Saxon series

Sigeric was panting hard, he was running through woods and out into meadows then back into ancient forests. He was losing track of time as the night arrived to cover the land. They had been running since leaving the field of battle, some of their number who were injured had to be left behind and, in the distance, they could hear the pounding of hooves and the screams of Saxons cut down as they fled. In the space of a few hours his whole world had changed. The events on Senlac Hill had changed his life and that of England forever. With King Harold gone there was nothing between the Normans and London. ...

07:00 14th October 1066 – Caldbec Hill, Hastings. The air was cool and crisp but the sky was clear and the sun rose majestic to herald the new day as the army rose from its slumber. Sigeric stepped out from the tent he shared with his brother Godric, all around him his fellow housecarls were emerging from their tents, their movement quiet but determined. He lifted his iron helmet, settling it over his brow and adjusting the heavy nasal guard so it sat straight between his eyes. In his left hand he gripped his kite shield by the strap. Shaped in the new European fashion, it was longer than the standard round shields, offering better protection. In his right hand his Danish battleaxe hung low at his side, the cutting blade freshly sharpened overnight. A moment later Godric joined him, no words were spoken as the housecarls were unusually quiet, the forced march from the North and the battle of Stamford Bridge had sapped their strength. They now faced the deadliest cavalry in Western Europe – the Normans. ...