Year 487 Summer Campaign

[Geoffrey]

One had to be dutiful when out with that woman, thought Rodric before addressing the group.

"We will no longer be sent on our way at dawn. We will be joining the Praetor's assault on the Saxons."

[Arne]

Arne's other eyebrow joined it's brother at the top of his forehead.  "How did you . . ."  He looked at Rodric, then at Valka, and snorted a laugh.  "Dawn, good.  We should get some rest, then."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn nodded. He was still a little irritated that Rodric had gone out but excepting Artaigne they were a group of equals and Rodric was entitled to his choices.

"Witchbane is ready to take on the Saxon dogs," he noted with pride.

[GM Craig]

[OOC: Just things to consider that your characters would know, when they have had time to think on it: you are not equipped for war - you have no spare weapons, no foot soldiers, and no squires or spare horses. Going into battle in such circumstances is going to be particularly dangerous. Provisions will also become an issue if the Praetor's campaign goes on more than a week or so. As invited knights, you would be expected to handle your own victuals and kit.

However, there will be chances for Glory, plunder and possibly ransoms. A dangerous opportunity.]

[Geoffrey]

[OOC: Would there be any chance of getting a letter off to Sir Roderick?]

"There is however one small, temporary condition.  The Praetor has asked that none of us are seen or heard from until the next sunset.

The manner in which the audience was gained was slightly less...courteous, than one would typically expect."

The knight couldn't help be glance at Valka and smile a little.

[Artaigne]

The Irishman was certainly interested in the news that had come back with the other members of the group.  Considering his status and the fact that he had seen the need to release his prisoner to the Praetor, he keenly felt the need to acquire more ransoms and no one turned down the chance to seek glory on the field of battle.  As Cedwyn's aide de camp, his was not the place to bring up concerns about the problems inherent in a protracted march, especially as there was nothing that could be done about them now.  Instead he said a pray to Christ and all his saints to watch over them and keep them safe on their endeavor.

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn mused on the opportunity. Weapons. Victuals. Spare horses. Spears were easy to come by by rearmament in the heat of battle required a squire.

"There is some risk, Rodric. What else transpired betwixt you, Valka, and the Praetor? Anything more to tell?"

[Geoffrey]

"I understand that," Rodric began in response to Cedwyn.

"There is more than some risk, there is significant risk.

But if we were to return to King Uther and tell him the Centurion King will see him whenever he sees fit, our news would likely not be well received.  Now at least, instead of being sent on our way at dawn, we have time, and with that time opportunity to find a way to convince the Praetor to accept Uther's invitation.  We may still not convince him, but if we were sent on our way tomorrow, then we would have already failed at our task."

[Cedwyn]

"Sir Rodric," Cedwyn began, "Our mission was complete upon deivery of the invitation. Twas the extent of our legation and His Lordship said we were to do so most courteously."

He sank back.

"We have completed our mission to the letter, but now we must save face as representatives of the King. If we leave, we diminish Uther's reputation. We musts stay in order more readily procure the Praetor's acceptance. We have no squires to attend us or militia to protect us if we are overwhelmed. God help us if we are wounded or unhorsed. And we came not armed for war but parley."

"I have some few libra with which we can attempt to procure arms and perhaps at least someone to pull us from the battlefield should wounds overwhelm us."

[Arne]

Arne snorted, and jerked a thumb in the direction of the Praetor's camp.  "I don't think we'll find anyone here willing to sell us a crust of bread, let alone equipment or aid. And even if they would, the prices they'd ask would likely drive us to beggary.  If we ask for these things - even if we have the money to pay - they might see us as disorganized rabble.  If they don't look upon us like that already."

He frowned in thought.  "Valka and I are already equipped for war . . . at least by the way our people go into battle.  What would the rest of you need?"

[Valka]

Valka chuckled in reply to her husband. "Ya, Northmen will fight bare-assed if need be, twig and berries swinging in tune to their axe and shield. The cold would motivate them to fight harder, move faster, warm hearth and home and wife awaits!"

[Cedwyn]

"Spears...at least two. Knights are best equiped to fight battles with spears first. We use the power and strength of our steeds to drive the point in."

[Arne]

Arne shrugged.  "I have a pair that you can use, Sir Cedwyn.  I work better with the sword and great axe anyway."

[Geoffrey]

"Completed our task to the letter perhaps, but not to the spirit." Rodric paused.

"I realize we are not as best prepared as we can be for battle as we are accustomed to.  We will need to adjust our tactics accordingly, something our northern friends here can assist us with."

[OOC: Rodric is assuming northerners don't use squires etc so they may have other tactics to help keep from being overwhelmed etc.]

[GM Craig]

[OOC: Life for Notherners also tends to be short and brutal. Northerners embrace death in combat. Not that they seek it out, but a death fighting enemies brings one great glory in the afterlife. Cymric knights are normally more concerned with survival and victory in varying measure. ]