[OOC: Since we seem stalled, I'm going to move on.]
It is a restless night. Well, except for Arne and Valka - the two of them do not seemed troubled by the coming dawn. For the knights, however, they are all too aware how dangerous going into battle without a squire or troops can be. And having pledged themselves to the cause, they cannot really hold back or risk loosing face in the eyes of the Centurion King. This little embassy may well end up costing lives before all is said and done. Cedwyn is haunted by the idea that this is going far beyond the King's mission. That thought is moot, however - Rodric has committed you all.
So you are up and packed early, and already prepared when a knight in roman armour with a centurion plume rides up. He reins in horse in sharply and calls out, "You will join the rear guard of the column." Without waiting for an answer, he rides away.
This could be seen as an insult - the rear guard is the place for junior knights and senior squires to command. In dangerous country where the location of the enemy is not know, rear guard can become very important, but in general it is not a place for glory on the march.
When you report, three hours after the army started marching, you find yourselves placed under the command of a soldier in centurion gear. You ride up and Cedwyn reports you. The soldier on the horse looks down his nose at you. "Very well. I am Centurion Junius. Cover our flanks as we move. Keep an eye out - scouts have seen raiders in the area."
You begin the march. The army snakes its way through the marshes and swamps of Malahaut. Unfortunately this means your mounts are often wading through stagnant pools and brackish salt water marshes. By noon, all of you are covered in mud to the waist, and the march continues.
The next day brings more of the same. You loose track of time under an overcast sky. Then, finally, something new happens. A rider comes swiftly, and you recognize Llyr. He confers with the Centurion who commands you before galloping away. Centurion Junius calls you all in.
"The Saxon dogs have scattered their ships all up and down the Humber River. They are far too scattered to deal with them all together. The Praetor has ordered you to sweep west along the shore and fire any ships you find. Others will sweep east. Destroy any Saxons you find."
