[center][h2][color=9e0b0f]THE EVE BEFORE THE RAID ON WATFORD[/color][/h2][/center]

Uffr strode into the dark musty room, slightly smelling of Mead and uncontrollably smiling. He nodded at Askel before speaking. 

[color=FFA500]“Where are we with the plan? What's the goal? And who's going?”[/color]

Aksel looked up at Uffr and smiled in anticipation of the event. Pointing at the crudely drawn map of the area he said. 

[color=gray]“It’s actually going to be an easy raid. Good practice for the tougher ones we get later. I think most everyone is planning on going. Some will branch off to the little village of Oakshire in case they have back up fighters there but the city of Watford is surrounded by woods on three sides.”[/color] 

Aksel stepped back and took a long drink of his mead and looked back at his friend. 

Uffr smiled, [color=FFA500]“If need be I'll take my crew to the Village, search and take anything there, and move to support your forces here.”[/color] He pointed to the city. [color=FFA500]“I haven't see the city first hand but there will be a wall at the city, be wary.”[/color]

[color=gray]“I was already talking to Sven about that. We should be fine with a battering ram. It’s a wooden gate.”[/color] Aksel almost chuckled out loud. [color=gray]“He also said that from past fights that the stone wall isn’t as sturdy as it once was so climbing it might not be advisable in all areas.”[/color]

[color=FFA500]“A ram is an option, but remember that the English are archers, the ram will be exposed. No way to fit it into a wall. I suggest encircling the city and watching for openings, slowly taxing the population. It's not like we're on a schedule… are we?”[/color] Uffr took a generous gulp of the sweet Mead. 

Aksel thinks about it for a moment and says, [color=gray]“If we use a shield wall to cover the ram though it would be much faster and likely less arrows in our asses.”[/color] He chuckles.

[color=FFA500]“Your men, not mine, I've found that an arrow can tear a wall apart. If you're going to do this I recommend using your archers to suppress the ‘ramparts’ that way the English won't poke out at you.”[/color]

[color=gray]“Good suggestion. We’ll definitely do that.”[/color] He turns and slaps Uffr on the back.[color=gray] “So my friend, what say we find what else there is for fun this evening.” [/color]

As they walked out of the main hall they saw that there was singing and dancing going on inside the outpost itself.[color=gray] “Aha! Now this is more like it!”[/color] Aksel said grabbing the waist of a pretty shieldmaiden and dancing with her.[color=gray] “Uffr, join in!”[/color]

Uffr made his way into the hall, that same smile on his face. He stood at the edge keeping his eye out for a girl who caught his eye. His men would always joke and say “There's Uffr scouting the field as always” Suddenly a woman caught his eye and he fought his way into the chaos, grabbed her and joined in the festivities. 

[@sirkaithethird]