Troopers

[Repsol]

The morning unfolded before him, his men busy around him, the troops not making the journey aided their collegues with equipment, these men had seen battle before and so the mood was a solumn one, sons, daughters, brothers sisters, wives and mothers aided their loved ones with the issues at hand all busy, these men had been picked for one thing, their skills in battle, Hague the Man at Arms spoke with some of the younger men who would remain explaining the reason behind them doing so.
Hague stood and moved to his friends side and spoke of the plans for travel, they agreed 150 along with 10 scouts including himself and the other troop sergeants would travel first with the freight, food for the men, supplies, medicines and such wagons would be provided at the landing the remainder would escort the Queen, Repsol would travel with this party, the Queen shall have a escort of 30 riders and 6 footmen Lord Robins best with the Master Sergeant at hand for her return home after the meeting, the 30 riders will be from a company made up of men from the Windstorm contingent along with the remaining 100 men 3 scouts and Repsol with a sergeant, the men on the first ships shallmake safe their camp on Caenarfon's borders, til the Queen and Repsol have spoken with the Queen Caera, then word would tell them of their duties.
He turned to his friend and placed a hand upon his shoulder and smiled, he turned and walked alone to the chapel.

[Repsol]

He had sat in the Chapel for what seemed an age, whether the gods heard him or not was of no concern to him, he sought but peace of mind and if this was it then he was satisfied for whom else could he consult of such, he turned and began to leave, the man stood in his path, Repsol looked up to see the dark colored habit, and saw deep blue eyes piecing his very soul, the man asked if there was owt Repsol needed, a prayer for his soul and that of his men, Repsol shook his head and gently brushed pass the man, he turned and looked and told him there was nowt he needed.
He walked slowly to the courtyard, it was full of grieving women and children, lads who where too young but stood aside their Mothers neither paying much attention to their surroundings, his walk quickened as Orders where barked at the men to mount, the Man At Arms walked Repsol's mount to him and handed him the reignes, the men had formed a double column and where ready for their short journey to the docks, as is customery the ranks would part for their last farewells though none could dismount for a final hug.
Hague raised his right arm and more orders where barked to the rear of the columns when Hague dropped his hand the columns began to move, horses baying, and lifting their heads up and down sharply, some prancing biting at the bit but all moving forward, the column moved slowly through the courtyard as women cried openly screaming to thier men folk to hurry back, some half smiling and nodding or waving as they could not get close enough to touch the men they love, the men on horse looked and gestured by slowly closing thier eyes and allowing their heads to fall slowly, twas their final gesture of goodbye.
As the column passed the crowds the horses where raised to a trot, as they passed over the draw bridge it sounded like thunder and off towards the docks they rode...

[Galor Martek]

they moved on.....leaving the ones they loved behind....he watched....twas odd.....he had lived this scene out time and time again...though twas always he leaving....in his younger days with the Captain he had travelled...had left behind those he loved to march off and fight another man's war....twas difficult he knew...to leave those ye loved behind....but far easier he knew to be the one leaving....the one with a task at hand....those that were left could only wait....and pray....

he wished upon them the luck that had always seemed to follow him.....every man that passed him....every family left behind.....may they be reunited....whole and hale.....

Please lord.....grant them this...........................

Let them return.......................

Bring them home.............

[Dream Loxley]

Dream had helped to load the wagons earlier in the day, making sure as best she could that the supplies would reach their destination in good order. It had been difficult to send so much of their own food away, knowing that only too well circumstances could change at any moment leaving the Castle and it's people in need again. She could only hope such would never be, even though in her heart the threat was always there. Now as she watched in silence, it was even more difficult to send away goodly menfolk perhaps to their death.

She recognised many of the men, their families torn apart in their grief, knowing the men had to do their duty....it was a duty...to the Queen and Castle, and yet how could these women and children bid loved ones farewell....much as she had done herself so long ago.....their duty. Dream lifted a hand now and then in respect, a warm smile of encouragement and all the while her heart was breaking, how many of these brave men and young lads would return.

She tried to imagine then, as each one passed by, would he come home.....or him.....would she remember them, or simply forget as time went by. The lump in her throat grew with each smile, fighting back the tears......tears for them or herself.....duty.....it was her duty now to show respect, to stand strong and watch them go. Every fibre in her body wanted to cry out, to scream at them...stay....please stay, do not leave us......do not leave those who love you.....stay with me. For if you do not come home, then I know with each passing day I die a little more, slowly, painfully.....not knowing. Not knowing.....hoping, praying......keeping faith....keeping that duty.....oh it was so hard......

[Repsol]

The Quay was busy, the men dismounted and immediately began to remove the saddles and all weaponry from their mounts, if the ships where to sail on time the mounts shall be boarded hastily, the gang planks to the ships had been changed from those which would carry men to those which would offer more strength as to the horses, each man set aside his equipment and led his horse when instructed by the respective officer of the ship, some of the horses went straight onto the ship whilest some of the younger ones tugged at their halters and moved backwards, with a little aid from the men they where coaxed on board.
The ships where crammed full of horseflesh and supplies, the men would stay upon decks as the room was limited so much.
After a good while Hague approached the Knight and offered his hand, the smile on his face as he looked to the Knight spoke volumes, the Knight offered his hand to his dear friend, he spoke as the orders where given to loose the ships ropes and to make sail...

Shall be but a few days M'Friend, the men must be gone from the Quay at Caerarfon afore sunlight, we shall move like a shadow, set up camp to the North of the Lands, the remainder of the men shall meet with thee and whence I know of the Queens safe passage of return to Windstorm s lands then I shall join thee with word of our tasks, for now M'Friend I shall bid thee fare and safe passage, and remember stay out of mischief at least until I arrive...

Hague shook the Knights hand firmly and without a word he turned and moved to his ship, Repsol turned as the the fourth ship left the quay and climbed upon his horse, the ships had made the tide, just..
He kicked on his mount and returned to the castle, he was but alone once more with the demons which plagued his mind, though this time he would have much to do before his departure, the courtyard was still quiet busy as the crowds now began to disperse and go about their routines, he dismounted at the stables as men still busied themselves in preporation of the next troop movements to the quayside. He made his way through the courtyard towards the castle.

[sofia]

(mmm delicious rp as always, Sir *S*)

[Lady Edfeil]

*She was there at the quais, seated atop Molly and in the full splendour of royalty. She smiled and waved, but her heart felt as queasy as a stomach at sea. She hoped and she prayed for each of them. How hard must it be to leave those you love behind? How could she ask it from them?
She knew things were better at Caerfarnon. The extra troops but an extra layer of safety. And yet men at arms were never safe, especially nae when war was so close by. Her brother knew what he was doing, and how could they deny this aide to those who had stood by them? And yet her heart bled each time one of them crossed the plank and moved into the ship. The scene at the courtyard had belonged to the wives, the children, the mothers. Those who were closest to them. But here she stood as a last vestige and reminder of home. And she would stay until the ship had sailed.

[Repsol]

As he stroled a young trooper stood by a seat pacing up and down his hands clasped behind his back as much as an old man would, the Knight looked upon him and wondered why he was not aiding his comrades at this stage, as they where due to sail soon, he looked towards the main door as he did so the young trooper looked up and saw him, he hesitated for a moment and then approached the Knight.
He walked a little faster so as to catch the Knight before he entered the castle, Repsol looked over and saw him approaching and stopped, he allowed the trooper to come to him , the young man placed his hand upon his heart and stood upright and smart.

Sire, iffen I may hath but a moment of yer time.

Repsol stood and looked upon the young lad afore him, he was late to do what ever it was he was doing, so while he thought he granted the young man his time.

Sire tis with honor in me heart for which I seek thee to speak with, tis about joining the Lancers who go to the far lands to aid our allies, for I ask of thee to send me forth with me company, me brother and me father left with the ships and I be here to ride Windstorms lands, tis why I became a Lancer to fight aside the men, I pray thee wouldst look upon me with favor and allow me passage with the men which sail soon.

He thought....why me, why does this lad seek me out his company sergeant should sort this he has his orders and yet he comes forth to seek me to allow him to ride, he scratched his chin and placed his pipe in his teeth and spoke to the lad...

Why doth thee come forth when orders have been given, tis it nae enough for thy Mother to have two of her men away from home lad, she would have me liver iffen I allow another to leave her.
He gestured to the seat, they walked in silence, Repsol sat first and gestured the lad to sit, he should not give time for this but as he had not remembered his task as yet he offered time to the lad, the lad sat and looked to him.

The chosen men hath seen battle thus they go and aye some of the younger men shall stay here there duties nae be one to be taken lightly, for protection of thy home and its lands is uppermost of thy duty and ye shall neyer forget thus, I can nae offer thee passage with the men who leave next and that be me final word on this matter.......though iffen ye wish I shall alter thy duty to accompany the Queen and her party, though mark me words lad ye shall return with them back to here, as I shall watch thee board me self

The lad stood and bowed, as he did so a sergeant came forth at pace, he yelled to the lad and immediately began to berate him for taking up the time of the Lord at this time, he told the lad he would be flogged for his disobedience and leaving his post.
Repsol stood and faced the sergeant, the sergeant bowed and asked the Lords forgiveness for his mans lack of respect, the sergeant explained the lad had been with him for less than a year and was stiil learning although he was good at the tasks set him, Repsol spoke to the sergeant....

He shall ride forth with the Queens escort, allow him such, the men he rides with are most of the best, he shall be watched and he shall learn from this, I shall be riding with the Queen's party, I do nae want anything to go wrong so I suggest ye show him what be needed, allow him time to tell his folk and see he be ready.

He remembered what he needed to do and he was heading in the wrong direction for he need to be at the barracks, he walked with the men to the stables area before bidding them good day and moving on, they both bowed and went to collect the lads mount to make ready.

[SighehelmofKent]

-He had decided to leave Petite at the start of the quay. The mare was bulky and big, and would nae like the many men who walked up and down taking care of various tasks assigned. He walked tall, the seeming erratic movements of many men and indeed women did make sense, though he had a sound apprehension of anything to do with ships, the sea and sails.

He joined the queen, positioned himself alongside her, like her smiling as faces turn their way. It was the duty of a leader to express what they oft did not feel, confidence, His eyes searched for Repsol, but he was nae there. Sighehelm had read the arrangements made by the man, smiled as he saw the wisdom in the choices made, but nae offered his hand directly in any of the strategies set out by the Queen's brother. His place was beside the small woman set upon a mule, his arm would be the first to ward off any assailant. He would travel by ship with her, steel his determination, and prayed the sufferings that the sea designed to inflict on him would be minimal.

Thus far Sighehelm had not been assigned an official task within Windstorm..........he smiled amused.........that is if courting the queen of said land was not an official task. and so he had set himself the task of escorting her, his Pebblemyne. He found little joy in the prospect of travelling to Caerfernon. He knew Queen Ethelbred would find nae approve of his resolve to travel there, for it brought him one step closer to a conflict which had all the markings of war.

Kent was not officially involved in the fracas, but then he was nae longer of Kent, he was of Windstorm. It had been the Queen's decision to aide Caerfernon, and as such Camelot while in dire need, and he would follow her word, follow her step, protect her, keep her. Such was his resolve, and his reason for being here, until more or different duties were ordered.

He moved even closer, his hand brought to the small of her back, reassurance in a single gesture.

Your Majesty.........

[Repsol]

He entered the barracks, his mood had changed to one much more serious, he would not tolerate Troopers approaching him with gripes, the men who he would lead with the escort where not as experienced as the ones who had left, and would need a little more guidance this he would lay down with a steel gauntlet if needed.
The men busied themselves preparing the last of their equipment and did not need distraction of a childish manner, a scuffle broke out between two young men, as they rolled upon the floor, they rolled to within his reach, he bent and lifted the one on top by his belt and tossed him to one side, the young trooper stood and turned with a face of thunder, before he could speak Repsol's dagger was in his hand, the trooper did not speak, he stood and bowed his head, the second Trooper stood and bowed, Repsol summoned a Sergeant and was immediately informed one would go the other would stay, he explained to the young men they should save their eagernesss to fight amongst themselves, he placed his dagger back in his boot and informed the sergeant of their new duties for a few hours, the stables required cleaning, this may help cool them down, he needed men to fight but not yet and that fire shall be kept to a ember til it was needed if at all, he was hoping a peaceful way around the situation would be found, and if none where forthcoming then by god his men would not kill eachother.
He moved around the barracks, he did not want bows every two minutes from the men he just wanted them to get on and do what they need to, he finally found his master sergeant and went over the plans for travel, all but the Queens escort the men shall leave when the moon was high, he wanted their ships gone as soon as the tide became fit to do so, the remainder shall move upon the Queens request so he should ensure all will be ready, he moved to the commanders quarters on the second floor and ensured they where aware of their duties whilest the men where away, they had sufficient men to patrol the Kingdom although the patrols would be smaller this would not be by much, they would support Sir Robin's men as they would normally, he had made provision to supply the outposts as normal, he stood and moved to the lower rooms once more and left the barracks, he stepped into the sunlight of the day, it warmed his face slightly as he looked to the heavens and took a deep breath through his nostrils, the cool air seemd to burn the inside it was fresh, he filled his lungs and proceeded to his mount to ensure it had all he needed for travel, his own final check, he moved with purpose, he did all his own checks, this was his ritual and no matter how many offers of aid he would be offered this was his and only his, the war would be shared by many, but this ritual was his alone.
He found his mount eating, he lifted its head and placed a hand on each cheek and layed his forehead upon its nose and closed his eyes, for it will carry him through hell if needed, this would be his only true allie in battle the only one he would truly rely on in the thick of things when his men would be fighting for their own existance, he stood in silence as he allowed the horse to return to feeding.....

[Repsol]

(Moved on to the docks)
He moved to the fore on his mount, the horses at this time did not wear their battle garb for the journey to Caernarfon, it would aid settle them once landed for the men to spend some time with them when they land.
He passed the reigns to his right hand and led his mount up the plank, he did not look to it or offer the horse any cause for worry he walked keeping the leather straps between him and his mount taught, on board a lad took his mount as he went to stand at the side of the ship, he knew they had different names for the ship, one side being different to the other, the front is not the front and the back is not callled the back, though at this particular moment in time why did he care, he was becoming interested in all kinds of nonsense, he knew he was becoming a little nervous, he took a deep breath as the last of the horses where boarded.
Orders to the sailors where barked out in quick time, the plank was raised and ropes where cast into the water, the men tugged on ropes and a huge sail dropped down the post in the middle of the ship, the deck hands where busy, he stood where he was and thought to keep out of their way, he looked up and down the deck to see his men sitting up against anything that did not move easily, horses bayed and stamped which added to the already electrically charged atmosphere his men had become aware of.
The ship creaked as it began to move away from the security of dry land as they moved slowly away he caught a glimpse of the other ships in front of them, though he could not make out which was the Queens ship at this time, he was not too concerned for the safety of the Queen as Lord Sigehelm was with her party and her escort was in attendance too, and this way no one could see if he was affected by the sea journey.
As the journey progressed, he looked out over the water and could still see the land, the ships where making good time, the crew had settled to their routines and it was almost calm on the ship, the wind whistled its haunting tune as it blew through the ship, he really did not relish spending a night on the ship, he moved about taking time to speak with the men most where putting a brave face on things, some actually didn't mind the travel and some had not lifted their heads above the side of the ship since it broke into the more choppy open water
The ship swayed as he walked which made him feel as he had been in the tavern too long, firstly moving two steps to the right and then two to the left, he grabbed for the side rail to aid his progress along the deck, the weather was bracing, he would move to see how his mount was fairing.

[Repsol]

The mounts faired well, better than he had thought and far better than he and most of the men, his stomach since he had stopped moving about amongst the men began to tighten a little and he became a nausious, though the small amount of mead he had allowed to be passed around them men settled him somewhat, he turned and returned to the deck area.
The ships had never lost the sight of land and they now began to turn north the rocky shoreline beat back the sea, turning the water white when it touched he was approached by a sailor who stated it would not be long before they would come to dock, so he should now prepare his men.
At last he thought something to take his mens mind off the slow rolling and surging of the ship and more importantly his own mind could do with a little stability, the one which comes with feeling of dry land under his feet, he stood with one of the troop commanders and laid orders to rouse the men and prepare them for arrival in port, they would place the horses into battle garb, this would settle the mounts when they first arrive on land, they should be ready to move at the earliest so as not too many people see them arrive, he wished for them to move to the encampment under darkness.
Samuel would meet him on the dockside, he did not know of what news his friend would greet him with, he hoped it would not be with the news of impending doom, for he dearly yearned to settle his gut first before anything else.
Back on deck the sailors where at fever pitch, sails where lowerd others where raised with men working high up in the rigging folding and tieing, climbing and sliding down ropes orders being bellowed by officers of the ship.
The land now had texture to it, no some form of olive colored blur it looked so much like their home, trees reached the sky and greenery roled out from the shoreline to as far as his eyes could see, the sound of the surf hitting the shore faintly began to fill his ears, the time was almost upon them, he would see his friend Queen Caera once more, and his mind moved to the ball on the night of the morrow, he may even offer a young Lady a dance, he chuckled as he thought of imposing himself on one...

[Repsol]

The men prepared their mounts and attempted to settle them before the ship docked at the harbor, Repsol stood at the side of the ship as the buildings and the quay came into sight, the ship began to move slower through the water now and his stomach tensed a little in anticipation of the days ahead of them, he would meet with Samuel and take the men to the encampment to settle afore they patrol the borders.
The sound of the ship striking the quay made him nervous as it creaked and bumped until the men had tied it off, the plank was placed and he walked to the dock, he moved away from the plank and stood to await his mount and his equipment to be off loaded, men tugged at their mounts as the horses stopped halfway along the plank, they did not bode wel for if they struggled too much there was the risk that both horse and rider would fall into the sea and be crushed by the huge ship so all moved with care.
After some time the Queens party had alighted from their ship and the troopers in the escort where ready, the party boarded their transport and all moved off safely, he looked up the plank to the ship as the trooper began to descend with his mount another following behind encouraging the horse to continue, carrying Repsol's equipment the men at last had got his mount to the quay, he looked around and the men where preparing their mounts, as they beacme ready they would move to a holding area at the end of the harbor to await the commander and their sergeants, at last after a few hours and under the cover of darkness a lone rider appeared, the shadows cast by the huge torches and brazziers broke up his shape, the rider came to Repsol and as he did so the Knights features began to realx it was Samuel his Man At Arms he gestured for the men to mount and follow him, he would lead them to the camp.

[Repsol]

The columns moved off some of the mounts still a little feisty from the crossing, though once cleared of the harbor and a canter pace set they soon settled once more, the camp was to the east of Caernarfon a short distance from the Castle, Repsol leaned to his friend and requested an update, the noise of the horse hooves melted to a dim rumble upon the soft ground so thier conversation was reduced to a shout, they both decided they would speak when in the camp.
The ground rolled up and then down, though they could not see much other than the Great castle dimly lit in the distance to the north as they rode.
After a short time Samuel gave the command to bring their mounts to a walk as the camp neared, the light hung red over the camp from the fires and brazziers, as they walked Repsol turned to his friend and spoke of their journey and inquired as to the passage before them, Samuel chuckled and mentioned some of the men kept their heads over the side of the ship, he did not envy the men who would clean the ships, though he said after a few buckets of water it would be as normal once more.
The camp came upon them after the troops rounded a bend, they rode over a road and back onto the silence of the soft earth and entered through some trees, there was a low throng of voices as they rode in, the men sitting talking, until word went through the camp and men began milling around the columns as they where re united with their colleagues, all assisted with the bedding and feeding of the mounts who had arrived, then it was to the cooks tables, where some men ate and others drank sweet honey mead to aid settle their stomachs.
The two men went to their lean too and spoke for a while, as their food and drinks arrived the trooper laid them upon the thick rug where they sat, he stood placed his hand to his chest and left them to their conversation...

[Repsol]

The two men spoke of the days past and ate the food offered, for a field kitchen the cook did wonders, Samuel mentioned the ball at the Castle and Repsol decided he would attend as his Queen's party where in attendance and as her Commander shall seek to keep a close eye on her, he knew Sigehelm would be by her side and this knowledge eased him slightly, and the lovely Lady Althea would also be there though he should nae provoke any affection toward her, he dare not these where troubled times here and he would need to be here some time and who but the gods shall know the outcome, if war comes then he shall as always fight to his last breath, he shall speak to the Queen of his feelings at a more suitable time, his mind went numb as he dipped his head into the bucket of freezing cold water it bit at his skin like a thousand teeth, he lifted his head sharply and searched for a cloth to dry himself.....
He moved outside his mount waiting for him in full battle garb, it looked very impressive the men had done well to prepare her he was impressed, he placed his hand behind her left ear and ran it the full length of her neck to her shoulder and to where his saddle sat, he climbed up and as she moved under him the tinkling of metal moved as she began to pace on the spot in anticipation of their ride, he turned his mount and raised a hand to his friend and rode out of the camp.......
The next morning saw him thick with head and a little weary though his sleep was only interupted by vision of a certain Lady of Windstorm, he shook the thoughts from his head he kicked on his mount to a gallop, the breeze upon his face as the horse picked up pace began to wake him as the cold water did, the metal clanked softly as he rode, he mused to himself there be no better sight than a Lancers mount at speed, the adornement of Crimson flashing like that of a flame in a fire in the wind the morning sun though not fully upon him flashed from the metal upon his mount.
The camp came upon them quickly to both their dismay the Knight began to rein in his mount and she began to slow to a walk, they passed through the trees, the sentry already sending word to Samuel his friend had returned, he rode into the camp and two columns of men where riding to him, the young sergeant at the head gestured he be the northern patrol, Repsol inclined his head as the columns passed, some of the men jovially talking with eachother as they passed, for soon they would be sat upon their mounts in silence seeking out routes for the next patrols, the scouts had been away from camp for some days now and would meet their patrols and show them their right of passage.
He rode to where Samuel stood, men busying themselves around the camp building up the fires and assisting the cook with the meals for the men still to rise from their last patrols that night.....