The army moved steadily across the countryside, a winding river of steel and leather snaking through the lush, rolling fields. The land was bathed in the warm light of early morning, the grass still damp with dew, and the soft hum of distant birdsong was muffled by the steady clinking of armor and rhythmic march of hundreds of boots.
At the front marched 150 archers, light and quick, their quivers kept at the sides and their bows hung on the side. Behind them, 150 light cavalry in chainmail kept pace, each soldier bearing a mace and lance
Following was the bulk of the force: 500 heavy infantry, clad in chainmail and reinforced with breastplates , guisse and greave, their shields raised as they marched with an ironclad determination that seemed to echo with each step. Nearby, 200 soldiers armed with the new court-issued weapon moved in formation, their polearms held ready, glinting in the morning light, as this was to be their first campaign.
