Ahren and several others have found shields and are joining Thiudareiks at the main door, but the smell of smoke indicates that at least some of the Vandals have managed to torch part of the thatch.

He sees some of the non-combatants hiding behind benches near the kitchens, "Quickly, there's a huge tub of washing-up water in there. Fill buckets, bowls - whatever you can find." Soon a chain of people is passing containers of water from the kitchen and eventually the danger from the fire passes, for now.

Thiu turns back to the warriors gathering to form the "Boar's Head" wedge formation. He takes up a broad linden shield covered in red-dyed rawhide with a strong iron boss at its centre. Gripping his sword, he waits at the front of the formation while the other warriors form up tightly behind him - their shields closely overlapped and packed together to give the formation strength and momentum.

"Ready lads? Right then - charge!"