A Hunt in the North

[Lucius Malfoy]

Hardly had Harry Percy began his duties as Earl of Northumberland that a message was brought to his attention, bearing word of an imminent arrival of his brother-in-law, the Earl of March. Harry sprung into action with his brothers and widowed stepmother, preparing the castle of Alnwick for the arrival of the Lord Mortimer, who was surely coming with a substantial train of guards and servants, befitting his rather status within the realm of England. Barrels of wine were brought out, meat was salted and cooked, drapes were dusted, tables cleaned and chambers sorted. It had been awhile since such activity occupied the castle and it was good to have such renewed energy among the servants and soldiers.

Before Mortimer's eyes stood the proud castle of Alnwick, a bulwark, one of many, that watched and guarded the Scottish-English border. A number of times this castle served its purpose, defending the border and issuing forth soldiers to battle against the invading Scots. It was even the location where William the Lion was captured in 1174. The castle guarded a road crossing over the River Aln, making it strategically important. The castle is comprised of two rings; an inner ring that encloses a courtyard and the principal building, a large bailey. The towers were in regular intervals and seemed well-defended from afar.

A group of riders, led by Ralph Percy, the younger brother of the newly appointed Earl, rode out to meet Lord Mortimer as he was spotted by the guards within the closest watchtower. The soldiery gathered inside and outside of the castle, arraying themselves in perfect to welcome the Earl of March to Alnwick Castle. Roger was escorted by Sir Ralph to the very steps of Alnwick's bailey and to the courtyard where the Earl of Northumberland, Harry Hotspur, stood with his wife, his stepmother and his other two brothers; Thomas and Alan. All of them bowed as Ralph brought Lord Mortimer to where they awaited him. Harry Percy, who met Roger as a Sir and, now, met him as Lord Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland and 5th Baron Percy, would smile and embrace Roger warmly.

Ah, welcome! Welcome, Lord Mortimer! Alnwick and the Percys welcomes you warmly to the North, to our lands and to our castle. I hope your journey was pleasant and without delay. I hope we can extend to you the greatest hospitality that Alnwick can provide and that your visit will truly be one that will be remembered by both of our familes and by this castle. Come come, let us go instead, for food and drink await us!

The moment the doors closed and all were within, Harry relaxes the posture and adjusts the top button of his shirt. His brothers looked almost in horror as they had never witness such change in Harry's personality.

God above, I hate formal greetings like that. I hope it wasn't too much of a greeting for you, Roger. Tried to not overdo it, but I felt I did.

[Dirty Chai]

"Thank you, and," Roger glanced at his sister Elizabeth and then to all of Henry's brothers and his mother, "my condolences for the loss of your lord father. I hope I do not intrude on a period of mourning, lord Northumberland."

The Earl of March had brought a sizable train of men sworn to him, all carrying weapons and armor upon their saddles. Some nine knights from the marches carried their own arms, even. They would not enter Alnwick nor clutter its surroundings however, making their way towards inns and houses in the region to make do on their lord's coin. It was the height of summer now, after all. Many of them might just sleep under the stars, if they must. It was likely obvious why Mortimer had come, then, with all these fighting men.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Harry pauses for a moment and sighs deeply, thinking upon his father. The North had lost a good man, but Harry would do his best to be a good successor.

He will be sorely missed. And no need to call me Lord Northumberland. Here you may call me brother or Harry, after all, you are family.

He then turns slightly, hearing two sets of soft footprints approaching them.

And speaking of family... I do believe you have two people you haven't met yet.

A nanny came into view, holding the hand of a six year old girl. Another came moments later, holding a one year boy within her arms. Both bowed to Lord Mortimer before Harry walks over, picking up his daughter. He brought her closer to her uncle with the nanny holding the infant boy walking up and standing aside, but between the two men. The child in her arms stirred slightly, opening his eyes as he looks around, curious where the infant was presently. Yet the moment his father was spotted, Edmund began to react and fidget a bit.

Lord Mortimer, this is your niece, the Lady Mary Percy. And the boy is your nephew, Edmund Percy.

The girl turns to look at Roger, immediately the features of his family were etched upon her face. She looked like a child version of his sisters.

[Dirty Chai]

March smiled, his niece was indeed reminiscent of his memories as a child, which were mostly in Ireland. His elder sister Elizabeth had strong humors, he thought, glancing up at her tall, lithe figure. "Fine children, lady sister,"

"Is everything ready?" he looked back over at Percy. "When do we depart? Tomorrow?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Indeed, tomorrow. After all, we can't go hunting on an empty stomach! We may be gone awhile after all, won't have the comforts of Alnwick. So best to enjoy them.

Percy pats Roger on the back before continuing to walk forward. He sets his daughter down, letting her run over to her mother. The rest of the family then begins to move towards the dining hall which held a number of retainers and gentry that were in service to the Percy family. A number of them ranged in age; from energetic youths to grumbling elders. Many them certainly had served the late Earl as commanders and officials, and now they served Hotspur just as they did his father.

Harry would take a seat at the head of the table, offering a seat of honor to Mortimer on his right.

Now you can taste some real Northern food. Freshest game there is! And plenty of it!

[Dirty Chai]

"A fine way to end Lent," it had been only a week at most since the Easter celebrations. Roger took his offered seat, and his accompanying knights did so as well, further down. "What game are we supping on, then?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Oh more than you could imagine, my good Mortimer!

And with that the feast began. A number of those present spoke to both Lord Percy and Mortimer, asking who was to be taken with them on their hunting trip. From what was clearly seen, Harry had already chosen who. The band of retainers and commanders would include his brother, Ralph, and two known knights that had served his father previous. Ralph had had experience with the northern borders, having fought at Otterburn and served alongside Harry as a deputy of the Scottish Marches.

The night was full of joy and good cheers as all feasted well, drank plenty and went to bed easily to await the next day.

=======================

Morning came slowly, for some. Quickly for others. Depended on how much one drank. Harry was light on his beer last night for he needed his wits to ensure he was ready and prepared for the hunt. That morning, his brother, Sir Ralph, would begin to muster the soldiery for departure, three companies in total, amounting to a few hundred men. Harry was not present for some time, as he was bearing armed and ready for departure. Outside of Alnwick, the gathering of soldiers could be seen near the river crossing as Harry's commanders put the men into good order and spirit. After kissing his wife goodbye and giving his parting words to his children, siblings and stepmother, Harry would leave the castle but wait by the stable for Roger to join him.

When Roger would awaken, a suit of partial plate armor was set out before him, as well as a sword and shield. A servant said it was a gift from the Lord Northumberland who had a spare if the Earl of March needed it.

[Dirty Chai]

The Earl of March arrived at the stables, wearing the armor Northumberland had gifted him.

"My thanks for the fine gift, it fits much more smoothly than you might imagine," he chuckled with a smile, looking down at the metallic plates. A brigantine covered his chest, but as it wasn't his, it did not quite carry his colors or arms. Perhaps that was better, considering the task at hand. "I've brought two hundred horsemen with me, finely armed men-at-arms all of them."

[Lucius Malfoy]

It was my old suit of armor. Seeing as I inherited my father's suit, I figured someone else could use mine. Keep it, its yours, Lord Mortimer.

Northumberland smiles before turning to mount up on his steed. As they began to exit the stable, Harry listens to his brother, pleased to see they had more cavalry.

They will most certainly come in use for this hunt of ours. This ensures we have five hundred men under our command, should be plenty, wouldn't you agree?

Harry then takes one good look at the Alnwick bailey before turning his horse, snapping the reins sharply. The horse then darts off, heading down to the main gatehouse and out towards the river crossing where their soldiers were awaiting them. The soldiers stood on the side of the road, armed and ready to march at a moment's notice.

We will hunt along the border, test the waters a bit and see what we can gain. Sound agreeable?

[Dirty Chai]

"Agreeable," Mortimer nodded. "I shall follow your lead, brother Percy."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Then onward to Kelso!

Once all was arranged, the soldiers began their march for the Scottish border. It would be a little time before they arrived.

The small force would seek a dense forested area to encamp once they arrived.

[Gandalfus]

They encamp without incident in a rather dense forested area. So far, it appears that the Scots have not noticed their arrival, as there are few signs of life seen on their march.

[Dirty Chai]

"What do we look for? Unattended manors?" Roger said, turning his horse to halt it as their hooves marked up the campsite. He paused, glanced around. "Abbeys?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Abbeys tend to have the good loot in gold, plenty of livestock to capture as well. Villages and manors tend to have the larger hoards, but possibly not as much gold.

Harry sends out scouts, consisting of the Hobelars, to find what was within the vicinity of their encampment. The riders were to find tempting targets for the raiding army.

Let's see what the scouts find for us.

[Gandalfus]

Scouts return, stating that there were numerous farmsteads and estates sprawled throughout the area, defended by men in mail and on horseback - though they are few in number, and apparently not expecting an attack. The banners they bear are of an arm holding a sword, which Percy may recognise as the sigil of Clan Elliot. Others fly the flag of a flexed arm, which some would recognise as the sigil of the Armstrongs.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Percy had to choose carefully. He knew the Elliots well, they were a Border Reiver clan that was almost in every raid sent against English soil. The Armstrongs were an old clan, powerful too. As Harry began to ponder on which to attack, he decides to call in Lord Mortimer to his tent. Maybe the Earl of Northumberland could give his brother-in-law the chance to make a decision or perhaps hear what he thought.

Once Roger was present, Harry detailed the report of the scouts to him.

I know the Elliots well-enough. Blasted Reivers always love our borders. Armstrongs too. Fair game on both sides. Got any ideas, Lord Mortimer?

Percy ponders for a moment, giving his own views on the matter.

We have enough soldiers to catch them both unawares. Split the force into two and put some pressure on them, gain some loot in the process, before retreating.

[Dirty Chai]

"Both?" Roger was surprised. "We can hit both at once?"

The Earl of March considered that for a moment. "Why not? If we have enough men to take both, then we shall."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Percy force

Harry Percy, Earl of Northumberland +3 Logistician (+20% movement), +9 Survival, +4 Battles, -2 Charisma, +8 Duels, +20hp - Partial Plate Armor (+15 hp, +6 Duels, +3 Survival) - Single-handed Weapon and Shield (+2 Duels, +5 Survival, +5 hp) 3 Knights - Sir James of Bamburgh - Sir Ralph Percy - Sir Hugh of Egremont Percy force - 300 men - 20 Men-at-Arms - 60 Hobelars - 20 Mounted Archers - 120 Yeomen Archers - 80 Yeomen Foot

Mortimer force

Roger Mortimer, Earl of March +2 AI Reaction Rolls, +7 Duels, -1 to Assassination/Escape, +2 to Rout Rolls against him, +2 Battles, +2 Charisma, +8 Survival and +20hp - Partial Plate Armor (+15 hp, +6 Duels, +3 Survival) - Single-handed Weapon and Shield (+2 Duels, +5 Survival, +5 hp) 9 Knights Mortimer force - 200 men 200 Men-at-Arms

=======================

Percy ponders for a moment, thinking upon their intended targets.

I will go the Eliots and target one of their manors. Think you can handle targeting the Armstrongs?

No matter what Roger would target, Harry was certain that Roger would gain valuable experience.

[Dirty Chai]

Roger twitched his nose. "Should I be worried? If they do not know we are coming, then I see no reason to be."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Percy smiles at the remark by Mortimer, glad to see he had his head on his shoulders. Then a thought occurred to him.

Perhaps... we should make the Scots think someone else is raiding them.

Unlike his father, who had been quiet about Neville, Harry was eager to show the upstart noble his place.

Tell me, brother, what do you think of Lord Neville?