(And thus begins a series of updates written by our very own Slinky (Bear)!
As you may recall, I asked a while back for help with my action scenes, and Slinky took me up on it. He has never written an AAR before, but as you'll see, he certainly should. He also continues the proud Actinguy tradition of ending in cliff-hangers.
Incidentally, I am considering making this the beginning of a tradition of the occasional guest-authaar, if the interest is there. )
Early Winter, 1086 - Jerusalem
Robert was wondering what he was doing here. He only had half his men left. Yes, his men. It felt strange calling them that. He still diverted to Humphrey for most decisions, but he couldn’t keep doing that. He had to show his men he could lead. If only there were more of them. A lot of good men had died on the sunken ship, and the real fighting hadn’t even begun. That was not all. He had lost half of the horses. Not such a big loss, he thought wryly, because there were no knights left to ride them anyway.
They passed another burned out farm. They had seen more of them the closer they came to Jerusalem, but this one was still smoking, a sign that another army had passed this road not long before them. This did nothing to calm Robert. He had no idea whose army was in front of him. He doubted his chances against the army of Jerusalem, let alone two enemy armies. He was beginning to wonder if it would not be better to turn back, but no, he … a scream stopped Roberts thoughts cold. A rider came galloping down the road towards them. It was one of the scouts he had send out.
Robert rode ahead to meet him, followed by Humphrey. “It’s the duke! He is under attack!”
Robert saw Humphrey opening his mouth, ready to shout orders. Instead he turned to Robert. “What are your orders marshal?”
Robert only needed a second to think. “Quick march the infantry, the cavalry will go ahead. Let’s ride!”
They had only ridden a short distance, but already they heard the sounds of battle. “It’s just after this small forest.” They slowed to a canter. Nearing the tree line Robert felt his heart beating in his throat. They gazed upon a field of carnage.
Duke Boudewijn van Vlaanderan...Osbern's liege, and therefore Robert's...had not been a fool. He had struck camp on top of a small hill and had fortified his position with long wooden stakes driven in the ground. It was thanks to this, that they had not yet been overrun. Outnumbered five to one and besieged from all sides, it would not take long for the enemy to breach their perimeter. The duke’s men were fighting for their lives, but it was clear to Robert they would not be lasting long. Already they were slowly driven back at a point at the far side of the camp. The enemy had concentrated his attack there. While men were fighting, other soldiers were destroying the stakes, pulling them out of the ground or cutting them down. Robert was wondering why, when he detected movement up ahead.
Next to a small group on horseback a lot more riders were cresting a hill. Immediately Robert understood their plan. They were trying to make a corridor for the cavalry. If they managed to infiltrate the camp, the defenders would be doomed. The men in the makeshift fort had spotted them to and were driving back the attackers with renewed vigor. “Marshal, we have to help them.”
“No, wait.” The man Robert took to be the enemy's leader was waving his arms wildly. He shouted something and as one, the cavalry began to charge. “Apparently their leader is not a patient man, nor is he very careful with his men. We can attack him now when he is vulnerable.”
“Wait, Robert. You must stay behind and wait for the rest of the army.”
“No, I want to fight with you.”
“You can’t just yet. We have lost to many officers already and someone has to lead the men when they get here.”
“You are right," grumbled Robert, "but I don’t have to like it. Attack, and kill them all!”
Humphrey led the men out of the forest, leaving Robert behind. He saw Humphrey swaying in his saddle. With only one good leg, all that held him on his horse was sheer determination. When they were almost upon the group they were spotted. They enemy scrambled to protect their leader and the two groups clashed. Initially the Muslims outnumbered Humphrey’s group, but with the first clash the odds were leveled.
Robert turned around hearing his men approaching. Turning back to the battle Robert saw a group of infantry running to relieve their commander. “Quickly, we must help!” They broke the cover of the forest and ran towards the enemy officers. Robert saw that at least the enemy cavalry hadn’t managed to breach the compound. Some riders had jumped the stakes, but they were quickly mowed down. His eyes were trying to seek out Humphrey. Just when he saw him, Humphreys horse reared, a spear sticking out of his chest.
Unable to stay on with the peg leg, Humphrey went down.
Robert screamed and urged his horse forward. Blinded by rage he rode into the enemy infantry. The legs of his horse were cut and his horse fell forward, throwing him of. Robert rolled to his feet, sword in hand. He looked up into a wall of steel.
Robert was completely surrounded.
