He's back! Woohoo!

...and that really sucks for us. Our guys are wiped out! Well, at least Stephen proves his mettle with that little encounter.

Now, to the choices:

1) That would allow us, again, to consolidate; albeit with a greater risk than before. I wonder though: how does Gloucester knows your move? Some of the barons must've betrayed us! Ah well, they're far away now. I'm wondering though, would that Welsh border army be adequate for a prolonged fight? And surely that is what Gloucester expects us to do?

2) Very risky, just like this chapter. Gloucester might or might not have a great numerical advantage, but at least there is a measure of support gathering around the queen which, unless we intervene directly, will be squashed in no time. The problem is yet another encounter like that which would royally screw Stephen up.

From my impetuous inconsideration, I choose Choice 2. There's no point "consolidating" while the home base is being overrun. Besides, this make for a more ruthlessly aggressive Interactive History. If Stephen reaches his wife then there's a chance to defeat Gloucester right where we need to: London.