The Feast Of Victory

[Stildawn]

With the army encamped around the small town of Margat, the quartermasters slaughtered the last of the cattle and other supplies as the campaign was over and victory was secured at least for the moment.

The men in their groups celebrated loudly, while the upper leadership celebrated just as hard within the town.

[Stildawn]

Lord Santana, after spending a few moments drinking with his men made his way into the large hall that was being used... His servants had done well as he took his seat on the main table.

[Gandalfus]

Loudly and boisterously did the Normans enter, with none other than the Prince at their head. Draining their mugs of ale, they filled the air with their raucous songs and toasts to victory. It was a sharp contrast to the day before, when they had solemnly and silently buried their dead outside the city walls. A great graveyard stood no more than a mile away from Margat, in which Christian and Moslem alike were either buried or burned on great pyres.

Those that survived would drink to their memory, for they had won a great victory over the Saracens. Stephen sat among his bawdy companions, relishing this moment of triumph.

[Stildawn]

After some time Santana came over to the Prince and held his cup high in a toast.


"To the Prince" ​He roared loudly, the room following his toast.

[Gandalfus]

Stephen grinned at Santana, and held aloft his cup;

"Nay, to victory!" ​he bellowed, before gulping down the contents of his goblet.

[Stildawn]

The celebration went on, dying down slowly as such parties do...

Later on in the evening, Santana approached the Prince again.

"So your Grace, what are your plans now? This area has died down, I have trouble to my south though it seems"

[Gandalfus]

As the last of the celebrations begin to end, Stephen notices the Count approaching him. Quickly he drains his goblet of water, before handing it to one of the servants.

"I hear Edessa is under attack from the Saracens. Perhaps I shall turn my attentions east, or perhaps north towards Cicilia."

[Stildawn]

"I hear that also, I do hope the Countess isn't too aggressive, from what my sources tell me she narrowly escaped destruction on her last campaign, if you consider the sacking of her capital escaping... The Emir of Aleppo was distracted elsewhere or so I'm told, I do hope for her sake that he is still distracted on her most recent campaign, else I fear for the safety of our north... Aleppo is not to be trifled with" He spoke somenly, he wanted Edessa to thrive, cause if it thrived it would distract the most powerful Emir from anything Tripoli might do to the south.

"So what are we going to do with Margat?"

[Gandalfus]

"Do you wish it to be yours? Or do you have other targets to the south?"

[Stildawn]

"I would like it yes, it lies closer to Maraclea and would be a good addition to secure the area. I had hoped I could present it as a reward to one ofy captains who lost the most men in the battle"

He paused slightly

"But I wouldnt want it to be a point of contention between us your Grace, if you desire it it's yours"

[Gandalfus]

Stephen waved his hand dismissively, as if the fate of the town was inconsequential.

"Aye, you may keep it. I know what it is to reward one's captains. Your men paid the highest price, after all."

[Stildawn]

"Excellent, so its settled."

The party came to an end, and late the next day the two armies packed up and were ready to leave both in their separate directions.

Santana rode over to the Princes entourage.


"Your Grace" He called out "I wish you the safest travels home, though it's much safer now after our combined effort, thank you again for your aid."