With the conquest of Wales completed, King Nanteleod had sworn that he would turn his attention against King Cerdic, and reclaim Salisbury from the Saxons. However, his armies did not march to war this year. With the word that Malahaut was preparing for a mighty war, the King spent this year consolidating his forces. His victories in Wales meant that more lands were willing to openly swear allegiance to him - Gloucester, Orofoise, Galvoie, Cheshire, Cameliard, and Wuerensis. It was more important, he judged, to shore up his position against Malahaut than to make enemies on more fronts by turning against King Cerdic.
The knights of Salisbury were disappointed by Nanteleod's decision, but understood and accepted it readily. They spent the year engaged in no great quests, but in small tasks of diplomacy. It would take a great alliance to be able to defeat Malahaut in the war that all knew was soon to come. Standing neutral thus far was Duke Corneus of Lindsey. As one of the few lords who had not died at Saint Albans, he had kept his lands thus far. Winning his allegiance for the next year could be essential.
Meanwhile, in other parts of Britain, the Saxons continued to war amongst one another to become Bretwalda, their version of High King. King Aelle of Sussex challenged King Cwichelm of Anglia and defeated him at Hertford, but chose not to pursue: the battle cost Cwichelm little save his pride.
And so the year ended: a gasp for breath before the chaos that was to ensue...
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