One Brief Shining Moment

[Prince_Asuryan]

Turning his horse, John charged away towards the cliff he had located earlier, hoping to draw the giant after him. He was careful though to watch over his shoulder every few seconds, so he could avoid the giant should it catch up with him.

[Calarion Sapherior]

"Hah! You coward! Turn and face me, woman-hearted fool!" the giant yelled. The prudent Sir John was easily able to ignore these insults, and spurred Asfalon to a quick trot, Cawr hot on his heels. There he turned and crouched, ready to dodge Asfalon out of the way the moment the giant charged. Cawr strode forward and struck at Sir John, and the knight failed to move out of the way swiftly enough. The club tore Sir John clear out of the saddle, sending him flying through the air. The knight hit the ground heavily, skidding and rolling from the momentum, and scrambled desperately to take hold of something as he slid towards the edge of the cliff. At the final moment he managed to catch hold of the edge of the cliff, and while the shock made him feel like his arms were being dislocated, he hung, barely conscious, over the edge. Giant above, fall below - things did not look good for Sir John. The knight could only look up despairingly as the giant took hold of Asfalon in one massive hand, and lifted the horse up to its jagged teeth. There was a whinny of terror and agony, and then a crunching sound.

[Prince_Asuryan]

Hanging by his finger tips, John quickly came to two conclusions. He was not going to be able to fight his way out of this predicament, and he did not want to be eaten by a giant. Looking below him, he only saw the rocks far below. Seeing Melion behind the still chewing monster, he shouted 'you'd better find me fast!' and dropped.

His world descended into darkness.

[Calarion Sapherior]

Sir John plummeted for what seemed an incredible amount of time. Then he struck the ground. He could not see what was going on, but he could feel his body shatter as it impacted and rolled. Sharp rocks tore at his face, slashing into it deeply, and he could taste blood on his tongue. Barely conscious, barely alive, he felt hands grab him and drag him away. Even being moved stabbed him with fresh agony. Finally, it was too much. Consciousness faded and only blackness remained.

[Bob of Beleriand]

Alain was concerned, not knowing the disposition of the Saxons in Hampshire they presented a variable that could not be ignored. Hastily he wrote orders to be passed to Sir Lycus, he was to assess the situation in Hampshire and report on whether there was a possible threat of incursion to Salisbury.

[Calarion Sapherior]

A few days later, a small force sent from the Duke of Cheshire arrived, led by a Sir Tomos. It was all that could be expected: Cheshire suffered more from Irish pirates and Welsh tribesmen than from the Saxons, and so the force was sent purely in recognition of the esteem in which the Duke held Sir Alain after their meeting in London. Shortly thereafter, seven of the ten knights sent to scout returned to Salisbury, and two of those bore heavy wounds upon them. Sir Lycus reported that the Saxons had successfully ravaged the eastern regions of Hampshire, although the efforts of the Marshal had held them back. The patrol itself, he said, had been ambushed by Saxon marauders and been lucky to escape.

[cidracin]

As soon as Lycus finishes his fradulent report a member of his patrol steps forward. He is a young man, freshly knighted judging from his un scarred and unlined features. He is tall, of similar height to Sir Aaron, but unlike Aaron his body is lean and nowhere near as powerfully built. His long hair is light brown in colour and his eyes are a bright blue.

"Excuse me my lords but Sir Lycus's report is inaccurate. My name is Sir Owen and I was a member of the scouting party. It was us who ambushed the Saxons, not the other way around. Though Sir Lycus set up the ambush well we were simply outfought by the Saxons. Three members of the party were cut down and two more were wounded in the time it took for us to slay one of their number. Since the battle was going ill Sir Lycus ordered a retreat and we returned to Salisbury, my lords."

[Calarion Sapherior]

The assembled knights, ladies and courtiers in the great hall of Sarum gasped, and Sir Lycus' face turned dark with rage. "What?" he roared. "How dare you slander my name like this, you droning, bescumbered cretin! I demand satisfaction!"

[cidracin]

"You question my honour, liar? If you wish for satisfaction you shall have it." replies the young Owen evenly.

[Calarion Sapherior]

Under Earl Roderick's auspices the duel was soon arranged. It was the custom of the time that any dispute between knights be settled by force of arms, as God would ensure that the righteous would prevail. The atmosphere was hushed. Sir Owen was a promising young knight, but Sir Lycus a hardened veteran of many years' experience, who had been commanding men since before even Sir Owen's eldest cousin Sir Aldrydd was knighted. While many whispered their support to Sir Owen, knowing what sort of man Sir Lycus was and who was most likely in the right, no one seriously expected that the young man would prevail.

Save one, at least.

"I have every faith in your abilities," Sir Leo said privily before the duel began. "Keep the righteousness of your cause in your mind and you cannot lose. Sir Lycus is a lying, self-serving villain, and you will do a great deed for Salisbury if you can prove his perfidy with your arms this day."

[cidracin]

"Thank you for your confidence mast... I mean Sir Leo. The justness of my cause will see to my victory." replies Owen gratefully, his mind focused upon the honourless villain he is about to face.

[Calarion Sapherior]

"That's right. Now go show that smug bastard what you can do," Sir Leo said, and then backed away. The training grounds outside of town had been prepared for this fight, with the majority of the onlookers standing under an apple tree. The scene seemed familiar to Sir Alain - it was at this very spot, years ago, that he had fought a duel against Sir Gaius, though under very different circumstances. The two contestants entered the field. Sir Lycus swung his sword about him in complicated arcs as he closed, to intimidate the young man. "I promise not to go easy on you, even if you scream," Sir Lycus whispered. "You think that just because you're telling the truth you'll win? Life doesn't work like that, boy. I hope you like soup - after I break your mouth, it's all you'll be able to eat."

[cidracin]

"You will not defeat me snake, and if you continue to use your vile tounge perhaps I shall fork it for you so all may know your true nature." replies Owen undaunted.

[Calarion Sapherior]

At Earl Roderick's mark, the two fighters sprang at each other. Sir Lycus was not fighting with all of his skill, perhaps. He underestimated his foe, a foe driven and determined by the righteousness of his cause. Sir Lycus yelped and backed up, as the impassioned Sir Owen rained blows upon him. Sometimes the sword and shield of the honourless knight managed to ward off blows: others hewed into armour. The older knight barely managed to maintain his footing under the deluge of steel: any moment now, it seemed a blow might lay him flat.

Suddenly Sir Lycus charged forward, ducking under Sir Owen's swinging blade and swinging his own sword at Sir Owen's exposed leg. "Got you... you bastard!" the older knight panted, and his sword laid open Sir Owen's leg, making the young knight stagger. As he did, his sword jerked erratically, while Sir Lycus stepped backwards. There was a hideous crunch as the flailing blade struck the back of Sir Lycus' skull. The older knight collapsed immediately, blood running from his mouth. He was dead.

[cidracin]

Owen collapses to the ground, his wounded leg unable to support his body weight. Before even reaches the ground he knows that Lycus is dead. Owen looks wide eyed at the collapsed Lycus and the blood that is pooling around his corpse. "I did not mean to kill him," the young knight mumbles through the pain of his own injury.

[Calarion Sapherior]

There was a shocked silence from under the apple tree. "Justice... has been served," the Earl said slowly. Sir Leo came over to assist Sir Owen to the infirmary, while others removed the body of Sir Lycus. Some of the crowd stalked away angrily. "Ah, Sir Owen, you have created enemies this day," Sir Leo said as he watched them go.

[Bob of Beleriand]

Alain frowned, his commander reportedly had been disingenuous in his report and now made worse by the loss of an experienced knight. Resolved to salvage the situation as best as he was able, he resolved to gather Sir Owen's account of events.

Approaching the young knight as he was being tended to, Alain spoke. "Sir Owen, your conviction has lead you to win the day, although not without consequence. Tell me in length of what occurred upon your patrol and your findings."

[cidracin]

"Well Sir Alain Sir Lycus' report on the state of Hampshire was not deceitful. While the eastern part of Hampshire has indeed been ravaged by the Saxons the Marshal and Hampshire still stand firm. As for our battle with the Saxons it went ill despite the fact that we ambushed their party. I was the only one of my party that managed to slay an enemy and before we had a chance to even the odds Sir Lycus was already retreating so we had no choice but to follow him." replies Owen dutifully.

[Bob of Beleriand]

"It is apparent then, of your skill at arms. Likewise the influence of Sir Leo is all too apparent in your demeanour, young man. Should you find yourself able, I would have you at my side in the coming days." Alain turned to leave before he paused, "In future however, a lesson in discretion would be wise. Not all challenges, of man, moral or monster need be encountered face to face. Good day Sir Owen."

[cidracin]

"I will try to keep that in mind Sir Alain. As for fighting at your side, I am willing but I am not sure if my body will be able."

[Bob of Beleriand]

Alain spoke in length to the gathered Knights, Commanders and Earl Roderick, detailing his plan in length.

We will head east through Hampshire and continue as far east as the outskirts of Perdue forest. After which, Sir Anerin, I want you to lead a force of raiders separately comprising of a few knights and the assembled light cavalry. This shall hopefully attract the attention of any Saxons in the area and draw some forces away from our target, Arundel castle. Our remaining forces will continue south to the castle. If all goes to plan, we shall assail the castle at their front, with Sir Leo and Tomos directing the main assault. Simultaneously, Sir Jaradan and Sir Artegal, I would have you lead a force attacking from the rear, with the defenders engaged and distracted by our assault, you should encounter little resistance. You are to attempt to raise the gates to allow us access. I will be fighting at the front, should the gates be raised I shall lead any available men through." Alain paused he had spoken at length, he looked around at the assembled men. "Any questions?"

OOC:

Raiders: Sir Anerin + 9 Knights and 25 Light Cavalry

Main assault: Sir Leo, Alain, Owen, Tomos + 6 Knights + 100 Infantry + 75 Archers

Flank: Sir Jaradan, Artegal, Pryce + 2 Knights + 25 Infantry

[Calarion Sapherior]

In Wales, Sir John's houndsmaster returned to find Sir John and Melion. With their aid, and the aid of a peasant woman, Sir John was able to be moved to the village, where he was placed under the care of the village's wise-woman. Even so, his progress was extremely slow. He had a terrible fever, and thrashed and raved in his sickness. It was still not certain that he would recover at all.

In Salisbury, Galan returned home. He had arrived too late to join up with Sir Alain's force, and after his ordeals a rest would be pleasant. There was other grim news to report: the loss of Sir Aaron and his squire on the ill-fated quest.

Meanwhile, Sir Aneirin led his raiders through the western territories of Sussex, burning and pillaging in an attempt to draw out the Saxons from Magouns. Meanwhile, the main force under Sir Alain's command moved quietly through Hampshire, taking care not to draw attention to themselves. Scouts soon reported that a sizable force had departed Magouns to combat the raiders. A few days later, Sir Aneirin's force appeared. The elderly knight reported that he had broken through the Saxons and then moved swiftly to the south to rejoin Sir Alain. Casualties had been light on both sides, but now it would be a day or more before the garrison was bolstered. Magouns was ripe for the taking.

[Etherion Fenix]

Having let himself recuperate a little, Galan eventually makes his presence known to the Earl's staff. He had returned, though sadly alone.

[Calarion Sapherior]

With his forces reinforced by Sir Aneirin, and half of Magouns' garrison still hours away, Sir Alain knew that it was time to strike. With the numerical advantage that Sir Alain possessed, he felt confident that he could capture the city easily before dealing with the oncoming army. The walls of Magouns loomed ahead: simple stone, encircling the houses and the central hall. Shortly after sunrise, Sir Alain ordered the attack upon the southern wall. Archers began to send volleys of arrows over in to the city, although Sir Alain had decided against the use of fire - he wished to capture the city intact, not destroy it! Upon the walls, Saxon defenders began to scurry around, taking up position to repel the oncoming infantry, who set ladders against the walls and began to scale them. The fighting was fierce, but the Saxons with their axes hewed about them and repelled the first wave of attackers, singing in honour of their devil-gods as they slew. The siege had been going for an hour or more now, and no progress had been made. It was time to send in the knights.

Sir Owen was amongst those who now moved to scale the wall. He felt his hatred of the accursed Saxons boiling within him. He could well remember the terrors of the raids in Salisbury only a few years earlier, when he had been a squire with Sir Leo and been with his master while he had fought them. He remembered the indignities put upon the valiant Sir Tinian after his untimely end. He clambered up the ladder, seeing two Saxons above him waiting. The young knight balanced upon the ladder with his feet, and held his shield above him to ward off blows, while his sword struck through the crenelations of the battlement and caught one of the two upon his leg. The Saxon staggered: Sir Owen took the opportunity to clamber further up the ladder, until he was upon the wall, and the Saxons hurled themselves at him from every direction. He had established a foothold upon the wall, but he had not taken it yet.

Suddenly the main gates of the town swung open. Sir Jaradan and Sir Artegall, with a band of others, had entered the town from over the northern wall while the defenders were occupied with holding back Sir Alain's southern offensive, and had captured the gate-house. It was the moment Sir Alain had been waiting for. At the front of his reserves, he led the charge through the gates. The Saxons attempted to redeploy to stop him, but they had been caught by surprise. The fighting was fierce, but Sir Alain's plan had paid off. Now all that was left was to engage the reinforcements, who were drawing near indeed. Once Magouns was securely under his control, Sir Alain deployed his army outside the city. It was vital that the second Saxon army be destroyed, so that word of the Cymric victory would not reach King Aelle in Pevensey until Sir Alain had had time to prepare for his arrival.

Once again Sir Alain split his forces, intending to encircle the Saxons to ensure that they would be wiped out entirely. Venturing into the lightly wooded area, the Cymric army soon made contact with the vastly outnumbered Saxons. However, things began to go wrong almost immediately. Rather than surprising the Saxons, Sir Alain managed only to alert them to his presence. The Saxons fell back, and the second wing of the army was not in place to hold them as they retreated to a defensive position on a steep-sloped hillock. There they began to roar and rage, crashing their axes against their shields in an attempt to unnerve the Cymric army. They were completely surrounded - and knew it, and Sir Alain could see many of them begin to shudder with rage as they entered a berserk rage. Suddenly, the battle no longer looked as easy as it once had. He ordered the charge...

Soon it was over, and Sir Alain's invasion force had been shattered. The Saxons lay dead, but they had sold their lives all too dearly. Fully half of his army had perished upon the slopes of that hillock, and another quarter were too badly wounded to be able to fight any more. Most of the knights had fallen in the initial charge as well: Sir Aneirin of Somerset had been gravely wounded. Sir Tomos of Cheshire had perished, as had young Sir Pryce. Even the King's envoy, Sir Artegall, had perished, his sword soaked in the blood of the Saxon men he had slain. The butcher's bill had been too great. While none would directly bring word to King Aelle now, once the Saxon warlord learned of what had happened - and Sir Alain had no doubt but that he would - he would not be able to hold Magouns against him.

ooc: Current expedition stats:

Combat worthy:
6 knights (Sir Alain, Sir Owen, Sir Leo, Sir Jaradan, and two others)
5 mounted infantry
27 infantry
19 archers

Wounded:
8 knights (Sir Aneirin and seven others)
9 mounted infantry
26 infantry
19 archers

Dead:
11 knights (Sir Tomos, Sir Pryce, Sir Artegall and eight others)
11 mounted infantry
72 infantry
37 archers

[Bob of Beleriand]

Haste had demanded action, such haste had been forced Alain to act, with grave consequence. An extraordinarily successful siege had now been tempered by the disastrous action that necessitated the following action to prevent survivors escaping.

Alain sat in thought within the keep with the other surviving knights, they too were offering little discussion in light of the recent battle. Alain eventually broke his silence, addressing the room to share his thoughts. "Sir Leo, take several riders and report directly to King Uther, I will momentarily prepare missives to accompany you. It will be of vital importance if we are to hold the castle that he supports us with reinforcements immediately. Such an action will not escape the attention of Aelle long. Sir Jaradans, take what men you deem necessary and scout the immediate vicinity. Sir Owen, assist in tending to the wounded, I've heard that you are very capable in that regard. The rest of us shall see to securing the Castle, take stock of what inventory we have and appoint sentries from the available and capable men."

[cidracin]

Having been given his orders Owen left the keep and headed towards the makeshift infirmiary where the wounded soldiers that had fought to take Magouns. Like his cousins Aldrydd and Aaron Owen was knowledgable in medicinal arts and his skills would be put to good use treating the large number of wounded Lorges soldiers. As he walked Owen could think of nothing else but the battle that occurred outside of the city walls. The day had seemed so promising, so full of glory. The capture of the city had gone flawlessly, a victory that even the great Alexander would have been proud of. But then the Saxon reinforcements had arrived and the day devolved into buthery of a kind Owen had never before witnessed. The Saxons had fought like beserkers determined to make the cymric forces pay a high price in blood for each of their lives. Alain's forces were shattered and now without help the city would undoubhtedly fall and all who now defended the city would be put to the sword....

Forcing these thoughts from his mind Owen quickened his pace to the army hospital.

[Calarion Sapherior]

Sir Leo departed the castle within an hour of being told of his task, and Sir Jaradan was gone not long behind him. Both knew the urgency of their missions. It was only a matter of time before the Saxons arrived. Sir Owen saw to the wounded. Their recovery was slow at best, however. Hopefully the Saxons would not arrive for quite some time. Meanwhile Sir Alain saw to the defenses. He had more resources at his disposal now, should he choose to use them: the townsfolk themselves, and their possessions. It was customary to allow soldiers to loot and rape in a captured town after a successful siege, which would help to boost their morale, but would make relations with the townsfolk, who counted people of both Saxons and Cymric descent amongst them, very difficult. If the townsfolk were pleased with Sir Alain it was possible that they would help to defend the town, albeit unlikely; on the other hand, taking money from them might help to hire mercenaries to defend the town.

Meanwhile, Sir John groggily regained consciousness in Wales. It had been almost a month since he had ventured forth, and he had been very weak: Melion told him that Sir John had been in a fierce fever, which had only recently broken, and the townsfolk had feared for his survival. Indeed, Sir John was now back in the small farming village which he had set out from. While still extremely weak, Sir John was now able to receive visitors. From the young shepherdess who had nursed him back to health, he learned that the giant had continued its depredations even more fiercely after Sir John's defeat, as if made bold by its victory. Sir John knew that should he attempt to fight in his present state, his wounds would burst asunder anew; still he owed it to the people of this village, who had saved his life, to save theirs as well, or he were no true knight.

[Bob of Beleriand]

Whilst the Knights were attending to the duties and tasks that he had set out, he gave thought as to how to address the nearby town. Alain eventually made a decision and subsequently made it known: looting would be permitted presently, with the restriction that no one was to rape or murder under penalty of loot confiscation or public hanging, respectively.

[Calarion Sapherior]

Sir Alain's rules were received with grumbling amongst the soldiers, and later amongst the townspeople, but as he successfully managed to contain the scale of the looting, and carried out his promised punishments, both sides grew happier about the situation.

It was barely two weeks since the capture of Magouns when a rider arrived from the east - one of Sir Jaradan's patrol. He bought dire news. "Sir Alain, the Saxons are marching! King Aelle has learned of what transpired and is coming this way - we have seen his banners. He shall be here ere a fortnight passes!"

[Bob of Beleriand]

"Recall Sir Jaradan and his men immediately." Alain snapped at the rider.

"What terrible misfortune befalls this expedition." Thought Alain to himself. "A terrible toll was extracted for the express purpose of preventing such an immediate Saxon retaliation, for which now seems to be for naught." Alain sat in thought for a time, ceasing his introspection upon the late return of Jaradan and his party.

Addressing the assembled Knights, Alain spoke. "Our circumstance is most dire, I have a course of action I mean to pursue is as follows; destroy the bridges along the length of the river. Should they attempt to ford the river, we should extract a bloody toll from them with archers. Equally any that aren't committed to the task should be preparing stockpiles of burning water and sand to repel any besiegers."