491 - Cornwall Part II

The rest of this year was spent in Cornwall garrisoning Terrabil, but it was far from dull.
Soon after Madoc had been buried, Uther announced his intention to marry Ygraine and much time, effort and expensive were spent on this grand event. Now the marriage was of no surprise, but many felt that stopping the Saxons was the priority, but strangely enough no one stepped up to argue the point.

Our companions attended this regal affair many noted how splendidly and fashionably dressed Ferroth & Arawain were with their accompanying wives. The event was as expected, an extravagant affair and one which the knights much enjoyed. Sir Ferroth was particularly busy, as by the end of it he had engaged in a liaison with the sultry Lady Drew. Who later he discovered had a rather jealous husband whom had despatched two previous lovers in duels. He also found himself challenged to a duel by Sir Baran who was demanding the blood price of Sir Scot his nephew, a knight whom Ferroth had earlier killed.

After the wedding celebrations the duel was fought and though Sir Baran was an experienced knight he was forced to yield to Sir Ferroth and left both bitter and without his money. Sir Ferroth also continued to rendezvous with Lady Drew when an opportunity arouse.

A curious Midsummer’s tale
For various reasons we shall not cover here Sir Arawain’s family have always favoured worshipping the gods of the sea. Whilst in Cornwall Sir Arawain had ventured to the beach to perform his mid-summer sacrifice which he had just completed when he heard a faint cry for help. Sir Arawain looked up but could see no obvious person in distress, as he continued to follow the pleas for help he came upon a most unusual sight. There before him washed upon the beach was a large golden fish, which appeared to be gasping its last breaths. For whatever reason and without hesitation Arawain lifted this mighty and magical creature and returned it to the water. Arawain watched on as the fish disappeared beneath the waves. Several moments later the creature burst from the water and flipped a golden seashell onto the beach, it then spoke. “I thank yee o’just and valorous knight, take this and should thee be challenged by sea, lake or stream cast it into thy water”. Sir Arawain slightly though slightly perturbed decided this must be a good omen, but Then just

The Heirloom
After the wedding celebration Sir Donnacht was approached by Sir Saxe his former father in-law, Sir Saxe wished Donnacht to perform a quest. When Sir Saxe had been driven from his lands by the Saxons he had journeyed to Salisbury. This trip took him through Perdue Forest and on the journey he and his party were set upon by an evil hag. The hag slew several men and dragged off Sir Saxe’s squire. Sir Saxe wished to pursue the beast but was forced to continue his journey to ensure the safety of his daughter. He explained that he has returned several time to try and find and slay the beast but was never successful. He wished Sir Donnacht to find and kill this beast but not just for vengeance, but also to recover a helmet that his squire had been carrying. Which was a family heirloom and now rightfully belongs to Sir Donnachts first son. Sir Donnacht agreed once his duties allowed.

The Arrest
Whilst on garrison duty at Terrabil they were called to attend Sir Thebert, a knight from Marlboro and temporary Castellan of Castle Terrabil. He asked them to go and arrest a stubborn knight who refused to go to Tintagel to have his lands and station reviewed by Uther. Sir Thebert had apparently sent some men at arms and they had returned soundly beaten. The knights accepted the request and soon got underway. The journey was without event and they had soon arrived at the rebellious knight’s manor. As they rode to the knight’s hall they found their path was barred by a knight and two mounted sergeants. The knight demanded that they identify themselves and the reason for trespassing on his lands. Sir Arawain identified himself and his companions and explained their presence, to which the knight laughed and removed his helm. Before them was Sir Gerreth a knight whom Arawain and his companions were friendly with. Sir Arawain greeted the knight warmly and asked for hospitality so they could discuss this matter as friends. Sir Gerreth treated them well and they enjoyed a good meal and some fine wine. Sir Gerreth said how good it was to enjoy a meal with such valorous and just knights and what an honour it had been to have fought with them. Sir Arawain bought up the matter at hand and Gerreth explained that his honour would not allow him to bend his knee to the murderous dog Uther. He also asked how they could severe such a traitorous and lecherous King. After a heated debate where they both argued their point and with much regret it was decided to settle that matter by combat.

The dual was fought nobly by both sides, with Gerreth easily besting Arawain at the lance, Arawain changed tactics and dismounted drawing his sword. Sir Gerreth answered the challenge but his swordsmanship was no match for Arawain’s, even so Gerreth refused to yield. Finally Arawain struck him a mighty blow which felled Gerreth. Arawain was much relieved to find his friend not dead but unconscious. The companions waited at the manor for several days whilst Sir Gerreth wounds were tended by his sister and staff and he was made ready to travel. He made good his word and went with knights as their prisoner and was in turn thrown into the dungeons at Terrabil.

The knights wintered in Cornwall but Roderick visited giving gifts to his men, Arawain and his companions and Sir Jaradan were given extra praise.

Sir Donnacht also received a reinforced chain shirt from the Earl as wedding gift for marrying the troublesome pagan, Lady Nuane.

491 - Cornwall

The spring of 491 AD found our companions back at London with the Earl; visitors were few as Uther was still in a rage. It was soon clear that Uther intended to attack Cornwall for the insult he had afflicted upon Uther, by leaving court without the kings leave. Many rumours indicated that this claim of treason was an excuse and that this was a war of lust. As Uther was infatuate with Yrgaine, it was claimed even his son had argued against this conflict. Another factor against this war was those damned Saxons, even more had landed and was even know attacking in the South.

Whilst in court Arawain and Ferroth decided to increase their protection and paid a costly sum for some suites of reinforced chain. Ferroth also had yet another friendly exchange with Sir Jaradan, the fight could have gone either way, but Jaradan just managed to get the better of him and knocked him soundly to the ground.

The companions also had several days of hunting, on the first Arawain spotted a fallow deer, which gave them a canny chase, Ferroth finally found and killed the beast. The second day bought a far more dangerous hunt, Ferroth whilst hunting for prey surprised a Lion; he was unable to attack the beast as it fled. For several hours the beast avoided their assaults but was finally cornered by Ferroth, Odrig and Arawain. The beast bought violence upon Odrig and Arawain with claws as sharp as swords. In its first blow it struck through Odrig’s shield and smote him from his horse. Arawain and Ferroth fought it with grim determination, both of them in awe of its might. Donnacht was much delayed as he tried to follow the sounds of battle, finally arriving to find a much injured Arawain and Ferroth and so too joined the fray. The mighty beast was finally assailed by a great blow from Arawain who drove his blade deep into the Lions breast, Arawain claimed the pelt as his own.

Upon seeing the site of the returning knights, with the body of a lion, many a person both commoner and knightly alike inquired of their venture. The companions were more than happy to tell their tale and Arawain composed an ode of the epic hunt. Tis worth a note that poor Odrig was yet again bed ridden from his injuries and the blow to his leg did give him wound which would trouble him from this day forth.

Sometime passed and the companions left with the army of Uther from Sarum to bring much vengeance upon the traitorous Gorlois. The companions did note the Uther was so eager to leave he did so with the army no yet fully assembled.

The journey to Cornwall was without event and the companions found themselves at yet another crossroads. Gorlois refused to meet Uthers army on the field and had split his forces between Tintagel where his treasure and Ygraine resided and Terrabil were Gorlois commanded. Uther sent a third of his force to Tintagel and the rest to Terrabil. After some discussion with the Earl it was decided to join the forces at Terrabil, led by Prince Madoc.

Upon arriving at Castle Terrabil, Madoc ordered his men to setup camp and lay siege to the castle. Due to lack of men and strength of the castles walls it was decided to wait until reinforcements arrived before an assault was made.

Several days passed without event as the army waited with only the odd exchange of arrow, spear and insult taking place, on the fifth day the camp was visited by two riders. The first was a request from Uther for the presence of Merlin at Tintagel, the later bought news of the imminent arrival of the reinforcements, which heartened the camp.


Unfortunately the reinforcements would never arrive in time for that evening whilst our knights slumbered, they were awoken by the sound of alarm and battle, Gorlois had bought the battle to them. The companions ordered the squires to bring forth their armour and horse, and prepare them for battle. They were at various states of dress when the first of Gorlois’s men attacked, as they did so our companions could hear the cry of Prince Madoc to rally to his flag. The companions fought with great strength and valour, as the slowly progressed towards Madoc. As the companions hacked through the enemy, Gorlois burst through before Prince Madoc, demanding to face his father. Prince Madoc stood his ground and faced the maddened Duke, but it was for nought for Gorlois struck the Princes sword from his hand and then smote him so hard it cut from neck to breast. The Prince stood dumfounded as blood began to trickle from his mouth and Gorlois struggled to ply his sword from his body as he bellowed for Uther to face him. Enraged our companions fell upon the Duke striking him left and right. The Dukes armour held as he finally retrieved his sword and launched himself at Sir Arawain, so too did the Dukes bodyguard arrive to protect their Lord. The Duke and Arawain exchanged such mighty blows that they echoed across the battlefield, but neither penetrated the others defence. As Gorlois concentrated on Arawain, Odrig and Donnacht also assaulted him, with Donnacht’s great axe finally finding its mark and slaying the Duke. Ferroth dispatched several of the Dukes bodyguards, but one struck Sir Odrig unconscious as he engaged the Duke.

With the Duke dead his forces fell back in disarray, Sir Brastias rallied what men he could and launched a counter attack with Ferroth, Donnacht and Arawain leading the way. After several short skirmishes Uthers forces had taken the castle and the demoralised Cornwallians had yielded. As the battle came to its close, the companions stood upon the parapet and looked about them at the fire, slaughter and carnage and several of them wondered if all this sacrifice had been just.

The body of Duke Gorlois was sent to Tintagel and soon after Queen Ygraine formally surrendered to King Uther. Though the King had won a great victory and the women he had wanted was now within his grasp, the death of his Son had notably affected him.

Uther ordered the Earl to supply knights to garrison Terrabil and so our knights in turn found themselves under the order of Sir Thebert a notable knight from Marlboro.

The knight’s companions were given leave to attend the funeral of Prince Madoc whom was buried at Stonehenge. It was a grim and sombre affair and many of the knights reflected upon all the losses they had suffered.