496 - The Anarchy Era

Dylan silently ponders the truth of the Prince’s words. In many ways, Uther was no better than a Saxon warlord. Logres would only be strong again when united by a just ruler who could make the disparate counties feel part of a greater whole. Where such a leader was to come from, Dylan did not know.  “Heed my words, Prince. It is a foolish man who believes that a family that squabbles can not come together when confronted with an outside threat. And I do not think you are a foolish man. I wish you a safe journey home.” Dylan will turn his attention to his duties as escort. As much watching for those among the knights who might let their hatred of saxons get the better of them as well as any outside threat. 

"Were you at St Albans under Octa's banner Aescwine?" 

"No. Officially none of my fathers men were there. It was forbidden in case Caercolun took the opportunity to launch an attack. However, I'm reasonably sure I can name a few who joined that battle, I just couldn't guarantee which side they fought for. Many of our people remained loyal to Logres you see, and swore to the Pendragons. Many stayed loyal to Vortigern, and opposed them."

(How old is the Prince?)

(( He's in his early to mid 30's))

(Please remind me which Saxons did Logres fight at Mecredsburne? Was it King Ælle?)

Back in 485? That was Aelle and Sussex.

(( Correct, King Ælle of Sussex - still King. ))

"Since being knighted, I've fought in battles against both King Ælle and King Octa; your father must be one of only Saxon Kings in Briton who hasn't led men in a large scale assault on Logres in the last decade. Is that from looking to the protection of your own territory first?"

He laughs a relaxed and good natured laugh "I agree with your analysis. I would be remiss if I didn't point out that Duke Lucius might disagree with you, we inhabited the lands lawfully given to us and Caercolun felt that with the death of Vortigern, that agreement no longer was valid."

"Events this last year have changed the political landscape significantly. Salisbury must understand the nature of those who lead the largest factions in Briton. The Dukes, Earls and Barons of Logres are a known quantity, as are many of the other Brythonic nations. But the Saxon Kings, well, I can probably count the number of Saxons I've exchanged words with on my hands. I'm far more used to fighting your kin than talking to them. However, I think that for the moment at least, dialogue is worth more than crossed blades."

"Very wise Sir Owain."

Did Dylan or Taron go and see Hogarth as requested before they left?

I don’t recall the request, but sure - we could retcon that, if you like.

"The second time in a week someone has accused me of wisdom; I must be losing my touch in my old age." Owain takes his leave and nudges his horse on to see how those at the head of the escort are faring.

Sleepy Will said: "... Let's put it this way, my father would send no son, not even a cousin but a simple messenger to your neighbour." He gestures to the East, towards Silchester and Levcomagus. Sir Ullin had fallen back to check on the rear of the escort group and overhears this portion of the Prince's and Sir Owain's conversation.  He continues to the back of the line and then heads back to the front while the Prince and Sir Owain are still speaking.  He stays there for a while after Sir Owain comes up to see how things are faring. At some point, Sir Ullin will slip back and find an appropriate moment to ask the Prince a question, "If you do not find it too rude of a question, but are we the only county you have visited on behalf of your father?  If not, I am curious to know how our hospitality compared to those you had visited."

"I have only visited Salisbury. My father planned for each of us being taken hostage.. or slain. That said, Salisbury's hospitality was strange. I was treated with due courtesy, but hidden away, kept secret. Most unusual. I realise Ellen has only just come into her leadership and is trying to find her feet, so no offence has been caused. Quite the opposite, I can see how she looked to my safety first."

(Shoot, short on time this morning) "I am glad to hear you were not offended.  It appears she did have your safety at the forefront of her concern." "What do you think of your fellow Saxon kingdoms on the isle?  Do you think they are as honorable as your father?"

"I try to judge each man by his own merits, with my own eyes, not someone else's and I try not to be someone else's eyes either. I also do not quite grasp the concept you call honour. I have heard that the honourable course of action is to stay one's hand rather than kill in a fight. I have fought many so called honourable men, and none would have stayed their hand from killing me, so I come to the only conclusion I can. Honour is in what you say, not what is actually done, and if so, then I can most assuredly say, the other Saxon Kingdoms are just as honourable as my father, perhaps more so."

Taron will keep his mouth shut and observe the Prince and the other knights. He knows that intrigue isn't his forte but he wants to keep watch to see what he may pick up from the way the Prince reacts to what the other knights say and do.  When the group stops for the night, he will respectfully ask the Prince if he plays chess (I think the gift from the Earl when Taron was knighted was a chess set but the posts have been deleted and for some reason I didn't note it - it was some other type of game, then Taron will ask about that game) and whether he'd like to play. 

"I don't, but you teach me chess and in return, I shall teach you Hnaeftafl, Swords and Shields in your language"

Taron is delighted to learn a new game and will enthusiastically throw himself into learning and mastering the new game.  (side note: I have actually played Hnaeftafl once. I was dreadful at it)

(( So have I, so was I!! )) Go ahead and make a gaming roll, on a success, you may play the game with a -/+ penalty, crit and you can play without the penalty in future

Sir Ullin reflects on the Prince's words briefly and then replies, "There are some who quibble and argue on what is and is not considered honourable, and it is in my opinion that what is considered honourable will never be fully understood...  even in generations to come...  Perhaps, it would have been better to ask my question differently..." The knight fully understands what he really wants to ask will not be answered.  It is plain to him the Prince is too cunning, yet he still feels he gained some of the information he was looking for.

Hurrah - Taron learns a new game (6 Vs Gaming 14)

Balen rides on point for the whole journey, if asked why he half jokes. “I just like days when all my troubles are behind me... Meanwhile, in the past....

Sir Hogarth is just leaving the church when he sees Sir Dylan and Sir Taron. ”Young knights, it is good to see you.” He stops to acknowledge the departing priest. ”A ceremony of remembrance for Sir Amig. A great loss to Salisbury, and one that needs replacing.” He beckons the two knights into a room with a large table. A few other knights are here, Sir De and Sir Jarren amongst them. ”Young knights, your recent actions have confirmed to me your love of Salisbury and your devotion to duty. We would like to induct both of you into the Ordo, so whenever people see you, they see the greatness of Salisbury.” There is a low roar of approval from the room as Hogarth hands you both a simple favour in the Ordo’s colour. ”Do not let me detain you. I am sure greater acts will follow!”

Dylan stutters a thank you, surprised and overwhelmed.  Later while riding on the patrol, he wishes he had said more. He vows to seek out Sir Hogarth upon their return. 

You arrive at the border. A small Saxon trading ship sits right on the Salisbury - Hampshire border where the River Test crosses, south of Du Plain Castle. The Prince boards the ship, and the Saxons aboard, some dozen warriors help drive the cattle into a set-up pen in the centre. The ship's cunning design allows it to remain buoyant despite the weight and the Prince gives you a nod as the ship slips quickly and quietly back down the river. It is soon out of sight. As you make to leave, a commoner, riding a horse hell for leather gallops towards you from the Hampshire side of the border. He shouts to catch your attention.

Dylan wheels around. “What is it, man, you’d think the whole county was burning down.”

"Saxon!" he cries "Saxons have taken Hantonne, Gwenwynwyn's fleet has been sunk! Hampshire is lost!"

“What? Where is Hampshire’s army? Where is the Admiral?”

"The army was defeated, they massively outnumbered us. I don't know where the admiral is, I met a sailor who said the fleet kept them from shore for nearly an hour, but every single boat was sunk. I assume the Admiral was lost with them. He was dispatched early to warn Hantonne, but the knights were tardy and did not arrive in time. They sent a unit behind, get ready to defend your borders Sir, they will be here in minutes!"

Dylan heads to the others and mounts up.  “I suggest we send Sir Lovel back to Sarum with the news, while the rest of us ride forward to ascertain the truth of these matters.”

"He states that there are Saxons on their way now. I'd rather we didn't send away a knight when there are other options. We should send that rider onto Du Plain and pass on the message he Carrie's, and let the garrison known that Captain Ullin has a lance of knights at the border, and is preparing to assess the situation further." "Are you fit to continue riding?" Owain calls out to the messenger.

"Yes Sir... only I am a commoner... Will you give me your mark to guarantee I won't be taken for an outlaw?"

What border are we at?

"on the Salisbury - Hampshire border where the River Test crosses"

You're in Camelot Forest, on a tributary to the River Test known as Blackwater. The border is between Hampshire to the South and Salisbury to the North. You are very close to the Dorset border, also to the South as well, I'll try to explain properly on the following map: Because you're at the very edge of navigable water, you're at the edge of "wilderness", where the border is poorly defined. But a boat being here is proof that it is indeed navigable, thus the border must be the river (even if Cymric boats could not reach this point). If you were on patrol here, you would cross Blackwater to bear South for Bokerly Dyke

“Do we wish to send a squire back?”  (Having Hogarth here with 4 squires and coursers might have been a better idea.)

"I still think Sir Lovel is a better idea - his word will be taken better than a squire, and one additional knight will not matter if it's an army we face. He'd just be one more that could be captured if things go badly."

"I have family at Du Plain. If I send the messenger with my sigil they will listen to his words. We don't know what we face, and may have to send additional messages as we go. Sir Lovel is an experienced knight and dismissing him to act as a simple messenger when the route to Du Plain is not threatened is a waste of his skill." Owain will look to Ullin to see what the decision the captain will make.

Sir Ullin asks, "How many Saxon ships made landfall?"

"Dozens! Too many to count!"

Dylan will take the time to put on his armor.

Balen finishes strapping on his armour. ”More than enough for all of us. Sir Ullin, do you have a plan of attack?”

(( Which armour are you all wearing? I assumed you accompanied the Prince armoured, he did not ride being a Saxon, so the encumbrance wouldn't have ruined your horse, slowed you down etc for such a slow and short journey. For future reference though, Mail takes 2 minutes to don, 1 minute if you have more than one squire. In combat, if you have a squire holding your armour next to you, it takes 2 turns, another turn to receive your shield and another for your helm. ))

Chainmail and Shield

(I would think an armoured escort for a Prince would be appropriate.) Speaking to the escort group, "If the Prince's boat was able to make it up the river this far, the other Saxon boats of the invaders might be able to as well." As he puts on his helmet, "Sir Owain, I think your plan to send the rider to DuPlain is probably best.  Your family there should listen to him if you are willing for him to carry your sigil.  In regards to Sir Lovel, I persuaded him to come with us in the promise of gaining some experience in the field.  I would be remiss to send him on such a simple errand without seeing what we are facing.  If the numbers of Saxons are too great, it would be best to have Sir Lovel and my squire Crendor follow the river here and head West to the Avon, ride North along with it, and have them split up at the fork with Crendor heading to Ebble, and Sir Lovel heading to Sarum to warn Lady Ellen personally...  But that should only be done as a last resort." He grabs his spear, "Based on Lady Ellen's actions, we are not wanting to start a war before we are ready.  We will not be the aggressors in this situation, but we will defend our lands.  They will have to come to us to fight, and we should find terrain which will best suit us, and put them at the disadvantage..." Speaking to the commoner messenger, "You spoke of a unit behind you, which direction are they coming from?" (Ullin wears mail, helm, shield, with a spear ready)

Experimental armour from Owain and shield