Once more into the Breach

[Xion]

While the Lloegyrwys descended into bickering and insults, ap Nwython quietly departs the command tent and heads back to his section of the encampment. "M'lord." Llwelyn says as Seririol approaches. "May I ask what the plan is?" "The Lloegyrwys just descended into bickering and arguing over plans such as razing anything of value, building fortifications, and this was after the decision to divide into three forces to try and lure Gwent's men from their position and flank them.." Seririol sighs. "When we should just be taking their brenin's seat or the major town of Gwent and forcing him to come to us!" Seririol says with some degree of irritation, it seemed to be difficult for the Welshman to interject in the meeting and his advice was ignored or only partially heard. "But for now, let us have some ale, I have something to think about.." "Aye m'lord." the two Welshmen head into ap Nwython's tent and several of his other captains would be summoned a short while later.

[Trot]

"Giffard you and your men remain here watching the mountians, and protecting our rear from the Welsh. An bring Talbot in line." He says fuming as the Welshmen leaves. "I am going to finish securing this province first I am taking the town at Caerleon." Turning to Waltheof, "I would hope you will join me in securing that land." Far from Talbot and his bloody show boating. "I would like you to join me in my tent for dinner tonight regardless." Turning now to Perceval and Montfort, "Prepare the men to march on the morrow and inform Lord Ap Nywthon I would like his forces to join me as well when we march." Giffard had better settle this nonsense or else this Expedition would come to an end with precious little then a toehold gained.


ooc assuming everyone goes along with this the Army arrives outside of Gwent and lays siege. Gerold offers the town the opportunity to surrender peacefully. +2 charisma

[chesser2538]

ooc assuming everyone goes along with this the Army arrives outside of Gwent and lays siege. Gerold offers the town the opportunity to surrender peacefully. +2 charisma

Rolled a 4

The town refuses to submit and prepares for a long siege.

[Trot]

Gerold orders his archers to fire fire arrows into the town trying to ignite the food stores and kill the defenders on the walls. After several weeks of this they are offered a chance to surrender again. Outriders are deployed to watch for raids and protect the supply lines.

Seige Towers and Rams are put under construction. Once they are done another surrender opportunity is offered.

[Pericles of Athens]

"Giffard you and your men remain here watching the mountians, and protecting our rear from the Welsh. An bring Talbot in line." He says fuming as the Welshmen leaves. "I am going to finish securing this province first I am taking the town at Caerleon." Turning to Waltheof, "I would hope you will join me in securing that land." Far from Talbot and his bloody show boating. "I would like you to join me in my tent for dinner tonight regardless." Turning now to Perceval and Montfort, "Prepare the men to march on the morrow and inform Lord Ap Nywthon I would like his forces to join me as well when we march." Giffard had better settle this nonsense or else this Expedition would come to an end with precious little then a toehold gained.


ooc assuming everyone goes along with this the Army arrives outside of Gwent and lays siege. Gerold offers the town the opportunity to surrender peacefully. +2 charisma

After having exchanged words with Giffard Waltheof turned toward Gerald, but shot a sideways look at Giffard. “Ny intention is to keep my word.” He said gruffly, adding. “We will speak at dinner, Earl Badger.”
__________________
Later that day Waltheof would return to Gerald’s tent for dinner.

[Trot]

A small table is set up for Gerold and Waltheof to speak in a more private setting. "Lord Talbot is a crass fool if it was not for my relationship with Giffard the man would not be here," he said bluntly. "I have never liked him." He sighs offering the man ale and a seat. "But he is not why we are here." And if he could he would see that Talbot did not make it home. Perhaps some letters could surface revealing dealings with the exiles.

[Pericles of Athens]

“His.. relationship will not protect him in this.” Waltheof said plainly, sipping the ale has was given gratefully, and taking a seat. “Giffard spoils him like some child, thinking he can allow someone so inconsequential to name me traitor on Giffard’s own authority. I would not allow Giffard to speak in such a manner, let alone his lackey..” Waltheof tightened his fist into all ball, fuming. “Remind me why we are hear, Badger.” He said untightening his fist and leaning back in his seat.

[Trot]

"The man threatened to kill Edgar when I was pushing to have him crowned. Drew his sword in the middle of my tent and threatened Edgar with death." Gerold says glancing at the servants, "I should have had him killed then, but I left him to Giffard to bring in Line. He has failed in that task." He sighs again and waves for the servants to begin bringing the food. "We are b
Here to subdue Wales, but in truth I came to expand my influence inti Gwent.:

[Pericles of Athens]

“So Giffard has made a habit of allowing the lowly man to cavort himself like a rowdy brigand.. Edgar may forgive such antics, but I am less understanding of Giffard’s failings.” With each passing event the man would grow more bold, particularly with Giffard seemingly taking pride in his behavior. Waltheof begins to eat when the food is placed in front of them, having little care what the food is. “Of course. For the glory of the crown.. and lands for myself, or you, or what have you. But, why do you want influence in Gwent? The Welsh are a rowdy people and any direct authority we gain will likely be lost within the decade.” Waltheof thought he knew the answer, with the King’s proclamation it was a bit of a race to acquire lands in this region, before the crown hemmed in the marchers. “You’re an intelligent man, and have certainly accounted for this eventuality.”

[Trot]

"Edgar should of had him beheaded, the man almost cost him his crown and his life." Gerold snorts, "perhaps the Welsh will do us all a favor and put an arrow in him." He sighed listening to Waltheofs next words as he takes a swig of ale. "Perhaps it will although I do not intend to lose the authority I gain here or elsewhere in Wales, but perhaps you are right, and the keeps we build will not be enough to keep the people in line." He sighs shaking his head. "But I can not leave Wales alone and let the other Marchers take Swaths into their domain. I will undermine my influence in the region if I do that. By leading this host I can control who gets land and where."

[Pericles of Athens]

“Keep Talbot and his ill bred men far my me and you will have my continued support, for this expedition.” Waltheof replies, taking another hearty bite of food. “Assuming there are gains to be made, and certain figures will not see those gains.” Siwardson would see Talbot punished in time, but for the moment denying him honors would have to be enough.

[Trot]

"Talbot will remain here watching the pass while we move south to capture the fortification." He agrees. "You will not have to deal with him, as for gains, I fully intend to be careful with who gains from this endeavor." Giffard might grant him something more, but it would come out of Giffard's land share.

[Pericles of Athens]

“Then let us move south, with haste.” He replied, washing down a mouthful of food with ale. “I’m eager to be from here, and see an end to this conflict.” He leaned back. “Do know that your kin or no Giffard will keep his vassal in line, or I will.”

[Gandalfus]

Before the departure of Waltheof and co...

It was the dead of night, with Waltheof and his men planning to depart camp alongside Li Bageard the next morning. The men had made their preparations and would move at first light.
The sentries had noticed nothing out of the ordinary when the fire broke out. A few bodies were found the next morning, men killed to keep the silence at what they had seen. It wasn't clear how the fire started - but some tents had caught alight, and the screams of those inside woke the rest of the encampment as the blaze seemed to somehow spread to adjacent tents. Waltheof would be woken not only by the screams of his men but the sudden realisation that his own tent was now ablaze. Fortunately the Earl of Northampton's men dragged him out before serious damage could be done, with a few scalding burns upon the arm the legacy of the event.

Now a question remained... How did this begin? Seventy nine of Waltheof's men were dead or badly burned, with little knowledge of whether it was begun by accident or whether it was a purposeful attempt upon the Earl's life by the Welsh or another foe.

[Trot]

Orders are issued for Bageard men to arrest Lord Talbot and Giffard is summoned to the Earl of Gloucestershire's tent.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Late that night, Giffard sat in his tent, uneasy by the actions of his vassal, Lord Talbot, before the Earl of Northampton. Waltheof was overly proud, but Lord Talbot had been rash again. In the end, Hereford felt he had done right by defending Talbot. He had served long and diligently, having commanded Giffard's troops and as under his banner. Yet, foul news came that night... news that was only inflamed by what happened in the camp that night.

Giffard comes forth to the tent of Lord Bageard, late that night. His person escorted by several of his retinue as they entered the tent. His nobles had alerted him to an incident in the camp, a fire that almost took the life of Lord Siwardsson. God had favored him and let him live, but deep down, the Norman wished the fire had taken his voice so that it would not be heard again. He enters the tent of his father-in-law, having passed a group of Bageard's men who headed for Talbot's tent on the way.

What is it, Lord Gerold? I hear a fire has happened in the encampment... how was our perimeter breached?

[Trot]

The Earl of Gloucester's face was a thunder cloud. "I doubled the perimeter watch last night Giffard that attack did not come from out side this camp." He slams his fist down hard, "This was an assassination attempt on a peer of the realm in my camp. 79 men are dead." The Earl did not shout, but no one listening to him would mistake his words. The earl was furious. "I am going to investigate this myself, you had better pray to God Talbot was not fool enough to pull a stunt like this." Gloucester did not doubt the man would of, and he could think of no other man in the camp who would of tried to eliminate Waltheof.

[Pericles of Athens]

Waltheof awoke to the smell of fire and smoke, heat upon his skin and the screams of the dying, and a smell like one he’d never been assaulted by. Shortly he realized he was screaming, as his eyes opened he saw his own tent alight, and his own arm marred by flame’s kiss. He struggled to put the blaze out, but his closest huscarls were soon upon him, pulling his body from the inferno. He set his men about putting the fires out and getting the injured treatment, though many were already within God’s palm. His own injuries were deemed non-life threatening, though the lapping flames had left their peculiarly shaped marks upon his sword arm. He formed up his guard, huscarls and thegns, those spared the inferno.. and marched toward Talbot’s tent.

[Barry Goldwater]

The morning immediately following the fire, in spite of the chaotic rumors engulfing the camp and the uncertainty of the soldiers as their expedition's overall leader demanded the arrest of Talbot, Roger Perceval hastened to seek out that very leader - the Earl of Gloucester.

[Trot]

Perceval would arrive at the tent in time to hear the tail end of Gerold's comments to Giffard. As he enters the tent the tension in the air is palpable. Bageard look up at the man entering the tent, "Lord Perceval." his voice was still cool, but it lacked the fury he had when addressing Giffard. "Are the men still ready to march?" He may need to delay now to deal with this, but he did not want it to take long.