500 AD - The Battle of Pockington

In the early Spring of 500 came the call to arms: the Saxons were again massing for war to our north. The knights of Huntington gathered to answer the call.

After a few weeks of march & maneuver, we met them on the field at Pockington. They must breed like the sub-human animals they are, because their numbers were greater than ours. But we trusted the advantage of our horses and our position on a hill overlooking the field.

Sir Dalen, reknowned for his burning hatred of the Saxons, appealed to the Earls to let him lead a contingent of archers through the woods to the flank of the enemy. He was persuasive, and was honored with a command of 300 men.

In the inital charge, Sir Sarf, eldest of our group, bravely charged into a group of Wotanic beserks, and was cut down by a two-handed axe in one blow. His loyal squire was able to drag him back to the healers tent.

The battle lasted from sunrise to almost sunset. There was much blood shed on both sides.

Sir Dalen was successful in keeping his archers in good order as they advanced through the woods. At mid-day, they emerged from the woods to harass the flank of the Saxon body.

The other knights of Huntington accounted well for themselves. Sir Gwynnod had to retire to get his wounds bound, but charged back into the fray leading three score knights and footmen.

By late afternoon, the Saxon's will to fight was gone. We pressed them as they left the field, but since their retreat was orderly, there was little plunder.

When we returned home, we learned that as we were fighting in the north, the Saxons had also come ashore in Anglia and driven our allies back. Refugees were streaming west to escape the pillage.

We are preparing for more war in the new year.