A sticky wicket for Heinrich, what will he do? Good work. Glad to see you're still at it.
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Just catching up on some of my reading and realised that it had been a long time since I'd looked in here.
Thre's some really interesting stuff going on! I have a feeling that Heinrich will be okay. As the son of a lord, and a knight, he is worth far more to them alive than he is dead. I wonder what his ransom will be?
Thre's some really interesting stuff going on! I have a feeling that Heinrich will be okay. As the son of a lord, and a knight, he is worth far more to them alive than he is dead. I wonder what his ransom will be?
1433
Oldenburg, 10 Mar
War had returned to Oldenburg with the arrival of the reinforced Brandenburg armies, along with a few Saxon allies from their capture of Hanover the month earlier. Oldenburg in the meantime had raised heavy forces equal to that of their German enemies in foot soldiers but 2000 less cavalry.
Rudi had been recruited into the Oldenburg army under duress, having been captured along with Heinrich by soldiers from Gelre. With soldiers all around him and knights behind him, he along with other peasants was forced to fight, given a pike and told where to march. He remarked to a friend beside him, “This battle pits German against German. What will happen next? Brother against brother? I hope not.”
The soldier replied, “Be quiet. We are forced to do this. Let’s do it and perhaps we will be able to escape.”
Rudi merely centered his head and from then on kept his thoughts to himself. The opposing forces neared one another. The Brandenburg knights had suddenly appeared off to the right, slashing into the peasants’ flanks. Rudi saw a friend he had knew from the village. The friend turned towards him, shocked at seeing Rudi on the opposite side. Before either could speak, several arrows plunged towards the two, hitting Rudi’s friend twice in the chest and in Rudi’s leg. His friend dead, Rudi desperately tried to crawl towards the Brandenburg forces. He felt the pain spreading, all the while dragging himself along and creating a trail of blood like a slug creates a trail of mucus. He shouted, “Help! Someone, help! I am from Magdeburg!”
No one either noticed or pretended not to notice the wounded soldier, who was losing blood at an faster rate. Soon he would go into shock. Rudi thought of his parents, and what they would have thought about him if they were alive. He also thought of the insanity of war that forced men to do things they would not normally do, to experience feelings they never otherwise would have. Rudi also thought on the irony of war that the normally strong men could be reduced to cowardice and that so-called weak men could show the best of humanity. Rudi finally fell into shock, and, with no one to help him, the blood flowed out continuously until his death.
Brandenburg had swept all before them, and the siege of Oldenburg was once under way again, with captives, citizens, and soldiers all inside the city experiencing the same life, despair, and struggles.
Oldenburg, 10 Mar
War had returned to Oldenburg with the arrival of the reinforced Brandenburg armies, along with a few Saxon allies from their capture of Hanover the month earlier. Oldenburg in the meantime had raised heavy forces equal to that of their German enemies in foot soldiers but 2000 less cavalry.
Rudi had been recruited into the Oldenburg army under duress, having been captured along with Heinrich by soldiers from Gelre. With soldiers all around him and knights behind him, he along with other peasants was forced to fight, given a pike and told where to march. He remarked to a friend beside him, “This battle pits German against German. What will happen next? Brother against brother? I hope not.”
The soldier replied, “Be quiet. We are forced to do this. Let’s do it and perhaps we will be able to escape.”
Rudi merely centered his head and from then on kept his thoughts to himself. The opposing forces neared one another. The Brandenburg knights had suddenly appeared off to the right, slashing into the peasants’ flanks. Rudi saw a friend he had knew from the village. The friend turned towards him, shocked at seeing Rudi on the opposite side. Before either could speak, several arrows plunged towards the two, hitting Rudi’s friend twice in the chest and in Rudi’s leg. His friend dead, Rudi desperately tried to crawl towards the Brandenburg forces. He felt the pain spreading, all the while dragging himself along and creating a trail of blood like a slug creates a trail of mucus. He shouted, “Help! Someone, help! I am from Magdeburg!”
No one either noticed or pretended not to notice the wounded soldier, who was losing blood at an faster rate. Soon he would go into shock. Rudi thought of his parents, and what they would have thought about him if they were alive. He also thought of the insanity of war that forced men to do things they would not normally do, to experience feelings they never otherwise would have. Rudi also thought on the irony of war that the normally strong men could be reduced to cowardice and that so-called weak men could show the best of humanity. Rudi finally fell into shock, and, with no one to help him, the blood flowed out continuously until his death.
Brandenburg had swept all before them, and the siege of Oldenburg was once under way again, with captives, citizens, and soldiers all inside the city experiencing the same life, despair, and struggles.
MrT: Perhaps, perhaps not. It depends on how Heinrich acts. If he is brave now, then perhaps. If not, who knows? 
Heinrich's 'sticky wicket'
Oldenburg, 2 May
“Here’s your food, sire.” The local, mocking Heinrich, laughed and thrust a small wooden bowl half-full of some porridge at Heinrich.
“What is this? I am the son of a lord and a knight of the Electorate of Brandenburg. I will not be treated like this!” Heinrich shouted, raising his voice. He suddenly calmed, remembering that he could be killed for any mistake. “I am sorry. I have forgotten my place. But please, don’t you have any more food?” he asked pleadingly.
“For whom, you? You are not a knight, despite what you say. We know you stole that fine steed from a loyal Oldeburger. The prince of Oldenburg himself contacted your Elector through back-channel communications, and the Elector said that he had not heard of Heinrich, the Lord of Magdeburg. Forgive my impertinence, your majesty, but the current Lord of Magdeburg is not named Heinrich.”
“I am not the Lord of Magdeburg, I am-“
“There, we agree now.”
“-the son of the Lord of Kustrin. I believe that your Prince has mistaken me for someone else. How did he come to the conclusion that I was from Magdeburg?”
“We-I found a scroll bearing the seal of the Lord of Magdeburg in your coat. At least that was what the words inside said.”
“How can you read?”
“Well, I did not personally inspect the evidence, but it was read by a priest here at the cathedral.”
“May I have the evidence back?”
“I must check, sir. It will take time, you know. These things always do.” With a flash of his teeth, the local, bald and fat, walked towards the door.
“Wait! I can pay you something to, ah, move things along.”
“Very well. 30 ducats. You will receive your evidence later tonight.”
Oldenburg, 2 May
“Here’s your food, sire.” The local, mocking Heinrich, laughed and thrust a small wooden bowl half-full of some porridge at Heinrich.
“What is this? I am the son of a lord and a knight of the Electorate of Brandenburg. I will not be treated like this!” Heinrich shouted, raising his voice. He suddenly calmed, remembering that he could be killed for any mistake. “I am sorry. I have forgotten my place. But please, don’t you have any more food?” he asked pleadingly.
“For whom, you? You are not a knight, despite what you say. We know you stole that fine steed from a loyal Oldeburger. The prince of Oldenburg himself contacted your Elector through back-channel communications, and the Elector said that he had not heard of Heinrich, the Lord of Magdeburg. Forgive my impertinence, your majesty, but the current Lord of Magdeburg is not named Heinrich.”
“I am not the Lord of Magdeburg, I am-“
“There, we agree now.”
“-the son of the Lord of Kustrin. I believe that your Prince has mistaken me for someone else. How did he come to the conclusion that I was from Magdeburg?”
“We-I found a scroll bearing the seal of the Lord of Magdeburg in your coat. At least that was what the words inside said.”
“How can you read?”
“Well, I did not personally inspect the evidence, but it was read by a priest here at the cathedral.”
“May I have the evidence back?”
“I must check, sir. It will take time, you know. These things always do.” With a flash of his teeth, the local, bald and fat, walked towards the door.
“Wait! I can pay you something to, ah, move things along.”
“Very well. 30 ducats. You will receive your evidence later tonight.”
Heinrich's Sticky Wicket, pt.2
Berlin, 2 May
“Load the carts all the way full. We can’t let these wagons fall into enemy hands, so let’s try to take as few as possible.” Johann ordered to some local peasants. He had been given command of this supply caravan, and ordered to take it to the forces in Oldenburg. Johann would do this job to the best of his ability. He only wished that Ernst had been allowed to go with him, instead of staying here in Berlin. The convoy moved west.
Oldenburg, 2 May
The explosives had been placed in one of the mines, the only one that had been completed. For days the Brandenburg soldiers had besieged the city, waiting and waiting for the specialists to do their job. Now, it appeared hopeful that a breach would be created in the walls. An engineer checked the time. He spoke to the man next to him, “Now!” The ground-
-shook violently and Heinrich made his move. Bowling over the local who had returned with a priest, he shoved the man into the priest and, grabbing his sword from the dazed citizen, rushed out of the small room, only to find himself in an ill-lighted corridor. He knew that he had to hurry and escape fast. The situation had been hopeless. Unable to convince either the local or the priest that he was a knight, Heinrich had almost given up all hope of being ransomed. But then he heard the small noises of men below and comprehended what they were attempting to complete. Heinrich had waited for his chance and taken it. Walking down the corridor, he came to a spiraling stone staircase, the archetypal one found in dungeons. Grabbing a torch from the wall, he rushed up the staircase, not noticing the sounds of battle outside that got clearer with every step. Suddenly a haggard soldier appeared before him, apparently not realizing his prisoner status, “They’ve made a breach! We need you to help plug the gap! Hurry!”
Thinking quickly, Heinrich said, “I’ve been sent to get food for the priest. He’s downstairs ‘visiting’ the knight who was captured.”
“What knight? He’s not a knight? Who are you?”
Heinrich hurled the torch at the weary but alert soldier, who almost stepped aside of its path but was touched by the flames. “I am that knight.” Heinrich ran on, reaching the top of the stairs and finally seeing the flames lighting the evening sky. Desperate, he went to a local’s house which he had been placed in before being put into the castle, knocking on the door and requesting help. Luckily for him this family was kind and welcomed him in, giving him part of their meager supplies and a place to sleep. Looking out of the house later that night, he saw that the defenders had managed to stop the Brandenburg offensive and had sealed the breach. Heinrich had escaped the castle, but would he survive the siege?
Berlin, 2 May
“Load the carts all the way full. We can’t let these wagons fall into enemy hands, so let’s try to take as few as possible.” Johann ordered to some local peasants. He had been given command of this supply caravan, and ordered to take it to the forces in Oldenburg. Johann would do this job to the best of his ability. He only wished that Ernst had been allowed to go with him, instead of staying here in Berlin. The convoy moved west.
Oldenburg, 2 May
The explosives had been placed in one of the mines, the only one that had been completed. For days the Brandenburg soldiers had besieged the city, waiting and waiting for the specialists to do their job. Now, it appeared hopeful that a breach would be created in the walls. An engineer checked the time. He spoke to the man next to him, “Now!” The ground-
-shook violently and Heinrich made his move. Bowling over the local who had returned with a priest, he shoved the man into the priest and, grabbing his sword from the dazed citizen, rushed out of the small room, only to find himself in an ill-lighted corridor. He knew that he had to hurry and escape fast. The situation had been hopeless. Unable to convince either the local or the priest that he was a knight, Heinrich had almost given up all hope of being ransomed. But then he heard the small noises of men below and comprehended what they were attempting to complete. Heinrich had waited for his chance and taken it. Walking down the corridor, he came to a spiraling stone staircase, the archetypal one found in dungeons. Grabbing a torch from the wall, he rushed up the staircase, not noticing the sounds of battle outside that got clearer with every step. Suddenly a haggard soldier appeared before him, apparently not realizing his prisoner status, “They’ve made a breach! We need you to help plug the gap! Hurry!”
Thinking quickly, Heinrich said, “I’ve been sent to get food for the priest. He’s downstairs ‘visiting’ the knight who was captured.”
“What knight? He’s not a knight? Who are you?”
Heinrich hurled the torch at the weary but alert soldier, who almost stepped aside of its path but was touched by the flames. “I am that knight.” Heinrich ran on, reaching the top of the stairs and finally seeing the flames lighting the evening sky. Desperate, he went to a local’s house which he had been placed in before being put into the castle, knocking on the door and requesting help. Luckily for him this family was kind and welcomed him in, giving him part of their meager supplies and a place to sleep. Looking out of the house later that night, he saw that the defenders had managed to stop the Brandenburg offensive and had sealed the breach. Heinrich had escaped the castle, but would he survive the siege?
This will be my last post...for the next 10 days as I am leaving on a vacation. If anyone wishes to be a 'caretaker' of this AAR and make sure it doesn't fall too far down into the 'AAR abyss,' they can do so.
One last comment: Happy Birthday to Lord Durham!!!
And now, the post:
Oldenburg, 2 June
Heinrich had been hiding at the local farmer’s house for a month now, only leaving during the night to search for an escape route. Every night he had been forced to return empty handed. Sometimes he wondered if the besiegers were actually besieging or just milling around outside. But then he would hear the tap-tap-tap below him and he would remember the brave efforts of the unheralded engineers. Heinrich had known the meticulous schedules of the engineers from his time in the army, and he knew that they always tried to attack exactly one month from their original attempt, as if by being superstitious that would bring them good luck.
Night fell, and Heinrich could hear the sounds of soldiers preparing to fight on both sides. He walked towards the town walls and the soldiers manning them. Gradually the Oldenburg soldiers had become accustomed to this man who joked with them and enlivened their dreary duty. What they did not realize was that Heinrich was always searching for a way to escape. He knew that the best, but also the most dangerous time to escape would be during the chaos of an breach in the wall and the subsequent attack.
Once again the miners had completed their digging, and once again it was time to attempt an attack. The explosives were timed to go off about 7:00 at night. It was now 6:58, now 6:59, now 7:00! A portion of the wall buckled and fell inward, collapsing the defenders inside. The Brandenburgers rushed into the breach, only to be halted about 10 yards past the hole by stalwart Oldenburg defenders. The battle seesawed back and forth, with both sides committing soldiers to the bloodbath.
While this was happening, Heinrich had stealthily climbed onto an unguarded section of the wall, away from the battle. Attaching a small hook to an opening in the wall, he slowly lowered himself down until he was about 5 feet from the ground. Then, disaster struck. It appeared the wall was guarded after all, for an astute defender had seen Heinrich and shouted, “What are you doing!? Come back here!” The soldier then cut the rope connecting Heinrich to the wall, sending him crashing into the ground below. He began to cry out in pain, but remembered in time not to do so. The soldier, pulling a bow and arrow from a stack that Heinrich apparently had missed, prepared to fire at Heinrich. Limping towards a nearby grove of trees, his left leg suddenly collapsed on him, under both the pain of the crash and the arrow that had just pierced it.
Heinrich shouted to a group of soldiers who were milling around about 75 yards away, “Help! I fight for the Elector! Help!” The Oldenburg soldier raised his bow and loaded an arrow. Would help come in time? Or would Heinrich die an ignoble death at the hands of a peasant archer?
One last comment: Happy Birthday to Lord Durham!!!
And now, the post:
Oldenburg, 2 June
Heinrich had been hiding at the local farmer’s house for a month now, only leaving during the night to search for an escape route. Every night he had been forced to return empty handed. Sometimes he wondered if the besiegers were actually besieging or just milling around outside. But then he would hear the tap-tap-tap below him and he would remember the brave efforts of the unheralded engineers. Heinrich had known the meticulous schedules of the engineers from his time in the army, and he knew that they always tried to attack exactly one month from their original attempt, as if by being superstitious that would bring them good luck.
Night fell, and Heinrich could hear the sounds of soldiers preparing to fight on both sides. He walked towards the town walls and the soldiers manning them. Gradually the Oldenburg soldiers had become accustomed to this man who joked with them and enlivened their dreary duty. What they did not realize was that Heinrich was always searching for a way to escape. He knew that the best, but also the most dangerous time to escape would be during the chaos of an breach in the wall and the subsequent attack.
Once again the miners had completed their digging, and once again it was time to attempt an attack. The explosives were timed to go off about 7:00 at night. It was now 6:58, now 6:59, now 7:00! A portion of the wall buckled and fell inward, collapsing the defenders inside. The Brandenburgers rushed into the breach, only to be halted about 10 yards past the hole by stalwart Oldenburg defenders. The battle seesawed back and forth, with both sides committing soldiers to the bloodbath.
While this was happening, Heinrich had stealthily climbed onto an unguarded section of the wall, away from the battle. Attaching a small hook to an opening in the wall, he slowly lowered himself down until he was about 5 feet from the ground. Then, disaster struck. It appeared the wall was guarded after all, for an astute defender had seen Heinrich and shouted, “What are you doing!? Come back here!” The soldier then cut the rope connecting Heinrich to the wall, sending him crashing into the ground below. He began to cry out in pain, but remembered in time not to do so. The soldier, pulling a bow and arrow from a stack that Heinrich apparently had missed, prepared to fire at Heinrich. Limping towards a nearby grove of trees, his left leg suddenly collapsed on him, under both the pain of the crash and the arrow that had just pierced it.
Heinrich shouted to a group of soldiers who were milling around about 75 yards away, “Help! I fight for the Elector! Help!” The Oldenburg soldier raised his bow and loaded an arrow. Would help come in time? Or would Heinrich die an ignoble death at the hands of a peasant archer?
your style is nice. i am currently playing brandenburg (EU 2 1.05) and i was having a look at the games being played. will try to post mine soon. do keep posting yours. possibly i might take some hints from you.
To all who read: I'm back now, and I will post an update when I can.
pln73: thanks for the nice comments. Take all the hints you want.
pln73: thanks for the nice comments. Take all the hints you want.
Go Heinrich go! A daring escape like this deserves to be rewarded by something of a clean getaway, and yet now he's got an arrow in his leg and possibly even further injuries.
Glad you're back Leglaen, can't wait to find out how this particular plot bit ends up.
Glad you're back Leglaen, can't wait to find out how this particular plot bit ends up.
MrT: I'm sorry. Perhaps you can go back in time and tell Heinrich what will happen to him so he can make a clean escape.
Oldenburg, 2 June
Max heard the shouting man and turned towards his commander, saying, “Sir, we must go and help that man. I believe he is in considerable pain. We can save him.”
“Our orders are to guard this 20- pounder I will not disobey orders! We will stay here.”
With a snap of his fingers, Max bellowed, “That for our orders! I am going to help that man or else! Follow me!”
Two of the five remaining men wavered, knowing what was right and what was wrong, but not wanting to risk the wrath of their commander. Max ran at a fast clip towards the wounded man, noticing that he was being shot at by an archer on the wall. One of the two men who had wavered had run with Max, and that man was holding a bow. Without being commanded to fire, he did so. The enemy soldier stiffened, then fell over the wall, his chest impaling onto his own arrow.
Heinrich had watched as the two men saved his life. He cried to them, “Look out behind you!” as the commander, he supposed, was riding towards them. His face was not happy.
Max turned and saw his commander approaching, bellowing phrases that would have astonished his children. To his amazement, the officer pulled out a sword, and prepared to charge Max and his friend. Possessed of that famous German courage and stubbornness, Max lowered his pike and prepared to fight back. His friend, however, settled the issue with his bow, striking the officer in the heart. Heinrich had been saved. The siege continued, with Oldenburg getting ever closer to surrendering.
Oldenburg, 2 June
Max heard the shouting man and turned towards his commander, saying, “Sir, we must go and help that man. I believe he is in considerable pain. We can save him.”
“Our orders are to guard this 20- pounder I will not disobey orders! We will stay here.”
With a snap of his fingers, Max bellowed, “That for our orders! I am going to help that man or else! Follow me!”
Two of the five remaining men wavered, knowing what was right and what was wrong, but not wanting to risk the wrath of their commander. Max ran at a fast clip towards the wounded man, noticing that he was being shot at by an archer on the wall. One of the two men who had wavered had run with Max, and that man was holding a bow. Without being commanded to fire, he did so. The enemy soldier stiffened, then fell over the wall, his chest impaling onto his own arrow.
Heinrich had watched as the two men saved his life. He cried to them, “Look out behind you!” as the commander, he supposed, was riding towards them. His face was not happy.
Max turned and saw his commander approaching, bellowing phrases that would have astonished his children. To his amazement, the officer pulled out a sword, and prepared to charge Max and his friend. Possessed of that famous German courage and stubbornness, Max lowered his pike and prepared to fight back. His friend, however, settled the issue with his bow, striking the officer in the heart. Heinrich had been saved. The siege continued, with Oldenburg getting ever closer to surrendering.
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Glad to see you back in action, Leglaen. First off, a belated thanks for the B-Day wishes. Between some buddies the first week, and then MrT and his incessant boozing the second week, it made for a rather fun time.
I see you are still using hooks at the end of each post. Good man. They bring the reader back for more. Now, for one minor historical nit. 24 - pounders didn't exist yet. The cannon of the day were crude affairs, with glamourous names like Mons Meg and Pumhart von Steyr. Typically they were called 8 - pound sakers, 14 - pound culverins, 20 - pound cannons, 30 - pound culverins... up to about 120 pounds. The difference between a cannon and a culverin had to do with the ratio of length to bore...
Speaking of bore, that's way too much information, isn't it?
I see you are still using hooks at the end of each post. Good man. They bring the reader back for more. Now, for one minor historical nit. 24 - pounders didn't exist yet. The cannon of the day were crude affairs, with glamourous names like Mons Meg and Pumhart von Steyr. Typically they were called 8 - pound sakers, 14 - pound culverins, 20 - pound cannons, 30 - pound culverins... up to about 120 pounds. The difference between a cannon and a culverin had to do with the ratio of length to bore...
Speaking of bore, that's way too much information, isn't it?
LD: Thanks for your thanks and for the nitpicking. I can use all the historical info I can get. Glad that you reply.(At least someone does)
and for the nitpicking. I can use all the historical info I can get. Glad that you reply.(At least someone does)
Oldenburg, 2 Aug
Johann's supply train had arrived at precisely the exact time it was needed-the final breach of the walls. Oldenburg had successfully fallen to Brandenburg, and Munster had agreed to a status quo peace, neither they nor Brandenburg receiving anything. As the Brandenburg soldiers marched through the city, word came to Johann that his convoy would return through what was (as of today) the Saxon province of Hanover back to Berlin where it would be supplied with more items. Johann grumbled to himself, “Never a moment to relax, always work, work, and more work, that’s our motto.”
“Come on now, it’s not that bad. At least we get to travel through friendly-controlled lands this time. No more pillaging,” his subordinate officer said.
“Of course, no more pillaging.” Johann replied with a smirk on his face. “Just ‘foraging with a sword.’”
“Why aren’t we following the army to Gelre, sir?”
“There is a famous proverb that will answer your question: Don’t question orders. Now prepare to head back to Berlin. At least there we will be able to relax.” Johann didn’t mention the doubt in his mind as he spoke. His second-in-command responded immediately. Johann still questioned why the army was heading towards Gelre without receiving reinforcements. But, reminded of the proverb, he kept quiet.
(ooc: LD, why have you changed your avatar?)
Johann's supply train had arrived at precisely the exact time it was needed-the final breach of the walls. Oldenburg had successfully fallen to Brandenburg, and Munster had agreed to a status quo peace, neither they nor Brandenburg receiving anything. As the Brandenburg soldiers marched through the city, word came to Johann that his convoy would return through what was (as of today) the Saxon province of Hanover back to Berlin where it would be supplied with more items. Johann grumbled to himself, “Never a moment to relax, always work, work, and more work, that’s our motto.”
“Come on now, it’s not that bad. At least we get to travel through friendly-controlled lands this time. No more pillaging,” his subordinate officer said.
“Of course, no more pillaging.” Johann replied with a smirk on his face. “Just ‘foraging with a sword.’”
“Why aren’t we following the army to Gelre, sir?”
“There is a famous proverb that will answer your question: Don’t question orders. Now prepare to head back to Berlin. At least there we will be able to relax.” Johann didn’t mention the doubt in his mind as he spoke. His second-in-command responded immediately. Johann still questioned why the army was heading towards Gelre without receiving reinforcements. But, reminded of the proverb, he kept quiet.
(ooc: LD, why have you changed your avatar?)
Sorry about the lack of screenies, I was too busy fighting during this time. I'll have one up soon.
Gelre, 26 Oct
Heinrich had arrived a month later than the regular army, the direct result of being wounded. He had also come to Gelre with both legs intact, something he was very grateful for. As it turned out, the arrow that pierced his leg had not ruptured a major blood vessel and was able to be removed easily by the field doctors. Using Moorish medicine, how can anyone survive their heretical practices? Heinrich had thought. He had pushed that thought aside when his leg was not amputated, but instead after a few weeks he was ambulatory.
The army was besieging the town, Heinrich saw. He had some bad news to deliver to the kommandant and he figured he should get that job done in a hurry. “Herr General, I bring with me reports of Gelre’s army coming here to defend their homes. They are approximately 2000 soldiers less than us, but with equal knights, at least that’s what our spy says.” Yes, that’s how he would say it. Focus on the good first, then the bad. “It appears they have annexed our ally Friesen and are returning from there.” Convinced of the proper way to announce the news, Heinrich moved towards the General’s quarters, after which he would set up his own and rest. The night called to him, whispering in his ear, relaxing him. Heinrich straightened and prepared to do his duty. It was all he was asked to do.
Gelre, 26 Oct
Heinrich had arrived a month later than the regular army, the direct result of being wounded. He had also come to Gelre with both legs intact, something he was very grateful for. As it turned out, the arrow that pierced his leg had not ruptured a major blood vessel and was able to be removed easily by the field doctors. Using Moorish medicine, how can anyone survive their heretical practices? Heinrich had thought. He had pushed that thought aside when his leg was not amputated, but instead after a few weeks he was ambulatory.
The army was besieging the town, Heinrich saw. He had some bad news to deliver to the kommandant and he figured he should get that job done in a hurry. “Herr General, I bring with me reports of Gelre’s army coming here to defend their homes. They are approximately 2000 soldiers less than us, but with equal knights, at least that’s what our spy says.” Yes, that’s how he would say it. Focus on the good first, then the bad. “It appears they have annexed our ally Friesen and are returning from there.” Convinced of the proper way to announce the news, Heinrich moved towards the General’s quarters, after which he would set up his own and rest. The night called to him, whispering in his ear, relaxing him. Heinrich straightened and prepared to do his duty. It was all he was asked to do.
If I had a loonie (that's a Canuck buck, BTW) from everyone who asked me that...
It was just something to do at the time. It will change again...
Keep writing...
Oldenburg, 25 Nov
Von Eschl turned to his Oldenburg opposite, telling him where to sign the document. In the document, all of the land originally owned by the prince of Oldenburg would be given to Brandenburg, with the province of Hanover going to Saxony. After the Oldenburg diplonat’s signature had been placed, Von Eschl turned to another man, who nodded. Von Eschl then signed the piece of paper announcing the annexation of Oldenburg. “Too bad you’re out of a job now,” Von Eschl remarked to his fellow diplomat.
“I’ll find something to do under the Elector. What will you do with your ally Saxony, whom is still at war with Munster and Gelre?”
“That falls under the area of state security. My compatriot here would have to answer, but he will not.” Von Eschl pointed to the third man, whose face was darkened by the shadows he surrounded himself with, clothing himself in their grasp. Von Eschl took the security officer aside and asked him, “What will happen to Saxony?”
“They will have to fight their own wars. We cannot help them. Do not inquire further.”
After the war
Von Eschl turned to his Oldenburg opposite, telling him where to sign the document. In the document, all of the land originally owned by the prince of Oldenburg would be given to Brandenburg, with the province of Hanover going to Saxony. After the Oldenburg diplonat’s signature had been placed, Von Eschl turned to another man, who nodded. Von Eschl then signed the piece of paper announcing the annexation of Oldenburg. “Too bad you’re out of a job now,” Von Eschl remarked to his fellow diplomat.
“I’ll find something to do under the Elector. What will you do with your ally Saxony, whom is still at war with Munster and Gelre?”
“That falls under the area of state security. My compatriot here would have to answer, but he will not.” Von Eschl pointed to the third man, whose face was darkened by the shadows he surrounded himself with, clothing himself in their grasp. Von Eschl took the security officer aside and asked him, “What will happen to Saxony?”
“They will have to fight their own wars. We cannot help them. Do not inquire further.”
After the war
I'm shamefully slow in getting around to reading your latest updates (something to do with continual alcohol-induced double-vison or something).
I'm delighted that Hienrich got away and made a complete recovery.
Question: you mentioned a Gelre army en route to on Oct 26 but then no combat...presumably they just couldn't get there before the peace was signed? That must have made the attrition pretty nasty as you marched away.
I promise to read your next update promptly...honest.
I'm delighted that Hienrich got away and made a complete recovery.
Question: you mentioned a Gelre army en route to on Oct 26 but then no combat...presumably they just couldn't get there before the peace was signed? That must have made the attrition pretty nasty as you marched away.
I promise to read your next update promptly...honest.
Actually our army lost, something that I was going to mention in the next update but because you are on top of the ball always you point out these things. Can't you wait some more?