In Our Finest Hour
22 June 818
Castle Town of Tice in the County of Lahubrat
Rumair looked through his spyglass. He could see them. Ships. Foreign ships. He gave spyglass to his kinsman Dako. Rumair heard the surprise in his voice as Dako gasped.
"Do you think they are planning invasion?" Dako asked. He knew the answer. You do not bring a war fleet to talk trade negotiations. The more pressing matter was the fact who was invading. For years before her death Wulay was convinced that the Buhajlo would be the ones to attack them. Before she had to defend against Sumain, she had a decent size army in preparation. But according to all reports they were locked in an endless conflict with Luhong to their south.
"Who is it? That is the more relevant question," Rumair answered back as kissed the symbol of his faith he wore around his neck.
"It doesn't matter we will drive them back into the sea."
"The recent wars has several weakens our forces. The realm can only muster fifteen hundred to the defense," Rumair said looking back at Dako. Dako looked up at Rumair with fear.
"But with that amount of vessels they must number at least....." Dako started...
"Six thousand," Rumair said. He pointed to the beach before the castle. "We will make our stand there. Have the men build traps and pits along the line. It should slow their advance make them easier to deal with.." Rumair began to walk into the interior.
"Where are you going?" Dako asked focusing on the place he outlined.
"I am going to see my family. I figure I have one day left with them. You should spend some time with yours."
He made his way through the castle quietly. He found his family in their wing as always. His wives noticed the look on his face but said nothing.
He played for hours with his daughter Lunik and son Ret. He gave them crash courses in handling weapons while his wives prepared a magnificent feast. At night he put Linck and Ret to bed. Ret fell asleep almost instantly. He spend the time with Linck telling her of her ancestors and kinsmen. After she fell asleep he went to his room. Waiting for him was his two wives Saysey and Laysal. Two twins he had the good fortune to marry. They had been married for many years. They both had been with him through multiple campaigns and wars, they knew what to come.
"My loves I want you depart the city at second watch," Rumair said has he sat on the bed between them.
"But..." Laysal started but Saysey shook her head.
"I do not know what will happen to me. But knowing you two and the children will be fine. I can die happy."
"Do not touch of such things," Saysey said kissing his forehead.
"You have always comeback to us. This time will be no different," Laysal added kissing his forehead as well.
"Come lay with me one last time before meet my creator." Rumair spend the rest of the night within his wives' embrace. Dawn came and so did first watch. Rumair had little to no trouble sleeping that night woke up quietly. He put on his armor. He took once last look at his family and prayed that Awa protected them from the heathens.
Later that day
The battle had become intense. The first wave found their advance cut short by the traps and pits. But that did not stop them for long. First one ran almost knowingly into the pits and through the traps. Allowing their corpses to be used as a pathway through. Rumair was not expecting an easy fight. But wasn't expecting to see warriors gladly die so their brethren could strike. It is as if they did not fear death at all. Rumair and Dako both took to the field and assisted in vain. Before long Rumair had no choice before to sound a retreat.
The battle had moved from the beach to the Ars Forest. Dako had been lost somewhere in that transition. Rumair remember his horse being right beside his. Dako was no coward. He wouldn't abandon Rumair. The more likely outcome was that fell back to assist and would meet him in Tice.
Rumair turned to see the horde was behind them still. He motioned for his riders to stop as the infantry continued forward. "Commander," a soldier said between breathes.
Rumair turned to him, "Order the men to set fire to Ars Forest as we retreat."
"Commander the monastery will engulfed if we do that," was the response.
"It is better that we destroy it then let heathens plunder its treasures. With any luck we will reduce their numbers for the siege," Rumair said trying to control his horse.
"Awa have mercy on you for that order," the solider as he rode off deliver it.
"Awa have mercy on me for the atrocities I will before day is done." Rumair pushed his men back to Tice. Once they were through the walls, Rumair climbed to the ramparts. He watched as stragglers hurried to get in. None of them were Dako. Tears streaming down his face as he turned toward the Monastery of Api Deos. The flames had all but consumed it.
He turned toward the beach. Hopefully the fire had reduced their will to fight some. What he was their march continued unabated.
"What are they made of stone?" he screamed as they continued to march toward them. The fire seemed to slow them not stop them. They were busy clearing debris.
He noticed a messenger at the gate, "Urgent dispatch for the commander," the messenger screamed.
Rumair ordered the gates be open and the messenger brought to him at once.
"The marshal request you break off your attack and come to the defense of Tunekçe at once," he said.
Rumair went pale. "How could they launched an attack on Tunekçe? We have been fighting all day with them."
"A detachment consisting of two thousand strong led by T Anihorn of Tetra vassal of Dihd Lerajl of Niharou attacked the capital the same time. We are desperate for a rescue." Rumair never felt anger like this before. He was angry at the invaders for invading. At himself for burning the Ars Forest and Monastery of Api Deos. But most all Awa. He was needed a miracle. He needed Awa to somehow save his men and defeat the invaders. With the marshal telling him that there is no reinforcements coming. Awa was his last hope. And if seemed like he has abandon him in their our hour need.
Rumair had two choices and neither one me like. Abandoned Tice and make for Tunekçe. But there was a little his forces could do. Especially since the would be spent by the time they arrived. Even if there was a Tunekçe to defend. Or he could make his last stand here. Rumair called a meeting of his officers.
A Few Hours Later
Rumair stood outside the walls of Tice. He was without his armor. His sword attached his hip. A glaive was planted blade first into the dirt. As the invaders took formation in front of the city, Rumair remained there. A man in an elaborate headdress came out a little from his line and started speaking gibberish at Rumair. Rumair simply unplanted his glaive and pointed at the invaders. He was sure the language of war knew no barriers. And a warrior's challenge in his language was a warrior's challenge in any language.
The man laughed and said something Rumair was pretty sure was a name. The ranks broke and a warrior much taller than Rumair came walking out. In one hand he carried a stone club and a shield. In the other a head. When he was in range he tossed the head to Rumair's fight. Dako. Rumair knelt to close his friend and kinsman's eyes. How did they even know he was...it did not matter. All he needed to do was buy time for them retreat. Whatever awaited them in Tunekçe he would not see.
The warrior turned to his line and they cheered for him. He bashed his shield three times with his club. The invaders started to rhythmically strike their shields. The warrior made a throat cutting motion then pointed to Rumair. And the invaders cheered again. Rumair stood up and pointed his glaive at him. But kept a hand on his sword hilt.
The melee begin.
The warrior was powerful as he looked. Each time Rumair would attempted to hit him with the glaive, he found his shield. Each hit felt like he was hitting a stone wall. Despite seeing them bleed and die from stab wound, Rumair began to believe they made be part stone. Rumair could break off and try a different angle yet that shield was always there waiting. The man attempted to connect with his club but found either Rumair had dodged or his glaive was there to defend.
The spectators on cheered and booed as they traded blows. They would lock weapons and struggle to get free. Disengage. Trade blows again. A shield bash to the face or a shaft to the stomach.
The warrior opened himself up. After a shield bash failed to connect he left his side exposed. Trying to score a killing blow Rumair took the opening. His glaive cut skin but not deep enough for death. The warrior quickly brought his arm down to catch the shaft underneath his arm. It came to rest between his body and his shield. Rumair tried pulling it free but the warrior would not let go. The warrior raised his club high and brought it down. He was hoping to end Rumair here. Rumair drew his sword and blocked with that.
A kick to the knee and head-butting the man in the face freed the glaive. He made a bloody trail as the warrior stumbled back. Rumair was able disengage. However, the warrior's flailing with the club as he stumbled backwards caught Rumair in the shoulder. Rumair let out a winced as first pain shot through his body. Then the entire arm went numb.
Rumair heard the sound of his sword hitting the dirt. The warrior blood flowed from his nose. He angrily spat it out. He beat his shield into his club before he tossed the shield away. He pointed the club at Rumair. Rumair in turn pointed his glaive at him. Rumair knew it was a sign of respect. He was not taking Rumair seriously up until this point. They took their stances. The warrior the club with both hands. Rumair raised his glaive. This both his final and finest hour.
Rumair and the warrior ran at each other. Full speed. It was over almost instantly. Rumair's glaive had pierced the warrior's chest. Coming to a stop almost completely through him. However, the warrior brought his club down with all his strength to Rumair's back. Time stood still between. The warrior said something Rumair could almost make out. As time caught up with them, both men spat out blood and remained in position as death took them.
