long time and Donnacht had a new daughter. The only thing that tainted the celebration was that over the winter Arawain lost a quarter of his village to an evil beast. He and his fellow knights swore that next year the Wyrm of Modron’s Forest would pay dearly.

Year 487 (Part Two)

So Ferroth, Donnacht and Arawain found themselves as part of Uther’s retinue heading towards Lindsey, the purpose of the visits was to try to ensure Duke Lindsey’s loyalty to Uther. Upon their arrival they were informed by the head steward that the Duke was not resident and was out hunting. Uther was most impressed, but informed the steward that he would take up residence and await the duke’s return. Once Uthers residence was established the knights were left to their own devices.

Donnacht and Arawain decided to have a snoop around and see what news they could gather, they discovered that the Dukes apparent hunting trip may have been a ruse to avoid Uther, as the Duke viewed Uther as a greedy tyrant. Ferroth decided to try and make contact with Lady Ashby and sent a letter of love to her via his squire. This letter never reached her, as his squire appeared later with several bruises, apparently given by Sir Scot , the brother of Lady Ashby’s dead husband and warden of her lands.

Ferroth was offended and considered action, but he realised that he was bound by the rules of hospitality.

The next few days past uneventfully except for the nobles going hunting, till one evening when Ferroth received a letter suggesting he should attend the falconry on the field tomorrow. So the following day Ferroth, Donnacht and Arawain went to test their skills with the bird, as they approached the saw a gaggle of ladies, of which one was Lady Ashby. As to make a good impression the knights released there birds, Ferroth and Donnacht’s showed little skill, Arawain also unskilled had to hide his surprise as his bird struck its prey and delivered it to his feet, much to the applause of everyone else. Not to be bettered Donnacht and Ferroth attempted again, Donnacht still had little luck, but Ferroth’s bird was more successful and delivered the prey, comment was made on the skill of the Salisbury knights.

Throughout the morning Ferroth gained the attention of Lady Ashby, and finally they went for a walk in the royal gardens, with the ladies hand maidens in attendance. Some while after they left a rather angry Sir Scot appeared on the field and demanded to know where his sister in-law was and after being told he stormed towards the garden, Donnacht and Arawain followed.

Ferroth whilst in the middle of declaring his love in this idyllic setting was rudely interrupted by Sir Scot, who informed him in a rather rude manner to stay away from his sister. After a battle of words, it was decided to settle the disagreement on the field the following morning.

The morning soon came and a crowd had gathered to view this spectacle, both the knights approached each other in full battle garb to agree terms. It was agreed that the fight would continue till either the foe was unable to fight or yielded, in a final spew of insults the fight began. For several minutes neither side had the advantage and each side exchange blow for blow. Then suddenly Ferroth unleashed a wicked strike which hacked into Sir Scot’s neck. Sir Scot stood surprised for several seconds as blood spurted from the wound to his neck, then fell to ground and lay still. Ferroth looked on almost as shocked as everyone else. The stunned silence was broken when in a fit of rage 3 of Sir Scots supporters attacked Ferroth. Ferroth had the gods on his side that day as he fended of the 3 attackers till Donnacht and Arawain waded in. The short scuffle was finally halted by several other Lindsey knights who calmed their friends. Apologises were made to Ferroth for this dishonourable attack, Ferroth accepted the apology and was most forgiving in his words , as he realised the attack was motivated by grief for the loss of a friend. Though most of the knights of Lindsey recognised that the fight of been had been fair, some were less than happy, so it was advised that Ferroth stay with the retinue.

Two days later, the duel was pushed to the background as the Duke returned from the hunt; upon his arrival he welcomed Uther in a cold, but formal manor. He stated he was tired and not dressed in a suitable manner to attend the King and that he would go to his chambers and discuss matters at the feast that evening. The feast was adequate but in no way sumptuous and our knights watched on as the Duke and Uther exchange pleasantries through taut smiles. At the end of the feast bards and warriors with tales offered entertainment. Then Uther summoned Donnacht to tell the story of Sword of the Lake. Donnacht wove a good tale and gained the audiences complete attention, as he reached the end Uther asked Merlin to tell them more of the sword. Merlin told the history of the sword highlighting its importance and power, then suddenly pulled the gleaming Excalibur from under his cloak and handed to the King. Almost instantly the mood in the hall changed as did the Dukes demeanour to the King, as the feast came to an end, it was obvious Uther had gained another loyal supporter.

With the King in a positive mood it was decided now would be a good time to try and gain loyalty some of the northern kings, so Donnacht, Ferroth and Arawain were dispatched to Eburacum.

The journey was uneventful and upon arrival at Eburacum they were met by the Kings steward and informed the king was away fighting Saxons. After some rest they decided to go and find the King, they were given a rough area to search and a small troop to guide them. After two days of hunting and a small skirmish with a Saxon raiding party, they came upon the King. His forces were currently engaged with a Saxon host. As they watched from their vantage point they spotted a unit of huge men (Saxon giants), trying to flank the kings army. Donnacht immediately sounded the charge and intercepted the unit of giants. The exchange was short and violent with Arawain and Ferroth being struck from their horses and near death. The knights manage to hold the giants long enough to be supported and to drive them off. The battle ended with the Saxons being driven off. That evening whilst they rested in the army’s camp, Donnacht went to see the king to give him Uthers message. The king firstly thanked him for his assistance on the field today, but then in a more formal tone explained he was too busy to visit Uther. He said that should he find suitable leisure time he would attend him, Donnacht was then dismissed.

The knights returned to Uther and give the message to a rather disgruntled Uther. Several weeks later the knights returned to Salisbury.

Odrigs winter was fairly quiet, but as spring arrived he assembled at Hantonne to take part in the raids on the Saxon fleet. The raiding force was led by Madoc and the assembly was over watched by Admiral Gwenwynwyn. Madoc made it clear this was not a raid for glory, money or plunder but to handicap the Saxons. Odrig was involved in a series of skirmishes at Pevensy, Dover, Maldon and Nohaut. Several times the Saxons were caught by surprise, but on other accounts Odrig and his men found themselves hard pressed, with one particularly bloody conflict taking place at sea. On the whole Odrig more than held his own, sending many a Saxon to meet his god, his skills in leadership were also noted. So when he returned home, he did so with his head held high.