Green Roland. Conan at the Demon's Gate

The Pictish Wilderness, in the reign of Conan the Second, known as Conn:
My name is Nidaros, son of one who did not care to acknowledge me. Likely enough
he was a noble with a full purse and influence at Court, both of which he used
for my advancement. Otherwise I might be in the ranks of the Tenth Black River
Guards instead of commanding a company.
On the edge of the Pictish Wilderness, the patrols beyond the outpost line wait
for spring. The Picts in their native forests are no easy prey even when one
does not have to fight the snow and cold as well.
In the sixth year of the reign of Conn, son of Conan, King of Aquilonia, Great
Count of Poitain, Protector of Bossonia, and bearer of too many other titles to
burden you with here, spring came early...