The Adventures of Prince Micheal: Episode 20

HELGIN STRIKES BACK!
(Storm Watch Pt 2)

The morning was well advanced by the time the hammering in the woods was done and the creaking and bellowing began in earnest.  

The Saxon archers crept forward behind wheeled mantlets, stopping periodically to loose carefully aimed arrow. Soon they were joined by the creaking and thudding of catapults hurling their missiles with great force.  

Aeric Redlegs led the first Saxon band up the hill. Using their shields expertly to protect themselves against the defenders arrows, they chopped and pushed the first entanglement over the cliff edge and then crept forward to work their way forward over the abatis. They came slowly but they came steadily.  By the time they were braced, ready for the charge, the tower had reached the cliff and dropped its bridge onto the plateau. With a YELL the Saxons charged!

The fighting at the barricade was fierce, bloody and prolonged. The din from the cries of the men, the hammering of swords on shields and the crash of the huge rocks being tossed by the catapults was deafening. It seemed the warriors on both sides were determined to die before they would give an inch. Helgin sent half of his huscarls around the base of the tower to attack from the rear but the footing between tower and cliff edge was uncertain as both parties crept slowly forward.

At length Aerics's few remaining warriors turned and fled but he himself stood firm and continued the assault singlehanded while the next Saxon band clambered upwards, over the abatis. Behind the barricade, Micheal was left with Kenneth and the last 2 of his men. Above him only 3 of the Duke's men remained to hold the tower itself.  Warning his men to be ready to run for the doorway, he stepped forward to meet Aeric. The blows were swift and hard but protected by his armour he dealt Aeric a heavy blow that brought him to the ground. "NOW!" cried the Prince  but as they turned to go, there was a loud crash as the seigetower collapsed, unable to withstand the battering any longer. Almost instantly, there came a loud fanfare of clear trumpets followed  by the thunder of hooves.

Against hope, the Duke had arrived! Helgin was ready to fight but with half their number dead or wounded and the tower down, his men began to run for the woods. There was nothing for Helgin to do but gather his huscarls and join them. There would be another day on which to gain his revenge.

"You are a most welcome sight Sir, but how did you know to come so urgently to our need?" "Why,  a little bird told me Micheal. Where is the Lady  Alison? This was ever a favourite haunt of hers. No doubt she has gone off to the quiet of the woods."