the gathering at Portsmouth

[Raglan]

Just outside of Portsmouth the king waits for his army to assemble. All nobles are required to attend, and any knights and freedmen who desire a place are welcome.

[Mors Vigilia]

Carlisle arrived alone to see the army off and made sure to remain that way. Frankly he was becoming annoyed at the constant long-distance travel that was being demanded of him, he hadn't seen his beloved lakes in weeks and was feeling their absence.

[Adamat]

Earl Leicester arrived with his levy. He had taken almost all men who could fight, Leicester wasn't regularly contested by outside forces anyways. He rode up to the King with two other knights, who were holding staffs with cross-flags attached to it.

[Captain Blackadder]

The Army of Baron Veux arrives at the meeting place

[Gandalfus]

Baron Nottingham lagged behind, his troops lazing about further north as the forces crawled south.

[Mors Vigilia]

Baron Nottingham lagged behind, his troops lazing about further north as the forces crawled south.

If and when William arrived, Carlisle caught his attention before beckoning the man over.

[knight of virtue and valor]

Vercin Rayne Arrives with his ten men, apologizing for his lord declares's lateness.

[Ace_General]

de Clares younger brother with his levy arrives

[Gandalfus]

William finally arrives after all the other lords with his whole levy. He rides over to Carlisle to speak with him.

[Mors Vigilia]

Carlisle nodded respectfully, if not a little gruffly.

Baron. How are you called now?

[Gandalfus]

He looks at the assembled men as he speaks, absent mindedly counting the numbers.

Baron Nottingham, Lord Carlisle.

[Mors Vigilia]

Congratulations.

Carlisle followed Nottingham's gaze.

Stay alive out there, keep out of the thickest of the fighting, I will want to know of what occurs in the war. I will receive news of course but you will have first hand experience.

[Gandalfus]

He raises an eyebrow.

Where are you off too?

[Mors Vigilia]

Not far.

That was the point.

I am to keep my ward of the north.

[Gandalfus]

Good. At least the king left someone to ward off the scots.

[Mors Vigilia]

Carlisle shook his head wryly.

I do not yet know what plans - if any - the King has to defend these lands while he's on his war for legitimacy. I have not been made privy to them.

[Raglan]

The gathered nobles (absent blackadder it would seem) set sail for france, and begin their march towards the italian peninsular.

[Gandalfus]

William and his men stop for supplies at Vexin, promising to catch up with the rest of the English force.

[Mors Vigilia]

Carlisle saw the army off, offering up a prayer for their safety, if not their success. Turning away he began the hard ride back north, he would rest awhile in Penrith before finding a comfortable place in Lakeland to properly recuperate. Then it was back to his post, warding the north.

[Captain Blackadder]

The barons forces follow the Army and head to Italy