# War and Conflict in After London

> Theme guide for After London by Richard Jefferies.

Constant warfare among petty kingdoms, republics, and invading Welsh, Irish, and Scots forces defines the political landscape, with mercenaries, sieges, and piracy causing widespread suffering.

## Where it surfaces

- [IV: The Invaders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/iv-the-invaders): Constant warfare between city-states, the use of mercenaries, and the looming threat of invasion from northern nations (Irish, Welsh, Scots) dominate the political landscape.
- [The House of Aquila](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/ii-the-house-of-aquila): The chapter references political quarrels at court, Irish raids, and the ever-present threat of violence, shaping daily life.
- [Baron Aquila](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/v-baron-aquila): The chapter is filled with references to the threat of invasion from the North, the Cymry, and the Irish, and the strategic importance of the straits as a potential crossing point for armies.
- [The Forest Track Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/vii-the-forest-track-continued): The presence of Bushmen and the castle's fortifications indicate ongoing threats and past battles.
- [The Camp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xvii-the-camp): The chapter centers on the preparations for a siege, highlighting the chaos, indiscipline, and logistical challenges of medieval warfare.
- [The King's Levy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xviii-the-king-s-levy): The chapter is set in a military camp during a war, depicting the chaos, violence, and moral decay that accompany conflict. The king's levy is assembled for a siege, and the enemy city is visible across the stream.
- [Fighting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xix-fighting): The chapter depicts the brutal realities of siege warfare, including assaults on walls, skirmishes, and the high casualty rate among unarmored retainers.
- [In Danger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xx-in-danger): The chapter focuses on Felix's strategic critique of the king's siege tactics and the dangers of the ongoing war.
- [The Shepherds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xxv-the-shepherds): The chapter details the brutal, generational feud between the shepherds and gipsies, including tactics like forming defensive circles and retaliatory raids.
- [Bow and Arrow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xxvi-bow-and-arrow): The battle between the shepherds and the gipsies showcases the violent struggle for survival and territory in the post-civilization world.
- [XXVIII: For Aurora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xxviii-for-aurora): Felix's role as 'Leader of the War' and the formation of a confederacy of thirty-two tribes with eight thousand spearmen sets the stage for future conflict. The chapter emphasizes military organization and the threat of invasion.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/themes/war_and_conflict
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/themes