490 - The Battle Of Lindsey Part II

Arawain and his companions returned to camp with much satisfaction, they also received much cheer and approval from the knights who saw them holding the banner of Octa. Upon returning to camp Donnacht and Ferroth went to have their wounds tended too. There they found Odrig alive but in a poor state, a Saxon axe had cut deep into his face and neck.

The companions returned to Lincoln, where a tremendous feast was presented to them, so vast was it that the tables led from the main hall out into the bailey. Sir Arawain presented Octa’s banner to Uther, who gifted him and his companions with a sack of coins and requested their presence in the main hall. An indulgent night of feasting and wenching was had by all. One of the highlights of the night was the arrival of Ygraine who recited a poem of victory to the king and did so, so beautifully it hushed all in the main hall to silence. Upon seeing the beautiful Ygraine all our companions fell to lustful thoughts, much to the disgust of Sir Ferroths new wife.

They spent the next week in Lincoln, resting and visiting their convalescing friend Sir Odrig, who though alive, had now gained an additional scar (-1 app).

In the second week Earl Roderick summoned his vassals and told them of the Kings Progress to Eburacum to parley with the Northern kings and Princes Madoc’s intention to take a force to raid the Saxon lands in the north. As some of his most honoured knights he gave them an opportunity to take part in either of these ventures. After some discussion it was decided to Escort the king to Eburacum. Uther was welcomed into the city and several days later went to Catterick for some hunting, with King Heraut De Apres , they were joined later by several other Northern Kings or their representatives.

Several times during this period our companions (less Sir Odrig, but joined by his cousin Sir Blewydd) ventured out into the lands. On one such occasion they came upon a knight’s horse and a squire rouncy, tied up affront a peasant’s house. The horse was injured and burdened with damaged and bloodied armour. The knights discovered within a peasant tending to a poor knights wounds and his squire David. The squire told them how an evil troll that had been harassing the commoners of this village had bought low his master, Sir Miles. The knights swore to kill this beast and ventured forth into the nearby woods. They soon came upon its lair, it was in a swampy depression which had been decorated with the various body parts and armour hanging from trees. The knights had to dismount and venture downhill into the swamp. As they went towards its home, Sir Odrig instinctively lifted his shield as a large rock smashed into it. A large ugly creature covered in moss stepped out from behind a rotten tree. All the knights swore at the beast and charged it, save for Sir Blewydd who fled from its evil visage. The progress was slow and Sir Arawain was truck soundly by another rock, but soon they were on it cutting two and thro. Sir Donnacht struck the beast a mighty blow with his axe, sending its arm flying. Then Sir Arawain landed the fateful blow, removing its head from its shoulder.

They rested briefly, Sir Donnacht anointed Sir Miles spear with the blood of the troll, to remove the blemish the creature had put upon his honour. Sir Arawain also found a beautifully decorated vial which contained a strange liquid. One they returned to the village of Tunstall , they found the knight in better health and upon hearing such joyous news were invited back to his manor to feast. The following day they returned to Catterick and a few days later left for home.
Instead of returning to Salisbury Uther requested they escort him to London and winter there, which the knights happily did. The return journey was strained as Uther allowed the other Lords to return to their homes for the winter except for Duke Gorlois. Who was repeatedly denied the right to leave the kings progress.

Upon arriving in London the knights were much impressed with its size and stature, but less impressed with its smell and bustle!!!

They enjoyed their time at court in London, but noted that Uther was very distracted and rumours were rife about him and his lust of Gorlois’s wife Ygraine.
Late one evening at the height of winter Donnacht was returning to the hall when he spotted Sir Gerreth a knight of Cornwall in his travelling garb. They exchange pleasantries, but Sir Donnacht noted how strained he appeared, he also noticed how Sir Gerreths fellow knights hands rested upon their weapons. As Sir Gerreth left, Donnacht followed him and found him joining the rest of the party from Cornwall, who were mounted and ready to leave London. Sir Donnacht ran back into the castle and informed Sir Brastias. Who in turn called out the guard and went in pursuit, the Cornwallians though by now had mysteriously disappeared into the snow storm.

Uther went into a mad rage and our companions left for Salisbury to avoid his wrath.