The March of Aurelius Ambrosius

The key to understanding what Britain becomes is the invasion of Aurelius Ambrosius from Brittany and what it means to Vortigern and his version of Britain. Second son of Constantin, heir to the throne of Britain, he came to avenge the betrayal of his father and older brother. Many Britons, those who had fled to Brittany to escape Vortigern’s tyranny, and those still at home harboring great grudges and hates, will flock to his banner.

## 466 e.v.

Aurelius Ambrosius, son of the former King Constantin and brother of Constans, lands in Totnes with an army from Brittany and elsewhere. Some ten thousand people, horses, and their equipment arrive, although only three thousand of them are knights. From his ship, Aurelius unfurls a great banner with a red dragon on it. A Saxon army led by Prince Æsc of Kent tries to block his way to Logres at Exe River, but the Saxons are defeated and flee back to Kent. With the news of Aurelius’ landing and subsequent victory sweeping all across the land, discontented nobles muster their armies and join Aurelius’ army.

Aurelius then marches across Cornwall and southwestern Logres, gathering supporters to his banner and subduing Vortigern loyalists in minor battles. Eldol of Glevum, the Hero of the Night of Long Knives, pledges his allegiance to Aurelius and joins in subduing Corinium, which had stayed loyal to Vortigern. Gorlois excels in these battles providing inspiration to those around him.

## 467 e.v.

Aurelius Ambrosius almost captures Vortigern at the Siege of Carlion-on-Usk, but an army of Cambrian tribesmen arrives and manages to drive Aurelius's army away from the walls of the city.

## 468 e.v.

Aurelius Ambrosius and his army pursue Vortigern and besiege him in his new castle on Mount Snowdon. Others call this the Battle of Ganarew. Regardless, a battle ensues, and a priest calls down fire from the heavens and this, once it takes hold, continues on blazing until it burns up the tower and Vortigern with it. His army scatters. Those Cymri still loyal to Vortigern’s line follow Paschent, Vortigern’s third son, into exile among the continental Saxons. They intermarry with the Saxons and become the Gewisse tribe.

Aurelius Ambrosius summons the Supreme Collegium, and they elect him High King. He takes the title of Pendragon (“high dragon” or “head dragon”), derived from his great battle banner. He then reorganizes the Cornovii and Dumnonii into the Kingdoms of Lyonesse (Lyonesse), under King Meliodas the Elder, and Cornwall (Totnes, Tintagel and Ascalon), under King Riothamus. The King of Cornwall also has the allegiance of Lyonesse and the Cymric kingdoms in Brittany. The Ce Ap Gilgedi in Jagent is given that land as their own. Aurelius orders and compels the cessation of hostilities between those who wish his governance.

After this decree, Aurelius introduces a new concept, “vassalage” as his favorites are given great lands for their loyalty and ability, chief among them Eldol and Gorlois, who are granted the title of a duke.

## 469 e.v.

Hengest gathers his Saxons and marches from Kent towards Cumbria to join with Octa and Eosa in Eburacum. Aurelius marches with his army and catches up with Hengest. Two major battles occur.

Hengest plans to ambush the Britons as they crossed the field of Maisbeli, but he fails to deceive Aurelius, who draws up his troops and stations units to block areas where the Saxons might flee. The two lines meet with great slaughter on both sides. Duke Eldol attempts to find and fight Hengest hand-to-hand, but, Hengest, seeing his ambush plan failing and the Britons winning, flees toward Conisbrough Castle. The Saxons break, and the Britons pursue them until nightfall, killing, or capturing and enslaving many.

Hengest arrives at Conisbrough and surveys the castle and surrounding countryside. He decides that Conisbrough can not withstand a determined siege, and so rallies his men outside the castle. In the morning, the Britons catch up with him and attack fiercely. At first, the Saxons prove their battle prowess and it goes hard against Aurelius, but then a mounted company from Aquitaine and Brittany comes up and charges: they dislodge the Saxons, who are not able to reform. Chance then brings Duke Eldol and Hengest together in personal combat just as Hengest dispatches Sir Doughall mac Unust mac Cadal. Their combat is long and hard ~ until Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall, moves in with his men, driving the Saxons around Hengest’s back. Eldol then seizes Hengest by the nasal of his helmet and drags him back, a prisoner. The Britons rally and attack the Saxons repeatedly, giving them no respite.

Finally, the Saxons turn and flee ~ each man for himself ~ to the towns, the wilds, or their ships. Hengest’s son Octa retreats to Eburacum with the largest band of survivors, joining his cousin Eosa who was occupying the city with his men.

### May

Aurelius and his men rest at Conisbrough for three days, treating the wounded and burying the dead. Hengest is brought before Aurelius’ court for judgment; Eldadus, Bishop of Glevum and brother of Duke Eldol, condemns him, and Eldol leads Hengest outside and cuts off his head with a single stroke. Aurelius raises a barrow over the body.

### June

Aurelius leads his army to invest Eburacum. Whereupon, Octa, doubting that he can successfully defend it, surrenders unconditionally. Upon Bishop Eldadus’ advice, Aurelius pardons the Saxons and grants them the lands of Nohaut and Deira as vassals to the High King.

### Aftermath

With this final battle and with Hengest’s death, the threat of the Saxons diminishes. Aurelius thanks his foreign allies and British and Cymric subjects for their loyalty and willingness to see the tyrant, Vortigern, defeated and the rightful king ~ himself ~ crowned. He disbands the army back to their homes, rewarding those who deserve it.

High King Aurelius helps his exiled followers to regain their Logres lands or resettles them in a new area, and foreign knights may be given lands in Britain, too.