Chapter 3: Opening Moves (Dec. 1071)
Nikephoros rejected Roussel's demand that he renew his vassal oaths, causing Roussel to attempt to revoke Nikephoros' counties. However, Nikephoros raised his flag in rebellion, marching against Roussel's territory in Charsianon.
Roussel gathered his own levies in Kaisereia, numbering almost 3000 men. They were joined by soldiers' families, cooks, prostitutes, and many other camp followers.
Roussel was headed back to his personal tent after meeting with his commanders, Henry and Bishop Bohemond. He dodged a cart trundling along, passing rows and rows of tents. As he neared his tent, he saw a most beautiful woman roasting a hog over a fire. She was clearly not a noblewoman, but there was a certain charm about her.
"Greetings, what is your name?" Roussel said as he approached.
"My name is Ermyntrude, my lord," she stammered out.
"What a charming name. Would you accompany me to my tent?"
"Certainly, my lord. I would be pleased to serve you."
Together, the two went to Roussel's tent. He found it so relaxing to speak with a Norman woman who understood him and had so much in common. As the night went on and the wine flowed, the conservation turned from Normandy to more intimate matters...
Reinvigorated by his evening with Ermyntrude, Roussel and his army marched north to meet the levies of Nikephoros. Scouts had reported the Greeks were across the river, making a battle just a matter of pinning them down.
Roussel finally got the rebels to commit to battle near Sebastea, within the county of Charsianon. Roussel was confident of victory, easily outnumbering the rebels, but he did not want to take significant casualties. The terrain was fairly flat, denying either side an advantage. Roussel and his commanders planned to use their superior cavalry and heavy infantry to break the Greeks, capturing many in the rout.
Surprisingly, the rebels advanced on Roussel's position, beginning the battle. Their forces were arrayed in one long line, with the archers screening the attack and cavalry held in reserve. Due to Roussel's superior numbers, he was able to stretch his line much further. Bishop Bohemond was expected to brush aside opposition on his flank and surround the Greek center.
As the rebels approached, Roussel ordered his archers forward to harass the advance. In the first volley, the Greek peasants on Roussel's left flank panicked, making Bishop Bohemond's task even simpler. As the Greeks made their final approach, Roussel withdrew his archers and ordered his infantry forward. On the left flank, Bishop Bohemond advanced almost unopposed, disrupting the flank of the rebels' center.
As Roussel's heavy infantry hit the rebels' center, their line collapsed almost immediately. The battle quickly devolved into isolated pockets rather than a continuous line. Roussel thought he spied the banner of Nikephoros, surrounded on one side by Roussel's light infantry. Seeing a gap in the line, Roussel led his household knights forward in an attempt to capture or kill Nikephoros. The knights were arrayed and charged forward. The Greeks realized their danger just in time to panic, collapsing as the Normans attacked.
Roussel's lance struck home, shattering a Greek warrior's shield and knocking him to the ground. Roussel cast aside the broken lance and drew his sword, slashing at the terrified rebels before him. A well-armored Greek advanced on Roussel, attempting to close in and strike a blow. However, Roussel had a greater reach attacking from horseback. Roussel urged his horse forward, causing the man to stumble backwards and lower his guard. Roussel exploited this moment of weakness, landing a solid blow. The rebel collapsed to the ground, yielding to Roussel; he must have been the leader because his surrender caused the others to turn and flee. Many of Roussel's cavalry pursued the scattered rebels while the rest looted or took prisoners.
Roussel was still wearing his mail, covered in sweat and rebel blood, when his guards entered the tent with the Greek leader in shackles and heavily damaged armor. One of the guards jabbed him with the shaft of a spear, forcing him to his knees.
"I present Mayor Germanos, leader of the rebel army, my lord," one guard said.
"Where is Nikephoros? I saw his standard in the center, but find you instead," Roussel said.
Germanos hesitated for a moment, finally saying, "He remains in his keep. He said he no longer enjoys camp life, ordering me to lead the campaign instead. I suspect you can find him there, leisurely waiting for word of my success."
"Well, Mayor, I shall allow you to send him a message, but it will not be of your success. Inform Nikephoros I have crushed his army and demand his surrender. If he refuses, I shall siege his lands and drag him out of his keep myself!" Roussel boasted.
