Richard's War for the Rush
In late 972, Richard Whitemount of Dregonvell invaded Springmore, or specifically the region bordering Dregonvell known as the Rush. Illness took Richard's life midcampaign, and his heir Edward withdrew from the conflict in his first act as high earl.
The Conflict
Prelude
The justification for the conflict remains a sore subject. Supporters of Richard agree with his claim that Ambrose Brawnby, the high earl of Springmore, promised the Rush to him in return for military aid provided to him by Richard in the Wars of the Wilted Rose primarily during the 960s. Others claim, however, that no such agreement ever existed and was merely an excuse for Richard to expand his lands and seek glory. The latter is the more accepted account in Eremere and Edward Whitemount has made no such attempt to rectify this.
Deployment
Richard boasted an army of around 12,000, still under half of what he could potentially muster. The armies of Springmore were not prepared for an attack and were spread across the earldom. Only 3000 men could arrive in the Rush for the defence.
The Engagement
Slaughter at Egen Brook
The first engagement occurred in the last month of 972 and saw Richard march his entire army into Springmore. The garrison defending the border numbers a mere 80 men, and 79 were killed. One man escaped, carrying a messgae to Ivy Hall and then to Rose Court that Dregonvell had invaded.Battle of Ivy Hall
With the forces of Springmore still mustering, Richard had a clear path to the capital of the Rush and the seat of House Wreath: Ivy Hall. Here, 3000 men led by Ivan Wreath put up a valiant but failed defence. The remaining forces retreated to the safety of the castle, preparing to resist a siege or assault.Richard's Death and the Ceasefire
During his march towards Ivy Hall, Richard became ill. It was stiff fever, an incredibly fatal and contagious disease. He died, leaving Dregonvell and command of his armies to Edward Whitemount. While Edward travelled to the battlefield from Lylelor, the army halted, allowing Springmore to gather its strength. Edward arrived, and as his first act as high earl commanded his troops to withdraw from the Rush. He arranged a ceasefire with Lord Wreath.Outcome
To atone for his father's actions and to prove his commitment to peace, Edward proposed a marriage between himself and Lady Charlotte Wreath, Lord Wreath's daughter, who he had met and had a relationship some years prior in Beaucroft. Ivan accepted, and peace was successfully brokered.
Aftermath
Besides allowing Edward an excuse to marry his beloved, a woman below his status, and creating a happy marriage, it greatly affected Edward's popularity with the nobility and peasantry alike. The lords of Springmore were of course pleased with Edward's actions, while the lords of Dregonvell also saw the war as superfluous and destabilising. Beyond, King Aldred himself was greatly impressed with Edward's actions and commended him.
Historical Significance
Legacy
What began as war ended in a great alliance between House Whitemount and House Wreath, with Edward and Charlotte's marriage opening political and familial relations between the two.
Crucially, it instantly set the tone for Edward's rule as high earl; far less ambitious than his father, but also more temperate and cautious.
Conflict Type
War
Battlefield Type
Land
Start Date
972
Ending Date
973
Conflict Result
White Peace
Belligerents
Strength
12,000 mustered of a potential 30,000.
3000 mustered.
Casualties
At least 2000.
Around 2500.
Objectives
Take Ivy Hall and conquer the Rush.
Resist the forces of Dregonvell and push them back to their border.
In response to the prompt Write about a conflict in your world known for being unprovoked or unfair.
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