Page 174: The March West
The March West
Summary: Frey cavalry fall upon a retreating column of Stonehouses.
Date: 07/01/289
Related Logs: None, yet.
Players:
Aleister Anders Anton Aron Gedeon Jarod Riordan Rowan 
Word Road - Terrick's Roost
This is a dirt road that leads away from Stonebridge towards Terrick's Roost, it passes over several low wooden bridges.
07 January, 289 A.L.

The hundred Ironborn who had been advancing on Stonebridge discovered rather quickly that it was not the expected 'small river town, protected by a half dozen men in an old tower' they had been expecting. The offensive had turned quickly into a swift retreat as the Frey army set to march westward, the cavalry of the massed host ranging ahead and to either side of the column.

The march had been slowed by the habit of the desperate Ironborn to set to the torch any wooden bridges behind them in efforts to slow the Riverlords' Vanguard, but once the horses have waded across the second shallow stream and gained purchase of the grassy flatlands of the inland Cape of Eagles, the retreating column of raiders, under a grey banner, with a black brazier upon it, can be seen with nothing between their backs and the Vanguard but an expanse of road.

Riding at the head of a wedge of knights, his squire proudly displaying the banner of House Haigh, Aron shakes his long locks once. His lance is resting in a holster at his side, the better to save the knight's strength for the jarring blows of combat to come. His helmet rests atop the saddle-bow, gilded crest gleaming in the sunlight. The knight seems perfectly at ease, seated atop his massive destrier as comfortably as though he were lounging in a tavern chair.

He smiles aside at one of the other Haigh knights, remarking in his haughty drawl, "You see? They run like rabbits. This shall be easier than the quintain." The other man - a grizzled-looking veteran - grins and replies, "You've not seen anything until you've seen a host of infantry break, Ser Aron. It'll be easier than the quintain. That hits back. Just try to avoid getting your lance stuck in any bodies."

Ser Jarod Rivers cannot be described as at ease, but there's an intensity to his manner that seems to be dispelling any trace of nerves. He's mounted on his sturdy brown courser, sturdy squire on a slightly larger red horse a little behind him. While said squire is in Terrick livery, Jarod's wearing his 'bastard' black-and-gold-wing heraldry. One knight amongst the host. There's no banter from him. He scans the path ahead of them all in silence. Waiting, with a certain trace of grim eagerness.

The Erenford Knights are hard to miss with Marvish at their lead and their lances also resinding in the holsters aside the horses. One of Knights holds the Erenford banner high, the Heron upon it seeming like it is actually flying. Also present is their tell tale spears, espcially crafted for the Knights alone, two heron feathers blowing in the wind can be seen at the base of every spearhead.

There's laughter in the Flint's Young Lord's voice as he shifts his weight in the saddle, looking up and over his horse's head at the retreating backs. "That was easier than expected, though I'm not certain that I actually expected them to stand and fight." There's some laughter coming from some of the riders around Anders, sounding agreement, though it's easy to see that the Northern coursers is here for the fight. The laughter does hold some disappointment, but it's almost a certain thing that advancing will be in the cards. The flag of Flint's Finger is hoisted, carried easily, the grey standard catching the wind when it blows.

Ser Ryman Frey, in the exalted (and some would say undeserved) position of commanding the Vanguard is among the last to wade across the stream and guide his horse onto the western bank, narrow eyes peering out of a flushed, fleshy face beneath his raised visor at the fleeing column of Ironborn. Having already held up the vanguard in anticipation of his own arrival, the grand-heir to the Twins holds it up a moment longer to confer with one of the kngihts at the head of the Charlton cavalry. "Ser Andrey. It seems we have them?"

Andrey Charlton's visor is also raised to enjoy the cape breeze, and he nods once to his cousin. "As you say, Aleister. Let's see to it that the enemy's fathers are made wroth today." As Ryman approaches, he nods once. "We do, Ser Ryman. I say we ought ride a division to either flank, to prevent their escape. By your leave?" the heir to Hollyholt asks with a smile. Given permission, he nods his head sharply, a deliberate motion that causes his visor to wing into place without a touch, before starting his horse- and by extension, those of his men- into a canter, and then a run.

Gedeon Rivers, one of two knights bearing the colors of House Valentin, has an alert calmness about him as he rides his dark bay courser forward. He watches as the army runs in the distance, but there's no smile and no quip from him. Just attention and readiness as he waits for the order to charge.

Those Valentin colors themselves are held for now by a mail-clad squire riding with the two knights of that house. The Lord Ser Anton himself rides a dark grey courser, his armor similarly dim, in contrast to the bright white of the arms flapping above them. A sword rather than a lance sits ready in the scabbard as they race towards the Ironborn, no laughter or pre-emptive boasting coming from behind his helm.

Coolly settling his helm atop his head, Aron turns to the members of his retinue, voice muffled beneath the gleaming steel. "I wish you all the joy of the day, Sers. Form a wedge on me." He draws his lance out from its holster, still holding it perfectly upright, as he urges his courser into a gallop. Squire riding directly behind him, his banner flying in the wind, Aron and the Haigh knights join the right-hand division now coursing toward the Stonehouse host.

Ryman Frey's tactical deployments are- as the Charltons have started off to one flank- very direct and simple. "Take them! Go!" he bids the assembled knights of the Van.

As Ryman approaches Andrey, Aleister gives only the slightest of nods to the Frey and when his cousin proposes a course of action, one that receives a nod of approval, there's a switching of the reins from right to left hand. This enables the Charlton Master at Arms to claim the mace from it's resting place, the weapon hefted and held slightly aloft as he urges his courser forward, taking to his cousins side towards the Stonehouse host as the knights behind them follow suit.

Marvish raises a hand into the air, and with a simple gesture directs his fellow Knights. The hand drops in a right-wardly and down position, the Erenford Lancers taking up their spot alongside the Haigh Knights with Aron. That's right. Erenford and Haigh riding side by side into battle. Brings a tear. It truly does.
Marvish assumes the head of his Knights, equal in the front with Aron to his left. A nod is given to the Haigh Knight, and then his eyes focus on the enemy ahead.

"I shall find joy in Ironborn blood soaking my lord father's lands," Jarod comments quietly to Aron with one of those grins that's less boyish than wolfish today. And form up he does, motioning to his squire to get in position near him. If he has any words for the lad they must've been spoken before the battle. He gets his sword at the ready, helm down, aims his posture in the saddle. And he is ready to roll.

The orders that come out from Lord Frey are echoed by the Young Lord Flint as Anders sees that which is before him. The Northern riders take their position without being told, forming up and taking the flank. It's a steady canter, the hoof-beats sounding a single cadence, weapons drawn and at the ready.

With the Erenfords on one side and Jarod on the other, Aron is well-insulated. He smiles behind his helmet, voice muffled as he responds to Jarod. "The grain always grows higher after a slaughter, Ser." Laughter echoes from the knight as he shifts the pressure on his courser's flank by drawing one leg back, encouraging his mount into a gallop. He couches his lance now, choosing his target, as cool as though he truly were just tilting with a quintain. Behind him, the wedge of Haigh knights likewise couch their lances, bearing down on the Ironborn in a thunder of hooves.

As the Erenford's bear down on their targets, the lances are lowered in unison as the horses are spurred on.

In anticipation of the oncoming cavalry, the Stonehouses on the road, answering the bellows of their cheiftan, cluster closer together as they continue their westward dash, hoping by weight of bodies and shields to resist being ridden down by the Riverlords, with the odd Ironman hurling a weapon at the charging knights.

<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 04 attacks Aron with Thrown Spear and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 04's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 11 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Chieftan passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 07 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Marvish attacks Raider 01 with Lance & Shield - Serious wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 attacks Aleister with Thrown Axe and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 06's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Raider 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Rowan attacks Raider 04 with Broadsword but Raider 04 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Riordan attacks Raider 07 with Lance & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Jarod attacks Raider 03 with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Gedeon attacks Raider 02 with Broadsword - Light wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Aron attacks Raider 02 with Lance & Shield - Moderate wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Anton attacks Raider 05 with Broadsword - Serious wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Andrey attacks Raider 12 with Lance & Shield - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Anders attacks Raider 06 with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Aleister attacks Raider 11 with Bludgeon & Shield but Raider 11 DODGES!

<COMBAT> Raider 03 has been KO'd!

Although the blades and blows of the charging Riverlords find bloody purchase in the outermost men of the Stonehouse warband, by and large, the maile keeps them alive enough to fight back, as the westward flight stills for long enough that the Ironborn turn to return violence to their pursuers as best the can.

"For House Haigh, King Robert, and glory!" A spear lances out of the host of Ironborn, and Aron imperceptibly flinches as it soars past, causing his lance-tip to waver ever-so-slightly. Instead of taking his target clean on the skull and decapitating him, the man only manages to gouge bloody ruin down the Ironborn's left cheek. He rides into the press, circling his charger with a shout, the animal rearing up as he prepares to plunge downward at his opponent a second time.

At the order to charge, there's a whisper of steel as Gedeon draws his longsword from its sheath and gives his house a quick kick to the sides. The animal breaks into a gallop towards the fleeing raiders, gaining on one near enough that the blond knight takes a swing. The fleeing raider flinches away, catching the tip of Gedeon's blade across his hand.

"Let us sew well then, Ser," Jarod replies to Aron, before the thunder of their charge drowns out anymore words he might have. Not that he's in a speaking mood once they're off to doing the work of Ironborn slaying. His charge is simple and straightforward, directly at one of the Ironborn, sword sweeping low to catch the man in the chest. He lands a blow which knocks the man over. His horse's hooves, which run directly over the downed Ironborn, do the rest of the work for him. That one at least won't be getting up.

It's not easy to be accurate in throwing when there's a horse and rider barreling down on one, and the axe that is thrown in the direction of Aleister Charlton is.. thrown away when Anders rides down on him. With a swing of his sword, blade meets stomach.. and for the moment, the Ironborn in Anders' field of vision still stands. Raising his sword for another strike, he spurs his horse with both legs, asking the horse to back.. now, his hands are fully occupied.. and the trained courser knows his lessons..

Marvish and his Knights of Erenford smashed into the Ironborn with thundering hooves and steadied lances. The Heir to Erenford's Lance striking one of the Savages in the arm severely, as he rears his horse back around for another pass, targetting the same man who he failed to fell prior.

Anton draws almost simultaneously with Gedeon, a well-practiced pair. He strikes a downwards blow at one of the fleeing Ironborn, who lifts his arm, saving his head from the brutal blow but nearly losing his arm for his trouble. Still he runs on and the knights continue crashing through the back of the Ironborn line, a new target in sight almost before the blade is pulled from the last.

Aleister's keenly aware of the throwing axe that seems to be aimed in his direction, but Ander's intervention causes the attack to go wild, though the Charlton Knight had already begun to shift in his saddle and as such, his attack sails inches past his intended target. Reining his courser in, Aleister is once more lifting the heavy headed mace into the air and then swinging it down at the raider he had first charged at, clearly intending to try and end the Ironborn's life by crushing his head.

<COMBAT> Raider 04 attacks Rowan with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Anton with Bludgeon & Shield but Anton DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 06 attacks Gedeon with Sword & Shield - Critical wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 10 attacks Anders with Sword & Shield but Anders DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 09 attacks Jarod with Spear & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 02 attacks Aron with Spear & Shield but Aron DODGES!
<COMBAT> Chieftan passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 attacks Aron with Bludgeon & Shield but Aron DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 11 attacks Aleister with Spear & Shield but Aleister DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Riordan with Spear & Shield but Riordan DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 05 attacks Andrey with Bludgeon & Shield but Andrey DODGES!
<COMBAT> Marvish attacks Raider 01 with Lance & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 01 attacks Marvish with Sword & Shield but Marvish DODGES!
<COMBAT> Rowan attacks Raider 04 with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Riordan attacks Raider 07 with Lance & Shield - Moderate wound to Right Hand.
<COMBAT> Jarod attacks Raider 04 with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Gedeon attacks Raider 12 with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Aron attacks Raider 02 with Lance & Shield - Critical wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Anton attacks Raider 08 with Broadsword - Serious wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Andrey attacks Raider 12 with Lance & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Anders attacks Raider 06 with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Aleister attacks Raider 11 with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Gedeon has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Raider 11 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Gedeon spends a luck point to keep fighting!

Marvish's attack is deflected by the side stepping Ironborn with the sword, who in turns takes a swing that is also defelcted by the base of the lance with a backward dropping of his wrist. He and his Knights circle back once more to try and finish off what they had started, steadying his lance, the Heir of Erenford leans forward aiming to strike the Ironborn in the chest.

Aron's lance drives into his opponent's throat, sending blood spraying into the air in a fine mist. His shield catches a blow from another Ironborn, and he struggles to turn his courser in that direction as his first opponent staggers backward, clutching at his neck. "Haigh! Haigh! Form on me!" Driving forward with his lance again, the gilt-helmed knight attempts to fell this new threat as his fellow Haighs hack their way deeper into the formation of Ironborn.

Anders catches the shadow of a sword coming in, and has to shift and dodge the blow, thus causing the hand upon his sword pull up and give a less lethal blow to the reaver than intended. "Damn you.." he sneers and swings the sword once again as he catches the sight of Ser Gedeon going down under a strong attack. "Die, you mongrel!"

Another bloody pass of cavalry results in two more of the Ironborn falling out of the shield line. Apart from a single blow, the Ironborn can hardly seem to come within reach of their mounted tormentors, and the band- despite the roars of their chieftan, seem on the edge of breaking. Waving a great two handed axe above his head the Stonehouse chieftan finally sees a knight come within reach of him, and strikes back at the riverlord.

"With me, stay on him," Jarod calls to his squire, commands short and terse as he wheels his horse to direct his sword at the same Ironman who now harries Rowan. While his own blow is deflected by their foe's armor, his slighter squire gets in a well-placed cut at the Ironman's head where his helm isn't quite protective enough. He doesn't really notice the spear coming his way from another direction until it flies past him. It missed, at least.

Forced to shift to avoid the thrust from Raider 11, Aleister isn't able to bring his mace down upon the head of the Raider, but his blow is still a lethal one. It catches the Ironborn in the side, crushing armor and bone beneath and felling the man to the ground. A lift of his mace and a look to Andrey and then the Charlton Knight is turning his attention to the Chieftan. Feet urge his courser forward, his mace once more lifting in the air before he's swinging it down towards the Chieftan's upper body.

The other Rivers is having pooerer luck. He guides his horse after a raider, swinging a blow that glances off armor. A second raider swipes at Gedeon, the blade cutting deep across his stomach and sending the knight tumbling from he horse. He rolls to his feet, staggering a little, maile slick with red. One hand presses to his stomach, the other stands curled around his sword. Coughing, he turns to grab his horse's reins and climb back up into the saddle.

Ser Andrey appears quite content to ride down the common rabble, rising briefly in his stirrups to steal a look westward, to see whether any of the Ironborn have broken ranks, as of yet, before striking another lance-blow.

Anton avoids one blow and strikes another, and then catches sight of Gedeon falling beside him. He wheels his mount around in defense of his sworn knight, turning his sword upon the raider aiming to cut him down for good.

<COMBAT> Raider 12 attacks Aron with Bludgeon & Shield but Aron DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 01 attacks Marvish with Sword & Shield but Marvish DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 08 attacks Anton with Bludgeon & Shield but Anton DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 07 attacks Riordan with Spear & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 06 attacks Gedeon with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Raider 05 attacks Andrey with Bludgeon & Shield but Andrey DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 04 attacks Rowan with Sword & Shield but Rowan DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Marvish attacks Raider 01 with Lance & Shield but Raider 01 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Chieftan attacks Aleister with Polearm - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Raider 10 attacks Anders with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Rowan attacks Raider 04 with Broadsword but Raider 04 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Riordan attacks Raider 07 with Lance & Shield - Light wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jarod attacks Raider 04 with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Gedeon passes.
<COMBAT> Aron attacks Raider 12 with Lance & Shield but Raider 12 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Anton attacks Raider 06 with Broadsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Andrey attacks Raider 12 with Lance & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Anders attacks Raider 06 with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Aleister attacks Chieftan with Bludgeon & Shield but Chieftan DODGES!

<COMBAT> Raider 07 has been KO'd!

The sword hits true, and Anders grins from under his help. He catches Anton's attack, his sword digging deeper than his own. With Gedeon's Lord on him and aiding him, the Flint Lord spurs to the side to get a good attack in on the raider than insists upon striking at him. "Cur!"

That damn Ironborn keepa avoiding the Lance of the Erenford Lord. And enough is enough. Marvish turns the horse to see the savage running. He reaches for his spear as he rides him down and lets it fly, intent on letting the Ironborn know the prowess of the Erenford's spear skills.

In the chaos of battle, poor Banshee - Aron's charger - prances to one side as the champion jouster attempts to skewer himself a second Ironborn. This has the combined effect of causing the Ironborn's axe to cut only air and the Haigh knight's lance to miss the man's head by a good six inches. "Easy, boy. It's alright." Aron's voice is perfectly calm, as though this battle were something happening to another man, and he brings his mount back under control with ease, encouraging him forward for another attempt on the Ironborn, guided only by the knight's legs.

Men on foot- even hardened reavers of the Iron Islands, can only withstand so much before nerves break, and it is the third charge of the knights, with one man in four among the ironmen dead, and most of the rest bloodied that the Raiders break rank and begin to scatter. All but the Stonehouse chieftan, who lets loose a roar and seems intent on dragging at least one knight down to the Drowned God's embrace with him.

It's an effort, getting back up onto his horse, but Gedeon manages it with thanks to Anton and Anders who both keep the Ironborn who would see him ended busy with injuries of his own. The suddenly-pale(r) knight offers a nod to his lord and then to the Flint lord before turning his courser and riding a distance from the fight. If one can call sitting on a horse with stooped and bowed posture, riding.

Jarod rides swift and light, for all that his sword work tends toward blunt and straightforward, his brown mount dodging the thrust aimed at him while he deals another blow to the Ironman harassing his squire. His whips in Gedeon's direction as the knight tumbles from the saddle, but he has his own problems to deal with presently. He winds up for another charge, at the Ironborn who seems so eager to cut on him this time.

"Bad?" Anton inquires of Gedeon as the younger knight re-takes his seat upon his horse, the Ironborn making a run at him cut down. He turns his horse back into the forward rush of the force from Stonebridge. The speed of his mount and a brief opening in the lines ahead gives him a straight shot at the Stonehouse chieftan, and he takes it.

<COMBAT> Raider 09 attacks Jarod with Spear & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Marvish attacks Raider 01 with Thrown Spear - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Marvish's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Chieftan attacks Aleister with Polearm but Aleister DODGES!
<COMBAT> Raider 10 attacks Anders with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Right Hand (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 04 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 12 attacks Aron with Bludgeon & Shield - ARMOR on Right Hand stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Rowan attacks Raider 09 with Broadsword but Raider 09 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Riordan attacks Raider 04 with Lance & Shield but Raider 04 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jarod attacks Raider 09 with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Gedeon passes.
<COMBAT> Aron attacks Raider 12 with Lance & Shield - Moderate wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Anton attacks Chieftan with Broadsword - ARMOR on Neck stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Andrey attacks Raider 02 with Lance & Shield - Light wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Anders attacks Raider 10 with Sword & Shield but Raider 10 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Aleister attacks Chieftan with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Chieftan has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Raider 02 has been KO'd!

"Bad," Gedeon confirms through clenched teeth, the comment further proven by the red soaking into the colors he wears and the saddle he sits on. At least he manages to stay sitting, though he clenches the reins and his sword as if forgetting to focus on doing such would cause either to drop.

As Aron's lance descends on his Ironborn prey, the man manages to lash out with his axe in a desperate parry, catching his gauntleted hand. The wound does no damage, but once again manages to slightly dislodge the knight's aim, turning a killing blow into a glancing one across the forehead. With a derisive laugh, Aron heels his horse past the stubborn man, wheels it around, and lowers his lance for a proper charge.

Jarod rides full-tilt at the Ironborn, not so much trying to deflect the other man's spear as absorb it and trust his breastplate to do the rest. Which it does. His own blow lands somewhat more solidly, though it doesn't down the other man. If at first he doesn't succeed, this Ser Rivers will try try again, and he hefts his sword for another go.

He never did like the lance. Thus, as Marvish reached for his Heron Feathered Spear and let it fly, he let out a loud cry, "Why…won't…you…go…down!" The spear flies through the air striking the fleeing Ironborn in the back as he flees. To hell with honor. He then readies his lance and turns to charge down another.

Gedeon is close to the Flint lord, and Anders keeps an eye on the younger knight as he climbs back into the saddle. The strike of his sword, then, isn't as true to the mark as he'd hoped, and in return, receives a slice to his sword hand. A hiss of breath is taken, more in annoyance and anger than injury, and again, strikes at the cur that struck him.

Although his maile deflects Anton's blow, the Stonehouse overcommits his axe blow at Aleister, and grunts in pain as the charlton's mace thuds into his sternum- the maile doing little to stop the impact. For a moment the chieftan staggers back, unable to draw a breath, before dropping the axe, and slipping from his feet, clutching at his chest. That sight is all that the remaining Ironborn can stomach, and the skirmish devolves quickly into a rout.

Once the man has connected with the Chieftan's sternum, felling the man after a moment, Aleister is turning his attention over in the direction of Anton, offering the man a quick smirk from beneath the visible portion of his helm, "Well played, Ser!" Then, it's back to the remaining Ironborn and as they begin to rout at the felling of their Chieftan, the Charlton Knight gives a shake of his head before calling out, "Let us put an end to this!" His courser is urged forward, his mace once more lifting in preperation of a viscious swing upon the fleeing raider.

Anton knocks the Stonehouse Chieftan off balance before the Charlton's blow fells him, and he gives a brief nod of helm'd head before he turns his horse, picking out one of the less-nearly-dead Ironborn to attack.

<COMBAT> Raider 04 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 06 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 09 passes.
<COMBAT> Marvish attacks Raider 10 with Lance & Shield - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Raider 12 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 10 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Raider 08 passes.
<COMBAT> Rowan attacks Raider 09 with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Riordan attacks Raider 04 with Lance & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Jarod attacks Raider 09 with Broadsword - Serious wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Gedeon passes.
<COMBAT> Aron attacks Raider 12 with Lance & Shield - Serious wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Anton attacks Raider 05 with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Andrey attacks Raider 06 with Lance & Shield - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Anders attacks Raider 10 with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Aleister attacks Raider 08 with Bludgeon & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

<COMBAT> Raider 06 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Raider 09 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Raider 10 has been KO'd!

It is like a well choreographed dance, as the horses run down the Ironborn who flee. Marvish and Anders strike the same, one riding in with the Lance and striking the fleeing in the back, as shortly after the other Knight comes in with his sword and follows suit. It is a true combination attack that fells the savage,

As the battle turns into a rout, Aron charges after his erstwhile opponent. It is hard to hit a moving target with a lance, even for a skilled rider, but the Haigh knight manages to ram his lance clean through the beefy Ironborn's bicep. He yanks it loose as he rides past, wheeling around to finish the man off. "Haigh!"

A moment of truth arrives, as the wounded raiders on foot continue to be ridden down by the pursuing cavalry of the Riverlords. When it becomes clear that escape is impossible, the bloodied and torn remnants of the Stonehouse warband attempt to throw down weapons to yield.

There are so very few that aren't spilling their life's blood all over the ground, and Anders (and his cavalry) are finding it hard to find a target that will even begin to put up a fight. It's a rout, certainly, and turning his courser around, he searches for a good target, his eyes narrowing. One is spotted soon enough, and he spurs forward… and reins in as the weapons are thrown down, the horse's hooves digging into the rich soil at the stop.

Marvish pauses his horse a moment, surveying the scene, a smile coming to his lips as takes in the rout that has occured." A kick of his heels, the ready of his lance, and he rides towards another fleeing raider. Seeing the throwing down of the arms, he pauses a moment, stopping his horse.

"Get off my father's land," Jarod spits tersely as he levels another blow down and arcing toward the Ironman's neck. This one finds it's target in truer form, a good deal of blood splattering as the man falls. It's a quick death, at least, as blows to the neck will tend to be. The knight reins his horse in and pulls it around. He doesn't let it fall again right away, though he does keep his sword up. "Fine catch of squids we got here, lads. Wonder what they call tell us about their plans for our Riverlands?"

"If they're just foot-soldiers, they'll tell us nothing because they know nothing. Nothing but the fact they're promised spoils," Anders responds, his voice low as he resheaths his sword and legs his horse around to head the other direction in order to form up his Northmen. "Form up!"

Anton stabs some things, then stabs some other things. Some of them die quickly, some of them will probably die, but just a bit more slowly. Etc., etc. He doesn't seem to notice or care that one attempts to yield, striking at him anyway, though as more follow suit and throw down their weapons, he looks towards the leader of the vanguard to see if there's an order coming.

With his mace glancing off the armor of his intended target, Aleister is wheeling around for another pass and as his weapon comes up into the air, he's catching note of the weapons being tossed down by the Ironborn. There's a quick grunt that sounds in his throat, but he does rein his horse in, though he leaves his mace readied, in case they should try and turn once more. "Tie 'em up, I say. Parade 'em at the front of the line for their brethren to see just what happens when one crosses the Riverlands."

Marvish raises a hand into the air, his fist closed. Taking the signal, the Erenford Knights make their way to their leader, forming up behind him and remaining stationary.

Aron and his knights are still riding among the running Northmen, lances and broadswords rising and falling in brutal chops and lunges. The first few to yield are ignored - and the rest are given less and less opportunity. Finally, however, it cannot be denied any longer, and Aron raises his lance. Reluctantly, his knot of brutish knights follow suit, and he leads them back toward Ryman Frey at the trot.

Ryman Frey comes galloping up among the others of the knights of The Crossing as the battle grinds to its bloody end. "Bring the survivors," the red faced Frey decides. "And drag the bodies off the road. Their corpses will slow down the wagons." Nodding once as Aron and several other of his grandfather's vassals regard him, he voices, "A fine victory, Sers."

Taken out of the actual fight, now that it's come to an end, Gedeon guides his horse towards the surrendering men closest to Anton. If nothing else, he can at least assist in the collecting of prisoners. Or corpses. Whichever.

It is when everything is settled and ceased, that MArvish decides he wishes his spear back. Many a man has fallen by that same spear. He spurs his horse away from the Knights, towards the corpse in the road, reaching down at a gallop and yanking it with a small tear of flesh from the Ironborn's back, "Thanks. I hope your done with this." The horse turns and he rides back, spear held aloft, feather blowing in the wind.

Aron bows in his saddle toward Ryman, reaching to remove his helmet. He prances his mount in a slow circle to regard the nearest knot of prisoners. "If you Ironborn worshippers of a drowning god want to live to see another dawn, clear this road." He turns toward one of his knights, smiling coldly. "Ser, if they do not execute the task to your satisfaction, pick one and claim his head. That will spur the others on." Hardly chivalric, but by the hard glint in Aron's azure gaze, he means every word.

Jarod is done with stabbing things for the moment, and he holds up a hand for his squire to be done with it, too. He's breathing fast, sword and armor splotched with blood, but he doesn't seem to have any thirst for more. He assists in herding the prisoners over to be bound.

Now that's a Lord that Anders can understand. With his northmen lined and formed up, he nudges his forward at a walk, a smile pasted upon his face. "A keen idea, my lord." Aron. "One that I shall have to remember for the future. As I ride and fight, I learn."

"Indeed, Ser," comes to be offered to Ryman before Aleister is turning his horse back around and beginning to the approach back to his own line. Those Knights that are passed along the line are given a nod and a murmered greeting and when he finally arrives amongst the Charlton Knights, he's flashing a quick smile to Andrey, "Cousin. An invigorating battle, to say the least."

Aron has a genuine smile for Anders as well, as the Flint compliments his ruthlessness. "My Lord, the way that I see things.. why should you and -I- have to haul bodies away from the road? After all, if -they- had somehow managed to defeat -us-, we'd be wearing collars and pulling oars, or some such thing." He fastidiously wipes gore from his maile leggings, frowning a bit. "Squire!" The boy comes at a hurry. "By dawn, all of this shall be perfect." "Yes, my Lord."

Marvish tugs tightly on the reins of his horse, trotting it slowly over to Aron of all people. The spear is still held aloft. As the horse approaches Aron, he stops the horse and removes his helmet, setting it before him on the saddle. He stares quietly at the Haigh Knight for a moment, a smile slowly creeping across his face. With a solemn nod and a tipping of his spear downward, the Knight turns his horse. Babysteps.

Aron watches the approach of his rival with a hawk-like acuity, his hand tightening on the grip of his lance. At the other man's salute, he blinks, looking aside at one of his knights. The older man shrugs back, and hesitantly, Aron summons up a smile for Marvish in return. He does -not-, however, go so far as to lower his own lance. The smile seems rather strained, for that matter, but at least the man is trying.

Anders inclines his head and removes his helm while still upon horseback, and shaking his head, allows for the sweat to begin to dissipate. He doesn't need hands to ride. "It's a good idea. One that will certainly be used again." He takes a deep breath and expells it before looking at his hand. The scratch isn't deep, and by morning, it'll be scabbed over and useful once again. Doesn't mean that it doesn't sting a little when he flexes it.. but that's no matter. Anders hangs his shield on a saddle hook and takes his leave with a "My lord," and rides towards his men. "We make camp here. Take your rest while you can and be ready to ride at the morning's first light." If not sooner.

Drawing himself down from his saddle, Aleister is looking to his fellow knights and squires and with a nod of his head, he's motioning to the spanse of land, "We'll make camp here." The reins of his horse are simply passed off to his squire before he's moving off in the direction of where the camp will be setup, no doubt to survey things as they begin to take form.