Speed and activity go for everything in a war
like this, while our own methods of fighting are absolutely useless. Unless
we make an end of this matter you may be called away from your homes once a
year to repel these attacks, while if you conquer now there will be no
Welsh foray again during your lifetime. Therefore it is worth while to make
a great effort, and for once to lay aside our own method of fighting. Your
commanders will see that all the exercises are well carried out, and will
report to me regarding those who show most zeal and energy. Extra pay will
be given to all, and I shall know how to reward those who are reported to
me as most deserving of it."
The troops set to work with great energy, and soon recognized the advantage
they gained by laying aside their heavy arms and armour. Swimming, running,
and climbing were practised incessantly, and when May arrived, and with it
the time for the commencement of the campaign, all felt confident of their
ability to cope with the Welsh in their own methods of warfare.
CHAPTER IX.
IN THE WELSH VALLEYS.
Wulf and Beorn did not form part of the expedition which was to embark with
Harold from Bristol, and to enter Wales by one of its southern valleys. It
was necessary that the gathering of the levies at Gloucester should be
strengthened by having as a nucleus three hundred trained soldiers. The
levies were lightly armed, and accustomed to fight in the same irregular
manner as their Welsh adversaries, whom they held in considerable dread,
for the fierce hillmen had again and again proved themselves more than a
match for the peaceable natives on the English side of the border.
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