Hereward

Hereward Brand (1056-1120) is an Anglo-Dane rebel, mercenary, & Champion of the Cambrai Crucible.

Cambrai Crucible
In Cambrai, France, Hereward fought a number of European warriors and soldiers. He participated in a week long tournament, which included rounds of jousting, archery, and dueling. After achieving success in the most rounds of all combatants, Hereward was declared Champion.

Norman Invasion of England
In 1069 Hereward accompanied a troop of Danish soldiers to the Isle of Ely to begin an insurrection against the invading Norman troops on behalf of King Sweyn Estrithson II of Denmark. They established a camp on the island before sacking Peterborough Abbey, and later Brand participated in a large battle for control of the Isle. Months into the skirmish Hereward composed a plan to assassinate the Earl of Surrey, William de Warenne, however he ultimately killed de Warenne's brother and only injured the Earl with an arrow. He was later joined by Earl Mocar of Northumbria, who was eventually killed in battle, and Hereward was forced to escape as the Norman's retook the Isle of Ely.

Later Life
Hereward lived as an outlaw for a time, and was rumoured to have emerged victor of a duel with a Norman Knight. He married a Danish nobleman's widow, Alfrida Carlisle, and the two settled together in Scotland. When the King Henry II married Princess Maud Canmore and formed the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Hereward Brand was offered a full pardon for his crimes.