Celtic Struggle II

The doors burst open at the end of the King's Hall. So called, because it was the Hall that led to the King.

King Berthold was sitting at his golden table. He was having his dinner when he heard footsteps outside his room. He set down his golden knife and fork down beside his golden plate and turned to see the door open.

"Father! Father!" shouted Gerthesnon, "Celts to the North! They are camped in the mountains!"

"What! Right son, quickly…summon the men to fight. I want every able bodied men in my kingdom."

"As you wish, my lord."

So Gerthesnon headed out to Githeres Saxonus to recruit what men he could. He sent his scouts out to Hisbidian, Lipohum and Kyguymen. As a result of the scouting a good 5,000 men came from Githeres Saxonus as well as 2,000 from Hisbidian and Kyguymen and 1,000 from Lipohum. 10,000 men made the journey to there capital. They were all equipped with whatever weapons and armour they needed whether they were archers, spearmen or and other infantry or cavalry troops.

Some of the men had travelled many miles to get there and the men were given a days rest before being ordered to move out. Berthold and Gerthesnon moved with the men into the mountains. Berthold stayed at the back with his prized archers and cavalry while Gerthesnon led the whole procession through the mountains until, 3 hours later they saw the hill up ahead.

Gerthesnon gave the order to halt. He turned and looked at his troops stretching for what seemed like a mile. Many had come to fight but was it enough? The troops were tired looking, in need of a rest. Many had already sat down. But Gerthesnon did not punish them for not staying in formation. Instead he took a sympathetic touch and let his men down.

"We shall rest for a few hours until we are ready to fight and then the battle will commence."

He looked about for his scouts and saw them leaning against one of the walls of the pass. You three come with me. He marched with them, up to the top of the hill and looked over. Yes there they were still practising their killing methods but did they know that they would soon be attacked? Would they be practising for that purpose? Building themselves up into a frenzy?

These three questions ran through Gerthesnon's mind. He had no answers and just then he spied a woman walking along between the tents. He was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and suddenly the fact that she was Celtic did not matter to him anymore. He knew in his heart he loved her, but he could not meet her because it would put him and his people in danger. He must put her out of his mind for the time being, until the battle was fought and won.

2 hours had passed and the troops were rested and ready. They were put once again into formation and ordered onwards. Berthold was now at the front of the army leading them on. He was riding on his white, clean horse which had golden armour around its face and body. He hit the hill first followed on by his infantry and his son leading the cavalry and axemen. The archers were being led by one General Falkis who was battle-hardened and fearless.

They were half way up the hill ready and waiting to fight. They continued on until they came to the top of the hill. Berthold stood there on his horse staring down into the camp. He could see that some Celts had already spotted them and were arming themselves. He turned to face his army and shouted out to them, "Do not show fear and do not show pain and we will be victorious!" He turned back to face the camp and 2 seconds later he clicked his heels together and started to ride down the hill. He drew his sword and held it high.

"Charge!"