“Our scouts report 5 score mounted, lord” , said the scout Captain. “Threefold number on foot, lord” , said the foot Captain; “About a league behind” , he added further. The Chieftain sat quiet, in deep gaze, stern faced. “Okay” , he finally said. “Place the children, along with most of the women and provisions on the ships, send them towards our kinfolk on the islands across the bay” . To the cavalry Captain he said, “Gather your mounted skirmishers, harass the footmen, return when their horse are at 2 leagues” . “Gather your men” , he said to the foot Captain. And the foot Captain gathered his men.
His men were dressed in chainmail, with woolen tunics below, in varying shades of red. A few wore laminar plate, heirlooms from great victories centuries ago. All had spangenhelms, wooden shields, spears and a belted long sword. A distant horn was soon heard.
Enemy horse at 2 leagues.
“Assemble the shield wall” , ordered the Chieftain.“Sing the death song” , he added.
And his men assembled