While the Albrecht forces held their line at the Battle of Lifebane, Sir Anders stole a march upon Falomyr.
Battle[]
In preparation for the eventuality that the Albrecht forces may attempt to take his castle by surprise, Margave Falomyr placed Asher Willow at the western pass. So long as Asher refused to give battle, the Albrecht forces would have to wait, exposed, until he could encircle them with his own forces and crush them between the two.
The plan began well enough; once the Albrechts arrived Asher blocked off the pass. But the long standing enmity between Albrecht and Willow eluded Margrave Falomyr, who largely saw all people from Blackmarsh as one collective. When Sir Anders learned that it was a Willow holding the gate he first attempted to persuade him to open it, and when he refused, insulted him and demanded he meet him in single combat.
Fortunately for the Albrecht forces, Asher Willow was an extremely conceited man who could not stand for his fallen house to be so offended. He rode out to meet Sir Anders in single combat. The following duel lasted three passes before Sir Anders knocked Asher from his mount. He was taken captive and the gate opened to allow the Albrecht forces through.
But it was Vann Creed that thought better than to allow the matter to be ended there. Adopting Burkhard Thorne's tactics at Two Rivers, he had his men dressed in Falomyr colors and placed Asher Willow on display. If the man wished to live, he would follow through with the deception.
When Lord Falomyr arrived, he found the corpses of Albrecht forces scattered about him. When he called out to Asher, Asher said that they had died attempting to take the gate. The Falconheart, he said was his captive. Margrave Falomyr was greatly pleased and began toward the gate. When it opened, the Falconheart was revealed atop his steed. Two of his bannermen intercepted him, allowing Margrave Falomyr to retreat through Vann Creed's forces.
Vann nearly captured the margrave, but was injured in the leg by an archer. He was pulled back by his men, screaming that his family would be avenged.
Aftermath[]
Margave Falomyr's retreat enabled the Albrechts to advance upon Falomyr Keep with little resistance. When the Margrave returned to his castle, the first thing he did was strip his lady wife and place her on display for all to see. Sir Anders vowed that he would kill his uncle; a vow that the man readily took advantage of.