Since the winter of 688, hostilities between Sequarl and the Orcs of Itaen had been relatively muted as other matters occupied Grettir’s attention. During this period of relative “peace”, there had grown up six fortified orc-sponsored settlements to the south of Sequarl lands where the “Free Farmers”, who had rejected Grettir’s protection had once lived. Those farmers who were not dead or fled, were now recruited or enslaved by the rulers of these settlements who styled themselves “Protectors”. Of the six Protectors, some were dark priests of Set and other allied Gods; some were magicians; others were essentially Chittagong gangsters. They did not operate on Sequarl lands, but preyed upon the Southern trade route across the Rin towards the Sandlands. Grettir knew that if he moved against them with his army, they would band together and orcs would march out of the Wood of Itaen in support. So he had let them be, waiting for an opportunity.
He did keep an eye on their activities, though and had a spy in their midst. Trevillion had been an occasional companion during Grettir’s early adventuring days. His skills made him a useful recruit to one of the less esoteric Protectors, a rogue named Gobian. Over several years he had insinuated himself into Gobian’s command group all the while reporting to Grettir. In the winter of 692 he passed on news that there was to be a council of Protectors held at Budely – the most southerly of the Protectorates – to discuss recent developments in Itaen. All the Protectors, each with their first or second, would be present. Here was an opportunity for a decapitation attack.
Budely was the most southerly of the Protectorates. It comprised a great hall, flanked by towers with a bailey in front. The plan seemed straightforward: an airborne assault, followed up by a cavalry force dispatched from Sequarl. The airborne group set off from Sequarl. It comprised Girindor wind-walking a ring of Grettir, Wilf and four huscarles, with a number of magicians (Paradoxides and a number of Rangers) each carrying another warrior following on upon the Night Wind. Unfortunately, Girindor’s wind-walk turned out to be a great deal faster than the Night Wind. To make matters worse, as soon as they arrived they were attacked by three flying gargoyles. Girindor had to crash land in the bailey, injuring several of his passengers. With their feet on the ground, they made short work of the gargoyles, but the plan had been for Paradoxides to destroy the door to the great hall. Looking around, only Grettir’s huscarle Gamric carried an axe. Eventually, Girindor remembers his lightning bolt ring and discharges its full power at the door. It blows a man-sized hole in it. Unfortunately, the flash blinds the elf and two of Grettir’s huscarles. Thus the assault group that leaps through the gap comprises just Grettir, Wilf and huscarles Giziar and Gamric. The Protectors and their men number in the region of two dozen.
Though their tactical surprise has been dissipated, they still find an opposition in disarray. It was apparent that the first reaction of most of them had been to flee when they realised they were under attack. It is only when they register the paltry numbers of their assailants that they rally, by which time Wilf, Giziar and Gamric have formed a solid formation and Grettir has killed several on a solo rampage against their right flank. As they begin to form up in response, Trevillion who has been lurking at the rear, starts back-shooting them. Sensibly, he focuses on Protectors – particularly those who seem to be working up magic. Such is the carnage of Grettir’s attacks it takes them a long time to realise that they have a traitor in their midst.
It was the toughest mass combat that Grettir could remember. However, by the time Paradoxides and other reinforcements arrive the Protectors’ have essentially broken. Three of them – Budely, Scara and Kilchattan – lie dead. The other three have fled along with some of their henchmen. On the Sequarl side Wilf is tottering; Gamric is down but will recover; Grettir protected by his great iron shield and superior armour is largely unhurt. Sadly his young huscarle Giziar is slain, stabbed from behind by Budely as he tried to drink a potion. This tinges the victory with sadness for Grettir. By dawn, his forces – including sixty cavalry – are converging on Gobian’s Keep, since it is nearby and Trevillion knows a secret way in.
By the time they arrive Gobian himself has fled – Trevillion always reckoned he had contingency plans. He was never seen or heard of again. Grettir’s forces swiftly overcome the village and the bailey. Trevillion leads a force through a secret passage into the Keep. Unfortunately they meet Gobian’s First, a man called Offley, who turns out to be a powerful werewolf, coming the other way. Luckily he is intent more on escape than killing. Ofley bowls through the Rangers backing up Trevillion and escapes. Several have to be treated for lycanthropy. However, Gobian’s Keep is now in the hands of Sequarl.
In the morning heralds are sent out to Kilchattan and Scara, armed with their respective heads and an ultimatum. The remaining garrisons surrender and are allowed to depart. Most head for Chittagong. However, others have already departed for the surviving two Protectorates, Sleat and Garstang. This group includes the four witch-wives of Kilchattan who depart swearing vengeance upon Grettir.
F-2
OE Date: Winter 692
Characters: Grettir, Wilf, Girindor, Trevillion, Paradoxides NPCs: Giziar, Gamric, assorted Rangers and the Sequarl army
Real World: October 1998 ; Where – Surbiton?
See also Salrod’s Diaries