14 Nov 2009 Scenario 43: Liberating Supplies.

This game was played solo using Elastolin Prince Valiant figures and Medieval Mayhem.

As Saxon preparations for the siege of Caer Hubley continued, Count Hubert decided to send out a larger expedition with the aim, not only of denying supplies to the enemy but to bring them back to prepare the stronghold for a siege. Coming through the passes the force divided in two. To the north was Duke Stephen and Sir Jeffery, 2 of the Alan mercenaries along with Prince Michael, Prince Arne, an archer and 5 spearmen.  To the south was Preisages with 3 of his horse archers as well as an 8 man cohort from the Count's garrison on the wall. Two wagons followed each column.  The Saxons were alert and formed in shieldwall facing the north ford, chieftain, standard bearer, archer and 5 spearmen. To the south, their Pictish allies were also ready, 2 nobles, an archer, slinger and 4 spearmen.

The cavalry spurred forward to cover the infantry while they crossed the ford and then worked their way around the enemy's flanks. A shot from the Pictish archer brought down 1 horsemen then the infantry was closing and there was no time for arrows. The Picts braced themselves as the Roman soldiers crashed into them and traded blow for blow until their chieftain went down then they scattered backwards, rallying behind the ruined walls of a British village. To the north, the Saxons were less steady, their chief being the first to run. As the Saxons broke, Michael rushed ahead and brought his sword down on a fleeing Saxon. The blow glanced off and the wily Saxon turned and swinging his spear low, slipped it up under Michael's hauberk. Before he could strike a 2nd, killing blow, the British spearmen covered the wounded knight with their shields and pulled him to safety. Seeing the enemy soldiers all occupied, a Pictish slinger crept forward, shooting down a wagon driver, Preisages men were on the alert though and he was swiftly hunted down. As the Saxon's regrouped amongst the stacks of supplies, Arne led the spearmen forward and the Duke rode in to challenge the Saxon chief  whose courage had returned.

To the south, a determined assault laid low all but 1 Pict after a fierce battle. Maddened by the deaths of his clan, this warrior struck down the centurion, then the standard bearer and the twirling his shield over his head, warded off an assault from Preisages who had ridden up behind him. The soldiers fled but Preisages was not to be denied and beat him down. To the North the duel between the Duke and the Saxon chief was long and fierce but in the end the Saxon was no match for the heavily armoured Duke on his warhorse. Check scenario 47 to see if the supplies make it back to the Castle..