[The Dragon and the Raven by G. A. Henty]@TWC D-Link bookThe Dragon and the Raven CHAPTER II: THE BATTLE OF KESTEVEN 9/21
Near Kesteven the armies came in sight of each other, and after advancing until but a short distance apart both halted to marshal their ranks anew.
Eldred, with the men of the marshes near Croyland and the contingent from the abbey, had their post in the central division, which was commanded by Algar himself, Edmund took post by his father, and Egbert stood beside him. Edmund had never before seen the Danes, and he could not but admit that their appearance was enough to shake the stoutest heart.
All carried great shields covering them from head to foot.
These were composed of wood, bark, or leather painted or embossed, and in the cases of the chiefs plated with gold and silver.
So large were these that in naval encounters, if the fear of falling into the enemy's hands forced them to throw themselves into the sea, they could float on their shields; and after death in battle a soldier was carried to his grave on his buckler.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|