Session One Hundred and Sixty-Seven - June 18, 2022

Wherein the ongoing story of the FtF campaign may be found ...

Session One Hundred and Sixty-Seven - June 18, 2022

Postby Matt » Thu Aug 11, 2022 9:49 pm

Larane 25, 733

After the viking boats are destroyed Ewen leaves scouting party of light horse on the westside of the river under the command of Thorpe. It is estimated that there are 250 to 300 Vikings left. It gives the men of Kaldor great joy to note that the Vikings are looking desperate, and have no livestock or bounty to show for their efforts.


Back at Olokand, Ewen finds Lord Orsin on the outer bailey wall watching drills. He does not look happy with what’s going down below.

“How goes your tenure as sheriff?” Orsin asks.

“I have had some success this season. We cannot leave the Vikings as they are. They would become bandits or worse.”

“They should be leaving soon.”

“You think they will retreat?”

“No, the Gargun alone would kill 90% of those left. I estimate that they don’t have food to last another month. They’ll make a move within a week. They may even try here again.”

“Perhaps we should start prepping an ideal killing field.”

“That’s an excellent idea,” Orsin replies. “Any thoughts on where?”

“Perhaps near Cyre Manor. We may be best inquired of Sir Daxton for he’s been quite useful.”

Sir Daxton is sent for.

“I confess to wonder what advice the Queen may need to turn her attentions elsewhere …”

Orsin interrupts, “Matters elsewhere are being considered and do not affect the now.”

Sir Daxton arrives about 20 minutes later. After Ewen brings him up to speed on the thoughts of looking for a place to make a proper stand against the Vikings, Daxton notes that the land around Cyre is more cropland and pastures with very little in the way of woods to hide any Kaldor force for a surprise battle. Daxton notes that Cyre is part of Hesby Manor, which is held by Sir Ercamber Odasart, who happens to be within the walls of Olokand doing his feudal services at this time. Ewen grins and suggest that they find a table and some ales while we gather.

Once Sir Ercamber hears of the plans, he nods to Sir Rald Ertaner to be a better source of information.

Sir Rald takes the floor and explains to those present that there is a bridge over the Caliprast. The terrain on the north of the bank is a mixed woodland, the south bank is mostly pasture that leads into the village.

“I don’t fancy the Vikings going through my manor” Sir Rald says as he finishes his description.

“We can be there and become an unwelcome committee.” Ewen replies.

Sir Rald nods and volunteers to be part of that committee. Ewen agrees and asks if perhaps making arrow party favors on the bridge would work. Sir Rald notes there is not much cover for setting up a surprise party favors and should any opposing force begin to cross the bridge, they would see the arrows being set up. Rald continues that near Hesby there is a wooded area a mile north if knights wanted to be concealed until the Vikings are fully engaged. The southside would be better for the horses as it is pasture, but there is no cover, so the knights would have to stand and fight it out with no surprise charge.

Ewen suggests that they choose the men now so there will be no delay once word comes that the Vikings are on the move. Ewen would like to ask the men from Hesby to be part of the advance force. Rald notes that Hesby force currently includes himself, as the one knight, his squire, several light foot, and a short bowman. Sir Ercamber notes that Cyre, has provided, in addition to himself and his squire, two light foot and also one short bowman.

Ewen turns to Orsin,” My Lord Orsin, with your permission I volunteer the Meselyneshire troops to strike first- Our pride depends on a home win – but I would need another 100-150 to hit them hard enough and to counter any surprises they have”

Orsin agrees and looks to Scina Dariune, “Sir Scina, what say you to joining Lord Ewen?”

“I am at your disposal, Lord Ewen.”

Having settled the who and the where, they decide that message will be sent back to Thorpe with his rider tomorrow. They will ask that he send word of any sizable party of Vikings leaving Setrew along with the general direction.

Later that evening in the Great Hall there is a feast of pork. Upon the dais, the Queen sits with Orsin, Ewen, Thilisa, and Prehil. The rest of the knights and ladies sit at the tables arranged along the wall. Sir Haldavis finds himself seated next to a lady in waiting, Lady Falagra Labarn. She turns and leans slightly forward to speak with Sir Haldavis.

“I have heard tell your last name is Legith.”

“Yes, Sir Aeomund is my cousin.”

“Isn’t Legith a barony in Chybisa?”

“I am not of those Legiths. My family can only claim a distant relation.”

“Many of us are distantly related,” Falagra says with a chuckle, “I understand the men of Chybisa are quite the poets.”

“I understand the Ladies of Tashal are quite the flatterers.”

Falagra laughs, “You give me too much credit sir.”

“And perhaps not enough caution,” Haldavis replies with a slight smile.

“I hear the walk along the battlements is quite bracing in the evening.”

“Would you like an escort to you the views? If I may offer myself as your guide …”

“Yes that would be lovely.”

Haldavis reaches toward the decanter and refills her and his cups, “Let us grab some wine to warm us on the walk.” Haldavis offers the lady his arm and he escorts her to the battlements. He thinks that as he is newly arrived to the lands, the will tread lightly and allow her to take the lead. The redolent scent of pig shit arises from the bailey.

The Queen and Thilisa retire before the hall gets too loud. Rahel also excuses herself and heads to northwest corner of the hall glancing at Ewen. He feels the thought brush against his shield, “5 minutes.” Five minutes later Ewen leaves the table and heads into the tower and up to the battlements. He hears ‘up here’ in his head and soon sees Rahel in the top tower in the corner near the ballista.

“My Lady Rahel, I hope your time is not too tedious.”

“So formal brother. I thought we could speak and in person. You have been very busy.”

“Yes, I find it gives energy versus finding it draining”

“Your lady wife is quite content as well. She is about to get what she wants. It was a very bad decision her father made to avoid a Royal summons and then go about raising a ruckus. He has the Queen close to declaring him a traitor. It would only take the slightest of nudges.”

“I have hear he has been harboring a fugitive.”

Rahel raises her shoulders in an elegant shrug, “Balim’s spies has said he is carving a portion out for himself.”

“He is going after Kyg?”

“Not yet. His lady wife is bearing him a son. If Caldeth is named a traitor, the Queen will de jure, if not de facto, strip him of his land and titles.”

“Someone would need to go and serve the eviction notice,” Ewen says with a not very nice grin, “Have you heard of where my sister-in-law and her husband are?”

“Uldien. Lady Thilisa’s sister is married to the Queen’s brother, remember. One would think she would favor her brother, but that is not the case. Lady Thilisa has been advocating on her own behalf. Of course you would benefit too.”

“As would our son and heir. Only a nudge you say?”

“I think she is waiting for this viking situation to wrap up.”

“Is Orsin aware?”

“He knows. I think he intends to have Prehil take over here in the north. I am sure his deputy will have his hands full ... speaking of hands, yours are empty.”

“What do you suggest?”

“Well, there is a perfectly serviceable wall right here …”


Larane 26, 733

A messenger from Thorpe arrives around mid-morning. There is nothing to report about the Viking movements. After the messenger departs back with the request for immediate notice of any viking movement. Ewen wanders into the council chamber noting the map of Kaldor on the East Wall. He takes notes of the major settlements around Minarsas. He notes Kyg on the map and not far from Kyg lies Athelren: a royal keep. To the west of Minarsas is Zoben, held by Vemion. To the north is Pendeth, held by Neph, and Nenda, which is an independent Barony. Ewen thinks that Pendeth could be the next target of his father-in-law.

The rest of the day passes with not much of not. Arva spends the day speaking with Lady Lysella Indama, the daughter of the Baron of Getha about plays, music, and the arts in general.

Larane 27 ,733

The skies open and there is torrential rain and thunderstorms off and on all day.

Larane 28, 733

The rains have stopped and the day dawns overcast but dry. A messenger arrives from Thorpe. The Vikings are on the move, approximately 100 men are making their way towards Huxley. A quick glance at the map and Ewen notes it is towards the west. Ewen suggests that he and Scina stick to the plan and that Orsin take a couple hundred of the remaining men and cut off any return of the Vikings to Setrew. Orsin agrees and adds that he will take Baris and all those ‘Thardan’ troops that are hanging about. Ewen sends Qorsad into the air for scouting. After another glance of the map, Ewen notes that it might be possible to squeeze the Vikings in between the two forces. Orsin agrees, and finds that idea very agreeable.

Ewen and his troops arrive at Cyre. Sir Rald rides past the manor without stopping to see his wife. As the troops pass the northern part of the village and cross the bridge, Sir Rald points out a shrine to Nele, a Peonian handmaiden. On the shrine is a carved skull of an infant girl. He says that the villagers claim she lays her protection of all how pass the skull.

Qorsad soon arrives and alights on Ewen’s shoulder as the troops pass through Huxley
“It is a good day for flying! I have seen the viking horde and the storms that follow. Well, maybe no storms. They are between this village, and the next one. I have also seen the loud guy and the drunk guy. They will soon collide with the Vikings.”

Ewen relays all this to the knights traveling with him. Sir Ercamber speaks up. “There is a trail towards the outlaying fields that is a bit of shortcut the peasants use to travel between the villages. We would need to double our pace but we could make it.”

Ewen laughs, “Why should Orsin have all the fun? We will take the risk of fatigue.” The men cheer at this and hasten their pace.


Upon the road to Bahrey, Orsin and Baris encounter the Vikings. Orsin rides in the vanguard with 50 mounted troops at his back. Once the Vikings are spotted, he moves the four companies of medium foot to the front and splits the light footmen to the flanks. The distance is too far for the bowmen, so Orsin orders them to the rear to be held in reserve. This will give his men room to charge. Baris, seeing how the Earl of Osel was aligning his troops, points to the Thardan lads. “I and these three companies will stand in reserve and will await your signal.”

Orsin grins and as he watches the Vikings move toward him along the road, staying in their column formation, he sees Sir Ewen and the troops he took with him burst out of the trees, barely winded, and so much closer to the Viking line than Orsin’s own troops.

Ewen and his men find themselves facing the Viking flank. Ewen motions to the mounted men to move forward. Ewen calls to Sir Bereden Pawade to take charge of the light foot, giving the command to use the light foot to screen the archers and to send the medium to the rear of the Viking line. The longbowman, take a breath and fire as Ewen gets the men read for a charge. The arrows reach only three Vikings. The short bowmen, out of range fire to cause more of a distraction than an attempt to hit anyone. The two medium and one light foot companies begin the charge toward the line and engage. The second company of medium foot loses themselves to berserker rage and annihilates a company of Vikings. Once they find themselves with no more foes in front of them, the second company turns to face the next line of the enemy. They and the first company of medium foot continue to engage, with neither side giving ground. The light foot, morale high after watching a company of Vikings disappear, gains ground against their foe.

Ewen, meanwhile, has lined up his knights and they ride to the head of the fleeing Vikings. The timing between the appearance of the Kaldoric troops and the attack is too short for the Vikings to form a proper shield wall. Ewen and his knights ride through the mass, with Sir Haldavis, riding into the Vikings and staying in the fray, killing at least ten by his sword alone. Blood and gore cover him – none of it his own.

Ewen sights the leader, the man stands out as he is larger than the others with a mass of red hair. Ewen pulls his mental focus and sends a punch of power to the man. The bolt hits the Viking in the shoulder, and he falls to the ground. As their leader falls, the morale of the Vikings is shattered and they scatter. The archers and the Ewen’s knights pick them off as they run. Ewen rides to where the leader had fallen. The man is not yet dead so Ewen reads him for impressions. Ewen learns that Eilus Ten Hands has left Setrew and the man laying in the dirt was the sole leader of the remaining Harbaalese. This hunting party was roughly a third of those remaining in Setrew. Ewen kills the viking leader as Orsin and Baris ride up.

“Ewen! Looks like the party is over!” Orsin says, slightly annoyed that he was not the one to engage the Vikings.

“Thanks for driving them straight into our hands.”

The combined forces of the two Kaldoric groups make their way to Huxley, where Sir Daxton has offered to host the force if his manorhouse has not been burned. Orsin and Ewen discuss not returning to Olokand this evening but riding to Setrew in the morning to take it back now while they have the momentum. Baris listens to the two discuss strategy and timing. He notices that Sir Haldavis has draped the body of the Red, the viking leader on his horse. Haldavis notices Baris’s questioning look and explains that he plans to deposit the body back at Setrew. Haldavis feels that this will help lower the morale of the Vikings inside the keep even more. Haldavis also shows Baris a necklace, a silver chain with a stylized horse pendant, he found on one of the bodies. He thinks it would make a lovely gift for a lady at some point.


Larane 29,733

Breakfast is limited as the men eat the rations they carried with them from yesterday. They soon break camp and march to Setrew. Morale is high and more than one shield sports a head. They move along the western road south of the stream. The force enters the town. It is deserted as the captives were freed and the Vikings have withdrawn into the keep. The men of Kaldor see the Vikings ranged above the escarpment. As the Kaldoric line approaches they hear the horns signaling their arrival and watch as more of the Vikings line the crest line to watch them.

Sir Haldavis rides to the front and crosses the west bridge at a slow walk. Once he reaches the end of the bridge he reaches behind him and unceremoniously drops the body of Red. He stands in his stirrups, “It is I, deputy of Oslemarch returning your leader to you.” He calls in a booming voice. He turns his horse and returns at the slow walk across the bridge.

A lone archer stands in the escarpment and looses an arrow hitting the dirt three feet behind Haldavis. The Vikings open the palisade and four appear and trot to the body. They pick it up and return to the palisade.

Orsin nods his approval of Haldavis, “Well where should we start? Shall we burn down the palisade? It creates a narrow defile though. “

“We can burn that and send some men around to the west. The light and medium foot of Ternua may be the best for that. We can knock the palisade down and you and the rest of the mounted men attack. Where is Sir Romlach? He knows the terrain to the west.”

Sir Romlach moves up next to Orsin and Ewen, “We would not have far to go to get around the escarpment. I can lead you through.”

“That’s a good plan. Ewen, take Sir Bereden and the long bowmen as well and perhaps another company of light foot to ensure that you have enough to cause the distraction and break through.”

Ewen nods and looks to the eastern side of the keep. He motions to the captain of the Meselyneshire light foot. “Take Arva and Cekiya to the east. They can climb the escarpment and will send ropes down to your men. Your purpose is to add another distraction and confusion to the Viking line.”

“My lords, perhaps we should send more men to the east so that they will have enough to counter any of the Vikings that will flee.” Sir Haldavis says noting that they have plenty of men to divide up so that all can see some portion of battle.

Ewen and Orsin agree and decide that a company of light foot should accompany the men of Meselyneshire to the east. Ewen will take the five medium from Ternua, a company of shortbow, and a light foot company from the ranks of Scina Dariune’s men. Orsin will attack the front with the light horse and all the remaining knights, including Sir Baris, the long bowmen from Ternua, along with the remainder of Scina’s force.

Orsin looks at Ewen, “I need no signal for any coordination, I am going to burn that thing now.”

Ewen watches Orsin ride to the archers as they light their arrows. He turns to Cekiya and Arva, “Watch for Qorsad before you make your move.”

“We don’t want to be a dead distraction,” Cekiya says gravely, looking at the walls of Setrew with interest.

But Goreg thought, ‘We’ve treed the Vikings at last.’
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Matt
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