The Heirs of Britain
Session 6: 481; The Battle of Bedegraine
Summer 481 - The Field of Doves, Bedegraine
The squabbling is over, and Sir Blains the Coward flees with his Silchester Knaves. Rain trickles softly on the fields and heavily on the galloping knights; vision is impaired, and grips slicked by the heavenly waters. Nonetheless, we spur with earnest: Damp clods burst upward with our charge, with the rumble of hooves and the energetic shouts of fighting men. The two young knights, Sir Iwan and Sir Vandagild are confident despite the unexpected combat; we are surrounded by great veterans and fight with our Earl, Sir Roderick. Before us: Knights of Bedegraine, sallied forth to pounce on the infighting men of Logres. Roderick commands well, he leads us to favourable ground in time to meet our foe head on….
Crash! A resounding, chattering clash as a score of warriors cross at gallop! Lances and shields shatter; blood and spit fills the air; men cry out in rage, valour and agony! Vandagild’s lance shatters, but his greying foe is sent tumbling to the mud; Iwan’s shield saves him from the worst of a savvy blow, which spins him on his horse; though his saddle is kept by a reliable mount and good horsemanship! Other clatters and thuds of falling men resound, but the battle is rapid, and furious…
Elvorix rides hard from camp, eager to fight a fair foe…
Sir Iwan is initially outmatched; his opponent is older than he, and fights with experience; Iwan’s rib and breath sore from his lance… Yet, as he turns his mount to reengage, he catches his Lord’s eye: Roderick’s firm gaze flicks back to his opponent, who he slams from saddle with a timely blow! Have at them, men! For Salisbury! Iwan is Inspired, eager to fight for his Lord’s Glory; he gets the better in his next pass! Both Knights, the younger and the older, stay mounted… Switching to blades, Iwan’s passion fuels his vigorous assault: He once again gets the better and knocks his foe heavily, tumbling the knight from his mount to the earth! He presses, with follow-up blow wounding his man sorely; alas, the sturdy Bedegraine is not yet defeated..
Sir
Vandagild, meanwhile, won his lance by grace of God, but now takes a sword high
on his armoured thigh, deflected by shield! The wiley veteran Bedegrainian
manoeuvres deftly on foot, his skill evident, calm despite his disadvantage. Vandagild, with fury stoked with vengeance for the blow, lurches forth to strike
hard on his foe's collar, knocking him once more to his back! The long-haired Aquitainian opens
his lungs to the man: Yield! The battle is lost for thee, but not yet thy
life! Under his continued assault, the wizened foe acquiesces! Sir Vandagild
secures his prize before looking for new foes.
__________ The Battle Turns to Favour __________
The battle continues; Sir Iwan, fighting mounted hard against a crafty expert, finally prevails; he lands many blows until his unhorsed foe slumps to the earth, beaten.
Elvorix, spies Sir Godifer in the fray; the man is outnumbered, and works hard to keep two blades at bay! The Roman rides hard to join the battle; alas! On the approach, he catches his lance on some hidden farm-post; the sudden jerk whips the slippery weapon from his hand as he enters the fray… He rides past Sir Godifer unarmed! Misery continues for the luckless knight! Meanwhile Sir Godifer battles bravely; He swings hard at one foe, who tumbles from his mount beneath the assault! Yet, his attention drawn, the mail at his rib is split by a heavy thrust from the other, he grunts, sparing a moment to look questioningly at his would-be saviour in Elvorix.
Vandagild takes a moment to evaluate; his keen eyes find another man outnumbered: The talented Salisbury hunter, Sir Arfan, with whom Vangadild hunted during the march! Freed from his captive, the young knight rides to his aid; But lo! The young Knight's assault is mistimed, his horse skids in the churned earth, and he strikes nought but air. Yet the cost is little; Sir Arfan, a fine mace in his fist, crushes one knight unconscious, and land his mace heftily upon the shield of the other! He is an inspiration, his arm guided by God!
With
this surge and the success of others, it is clear that the battle is turning in
Roderick's favour, with many Bedegraine men faltering and falling! These men
they are a valorous folk, claiming respect from we Salisburians with every
moment: Despite their loss and numbers they battle on.
__________
Wet Warriors and Bedegraine Bravery __________
Our opponents felled, Iwan leads his horse to assault the enemy commander,
with Vandagild, the Banneret Sir Hywell and another supporting against his
guard! The enemy fight with a passion against our Salisbury men! Sir Vandagild
deftly parries his opponent's mighty blow; he slips his own piercing thrust
under his opponent's shield, while the Guard rattles his blade off Sir Hywell’s
maille. In the next moments, the rain claims its own; the Guard loses his
slicked blade to a twisting parry! Sir Hywel and Vandagild land their next blows!
Sir Vandagild's deep, low thrust leads the man to slump his shield as he
falls, and Hywel's now undefended cut rips deep into his neck; a fountain of
blood marks his departure for the realm of God.
Meanwhile, Sir Iwan catches the commander in the melee, wounding him as he takes a second, humbler blow from his other Salisbury foe. As the battle continues, dampened grips continue to wreak havoc: Iwan and the Commander strike one another's blades from their hands in a short exchange, allowing the other Salisbury man to drive him from his mount with a mighty blow, which he covers with a mailed arm! The Brave Commander clambers from the mud, bloodied, unarmed and filthed; But still he does not yield! The unarmed men collect whichever blades from the growing collection on the ground, but the unknown Commander slips in the mud of his own fields, his sword hand slick with blood and rain... From his steed above Iwan finds his moment and, apologising for the man's fate, slams the Commander's own blade hard through his valiant heart! He falls soundlessly, slowly, as his life rushes in torrents into the loam.
Meanwhile, Elvorix and Godifer battle together: The latter tries to cut his unmounted foe, but his blade slips as it impacts a shield; the clouds rumble in laughter, as Godifer takes a blow to the leg in return! Sir Elvorix slashes at the still-mounted man, but their skill is matched. For time they persist in furious battle... Many blows are traded, and swords flung wide, to little effect, until Elvorix deftly angles his sword through his opponent's failing defences, cutting deep into a Bedegraine rib; to follow, he heaves his charger into his enemy, who falls from his stumbling mount. Sir Godifer takes advantage to land a modest but telling blow to the luckless man’s crown, rendering him senseless. Outnumbered, the last, unhorsed man is no match for the pair of Salisburians; He once more displays the bravery of Bedegraine taking blows but continuing to fight! This is of course a folly: Elvorix again finds his moment, separating the resilient foe's head from his shoulders with a terrible and undefendable blow. Sir Godifer is relieved and grateful, thanking Elvorix for his arm! Elvorix offers the unconscious foe to Godifer, who declines and allows the young Roman the right to capture. As the man is secured, Sir Godifer surveys the collection of swords closely, trying to figure which is his. Elvorix assists, saving the day again! Hurrah!
Surveying
the battle, most knights still live, and no Salisburian is among the dead; the
Bedegraine are soundly beaten. The captives are collected and aid applied. Freed
from the urgency of combat yet still stoked by its fire Vandagild roars in
rage, furiously decrying Sir Blains as a coward and traitor! He hates him! Other
knights share his passion. Roderick agrees but calms the men some; at the
least, the disputed cattle are Salisbury's for the taking, as are the spoils of
the battle.
__________
Triumph and Tribute __________
The
victory consolidated, we reform and ride to the nearby castle. Roderick calls
to the foe demanding the opponents surrender; the castle guard replies curtly:
No. Sadly, we lack the force for a true siege. Frustrated, we make camp. Elvorix
remains with us now; the air between he and the Earl is cold and thick. The
next day, we hear: King Bedegraine is dead, fallen in battle against Mighty
King Uther; and Bedegraine are surrendered! When the news is confirmed by
messenger, our foes also surrender. We ransom our captives at once, and
Roderick demands tribute from the defeated. We haul the tribute from the
castle, returning with it to Uther in Bedegraine proper.
Earl
Roderick bestows his many treasures upon Uther, who is suitably impressed; it
is expected that a share of these treasures will return to us at some feast. Prince
Madoc, too, has amassed quite the haul; chests of jewels and coins are placed
before the King beside Roderick’s mighty offering. The King is greatly pleased,
and lets his men know in certain terms. Alas, the treachery of Sir Blains is
not mentioned; Vandagild is prudent enough to keep quiet, taking his Lord’s
lead. Finally, Duke Gorlois arrives, his men tired, damp and muddy. He rides
straight to Uther. We are not privy, but there is evidently discussion among
the nobles; Gorlois storms from the tent, and he leaves unhappy. We question
this not. Soon we are granted our leave, and begin the journey back to
Salisbury, sharing joyous, passionate tales and gratitude among our friends and
allies.
__________
Winter Woes and Winter Winnings __________
In the Autumn, Sir Iwan is married to Lady Alwen, daughter of Sir Branoc, Lord of Winterslough and Marshall of Ambrius Abbey. She is well educated and Spiritual; the marriage is not one of Love, but is a favourable pairing for the talented Iwan.
Summoned once more to Sarum, the young knights join Earl Roderick at his Winter court. The usual festivities and rituals complete, Roderick distributes gifts among his men!
For Iwan: A fine wooden box with Iwan's coat of arms, containing silver earrings - a late wedding gift, Roderick explains with a smile. Iwan, fanatically loyal to his Lord, bows in modest gratitude, and will deliver them to his wife.
For Vandagild: A servant brings Vandagild a hooded sparrowhawk, covered in black silk! The Earl forgets not the young Hunter’s promise; he offers this gift to help, and looks forward to flying her soon. Vandagild smiles sincerely, and immediately shows the fine bird to Catrin and Golistan; the three beam with joy.
Elvorix
approaches: He is last among all Knights. A simple package of
leather is placed in his hands with little fanfare. Elvorix slowly unwraps it
as the Earl watches sternly, his face unimpressed. It is a simple leather
belt. Elvorix graciously accepts, wearing the belt immediately; it is lost
on Vandagild, who still admires his bird’s sheen, that this “giving of the
belt” is a metaphor.
Later, Sir Elvorix unhappily realises he is no position to beg Roderick to approve a marriage for him. He will have to improve his favour. He spends his time as many single knights do; He has begotten a bastard upon a serving girl. Perhaps troubled by his fumble at the Easter Feast, and his poor standing with the Earl? Perhaps taken by the charms of an available woman. When informed, he refuses the child. The young woman is taken aback, but has little recourse. She leaves his hall in a black mood. Later, in dreams and whispers, the Roman receives evil tidings of a vengeful spawn in a score of winters…
For his loyalty, Iwan receives another private gift from Roderick: He too is gifted a sparrowhawk; yet this creature takes to him unusually well! Roderick clearly wishes to develop falconry in his court and, knowing of their friendship, encourages the Iwan and Vandagild to fly them together.
Meanwhile, Vandagild’s renowned storytelling nets him requests for stirring tales of the Battle of Bedegraine. At Sarum once more, he delivers an exceptional yarn; spinning enthralling and passionate lines of the conquering of betrayers and the unification of Britain against the Saxons. Bards and scholars present beg to record and spread the tale, for it is the kind Britain needs to hear! It becomes known as The Ballad of Britain and is soon famous across many lands! Vandagild’s glory grows with the spread of this impassioned saga!
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