[AAR] RTW: Empire of the West

[Senno]

Author: [user]Midnite[/user]
Original Post: IB AAR - Empire of the West

Empire of the West

It was the year of our lord, 422 AD, and Cadell was inspecting his armor, his scribe Portos, sat nearby waiting for him to speak. Word had come from his king to prepare for the long journey to Europa. King Vortigen was sending his army across the great sea. General Madrun was the leader of the expedition and Cadell would be going with him.



Having just reached the age of 19 annos, Cadell had commanded a company of cavalry for only a short time. He had grown up in the city of Eburacum that his father Vortimer governed.



Most of Cadell’s adult life had been spent in administrative tasks, tasks that Cadell completely loathed. During his childhood he spent many a night at banquet tables surrounded by warriors of the realm, telling tales of battles with the warriors from the north. The picts they were called by some of the soldiers, fierce men wearing animal skins, their skin adorned with drawings and faces decorated with a blue colorant. King Vortigen and General Madrun had fought many battles with these warriors over the years finally defeating them in the year of our lord 420 AD.
























The pictish king had finally submitted to King Vortigen and the king had treated him kindly. “No more killing between our peoples” King Vortigen had told the pictish king, “we are one people now, the lands, hills, woods and streams belong to all of us.” Bowed by King Vortigen’s kindness in victory, the pictish king had given King Vortigen a sword, Excalibur; the pictish king had named it. A mighty sword forged in the lands of the picts, a sword worthy of a great king.




Over the past two years, a bond had formed between the people of the picts and the people of the romanos. Even with war between these two people now in the past, times had not been peaceful. Raiders from across the sea, Saxons as they were called, had pillaged villages up and down the coast, one raid had seen a large force besieging the city of Venta Icenorum. General Madrun had driven off the raiders and now was in command of all the legions.





On one of these raids, the vessel of the Saxon king Freawine the Cunning had gone aground marooning Freawine and his bodyguards north of the city of Venta Icenorum. Seeing his chance, Cadell had begged his father for the chance to battle the Saxons. Finally relenting Cadell’s father wished him well and sent him off with a few companies of cavalry. The Saxon king lured Cadell’s cavalry into the old forest, his bodyguard killing many of them. Eventually though, severely outnumbered, the Saxon king was killed. This battle had brought Cadell recognition from King Vortigen.





















Now Cadell was preparing to leave for Europa. He and General Madrun had two tasks assigned to them by the king; invade the land of the Saxons and bring the raids to a stop, and second travel to Rome and offer King Vortigen’s assistance to the emperor. King Vortigen had been very troubled by the news he had received from his messengers traveling back from Rome. Barbarians beset the empire on all sides. Roman cities were being burned and their inhabitants slaughtered. It had been too long since Rome had sent any more news to King Vortigen. General Madrun had been chosen to lead the legions and General Cadell would be sent as his assistant. The King had heard of Cadell’s victory over the Saxon king and Cadell being the son of his successor would be a good choice to aid General Madrun.

Cadell’s thoughts were interrupted by a servant who came through the door, “Pardon me sir but General Madrun says it is time to leave my lord”. Cadell grabbed his sword and ran out the door followed by Portos.

King Vortigen awaited General Madrun and Cadell’s entrance to his tent. The king had come down to the shoreline to greet them both before they sailed for the shores of Europa. King Vortigen also impatiently awaited news from his agents he had sent across the seas several nights ago. Artorius Molmutious, the senior of the two agents, had always served him well. Tonight the spy was late and this troubled King Vortigen greatly. His thoughts were interrupted by Madrun and Cadell’s entrance into his tent.



Both men bowed and then approached the king. “Sir the men are ready”, spoke General Madrun. “I will sail with the first companies, set up camp and then send for the second companies. I just await your word and I will be off.” “Patience” said the king, “I have gift for you before you leave”. Both men watched as the king walked over to a long box set on a table near the campfire. He opened the box and drew out a sword. The reflection of the flames danced on the blade. It was Excalibur. “This sword was given to me by the Picts” said King Vortigen; “I never used it in battle. My old wounds bother me and my joints ache with the cold. I will never wield it again. I am an old man Madrun, and Excalibur is too fine a weapon to be left in this box. I now give it to you.” The king walked over to General Madrun and the general knelt down. The king spoke, “Behold Excalibur, when you raise this sword high in battle let all our soldiers rally to it. Let it be a symbol of the people of Britannia and the freedom we have won. Use it to bring justice, never to bring oppression.” King Vortigen tapped Madrun on the left shoulder lightly and then with both arms extended held the sword out for General Madrun to take. Madrun stood up and took Excalibur. One of the guards walked into the tent, “Sir one of the agents has arrived.” “Let him pass,” said the king.



Into the tent walked Artorius Molmutious, a short man of slight build with graying hair. “I bring you much news sir” said Artorius, “Valus is about the Saxon lands gathering more information, of the two nobles you sent, Cintugnatus is making his way to Rome with your message to the emperor and has been well received, Victor is in congregation with some of the tribes friendly to Rome trying to gain us allies.”





“The Saxon lands are well defended, there is a large Saxon army assembled near the southern border of their lands. To the north there is another army camped just south of Vicus Saxones, their main city where their ruler resides. The Saxons are also gathering a new army just across the sea from where we now stand. I fear they will soon be landing on our shores.



“I ask your leave sir, there is a bireme carrying goods for trade leaving for Europa with the next tide. I will wind my way far north of the Saxon armies and find a safe location where our legions may land without notice.” The King nodded his approval; “send word as soon as you can”. Artorius Molmutious bowed and left the tent exiting into the darkness.

Madrun, Cadell I will send you off in two days. I want to give Artorius time to travel north. General Madrun interrupted him and said “Sir if there is a Saxon army just across the sea my legions should stay here to defend our lands.” No, no smiled the king, “I am going to assign General Coel ap Padarn to the defense of our lands. I need you and Cadell to cross the sea and end the invasions once and for all. Go rest now. In two days I will be calling you. General Madrun and Cadell both bowed and exited the tent. The first glimpse of dawn appeared in the eastern horizon. Madrun wrapped Excalibur gently in his cloak. He bid Cadell fare well and walked towards his camp. Cadell walked up to Portos who had been standing out in the cold the whole time and said, “two more days Portos and then we leave, come let us go back to camp, warm up and see if the cooks have started breaking fast. We have many things to do later today.” Portos nodded “ The hunters caught some rabbits last night. The stew should be ready.” With that both men hurried off to camp.

Two days passed quickly, and on dawn of the third day Cadell found himself walking to the dock where the bireme were anchored. General Madrun was already there supervising the loading of the vessels. The vessels were crammed with legionnaires, horses and provisions. “Artorius Molmutious arrived early this morning before first light and spoke with the king”, commented Madrun, “he has found a safe place where we can put to shore on the mainland”. “You will sail with me Cadell on the first ship. On shore we will set up camp and await the rest of the companies.”

Cadell and Portos boarded the vessel and a short time later the bireme sailed out into open water.



The ships captain veered the vessel northwards and as the days passed the weather grew noticeably colder. This was Cadell’s first time at sea and he was thankful that the water was calm and no storms were in the horizon. By the sixth day they were approaching the coastline of the Saxon lands near Vicus Saxones. They sailed by the port late at night and with the cover of darkness avoided any Saxon raiding vessels that may have been about.



Three more days passed without incident. On the tenth day Cadell was awakened by the sound of men shouting and feet pounding on the deck above where he was sleeping. Rushing up the ladder he went to see what all the noise was about. A great shoreline stretched before him. The ship’s captain had sailed them into a cove before dawn’s early light.




The captain brought the bireme to rest in a sand bar and Cadell and several of the legionnaires climbed over the side of vessel and entered into the water. Cadell’s teeth chattered from the coldness of the water. He quickly waded out of the shallows and onto the rocky coastline. It was cold here, much more so than at home in Eburacum. Pulling his cloak tightly around him he walked farther up the coastline.

General Madrun waded through the shallows to the shoreline. The legionnaires who reached the shore first had begun to set up camp but no fires had been started, wary that fire would convey their position to any Saxon spy that may have been passing by. This would not do, thought the general. He ordered large campfires to be built. The Saxons be damned, it would do no good if his men froze to death.




King Vortigen paced back and forth in his bedroom chamber. He had gotten word that a Saxon army had landed east of Venta Icenorum and was pillaging the countryside.



Oh how he wished General Madrun was here to drive the invaders back. Madrun was far off now in barbarian lands, General Coel would have to do. He called to the guards, “send in the messenger.” The messenger ran into the room and bowed. “Ride quickly to Venta Icenorum and bring this message to General Coel. On this day your king calls you to greatness. Take all the legionnaires you have in Venta Icenorum and go forth and crush this Saxon menace.” With that the king waved his arm at the messenger, “Hurry, go now” and the messenger was off.

On the following afternoon General Coel received the king’s message. Gathering all the able-bodied men in the city he rode out to meet the Saxons.



The Romans were formed in three orderly lines per the generals’ instructions while across the field the Saxon horde in mob formation howled and hurled curses at the Romans.



The Saxon captains were having a hard time restraining their companies, their men eager to draw Roman blood. Where is Lateus, General Coel was thinking. Where is that Saxon Wernike? Lateus was the chief elder of the village just east of Venta Icenorum. Lateus and two other elders had asked the Saxon General for a meeting hoping to persuade him into ceasing his war with the Romans. They begged General Coel to allow them to leave until he finally gave in and let them go. Now they had not returned and he was troubled. He turned to the captain of his bodyguard, “Have you caught sight of Lateus? Has he come back from his meeting with the Saxon?” The captain shook his head and was about to speak when a great roar came from across the field. General Coel rode up to the front line to see what was happening. The Saxon general was walking down the front line of his warriors accompanied by his guard. Coel watched as the Saxon turned and walked half way towards the Roman line and then stopped, his guard right behind him. The Saxon general motioned to General Coel to come and speak with him. Cole rode out to the Saxon accompanied only by his servant Demetrius and halted only a dozen paces away. Three Saxon’s carrying shields adorned with white horses caught his eye. “Those are followers of Horsa, General”, said Demetrius, but General Cole’s thoughts were elsewhere. The objects impaled on the ends of the spears of the horse warriors are what caught his eyes. The general found himself staring into the face of Lateus, one of the elders from the village.




With a wicked grin on his face the Saxon general spoke “Those men die well. They cry much pain. Tiig pleased”. “When darkness comes, it please me much to hear the lamentation of your women when your head there too.” The Saxon general turned around and walked back to his companies. General Coel watched him leave and then turned around and rode back to his men knowing today either he would die or that Saxon general would. There would be no prisoners.

The Saxon war drums sounded and the din from the Saxon line was deafening. The Saxon lines moved forward.


[color=darkred]http://s224.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/midnit26/?action=view&current=saxmov5.flv


General Coel stood before his men. What could he say? The companies in front had seen the Saxons displaying the heads of the village elders and had been close enough to hear much of the conversation. By now the companies in the back line new as much as he did. These men of his, some having seen only sixteen annos, were new to battle. They were afraid and right so. They were facing this Saxon horde of battle-hardened men.

“Soldiers of Rome, today you fight for your freedom. These men would take it from you. For so many years your mother in Rome has raised you and kept you safe. Now your mother asks for your aid. Men like these stand at her very door. They would destroy all that is good in her. Rome calls on her children. I hear that call. I will be first in battle. I will be the last to leave this field. Whether the gods give us victory or death I will lead you. Will you follow me!!!”

A cheer rose from the legionnaires growing louder and louder till even the Saxons across the field could hear it over their drums. The Saxon general Wernike urged his men on harder. The Roman archers let loose with their first arrows and then General Coel signaled them to move behind the front line of the pedites.



At the same time the light cavalry had ridden around the left flank of the Saxons and was now showering them with javelins.



The two armies closed the distance between them and hurled their javelins and pilum.





Many men fell from both sides but neither side losing the will to fight. They closed and fought hand to hand. The ground drank greedily of Saxon and Roman blood quenching its thirst and still more blood flowed.



The Roman heavy cavalry raced around the Saxon’s right flank. This was his legions best hope. The Saxons had no heavy horse and he would exploit this weakness.




With both armies locked in combat. The Roman archers let loose with their arrows. Those flaming missiles lighting up the gray skies.






A rain of fire drenched the Saxon line and an errant missile or two brought down Roman legionnaires as well.





Skirmishing cavalry from the Saxons attacked the front lines and the Roman archers cut them down.



A company of pedites had managed to outflank the Saxon’s right side and now hurled their pilum into the horde. They then charged into the Saxon right flank encircling the front line on three sides. Many a Saxon fell and their first companies began to rout.







General Coel gave a rowdy shout to his cavalry “Follow me” and galloped past the left flank of his men. His men had held and the Saxon's army was collapsing. Now it was time to find that Saxon general.



The guards escorted the messenger into King Vortigen’s quarters and the king anxiously waited to hear the news. The messenger bowed and said, “Sir, General Coel brings you good news. The Saxon army has been annihilated and their General Wernike was dead. The new legionnaires General Coel had recruited in Venta Icenorum were able to halt the Saxon advance. General Coel himself led a company of heavy cavalry against the Saxon general’s bodyguard and with help from a newly formed company of light cavalry the Saxon general and his bodyguards were killed. The remnants of the Saxon forces routed and the pedite companies hunted them down.”



















King Vortigen reached over and grabbed the messenger by the shoulders and shook him, saying “This is wonderful news, wonderful news. I know you have ridden a long way to bring this news to me but I need you ride back to Venta Icenorum tonight with some of my guards. Tell General Coel the king congratulates you on your great victory and all the people of Britannia rejoice. We must make haste though, the bireme that carried Generals Madrun and Cadell will be arriving any day now. Your men that fought so valiantly against the Saxons will be needed soon. Let them rest for a day or two and reinforce the companies that lost men. I will send some companies of legionnaires to Venta Icenorum to aid you. General Madrun will need reinforcements soon I am afraid. Your men will sail for Madrun’s encampment shortly after the vessels arrive. With the blessing of the gods this Saxon threat will be ended.” “Go now” King Vortigen said to the messenger and with that the messenger ran out of the room.

The legionnaires under General Madrun’s supervision set up a fortified encampment near where they had come ashore.



The spy Artorius Molmutious, seeing the smoke from the campfires walked into the encampment that evening. “I spotted your fires from the hills east of the camp” he told General Madrun. “You need to be more cautious, there are villages loyal to the Saxons about. Even now messengers may be on their way to Vicus Saxones informing the Saxons you are here.” “Let them come” General Madrun spoke with a curt voice. “Isn’t that why we are here! I would like to finish this business soon.” “Sir” spoke Artorius, “This is a hostile land. We do not have any allies here. We may soon find ourselves besieged from all sides if we are not careful” “I hear you I hear you” said the general. “Bring Tyrus and his son to this tent” he told the guard “and summon Cadell also”. “Now Artorius, what other news do you have for me?”


General Coel was out inspecting his companies when the messenger from King Vortigen arrived in Venta Icenorum. He read the message and told the messenger “Hurry, travel back to the king and tell him Admiral Tincommius’ vessels have been spotted just off the coast and will be here soon. Send whatever companies of legionnaires he can spare soon. My companies will be ready to travel in two more days.” The messenger took his leave and General Coel made his way to the barracks.





“Cadell” said General Madrun, “Get your men ready we may be marching on Campus Nordi soon”. “I will see to the preparations now Sir”, spoke Cadell and with that he left the tent and walked out into the cold air. Cadell had attentively listened to Artorius Molmutious’ news. There was a small town north east of their position, Campus Nordi it was called according to what Artorius had found out. The people who lived there supposedly had no hatred towards Romans. The general had sent the old man Tyrus and his son as envoys to the town. The hope was General Madrun could secure a protected settlement behind them where the army might be able to receive provisions for their march southwards into Saxon lands. Cadell had reservations about this. So far his stay in this new land had been filled with bitter cold, ice and snow. No doubt a cold and bitter land could only produce cold and bitter people. The army might soon be fighting Saxons in the south and these barbarians in the north. He hoped the general was right. For now he had to hurry and see to the companies march preparations, General Madrun might be marching soon.

“General Madrun, sir”, one of his guards spoke, “Tyrus and Artorius Molmutious are back and wish to speak to you”. The general had been uneasily waiting for two days now. With any luck the envoys would have good news and provisions for his army would be secured. “Send them in,” he said to the guard. Into to his tent stumbled the old mad Tyrus followed by Artorius. The old man’s son was not there. “Where is your son, Tyrus?” spoke the general. Tyrus fell weeping to the ground, “They killed him! They killed him!” cried the old man. “We were close to the town and I was tired, I needed to rest. My son said ‘Father, wait here for a while. I will go ahead and then you can catch up” and then he left alone. A short while later I stood up and continued the journey towards the town. As I got close I heard terrible screams. I listened quietly and the voice I heard seemed to be my son’s.” At this the old man fell stretched out on the floor weeping bitterly unable to speak. “Let me finish” spoke Artorius. “I had been following Tyrus and had caught up to him when we heard the screams. The people of the town had taken the young man and tied him to a post in the square. A large crowd surrounded him chanting for their god, Tiir I think his name was. One of the men slowly cut the young man’s abdomen and the blood ran down his legs. With the young man still alive, the crowd placed wood around the pole and set fire to it. Tyrus’ son was burned alive. I restrained Tyrus from running to his son and dragged him back to camp.” Artorius stopped speaking momentarily to catch his breath and then started again. “I found out these people are Angles. They are allied with the Saxons. We will not get any help from them. Furthermore they know our encampment is somewhere nearby. I fear they will soon lay siege to our camp.” General Madrun thought for a moment, “Tell Cadell we march now for the north.” One of the general’s guards ran off to find Cadell.

The Roman legions marched quickly over the frozen ground not stopping to camp overnight and arrived at Campus Nordi in one day. General Madrun quickly laid siege to the town. He was afraid that it was already too late and that he would have to fight a large force of Angles soon.



“The king is dead! The king is dead!” The shouts rang through the streets of Venta Icenorum, Eburacum, Londinium and all the other cities in Britannia. King Vortigen was dead from an assassin’s knife. He had been murdered while walking in the streets amongst his people as he normally did on Thors day as the Saxon’s called it. The assassin had in turn been quickly killed by one of the king’s guard before he could be questioned. This seemed too convenient to General Coel. The king did not have many enemies. There was only one man who seemed to be at odds with the king on many matters. That was Governor Vortimer of Eburacum, who now was going to be king as Vortigen’s successor. Vortimer had especially disagreed with the King’s decision to send legions across the sea to aid Rome against the barbarian invasions. As a young man, King Vortigen had requested help from the Saxon mercenaries against the Picts many years ago. The Saxons had decided they liked Britannia more than their own country and did not want to leave after they were no longer needed. Now they were the invaders of Britannia. Vortimer blamed King Vortigen for this.


General Coel would have to move quickly. Admiral Tincommius’ fleet was in the harbor. The legions that King Vortigen had requested Coel to send to General Madrun were ready to embark. Admiral Tincommius would have to leave before Vortimer was sworn in as king. No doubt Vortimer would put a stop to the reinforcements. General Madrun was a good friend to Coel. Coel could not abandon his friend across the sea.



The legionnaires boarded Admiral Tincommius’ bireme and left the docks of Venta Icenorum. General Sennianus Sanctus would lead the reinforcements. General Coel watched the vessels leave the harbor. Good, now it would be too late for Vortimer to stop them.



The head of one of General Madrun’s envoys he had sent into the camp was tossed out on the ground thirty paces from where he stood. The barbarian general looked at Madrun and sneered. Shouts arose from the camp and the sound of drums thundered through the air. General Madrun turned to Cadell; “Well Cadell, it looks like they are eager to fight”.

http://s224.photobucket.com/albums/dd248/midnit26/?action=view&current=saxmov3.flv

The quickness of the barbarian onslaught took General Madrun by surprise. Madrun and Cadell in haste galloped back to the Roman lines. “Quick Cadell form up the cavalry on the left flank. Hold that position until you see me signal you.” Leading the cavalry units Cadell formed up on the left flank behind a line of pict skirmishers. General Madrun raced off to the right flank with his bodyguard. He was going to make sure no Angles would sneak around the flanks and catch the line infantry by surprise.



The legionnaires holding the front line were barely able to form up before the Angles crashed into them. No time to throw pilum, the enemy was right on top of them.



A company of General Madrun’s light cavalry attacked the Angles right flank with no effect. The Angles were on top of them quickly.







The Angle spearmen drove into the light cavalry killing many of them before they could hurl their javelins. The captain seeing his company quickly being decimated ordered the cavalry to retreat behind the Roman lines in order to regroup. This captain though, was very inexperienced, he had been raised to commanding just before the army had sailed from Venta Icenorum and this was his first battle. When he signaled to retreat, he mistakenly signaled his cavalry to ride farther from the Roman lines instead of towards them. The cavalry followed his orders and immediately they were cutoff from the rest of the army by a large company of Angle spearmen.


The whole left side of General Madrun’s army was now in danger of being outflanked. Taking half the Pict skirmishers with him, Cadell led the heavy cavalry to shore up the left front line. The shower of javelins from the picts with the sight of heavy cavalry ready to strike at them stopped the Angle advance.










In the center, the Roman front lines were under heavy strain. The Angles were not dying easily. The Roman pedites managed to throw a few pilum until they too were fighting hand to hand. The whole Roman front line was now engulfed by Angles and was slowly being pushed back by the ferocity of the barbarians attack.




General Madrun was closely watching the battle unfold in front of him. He would not have believed it if someone had told him this but Angles pierced by sword and spear and fallen to the ground got back up. One Angle swordsman had his sword arm hacked off by a legionnaire only to reach down and take his sword out of the dismembered arm with his other hand and continue fighting. He had heard tales of warriors being given drink by holy men, which made them impervious to pain and only thought this a myth, tales told by men who had too much to drink in taverns. Now he was seeing it with his own eyes. He had to do something very soon before the enemy penetrated the front line.

King Vortigen had given Excalibur to General Madrun to carry before him in battle. The general had kept it hidden from his men all through the voyage. Only Cadell knew that he carried it under his cloak. Now was Excalibur’s time. Now, when his legionnaires needed encouragement. Now, when the outcome of the battle balanced between victory and defeat. Madrun lifted Excalibur proudly above his head.




The general’s bodyguard looked towards Madrun, their eyes on Excalibur. Their faces lit up with the fervor for battle. “Brothers in arms, I hold before you Excalibur, the sword worthy of kings, but few kings worthy of the sword. King Vortigen presented this sword to me and spoke these words, “Raise this sword high in battle, let it be a symbol of the people of Britannia and the freedom we have won.” Ride with me now, brothers, let our swords carve the way to victory.”


General Madrun turned to his left and signaled Cadell. He then spun his horse around raised Excalibur and charged around the right flank of his legionnaires with his bodyguard and a company of light cavalry.

Cadell saw the general signal him, horse reared on two legs, sword raised high. He thought, this is what the young Alexander of Macedon must have looked like when he led his cavalry against the Persian king Darius at Granicus. Inspired Cadell shouted to his cavalry, “Follow me, for today we ride into greatness” His men cheered and the companies of cavalry rode with him around the left flank of the Roman infantry.



The light cavalry under General Madrun’s direct command soon outdistanced the general’s heavy bodyguard and charged into the Angles left flank. Cadell and his cavalry companies hurtled into the right flank of the Angles.







The captain of the Roman archer companies was watching the battle attentively. General Madrun’s plan was working. The left and right flanks of the Angle line had been hard-pressed into the center of the Angle line. The Roman companies now formed a half circle around the barbarians. Crowded together, the Angle infantry had no room to maneuver where they could use their long spears. The captain of the archers told his second in command “ Tell the men to use fire and let loose their arrows.” “ Sir” said his second in command, “it is too dangerous we will hit our own men, we should wait until the cavalry retreats back to the line.” “No” said the captain, “General Madrun said it is an acceptable risk. Besides, do you not remember your battle studies while you trained to be a commander? Hannibal used a similar strategy against our ancestors at the battle of Cannae. The Roman legions were surrounded by Hannibal’s men and could not hold formation or even fight properly. Several legions were destroyed and Hannibal won a decisive victory against Rome. Now go, have the men fire.”


The Roman archers lit the sky with their arrows. The deadly rain fell among the Angles turning some of the barbarians into human torches. Panic quickly spread through the ranks and the Angles turned and ran back towards the town.













General Madrun rode across the battlefield holding Excalibur high; every Roman who saw him took heart and every Angle dismayed. The battle turned into a rout. The pedites charged into the Angle spearmen pushing them backwards.




The whole Angle army now fled into town. The Romans followed and showed no mercy.







Any man slow of foot was cut down, lances piercing hearts, swords slicing through helms. The dead lined the streets of Campus Nordi. The women and children hid in their huts fearful that once the warriors had all fallen they would be killed next.



The town had fallen to General Madrun’s army. Only a small band of warriors near the center of town remained encircled by Roman infantry and cavalry. “Stop fighting” he ordered his men. He gazed at the remaining band of Angle warriors. They were young men, the faces of most never having seen any hair and old men barely able to lift themselves never mind their spears.



The general spoke to them, “I have no wish to kill you. I only ask that you put down your weapons and vow never to raise arms against Romans and Britains again.”

The Angles looked at one another and slowly put their weapons on the ground. The Roman lines opened to let them pass, and as each warrior passed General Madrun they held up their hand and gave their vow.




That night General Madrun, Cadell and the company captains celebrated around a campfire in the center of town. “You did well Cadell”, said the general, “Soon you will take command by yourself. Let us celebrate now and rest, we have much to do yet”.

Interesting name thought one of the Angle townsfolk serving General Madrun and his men. I have heard that name Cadell somewhere before. General Etelgis camping near Vicus Saxones might be interested in this news. As soon as it is dark I will be off.

Thank you SeniorBatavianHorse for the compliment and now on with the show




The Saxon general, Etelgis, was in his tent with the captains of his companies arguing over his plans for the next invasion of Britannia. “Sir” one of his guards said, there is a man outside your tent who says he has very important news and wishes to speak with you. He claims he is an elder from the Angle town of Campus Nordi far north of here.” The guard stopped speaking and waited for the general’s answer. After a few moments the general spoke, “Let him enter, and for his sake he better have something very important to tell me.” The guard waved the man in and then left the tent. “Sir, pardon me for intruding on you, but I have news that you will want to hear. I am Beda, an elder of Campus Nordi, I have traveled now for six days to see you.” “And why do I care?” said General Etelgis. “Campus Nordi has fallen to the Romans, sir. Generals Madrun and Cadell now occupy the town. They are now preparing to ” Wait!” shouted Etelgis. “What generals did you say?” “Madrun, sir, and the other one I believe I heard Madrun call him Cadell” “Cadell, that murderer who killed my father is here!” the general spoke angrily. Turning to his captains he said, “We are not going to Britannia just yet. Get your men ready. This very day we travel north” “But Sir”, said one of the captains, the ships are loaded with provisions and are ready to leave.” General Etelgis walked over, grabbed the captain by his tunic and shook him violently, “We are going north. We will not sail to Britannia while my father lies un-avenged and his murderer is nearby! Go. Get the men ready,” The captains left the tent and the general turned to Beda, “Travel north and then report to me what you see and hear. This Cadell must not escape.” Beda left the tent, climbed on his horse and quickly rode out of the camp.

Seven cold days had passed since the battle for Campus Nordi, and one day since the departure of General Madrun.



Madrun had split the Roman forces taking half with him and leaving the other half under Cadell’s command. General Madrun had received word from one of his envoys that the elders of the town of Campus Suiones, south east of Campus Nordi, wished to speak with him. The general hoped some agreement could be reached where he could bargain for provisions for his army.

Cadell was left in charge of strengthening Campus Nordi’s defenses. With construction well under way, he sent a few of his men to post a guard by the fort that the Romans had built when they first came ashore. There had been no sign of re-enforcements coming from Venta Icenorum. The spy Artorius Molmutious had been keeping watch on the coast south of Campus Nordi. His last report to Cadell had been disturbing. A large Saxon army had marched north of Vicus Saxones. From Artorius’ report the Saxon army was larger than the combined Roman forces. Cadell prayed to the gods that the re-enforcements would soon be here.



The Saxon general, Etelgis, marched his army into the Angle lands. He was not in a hurry. From what his spies told him, General Madrun had split his forces. Only half of the Roman legions were in Campus Nordi with Cadell. It was best to march his army slowly, there was no hurry. Give Madrun time to march further from Campus Nordi. Soon Madrun would be too far away to come to Cadell’s rescue. Besides he had to make a stop, there was someone he had to see along the way.




Glossary of terms


Wiccans --- Saxon term for witches


Ealh --- Saxon heathen places of worship such as a sacred grove of trees


Morth-wyrtha --- a worshipper of the dead.


Licwiglunga --- incantations of the dead


White dragon and Red dragon myth ---- The British were represented by a red dragon, and the Anglo-Saxons by a white one. When the two dragons were woken they began to fight, the white dragon convincingly defeated the red dragon, symbolically representing the defeat of the British. This is a myth concerning the very early days of the Anglo-Saxons in Britain

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He could see the hut in the distance half hidden in forest growth. Even though it was the middle of the day the forest was dark. Very little light passed through the heavy tree cover.



General Etelgis, his bodyguards and Beda had been walking for some time now. It had taken threats of death before Beda agreed to lead them to the wicca’s dwelling. Once there, Beda refused to enter the hut preferring to remain outdoors in the cold. Etelgis walked straight in. He had no fear of wiccans or their gods. The hut smelled of herbs and dried leaves. Shelves filled with scrolls lined the walls. A older woman with graying hair sat by the fire, her eyes set on the general. “Where is Merwyn old woman?” asked the general. “Merwyn is in the ealh and cannot be disturbed, general. “She knows you are here. She knows what you want. Your father spoke with Merwyn and told her.” “If Merwyn speaks with my father then she be dead” said General Etelgis. “Merwyn is Morth-wyrtha, general, with her Licwiglunga she speaks to the dead. The spirits tell her things no other mortal knows. She knows why you traveled here but your journey was pointless, for that which you desire you cannot have.” The general put his face up close to the old woman and said “Old woman, I take whatever I wish and if you do not heed your words I will wish for your life. Now where is it?” The old woman silently turned her head to the left and nodded towards one of the shelves on the wall. The General walked over and removed a bundle wrapped in linen. He opened up the linen and removed the banner. It was a black cloth emblazoned with a white dragon.



From legends that he had heard as a boy, the red dragon represented the Britains, and a white one the Anglo-Saxons. When the two dragons began to fight, the white dragon convincingly defeated the red dragon. The Army who carried the white dragon could not be defeated. “You have heard the tales General” spoke the old woman. “The power of the dragon is only given to the chosen and you are not the one.” General Etelgis walked over to the woman striking her with his fist, knocking her to the ground. “We’ll see” he said. He turned to his guards, “Let us leave, the Britains await us” and walked out the door.


The king’s guard who had killed the assassin never showed up for his post the next day. This General Coel learned of this through one of his spies. He was not surprised. “Go, spread out through Londinium”, he had ordered his agents. “Find this guard and follow him. See where he goes.” Now several days later one of his agents had reported back. The guard had been found and followed. He had traveled to Eburacum where Governor Vortimer ruled, soon to be King Vortimer. Apparently he had no trouble entering the Governor’s dwelling. The guards outside appeared to know him and let him pass. So this guard is known to Vortimer, he thought, but there is not enough evidence to make accusations, I will wait a bit longer.


For two days Admiral Tincommius’ crew had fought off pirates. Men of the north he had heard them called. They traveled quickly in their long ships and he had lost two of his bireme to them.



The voyage had taken nearly ten days because of this, but General Sennianus Sanctus and his men were safely on shore.



Artorius Molmutious met General Sennianus at the shore and told him all that had taken place since General Madrun had landed on this very shore. The general did not mention the death of the king to Artorius, he wanted Madrun to know the news first. He knew General Madrun would not be happy hearing about the king’s death and that General Sennianus’ men could possibly be the last re-enforcements he would get with Vortimer being sworn in as king. Sennianus took his men and began to travel north towards Campus Nordi. He needed to see Madrun as soon as possible. Dealing with the Saxons was not going to be as easy as he had thought.

The meeting with the elders of Campus Suiones had gone well. The Angle town did not put up any resistance towards General Madrun’s army. Instead, many of the people welcomed the Roman presence. With the town secured, General Madrun began his long march back to Campus Nordi.



Things were going well. The people of Campus Nordi had not given Cadell any trouble. The town was better defended, and there had been no sign of Saxons. Cadell’s agents had told him General Sennianus had landed on the shore with a small army and was now marching towards the town. General Madrun’s agents had arrived back in Campus Nordi with good news. With Campus Suiones and Campus Nordi secured, the army now had a steady supply of provisions. Madrun had sent word to Cadell to meet him south of Campus Nordi with whatever men he could spare. They would join forces and march southwards along the west coast. General Madrun’s agents had warned him of a large Saxon army marching north.

South of Campus Nordi the three Roman generals met.



General Sennianus told the other two men about the death of King Vortigen at the hands of an assassin. Governor Vortimer of Eburacum, Cadell’s father, was already sworn in as king by now. Madrun did not like the news. General Coel was right. Vortimer would put a stop to the reinforcements. The men he had now would probably be the last ones coming from Britannia. How was he to defeat the Saxons with so few men? His forces diminishing while the Saxon forces grew stronger the closer he traveled to their heartland. He would need to start plundering towns he came across and with those riches recruit mercenaries. The people of the looted towns, no doubt would probably turn on his army. He needed to think up a plan soon.

General Madrun’s army marched south along the coast. He took the Sarmatian cavalry stationed at the fort near the west coast leaving only a small company of foederati infantry to guard the post. They had marched for two days when his spies reported that a large Saxon force was just south of his position.






Moving to the high ground, General Madrun lined up his legionnaires on the hillside. He positioned General Sennianus’ companies on the left flank as reserves. “Sennianus”, he ordered the general, “Stay hidden in reserve until I give the order. Then hit the Saxon’s hard on their right flank with all of your forces.” Madrun knew General Sennianus as being very pigheaded; acting on his own battle plans ignoring his commanding officer. He hoped this would not happen today. General Madrun’s plan was to turn the enemies forces to the right facing Sennianus’ companies and his own left flank. The general would then send Cadell to hit the Saxon’s from the rear with the heavy cavalry. There would not be much time to form ranks. The Saxon host was before them.









The Saxon army led by General Etelgis had seen the legionnaires forming on the hill. With a great roar the Saxons charged forward.

Glossary

Tiw – Anglo-Saxon war god who was the chief god of the Germanic people
also known as Tiig


White dragon and Red dragon myth The British were represented by a red dragon, and the Anglo-Saxons by a white one. When the two dragons were woken they began to fight, the white dragon convincingly defeated the red dragon, symbolically representing the defeat of the British. This is a myth concerning the very early days of the Anglo-Saxons in Britain



“Form up, Form up” shouted the Roman captains. The companies of milites stationarii formed the first line. They had been new recruits when first boarding the bireme docked below the city of Venta Icenorum. They had been bloodied at Campus Nordi, successfully preventing the Angle horde from breaking their lines. Now they were to be tested again, this time against the Saxon army led by their king, Etelgis.



The Saxon horde came charging up the hill led by a company of saxnotas. General Etelgis’ second in command led the host. The Saxon infantry rank and file looked to his company of saxnotas for inspiration. He had made his blessings to Tiw this morning for a good death, there would be no retreat for him today.



General Sennianus’ companies waited in reserve behind the left flank of Madrun’s army.





Sennianus did not like playing a secondary role to anyone. He was a battle-heartened veteran, earning his scars against the Picts at Dal Raida and Inchtuthill. He had driven Saxon invaders off Britannia’s shores south of Londinium. His ferocity in battle had earned him the nick name The Butcher from his enemies. His men admired the confidence he showed while leading them. General Madrun should treat him as an equal, not a subordinate the same level as Cadell. Well, plans were made to be changed. Madrun was too cautious for him. General Sennianus moved his men forward and merged them with General Madrun’s line. Madrun was too occupied with the action on the right flank to notice.





General Madrun followed the Sarmation cavalry with his eyes. He sent the company out on its own to seek out the Saxon general Etelgis. He knew they were quite capable of handling themselves in any situation. He needed to know if the tales spreading in the Angle villages were true. The Saxon Etelgis had found a talisman, a banner with a dragon on it. Etelgis might now be carrying this banner with him. The Saxon and Angle people believed that the man who carried the banner was the true king of their people. The army that carried this banner could not be defeated. Madrun did not care much for myths. During battles with the Picts, their Druid holy men had carried amulets and had spoken incantations to defeat him. They had died as any other men would when a lance or sword was thrust into their chest. No, Madrun was worried that the tales of Saxon invincibility would unite all the Angle and Saxon villages against him. Some of his own men might believe the tales and abandon their companies. He might lose many more men before the fighting was over. If Etelgis had this banner, he must not be allowed to escape. The Sarmation company was to kill him at all cost and retrieve the banner.





The Saxon army neared the top of the hill. They matched the Roman forces in number. The pedites romanii and foederati infantry lined up behind the milites stationarii hurled their pilum into the oncoming Saxons impaling many men but still the Saxons came forward.










Now is the time thought General Sennianus. He turned to his men behind him, “Your children and your children’s children will speak of the valor we reveal this day. Follow me into greatness!” He held up his sword and his men cheered. Sennianus and his men swept around the Roman left flank and charged into the Saxons.



General Madrun was watching the battle unfold when he saw movement on the left flank of his army. It was Sennianus. He had disobeyed Madrun’s order to wait in reserve. He began to curse. The Sarmations needed time to find Etelgis and the banner. If Etelgis saw the reserves to soon he might realize that he was outnumbered, pull back his men and retreat farther south. The next time Madrun fought him, Etelgis would have a much larger army. This had to end today. “Hurry", he said, "and bring this message to the captains holding the left flank” and the courier was off.

General Sennianus’ charge had completely surprised the Saxons not to mention General Madrun. The Saxon right flank was weak; mainly spear militia consisting of newly recruited warriors from Vicus Saxones. These were sturdy men, full of bravado but they had never seen battle. Sennianus’ heavy cavalry company, led by the general himself, overran two of the Saxon spear militia companies on the Saxon right flank. Captain Wolfa's saxnotas, the Saxon General Etelgis’ second in command, found themselves separated from the spear units supporting them.



His men were entangled in heavy fighting with the Roman front line and now had heavy cavalry at their backs. General Madrun’s couriers swiftly carried his message to the captains on the left flank. It was imperative that the ballista and missile units not fire at short range; General Sennianus’ men were entangled in the front line. The message did not come quick enough. The ballista let loose with a barrage of deadly fire into the front lines of the Saxons. Men fell, both Saxon and Roman.







The smell of burning flesh was carried on the wind all the way to where Cadell’s cavalry was waiting in formation on the right flank.



General Madrun ordered him to hold this position. The general had a special task for his cavalry. They were to provide support for the Sarmation Cavalry, which had disappeared into the Saxon rear lines.

To the rear of the battleground, the Sarmations were fighting at close range with the Saxon general’s bodyguard, neither side currently having the advantage.



General Etelgis was furious; these Sarmations had separated him from his army. He had heard of their prowess on horseback. His men were having difficulty fighting them off. He could not see what was happening to his army.


Sennianus’ cavalry wheeling about on the front line had caught the saxnotas in a pincer movement pressing them hard against the milites stationarii who welcomed them with open spears.



His light cavalry and pedite infantry protected his rear; pushing the oncoming Saxons back down the hill.



Seeing their captain surrounded, the saxnotas shouted for help and several Saxon spear companies charged up the hill towards the General Sennianus’ companies. They were met by heavy fire from Roman archers and ballista scattering their ranks.










One of Sennianus’ men swung his sword down on the Saxon captain Wolfa's head separating it from the captain’s body. Seeing this, the saxnotas became dismayed and were either quickly killed or captured by the milites stationarii. General Sennianus now faced his cavalry downhill, raised his sword and led the charge into the oncoming Saxons.







General Madrun watched the battle progress. He had not needed to send any of his second line infantry into the battle. The tide was turning. General Sennianus’ companies were fighting heroically. Sennianus himself was in the thick of battle slaying Saxons with his own sword. Sennianus may be bull-headed stubborn, but he certainly was no coward. General Sennianus himself was leading the charge into the Saxon horde. Madrun was thankful Sennianus was on his side.

Madrun turned to look at his right flank. Most likely, the Sarmations at this moment were entangled with the Saxon General Etelgis. Now was Cadell’s time to ride. He called to one of his couriers, “Bring this message to Cadell” and the courier was off.

Glossary

Seaxneat --- seems to have been a god unique to the Saxons, although he has been compared to Tiw/Tyr. His name is said to mean either sword god or friend of the Saxons.

General Sennianus’ companies pressed forward into the Saxon midst, slaying indiscriminately as they went. The Saxons, who had charged with so much bravado up the hill, now fled in terror as their comrades fell around them. The whole Saxon army was in rout.



General Madrun ordered two of his companies of pedites and a Pict cavalry unit to assist General Sennianus’ in driving off the last of the Saxons. Sennianus’ cavalry, still charging forward, was lost in a cloud of dust.









Madrun had seen many men fall today. The dead covered the hill, their blood slowly seeping into the ground. The cries of the wounded, carried on the wind, tormented him. He did not wish to see more today.



“Any Saxon who throws down his arms and surrenders is not to be killed”, he ordered his men. If the dragon banner was found, these Saxons might prove useful in winning allies to his side. He might be able to convince the surrounding villages to support him, at the very least to not oppose him. He had sent Cadell around the right flank to find the Saxon general. Hopefully Cadell would find the banner with the Saxons.

The Saxon general Etelgis was not aware of what was happening to his army. He was too engaged with fighting off the cavalry around him. The Sarmations had retreated to be replaced by fresh Roman cavalry sent by Madrun.





Etelgis’ men fought valiantly, but their bodies grew ever more weary. The Roman cavalry, still fresh, was pressing them hard. One by one the saxnotas were felled. The ones left standing grew increasingly anxious.



He had the banner, he had sacrificed to Seaxneat this morning but the gods were not watching over his army today. Etelgis could feel defeat closing in on him. “If only I could find Cadell” he shouted. Cadell heard him and shouted “I am he”. Cadell dismounted and the men from both sides drew apart. The Saxon spoke, “I am Etelgis, son of Freawine, the man you murdered”. “Today you will kneel before his feet and ask forgiveness before the gods”. Etelgis lunged at Cadell, Cadell meeting the Saxon’s sword with his own. They exchanged blow after blow, neither striking a mortal wound. The Saxon already tired, swung his sword wide, leaving himself open momentarily. Cadell lunged forward swiftly, and with his weight behind him, drove his sword through the Saxon’s chain mail into the man’s abdomen. Etelgis stumbled, his sword falling to the ground, his blood running down his legs. His men watched in horror as he stood momentarily and then fell to the ground dead.



General Madrun watched his guard heard the few Saxon prisoners to the encampment. The battle was over, a great victory. His own cavalry had not been needed, yet he felt exhausted.



He looked over the field. Crows circled the air. Scavengers were among the dead looking for items they might barter. People from the surrounding villages were looking for their fathers, husbands and sons among the mass of bodies. He must talk with Cadell and Sennianus tonight. The banner had not been found. There was also talk of another Saxon army on the march.

glossary

Ealh --- Saxon heathen places of worship such as a sacred grove of trees

Morth-wyrtha --- a worshipper of the dead.

Licwiglunga --- incantations of the dead

Rune stones ---- stones with runic inscriptions, the inscriptions formerly used to write Germanic languages before and shortly after the Christianization of Scandinavia and the British Isles. Some of runic inscriptions were scratched onto pieces of wood or metal spearheads.


The night was cold and the sky clear. Generals Madrun, Sennianus and Cadell sat around one of the campfires just outside Madun’s tent eating their meal. It had been a long day, especially for the Saxons. They had lost over twelve thousand warriors. Madrun’s losses were just over three hundred men. This mostly due to Sennianus’ bold attack on the Saxon right flank, surprising both the Saxons and Madrun. That is why Sennianus’ reprimand had been very light.

Into the Roman encampment walked three women. They came from the direction of the battlefield and without any confrontation from the guards they walked towards the center of the camp where the generals had their tents. An older woman with graying hair, a second woman much younger, seemingly less than twenty annos and the leader a most becoming woman all of them cloaked in black.



Wherever men’s eyes caught the eyes of the first woman they turned their heads away quickly. The woman’s eyes were cold, a cold that sent a shiver down their spines and filled their hearts with despair. Without hindrance, the women were soon standing near General Madrun’s fire. “Generals, we must talk”, spoke the leader. General Madrun startled, nearly choked on his food. “What are you doing here? Where are my guards.” He yelled. “Be at ease, Madrun. We have not come to do you harm, but we must talk”, spoke the leader. “Who are you? Why do we need to talk?” spoke Madrun. Before Merwyn could answer, out of the shadows walked Artorius Molmutious.”She is called Merwyn” he spoke. “The people of the villages nearby fear her, they say she is a Wicca, a Saxon witch.” “Yes my name is Merwyn”, the woman spoke, “but there is no reason to fear me. I bring you a gift.” Merwyn turned to Cadell and handed him a bundle wrapped in linen. “Open it.” spoke Merwyn, “It is who you are, it is your destiny.” Cadell opened the bundle and removed the banner. It was black banner with a white dragon on it, the very banner that Madrun had been seeking. “ The older woman handed Merwyn a small pouch from which she withdrew three square-shaped stones with runic inscriptions on them. Merwyn held the stones near the fire till they began to glow and then tossed them to the ground.



Raidho, the first rune, foretold a coming journey. Tiwaz was the second rune, the warrior rune. The third rune was Fehru, the foreteller of good fortune.



The runes pointed to Cadell. “The banner is yours Cadell, by right. I spoke the Licwiglunga in the Ealh, a sacred place nearby. The dead speak to a Morth-wyrtha, they told me to cast the runes. The runes would point to the rex. The runes point to you Cadell, you are to lead the people, the rex of the Saxons.” Madrun, Sennianus, Artorius and everyone within earshot looked at Cadell. Cadell rose, placed the banner on the ground saying, “I am no king” and walked off to his tent.

Vortimer was king. He had waited a long time for this. His time spent with King Vortigen had paid off generously. With a few words of truth here, and a few lies there, he had been able to convince Vortigen to make him successor over General Madrun. After all Madrun was a soldier, he knew war; he knew nothing of the intricacies of the court. The direction of these Roman lands in Britain had to be changed. Vortigen had allowed his governors too much freedom in their own provinces. Coel was too soft with his people in Venta Icenorum. Vortimer had heard he gave his people one day off in every seven to do as they wished. This would change. Days off only made the servants lazy. Lazy people paid no taxes. Taxes had to be raised. A new palace fitting for a king had to be built in Eburacum. How could he rule the lands from a governor’s estate?

General Coel welcomed Admiral Tincommius back from his voyage.



Even with the pirate attacks, Tincommius had managed to safely put ashore General Sennianus and the re-enforcements. He learned that Madrun had setup a base in the lands north of the Saxon lands and was marching south. Coel told Tincommius about his suspicions of King Vortigen’s murder; how the guard who had killed the assassin had ended up in Vortimer’s court. “We need more proof”, Tincommius told Coel, “Then we will decide what to do”. “Very well” said Coel, “Vortimer is inviting all the governors to his estate to confer about the matters of state. I was not planning to go, but this may prove to be a good opportunity to obtain more information about the murder of Vortigen. For now we must deal with other matters. I have raised new companies of pedites romanii, foederati infantry and milites stationarii. They will be ready to leave, Tincommius, as soon as your vessels are ready. “I sent part of the fleet across the sea”, said Tincommius; “they are checking for pirates in the vicinity. As soon as the fleet returns, the companies can board and I’ll leave for Europa”.



The next morning found Madrun was still thinking over the events of the previous evening. The banner had been found, the Saxon threat was closer to being extinguished and now the Saxons seemed to have a new king, Cadell. These recent events could work his way. He would send Artorius Molmutious to Campus Nordi, Campus Suiones and all the villages in between. Artorius could spread the word that the true king of the Saxons now carried the dragon banner and their king would soon need their aid. Up to now he had not found any mercenaries willing to support his army regardless of the sums of gold he had offered. Saxon reprisals would be harsh against any village that did not support them. With Cadell carrying the banner, he would be able to recruit as many men as he needed.

Cintugnatus had traveled to Rome on General Madrun’s orders. He had carried King Vortigen’s message of aid to the emperor. He was well received and the emperor sent him back with a message for General Madrun. He had traveled a long distance to deliver the message and now he entered the confinements of Madrun’s camp. The perimeter guards had orders to conduct Cintugnatus to Madrun’s tent as soon as he entered the encampment. Without as much as a mouthful of bread or swallow of wine, Cintugnatus found himself in Madrun’s tent. “I know I am not showing you much civility, Cintugnatus, but there is very little time. What news do you have for me?” “The emperor of Rome wishes you victory in your battles, General, and he wishes for the safety of your men. Rome is going to need your legions, General. Barbarian tribes are threatening the very existence of Rome itself. When your war with the Saxons is over, the emperor requests you march your legions to Rome. There, the emperor can direct you to where the situation is most urgent. The emperor has spies throughout these lands. They have gathered the following information and the emperor requested me to bring it to you.



The Sassanids in the far east have nearly brought Constantinople to its knees. This does not trouble the emperor greatly for Rome is far away. A second threat concerns him more. A people called the Huns. The emperor calls them the scourge of God. The people refer to them as the black death. They are the harbingers of death. They sack every village they come across, killing all the inhabitants, men, women and children. Their very name spreads fear in every Roman heart. I do not have much more information about them General, but they are spreading throughout Gaul. Soon they may even reach these lands.”



Madrun did not like this news. He would send Artorius Molmutious out to gather information about these Huns once he returned from his mission up north in the lands of the Angles. “Cintugnatus, take some rest for in a few days I must send you back out to find out what you can about these Huns.” Cintugnatus took his leave and the general called to his guard to fetch Cadell and Sennianus. Sending Cintugnatus and Artorius would not be enough. He would need several more agents. An envoy would have to be sent to Constantinople to see about these Sassanids. One of his guards came rushing into his tent, “Forgive me sir, but Cadell and Sennianus are forming up the troops. They ask that you immediately order to the men to prepare for battle. A large Saxon army is marching towards us and will be here before this morning is over.” Cursing, General Madrun grabbed his armor and ran out of the tent.



Artorius Molmutious traveled north through the Angle lands accompanied by a few of Madrun’s bodyguards. General Madrun wanted his agent to spread the word that Cadell, the true king, carried the dragon banner. Artorius did not think this task would be easy due to the fact that his knowledge of the Saxon language was found wanting and Merwyn, the saxon wicca, had refused to accompany him saying she needed to look after Cadell. Artorius made do with the little he knew. He made stops at Campus Nordi, Campus Suiones and the few villages in between. Every village had received news about the battle with the Saxon king Etelgis and that the Romans now carried the banner. At each village elders seeing him carry General Madrun’s banner would come out to greet him asking for his name or so Artorius thought. “Artorius”, he would tell them. The elders would then excitedly shout his name running through the village. Each evening a splendid feast was held with the village folk praising Artorius. This was going very well, he thought; General Madrun will be pleased.


It had been three days of feasting and General Coel was growing quite weary of his stay at King Vortimer’s estate. Vortimer seemed to have very little time to discuss state affairs with the governors present, spending most of his time with gluttonous eating and drinking. During the few moments that Vortimer did spend in meeting with his governors, he was incoherent. Coel had experienced enough, so this morning his servants had packed his belongings and he made his way to Vortimer’s waiting room. The king was not present yet so Coel made his way to the balcony. While watching the townsfolk passing below, a whisper of a conversation caught his ear. It was Vortimer’s voice. He was speaking in a rather low tone, “Coel is a problem. We must find a way to replace him as governor. Perhaps an assignment with Madrun in Europa.” “He could have an accident sir”, a second voice spoke, “or possibly an attack by bandits on the way home.” “No” said Vortimer, “the other governors know that I am not too fond of Coel. An accident or bandits would create too much suspicion. Selucius aroused a few doubts when he killed Vortigen’s assassin so quickly. With the gods favor, no one has tied Vortigen’s murder back to this house. A trip across the sea to re-enforce Madrun with Coel’s vessel being attacked by pirates might work. Let me think on this for a while. Go now before you are seen.” Coel smiled to himself, “I must send word to Admiral Tincommius. This news will most certainly interest him. The servants will be disappointed, all that hard work, packing for nought. I think I am going to stay here for a while longer.”


Madrun studied the Saxon army that was arrayed on the battlefield across from his men. The Saxon captain Gaiobornarus had asked for a meeting with the Roman generals in the center of the field. General Madrun requested Cadell to accompany him and to carry his dragon banner with them. He wanted to make sure the Saxons saw it. The Saxon wicca, Merwyn, followed them. When they had approached close to the Saxon captain, Gaiobornarus was momentarily surprised seeing the dragon banner carried by a Roman, he composed himself and spoke; “General Etelgis was not the king chosen for the banner. Though you carry it, the gods will not help you Roman. Only a Saxon may wield it.” “Silence”, spoke Merwyn, “ You know so little of the proclamation. The power of the dragon banner is bestowed on the true king of the Saxons. The gods have never said the king would be a Saxon. This man has been chosen. If you wage war against him your army will be annihilated.” “Wicca hold your tongue, or I will cut it out” spoke Gaiobornarus angrily, “Today my army will carry that banner, Roman, and your army will feed the crows.” With that the saxon captain turned around and walked back to his men. “Back to the line”, ordered General Madrun, “That Saxon has seen his last morning.”



minimap shot for Paul d and anyone else who might be interested



ERE has constantinople under siege and is very weak. The WRE is hanging in because at the moment the huns and sassanids are fighting each other. The Romano British will have to fight through the huns in order to bring aid to the WRE.

As General Madrun walked up and down the lines of men, the cold air bore into his joints. He was getting too old for this. In his heart he had hoped the Saxon would sue for peace. There would have been no retribution from him. All he would have asked for was that the Saxons not bear arms against the Romans. From what Artorius Molmutious reported and from what the Saxon prisoners had told him the Huns posed a more severe threat to Rome. He would have need of any Saxon companies he could recruit.

He had formed his lines in his standard formation, milites stationarii in front to meet the initial attack of the enemy, foederati infantry armed with pilum behind them to thin the ranks before the Saxons reached the front lines and pedites romanii on the flanks to guard the ballista crew and prevent the Saxons from outflanking them.







He sent his Sarmation heavy cavalry to attack the right flank of the Saxons. They had been invaluable to him during the last battle, pinning down the Saxon General Etelgis preventing him from effectively giving orders. He would call on them again today.





The Saxon spies had not been idle though. They had observed the last battle pitting Etelgis against Madrun. They returned to Saxon Captain Gaiobornarus’ encampment north of Vicus Saxones and in detail discussed the battle with Gaiobornarus and his captains. A deadly surprised awaited the Sarmation cavalry.



The first of the Saxon spear infantry charged up the hill towards the line of milites stationarii.





They were met with a deadly hail of arrows and flaming bolts from the ballista.




On they came. Fearing neither arrow nor spear, they hurled themselves at the Roman front line.





General Madrun’s Sarmatian cavalry had circled to the rear of the Saxon lines hoping to surprise the Saxon general’s bodyguard. They passed close to a grove of trees and were suddenly surprised by Saxon cavalry companies waiting in ambush.



Thank you for your comments bomberboy. This AAR has a lot of life left in it. Even after the contest finishes I will continue to write. And without any more words ----

The Sarmatian cavalry had ridden swiftly past the left flank of the Saxons. Presuming the tall grass would hide them from sight, they had not even bothered to string their bows. Seeing the opportunity arise, the Saxon cavalry hit them hard from the rear. Several of the Sarmatians were cut down. The Sarmatian captain ordered his company to wheel about; they drew their short swords and closed with the Saxons. With their bows rendered useless, the day would go to the company with the swiftest swords.

With Cadell at his side flying the Dragon banner, General Madrun looked down the battlefield over his army’s right flank. General Sennianus’ companies had just charged out from their concealed location and were now engaging the Saxon left flank.





So far all was going as planned. Cadell would play an important part today. If Merwyn, the Saxon witch, was correct about the myth of the white dragon, some of the Saxon companies might yield to his army, refusing to fight against their king. Madrun hoped so; he had given orders not to harm any Saxon who laid down his arms. He might need these men soon.

Gaiobornarus drove his men forward. Upon beholding the dragon banner in the distance, some of the Saxon infantry balked at charging up the hill. Threats from Gaiobornarus’ cavalry started them moving again. The Roman milites stationarii stood strong, their lines unwavering. The foederati infantry lined up behind them, hurled their pilum halting the Saxon infantry’s advance up the hill.



The attack was faltering. Many Saxon spearmen lay dead or dying. In an effort to rally his troops, the Saxon captain Gaiobornarus sent his cavalry up the hill to break the Roman front lines.





The Saxon cavalry tried closing with the line of milites stationarii. Past the spearmen they charged, up the hill, their javelins ready to be hurled.



The Romans were prepared for them. A shower of flaming arrows met the cavalry, dropping horse and rider.



With their ranks thinned, the Saxon cavalry reached the top of the hill and hurled themselves at the milites trying to break the Roman line.





The milites held fast. The cavalry was driven back, sheer determination no match for Roman iron and fire.





It was time. The battle was turning in his favor. Madrun turned to Cadell, “Ride now. Hold the banner high that all may see!”

The Dragon cavalry rode forward. That was what Cadell’s men called themselves now. They were a assortment of Sarmatians, Romans and Foederati horsemen. They were his bodyguard and his friends. Where he led, even be it to the gates of Hades, they would follow. The cavalry galloped down to the right flank behind the Pict infantry. Cadell turned to see the dragon banner hoisted high. Sword held high, “Forward”, he ordered and the Dragon cavalry rode down the hill into the Saxon spearmen.







General Sennianus’ companies hit the Saxon left flank hard scattering the spearmen. His men were veterans, hardened during the Pict wars in Britannia. Outnumbered nearly three to one they did not hesitate to follow him into the thick of battle. Swords swinging they hacked their way through the Saxon horde fearlessly. The Saxons’ spirits fell as their men were cut down. They could not hold back the cavalry. Tiw had abandoned them. They would get no help from the gods today.





General Madrun kept a close eye on Sennianus. That man shows no fear, he thought. Outnumbered he charged the Saxons and is now destroying their whole left flank solely with his heavy cavalry. He is too reckless; someday he will get himself killed. Today though will not be that day. He yelled to the captain of the light cavalry behind him. “Follow Sennianus. Guard his flanks.” The captain nodded and with his men rode down the hill.





The light cavalry struck quickly driving Saxon spearmen down the hill. They then turned their attention to the Saxon captain’s cavalry that had tried unsuccessfully to break through the Roman lines.



The Saxon captain’s cavalry were exhausted. They had lost nearly half their number to Roman arrows and spears. The Roman cavalry was fresh, having rested throughout the first part of the battle. It was inevitable that the Saxons would falter. A few moments of hard fighting was all it took. The cavalry began to rout. Captain Gaiobornarus was furious, uttering all manners of curses at his men. His men did not heed him. They began to ride down the hill with the Romans close behind.

General Madrun observed many of the Saxon companies routing. Before Gaiobornarus could rally his men, Madrun ordered all his cavalry to charge forward. They fell upon the Saxons mercilessly. The battle became a slaughter.













Eager to join the battle, the pedite companies were ordered forward and they drove the few remaining Saxons off the hill.







The remnants of the Saxon army fled the field, all but one man. The Saxon captain Gaiobornarus defiantly stood his ground, right up until one of the Roman cavalrymen drove his lance into Gaiobornarus’ chest. In shock, with blood flowing down the front of his abdomen, he fell to the ground and was quickly trampled by the oncoming riders.





In the distance his army was forcing the surrender of the last remaining Saxons. Some yielded their arms quickly and were taken prisoner, others fought to the end. The whole field in front of Madrun was arrayed with the bodies of dead Saxons. Too many men had died. From his officers’ estimations, nearly two hundred Saxons had surrendered. By his orders, these prisoners were to be well treated and sent back to Campus Suiones. Before this war was over he would have need of these men.







Cintugnatus made his way through the Hunnic occupied territories. Disguised as a peddler, the roaming Hun companies paid him no heed. He was on his way back to Rome to see the emperor. The western part of the empire was badly stressed trying to hold back the horde. The lands of Gaul had been Roman provinces for hundreds of years. The people of Gaul had adopted Roman culture and had been granted Roman citizenship by previous emperors. Now these proud Roman citizens were enslaved to the Huns. Some of the provinces had resisted the occupation and so had paid a dear price. Whole villages had been massacred as an example to others who may resist. Cintugnatus would have to send word back to General Madrun soon. Madrun would have to fight his way through this hostile territory if he was ever to reach Rome. At his next stop for rest, Cintugnatus composed a quick message and called to one of his servants, “Palatius, take this message back to Madrun as quickly as you can.” The servant took the message and was off.

The messenger had traveled quickly from Venta Icenorum. General Coel did not have to wait long for Admiral Tincommius’ response to his message concerning Vortimer. Tincommius was setting sail for Europa shortly with re-enforcements for General Madrun. He was sending admiral Budic in his stead. Everything would be in place for Coel’s plan in two days.

The servant girl who approached was quite becoming, or so he thought. Or maybe it was the wine. He had stopped counting after the fifth glass. Captain Linius was one of King Vortimer’s personal bodyguards. He and two other members of the fourth company of Eburacum pedites had been assigned to guard the king’s tent at night during the coronation feast. Linius was not one to pass on good wine. When one of the servants from the feast had marched past the king’s tent with a casket of it, Linius decided the wine should be checked just in case it might be poisoned. He and the other two guards had checked it right to the very last drop.

Now one of the passing servant girls beckoned him to follow her just down the path. There were many visitors at the feast Vortimer had arranged; many faces Linius did not recognize. Well just to be sure that the girl did not pose some sort of threat to Vortimer, it was best that he followed her. When they were out of the other guards’ line of sight, the servant girl stopped. Demurely she approached Linius and slowly wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Well she didn’t feel like an assassin thought Linius, but he should search her just to be sure. He ran his hands from her shoulders down to her waist. With Linius preoccupied with trying to caress her legs, the girl pulled a short dagger out of the left sleeve of her tunic. She plunged the dagger straight into Linius’ neck just below his left ear and then jerked it downwards all the way to his collarbone. Linius stepped back grabbing at his neck, his blood spattering down his uniform to the ground. He tried to call out to the other guards but no sound came out when he opened his mouth. In a few moments he fell to the ground dead.

Linius had been away for a while now, and the other two guards began to wonder where he was. The first guard went walking down the path searching for Linius. Just out of site of the guard still at the tent, a figure crept out of the underbrush behind him striking him a heavy blow on the head. The guard collapsed to the ground and his body was dragged into some tall grass. An arrow flew out of the darkness striking the second guard, still guarding the king’s tent, in the throat. Moments later a man crept out of the dense forest growth, dragged the guard’s body away from the tent, stripped it, and then dressed himself in the guards’ uniform.

It was late and intoxicated with wine; Vortimer stumbled back to his tent. None of the servants were around but his three guards were standing there watching him. No one greeted him as he approached the tent. He walked up to Linius, or so the man he thought was Linius and looked up into his face. “Why do you not greet your king?” he demanded. The guard smiled, and with the effects of the wine starting to wear off, Vortimer realized he did not know this man. He began to panic and turned to run when the guard grabbed him. A cloth smelling of some foul odor was pressed against his face. He struggled but weakness came over him and he collapsed in the guard’s arms.

The caravan had traveled quickly from Eburacum to Londinium, taking but a few days. No one paid heed to the peddlers on their way to bargain their goods. Even the guards along the road stayed clear of them, especially since one of their group lying in the back of the cart was stricken with the coughing affliction. They had more important matters to attend to. The king was missing. He had disappeared the night of the coronation feasting. General Coel’s men had apprehended a man near the king’s tent said to be involved with the king’s disappearance. All available companies were heading north of Eburacum to search the forest and mountain range for any signs of the king.



Vortimer had been kept drugged during the whole trip. He was carried onto Admiral Budic’s vessel and the vessel set sail for Isca Silurum.





Budic men kept a close eye out for pirates. So far through this journey they had avoided any encounter. Their sole vessel was not equipped to fight them off, solely being fitted for speed. General Coel had wanted Budic to dispose of his passenger as quickly as possible. The admiral was now making for the eastern coast of Europa. They passed the city of Burdigala eventually putting ashore on the eastern coast of Iberia. If it had been up to Budic, Vortimer would have been tossed overboard into the sea and by now he would have been putting into port at Londinium. Coel had not wanted Vortimer harmed even though he had been involved in King Vortigen’s murder.





Vortimer woke up hearing the noise of the waves crashing on the beach. His servant Ciros was standing over him. “Where are we” demanded Vortimer, “and why am I lying in the sand? Speak quickly and be careful what you say or I’ll have you flogged.” Ciros leaned over him and spoke, “You will no longer speak to me that way or I’ll abandon you here and now. Understand? All I know is that I was drugged and I woke up moments before you. I don’t know where we are. The last I remember I was walking to your tent the night of the feast.” Vortimer rose, surprised at his servant’s tone of voice but he did not reprimand him. Ciros spoke, “Come, we must leave this area and head for the forest in the distance. I have seen some shields and a banner adorned with the crest used by those barbarians that call themselves Vandals. It would not be wise if they found us here like this.” Vortimer nodded, his head beginning to clear. He would find out what had happened to him and who caused it to happen. Every one involved would suffer greatly. Now he needed to get into the shelter of the trees before he caught cold.

The siege of Vicus Saxones was well into its third day. The Roman British had set up a tight web around the perimeter allowing only food to enter into the city. General Madrun had sent an envoy into the city accompanied by the Saxon wicca, Merwyn, to negotiate a peaceful surrender. Madrun did not ask for much; the Saxons would lay down their arms and no longer make war on the Romano British; they would accept Roman law and aid Rome in protecting the provinces in Gaul against marauding barbarians. On the Romans part, there would be no retribution against the Saxons; the Saxons would be under the protection of Roman legions; the Romans would help the Saxon provinces prosper by opening trade routes to the eastern part of the empire. The General hoped this would be enough for the siege to end peacefully. Many of the Saxons were growing tired of war. They had also heard about the Dragon banner and the forming of the Dragon legion under General Cadell. A few Saxons were set in the old ways. One in particular was the Saxon general Gundahar. Gundahar did not show any interest in the terms. What happened next was up to Gundahar. The Saxon general would make the next move.



Madrun, with his generals Cadell and Sennianus, spent the morning in heated discussion over the fate of Vicus Saxones. Sennianus wanted to attack immediately but Cadell agreed with Madrun. His conversations with Merwyn had convinced him that he would be able to raise some reserve companies of Saxon warriors that could help Madrun during the battles that were to come. They were interrupted by one of Madrun’s guards, “Sir, Cintugnatus has sent one of his servants with a message for you. May I let him enter?” “Yes, immediately”, spoke General Madrun. Madrun had been anxiously awaiting news from Cintugnatus since the siege of Vicus Saxones had begun. All the accounts he had heard about the Huns from his envoys were disconcerting. No doubt the atrocities in some of the reports were exaggerated. He was sure Cintugnatus’ account would be most accurate.

Palatius entered the tent greeting the generals, “My master, Cintugnatus, hopes you have been well. He has put his life in great danger traveling far through the Roman provinces of Gaul now under Hunnic rule. The news he brings you is unfortunate.” This is what I had hoped not to hear”, spoke Madrun, “please continue.” Palatius began again, “The Roman citizens have suffered greatly. My master says that the rumors of massacres are true. Roman villages and towns have been sacked and the people enslaved. Any village that has put up resistance has been butchered. Man woman or child, any one who may be able to carry a sword, has been put to death.









The provinces from here to Rome are now occupied. The only way to reach Rome is by passing through the lands of the Huns. This will not be easy. A great warrior leads them; he goes by the name of Attila. His men follow him, fervent for battle and plunder.







My master wishes that he could make a better account of the situation. He will continue on his way to Rome as you wish General.” General Madrun contemplated what he had just heard from Palatius. He would need to raise a larger army. Several more companies would be needed. No doubt the Huns would not let him pass through the territories they now occupied without a battle. One of his generals would have to remain behind with a legion and protect the rear. The sooner he marched to Rome the better. He needed to finish this business with the Saxons soon.

Merwyn, entering his tent, interrupted Madrun’s thoughts. “Gundahar does not listen to my counsel. He still prepares for war I fear.” “We should wait no longer General”, spoke Sennianus. “Give the Saxons no more time to prepare. Let us attack and finish this. Some Saxon mercenaries have enlisted with my legion and I am eager to see what they are made of.”



“We will not even have to attack”, spoke Cadell, “listen the guards around the perimeter are blowing their horns”. Sure enough the horns were blowing. The Saxons were trying to break the blockade. Madrun cursed, “Cadell, to the lines. Form up the men. Sennianus, take your companies to our right flank and hide them along the ridge. Wait for my command.”



The Saxon general had prepared his army the best he could. He was tired of Roman lies. No more terms. The only terms General Gundahar would accept from Romans was Roman surrender to his army. He would end this now. With support from Captain Heriman, the Saxons emerged from the walls of Vicus Saxones and charged onto the field.

Glossary

Galdor -- refers to the chanting of the rune names. It meant any charm or spell that was sung. The ancient galdras were spells composed in alliterative verse seeking to create a change. That change may be locating lost cattle, healing a broken bone, preventing a miscarriage, calming a swarm of bees, or any number of things. Galdor could basically do anything its speaker intended it to do. It was after all, magic.

Book of shadows -- A book of beliefs, rituals, laws and ethics, herbal and healing lore, Incantations, Chants, Dances Spells, Divination methods, Sabbat rites, and miscellaneous topics, which serves as a guide for Witches in practicing their Craft and religion.

(Battle of Maldon line 17) – ða þær Byrhtnoð ongan beornas trymian, rad and rædde, rincum tæhte hu hi sceoldon standan and þone stede healdan, and bæd þæt hyra randas rihte heoldon fæste mid folman, and ne forhtedon na.



General Madrun with Cadell and Sennianus rode among the legionnaires forming up their lines for battle. There was a coldness in Madrun’s bones that the weather could not explain nor could he explain his feeling of disquiet. This feeling seemed to be shared by a large number of his men. Several of the soldiers, still believing in the old gods, had asked Merwyn to bless them. She walked among them carrying an old book chanting. A book of spells and incantations written in the shadows, hidden from the light. She chanted a galdor, a spell of blessing to protect them in battle, and a spell of serenity for the wretched ones chosen by the gods to die.



Madrun ordered Cadell and his Dragon cavalry to form up to the left of his bodyguards. Sennianus and his companies were to wait in hiding until Madrun gave the order to advance. Sennianus’ was too sure of himself this day. His swaggering bothered Madrun greatly. “Sennianus, wait for my orders to advance. Do not reveal your position until I give the order. Understand?” ordered Madrun. Sennianus laughed, nodded his head and rode off with his men.





The Saxons had exited from the city’s gates quickly and were already marching briskly towards the Romans’ lines. A great bellow arose from the Roman ranks. They were all veterans, their tunics stained with Saxon blood, their swords notched from Saxon shields. One more Saxon army to defeat, one more day of slaughter, one more victory for their army, the day would end same as the others had.





General Gundahar charged forward with his bodyguard, his loyal saxnotas at his side. These men had fought with his father and now with him. They had never faltered, never retreated. Today would be no different. Together they would leave the battlefield or together they would lie on it.

Gundahar ongan beornas trymian, rad, rincum tæhte hu hi sceoldon standan and þone stede healdan, and bæd þæt hyra randas rihte heoldon fæste mid folman, and ne forhtedon na.

( Gundahar began to arrange his warriors gave advice and told the warriors
how they should stand and hold their place, and bade that their shields they hold correctly fast in their fists and not be afraid. )

Sennianus’ men were anxious, beating their swords on their shields, the horses of his guard neighed and fought against the reins around their necks eager to charge forward. General Madrun could curse him out later. “To victory” he shouted and his men eagerly rushed forward to engage the oncoming Saxons.









With his company of pedites engaging the Saxon general, Sennianus charged forward with his bodyguard. He rode swiftly around the left flank of the Saxons hoping to hit the saxnotas from the rear with a devastating charge. His sleep had been interrupted by nightmarish dreams. That was the Saxon wicca’s fault, trying to fill his head with superstitions and old myths. These were tales one would recite to children. He would make his own tale today. He would kill the Saxon General himself.

Sennianus and his bodyguard rode forward and suddenly they had to wheel their horses around quickly. A large company of Saxon spearmen in shield formation stood in front of them. Not a dilemma he couldn’t solve, his men could easily out maneuver them. Turning to the left, he urged his men forward but another company of Saxons appeared from the tall grass. Wheeling around Sennianus and his guard rode to the right and still he could not advance, another company of Saxons emerged in front of him. He ordered his guard to pull back towards Madrun’s lines, but once again his way was blocked.





The Saxon general Gundahar watched as Sennianus and his bodyguard had ridden forward around his army’s flank. He spoke to himself. “You Roman fool, I have heard about you Sennianus, from the few Saxons who were able to retreat back to Vicus Saxones from Gaiobornarus’ army that you helped to annihilate. I have heard the voices of the men who you have killed. I have heard the cries of their children. Today it ends.”

Sennianus looked around him. He and his guard were surrounded. The Saxons had five men to each of his. Tonight they would tell great tales of him and his men. He lifted his sword and with his guard following, charged into the Saxons.

*********** after the AAR contest Nov. 30th ******************




The search for King Vortimer, north of Eburacum, had proved futile. No trace had been found of him. Of course General Coel, knew this would be the case. Coel, the governors of Eburacum and Londinium, Admirals Budic and Tincommius had all been involved in the conspiracy to remove Vortimer as king. Outright accusations against Vortimer for the murder of King Vortigen would have led to civil war between Vortimer’s followers and the rest of the empire. Coel had given orders to Admiral Budic not to harm Vortimer. Now he hoped Budic had disregarded his orders and removed the threat of Vortimer permanently.

Vortimer woke up in an ill-tempered mood. He missed his bed back in the palace at Eburacum. His servant Ciros was cooking some sort of rodent over the campfire, the odor of which was quite unpleasant. Vortimer lost his appetite. No bed, no food and a cold day. He would have to change this situation soon.

With Ciros’ fast broken, the two men traveled through the countryside. Luckily for him, the men who had abandoned him on this shore had not searched his possessions. Hidden under his tunic was a small bag filled with precious stones Vortimer had pilfered from the empires coffers. His original thoughts had been to head down the coast looking for a passing merchant or perhaps some fishermen and bargain travel back to Britannia. Ciros had convinced him otherwise. Anyone they encountered could very well be a brigand who would most likely kill them both once Vortimer revealed the stones. Even if they were able to buy passage to Britannia, once there they would be at the mercy of everyone involved with his kidnapping. No, Vortimer would go back in force with an army loyal to him.

Vortimer and Ciros traveled for nearly two days when fortune allowed them to cross paths with several mercenary companies looking for employment. Striking a deal with a few of the companies’ captains, Vortimer formed the beginnings of his army.





The mercenary companies, eager to find a town to plunder, advised Vortimer about the nearby Vandal town of Bracara Augusta. The relations between the Vandals and the Romano Britains had been peaceful with merchants trading goods between the two. Vortimer needed more riches though. The few mercenary companies he had hired would not be enough to gain him back his throne. The town was isolated with no Vandal armies in sight. He would sack the town stripping it clean. All the inhabitants would have to be put to the sword ensuring no word would travel to the other Vandal towns. With this plunder, he could travel north, hire more mercenaries and then sail back to Britannia.

Vortimer’s scouts had searched the lands nearby finding no Vandal armies. Quickly his army advanced on the town of Bracara Augusta and put it under siege. No one was to escape. Either the inhabitants of the town would starve to death or his men would slaughter them in battle. It made no difference to Vortimer. Either way the outcome would be the same. It would not be long until he sat once more on the throne of Britannia.



A few of the peasants of Bracara Augusta had been outside the walls hunting in the nearby woods. Seeing the foreign army approaching the town, they hid themselves deep in the woods and watched. The foreign army carried banners of the Romano British before them. Swiftly the peasants traveled inland. At the next town they came to, they spread the word; the Romano British were invading Vandal lands.

On the battlefield, the Saxon general Gundahar and his bodyguard were fighting desperately. The Saxon spearmen guarding their rear had routed and were retreating.



Gundahar could not order his men back, they were isolated from the rest of his army encircled by the Romans. General Sennianus’ infantry was slowly cutting down his saxnotas. Gundahar’s remaining men were outnumbered, their will still strong but their bodies nearing exhaustion. The enemy pressed closer and closer to him. If only he and his men could delay the Romano British infantry a few moments longer and prevent them from freeing Sennianus’ and his guard from the death that awaited them. With a grim resolve Gundahar kept on fighting.






From a distance General Madrun could see General Sennianus’ cavalry was in dire trouble. Sennianus had done it this time. Without aid Sennianus would not see nightfall. Madrun ordered the Romano British light cavalry forward. He needed to free Sennianus’ infantry from their battle with Gundahar’s bodyguard. The cavalry would be of no use against so many spearmen but the infantry could break through the Saxon lines. He held his breath and watched as the cavalry charged into the Saxons.







Time seemed to have frozen around them. Two generals, a Saxon and a Roman fighting a deadly battle, both fighting for their people, both in a trap, both determined to prevail. The sword glinted in the sunlight as it was raised high. The man wielding it swung it downwards with all his strength. It sliced through armor and flesh opening a gaping wound in General ..........

The sword glinted in the sunlight as it was raised high. The man wielding it swung it downwards with all his strength. It sliced through armor and flesh opening a gaping wound in General Gundahar’s right side. Gundahar, with his entire bodyguard slain, ran as best as he could trying to escape the fury of Sennianus’ pedites. If only he could make it to the nearby forest, but it was not to be. His wound slowed him down but his enemies only ran faster at the anticipation of the kill. The Roman cavalry caught up with him. One of the riders drove his lance into the Saxon general’s neck. General Gundahar fell to the ground. As he closed his eyes for the last time, he hoped that he had bought enough time for the Saxon spearmen to slay General Sennianus.









General Sennianus and his cavalry were trapped in ever-growing circle of spears. His men were fighting valiantly with the Saxons paying in blood for every step they took closer to Sennianus. For every Saxon that fell in battle, another took his place while the Roman circle grew smaller and smaller. General Madrun was worried. Sennianus’ infantry had prevailed over the Saxon general and his bodyguards but were a distance away from their general.

Cadell asked to ride to Sennianus’ aid, but Madrun refused his request. Cavalry alone could not penetrate the Saxon spearmen encircling Sennianus. Roman infantry, pedites and milites, were needed. If only they could reach General Sennianus in time. “Cadell, take your cavalry and drive off the Saxon companies between us and Sennianus”, ordered Madrun. “With the help of the gods, this will free up the infantry so they can aid Sennianus, hurry!” Cadell raised his sword, shouting “with me” and without hesitation the Dragon cavalry rode forward, Cadell at the forefront of his men.







The Dragon cavalry thundered forward. Swords drawn, lances forward they fell upon the Saxons, the clamor of their voices carrying across the field, “Death to the enemies of Rome”. So furious was their attack that all the Saxon infantry companies before them routed.







With few Saxons before them, General Sennianus’ infantry companies surged forward towards their general. Sennianus, though, realized his folly. With his cavalry he had ridden to far down the battlefield into the midst of the Saxons. His infantry would not reach him in time. Calmness surrounded him, a consciousness that men get when they know that death is upon them with no chance of escape. The battle raged around him. His men that remained were covered with Saxon blood, a testament to their love and loyalty for their general. His men were exhausted and a Saxon penetrated the circle of his bodyguard. The warrior drove his spear into Sennianus’ horse causing it to fall throwing the general to the ground.



Sennianus lifted himself from the ground and fought side by side with the handful of his men that remained. The Saxons pressed harder and the general soon found himself alone surrounded by the Saxons. He did not see it, but a Saxon spear found him, piercing his abdomen on the right side just below his rib cage. The Saxon who held it laughed at him motioning Sennianus to look past him. It was his horse. The poor beast had not died from the spear it took but was now neighing distressingly where it lay on the ground. The Saxons around it stabbed at it with their spears. With all heads turned to the spectacle, Sennianus slowly inched himself up the spear towards the Saxon. With a final shudder, Sennianus’ horse stopped moving, its last blood flowing onto the ground. The Saxon holding the spear turned to face Sennianus, a large grin on his face. His eyes opened wide and mouth dropped open as the general’s sword crashed down on his skull. Both men fell to the ground dead.



The boisterous cries of the Saxons carried across the battlefield all the way to General Madrun. They were celebrating Sennianus’ death. The infantry could not reach him in time and now they stood in a state of shock with not a few of them wiping away a tear from their eyes. Regardless of his faults, Sennianus’ men had loved the general. He was one of them coming up through the ranks. In battle he always led, never asking them to do what he would not. He had fought side by side with them through many battles, shouting out encouragement, lifting their spirits when victory seemed elusive. Now his voice was forever silenced.

Riding through his lines General Madrun shouted to his men, “Men of Rome now is not the time to weep. General Sennianus died valiantly as a true Roman, sword in hand. Let your tribute to him be made in Roman steel and Saxon blood. Go forth and let the Saxons know your vengeance.” A fearsome roar erupted from the soldiers. They lifted their weapons high and charged forward towards the Saxons.





The Saxon companies gave way to the fury of the Romans. Many a Saxon fell, some dead, some dying. The ones, who could, ran to escape the carnage.











Cadell felt numb. The death of General Sennianus had shocked him. He rode with his dragon cavalry back and forth across the battlefield butchering any Saxon they came across. No sorrow, no pity for the men that he killed. The wrath of the Dragon cavalry spread fear into the hearts of the Saxon warriors that were still fighting. A few of the Saxons dropped their weapons and begged for mercy but Cadell’s men gave none. Roman swords drank deep of Saxon blood.





The infantry company of Saxon Captain Ricgard, together with the last of the Saxon cavalry, had not yet routed. The Romans slowly surrounded them. They still stood, proud men, fighting to the last until the Dragon cavalry charged them. Their ranks broke and Captain Ricgard became separated from his men. The Dragon cavalry rode him down, and trampled him into the ground.











The Dragon cavalry continued their pursuit of the remaining Saxons until Cadell ordered them to halt. He watched the last few of his foes run from the battlefield now littered with the dead. Flocks of crows were already circling in the sky anticipating their next meal. Cadell was drained and his men exhausted. No more killing today. He ordered his men to form up and they rode back to General Madrun’s company.











General Madrun surveyed the field before him. He had lost few men today but even a few were too many.




Every man he lost would be hard to replace and if his envoy Cintugnatus was correct, he would have to fight his way to Rome through the Huns. Maybe some agreement could be reached for right of passage through the now occupied lands of the Huns. Tomorrow after the burial of General Sennianus he would send an envoy to the nearest Hun encampment with an offer of a treaty.

Madrun waited for Cadell and his Dragon cavalry to catch up with him. With Cadell at his side, the Madrun made his way to the town of Vicus Saxones. Before they had reached the gates, they were stopped by one of Madrun’s spies, Cogidubnus, who had been scouting the land around the Saxon town of Lile. “Sir most important news” he said to Madrun, “I think it would be best to tell you without so many ears around”. “Very well” spoke Madrun, “Follow me to my tent. You too Cadell.”

They entered General Madrun’s tent. “Speak Cogidubnus, tell me what is so important” ordered Madrun. “Sir” Cogidubnus began, “I traveled south to Lille as you ordered and spoke with the Saxon elders for several days. With much arguing we came to an agreement. The Saxons sued for peace and pledged their loyalty to your army. I was so overjoyed to tell you the news that I turned down their hospitality and camped outside the city in order to get an early start the next day. I awoke the next morning to find the city besieged by a tribe of barbarians.



Franks, they call themselves, a Germanic tribe driven south I believe by the Hun barbarians. They have several large armies surrounding Lille. I am afraid once Lille falls they will turn their eyes north to us. Some of the town elders escaped from Lille and traveled with me. They wish to speak to you.” At this Cogidubnus turned his head towards the opening of the tent and spoke “Come in”. A handful of old men walked into the tent and prostrated themselves before Madrun. “Oh great king of the Britons, please help us in our time of need. Our people are nearly all destroyed by war. Save the last of our line.” “Rise”, ordered Madrun, “I am no king to bow to. You have pledged your allegiance to Britain and I in return will give my word that I will help you. I will send an emissary to the Franks on your behalf asking them to remove the siege from the city. Go now.” The men rose and left the tent praising Madrun. Madrun turned to Cadell, “This news about the Franks worries me. With the legions worn down from fighting and with Sennianus now fallen in battle we will be stretched very thin. We have to march through Gaul to get to Rome and at the same time leave a sufficient force to protect us from the Franks.” “The Dragon legion can guard the rear, General, while you march towards Rome” spoke Cadell. “With the Saxons now our allies, we may able to raise a few companies of warriors. I can use them to support my cavalry.” “We may have to do that”, spoke General Madrun, “let us go outside to where the legions are gathered, it is time for Sennianus funeral.”

All three men exited the tent and proceeded out to an open field where the British legions were formed. Madrun looked over his men, proud they stood in the field, many with their tunics and armor bloodied, heads and limbs bandaged. They had been away from home for a long time but still their moral was strong. They were true Romans; men of iron, just like their ancestors of old who had held the empire together for centuries. Madrun was honored to have men such as these under his command. Today they would honor one of their own, General Sennianus, who had fallen in battle. Mortem occumbere pro patria, a patriotic Roman death, a fitting description of General Sennianus death. Sennianus did not believe much in any of the gods but he had always said he preferred the old ways, a funeral pyre to burial. General Madrun honored his wishes and in the middle of a field outside the town of Vicus Saxones, Sennianus body was laid on top of the pyre and the fire was set.



Unknown to Madrun, Admiral Eporedorix had landed a few companies of foederati infantry, milites stationarii and Pict skirmishers north of Vicus Saxones.





General Coel had not forgotten his friend Madrun. Admiral Eporedorix carried news of King Vortimer’s disappearance and most likely death. General Madrun stood next in line to ascend the throne once Vortimer’s death had been formalized. Admiral Eporedorix was to sail back to Britain with Madrun so that he could meet with the governors of Britain and then take his place as king. With the companies disembarked from the vessels, Admiral Eporedorix and the legion made their way south.

The morning following Sennianus funeral was cold with the sun shining brightly, not a cloud to be found in the sky. General Madrun was walking about the camp watching his men prepare for the march south. He was taking the main force of his army south to the river crossing. Cadell and the Dragon legion would be left behind in Vicus Saxones to guard the town. Madrun himself would await word from the Franks at the river. Either his emissary would meet him there with good news or the Frankish hordes would appear trying to cross the river. If it were the latter, he would rather fight the Franks as they tried to cross rather than give them time to assemble on the British side of the river. The emissary had been gone for nearly a day he was sure he would not have to wait too much longer for an answer.





Vortimer looked into the night sky. The time of the full moon was approaching. The siege of Bracara Augusta had begun nearly one moon ago. By now the soldiers and villagers inside the walls of the town were starving. No doubt they would surrender soon. Vortimer let out a quiet laugh. If the villagers knew what fate awaited them they would starve before surrendering.

Vortimer rode among his mercenaries. What a rabble they were. There were a few proper legionnaires, men who had served Rome for twenty years or more and had retired. Now through necessity they had sold themselves as mercenaries to whomever would pay higher. Vortimer was sure these men would be worth their pay. The majority of the rest of the mercenaries were murders and other sorts of criminals that had been expelled from the legions and were now looking for some sort of employment. These men were expendable and if they died in battle so be it. He would not have to pay them at least. Lastly were the deserters, men who had joined the Roman legions and had found it not to their liking and had quietly slipped away. Vortimer would have to keep a close eye on these men. They might suddenly slip away at the worst time possible. Just like the criminals, he would shed no tears if they were killed in battle.

As these thoughts ran through his head, he made his way to his tent. His servant Ciros would be there with news. Vortimer walked into his tent and found Ciros reclining on his bed. “Not as comfortable as the bed in the palace in Eburacum but what can beggars do”, laughed Ciros. “Off the bed Ciros!” ordered Vortimer, “tell me what you have heard.” Ciros rose from the bed and began speaking “ I believe by tomorrow morning we will no longer be the besiegers and instead will be the besieged. A Vandal captain by the name Maroboduus is on the march and will arrive by morning. No doubt once he arrives Captain Segimerus of Bracara Augusta will sally forth and join him. The two Vandal forces combined should equal the strength of your army. It will be up to the gods which side they support and which side will be defeated. Tomorrow we may dine in Bracara Augusta or the crows may be dining on us. I am tired and have no mind for strategy so I am going to bed and leaving the military problems to you.” At that, Ciros walked out of Vortimer’s tent. What an insolent fool thought Vortimer, right now I need him but as soon as I find someone to replace him, Ciros will take his last breath.

Vortimer spent most of the night worrying about the Vandals. Dawn found him with his head resting on the table where he had been sitting planning military strategy. One of his bodyguards raced into his tent and shook Vortimer out of his sleep. “The Vandal army is camped across the valley from us. They will soon be marching on us.” Vortimer rose and ran out of his tent, “Form up” he yelled to the mercenaries. Vortimer climbed on a horse one of the mercenaries had given him and rode with his bodyguard behind the front line of his men.



He could see in the distance the Vandal army marching towards them. There were two groups, the Vandals that had been under siege in Bracara Augusta and a relieving Vandal army merging with them from the east. He could see that Ciros’ estimate of the Vandal strength had been accurate. Both sides were evenly matched. The battle would go to the side that had the greater skill and desire to win. Good, maybe half his mercenaries would be killed in fighting off the Vandals. When the town fell he would have less men to pay. This is working out very well Vortimer thought.



Vortimer’s mercenaries had chosen one of their own to be their captain, Captain Marcellus, a former legionnaire who had served Rome faithfully for twenty years and then retired. The men knew Marcellus as a strict man but fair in all his dealings, he would represent them when dealing with Vortimer. Marcellus now walked up and down the mercenary lines speaking to the men. “I know that some of you are criminals that even the legions could not tolerate and others of you are deserters, abandoning your legions, but today we stand on this field as brothers. Today you have a chance to recapture your honor. Stand tall for your brother, stand tall for Rome but most important stand tall for yourself.” The men cheered and Marcellus walked down to his company and took a place in the front line where most of the men could see him. Whether this evening found him dining in Bracara Augusta or walking in the fields of Elysium would not matter, he would not ask any of them to risk their lives when he would not.

The first of the Vandal companies charged the mercenary line. No one from the mercenary line ran. They held their pila above their heads and when the Vandals were in range, tossed them into the crowd. Many of the pila found their mark and the screams of men echoed down the battle line.



The Vandals struck the mercenary lines, the lines bending but not breaking. A company of Vandal heavy spearmen led by Captain Maroboduus halted in their march. The Vandals had seen the ragged mercenary lines before battle had been joined and had expected the battle would be short and in their favor. Now they were not so sure. The mercenaries were holding the line and fighting back.



Under Captain Marcellus’ command, the mercenary line fought their way forward and engulfed the Vandal spearmen. Fighting ferociously the mercenaries cut their way through the Vandal bodyguards of Captain Maroboduus. One of the mercenary pedites was able to get close to Maroboduus striking him with his sword separating his head from his body.

Vortimer, seeing the battle go his way, decided not sit back behind the mercenary lines. He charged forward with his bodyguards into the crumbling Vandal lines.



With the heavy cavalry upon them, the remaining Vandals broke and ran. Vortimer urged his guard forward cutting off their escape. Soon the field was littered with Vandal corpses and the few remaining Vandals disappeared into the neighboring woods. Vortimer had his victory. He rode down the lines of mercenaries with a haughty look on his face. It had been a long time since he had been on a battlefield, long before he had been governor of Eburacum in Britannia. The enemy blood on his hands, still warm, felt good. The massacre of the people of Bracara Augusta would feel even better.

“Captain Marcellus” he yelled, “gather your men and let us enter the town.” Marcellus formed his men into a column they marched forward into the now open gates of the town. Vortimer and his guard led the column. He wanted the people to see their conqueror. The few that would be left to live at his whim would bow to him as king. He relished that idea. “Marcellus”, Vortimer yelled, “these people are traitors and enemy to Rome. You and your men are to execute every one in the village, children included. The only ones to be spared are the elders. Go now and be about your business.” Murmuring arose from some of the mercenaries and Marcellus walked forward towards Vortimer. “Sir, this was a Roman town under Roman protection until it fell to the Vandals. The people you see cowering in the doorways to their homes are Roman citizens, Romans who could not hold off the Vandal hordes but still kept hope that they would be liberated by the legions. We are NOT murderers; we will not kill the innocent even if the emperor of Rome himself ordered it. You want them dead then you kill them yourself.” With that Captain Marcellus tossed his sword at Vortimer’s feet and walked away. “Stop, don’t you walk away from me”, Vortimer yelled, but Captain Marcellus did not stop. “Stop him”, Vortimer commanded to his guards. The guards moved forward but several of the mercenaries drew their swords and formed a line between Marcellus and the guards. Vortimer watched for a few moments and then called off his guards in disgust. Vortimer continued his ride through the town watching the townsfolk viewing him from their doorways. The ragged, poor, unwashed, why did Marcellus care what happened to them. They were just rabble. Marcellus’ insolence could not be ignored. He would be dealt with in the future.

Vortimer continued to ride and came across a barracks with training grounds. Further down he spied a blacksmith shop with a large fire going. Well-crafted armor and weapons aligned the outside wall of the shop. Even farther down the path a paddock with several fenced in horses greeted him. Then the thought came to him. His only thought had been to raise an army and return to Britannia. Why not start here. The Vandals had left the Roman infrastructure intact. If Marcellus was correct, the men of this town were Roman citizens. They could be trained and formed into proper Roman legions.



A brilliant idea, he would not have to search any farther. The road home to Eburacum would start here. Well Marcellus’ disrespect had been useful after all. Vortimer would let him live, for now.

General Madrun waited by the riverbank for his emissary. Odd, even with the war with the Saxons over, he could not go home. By the gods, this small river separated his army from some unknown barbarian horde on the rampage. This war could last a lifetime if the Franks proved to be enemies. He might never see Britannia again.

He had received word from a messenger that Cadell was riding down the river to speak with him. Good, Cadell would be here when the emissary arrived and he would hear the news from the Franks first hand. It was important that Cadell learned quickly. Madrun had good news for him.

A soldier from one of his forward companies ran up to him. A small party of men was approaching the river crossing carrying a white flag.

General Madrun walked up to his tent. He had ordered his guards to lead the men who had approached his encampment carrying a white flag to another tent and offer them food and drink. Before he met with them he wanted Cadell to be at his side.

Madrun entered his tent and found Cadell there with Admiral Eporedorix. The admiral had put to land north of Vicus Saxones with new companies, courtesy of his friend General Coel back in Britannia. Madrun spoke “Cadell, I am glad you are here. And what takes you so far from your fleet, Admiral, may I ask?” “Good news and bad news, general. General Coel has sent you new companies to re-enforce your army. No doubt after such a long campaign you will sorely need them. The bad news is that King Vortimer has disappeared. Foul play is at hand for his guards were found murdered. All the governors believe Vortimer is dead and it is only a matter of time before his corpse is retrieved. Coel has sent me here to escort you back to Britannia. For you, general, are to be the new king. You are Vortimer’s successor and the governors of Britannia wish to see you sworn in as the new king.” General Madrun mulled over the admiral’s words. In his head he tried to imagine what it would be like to be king. Meeting with governors and foreign dignitaries, making and breaking treaties, creating new laws and enforcing current ones, in general dealing with all the administrative tasks he hated. That is why he had chosen to stay out in the field even when his friend Vortigen had been king and had offered him a variety of posts in the governing of Britannia. No, he was a soldier. His whole life had been spent at war or preparing for war. No he would not go back with the admiral. His promise to Vortigen had been to subdue the Saxon threat and to offer aid to the emperor of Rome. The Saxon threat no longer existed, now he needed to make good on the second part of his promise. “Admiral, I will not be going back with you, at least not at this time. Soon I will begin my march towards Rome. Cadell will be at my side. Once I have spoken to the emperor I will have fulfilled my promise to King Vortigen and I will return back to Britannia to assume the throne.” “Very good general, I had a feeling that would be your answer. General Coel might be disappointed but he knows you always keep your promises and would never abandon your duty. In the morning I will travel back to my vessels and sail for Britannia with the news. If you excuse me general, I would like to make some preparations for my journey back and try to get some rest.” With that, the admiral walked towards the opening in the tent.

Admiral Eporedorix’s exit was interrupted. Into General Madrun’s tent walked three men, three of the party that had approached his encampment with a white flag. They were followed by several of Madrun’s bodyguards. “We tried to stop them general”, spoke one of his men, “but you commanded us not to use force.” “That is fine, I was going to call for them momentarily” spoke Madrun. One of the three men began to speak. “Roman, we have had enough of your drink, and we tire of waiting for you. My lord sends us on this journey to speak with the Roman leader. Your people know us as Huns. We are the sons of the wolf. We follow the wind. The gods have made our people strong. We rule many provinces, far to the east where the sun rises on the grasslands all the way to the shores of the great water in the west where the sun rests. All people who have opposed us have been crushed beneath our feet, the only ones who still live pay us homage and bow to our greatness. Even your emperor in Rome fears our lord. He pays us in silver and gold that we might spare his kingdom. All must bow to the sons of the wolf. My lord sends you notice. You must bow to him and pay him homage. He demands a tribute every time the moon turns full. I only come for your answer.



Madrun listened to the man’s speech, his anger growing slowly. Finally he exploded, “I welcomed you and gave you food and drink. I waited that you might rest before we spoke. Now you come into my tent and make threats. I am General Madrun, leader of the armies of Britannia no one speaks to me in that tone. You insult me. Your lord insults me. The Romans of Britannia have never paid tribute to any tyrant. We are true Romans; we are the descendants of Caesar and Augustus, of Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. Romans do not bow to kings, they do not pay tribute. If the emperor in Rome has grown soft and now pays you tribute then the empire is in dire need because the emperor is a coward.”

Madrun grabbed the Hun’s tunic and shook him. “Tell your lord that this Roman says you are the sons of the dog. Any tribute you will get from us will be in roman steel. The homage we will pay you is when we stand in formation and watch the crows feed off your carcasses on the battlefield. Now go before I have your tongue cut out.” The Hun was visibly shaken but regained his composure quickly. “You will regret this Roman”, and then quickly he turned away and walked out of the tent. “Follow them”, Madrun told his guards, “ and make sure they leave the camp immediately.”

Madrun turned to Cadell; “It looks like you will be marching with me towards Rome. I am going to need your help. The Huns will be difficult. I wanted you to see that meeting. I wanted the guards to see that also. Sometimes it is not enough to tell your men that you are not afraid of an enemy. They need to see it for themselves. By tomorrow it will be all over the camp, how the general stood up to the Huns and made them blink. The men will gather more courage and the tales they hear of the ferocity of the Huns will fade. Remember Cadell, the men will follow your example show them fear and they will fear, show them courage and they will be brave. “Admiral, when you reach Britannia again tell General Coel I am going to need more legions. And now gentlemen I am going to retire and contemplate this day’s events. Cadell one of my informants tells me Merwyn is far up north gathering a Saxon company for you. That is most welcome. They will be of great use to us. We will speak of this again later.”

In the days that followed Madrun’s spies reported much activity south of the encampment. The Frankish tribes had taken the town of Lille from the remaining Saxons only to abandon it once the Huns approached.



Large armies of Huns now traversed the lands south of the Roman’s encampment, once the provinces of Gaul, then of Rome and now the Huns.



The Huns had the town of Lille under siege and were now scouting the lands west of the encampment.





There had been some good news. The word of General Madrun’s encounter with the Huns had traveled far, all the way south to the provinces in southern Gaul that were still under Roman law. A few brave Roman commanders had defied the emperor of Rome and began to rebel against the Hun invaders. No more ceding land for peace. Rome would take back its provinces.



Several days after his encounter with the Huns, all the preparations were made and Madrun was ready to start marching south. Cadell would be marching south with him. The defenses behind them could not be neglected. Madrun would leave his son General Amminos behind for this task. Amminos was young and inexperienced. He had fought as a pedite over the past several months in General Madrun’s army and only recently been given his own cavalry to command. With him would stay General Arpagius. Arpagius had arrived with the companies recently put to shore from Admiral Eporedorix’s vessels. He also was inexperienced. Both men would have to learn quickly.







Madrun called Cadell to his tent. When Cadell had arrived Madrun motioned Cadell to kneel. Madrun brought Excalibur forth. He handed it to Cadell and said, “This sword was given to me by King Vortigen. I have carried it through our campaign with the Saxons. Now it passes to you. I now repeat the words said to me. Behold Excalibur, when you raise this sword high in battle let all our soldiers rally to it. Let it be a symbol of the people of Britannia and the freedom we have won. Use it to bring justice, never to bring oppression. It is now your duty to be the protector of Britannia.” Cadell rose and thanked Madrun. Excalibur was a fine weapon. He would carry it proudly in honor of his homeland. “Go get some sleep Cadell, at dawn we march for Rome.” Cadell left his tent and Madrun walked outside to look at the evening sky. These same stars shone over Britannia. How long had it been? Weeks, months, several months, he no longer knew. Would he ever see his home again? Only the gods knew. Well he needed some sleep and it would be dawn soon. No telling what tomorrow would bring. The Huns would answer that question for him.

At the first light of dawn the army crossed the icy waters of the river that separated the northern lands from Gaul, the lands of their ancestors and now the lands of the Huns. Madrun marched with less than half of his army, two companies of milites stationarii, a company of foederati infantry, archers, a ballista company and Cadell’s Dragon cavalry. The main core of the army had stayed behind guarding the river crossing into the northern lands now controlled by the Britains. After much discussion Madrun and Cadell had agreed the best course of action was to liberate the town of Lille. Once the last Saxon stronghold, it had been plundered first by the Frankish barbarians and then later by the Huns. Now the people of the town were cowed in fear by the bandits who controlled the town. The army had marched for days and now laid siege to the town.



Madrun hoped to gain control of the town without bloodshed. He had offered a deal to the bandits to leave peacefully and they would not be harmed. The envoys he had sent to the bandits were still negotiating when one of his sentries rode up to his tent. “Sir, there is a large cloud of dust rising in the east. It seems to be moving in this direction.” General Madrun climbed upon his horse and rode out to the field where his men were stationed. When he arrived, he found that Cadell had formed up the lines, archers in front, milites stationarii next with foederati infantry lined up behind them and Cadell’s Dragon cavalry in the rear.



“Sir, look to the east” Cadell spoke and he raised his arm and pointed in that direction. There were clouds of dust approaching. Madrun knew what was coming, he had seen this all to often. Men and horses marching swiftly created such a dust storm.

The Romano Britains continued to watch the horizon. The clouds soon gave away to banners. Madrun recognized the crests on those banners. The Huns, no doubt, his spies had described the banners to him in detail. Now here they were. There were too many to be dignitaries desiring to negotiate. No this was an army, an army looking to do battle. Well, he would give them what they wanted.



“Form up, form up” shouted Madrun. Cadell ordered his cavalry back and into the tall grass in the rear of Madrun’s army.

The spies of Warlord Mete had watched the Romans march south from the bridge that separated Gaul from the northern lands. Mete had ordered his army of Huns to ride north quickly hoping to cross the river before Madrun returned. Much to his dismay he found the bridge to be heavily guarded by several Roman companies.



Now he turned his attention to Madrun’s army. The Huns followed them for several days until the Romans camped outside of Lille and laid siege to the town. The Hunnish spies observed the Roman army carefully over the next two days and then had reported back to Warlord Mete that the Romans were few in number. With Warlord Bleda’s advice, Mete decided to attack the Romans now at this place.



The Romans refusal to pay tribute to him had been a great insult that would now be avenged. He could never face his lord with this shame. He would bring the Roman general’s head with him when he faced his lord. Warlord Mete turned to his second in command, “Bleda move the men forward. We will not rest today until all the Romans lay dead.” Beda gave the order and the Hun infantry with their heavy cavalry support marched forward waving their banners proudly. The horse archers rode swiftly around the flanks and sped off towards the Romans. The first barrage of arrows darkened the sky and flew towards the Romano Britains’ lines.





Hun archers had circled to the left of the Romano Britains’ lines. They let loose their deadly arrows outside the range of the Roman archers felling milites stationarii with each volley.



Cadell slowly led his Dragon cavalry out of the tall grass behind the Roman lines. General Madrun had full confidence in him and would no longer give him and his cavalry direct orders. Cadell realized that the outcome of this battle would depend greatly on his ability to lead his men. Cadell raised Excalibur and turned towards his men “To the gods that may be, make my heart strong that I not falter in battle, make my sword quick, that my enemies fall beneath it and make my courage steadfast that if my life is sacrificed, I lie upon this field with honor. Now soldiers of Rome, let us ride to meet our destiny! Onward!” With a roar that shook the very trees, the Dragon cavalry rode forward.



The Hun horse archers who had outflanked the left side of the Roman Britains’ lines were suddenly taken by surprise when the Dragon cavalry rode down upon them.



The enemy had seemed to suddenly appear in front of them. They were only able to launch one volley of arrows before the Roman cavalry was among them. With their bows useless at such close range, the Huns took up their spears and tried to hold of the Romans. These Romans though, were not like the ones they had fought so many times before as they marched westward across Gaul. These men showed no fear. With their swords they slashed their way into the center of the Hun archers. Face to face the desperate struggle began.






Warlord Bleda charged forward with his bodyguard of heavy cavalry. His entire bodyguard was handpicked from among the fiercest Huns in his lord’s army. They had never failed him during the long wars with Rome. Today he would lead them against these Roman Britains who thought them selves superior to the sons of the wolf. He would break their lines for the masses of Hun infantry following his charge. When their infantry lines had been crushed he would lead his men against that Roman General Madrun. “Death to the Romans!!!” shouted Bleda, and his heavy cavalry charged forward.






General Madrun watched as the Hun lines moved forward. He raced up and down his lines yelling encouragement and then the heavy cavalry crashed into his spearmen.







The Hun warlord raised his sword and urged his men forward. The Roman lines began to break. The Huns pushed their mounts forward and began to breach the Roman lines.





The Hun infantry charged forward into the breach. These were not Simple steppe infantry, hunters and gatherers carrying rudimentary spears and shields, but heavy Gothic spearmen carrying spears and long swords. Veterans who had seen battle many times before. They took pleasure in killing, especially Romans, for they had not forgotten the broken treaty with Alaric, the war chief of their western brethren.







The Hun warlord Bleda had not forgotten the insult given to his envoy who had met with General Madrun. With hate swelling up in his soul, he rode to the front of his bodyguard and urged his men forward. Slashing left and right he laughed with pleasure as the blood from the Romans he butchered splattered over his horse and himself. Almost through the line, almost through the line he thought. And then, a moment’s hesitation, a moment when he dropped his guard and that was all the time it took for one of the milites stationarii to drive his spear into Bleda’s side. The pain overwhelmed him and a look of disbelief came over his face. With his blood flowing heavily from his body, Bleda lurched in the saddle and then fell from his horse dead.







Bleda’s bodyguard wavered, their forward charge halted. That was all General Madrun’s ballista crew needed. They fired flaming bolts into the heavy cavalry setting man and beast alight. The Hun cavalry turned and fled riding swiftly to the shelter of the trees.



Madrun watched with relief as the Hun cavalry fled the field. He signaled to the milites stationarii captain to advance. The Roman spearmen, with a boisterous cry, broke around the left flank of the Hun’s gothic allies. Seeing the battle going badly, the Hun warlord Mete ordered his bodyguard to charge forward into the Romano Britain lines.



Cadell’s Dragon cavalry fought their way through the lines of Hun horse archers. The horse archers had not expected so fierce a charge from the Roman cavalry and were swiftly overrun. With their bows useless in close combat and not having time to turn and charge with their lances, terror overcame the Hun horsemen and they fled the battle.





Shouting orders not to pursue the fleeing Huns, Cadell ordered the Dragon cavalry to ride back to the main Romano Britain lines. He drew out Excalibur and held it high so his men could see and waved it forward yelling “Charge”. The Dragon cavalry crashed into the Gothic spearmen from the rear scattering their lines.





Seeing the Hun cavalry flee the field of battle and now with the Roman Britains surrounding them on three sides, the Gothic infantry went into a panic and dropping their arms began to run.



The Dragon cavalry cut through the Goths and struck the Hun heavy cavalry from the rear. Warlord Mete, his attention on the milites stationarii in front of him never saw his cavalry give way behind him. He turned and found himself face to face with Cadell, the commander of the Dragon cavalry. Swords clashed and Excalibur proved to be the stronger. The Hun warlord’s sword shattered and Cadell swung Excalibur a second time slicing through the Hun’s neck nearly decapitating him. With his head hanging at an odd angle the Hun warlord fell from his horse.





No more was needed; the remnants of the Hun army turned and fled the way they had come. The Dragon cavalry pursued them until they ran into the forest and then Cadell ordered everyone back to the Roman lines.





General Madrun watched Cadell ride back to his lines. With Cadell’s help he had another victory but at what price. He had lost nearly 1500 men in this battle and this had only been a small army of Huns. The Hun archers had been deadly accounting for nearly half of his casualties. He knew now that he had to take the town of Lille soon before any more encounters with the Huns. Then who knew, a meeting with Cadell and the captains of each of his companies would decide their next move. As Cadell approached him Madrun spoke, “Cadell, we must gather the wounded quickly and move towards Lille. I fear this only the beginning of our tribulations with the Huns.”



The Romano Britain army worked hurriedly gathering their dead from the battlefield. The odor of burnt flesh permeated the air as funeral pyres were lit. A sense of disquiet fell upon General Madrun’s army. As the men worked, many would stop and look over their shoulder, with a wary feeling that someone was approaching them from behind. Madrun felt uneasy. Maybe it was the gray sky with dark clouds; maybe it was the sight of the burning pyres; either way it was the feeling that some unavoidable doom was approaching. The wind gusted stronger and Madrun pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders. Urging his horse forward he rode over to where Cadell was standing observing the ongoing work on the field. “We must finish soon before dark sets in” spoke Madrun, “I keep getting the feeling we are being watched.”

The two generals watched the men clear the field each buried in his own thoughts. A sentry rode up to them with one of Madrun’s spies, Gwenddolau was his name and he proceeded to speak. “General I bring you more news none of which is good.” “Tell me something new Gwenddolau. All I hear lately is bad reports” spoke Madrun. “Well General, to the east of us the Huns are camped with another army. I don’t know the composition of it but the army is greater in size than the one you just fought. To the west of Lille a Roman army is preparing to break encampment. True they are our allies but their latest movements worry me. The good news is your friend General Coel has sent us re-enforcements. They are disembarking from Admiral Cogidubnus’ vessels just east of our position. Unfortunately they are small in number, a company of pedites, archers, pict spearmen and British legionnaires. They will not even replenish the number of men you lost today.”







“Sir we can still take Lille with the number of men we now have” spoke Cadell. “Once Lille is secure we can regroup and plan our next move.” “I hope you are right Cadell” spoke Madrun. Gwenddolau rode off with the sentry and the two generals continued to watch the men in the field.

It grew late into the afternoon and snow began to fall covering the remaining dead on the field. The sun had stayed hidden behind the clouds and darkness would come early today. In the distance a rider approached them riding with great haste. As he drew closer Madrun recognized him as the sentry who had accompanied his spy Gwenddolau earlier in the day. The man rode slouched in his saddle almost falling across the back of his horse. A great wound oozed blood down the front of his chest. As he reached Cadell and Madrun, the sentry fell to the ground from his horse. General Madrun climbed down from his horse and he and Cadell ran over to the sentry. “They are coming General, they are coming. Everyone else at the post is dead. There numbers are many. We don’t have much time! We don’t have much time!” The sentry gave a great sigh and the face of death was upon him. “Who is coming soldier” spoke Madrun, “Tell me is it the Huns?” No words came from the sentry’s mouth; his eyes wide open looked out into the distance no longer seeing anymore. “Cadell form the men quickly” spoke Madrun, “We will leave the dead as they are. Soon their may be many more to join them.”

Cadell rode hurriedly down to the battlefield and shouted orders. The Romano Britain legionnaires hastily grabbed their arms and fell into formation.



Cadell and the Dragon cavalry formed up behind the infantry lines on the left flank. The snow fell harder and many traces of blood and bodies from the previous battle were now covered.



Madrun looked over the lines of his men. They were much fewer in number than just the previous day. How many did the enemy number he thought. It was too late to retreat and the re-enforcements sent by General Coel would not reach him in time for this battle. Even the Saxon levies promised by the Saxon wicca Merwyn had not arrived. Now there was no choice, his army would have to fight. The wind began to howl sounding much like wolves in the distance causing the hair on Cadell’s neck to rise. Far across the field the first banners started to appear still unrecognizable through the falling snow. Who was approaching, no one could tell, but there were many of them



The snow continued to fall and the army marched forward. Out of the gloom the first standards became visible, the Roman eagle, the legions of the Western Roman Empire. “What deviltry is this”, muttered General Madrun, “These are our allies. These men fight for the emperor we offer aid to. These are our friends. Cadell, send some scouts to intercept them, quickly!” Cadell called to two of the men behind him, “Take our banner and ride with it in front of the legions, let them all see it. There were many Hun companies traveling through this region. They must not realize who we are. Go now.” The two men rode off towards the approaching army.



The commander of the Roman Legions very well knew whom he was fighting. His scouts had been trailing General Madrun’s army for several days now. He had watched the Romano Britains lay siege to Lille and had prepared a plan to attack the Romano Britain army before the town fell. He would catch them unawares and rout the army quickly. Then the Hunnish army appeared. At first his plan seemed ruined and then it hit him. Let the Huns crush Madrun, and if Madrun was favored by fortune and survived then his legions would finish the task.



The emperor wanted Madrun alive if possible but the voice of King Vortimer’s gold spoke louder. For you see word of Madrun’s victories had spread quickly through Gaul and even into Iberia. Vortimer had grown increasingly more and more resentful of Madrun’s exploits. The final insult had come when his spy Ciros had brought news that General Madrun had been named king of Britannia. No doubt Madrun had a hand in his current exile in Iberia. Madrun must die!! He, Vortimer was the rightful king, even though he had earned that title by ordering the murder of then king Vortigen. No, there would be no usurper to his throne.

Sent by Vortimer, Ciros traveled quickly to the palace of the emperor in Rome. Ciros, you see, was an accomplished liar and that is why Vortimer tolerated him. Faster than the sun could travel from dawn to dusk, Ciros could turn friends of many years into despised enemies. At the palace, Ciros spoke eloquently about Vortimer and the hardships he had endured at the hands of his disloyal generals, how the people of Britannia had been deprived of their true king.

Into the emperor’s ear Ciros spoke the words that slowly poisoned the mind of the Roman emperor against Madrun. Madrun wanted to be emperor, not just king, but emperor of the whole Roman Empire. He was slowly gathering his forces to march on Rome. Already Roman generals once loyal to the emperor had disregarded the emperor’s treaty with the Huns and were now engaged in open battle with them. Madrun would bring calamity on Rome. He must be stopped.

The words took effect. The Roman emperor summoned General Severus Caecus, a distant nephew on his wife’s side. General Severus Caecus had fought in previous battles with the Huns and in one desperate battle his army had lost a Legionary Eagle. Disgraced, Severus Caecus was eager to redeem his honor, no doubt he would be anxious to please the emperor by capturing Madrun. Ciros learned of the emperor’s choice and with Vortimer’s approval he offered gold to Severus Caecus if he would return with General Madrun’s lifeless corpse. Severus, not being one to turn down a chance at honor and gold accepted the offer. The emperor would be pleased that Madrun would be eliminated as a threat and Vortimer would be pleased that Madrun was dead.

This afternoon now found General Severus Caecus’ legions marching on the Romano Britains’ army. His scouts had closely watched Madrun’s army clearing the field of battle. The Huns had made his task easier. Madrun had lost close to one third of his men. Battle weary, they would not resist long against his army of experienced legionnaires. The emperor had even put a company of the palace guards under his command. No, Madrun would die today. Severus Caecus laughed, should he bring back only Madrun’s head or the whole body? He was several days’ travel from Rome and no doubt there would be such a stench of rotten flesh by the time he arrived.

The men Cadell had sent out to meet the Roman legions were hailed with a shower of arrows. They quickly retreated back to their unit with the company standard. From behind his infantry lines Madrun watched the legions approach.



These were not barbarians his men would be facing. These men were trained killers. They would not panic easily. Madrun raised his eyes to the heavens and whispered a quiet prayer. Cadell watched as the legions closed on Madrun’s army. Today would be a bloody day. The Roman legions stopped and raised their pila. A deadly rain fell on the first line of Madrun’s infantry.



The two armies clashed and the fighting was fierce. Swords clanged, men shouted and cursed, the Eagle and the Dragon, both resolute in their effort to achieve victory with neither side wavering. Pools of blood formed staining the snow-covered ground. Men on both sides, their clothes smeared by bits of flesh and bone, some belonging to their enemy, some belonging to themselves, hacked and slashed with their swords.







General Madrun watched as his men fought valiantly but ever so slowly his lines were pushed backwards from the shear number of men on the opposing side. The legions of Rome slowly out flanked his companies. For every WRE legionnaire who fell another took his place and for every Romano Britain who fell another hole appeared in his infantry line.



Cadell watched with great anxiety as the left flank of the Romano Britains was overrun. The ballista engineers had managed to fire a few bolts and then had to resort to hand to hand combat. They were quickly slain and the legions of Rome began to encircle the left flank.



General Madrun shouted orders to his light cavalry to advance. They charged towards the right flank striking at the Roman forces who with great effort had fought their way through the Romano Britain infantry. The forward progress of the Romans was only temporarily halted. The Romano Britains light cavalry fought with their lances from horseback but their lack of heavy armor proved their undoing. The Roman lancers stood their ground killing several of Madrun’s cavalry. Madrun ordered the cavalry back to the rear of his lines. The situation was growing more desperate.





There was no time to waste. Cadell raised Excalibur and the Dragon cavalry charged forward toward the breach in the left flank. Without hesitation the Dragon cavalry crashed into the ranks of the legionnaires stopping their forward movement. General Severus Caecus’ legionnaires were well trained but had only fought in minor skirmishers. Cadell’s men were all veterans of many hard battles. Their experience showed as they quickly surrounded the Roman unit killing many of the soldiers. The unit began to rout and Cadell pulled his men back to the rear of the Romano Britains lines.





Seeing General Madrun and his body guard temporarily cutoff from the Dragon cavalry, the Roman general charged his heavy cavalry forward into the Romano Britains’ ranks hoping to shatter their formation. If he could only get to Madrun and kill him the Romano Britains resolve would fail and Severus Caecus would have his victory. Severus though, had made one mistake; the Roman Britains’ line was held steadfast by the experienced veterans in Madrun’s army. They had stood against Picts, Saxons and Huns. They had never broken. They would not break now. With many losses, General Severus Caecus had to retreat his cavalry behind the lines of his infantry.



Furious the Roman general sent in the Palatine guard, the unit entrusted to him by the Roman emperor himself. These men were all proven through many years of battle, they would break Madrun’s lines.

Severus’ estimations proved true. Though they fought valiantly, Madrun’s right flank now began to slowly yield to the Palatines.




The captain of Madrun’s bodyguard, Marcus Santorus, watched the situation deteriorate. He left Madrun’s side and quickly galloped over to where the Romano Britains’ infantry captain was encouraging his men to hold the line. The foederatti infantry captain, Horus, quickly joined them. Madrun watched as words were exchanged out of his earshot. Then just as quickly, his captain Marcus Santorus returned back to his side. With nods to the rest of the bodyguard, Marcus grabbed the bridle of Madrun’s horse and together they urged Madrun’s mount forward and rode away from the battle. Cadell saw them leave and quickly ordered his Dragon cavalry to follow. General Madrun angrily protested, “What are you doing Marcus! Where are we going?” but Marcus did not answer. They rode swiftly away from Madrun’s army and into the path of a Gothic foederati unit that had quietly crept up to the Romano Britains’ right flank.



At nearly the same time, light swordsmen ambushed Cadell’s Dragon cavalry, trying to cut them off from Madrun’s guard.





The fighting raged fierce but only for a short time. The unit of light swordsmen was no match for Cadell’s men and so was quickly surrounded and crushed by the Dragon cavalry. Likewise Madrun’s bodyguard made short work of the Goth foederati unit. The two units of cavalry then rode quickly to a hilltop not more than 200 meters from where General Madrun’s infantry was fighting desperately. Captain Marcus Santorus wanted to wait for the remnants of Madrun’s light cavalry to draw near to them. They had been locked in battle with one of General Severus Caecus auxilia units taking many losses.



Marcus Santorus turned to Madrun and spoke “Sir I do what I must. I took an oath to defend you to my last breath. I swore this oath in front of you and all the generals of Britain. I made a promise to them and to the people of Britain that no harm would come to you as long as I drew breath. I must keep this oath; I must protect the king of the Britains. If you wish, when we return to Britain you may strip me of my rank, but for now I will insist that we leave this battlefield. No one will stop me.” Marcus turned to look at Cadell and spoke again, “I repeat myself, and no one will stop me”.

General Madrun heard the words of Marcus Santorus but did not speak. His eyes and thoughts were on his men on the far hill. The wind carried the sounds of battle, the cries of dying men as they were butchered. Madrun put his hands to his face and wept.

General Madrun’s forced escape did not go unnoticed by the legionnaires. Down the lines of the Romano Britains, word passed from man to man, “the General was abandoning them”. In all their battles against the Picts, Saxons and Huns the general had never left the battlefield without his men; the situation was turning very dire. Fearing for their lives, panic began to spread and the confidence of the Britains turned to despair. The line began to bend as the exhausted legionnaires argued over whether they should run or stay and fight. The Romano Britains’ captain Cato hurriedly ran over to where the foederatti captain, Horus, was fighting alongside the men of his company. Cato leaned close to Horus and spoke “We must hold the line for a while longer that the general might escape. Encourage them, tell them what you wish but keep the line together.” Horus replied, “I will do what I can but I believe all is lost.”

With words of encouragement from their captains, the Britains continued to fight. Cato, his voice hoarse, continued to shout, “Hold your position, stay together. The only chance we have is if we all stay together.” Even still, here and there, a man or two would abandon the line and try to race past the Roman legionnaires where their lines were stretched thin. None escaped the ever-tightening circle of death. With each kill the Romans waved their blood stained swords above their heads and cheered. Their hopes as bleak as the day, the Romano Britains watched as the Romans closed around them.



From behind his lines General Severus Caecus watched General Madrun’s escape from the Roman trap. His legionnaires were still trying to fight their way through the Romano Britains’ lines. Why didn’t these Britains just lay down their arms? They were outmatched, there would be no victory for them today. Each Britain that surrendered would be given a quick death. Why prolong the battle when the outcome would still be the same. Shouting, Severus Caecus urged his men forward.

On the far hill Madrun made an impassioned plea to Marcus Santorus and his guard. “Marcus, without question, you have always carried out your to duties to me and the people of Britain in an exemplary manner. Through many battles you have risked your life and the lives of your men to protect me. You have honored me greatly. A general could not ask for a better guardian. You will not heed my orders today so I beg you, for the love of your country and for it’s people, let me stay with my men. You and Cadell take the guard and ride back to Vicus Saxones. Warn them of what has happened and prepare the men for battle. I am afraid the Romans will not end their march here. Let me stay. I am an old man; the years I have left are few. All men must die. If my time is near, then let me die as a warrior with a sword in my hand alongside these brave men.”

Marcus Santorus listened to all Madrun had said. He could not decide what to do and then Cadell spoke, “General, you will not stay here alone. My men will be sent back to our encampment but I will fight alongside you.” Madrun slapped Cadell on the back and spoke, “today we may very well die but we will make a tale that for generations will be told. Two generals of Britannia and how they defied the legions of Rome.” As Madrun spoke the men of the Dragon cavalry began to shout, “We refuse to leave you, generals. We will not return to Vicus Saxones without you.” Cadell tried to silence his men but the shouting grew even louder. “The guard will not leave you either” spoke Marcus Santorus. “We all leave together or we all die together that is my final word.”

And so, the battle plans were made. In plain sight of the Romans the dragon cavalry would ride down the hill retreating from the battle. Madrun and his guard would ride in the opposite direction closer to his lines so that the Roman Britains still fighting would see him. The Romans would also see him and hopefully in their eagerness to capture him some of the companies would break rank and pursue him and the guard.

Madrun did not have to wait long. With the Romano Britains ranks collapsing, a few of the Roman companies, a company of lanciarii and a company of skirmishers turned to race after Madrun. Madrun did not engage them quickly, but instead slowly rode with his men away from the main battle drawing the Romans ever farther from their main lines. When some distance had been put between the pursuing Romans and their main battle line, Madrun and the guard turned around to face their attackers. The Roman infantry eagerly raced towards the guard, visions of glory in their heads. In their eagerness to kill the general of the Britains, they never looked back and saw the rapidly approaching dragon cavalry. Cadell and his men charged into the rear of the lanciarii, catching them unawares, the snow muffling the sound of the horses hooves as they struck the ground. Swords fell shining and rose again bloodied. Skulls cracked and limbs were separated from torsos as the Roman infantry was crushed under the fury of the dragon cavalry.





None of the lanciarii were left standing. The Dragon cavalry now turned their attention to the foederati skirmishers that had been following the lanciarii at a distance. Left out in the open with no heavy infantry between them and the Romano Britains cavalry, the foederati panicked and began to run back to the Roman lines, their mission all but forgotten. Cadell’s men caught up to them and without mercy slew many of them as they ran. The few that survived ran past their lines back the way they had come into the woodlands. Another defeat for Rome, one step closer to victory for the Britains.





Generals Madrun and Cadell continued their plan of divide and conquer with little mercy for the antagonists. As companies off the WRE broke of their attack on the Romano Britains main line to attack Madrun’s bodyguard, they were quickly isolated by the Dragon cavalry and shattered.








These triumphs over the WRE companies were coming too late for Madrun’s infantry line. Madrun’s captains, Cato and Horus, their voices hoarse from shouting words of command and encouragement, began to lose hope themselves. The men they had trained, the men they had sat and broken bread with now lay dead on the ground, a mixture of blood and bones, weapons and standards. In the distance they could see the ongoing battles with Madrun and the cavalry and that provided them a small amount of hope. Their sacrifice had not been in vain. Their oath had been to protect their lands, their people and their king. The old general would survive this battle and their oath would be held fast. They had only one more duty to fulfill before they died.




General Severus Caecus surveyed the battleground with satisfaction. The Romano Britains’ infantry were surrounded and being slain by his men. Even though they were also Roman citizens, many descendents of old Roman families, Severus took a twisted pleasure in seeing them die. Not surprisingly, his men had named him the butcher. A few of the Romano Britains were still standing firm, holding back his legions. In the distance General Severus could see the Romano Britains cavalry had not yet fled the field of battle. No doubt Madrun was there with them. Well enough with this game, he was getting a bit bored. General Severus shouted to his men, “kill them all quickly, we must capture their general before he flees.” The WRE legionnaires pressed forward tightening the circle around the Romano Britains. Impatiently, Severus watched. He shouted to his bodyguard “forward” and leading them he charged into the Romano Britains lines.

Captains Cato and Horus, still both standing, watched Severus Caecus with his bodyguard charge towards them. It was the moment they had been waiting for. They let the general ride through their ranks and then a few of the remaining milites stationarii closed the line behind him. General Severus was quickly surrounded. Suddenly realizing that he had been cut off from his men Severus began to panic. The Britains closed in on him swiftly. Severus had no way of retreat and watched helplessly as the first Romano lance pierced his armor and drove deep into his shoulder. General Severus fell from his horse to the cold ground. He lay there looking upwards toward the sky and the surrounding Romano Britain infantry stabbed their swords downwards into his body. The fighting stopped and the soldiers were quiet. General Severus’s men were overtaken by the general’s sudden death and were momentarily stunned.




Still retaining their senses and seeing an opportuity to escape, captains Cato and Horus shouted to their remaining men and they began to run. As fast as they could, they ran, to the wooded land, a far way off.




General Madrun watched from a distance. The few men he had left were running for their lives. The WRE legions, recovering from the sudden death of their general, were in vengeful pursuit. Madrun turned to Cadell, “Lets finish this”. With a roaring cheer from the cavalry, Cadell raised Excalibur and the cavalry surged forward towards the WRE legionnaires.



The WRE legionnaires, seeing that the tide of battle had turned, began to flee towards the wooded lands in the distance. Within the forest overgrowth they would better be able to defend against the Romano Britains’ cavalry and conduct an orderly retreat.




General Madrun would not let this happen. As each WRE unit ran for shelter, they were systematically separated from the main force of their army and slaughtered.






















The Legio Palatinae, put under General Severus Caecus command at the request of the emperor, joined in the dash for the woodlands. With Severus Caecus now dead, their loyalty to the field army was broken. They served only the emperor. It was their duty to march back to Rome and report the loss of the battle and the death of Severus Caecus, the emperor’s nephew. If the other WRE legionnaires wished to continue fighting, all the better. The Legio Palatinae might be able to escape the field unnoticed.




As the remaining WRE companies halted their flight in order to put up resistance against Madrun’s army, they were cut down.







Soon all that separated Madrun’s army from the emperor’s guards was one unit of Auxilia Cohors. The Auxilia fought bravely, preventing Madrun’s cavalry from riding after the Legio Palatinae.




Cadell swung his Dragon cavalry around and struck the Auxilia from the rear collapsing their defensive line. The last few Auxilia called desperately to the Legio Palatinae for aid but none came. The Legio Palatinae continued to run for the wooded lands, the shouts of their dieing comrades ringing in their ears.







As the last of the Auxilia fell to the ground, Cadell turned his attention to the last unit of the WRE still on the field. Turning to Madrun, Cadell gave a shout and urged his men forward to their last combat of the day. Not to be outdone, General Madrun shouted loudly and his men raced forward quickly surpassing the Dragon cavalry.







With the edge of the forest still far off, the emperor’s guards defiantly turned towards the approaching cavalry and stood their ground.




Today they would not triumph, today they would be remembered as one more company fallen to the swords of the Romano Britains.







Cadell and his men spent the rest of the day scouring through the bodies littering the field. Here and there a surviving legionnaire was found, sometimes a Romano Britain, sometimes a WRE legionnaire. Madrun had granted a general amnesty to all the surviving WRE units. He wanted no more killing. Maybe this small gesture of leniency would touch the Roman emperors heart, maybe Madrun’s envoys would be able to gain a temporary ceasefire between the two former allies. He needed time to think the situation out. Why were they attacked? Why had the alliance gone so wrong? Madrun did not know. All he knew was that the wound in his right side caused him great pain. Madrun leaned forward over his horse’s neck. His voice weakening, he could not shout for help. Slowly the life ebbed out of him.

Wondering where the old general was, Cadell rode back to the encampment not finding Madrun. He began to search through the nearby grove of trees. Then he spied him. There was Madrun, nearly stretched out over his horse, blood slowly running down his leg and dripping to the ground.

Shouting for help brought several of the encampment guards to Cadell’s side. Together they took Madrun from his horse and carried him to his tent. As Madrun’s physician attended to him, Cadell stood outside Madrun’s tent and surveyed a number of Romano Britain legionnaires gathered there. They waited for word, Was Madrun alive?, Had the old General cheated death? What should they do?. The whispers carried through the crowd until Cadell spoke. “Madrun lives, but for now he cannot lead. You men of iron, you warriors of Britain, you have fought a great battle today. You have triumphed where defeat seemed most certain. I do not know where tomorrow brings us, but I do know that today we must retreat back to safer lands. A great and formidable enemy now stands before us. We cannot go forward to meet this enemy now. We must travel to the safety of our own lands. Quickly prepare the legion to march back to Vicus Saxones. In time we will decide what to do.”







And so the Romano Britains began to march back towards the former Saxon lands across the great river. They carried with them Madrun’s battered body and an eagle, an eagle of Rome, one of the empires heroic symbols. The Britains marched proudly holding the Eagle high.




Cadell watched in silence. No doubt this would reach the ears of the Roman emperor. In days to come there would be a high price to pay. Cadell pulled his cloak tightly across his shoulders. A cold wind blew across the snow, the sunless day darkened and the Romano Britain army slowly disappeared into the forest.