13 Nov 2009 Scenario 41: Herding Livestock.

This game was played solo using Medieval Mayhem rules and 40mm Elastolin Prince valiant figures.

Dearg Mor, the Pictish chieftain, with his men and a herd of Count Hubert's cattle were in sight of their stronghold when Preisages the Sarmatian and 3 of his men rode into sight, spreading across the way in a thin line. "These are mine" he had told Prince Michael, "stay here and watch" .

Waving his footmen to herd the cattle to the right, Dearg Mor and his 3 riders spread out to cover them. With a soft hiss an arrow slipped past a shield and Ferglas the hornblower went down. With a wild cry, Buidhe spurred  his horse across the stream and one of the mercenaries fled firing a wild shot over his shoulder. The way to the right appeared open and the herdsmen urged on their beasts.   On the left another arrow flew straight and true and Scalplock the Traitor went down. Slowly, Blugh the swordsman rode forward, eyeing the herd but reluctant to charge for fear of startling the beasts. (failed morale). It was now or never, Preisages  spurred his horse forward. Dearg Mor saw him coming, saw the glistening axe and the mace symbolizing the power granted by Count Hector and his heart failed him, Jerking his horse's head around the cravenly Pictish knight fled into the woods. Preisages spurred on, ducking sling stones and engaged Buidhe in hand to hand combat. One of Preisages archers rode forward to join the battle but still the Pictish knight held his own and rained blows on his enemies. The herdsmen drove the cattle past the melee as the remaining mercenary rode into them, seeking to drive off the herders. At last, however, Buidhe tired. Rising up on his black stallion, Preisages struck him a mighty blow, cleaving his helmet in two. His dying shriek startled the cattle and they scattered just as the first herder went down. When the dust settled, the mercenaries had the cattle in hand while the fleeing Picts drove a bleating flock of sheep towards the fort.