The Foreign Reign

Invasion: Part II

"Shit," England swore before running past Alwin, rushing down the stairs of the watchtower, panicking about the attack.

Why did it have to happen now, he thought, just after he disbanded the army. But it is too late for that, he needed to contact his fathers.

He ran through the castle, Alwin struggling to catch up the further he went and ran into the scribe's office, panting. Some of the people working in the room gave the country a strange glance before ignoring and continuing with their usual business. The scribe immediately stood up from his desk in respect, accidentally knocking his ink and quill off the table and spilling it all over the floor.

"Sorry, my lord," he began as he scurried to tidy up his mess when England held his shoulder.

"This can wait for now," insisted England, and the scribe can see the worry in his face, "but I need you to construct a letter immediately to the lords Anglo and Saxon about the arrival of the Kingdom of Norway in Northumbria, and that they need to head there this instance."

The scribe's mouth opened then shut, not sure what to say. He nodded and ordered a servant to supply him a spare ink and quill, internally digesting the information he has just heard.

While he did, Alwin came huffing into the room, and seeing the surprised expression on the scribe's face, guessed that they just learnt about the invasion.

"I long the days when I would be able to beat you in a race, but alas," he smiled weakly, "I am old and weak."

The country smiled and patted the old man on the shoulder as he left the room, "You are always stronger than me, Alwin," then he chuckled, "but if you insist on winning, I will run on my knees next time."

Alwin gave the country a sideways look then laughed. He enjoyed this brief moment when they could simply enjoy themselves, even if he knew it wouldn't last. He followed after the country, assisting with anything that he may need.

In the South of England

It has been a couple of hours since Anglo and Saxon sent the men home, save a few housecarls who stayed with Saxon. They were helping the last group leave when Anglo spotted the messenger galloping towards them from a distance. He pointed it out to Saxon, who when he saw them, was equally confused.

The messenger, exhausted from the long ride, did not say anything and handed the letter to the country. Raising a brow, Anglo took the letter, and noticing his son's signature, opened it. While Anglo skimmed over the contents of the letter, Saxon peeked over his shoulder to take a look and was the first to react.

"You got to be kidding me," growled Saxon, slightly startling the messenger's horse, as he marched away to get his steed ready. Anglo, apologising on behalf of Saxon, handed back the letter and thanked the messenger.

He smiled, "Inform Lord England that we will head straight north towards Kingdom of Norway, and not to worry about the army," and he turned around to see Saxon leading two saddled horses towards him.

He dismissed the messenger, mounted his horse, and make sure that his wings didn't brush against the ground. He sped forward with Saxon, and his housecarls, close behind.

While they rode, Saxon shouted towards him, "Where will we get our army?"

"It will grow," replied Anglo, "trust in the process."

Saxon frowned but wordlessly continued on the journey.

Over the next couple of days, Anglo and Saxon rode through the country towards Northumbria, gathering new men and calling on the local lords to assist in the defeat of the KoN, and by the time they have reached Stamford Bridge, they have amassed a force of 10,500 footmen and 2,000 cavalry.