The lay of Gunnar

This was the third and final battle in the saga of Einar and Gunnar. The history and previous battles are available to view at:

1st battle: http://blog.tynesidewargames.co.uk/2010/06/viking-game-29th-june-2010.html

2nd battle: http://herkybird-richardbradley.blogspot.com/2010/11/einar-strikes-back.html


Situation:

Einars little band of fugitives are trying to escape a vengeful Gunnar, who is trying to get blood-vengeance for a murder by Einar Scumbagga.

Einar is on a headland, awaiting a ship to escape from the pursuit, he needs only a couple of weeks before the license to kill him (1 year) expires.

Gunnar has located Einar, thanks to an informer, and has cut off the headland.

Vengeance beckons.....

   

The warfield was wooded

with many dark places

for Einar Oath-breaker

to hide from his foes

but no trees would stop

Gunnar's long quest for justice

Gunnar strong warriors

 were well armed with spears

they moved down the headland

in search of the guilty

the wolves would feed well

on Einar's bare bones

Forgrim, Trygge's brother

stood on Gunnar's left

his horses and bowmen

would help in this fight

this Olaffson feared not

the coming sword-song

Guthrum, Einar's kin

 was placed facing Forgrim

Doom-laden warriors

they raised the war-cry

they took no great part

in their kinsmans fight.

Guthrum sent slingers

to tarry with Forgrim

they lost in the battle

with Forgrims archers

Guthrum took shelter

from this arrow storm.

 

Einar own warriors

sharpened their weapons

Fell men were they

and knew battle well

they well guarded Einar

for he was their kinsman

 

Gunnar marched forward

the trees slowed him not

keen for swift justice

Gunnar, Ring-Giver

hastened to battle

his axe at his side

 

Forgrim moved forward

horn in his hand

he would call Gunnar

if he saw Einar

Forgrim went bravely

to battle his foes

Forgrim sent warriors

eagle eyed bowmen

they wounded their enemies

Guthrum the craven

fled from their fury

and went seeking cover

Einar moved forward

his purpose was clear

to cleave a way through

and escape Gunnar's trap

Einar called for Thor's aid

he and his sea wolves.

Gunnar sent warriors

to move behind Einar

and ambush his force

and weaken his strength

they moved in the trees

all hidden from view

Einars men turned

and charged their tormentors

they fought with them bravely

then drove them back

but Gunnars brave men

did not flee from the fight

Einars men assailed

Gunnar's brave warriors

they knew they must win

or die in the trying

Einar stood ready

to make his escape

Gunnar sent forward

slingers to face them

Einars men shot them

and forced them to flee

the slingers withdrew then

as Gunnar had planned

Gunnar deceived them

Einars fell warriors.

Einar pursued those

 pretending to flee

 Einar stormed onwards

and into their trap.

Gunnar came forward

and saw craven Einar

stood with his Berserkir

his archers sent arrows

but Einar escaped them

Gunnar's axe waited. 

Thorgrim came summoned

by Gunnars horn signal.

Their horses leapt forward

their prey lay before them

they cut off  all chance

of doomed Einar escaping.

Einar looked grimly

he now had but one chance

He must murder Gunnar

or die in the trying

he summoned a fury

 likewise his Berserkir

Einar charged bravely

but Gunnars axe bit him

his berserkir were no help

they went hunting archers

Einar strong sword hand

clove Gunnars shield.

Einar Scumbagga

continued the battle

 swift as an eagle

his sword descended

but he won no glory

for Gunnars axe slew him

The end of the battle

at Gunnars bidding

quarter was given

much blood had fallen

no more was needed

the great feud was over

The players:

Einar: Phil    Guthrum: Lawrence   Thorgrim: Ian    Gunnar: Richard

Hope you liked it? -- I did this one very different - in the style of an epic Viking poem!

But as you can see-I am no Skaldir!!

Einar died in ignomy

and burned up in the flames

I'm sure his figure will return

in more of our war-games!

However! - If you want to see Einar's view of this battle, then go to: Link