Hasty orders were shouted by Sir Eustace, the ropes were thrown off, and the troops formed up in a double line on each side of the waggons.
The knights and mounted men formed the outside line, and the footmen stood a pace or two behind them; so as to cover them from attack, should the Welsh break through.

Oswald's esquire was on one side of him, Roger on the other.
The waggons continued to move forward, for at this point the road was better, running across a bare rock, and the horses were therefore able to draw them along without any assistance.

Sir Eustace therefore gave the order for the escort to continue their way, marching on each side of the train.
"We must fight our way through, men," he shouted; "every minute will doubtless add to their numbers." For a short time the arrows flew fast.

But the Welsh bows were not to be compared, in point of strength, with those used by the English archers; and the arrows fell harmlessly upon the armour of the men-at-arms, while on the other hand, the English archers shot so strongly and truly that, after a short time, the Welsh bowmen fell back.

As they did so, however, a crowd of footmen poured out from the forest; and, with loud shouts and yells, rushed forward.
"Halt the waggons!" Sir Eustace cried.