encumbered

burdened; impeded; restricted

lorries

small wagons or carts

betrothals

engagements; promises to marry

billeted

housed; quartered; lodged

anecdotes

short humorous or interesting stories

expelled

driven out; forced to leave

edict

a decree or proclamation

revoked

took back; withdrew; canceled

knapsacks

backpacks; canvas, nylon, or leather bags for carrying supplies

molten

melted; liquefied by heat

truncheons

billy clubs; heavy sticks

fasting

abstaining from foods as a religious discipline

compatriots

countrymen; native inhabitants; colleagues

farce

mockery; ridiculous sham

disposed

inclined; having a certain disposition

pillage

to strip of money or goods by open violence; plunder

convoy

fleet; group of vehicles

pestilential

harmful, destructive, or evil

stench

offensive smell or odor; stink

abominable

detestable; extremely unpleasant