Any
whose places are so strong that they may well defend themselves, for
some time, are to gather all their neighbours there. The rest are to
repair to Alnwick, to join Percy's force.
"You see, there is no knowing where the storm may break. The Scots may
cross the Cheviots anywhere between Berwick and Carlisle; and, until
their movements are known, the earl and Hotspur must keep their forces
at Alnwick, in readiness to march wheresoever required.
"Hotspur has sent messengers down to the Midlands, to engage as many
archers as he can get. Of course, we have many here; but the borderers
are spearmen rather than archers, and it were well to strengthen our
force. Still, however large a force he may raise, we cannot hope to
check their first incursion. The whole country is open to them and, if
they enter near Carlisle, they may be in the heart of Cumberland, or
Durham, before we are fairly in motion. We may count, however, on
meeting them as they retire, if not before."
Oswald then rode to his own place, bade all the tenants prepare to ride
with him to Alnwick, at an hour's notice; and either to send their
women and children on there, as soon as it was known that the Scotch
army was gathering strongly on the border; or else to gather stores of
provisions, up in the hills, and to send the women and children there,
the moment word came that the Scots were on the move.
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