Story Time Friday (April 3rd)

This one is from Sir Andras.  Thanks Sir!  Let this story be a lesson to our army, don't let me go charging off alone. -Girard
The Traitor Baron of Three Rivers
 
Many years ago, when the world was young, the Barony of Grey Niche in the Kingdom of Meridies had developed into a force to be reckoned with upon the field of battle.  Their warband was composed of battle-hardened veterans of many campaigns led by Duke John the Bearkiller.
 
It came to pass that the Barony of Three Rivers in the Middle Kingdom declared war upon Grey Niche.  Duke John led his host northwards along the banks of the Great River, the Father of Waters and assailed the army of Three Rivers.
 
Both armies formed their hosts upon the battle plain.  The Baron of Three Rivers, Stephen Ironhand, stood three paces in front of his troops, pointed his fell sword at the invaders and, with a mighty roar, gave the command to Charge!   Like the wind he raced across the battle plain towards the warriors of Meridies.  
 
As he charged towards them, the archers of Grey Niche lowered their bows and the shield wall stood silent and watchful.  At four spear lengths from the shield wall the baron's charge first slowed, then faltered, then came to a stop three paces from his enemy's host.  The Grey Niche warriors remained silent as the grave, watching him.
 
Slowly, he looked to either side and then turned around to face back the way he came.  There, across the battle plain, unmoved and unmoving, was his own army.  They had stood by while he charged the warriors of Grey Niche on his own.  It was the realization that he did not hear the grunts of running warriors in clanking armour that had caused him to stop his charge.
 
Still facing his own troops, he raised his fell sword and, with a mighty voice, yelled Charge!   Grey Niche warriors leapt into battle behind him and the slaughter of the Three Rivers fyrd began.
 
From then on, Baron Stephen Ironhand was known as "The Traitor Baron" to the relatives of his slain fyrd-men.    But in Grey Niche, he was honoured as a wise and crafty war leader who knew how to discipline his troops!