I, Warlord by Parker Nathaniel

Author:Parker, Nathaniel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-02-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Clash of Titans

Afylon was standing on the pier examining Excalibur. Somehow the ancient blade was now two identical short swords with cross-guard hilts, fine leather bindings, and almost black meteoric blades. The blades themselves, although lightly scored and scratched, were razor sharp and perfectly balanced. Returning them to the scabbards strapped to her back, Afylon returned her attention to the two boats being loaded with supplies.

King Cyrys had provided them with two raiding boats, a few weeks of supplies, and had also rearmed and armoured Afylon, her companions and the dozen soldiers that had escaped with Brenna to Dortrig. Afylon herself now wore a of long coat of lamellar, crafted from tough leather with metal plates riveted to it. This she wore over robust green leather trews and a dark blue shirt. In her hand was a Celtic war helmet, which was open-faced but had a tough nose-guard and sturdy cheek-flaps.

Esme came up alongside Afylon as Brenna led their warriors onto the boats. Esme now wore a hauberk of double-linked mail over a tough padded leather gambeson, and brown buckskin trews. Although the mail was heavier, it was tougher and reinforced. In addition to her armour, she was now armed with a robust Saxon round shield with a solid brass boss, a heavy British war sword, that she could use one- or two-handed, and a Sutton Saxon helmet, obviously a trophy of war, complete with cheek-flaps and a full faceplate, decorated with the visage of a face with eyebrows, a nose and moustache. Afylon smiled up at her friend, who responded with her awkward half-smile.

Drystan joined them, now armed with a composite recurved powerful war bow, a heavy forward curved falcata sword, and wearing light ring mail armour over tough leather so as to maintain full mobility. Under his arm was an open-faced Roman cavalry helmet.

“So, we set then?” asked Drystan, whom was a couple of inches taller than Afylon but still shorter than Esme.

“Yep, shame my brother would not provide any men,” replied Afylon.

“I think we have enough,” advised Esme. “And when we rescue the men on Witrin, our numbers will be bolstered.”

“If they still live, and if we can find them,” warned Drystan. “But we still will not have a sizable enough force to take back Caer Anderida.”

“That’s why we need to hurry back to Sussex and rally our forces,” explained Afylon.

With the boats now loaded, Afylon ordered everyone aboard, including the foul-mouthed Bude who had decided to join them. Before leaving, she turned to gaze up at the Bol Fort that oversaw the port of the Poole harbour. She hoped to see her brother but could not identify any of the men standing guard. She hoped her brother was standing amongst them to see her off, so she waved so he would see her if there, and then boarded one of the boats. As soon as she was aboard, she ordered for the sails to be unfurled and for them to set sail to Witrin.

The journey was uneventful and only half of their men were seasick.

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