The Heirs of Britain
Session
5: 481; Bedegraine Burns
Sons!
As winter of 480 approaches, Sir Vandagild and Lady Catrin are blessed: Clutching the Enchanted Stone of Llyria the Witch in one hand, Lady Catrin gives healthy birth to twin boys! Blessed by God, she keeps her blood and stays with them in this earthly realm. They are named in the family tradition: Vandemir and Vandric. The family spend a joyous winter together; repairs from the Saxon raids completed earlier in the year, and the larders are full. Vandagild’s great scar aches in the cold, but the children grow fat and healthy, Llyria’s Stone never far…
The Year Turns! 481: Spring at Sarum
At the Earl’s behest, the Knights are summoned to Sarum for Easter. Duke Ulfius of Silchester (the lands east of Salisbury) joins us at Sarum for Easter, with a full entourage. Joining him are several notable lords from that region with their own trains. Prince Madoc is also here: As Lord of Woodhouse Castle (still under construction), he spends more time around Sarum. He is of course surrounded by sycophants and Sir Jarren. The Prince is openly disgruntled about the outcome of the vote for the High Kingship of Britain; as he is heir to Uther, this is no surprise. The castle is full, and politics thickens the warming air.
Sir Vandagild speaks with Sir Godifer, the Constable, to offer help with whatever political machinations are afoot. Godifer is looking for single knights, he explains; Vandagild suggests Elvorix. The cunning Sir Elvorix is found, looking again to swindle someone with his skill at gaming... Alas, the men from Silchester aren't too interested in speaking with him. Godifer is, however: Apparently Duke Ulfius has interests in Salisbury, and wants to secure bonds between the two lands. The constable asks for Elvorix to see him on the morrow. Hence, Godifer expresses disdain for his political responsibilities, but nonetheless pursues his tasks professionally: He speaks to Elvorix of the prospect of marrying for these politics…
The Feast includes such notaries as Prince Madoc, Duke Ulfius and his wife, with their daughter Lady Adwen, and of course Earl Roderick. Lady Adwen sits with two women: Lady Trenia a stunning beauty with radiant hair and roman nose; and another lady, the latter of more modest, dignified, and studious façade. Ulfius' son, Squire Edern, is present with his Lord, sitting with us Near the Salt.
Before the Feast begins, Vandagild and Elvorix Orate Gloriously to the pleasure of the gathering guests, describing the capture of the banner at the Battle of Salisbury in great and exciting detail! All present listen with bated breath, enthralled, including the Lady Trenia; and she eyes the Roman keenly from the crowd…
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The Feast Begins!
The speeches spake and the entrees ate, Sir Iwan finds space to play a game of Gwyddbwyll with a Guest. His strategy, like his demeanour, is modest and underspoken, which leads sadly to an uninspiring draw. The game is a long, dull knight-and-pawn endgame leading to a frustrating stalemate... It draws little attention.
Meanwhile Lady Trenia and her friend attend Sir Elvorix, imploring him to tell them another exciting tale, of Faeries this time! He is a little offguard and tells an average tale; The lady’s studious friend excitedly engages, correcting details humbly as it goes. Trenia fades a little, and so Sir Iwan leans over to inject life to the tale; the collaborative effort is passably entertaining! Trenia gives Sir Iwan several long looks through the tale... The second lady, quite comely, offers to share some more Faerie stories with Sir Elvorix. He is clear with her, tiring of the chatter: He is distinctly uninterested in more tales about things that aren't real. Unheeding of response, he returns to his table for some Raisin Chicken. Sir Iwan stays, enjoying (?) the prodding of Trenia's Fae Intrigue. The second Lady finally introduce herself as Lady Eleanora, and remains also.
Sir Vandagild happily enjoys his meal with his wife; she recovers well from her pregnancy, and their bond has only strengthened. As the share food and laughter, Lady Madlin, Ulfius' wife, passes by; she pauses a moment and comments on Sir Vandagild’s fine looks. He resembles, she declares, the very image of Sir Arnoullant the Fair, the most Famous Knight in Logres! A tremendous compliment! Vandagild is humbled, directing all praise to his wife for her fine taste in helping him dress. He returns the compliment, commending the lady’s fine manor and bearing.
Sir Elvorix, free of the women, politely enjoys a shank of Raisin Chicken. He eats and drinks little, as always, but these juices mix spectacularly in his maw, truly a rare taste; he is lost in the flavour a moment… Alas! Lady Eleanora approaches again. Very well, she begins, and requests a story of something that is real then. Elvorix, ripped from his culinary pleasure, makes a tremendous fool of himself, embellishing his story of battle with lies that are caught! Moreover, raisins are flung afar as he summons some energy for the oration and his overactive maw. The lady leaves, laughing, and tells her friends of The Great Fool Elvorix, Raisin-Spitter and Base Fumbler! If only they knew of his True Roman Heritage, they would never behave so. He grumbles alone, in frustrated embarrassment…
Meanwhile Sir Iwan, handsome as ever, wanders the feasting hall. He searches not for conversation, instead enjoying the solitude of his wandering. Soon, of course, he receives flirtation from a serving girl. She is a charming woman, but the Knight is soon distracted by Lady Trenia and makes little of the opportunity.
The conversation in the room carries a tension and seriousness, lost completely on the three Knights who are otherwise engaged… Indeed, while politicking, Earl Roderick walks the hall, discussing the Saxon menace with his fellow. He happens near Sir Vandagild: Good Sir Vandagild, surely you, as much as any man, has hatred for the Saxon scourge? Your blood and gut laid into the field at their hand, your pregnant wife at home? Tell these Silchester men of your vexation! Vandagild launches into an impassioned tirade, expressing great fervour and entertaining his lord and colleagues! He recalls in fine detail the sore wounds he has inflicted on those evil men, and dreams vividly of many more to follow.
Across the table, Lady Trenia is still overtly flirting with Sir Iwan. For reasons known to himself, the latter deftly manoeuvres to deliver the Lady to the available and notably handsome Sir Myles. She is initially reluctant, but Myles is charming and fair; who could resist such affection at full steam?
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The Feast Closes with War!
As the last dishes are taken, the Earl makes an announcement: The King, Uther Pendragon, declares a campaign in the summer into the traitorous Petty Kingdom of Bedegraine, whose liege refuses to accept Uther as his King. Thirty of Salisbury's finest knights will travel north to take Bedegraine and its riches. Huzzah! The shout echoes long, driven from full lungs and deep cups. The young knights know, alas, that we are not among Roderick's best knights and so we will remain at home.
However! Baron Duach, whose life and son we saved at Salisbury, approaches us after the announcement. As repayment for our efforts in the battle, he offers us his opportunity to join the campaign. There is little room for discussion, and the Honour is great! We thank him for his generosity and approach Roderick with the news. He is openly sad the Sir Duach won't be by his side, but accepts us as replacements.
Later, Sir Vandagild quietly, subtly, asks the Earl about the justice of this battle. The Earl reassures him that, while aggressive, the war is justified. The traitors used to pay homage to Logres; they now refuse, simply for the result of a vote. And While Uther is not the High King, if he can prove himself the better leader of those lands then he may take them by force. His claim is valid. Vandagild thanks his Lord, and structures thoughts: The war is an act of vengeance against a betrayer, too interested in their own power than the unification of Britain against the Saxons. He resolves to fight with fervour!
The next morning, Sir Elvorix learns that any attempts at marriage between Roderick's and Ulfius' courts did not happen. Duke Ulfius of Silchester is disgruntled about it. At least one reason is learned: Ulfius has earned many lands near London from the King, and Roderick wishes not to empower him further with dowries of Salisbury manors. The entourages leave, tensions high.
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Summer 481: The Burning of Bedegraine!
We muster at Sarum, with the Earl and exactly twenty seven other knights. We are in fine company and get several odd looks. Each knight here is a veteran, carrying greatness in glory, lands, and skill; we, by comparison, carry only excitement and youth. There are no footmen present, only Knights, Baggage, and Entourage.
Sir Brannoc, the Marshall of Ambrius Abbey, approaches graciously: He converses easily with Iwan, and introduces himself to the others. Those of us unfamiliar introduce ourselves, and he is amiable. We learn that Brannoc is to be Iwan's father-in-law, for a marriage is soon afoot! This conversation does us great service; the other great knights are eased that Brannoc speaks with us, and their uncertainty. He has justified our presence here with his conversation.
Many impressive knights are present, including: Sir Hywell, a Banneret in Salisbury, Sir Elad, Sir Amig, and Sir Edar - a household knight of the Earl. Sir Elvorix takes the time to try finding a potential father-in-law of his own, but finds little success. Sir Vandagild speaks with the older veterans about the battle to come; they are not worried: It is a mismatch. Stay close, don’t get killed. They chatter easily, none of the nerves from Salisbury are present among these men.
The ride is long. As we travel, Sir Vandagild reminds the Earl of his promise and recent efforts practicing to learn Falconry; Roderick laments the lack of birds in this assemblage, but smiles at the prospect of future flights. At stops, the three young Knights spar with the older knights, learning much and winning little. Elvorix learns of battle strategy, and Iwan practices lancing targets as we ride. Vandagild joins any hunt he can.
Soon, we meet the army in Leirstown - still there are almost no footmen: all Knights, Squires and Baggage. We wait for the rest of the muster. Unfortunately, Duke Gorlois of Cornwall is delayed by stormy weather and will not join the army in time. We are around three hundred knights; The King Uther decides this is enough and we march north without him.
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We reach Bedegraine and espy the force before us, banners awave. They are expecting us and have formed at a river crossing. A knight rides out from the lines, bidding Uther to return to his lands. Uther gestures to his superior force and rightful Kinghood, imploring Bedegraine to submit! Furious talk flies to and fro; Uther vows to burn Bedegraine to the ground if they don't acquiesce; Bedegraine vows never to acquiesce. Alas, the crossing prohibits a direct assault. We make camp, passing a few days in a tense, but relaxed peace. There is little to be done as the leaders strategise.
Soon, Ulfius takes his Silchester men east with little explanation. Afterward, horns blare from across the water and the Bedegraine Knights withdraw from the crossing, all back to the castle. We surmise that Ulfius is causing havoc elsewhere. The way clear, we cross the waters. Uther rides before us, his face dark. His powerful voice carries as he gives the command: Burn Bedegraine to the ground. As promised.
We ride North with Earl Roderick, past Bedegraine proper and into the Field of Doves. We clear a green hill, and find a vast flat expanse, fertile and full of crops and villages, surrounding around a large town partially enclosed by Motte and Bailey. We can see that most of the citizens have fled already. Roderick turns to his small force: Take as much wealth as you can for Salisbury! Men cheer, forming small groups and cantering into the fields.
Sir Elvorix hesitates, and the others ride off without him. He refuses to raid; he is too merciful to the people of this land, and swears not to rob them of their food and goods. The Earl is clearly enraged at the clear insubordination, and growls at Elvorix to at least pretend. Alas, the young man refuses to pretend also: He stands behind his principles of Forgiveness, Justice and Honour, which evidently trump his Loyalty. He turns his horse from the Earl and returns to the camp. Roderick is sorely displeased; this cannot be understated. Though Elvorix was famous for his homage to his Lord, many will soon learn of this defiance, calling that standing into doubt...
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Down the knoll we descend, and Sir Vandagild and Sir Iwan we spot a dastardly thing: There are more than thirty knights in the Field of Doves! We quickly surmise; our loot is being stolen by miscreants from elsewhere in Logres; these lands are Salisbury’s to raid! We ride hard to investigate.
Sir Edar takes some cattle as we approach to query of the situation – Sir Vandagild asks him what to do of these other Knights. Edar is shocked, but has little time to answer: Another Knight (Sir Anyon of Silchester, we later discover) rides forth making claim to the cattle! He was here first, he declares, and these cattle are legally his! Edar, in possession of the herd, dismissed the man; but yet he will not leave. Edar and Anyon argue! Sir Vandagild tries to defuse the situation to little effect; Sir Iwan departs to seek the Earl Roderick. As the arguments boil, Iwan and Roderic soon arrive with several Salisbury knights; as does Sir Blains of Silchester, to whom Ulfius' son is squired, with his own men. This helps little; the arguing continues but with greater rank and greater stakes.
Diplomacy fails: A duel is declared, but not to the death! Space is cleared, and the rules established; first blood shall declare the victor. The two men engage, all rage and skill! Anyon's mace is clearly the match for Edar's sword; their shields take battering blows! The duel persists for some great time! Eventually, Anyon counters a wide blow from Edar and crushes a rib of his foe, dropping the Salisbury man to his knees, retching and gasping! Sir Anyon, victorious, turns to honour his Lord; but the wounded Edar lurches forward! He tackles Anyon from behind, attempting to smite him with his shield! There is but a moment to act: Vandagild lurches from the crowd and intervenes, holding Edar and declaring the duel over! The fight was won, and his powerful sense of Justice demands these rules are respected. As jowls and yelling escalate, Vandagild calls for aid for the ailing Sir Edar!
Another argument ensues; many Salisbury Knights are disgruntled, and the Silchester men shout of dishonour! Vandagild, still beside Sir Edar, holds high his hand, now covered with the man’s blood: Even this does little to quell the chaos! Even among the Salisbury Knights, some men nod at Vandagild in respect; yet others let their displeasure show on their face.
Among the fervour, Sir Hywell rides forth with a shout: The Knights are coming! Horses from Bedegraine are sallying! The shouting rumbles to a halt and men turn; it is true! Many horse charge through the field toward us, clad in mail and lances couched! Untimely; our hubris does us foul!
Quickly, Earl Roderick takes charge, issuing orders and organising men. Sirs Vandagild and Iwan try to help bring the knights to array, Vandagild's mighty oratory assisting! We form up well enough to be ready; Sir Elvorix, sitting tense and alone with his squire in camp, rides hard once he hears the horns!
Alas, Terrible Cowardice Strikes! Sir Blains The Craven turns his steed and rides his men away, fleeing the battle! Jeers and taunts rip forth from the Salisbury men: Sir Vandagild, Earl Roderick, and many other Knights call him coward! He calls back over his pusillanimous shoulder: I will not fight side-by-side with Dishonourable Dogs!
Sir Vandagild seethes, disgusted by the abhorrence of Blains: He knows at once that this new Hatred will not be easily tamed… And yet, the rumble of the Bedegraine charge grows louder, and with snarls we turn our attention and spur our steeds….
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Image 1: Image © British Library Board. All Rights Reserved / Bridgeman Images
Image 2: Bayeux Tapestry. ca. 1070. Tapestry. Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, Bayeux, France
King Arthur Pendragon 5.2
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