Something else.

Schommelster Eppett Castle looms tall and imposing on the banks of the river Eppett.

The thick stone walls protect the valuable loot inside, huge collections of weapons, horses and war machines.

In July 1167, the mood inside the castle is tense.

The garrison are preparing to face an attack.

This castle belongs to King Louis VII of France, and the attack is coming from none other than Henry Plantagenet.

And you might say that Louis has brought it on himself.

While we know that Henry is a hothead who isn't shy of fighting, this assault isn't unprovoked.

After years of peace, the two kings are now at war.

Louis started meddling in Henry's business, and when some of Henry's subjects in Normandy recently rebelled over a succession dispute,

Louis took their side and invaded Plantagenet lands.

So Henry is striking back, with an assault on Schommel.

And it's a bold gambit.

This castle is one of Louis's key military bases, and it's very well defended.

It seems a difficult target, even for a military mastermind like Henry, but of course, that doesn't stop him.

The men inside the castle hear the low rumble of the army drawing near, and make their final preparations, sharpening weapons and lining up archers along the ramparts.

Henry is approaching on land, following the banks of the river Ept, with knights in male armour on horseback and footsoldiers trampling behind them.

Spears, lances, and all manner of unpleasant spiky things glint in the throne.

Henry's even brought siege catapults.

The garrison watch Henry's army trundle towards them, with interest.

They have two options, keep the gates locked and wait Henry out in a siege, or run out and meet his army in battle.

Henry knows that a siege will take too long.

...