Because Hereford hadn't fully recovered, he would not be personally participating in the cross-sea campaign. He entrusted about two hundred of his Knights to Eric.
Because of Red Nose Savary's rebellion, this was all the Knights he could muster at the moment.
He had thought this wouldn't be enough and was prepared to send some Recruits, but Eric declined. Eric didn't have enough ships, and besides, the effectiveness of Recruits on the battlefield was always questionable.
For the two hundred Knight's Squires Hereford had sent, Eric used a 'sponsorship fee' from Robert to equip them all with Armor and Warhorses. Added to the two hundred Knights also from Hereford, Eric now commanded a force of over four hundred Knights.
At the same time, Eric wanted to ensure his army's mobility. He planned to equip every one of his Infantry with a light horse to ensure they could keep up with the Knights.
