The Pursuit - The Taking of Margat

[Stildawn]

With the armies of Antioch and Tripoli combined. The force set off in pursuit of the spotted enemy Mary, heading south east towards Krak following the intel from previous scouts.

Santana sent forward his light horse to catch up and follow the enemy.

[Gandalfus]

Stephen rode in the vanguard with his knights, slightly frustrated that he had not brought more of the mounted horseman. Silently, he prayed to God, hoping that a huge Seljuq force was not waiting around the corner.

[Stildawn]

Forces In This Army:

1700 - Knights 1167 - Men At Arms 892 - Spearmen 1581 - Foormen 1054 - Archers Total: 6394

With the arrival of Antioch forces, Santana cantered over to the head of their column, tracking down the Prince.

"Your Grace, congratulations on taking Jableh" He said in greeting.



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Meanwhile, more scouts and vanguard forces were sent out, hoping to track and follow the enemy army.

[Dirty Chai]

The two Crusader forces marched forth into the Homs Gap, a plain set between two sets of mountain ranges, the gateway in and out of Syria.

The scouts continue to report that Saracen force is stationed at the Krak, the Hisn al-Akrad or Castle of the Kurds. The fortress looks out over a narrow valley from a high hill. Soon after, a rider exhaustively returns, dirtied, to inform the Count that some of the men-at-arms he sent forward were caught in battle and are outnumbered, just west of the Krak.

[Stildawn]

The man delivered the message as the Count was speaking to the Prince...

"Hmmm, I don't like it" He said turning to the Prince

[Gandalfus]

Stephen frowned, and glanced around, taking in the surrounding landscape. He turned up his nose, evidently, it was not to his liking.

"Neither do I. The Krak blocks any passage we might have; we could be cut to pieces outside of that fortress. Trapped like sitting ducks, perfect targets for those damn horse-humpers and their bows."

[Stildawn]

Santana wondered if he was just being paranoid, surely the muslims Emirs haven't united already? But that question hung heavily in his mind. No it would not be good.

"I agree, now isn't the time to go running off into the unknown. I suggest we pull back and let them come to us"

[Gandalfus]

Santana wondered if he was just being paranoid, surely the muslims Emirs haven't united already? But that question hung heavily in his mind. No it would not be good.

"I agree, now isn't the time to go running off into the unknown. I suggest we pull back and let them come to us"

"Margat is still controlled by the Saracens, and lies to our rear. If a force were to come from there..." He grimaced, as he looked around once more. "We'd be crushed between two armies. Oui, I say we pull back."

[Stildawn]

Santana nodded and turned to an aide giving the order.

Moments later the army turned heading back to the coast.

"What should our next step be?

[Gandalfus]

Stephen shuffled in his saddle as his own men relayed the order.

"We could fall back to a position of strength, and siege Margat. Once our rear is covered, we can think about engaging them in open battle."

[Stildawn]

"Agreed, lets take Margat and proceed from there" Santana said, now with a purpose the army marched back towards Margat.


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Upon arriving, patrols were set up to circle the small town, Santana once again headed over to the Prince.

"I'll (historically correct paper scissors rock game) you for it?" He said with a grin.

[Dirty Chai]

OOC: Game of dice rolling, literally, perhaps?

[Gandalfus]

Stephen sat on horseback atop a small crest, looking over the town and the surrounding land. His brow had furrowed in his silent brooding, before he turned his gaze to Santana.

"Are we to assault the city then, Lord Santana?" Stephen asked, as his gaze turned back to the town and it's defences

[Stildawn]

"We'll try to talk them out of it first of course, but we have the numbers and I'd rather get it over with than endure a lengthy siege" ​Santana replied in a more serious tone.

[Gandalfus]

Stephen nodded, and barked in Norman for the banner of truce to be raised. Similarly to Jableh, he rode towards the town with his men, albeit he remained a safe distance from the walls.

[Stildawn]

Santana joined the Prince, but he would let him take the lead in this situation

[Lucius Malfoy]

OOC: So give me the low down of this with troop numbers for both of your armies and I will try to get this rolling tonight.

[Stildawn]

OOC: My troop numbers are above, you'll have to ask Eredin for the enemy numbers as he originally rolled this for me way back lol.

[Gandalfus]

OOC: 900 men is what I originally rolled.

[Lucius Malfoy]

What are your forces, Eredin?