Page 248: Two Men Enter
Two Men enter
Summary: The Siege of Grey Garden comes to a head.
Date: 03/23/288
Related Logs: All Grey Garden logs.
Players:
Bruce Einar Jarod Jere Kamron Keelin Kell Marsden Martyn Mychel Pariston Quellyan Rafferdy Rickart Rygar Horde 
Wilderness - Harlaw Isle
The labrynthine fortress of Grey Garden sprawls atop a bare, rocky hillock commanding the south-eastern quarter of Harlaw Isle. The countryside is largely bare, with thin soil over weather-worn rock.
23 March, 288 A.L.

The appointed time has come on the appointed day, and the main gates of the Grey Gardens open once again. A clamor is raised from within the fortress: a shout, echoed by a thousand throats three times before two figures can be seen within the frame of that gate, walking toward the center of the arrow-straight bridge. One wears full plate in the continental style, a rich black cloak flowing from steel shoulders, while the other is in full maile, bearing aloft a tall standard. Black, blazoned with the white scythe of Harlaw.

The gates of Grey Gardens stand open at their backs, but no more of the Ironborn leave those labrythine walls.

Having been waiting for the day and time, Ser Bruce Longbough and his Nayland Guards are at the ready, as far as they can go while remaining with the rest of their forces. They cradle their loaded crossbows, alert and ready to use them should they need. Further back, the levies have been stood to and wait formed up for any mischief that might require them.

Rygar Nayland is armed and armored, save for the helm which his squire carries a step behind. the stern knight is near to the formation of Nayland levies, but his chill regard is fixed upon the bridge, the harlaw banner, and the pair of men waiting beneath it.

Einar is, as per usual these days, kitted out in his leathers and cloak with his sword by his side and his crossbow slung over his shoulder. He's out of range and he knows it, but that isn't to say he couldn't have it ready sharpish should the situation change. It seems that this once, the FLints drew the short straw and have the rear guard, just in case any Ironborn try and sneak behind the camp while everyone is watching out front. Still, it has to be done, but he's in no doubt that he's going to be reminding a few of his men which way they should be looking at times.

Kamron has gathered with the rest of the Mallister forces, his shield already strapped to his left arm and his helm in place atop his head, casting his features into shadow. His axe remains in its loop at his side, however. His own squire, the collection of elbows and knees that is Percival Ryger, stands beside him, carrying his own shield and a heavy flanged mace. While the squire is practically hopping from nervous energy, the presence of some vestige of the enemy seems to have calmed the knight nicely, a faint smile touching on his lips within the embrace of his helm's cheek guards.

Jarod has long returned to camp and assembled the men in the Terrick levies. Though, like their counterparts, they just stand under the direction of a serjeant at their appointed place in the force. Ser Rivers, armed and armored like most of the other knights, stands at the head of them, eyes fixed on the bridge. It's the interested spot just now.

Dressed in his full armor and looking around a bit thoughtfully, Martyn has made his way out as well, studying the others nearby a bit thoughtfully for a few moments. Taking a few deep breaths, before he looks over at Kamron. "Would you care to accompany me when I go out there, cousin?" he offers to the man after a few moments of pause. "It's time to take care of this now."

Keelin is armed, armoured and at Ser Martyn's disposal, as always. He has his own helm on, and is with the Mallister force, not far from Kamron, at least to start with. He glances around, gaze taking in the folks who are all prepared for whatever may come, and then going to the bridge as the sound of the shout from within can be heard. His brow furrows slightly as he watches the two men walk out on the bridge. Huh. Interesting may not quite be the right word for it.

As a Free Lance, Jere isn't at the head of any host, and he isn't flying the colors of any house. He is however armored in his full maile, with a shield and warhammer on his person, in addition to his sword. He watches the two emerging from the city with a quiet interest.

Kittridge stands with the assembled forces of House Groves, levies, men at arms, and knights. Armed and armored like the rest, he leans on a spear, the butt planted in rocky soil, and watches.

With the Army of the Cape divided into quarters to carry on the siege of Grey Garden, the strength of the forces before those great gates is under two thousand, and lacking much of the heavy cavalry, who continue to ride patrols.

Beneath the scythe banner, the Ironlord and his banner bearer wait still and silent.

Kamron looks over to Martyn, his eyebrows going up slightly, and then his lips curving up into a broader grin, "Happy to oblige." Looking between Martyn and Keelin, he notes, "Bet you at least one of them wants a fight." He doesn't wait for a response, however, looking back to his squire and adding, "Stay here, Percy. Ser Keelin'll keep you safe if anything happens." One blue-gray eye winks over at the sworn sword, and then he's headed out after Martyn to meet the Harlaws.

Bruce isn't too far off from Jarod. He nods at his Terrick counterpart, a smile brief but tightly held. "This should be interesting, eh?"

Uh huh. Sure he will. Keelin's lip quirks in a smile to Kamron, though his own squire simply snorts, covering it up with a fake cough. "That I can do, but best you don't give me reason to, m'Lords," he says straightforwardly. The sworn sword catches a Mallister banner, and then he takes the quick few steps to catch up to Kamron. "M'lord - perhaps you should have this?" he suggests.

"Good," Martyn offers to Kamron, before he starts making his way out there, nodding a little bit. Pausing after a few moments to allow Kamron to catch up, while still keeping his attention on the Harlaws for now. Expression a bit thoughtful for now.

Mychel would just blend into the crowd of Knights and men at arms all congregated around, except that few men have the size that Mychel has. Being somewhere between six and a half and seven feet in heigh makes the man stick out like a sore thumb on most occassions. He stands with whatever forces Charlton have brought to the field today, large warhammer resting easily on one broad shoulder. He isn't at the front of his group either, that position generally not being for Common Knights. The large man's gaze shifts over those there with him, a brief glance spared for Alric as well, though not a word is said by the half giant.

Jarod turns his head toward Bruce, returning the smile with a quick grin of his own. He ever smiles easily, though this expression has a grim touch that doesn't quite reach his green eyes. "We'll see how it plays, Ser. Warrior be with us and all that."

Kamron stops and steps back at Keelin's words, glancing to the bannerman and Lord out in the midst of the bridge, "I suppose it's only proper." He collects the banner in his free hand, bracing it on his shoulder as he catches up to Martyn and falls in just off his right shoulder.

Behind him, Percival Ryger grins a too-broad grin at Keelin, "I- I- I'll try to stay out of your way, Ser."

With Anders somewhere with the rest of the army, EInar is fully aware that he'll get a blow by blow account of the action, but there really is nothing that'll make a man want to watch something more than being told to go away and face the other direction. A quick glance is stolen while checking on a couple of the pickets, but he's mostly managing to keep his attention where it needs to be.

"You have come," Lord Harlaw observes plainly as Martyn strides to within earshot. "In the way of our people since the days before counting, I, Rogr Harlaw, Lord of Grey Garden, do challenge the master of this host to stand forward and meet me at arms," he invokes, in the cadence of ritual.

Alric moves around somewhere in the midst of people, though not too far away from the rest of the ones with the Charltons nor too far behind Martyn and the others. Eyes looking to Lord Harlaw, studying. But for now he is quiet and glances around, spotting Mychel among them but he does not address the man. Perhaps just looking for some other Charltons, who are probably somewhere around there.

Keelin gives Kamron a satisfied nod, and then steps back. Percival catches his attention and he turns a level gaze on the lad for a long moment, before he says, "Buck up, Lad. It only gets worse from here on in." Straight faced, even. Then his attention is back on the Mallisters as they walk out onto the bridge to meet the Harlaws there. Seven help them all.

"I have," Martyn replies with a nod, before he pauses for a few moments as he hears the formal words. "I, Martyn Mallister, accept the challenge," he replies calmly. Looking quite calm as well, for the moment at least.

"It is a curious habit of the chivalrous heart," Rygar observes aloud, cold blue eyes narrowed on the sight of Martyn Mallister striding toward Rogr Harlaw, each beneath the banner of their house. "To hazard all upon a single pass of arms." The stern Nayland goes silent as the two distant generals exchange words.

Lord Rogr nods once, and accepts his helmet from the banner bearer- the helm's faceplate is crafted in the shape of two scythes, poles central, with the jawline formed of the two curving blades. "May the Seven judge us justly, Mallister," he offers in benediction, before holding a hand out to the side to receive his two-handed sword.

After his one off comment and another grunt sent at Jarod Rivers, Ser Bruce looks back to the bridge. He can't really reach it with his crossbow, and neither can the lads he's next to, but they watch with captured interest anyways. He squints. "Aye, Ser Rygar. I don't and will never understand it. Do they really think we'll back off if Ser Martyn falls, Gods forbid?"

Kamron settles the butt of the banner-pole to the stone surface of the bridge, glancing once at the Harlaw bannerman before he settles into his best active waiting stance. Might as well get a look at how the professionals hold their banners, since he's usually holding something a little more sharp and choppy. The challenge from the Harlaw lord and Martyn's response has the knight's eyes volleying from one to the other. He steps up to Martyn for a moment, looking over his cousin's harness to ensure that nothing is out of place, then nods once to the other man, "Warrior guide your hand, and the Father help you judge him for his treason." The words are quiet, meant only for the ears of his cousin. Then he steps back, doing his best to get out of the way of what is likely to become a rather hot contest.

"Would you not, Ser, if challenged to it?" Jarod asks of Ser Rygar. Since they've got some downtime, he may as well continue to converse with the Nayland knights. Not that he looks anything but pensive. "Ser Martyn trusts his skill and honor. Just as Lord Jason did at Seagard." He's not an optimistic bastard at present.

Martyn nods a bit as he hears Rogr's words, "May they do that, Lord Harlaw," he offers a bit quietly. Nodding a little bit as Kamron steps up, he lowers his voice as well. "If I don't make it back, let my sister and my parents know this is what I had to do, cousin." He then turns back to the Harlaw, taking a few moments to move his left fist to hit his right shoulder, then his left shoulder and finally his chest as he gets ready to do this battle.

"I think, Ser Longbough," Rygar answers Bruce, without looking aside from the coming contest, "That Harlaw and Mallister have bled each other so for long, that neither cares if it shall win them this siege. Simply that they have chance to bleed their foe." Jarod's query is met without pause. "As a private knight, I certainly should. As the general of a host, it is ill-considered, save in desperation. Were this army mine to command, I should have agreed to such a challenge only once the battle were decided. I should call for a general surrender, and offer my foe single combat once my duties to my overlord were fulfilled." He does look aside to add, "Such was my answer to Ser Jaremy."

Mychel For his part, the large hulking Mychel stays silent. While single combat is interesting enough to watch, the man doesn't have much to do. Hell, he doesn't even know who the combatants are for that matter. So he stays silently watching.

"I wouldn't." Bruce answers Jarod's question, though it wasn't him who was asked. "I find the whole bloody thing to be a mummer's show. We have a siege to conclude, not a tourney to win." As the topic of Jaremy comes up, Bruce's eyebrows slowly inch upwards, though he doesn't say anything about it.

Lord Harlaw nods once slowly and raises his great blade vertically in salute before calling in commencement, "For the Iron King!" The blade is readied and the Lord of Grey Garden steps to battle his rival.

Kamron responds to Martyn as he steps back, "It won't come to that, cousin. Seven willing." Without an active part in the proceedings, he pulls his left arm free from his shield, slinging it on his back to free his arm. Otherwise, he keeps his attention on the Harlaws, watching for any signs that they're likely to step outside of the rules and conventions of the single combat.

Jere continues to stand and watch, there is little the Hedge Knight has to offer to the procedings as the two nobles prepare for their duel on the bridge. He stands with anticipation for the action to begin, which it seems to be starting. He jockeys for a little better view of the fighting on the bridge.

Jarod sighs some at mention of Ser Jaremy. "Ser Middleton of the Wall. Suppose I should say I wish he were here right now but…" He shrugs, and eyes the single combat about to begin. He does not say that. "As a private knight, I would certainly, were the cause worthy of it. Not sure this'll solve matters if it ends in Ser Martyn's favor, though. The Ironborn don't strike me as the sort to honor such a bargain."

Rygar sniffs sharply at Jarod's last. "And think you that the Ironborn expect us to leave should their Lord prevail? No, Ser. This is a contest of blood, nothing more or less."

"Lads -" Bruce now turns to address the Nayland Guard with him, saying, "if the contest turns against the Harlaw and they begin to get ready to sally, well, we're going to break them. Don't get too distracted by the fight. There are men scheming to kill us in that stronghold, beyond sight."

For the time being, the Hedge Knight Kell Drakmoor has remained silent while the two featured combatants square off in their positions to start the fight. Though his eyes are focused on the pair, the Mallister and the Harlaw, his ears have been listening to the conversation going on nearby, notably where Ser Rivers, Lord Nayland, and Ser Longbough are situated. As the first blows are exchanged, Kell's face remains passive as he watches on, seeing that first blood has been drawn.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield but Lord Harlaw DODGES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Moderate wound to Right Arm (Reduced by Armor).

Rogr Harlaw may be an aging warrior, with his hair going to grey beneath the scythe-faced helm, but he is a warrior still, and deft on his feet, even in full armor. The Lord of Grey Garden steps crisply to one side against his rival's first blow and strikes swiftly against Martyn's swordarm.

Trying to get the first blow in, Martyn grimaces a bit as Rogr Harlaw manages to get out of the way, and then winces at the incoming blow. Taking a few steps back, he moves in for another attempt to strike down the Harlaw lord.

"I don't figure they've any reason to trust our honor at this point, Ser," Jarod replies to Rygar. "We should've waited for Lord Piper to arrive, perhaps. He managed to gain Leviathan's Hold's surrender, and his terms to the squids were fair." Not that he has much opportunity to dwell on what might've been done. The first blow to the Mallister makes him grimace as well.

Keelin isn't close enough to be able to help, but he's certainly keeping watch on things. "Remember lads," he tells the squires, "to keep watch around us, as well. Wouldn't do for the squids to sneak around behind us while we're all gawking." Not that the Riverlanders have ever used that tactic themselves or anything.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield but Lord Harlaw DODGES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Light wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).

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

The Ironlord presses his ferocious attack striking heavily and often against the shield blazoned with the silver eagle of Seagard. The greatsword scores the rim of Martyn's shield, and still brings enough force against the Mallister's gorget to knock the younger man from his feet.

Rygar comments levelly to Jarod, even as the duel goes on: "To my knowledge there has been no oath of withdrawal, should Ser Mallister fall. I know that Lord Rickart has given no such vow." As the general of the Riverlord host receives a second blow, Rygar draws a slow breath through the nose. "I doubt whether his chosen weapon will strike to much effect against the ironlord."

Getting knocked down by that blow, Martyn winces a bit as he gets to his feet again as fast as he can while wearing all this armor. Moving forward a bit more agressively now.

Kamron grimaces as Martyn continues to be driven back, his right hand shifting its grip on the staff of the banner. His smile is completely gone by now, his teeth gritted beneath tight-pressed lips. His left arm shifts unconsciously as if he were going to step forward to help Martyn to his feet, but he doesn't move, watching the fight as impassively as he can.

Lord Rogr's shoulders rise and fall visibly as Martyn scrambles back to his feet. The sable cloak, blazoned with a scythe in silver thread billows briefly in a passing gust of wind, before the two step to blows once more.

With much the same ideas as Keelin and Bruce, Einar takes the time to remind those FLints guarding the rear just why they don't get to watch two nobles beat the ever living shit out of each other but have to watch grass and rocks instead. "Eyes out," he orders simply, "we'll hear soon enough if anything happens that needs concern us." This time he doesn't sneak a glance. It'd be just his luck that an attack would be sprung at just that moment. What he does do though is offer up a silent prayer. Several infact.

"Maybe they should have agreed to equal armour and weapons, for their terms. This being nothing more than a tourney fight, in any case." Bruce frowns sourly, spitting on the ground under him. A shrug is sent Jarod's way. "Maybe we should have. They should surrender before we burn down their bloody castle and kill everyone in it. The hour for mercy grows short. And Ser Martyn does not appear to be doing very well."

Mychel continues to stand and watch, the lines of a grimace slowly creeping up over his features. He leaves his huge maul settled up on his shoulder for the moment, watching in silence as fate is decided by an uneven looking duel.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Serious wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).

Once again, the swifter Mallister strikes as the Harlaw lumbers in to the attack, but forgoing his own defense, Martyn lands a staggering blow to the ironborn's chest, stealing a pained grunt from behind the scythe-faced helm. But already in motion is the Harlaw's overhead counter-stroke, which lands on Martyn's gorget with a wrench of twisting metal.

Alric stays silent as he studies the fight. Continuing to hear a couple of words from people around him. His body shifting as the hits land upon one another, of the fighters.

Having moved in for that attack, Martyn stumbles a bit at the strength of the Harlaw attack. Quick breath as he steps back a little bit again, he moves in for another attack.

"Can't burn rock, Ser Bruce. The taking'll be bloody for us as well," Jarod says. Though he does seem to figure by now that it'll come to that. The continuing contest between the Ironborn and Mallister lord draws more wincing, and he turns a little to relay some orders to his serjeant. In case this ends poorly.

Jere watches with a little frown upon his face as things seem to be going rather poorly for Martan out on the bridge. His gaze shifting a little back and forth along the lines before shifting back to look upon the duel.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield but Lord Harlaw DODGES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

Side-stepping another of the wounded eagle's efforts to strike him, Lord Harlaw strikes Martyn again, leaving a crease across the front of the Seagard knight's coat of plates. Breathing heavily, despite his relatively hale state, the Harlaw is feeling the effects of his earlier aggression, and begins to choose his blows more carefully as the duel wears on.

As the duel between the two combatants continue, Kell's expression finally changes, growing slightly darker as his eyes scans the other Ironborn that are on the other side, watching their Lord getting the better of the Mallister. Making sure his blade does not catch in his sheath, the Hedge Knight lifts it slightly bfeore letting it settle back in the scabbard, eyes returning to the duel.

Keelin doesn't wince, though he'd like to. But with the Mallister squires here looking at him, he keeps his expression from showing his emotions as much as he can. Solid, even tempered and calm, that's his signature at any rate. He does stir a bit, as it seems that the Harlaw gets a good hit in on Martyn. Now, despite his earlier words, his attention is drawn to the duel, unable to stop watching.

Taking a few steps backwards after that hit to the chest, glancing down to it for a few moments, then over towards Lord Harlaw. Noticing the man breathing more heavily now, he moves in for an attack again.

"No, but you can stack wood next to the rock and burn that. The rock will fall eventually. I've seen it before." Ser Bruce quips back, frowning deeply as the last hit from Lord Rogr's greatsword caves a piece of Ser Martyn's gorget in. "Gods."

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield but Lord Harlaw DODGES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Moderate wound to Right Hand (Reduced by Armor).

Backing away from Martyn's violent swing, Rogr Harlaw strikes a counter-blow that catches Martyn's gauntlet in mid-swing. The Ironlord is picking his foe apart, but has yet to put him down again.

Muttering momentarily as his opponent dodges again, Martyn winces once more as the blow hits his gauntlet. Moving a bit more carefully again now.

"Gods indeed…" Jarod mutters with yet another grimace. He squares his shoulders and keeps his eyes fixed on Martyn. Offering the Mallister a salute. Albeit a distant one. And probably unnoticed, as Martyn presently has much bigger problems.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword but Martyn DODGES!

"Take your men and leave my lands, Mallister.." Rogr Harlaw breathes through his faceplate, after each man has swung and cleaved only air. "And I will not kill you here. My cause is just and the Seven are with me, this day."

"And what will you do then, Harlaw, when the rest of the Armies of the Riverlands come here after having finished taking the rest of the island?" Martyn replies,through his own faceplate. There's some heavy breathing from him as well before he adds, "And one might argue that it's the other way around, given how many times you've hit me, and well… I'm still standing."

"So be it, then," Rogr Harlaw grinds out, giving a wordless roar and stepping anew to the assault.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Light wound to Right Hand (Reduced by Armor).

The Ironlord again hammers at his Mallister foe with repeated blows, driving Martyn backward and doing more damage to the gauntlet that armors the riverlord's swordhand.

Waiting for the incoming attack now, Martyn's own swing misses, as he's getting hit in the hand again. Taking a few moments to regain his composure a bit before the next attack now.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield but Lord Harlaw DODGES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

Lord Harlaw presses his advantage almost recklessly, as he seeks to capitalize on Martyn's brief distraction. although his breaths are audible to both banner bearers, the Lord of Grey Garden strikes a brutal blow to the Mallister's torso, starting a trickle of blood flowing down the interior of Martyn's armor, dripping out the bottom of the coat of plates.

Unfortunately for Martyn, his own blow misses once again. And then that blow hits, and he can feel the blood flowing. Grimacing a bit as he moves forward a bit more cautiously now.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Left Arm stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword but Martyn DODGES!
<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Left Arm stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).

The two warriors trade several blows, in a flurry of violence, but for several exchanges the armor of both men does it's duty. At last, Martyn suffers another blow across the ribs from the edge of Rogr Harlaw's sword. Beneath the coat of plates, several maile links have broken, tearing into the gambeson.

Martyn can feel those broken links beneath the plates. He winces quite a bit as he steps back a few more steps. He doesn't say anything at the moment though. Possibly because speaking would hurt quite a bit at the moment.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Light wound to Right Leg (Reduced by Armor).

Harlaw evades Martyn's swing and lands a quick blow to the defensive Mallister's exposed thigh plate, rearing back and sucking in breath before launching another flurry.

Kamron retreats slightly as Martyn is driven back, his face hardening and his left hand drawing his shield back in front of him so that he can slip his arm through the loop and grasp the handle inside. Under his breath, he grumbles, "Come on, Warrior… guide his blade," still maintaining his distance from the duelists.

Back in the Mallister lines, Percival is starting to twitch with nervous energy, shuffling his feet and hefting his mace repeatedly. "He's going to be alright, isn't he, Ser Keelin?"

Beneath the Harlaw banner, despite the better status of his champion, Harlaw's nephew and banner bearer breathes a similar prayer. "Warrior, guide his hand."

Taking that blow to his thigh as well, Martyn takes a few moments to get out a few words in the Harlaw Lord's direction. "If the Seven… are with you…" There's a grim smile behind his faceplate. "Wouldn't you have succeeded by now?" Waiting for the next blow again now.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield but Lord Harlaw DODGES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Light wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Armor).

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

Rogr Harlaw- no doubt flushed behins his helm- roars indignantly at the taunt, "You heathan bastard!" and redoubles his blows against the Mallister. The second of his heavy swings earns a loud crack as he splits a plank in Martyn's shield, his greatsword scoring the arm beneath, and once again driving Martyn to the stone underfoot.

Keelin watches and waits. At the squire's question, Keelin peels his eyes off the action to look at the lad. "Seven willing, he will," he replies simply. Since there's not anything else to really say, though then he has to look over again, the sound of the crack almost heard where he is standing, and he can't help but cringe at the events unfolding now.

At least the taunt had some kind of effect, right? Although it might not have been the one Martyn was planning as the Harlaw's sword gets through his shield, and into his arm. Falling back towards the ground, he winces quite a bit more now. "You know… You can strike me down… But others will come… Too many of us…" A brief grin up in the direction of his opponent, "Sooner or later, you will fall." At least there's words in him at the moment.

Alric watches as the fight goes on and Martyn falls backwards. Not much he can do for now, just standing and watching. Hand running through his hair as he let his eyes look past the fighters for a moment before returning to the two men.

"I do not fear numbers, Mallister," Rogr Harlaw huffs back as he recovers his blade for another blow. "I will do my duty to my sworn king, for I am a Harlaw of the Grey Garden. But this is not the day I fall."

Kamron tenses as Martyn falls again, and this time he takes a shuffling half-step forward. He doesn't actually interfere, however, held back by honor and his own self-discipline. He does, however, speak up, "Your sworn king is King Robert Baratheon, First of his name."

Einar can't help but feel that this is all taking far too long. Still, with no outbursts of cheering from either side at least that means that the Lord Mallister is not out of the fight. Sadly, nor is the Lord Harlaw. "Father forgive me," Einar mutters to the skies as he takes a glance round. He's far enough away that the details are far from clear, but still, the general feel is easy enough to detect. Turning back to his pickets he says simply, "They're both still at it lads, keep sharp."

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Light wound to Left Arm (Reduced by Armor).

"So will I…" Martyn says as he gets to his feet again, trying another attack for now. "But what comes first… That duty, or the duty to those that are depending on you for their safety and well being?" Spitting out some blood now, as he nods at Kamron's words. "Is your honor worth all their lives?"

It is not Rogr, but Herrod Harlaw, his banner bearer who answers Kamron, from across the duel: "Harlaw's fealty is to Pyke and Balon Greyjoy! More true than Baratheon's was to Targaryen."

For his part, the Lord of the Grey Gardens growls, "You slay my priests and despoil the graves of my ancestors and speak to ME of honor?" He answers the question with another blow.

<COMBAT> Martyn attacks Lord Harlaw with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Martyn with Greatsword - Serious wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).

<COMBAT> Martyn has been KO'd!

He would have had an answer to that, Martyn would. But that last blow to his head has knocked him out, and down he falls to the ground, a bleeding mess. At least he tried, right?

Bruce shakes his head as he sees Martyn go down for the final time. His expression is one of sad resignation. "Well, that's that, then. Long live his memory." He says, fatally.

Harlaw's blow strikes a cruel crease in the Mallister General's helm, again scoring the maile beneath, and sending Martyn to the ground, his face fresh with blood. Shoulders heaving with exertion, the Lord raises his blade again to strike off the felled man's head, in an echo of the scene many had seen play out before the fortress of Seagard.

Rygar does not look aside from the bloody contest on the bridge to instruct his squire in a level voice, "Seek out Lord Rickart. He shall be needed, shortly."

Kamron shakes his head hard, "Aerys was a mad dog. King Robert has not wronged—" and then Martyn falls, and that great blade rises again in Harlaw hands. He steps forward then, calling out aloud, "He's defeated, Lord Harlaw. Retire with honor."

Lord Harlaw ignores the plea of Kamron, bloodied greatsword drawn back and drawn up, starting forward in the blow aimed at parting Martyn Mallister's head from his body.

"Fuck," Jarod mutters when Martyn is felled. He takes a long breath and tries to summon up something more eloquent. "Stranger take him, and this place with him." And with that, he turns to see that the Terrick levies are ready for…whatever happens now.

Alric looks at the fallen Mallister, "Get ready for anything now." He calls out to those close. A step forward taken, but he is quite the distance from actually doing anything to help out for now. But is trying to get the men ready.

With what little strength he has left now, Martyn turns his head so he can look to the Harlaw Lord as he approaches. If he dies, he does so watching the person killing him, at least.

As Lord Harlaw moves in to finish off the downed Mallister, Kell's eyes narrow and his body tenses, the legs in his muscle ready to spring into action to go into a sprint, or something that somewhat resembles one while wearing chainmail. "If Harlaw attempts to finish him, we may end up clashing in the middle to rescue Ser Mallister." The Hedge Knight is of course assuming the other knight is still alive.

When Lord Harlaw ignores his call to halt, Kamron hefts his shield, and then steps forward, dropping to one knee alongside Martyn and raising the purple-painted wood to place it between his kinsman and the descending blade. "ENOUGH! He's fallen. If you kill him now, I bet they start singing 'The Rains of Harlaw.'" Either the fight is already completed in his mind, or he's willing to intervene in the affair to save his cousin, because he takes the blow to the shield without an interruption in his snarled 'bet.'

"Ready then, lads, this might be about to get ugly." Bruce turns his head to say to the Nayland Guards, grabbing his shield from the ground and slinging the guige, or strap, over his neck and shoulder. He's ready to move forward into range, should they need to.

Having prepared himself for his own death, Martyn blinks a few times at Kamron's actions. There's not much more he can do at the moment, so he just remains where he is now.

"It already bloody was," echoes the Septon standing close with the guards. His large round shield is brought to bear, before his helm is pulled down. Eyes close for a moment, as his words remain muted-incase orders need to be made. But clearly the Chaplain is praying. Either for the poor soul under the sword now-or them about to be. Most likely, both. Marsden tightens his grip on his shield- and waits.

Jarod stands ready to move as well, though he stays firmly planted for now. His grimace deepening as Kamron moves in to defend Martyn. "Seven fucking hells," is his only verbal contribution to things so far, and it's muttered under his breath. He cranes his neck around toward the Nayland men, as if he's waiting for something. Perhaps the appearance of Lord Rickart, second-in-line for command. To a job that may be opening up soon.

Tensed and ready, Kell doesn't answer Bruce since it was wishful thinking, with the number of cuts that Martyn had taken during the fight with Lord Harlaw. However, a hand is gripped at the hilt of his blade, ready to pull it out and charge at a moment's notice.

Jere readies his shield as well, and his hammer is loosened in prepration for being drawn, taking his cue from many others about who seem to be preparing to storm the gates, so to speak.

Somewhere among the Flint men stands Pariston, getting ready for anything. His bow in hand as he looks around. Moving a bit in front, having been far behind earlier. Trying to see what's happening.

Rogr Harlaw's execution stroke is turned aside by Kamron's shield as the banner bearer breaks protocol and interposes himself. Wearied, if not bloodied by the duel, Lord Harlaw staggers to one side and shouts, "Treachery!" The young Harlaw, bearing the standard starts forward, drawing a broadsword and repeating the call: "Treachery! Treachery!" before moving to put himself between his uncle and Kamron. For his part, the elder Harlaw turns his blow toward the interposing nobleman.

<COMBAT> Herrod Harlaw tries to subdue Kamron but fails.
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Kamron with Greatsword but Kamron DODGES!
<COMBAT> Kamron passes.

A frown has remained on one of the Charlton knights the whole time this dance has gone on. ONly now as Kamron moves in, does he look over to where his Lord Cousin stands, and with the other knights amassed. "Fucked, is what it is." Quellyan mutters before he's gripping the hilt of his great sword. And he doesn't draw, not yet, but he does shift his wait. "Steady lads." His bark comes down to the Charlton men. As if the Blackrood's own stonewall expression could help everyone keep from wanting to bloody charge.

And then it comes. Harlaw's call out and there's a groan. "We're all fucked in the end.." A sigh, for now arrows will be soon to join in, and the slaughter to really start in earnest.

Being, as she is, still doing the bum job of keeping an eye on the rear pickets, the subtle change int he situation before the gates is lost on Einar. Pacing back and forth a little he blows out his cheeks before frowning as something catches his eye among the rocks. A moment later an it's dismissed again as a trike of the light, still, don't hurt to be alert.

Being one of the Charlton men, Mychel shifts his grip on his large maul, moving it off his shoulder so that it comes to rest before him in both hands. The large Knight does nothing other than that, keeping his gaze set on the events that are unfolding before them.

"Steady, lads. STEADY! Stay where you are!" Bruce yells at not just his own Nayland Guards, but at everyone he can, in the army. "Ser Kamron should not have stepped in - Ser Martyn made his bed, and now he lays in it. We can't sacrifice more men because of this foolish duel. HOLD!"

<COMBAT> Herrod Harlaw tries to subdue Kamron but fails.
<COMBAT> Martyn passes.
<COMBAT> Lord Harlaw attacks Kamron with Greatsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

Moments after the duel transforms into a chaotic skirmish, warhorns sound from the gates of Grey Garden. Kamron's shield turns aside a second blow of Harlaw's blade, and the Mallister seeks to drag his kinsman toward friendly lines.

Within the Riverlord camp, activity steps up in earnest as the warhorns sound. Lord Rickart is not yet arrived, and in his absence Rygar turns a look aside to Bruce. "It begins, Ser."

Kamron takes a blow from the greatsword on his shield, splinters flying from the purple-painted surface. "Ser Martyn is defeated." And then Herrod comes flying in, and the still-standing Mallister is rocked back on his knee. He lets the Mallister banner fall to the stone bridge, and then reaches down to grab the back of Martyn's breastplate, trying to drag him back toward friendly lines. For all that he's being attacked by two ironborn, he does not draw a weapon, being far too distracted by other matters.

"No Charlton's cross unless we're ordered lads." comes a bark, as it seems many are trying to keep the men from baying in. Luckily there are no bloody fools on horses here. That'd only make this all worse. Have some fool on a horse try and ride forward and make a name for himself, because then all the tides would rush. Quellyan looks down the line towards his Squire. "Just grip the shield tight, An keep your head down, Nathyn. You'll live-I promise. You're too fat for em to eat." a smile passed before he's looking down the line to Ser Mychel, a glance to the tall knight and he's looking back to the fight at hand. "Godsdamnit.."

"Ser Martyn agreed to the rules of single combat. He knew what it meant if he lost," Jarod picks up on Bruce's words, eyes sweeping over the assembled Terrick men. Then back to the poor pair of Mallister knights. He grimaces with no small amount of sympathy as he watches Kamron, though he's more tense and readied than anything else.

Jere watches with a bit of suprise as the Mallister's banner dissapears from sight as it falls to the bridge, "Did the Second fall too?" he asks noone in particular, those nearby likely. He doesn't go rushing off to the bridge yet, but he watches up and down the lines to see what the others do.

Back at the Mallister lines, Percival looks to Keelin, jumping at the sound of warhorns, "Um… Ser Keelin? Um? What's going to happen now?" At least he didn't drop his mace.

Warhorns. Now there's a sign to tell you it's all gone to shit "Eyes out!" Einar yells so the whole line can hear as he himself glances back to try and see what has happened. "By the Seven.." he mutters as she makes out the forms of Kamron and Martyn, and then the two Harlaws. "Looks like it's getting interesting boy." He offers, as he tuns back, not that he's expectiing an attack from this side given the apparent lack of premeditation, but still, now would be a bad time to be caught napping.

There's a glance back to Bruce, as one eye opens. A snap there, as the halfsepton seems to come out of his little fit of grace. "If they call for a septon, I'll move up to retrieve the body, if you like?" the priest asks before he's coming to stand a little straighter. "If anything." Marsden continues, "They can shoot at one of ours, for us murderin' one of theirs." A snort, but really-there's no mirth with this lot. A turn of his head towards Ser Rygar. "You want a prayer said for you, m'lord? I'm taking requests, while I can."

Martyn would have helped in any way if he could, but he's just letting himself be dragged for now, his mind working more than the rest of him for the moment.

One can see that the decision isn't sitting well on Kell as he watches as the two Ironborn are teaming up against Kamron but what the others are saying ring true, it was an honorable duel. Though it would've been more honorable if the Iron Lord allowed the two defeated challengers to withdraw, they didn't have to. That is why the Hedge Knight isn't rushing forward or protesting loudly, instead just gritting his teeth under his steel helm as he watches on. As for a prayer, Kell can only say, "Pray for that knight's safe return out there, strengthen his shield and armor so he is able to withdraw safely."

"Guards - once they're in range, prepare. If you shoot without me telling you to, you'll get twenty lashes." Ser Bruce says, dropping to a knee, now, and resting his elbows on the low barrier at his front. He nods at Rygar without looking at him. His expression is utterly serious and without any sort of mirth, something common and typical to the man when he's in a battle situation. As his brow furroughs, he says, "I don't think they'll ask. And it does, Ser Rygar. Gods be on our side."

Oh, bugger, it's hit the fan now. Keelin watches, and as he spies the move made by Kamron, he can't help but take a few steps forward. The army hasn't moved, surely the lord can see that. And has Kamron even raised weapon? Just his shield, and the bloody ironborn call treachery? Figures. They really don't want a fair fight at all. "Steady lads," he says, as he watches for a moment. "Steady. Kamron's going to pull him back. Be ready though. Are there archers ready? If they get back within range, be ready. We're likely to face a sally now. And pray that Lord Kamron is strong enough, brave enough and stubborn enough to pull Lord Martyn back."

Not too far from Einar stands Pariston, who is getting ready. Sword hanging from his hip and bow ready in hand. He just makes sure to follow any orders that Einar has. He even glances over to the Flint.

Rygar does not look back at Marsden as the halfsepton offers that last. "Simply bid the Seven behold our deeds, this day. Ask nothing of them on my behalf." Donning his helm and taking his crow's beak to hand, as the grey lord in brazen armor, the Lord of Hag's Mire, rides up from the camp. "Bit of a tiff is it then, boys?" Lord Rickart prompts aloud.

"Aye, m'lord." Marsden replies before he is turning his head and his body slightly to look as Lord Rickart has come up to the lines. Eyes noting the armor, but then the halfsepton doesn't stare too long. It's a quick nod in response to anything else, as he remains standing tall, by where Bruce is kneeling. A glance to the crossbow and then back up to the action on the bridge. "Bloody stupid is what that was, Father judge em fairly if they don't make it back alive.." After all there are men with them arrows on the walls ain't there?

Meanwhile on the bridge, Lord Harlaw stills his steps, visibly wearied by the contest, and gives his nephew an order that stills the boy's own pursuit. Herrod Harlaw nods to the word, and sheathes his sword, hurridly grasping the fallen Mallister pennant, and becoming the bearer of two banners. As the two Harlaws cease their pursuit, the countermeasure Lord Rogr had prepared against betrayal becomes apparent. From unseen fissures and hidden nooks all along the base of the Grey Garden fortifications, battle bands charge out at the Riverlord camp.

<FS3> Jarod rolls Alertness: Good Success.
<FS3> Kell rolls Alertness: Success.
<FS3> Mychel rolls Alertness: Good Success.
<FS3> Quellyan rolls Alertness: Success.
<FS3> Keelin rolls Alertness: Success.
<FS3> Marsden rolls Alertness: Good Success.
<FS3> Einar rolls Alertness: Good Success.
<FS3> Bruce rolls Alertness: Success.
<FS3> Pariston rolls Alertness: Success.

Kamron takes another blow on the shield as Harras comes in, staggering slightly but not letting go of the back of Martyn's breastplate. The effort of keeping Harras off him, however, leaves his chest open, and the greatsword comes slamming in. Thankfully, it strikes the breastplate straight on with a clatter of steel on steel. "Hang in there, Martyn." The words are gritted out, and he grimaces further when the ironborn take the fallen Mallister banner, but doesn't cease his retreat.

Just a momentary mutter is the indication that Martyn heard Kamron's words, and that he is, in fact, still alive. Aside from that, he's still out of it now.

Keelin is there, ready to go help out as soon as he can. "We could move forward a bit to cover their retreat?" he offers, though he's not so sure that's going to get accepted or not. For sure, he knows he's not the one running things. "Or then again, maybe we don't need too many of us." As the Lord on the bridge stops chasing and so too does his standard bearer. "Look sharp lads, Incoming. Keep a watch on Lords Mallister. If they get close, cover them. But don't go rushing out there.

Jarod mutters something, either a prayer or fervent cursing, or perhaps some mix, under his breath as Kamron drags Martyn away from the Ironborn. He relaxes a little as the Mallisters retreat back toward friendly lines. And then promptly re-tenses again, as his eyes strain toward the Grey Garden lines. "Seven fucking hells. That must be all the Harlaw force headed for us." He strains his neck toward the Lord of the Mire. "M'Lord Ser Nayland, can we use our horns to call our cavalry?"

From his position atop his barded charger, Rickart Nayland smiles down at Jarod's request. "No time like the present, is there, boy? Call the riders, we can't let them miss the only exciting part of this bloody siege, can we?" Raising his voice to carry, he bellows toward Rygar, "Clear away that rabble to my right, will you? I'll take the rest and meet them on the left."

There is a time for keeping watch on rocks and a time for joining battle. TUrns out, right now is a time for joining battle. "Left to right, sound off one two," Einar calls quickly. "Ones, stay put and shout like the GOd are listening if you see them coming this way. Kerr, you're in charge. Two's with me!" ANd with that he's unslinging his crossbow and heading for the right flank of the army, the one that seems to be the weakest.

"Right!" comes, Marsden's call, and the chaplain extends his spear to the men that are pouring out from the Labyrinth. There's a nudge then of his spear to tap Bruce, as if that would help the knight with his aim. And he moves, with the other, likely armed guards to be ready to engage. A shift in his stance as the round shield is brought up. "Alright my brothers and sons. We've been awaiting this day. A great Harvest we're be doing for the Stranger. Or hands, the Warriors hands! Remember your oaths. Your blood! Hold till it's time to charge. And when you yell. Yell for our great Lords. Yell for your homes. For today-Today brothers and sons, Is a red day!"

Yes Marsden might be a little spooked given the incoming numbers, however-That's not stopping the Septon. "Fuck." said almost absently. "I can't bloody remember the holy psalm, I was going to sing. Been fucking planning this for when we were t' march in and I have nothin.." a faint grin shows on his scarred face, before he's starting with something. "On that dark day the Seven will shout: This day shall be long! And the Warriors sword will swing with might an clout-To reap the heathen gone.." Not the best, but hopefully morale will boost, or well who knows.

Mychel eyes the oncoming horde, and he looks over to the higher ranking members of Charlton, Quell in particular. Hearing Jarod's words he hrms quietly examining the horde himself for a moment. He doesn't actually say anything to contradict the man, speaking in a low voice that carries with little effort, "What's the order?"

Bruce is visibly heartened by the sight of Lord Rickart, the former deputy commander, and, essentially, the new commander of the Cape's Army. "Hail, m'lord." He smiles, briefly, raising his crossbow in the air. Then he looks back forward. His eyes widen at the sight of men approaching the right side. "Guards - ready! Loose!" As of now, the Nayland Guards are ahead of the line of levies, whom Ser Rygar is in charge of. As soon as they've loosed their first bolt, Ser Bruce calls, "Guards - move to the rear in ranks. DOUBLE MARCH!" He encourages his men to run behind the line of Mire and Stonebridge pikemen with a wave of his hand, and sprints in that direction.

As the roar of the incoming Ironborn defender is heard and seen, Kell's hand finally pulls his blade free from the scabbard, a clear ring of steel. "Looks like there will be fighting today, Ser Rivers. Atleast we no longer have to scale the walls because I have a feeling there is no one left behind them except women, children, and the elderly." The Hedge Knight will be fighting with Jarod and the Terricks, which in turn means he will also be fighting with the Naylands as well.

Jarod is rather heartened by the Lord Nayland's appearance himself, particularly once the call to the cavalry is put out. Perhaps a first for a Terrick, but he'll take what he can get at present. "Looks like, Ser Kell," he says, moving to the head of the Terrick ranks, nearer to the hedge knight. "Well. I know not what the other lords will do, but for my part I figure there's still time for those folk in the Garden to yield. Not so much them, though." He tips his sword toward the oncoming horde.

"The Order is to take them and fold them back in on the left." Quellyan barks out, before the greatsword is drawn from it's sheathe with a ringing. "They want us, let em' come and fucking take us!" And with the blade brought up. "We can't let them split our army in half, So Charltons, push em and reel them back into their brothers to confuse them! Stay in formation. And bloody fucking, kill as many as you can!" Hopefully the Mallisters listening will follow suit as well. Otherwise, it's about to get bloody.

Jere finds himself forming up with the Charlton knights as the Harlaws sally forth, his warhammer coming out from his belt and he shield brought up to the ready as he prepares, his gaze shifting up and down towards Quellyan as orders are barked out and he moves to fall in line with the instructions.

Rygar nods curtly to his marching orders, all grim solemnity, contrasting with Rickart's jovial humor. He gives the order to serjeants, who bark the command to their men: "Advance, PIKES! Dress the line, RIGHT!" Seen through the eyes of a gull overhead, the developing melee would look like two waves swirling toward each other around a rock. The oncoming Ironborn begin the battle clamor, as they come near to grips with their foes, axes, spear hafts and sword pommels rattle against shields and a great thrumming howl is raised.

Keelin is there with the Mallisters. He draws his own greatsword, and though he's not much on words, he gives the squires a look. "Stick with me, and remember what you've been taught," he says. "Mallisters! Now is our chance to show these bloody reavers what they've unleashed. Fold them in against the left, and we will work together to crush them. Steady now."

With his small force moving to support where the main body of the Flints is drawn up with the Charltons, Einar gives his orders on the move. "PRovide support where you can, don't get drawn out and take out as many as you can before they hit our lines." The joys of not being heavy infantry in a heavy infantry situation.

Percival blinks at Keelin's shout, nearly dropping his mace. He catches it on the way down, then shouts, "I'm going to go help Ser Martyn!" And then he ducks out of the line, slipping back through the Mallister lines to help out his master and his master's kinsman.

Pariston moves to be able to get a view of one of their archers. Getting ready to have a shootout with the man, or at least Pariston is going to shoot against their guy. Can't have it like that after all.

When the order is given, Mychel starts to move with Charlton, hefting his huge warhammer in both hands as he moves off to do what he was instructed to do, "Let's bring em some hell boys!" he rumbles out to the men at arms and such behind him.

Sticking close to Ser Rygar, Marsden ready his spear, and shield as the men come spilling out. He knows his part in all of this, even as his Baritone voice warbles out with the psalm, He's waiting until that moment, that moment when the water in your bowels drops out-and you have to let your body go. That part where your weapon is part of you. And you start it. That killing dance aims to start. Only then will his Spear come out first, and his shield sing out second to knock off any blows coming in. He'll keep the flank and keep the bastards off his Lord.

"Hollyholt! LEFT! Line PUSH" Quellyan calls as he moves in a rather unhurried fashion to meet their hurried foes. Sword brought up, as grip tightens. A step in, and he's swinging his bloody sword out to meet the coming blow from the wild haired bastard whose come to dance with him. A sigh eased out in the movement, as the lines meet. And chaos will come in the push of pike, and the screeching of weapons on armour.

With Marsden starting a psalm on the other flank, Einar picks it up on the right. Hi men know what they're doing for now and he can always break off if he needs to, for now though, let the lads know that GOd is firmly on their side. Crossbow ready he sights briefly for a target among the sprawling mass of the melee. One great big target, presents himself so he takes the shot, before starting his well drilled reload.

On the Left:

<COMBAT> Harlaw 03 attacks Charlton with Spear & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 01 attacks Erenford with Thrown Spear but MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 01's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Mallister attacks Harlaw 04 with Sword & Shield but Harlaw 04 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 04 attacks Mychel with Polearm but Mychel DODGES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 02 attacks Jere with Sword & Shield but Jere DODGES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 01 attacks Keelin with Bludgeon & Shield - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Groves attacks Harlaw 01 with Sword & Shield but Harlaw 01 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Erenford attacks Harlaw 02 with Sword & Shield but Harlaw 02 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Chieftan attacks Quellyan with Polearm and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Charlton attacks Harlaw 03 with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 05 attacks Einar with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 04 attacks Groves with Thrown Spear and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 04's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 attacks Mallister with Thrown Spear - Light wound to Left Leg (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 03's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Peasant 02 attacks Pariston with Thrown Spear - ARMOR on Head stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Peasant 02's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 05 attacks Kittridge with Bludgeon & Shield - Light wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Septon Ulf attacks Mallister with Broadsword - Light wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Quellyan attacks Chieftan with Greatsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Pariston attacks Peasant 05 with Hunting Bow - Light wound to Right Hand.
<COMBAT> Mychel attacks Peasant 04 with Bludgeon - Light wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Kittridge attacks Harlaw 03 with Spear & Shield - Serious wound to Right Leg.
<COMBAT> Keelin attacks Harlaw 01 with Greatsword but Harlaw 01 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Kamron passes.
<COMBAT> Jere attacks Harlaw 02 with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Einar attacks Chieftan with Crossbow - Serious wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Einar's weapon clicks empty.

<COMBAT> Chieftan has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Mallister has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Peasant 04 has been KO'd!

On the Right:

<COMBAT> Harlaw 5 attacks Stonebridge 01 with Sword & Shield - Light wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Garig Harlaw attacks Rygar with Polearm and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 5 attacks Jarod with Thrown Spear - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 5's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Peasant 3 attacks Kell with Thrown Spear - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 3's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Peasant 2 attacks Rafferdy with Thrown Spear - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 2's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Mire 02 attacks Harlaw 2 with Pike - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Harlaw 4 attacks Marsden with Bludgeon & Shield but Marsden DODGES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 3 attacks Kell with Spear & Shield but Kell DODGES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 2 attacks Jarod with Sword & Shield but Jarod DODGES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 1 attacks Mire 01 with Bludgeon & Shield but Mire 01 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Stonebridge 02 attacks Harlaw 4 with Pike - Light wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Stonebridge 01 attacks Harlaw 3 with Pike and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 4 attacks Rygar with Thrown Spear and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 4's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Peasant 1 attacks Bruce with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Mire 01 attacks Harlaw 1 with Pike - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Rygar attacks Garig Harlaw with Polearm but Garig Harlaw DODGES!
<COMBAT> Rafferdy attacks Garig Harlaw with Crossbow - Serious wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Rafferdy's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Marsden attacks Harlaw 4 with Spear & Shield but Harlaw 4 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Kell attacks Harlaw 3 with Greatsword but Harlaw 3 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Jarod attacks Harlaw 2 with Greatsword but Harlaw 2 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Bruce attacks Harlaw 1 with Crossbow - Light wound to Right Hand.
<COMBAT> Bruce's weapon clicks empty.

<COMBAT> Garig Harlaw has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 4 has been KO'd!

Jere clashes with the Harlaw lines, his shield coming in in a heavy blow to knock the Harlaw man slightly off balance and send his sword wide before his hammers comes swinging down onto the man's neck, "For the King!" He shouts out as he tries to press his momentary advantage, surrounded by the clash of fighting to his left and right.

Bruce doesn't need to dodge the arrow coming at him - it thunks into the ground next to him, just as he's busy loosing his own crossbow. Once done, the men are pulled back behind the main Nayland line, to safety, or something approaching it. They reach down into their quivers and reload. Bruce leans over, sticking his belt claw crow's foot into the bow string and wrenching it back. He loads a bolt.

Maybe the Gods are with him after all Einar figures as his target goes down clutching his gut. In the heat of battle he entirely fails to spot the arrow aimed at him, but then it also misses him, so it could be worse. Still though, he's looking around for another target, the bigger and more obvious the better all told, and preferably someone in mail, cos it's needle bodkins he's loading right now. Shame to waste 'em on someone in leathers. Still though he keeps up the singing, moving to a popular call to the Warrior once MArsden's psalm ends.

On the left, the lines of armored men crash together with the violence and clatter of a sack of rocks falling downhill. The worst of the Harlaw aggression is directed against the men under the silver eagle standard, managing to break apart the formation of Mallister armsmen, the Ironborn Septon in the thick of the fighting, calling an invocation to the Warrior as he strikes at the Mallister men, broadsword in hand and prayer on his lips. The Harlaw cheiftan is less fortunate, falling heavily, with a bolt in his gut.

On the right, the ordered ranks of peasant pikemen hold their ground, line intact and formation steady. Though the younger of Rogr Harlaw's sons leads the charge, he is felled promptly after his own blow s blocked, Rafferdy's bolt sprouting from his forehead. The felled Harlaw has a measure of vengeance as one of the hail of hurled spears finds his killer, striking the 'Fun Nayland' a bloody blow.

Pariston has a spear brush off of his helmet. It causes him to get a bit disoriented as he let go of his own arrow. Seeing his arrow flying through the air and hitting the hand of his target. He shakes it off and tries to get ready to continue his firing.

There is a step back, as Quell let's the incoming blow from the axe go right by him, before he is bringing his sword down into the Chieftain, as he lunges in. A grimace, as one hand moves up to the blade to brace and push him away from being entangled. There's not a glance back as a gurgled sound comes from his left. His sword gripped again, as he comes with an arch into another Harlaw-who has managed to come right up after that chieftain met his own fate. "PUSH LINE!" the Blackrood hollers, hoping to split one from crotch to neck.

Jarod charges into the fray with a bellowed "For the Cape!" As he is wont to do. Ser Rivers is not a particularly quiet fighter. His sword does not immediately find the enemy but, in his charging, he runs rather directly into a spear which grazes across the plating on his chest. He slows down a little after that. To avoid running directly into more enemy weaponry. At least, until he has a good reason for it. A look toward Rafferdy as the Fun Nayland is wounded, and a wince. That'll more-than-bruise.

Keelin heads for the Harlaw lines as well, though his first swing is dodged handily by the Harlaw man he faces. And the fellow's return shot clangs against the maile armour at his gut, leading to a quick step back by the surprised knight. There's a feral grin on his face though as he closes again. "Mallister," he calls out, taunting the man. That might not have been wise, but he can hope it will make his opponent overly reckless. And as the Mallisters are beaten, that septon catches his eye, though only momentarily before he's back on his current opponent, slashing out.

Kamron drags Martyn down off the base of the bridge, breathing a little easier with the Harlaws no longer trying to stave in his breastplate. And then he realizes that he's dragged his cousin into the middle of a swirling melee. For the moment, he's not under attack, but that's only a matter of time. Grabbing hold of a man in the purple and silver of the Mallisters from behind the lines, he points down to the felled nobleman, "Take him back to camp, now!" Percival the Squire shows up there, having moved rather quickly for a young man made entirely of knees and elbows. Kamron claps the skinny youth on the shoulder, "Good man. Take care of him." Looking down, he adds, "You're going to be alright, Martyn."

And His shield catches and knocks away one blow as a man coming up to his flank takes advantage of the opening and skewers him down. A grimace and Marsden moves forward with efficiency, moving to come in and take the next in line to assaulting his lord. As a spear comes through, there's a nod, and a point. "Ser!" A means of warning to Ser Rygar, before he's coming to close the gap, quickly.

"nd when the judgement day comes nigh, and all their bones are picked dry..the Warrior to us shall call! And invite us in his drinking hall!" The spear is quickly twirled over head, before it comes down, like a viper aiming to claim squid flesh.

The problem with closing the distance between your foes is that while closing said distance, those with projectile weapons have a free shot at you. Spears are thrown into the air and one is arcing towards Kell. This time it doesn't find his helm but instead grazes his chest. This causes the Hedge Knight to not be entirely balanced when he swings his longsword at the charging Harlaw warrior who dodges the Hedge Knight's attack but Kell in turn dodges the spear thrusted at him.

Size can be an advantage, or it can be a hindrance, depending on the situation. Luckily when the battle first began, it was an advantage for Mychel. The large Chartlon Common Knight shoved his way into the fray, wading into the waters of turmoil. He sidestepped a blow from a polearm wielding Harlow and spun around, warhammer spinning with him as he turns to face the Harlow, but slamming the end of the hammer into one of the spear flinging peasants on the way. The peasant hits the ground in pain and Mychel comes around to face the Harlow attacking him now.

Martyn just grunts a bit at the moment, before he passes out completely. Still bloody, still beaten, but most of all, still alive. And unaware of the combat going on around him.

Rygar stands his ground with the same grim silence that tends to mark the stern knight in battle. He does not look back to see who at the rear had felled the Harlaw nobleman, rather he draws his hammer back and strikes again to relieve pressure upon the pike line.

On the Left:

<COMBAT> Harlaw 01 attacks Keelin with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 03 attacks Charlton with Spear & Shield but Charlton DODGES!
<COMBAT> Groves attacks Harlaw 01 with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Erenford attacks Harlaw 02 with Sword & Shield - Serious wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 02 attacks Jere with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Head stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Charlton attacks Harlaw 03 with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Peasant 05 attacks Einar with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 05 attacks Kittridge with Bludgeon & Shield - Serious wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 04 attacks Mychel with Polearm but Mychel DODGES!
<COMBAT> Septon Ulf attacks Charlton with Broadsword but Charlton DODGES!
<COMBAT> Quellyan attacks Harlaw 04 with Greatsword - Serious wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Pariston attacks Peasant 05 with Hunting Bow - Critical wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Mychel attacks Harlaw 04 with Bludgeon - Moderate wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Kittridge attacks Harlaw 03 with Spear & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Keelin attacks Harlaw 01 with Greatsword - Moderate wound to Right Hand.
<COMBAT> Kamron passes.
<COMBAT> Jere attacks Harlaw 02 with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Einar reloads.

On the Right:

<COMBAT> Mire 02 attacks Harlaw 2 with Pike but Harlaw 2 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 2 attacks Jarod with Sword & Shield but Jarod DODGES!
<COMBAT> Stonebridge 02 tries to attack but has no target!
<COMBAT> Peasant 3 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 2 passes.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 5 attacks Marsden with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 1 attacks Mire 01 with Bludgeon & Shield but Mire 01 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Stonebridge 01 attacks Harlaw 3 with Pike - Light wound to Right Leg.
<COMBAT> Peasant 5 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 4 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 1 attacks Bruce with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Mire 01 attacks Harlaw 1 with Pike and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 3 attacks Kell with Spear & Shield - ARMOR on Left Hand stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Rygar attacks Harlaw 2 with Polearm - Light wound to Right Hand.
<COMBAT> Rafferdy reloads.
<COMBAT> Marsden attacks Harlaw 5 with Spear & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Kell attacks Harlaw 3 with Greatsword - Moderate wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jarod attacks Harlaw 2 with Greatsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Bruce reloads.

<COMBAT> Harlaw 3 has been KO'd!

Jere brings his shield up as the Harlaw's sword comes in, deflecting the blow enough that the strike deflects off his helmet, ringing his bell but little else. He responds to the man's blow by bringing his hammer down against the other fellow's helmet, leaving a noticeable dent where he connected.

Peasant with a bow, peasant with spears, reavers with swords and shields or great big man with a greatsword. The peasants are put from Einar's mind for now and, since he's close enough and has a chance of a shot he lines up on Ulf, unaware of the man's profession. He lines the shot up as well as he can in the cut and thrust of the melee and then looses when an opertune mement seems to present itself. His call to the Warrior is still going, don't seem to be hurting after all.

And with his next step, there's a ring of steel, and a cry out is given, as Quellyan merely hacks through the Harlaw's gut. And then there's a step, as the sword is brought about, mainly so he doesn't cut into Mychel as he swings his Hammer down into the man's head. A look over and a nod is passed to the other knight. "Finish him!" hissed out as he's catching the movements along their men at arms, as it seems a Septon has entered the Frey. In the midst of of the madness, Quellyan turns, as bodies press past, and seeks to hack down into the unprotected Side of the Septon as he comes his way.

The Harlaw with the polearm is just plain old screwed. He isn't just facing the bear sized Mychel, but Quellyan as well. Where Quellyan's blow hits the man in the midsection, Mychel's slams into the man's head. Frankly how he's still standing is a wonder after that. The Hedge Knight nods once to Quellyan as he gives the command, gaze settling on the wounded Harlaw, "Give my best to the Seven…." and he moves in to attack again.

Bruce has pulled back behind the Nayland line and just in time, as arrows go skidding past the Guardsmen. He places the heavy bolt into the crossbow and raises it up, first turning towards the mass of peasant archers. Frowning, he considers a new target - the more heavily armoured and dangerous Harlaw men at arms. "Guards, ready! Aim!" He swings his crossbow to the new target, facing the dangerous foes. "Loose!" His finger flicks the tickler, letting a bolt go flying through the air.

Jarod dives into the thick of close combat, his sword ringing off the maile of his Ironman foe. And not actually piercing it. But it's not for lack of trying. And he'll certainly try try again.

Pariston grins as he sees his arrow hit it's target in the chest. The man is more or less out of it but Pariston aims another shot towards the archer, to give him a quick death.

With Martyn under the care of Percival Ryger the squire and a Mallister man, Kamron takes a moment to take a breath and look around. Half of the lines are holding relatively well, but the other flank is bowing. The Talon Point man slips his axe from the loop at his belt, raising it up over his head and calling out, "Seagard! Seagard! Mallister!" The oratory may not be inspired or eloquent, but the emotion behind the words certainly is. Picking up speed, Kamron rumbles his armored way toward the Harlaws slamming into the Mallister and Nayland lines.

The melee on the left is bloody, but indecisive. Neither line has collapsed, but the desperate pressure of the Ironborn assault forces all the combatants to close quarters. On the right, by contrast, the distance maintained by the formation of pikes keeps the bloodshed relatively low. Still the conflict grinds on.

Blow is met by shield, as his own spear catches the man's armor and slides off almost harmlessly. A curse under his breath, as Marsden surges forward. A wide slap of his shield, followed by his spear singing out and down again, though in this brazen maneuver, with the step he opens himself up, for attack.

An exchange of blows and this time Keelin hisses as his sword manages to sting his opponent's hand, though the thud of his mace into his chest bends some of the chain maile on his chest. He roars out a battle cry, after a moment to catch his breath and lunges back at his opponent. "Mallister! For Lord Martyn!"

Without a spear distracting him, Kell's second clash with the Harlaw warrior he faces is much more successful as the spear glances off of the ringmail links at his left hand while the blade of his own longsword cuts through the mail of the Ironborn. The sword bites into the neck of the other man and when the Hedge Knight pulls back his longsword, cutting and tearing more flesh, blood squirts out as the reaver falls, bleeding out.
With the reaver he was engaged down and dying, Kell looks up to search for his next target and sees the peasant equipping themselves with another set of spears. Leaving them unchecked, they will continue to rain the projectiles down on the army of the Cape of the Eagles. So the armored knight is now charging towards the Iron Island Peasants, sword raised as he bellows out a warcry. If the peasants turned to flee, then that means they aren't throwing spears.

On the Left:

<COMBAT> Peasant 02 attacks Groves with Thrown Spear but MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 02's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 05 attacks Kittridge with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Abdomen.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 04 attacks Mychel with Polearm - Moderate wound to Left Arm.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 02 attacks Jere with Sword & Shield but Jere DODGES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 01 attacks Keelin with Bludgeon & Shield but Keelin DODGES!
<COMBAT> Groves attacks Harlaw 01 with Sword & Shield but Harlaw 01 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Charlton attacks Harlaw 03 with Sword & Shield - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Peasant 05 attacks Quellyan with Hunting Bow - ARMOR on Right Hand stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 attacks Mychel with Thrown Spear - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 03's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 03 attacks Charlton with Spear & Shield but Charlton DODGES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 01 attacks Erenford with Thrown Spear - Moderate wound to Head (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 01's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Erenford attacks Harlaw 02 with Sword & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Septon Ulf attacks Einar with Broadsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Quellyan attacks Septon Ulf with Greatsword - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Pariston attacks Peasant 05 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Mychel attacks Harlaw 04 with Bludgeon - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Kittridge attacks Harlaw 03 with Spear & Shield and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Keelin attacks Harlaw 01 with Greatsword - Moderate wound to Chest.
<COMBAT> Kamron attacks Septon Ulf with Bludgeon - Critical wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Jere attacks Harlaw 02 with Bludgeon & Shield - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Einar attacks Septon Ulf with Crossbow - Serious wound to Neck (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Einar's weapon clicks empty.

<COMBAT> Harlaw 01 has been KO'd!
<COMBAT> Kittridge has been KO'd!

On the Right:

<COMBAT> Stonebridge 01 attacks Harlaw 1 with Pike - Critical wound to Abdomen (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Mire 01 attacks Harlaw 1 with Pike and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Stonebridge 02 attacks Harlaw 5 with Pike but Harlaw 5 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 5 attacks Rygar with Thrown Spear and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 5's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Peasant 3 attacks Kell with Thrown Spear and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 3's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Peasant 2 attacks Jarod with Thrown Spear - Light wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Peasant 2's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Peasant 1 attacks Bruce with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Mire 02 attacks Harlaw 2 with Pike - Serious wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Harlaw 2 attacks Jarod with Sword & Shield but Jarod DODGES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 1 attacks Mire 01 with Bludgeon & Shield but Mire 01 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 4 attacks Marsden with Thrown Spear - ARMOR on Left Hand stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Peasant 4's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 5 attacks Marsden with Sword & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Rygar attacks Harlaw 2 with Polearm - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Rafferdy attacks Peasant 1 with Crossbow - Moderate wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Rafferdy's weapon clicks empty.
<COMBAT> Marsden attacks Harlaw 5 with Spear & Shield but Harlaw 5 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Kell passes.
<COMBAT> Jarod attacks Harlaw 2 with Greatsword - Moderate wound to Right Foot.
<COMBAT> Bruce attacks Harlaw 2 with Crossbow - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Bruce's weapon clicks empty.

<COMBAT> Peasant 1 has been KO'd!

With his target right infront of him and the line pressing close, Einar figures that maybe this once he doesn't want to take the time to reload and sling s his bow back round onto his back before drawing his sword. His cadence had faltered and the man's sword bit in, but he picks it up again, maybe with just a tad more feeling this time. Funny how adrenalin will do that.

The Harlaw man Jere is fighting swings wide with the sword, which Jere is able to maneuver out of the way of, dodging the wicked thrust of the sword. He brings his own warhammer in towards his opponent, the weapon hitting his opponent, though the angle is off and does little more then clang off of the armor. He continues to press the man, "Die already, will you!" he shouts over the clamor.

Well that didn't go as expected for the large Knight Mychel. He growled and raised his hammer up to slam it down on the Harlaw soldier before him. In a matter of a mere moment, his arm gets slammed into with that polearm weapon, slicing through the metal rings of the mail covering his arms and cutting into flesh below. The Knight grimmances and a moment later a spear slams into his breastplate. The armor deflects a good portion of the blow but the dent in the armor likely means some damage below. He brings the hammer down, but the Harlaw soldier's armor takes the hit. "Die you bastard!" he growls out loudly.

That poor Septon won't have a chance. Even as the Mallister slams in, Quellyan attacks as well. And lands cuts himself through the Septon's armor, which brings a cry, as the man somehow barely hangs on. "Flank!" Quell barks towards Kamron, as a bolt soon finds itself hitting the staggering Priest. "I'll clean this fish." Plain and simple. With a good grip on his sword, it seems that the Blackrood is going to do what he can to end off this bloody bastard. "Pray long friend, for you'll not see your seas yet. Just hell."

And apparently, some damned arrow is caught in his pauldron. Odd that.

"Guards - reload!" Bruce's order is simple, as is his actions. He leans down to hook his belt claw into the crossbow once more, and many of the men, more experienced crossbowmen than he, are already ahead and loading bolts.

"For the Cape!" Jarod calls out again as he knee-jobs a Harlaw soldier. Though, despite the pain raining down on that man-at-arms from the Rivermen, the squid doesn't fall. It makes it easier for Jarod to dodge his sword-stroke, though. As he straightens for another strike he catches another grazing blow from a spear, wincing. And half-turning to watch Kell's charge. "Brave as seven hells, can't deny it. Warrior guide him."

A flurry it comes. Eyes catch the lobbed missle, in time for his shield to raise and knock the bloody thing back. However in that the man's sword catches at his chest, and he staggers back from the hit. A wheeze, but the good Septon isn't down yet. Instead Marsden closes in with his shield, and goes for a lower attack on the man before him. "Godsdman you heathen bastard. Stranger fuck your wife!" the halfsepton grits out in the midst of the strike.

This time when the Harlaw lackey swings his mace at Keelin, the knight is ready, and he dodges, but his greatsword finds the man's chest, slashing through a weak spot in the armour he's wearing and dropping him from the shock or the pain. Keelin roars, his deep voice a rumble of fury, and he turns to find another target, choosing the one that has been taking shots at Kittridge. "Here now, enough of that!" he calls out as he charges in, swinging his sword, hopefully adeptly.

The close press of melee ebbs and flows. On the left, the badly bloodied, but still ordered Harlaw lines falter, and at last the momentum of their howling charge relents and begins to retract. As a result, the maile clad Ironborn Septon is left briefly isolated. He scores a bloody blow to the Flint crossbowman, but quickly finds himself flanked by Kamron and Quellyan. Although ribs crack through his hauberk, and the breath is driven from his staggered frame, the Septon does not fall. His lips move in reciting a prayer- any of the particularly devout might recognize an invocation to the warrior, but any words are lost in the chaos. Around him, the Harlaw lines begin a general retreat.

On the right, a last frontal effort to break the pike lines ends with several more Harlaw men cast down and bleeding out their lives. On the right, much as on the left, a flight back to the Grey Gardens begins.

"Flee, salt peasants! If you stay, you die!" Kell shouts out as he closes in on the peasants, perhaps giving them fair warning before he sets upon the first on he sees, having eyed the Ironborn earlier for having thrown another spear at him. That man, he will cut down, for trying to kill him. The longsword that is held in both hands high now swings down, the lethally sharp blade slicing down through the air and towards the reaver peasant.

Kamron comes slamming into the praying leader of the ironborn assault in concert with Quellyan, driving into him with his shield to knock him back and then curling his axe around to try to slam into the man's back. Quellyan's words get a nod, "Enjoy yourself, Blackrood." For all the tension of the duel, this is more Kamron's fight, and he pushes off with his shield, turning to find the next target, the Harlaw standing over the fallen Groves.

Einar recognises the chant of the opposing Ironborn and takes it up as well, word for ford. Seems fitting somehow.

On the Left:

<COMBAT> Peasant 01 passes.
<COMBAT> Groves tries to attack but has no target!
<COMBAT> Peasant 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Charlton attacks Harlaw 03 with Sword & Shield but Harlaw 03 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 05 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 04 passes.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 03 passes.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 02 passes.
<COMBAT> Erenford attacks Harlaw 02 with Sword & Shield but Harlaw 02 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Septon Ulf attacks Quellyan with Broadsword and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Quellyan attacks Septon Ulf with Greatsword - ARMOR on Abdomen stops the attack!
<COMBAT> Pariston attacks Peasant 05 with Hunting Bow and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Mychel attacks Harlaw 04 with Bludgeon but Harlaw 04 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Keelin attacks Harlaw 05 with Greatsword but Harlaw 05 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Kamron attacks Harlaw 05 with Bludgeon - Moderate wound to Right Arm.
<COMBAT> Jere attacks Harlaw 02 with Bludgeon & Shield - Moderate wound to Chest (Reduced by Armor).
<COMBAT> Einar attacks Septon Ulf with Broadsword - ARMOR on Chest stops the attack!

On the Right:

<COMBAT> Harlaw 1 passes.
<COMBAT> Stonebridge 02 attacks Harlaw 5 with Pike but Harlaw 5 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Stonebridge 01 attacks Harlaw 1 with Pike but Harlaw 1 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Peasant 5 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 4 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 3 passes.
<COMBAT> Peasant 2 passes.
<COMBAT> Harlaw 5 passes.
<COMBAT> Mire 02 attacks Harlaw 2 with Pike and MISSES!
<COMBAT> Mire 01 attacks Harlaw 1 with Pike but Harlaw 1 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Harlaw 2 passes.
<COMBAT> Rygar attacks Harlaw 2 with Polearm - Serious wound to Left Hand.
<COMBAT> Rafferdy reloads.
<COMBAT> Marsden attacks Harlaw 5 with Spear & Shield but Harlaw 5 DODGES!
<COMBAT> Kell attacks Peasant 3 with Greatsword - Moderate wound to Head.
<COMBAT> Jarod attacks Harlaw 2 with Greatsword - Serious wound to Right Foot.
<COMBAT> Bruce tries to attack but is out of ammo!

Einar is not the worlds greatest swordsman it must be said, but with Quellyan next to him to act as a great big target for the incoming blows, he has a little more lee-way. His blow may ring off the other man's armour, but given the state of him he can'tlast much longer, and every little helps. He switches his invocation though, once Ulf's prayer is done, starting instead a new one, one to the crone, asking for guidence to mark hard decisions. Maybe the ironborn will hear, maybe he'll take heed and end this. More likely, he won't hear and he'll be cut off from the rest of his troop and butchered mind, but maybe.

Taking a much more defensive tact, mostly because he expects to get slammed with another spear in the chest, Mychel is slow to attack again. He takes a massive swing at the Harlaw soldier once more, but it is dodged and the large Knight curses quietly, "Son of a whore!" Once again he takes a more aggressive stance and prepares to cave in some part of the soldiers body. He seems relatively oblivious to the fact that most of the fight is based on trying to take out Septon Ulf at this point.

"Riverlords! On their heels!" comes the call from Lord Ser Rickart, brandishing a drawn broadsword toward the Grey Gardens, his order to the heralds to sound a general advance echoed by trumpet and drum to the three other distant camps. In the lands surrounding the Harlaw fortress, thousands of men and beasts stir to motion, and advance on suddenly under-manned defenses.

The Ironborn withdrawal is bloody, but effective. Although Septon Ulf, called 'the Dry' is struck another pair of blows to his rent ribs, the maile holds. Still, the holy swordsman screams at the impacts, and holds the blade upright in guard before him, while the other arm is held close to his crippled side. Every breath is drawn through clenched teeth, and not without difficulty.

There's a laugh as the weak bastard swings, and Quell dances to the side, letting the septon over extend himself. A shake of his head, as he seems to circle the man, before his blade is brought in for hopefully a killing blow

As they close in, and it seem both he and Einar carve in on the staggering septon-it's only then does the knight seem to get the gist of what the man is muttering. "Bloody hell, a seven believer in their midst. Well then- Ser.." Quellyan mutters as he pushes off the man. "I'll be sure to send you honorably to them."

There's a glance to Einar for a moment, before Quellyan is bringing that sword back and down. Nothing like hacking apart a Septon to get one in the mood for more killing, or at least a sense of finality.

Keelin swings, but the next fellow manages to dodge, though at that, Kamron manages to hit the bastard. "Nice," Keelin says, nodding approval at Kamron. "C'mon then, let's get him." He's more than willing to give it another shot, moving to flank the Harlaw as he works in tandem with Kamron.

With the Ironborn retreating, There's a grunt from Marsden, before he's moving, trying to catch the bastard before he runs off to join the others back in their little hidey hole., If anything he will keep the advance till he is called off, or back-lest he finds himself in an arrow or spear nest.

Kamron double-teams another target, although this time unintentionally. He steps past Kittridge's fallen form, putting himself between the Harlaw and his former foe, and swings an overhead blow with his axe. His target manages to duck aside from the blow that might have cloven his head in, and instead takes a gash on his arm. Kamron starts to circle with Keelin, and then their target is fleeing, and he follows the Harlaws with his eyes a moment, "If we can keep after them in good order, we might be able to take them before they can set defenses again…"

Bruce is poised to shoot another bolt at the enemies, when his string snaps and the bolt falls tumbling to the grounds. Growling in a barely contained rage, Ser Bruce simply drops it, pulling the guige attached to his shield off of his back and drawing his sword. "Guards, will pursue enemies - advance, double time!" The Guards, their bolts fired, likewise draw swords. "MARCH!" He dashes forward with his men, through the Nayland pikemen and beyond to cut down the Ironborn as they run.

Rygar relays the order to the serjeantry, "Pikes. Ad-VANCE." The formation of pike-armed levies advances, undiminished by the sudden struggle, not moving so swiftly at the guards or knights afoot, but advancing in good order toward the fortifications ahead. Across the field, the swift sdtruggle is turned, and the Riverlords carry the field.

And As the sword comes down. Quell slows it merely to tap the man on the shoulder. before he's bringing it down and off. one great mailed fist moved to catch the man, about the neck, as his foot moves to the back of the man's knee. And with that the poor busted Septon is hauled down to the ground. "Yield!" is all the Blackrood orders, before he's moving to remove the holy man's sword. "Yield, and I will have you seen to by my maester-" a look is given to Einar "Fetch my squire and a maester-quick." And there brings a look to the man he's currently wrestling. "Name, Ser?"

Einar with absolutely no clue as to just which of you youngsters on the field might hold the pleasure of being Ser Quellyan's squire, Einar decides instead to find another man in Charlton livery and get them to find the lad. Maesters however are generally easier to find and he sets off to do that himself.

Ironborn are made of stern stuff, rightly famed for their fortitude, but when Ulf is bodilt tackled to the ground, taking his own weight and that of Quellan as well on shattered ribs, there is no shame is saying a scream escapes him. Removing the sword grows easier when the Septon's grip seems to have gone slack. He doesnt give an immediate answer, focusing instead of continuing breaths.

Jarod sallies forth after the Ironborn, charging forward, still shouting, "For the Cape!" Voice rather hoarser than it was when the fight began.

Kell continues to chase after the fleeing Ironborn, ready to engage any reaver that are turning to fight some more and focusing more on those that are fleeing back towards Grey Garden instead of out into the wilderness.

In the midst of the mingled lines of Mallisters and Naylands, Kamron starts searching out men wearing the purple and silver of his house, doing his best to chivy them into formation-or at least into sizeable groups-and get them moving toward the entrances to the Grey Garden. "Come on then… keep after them, but keep together! Don't get strung out! Seagard! Mallister!"

The Knight, seems not to care for the scream. And as the man remain limp down below him, Quellyan merely moves to kneel by his side-now that the man is divested of weapons. There's a nod as one boy comes over. "Prop this man up gingerly. He is our guest, for now." Whether Quellyan chooses to dispose of him or not is another thing entirely. Still there is a look given to the young man who is set to helping get the rasping septon. "Ser, when you can, give us your name. I am Ser Quellyan Charlton-and you are my prisoner.." the Blackrood continues before he is reaching for the other man's sword. As if that might give some identification. It's only a matter of time before Nathyn is joing him and the other. "Ahh there you are fats a lot. Good to see you haven't died.." a grin offered to the sweaty and out of breath youth. "Help Jymes here with our guest.." And now the knight is moving to ride up-looking back as men charge into the castle.

Pariston continues to fire at the ironborn, mostly just to try and get them away, since the riverland hosts seem to have subdued the septon. He moves closer though, still ready and such.

Thankfully, having been preparing to recieve wounded, the Charlton's maester is easy enough to find in camp. A moment or two are lost as he collects what he figures are needed before Einar leads him back to where Ser Quellyan, and hopefully the Ironborn, are waiting.

It may not be knightly to cut down men fleeing the field, but then, Ser Bruce Longbough has never been much of a knight. The Nayland Guard adopts a much looser order than they ordinarily fight with during combat. In any case, this is the pursuit, not combat. Bruce cuts down two men with his sword, one with a slash in the back of his head and the other with a thrust of his sword through his kidneys. He's fresh, well rested and full of energy collected over weeks, and now as he sprints, his bloody sword flashing, he's finally letting it out. The Nayland Guard continue their sprinted pursuit relentlessly.

With the others bursting in, the halfsepton seems to have no problem sending any straggling ironborn to their demise, even if their back is turned. With the rest of the Nayland contingent-he is in amongst the labyrinth, murdering-or rather sending heathen's to their makers as he goes. It's a bloody work. But, it seems the Warrior has called Marsden Streem to do it this day.