The Free Company- Book V: Bloody Retribution

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3 July 1440, Morning - Near Cerbaia

The overcast skies which had so depressed the Free Company as they began their march north had soon given way, and now the sunny, mild climate more common to the Mediterranean again reigned supreme. The sun beamed down on the rippling surface of the River Bisenzio as it trickled toward the Adriatic. The sun beamed down on the gleaming white walls of the Rocco Cerbaia as it sat like a stone sentinel, brooding over the Bisenzio. The sun beamed down on the neck of an Alsatian ranger because, at the moment, Alain Bouscher was waving his wide-brimmed hat at the archers arrayed on the other side of the Bisenzio. Although he was pretty sure they could not hear him, he greeted them. One has to be civil, after all.

"Good morning! We thank you for this display of goodwill and bonhomie, but we're just passing through the area. Luncheon sounds lovely, but we really must be going. Don't let us interfere with your tending to the crops. Good weather we're having, isn't it?" A few archers returned the gesture with their own mantles. One sent a reply by firing his bow at extreme range. The missile landed 10 yards behind and 20 yards to the left of the mounted Alsatian. The man was promptly chewed out by his sergeant for not holding his fire.

A young man, though his eyes looked like they had seen plenty of the world and how it worked, with just a tuft of brown hair peaking out from under his helmet pulled his horse up behind Foppy. "Are you quite done?" The two boyhood companions occupied a slight rise overlooking the area.

"Good morning, sir." He put his hat back on and tipped it toward his lord and master. "I was just paying my respects to the neighbors."

"You're aggravating them."

"I'm accelerating them. I'm not causing them to do anything they won't be doing later, and I'd like to speed things up so we can be somewhere else by lunchtime. It's rather trying to suddenly find an arrow in your stew."

Foppy's flippancy was wearing down Landen's good-humor. "For goodness sakes, Foppy, men may die on this battlefield today. It's not a laughing matter."

The jester retreated over the invisible line he had crossed. "Yes, sir."

"Are you done checking this area for traps."

"Yep." He turned in his saddle and gestured at the enemy infantry. "You see those men over there? A hodgepodge of armor. Nervous shuffling. Either they are low on discipline or they are seeing battle for the first time. I'll bet you a tankard of ale that they've spent all their time training and didn't think of setting up traps." Turning back to Landen, he added, "But I carefully checked my area anyway and found nothing."

"Good. I came to the same conclusion. No one else found any traps, and I don't see any place which could conceivably hide enemy troops or cavalry. Let's go back to the Company. You take the men and scout the forest to the right again, to make sure no one flanks us in the middle of the march. I'll report to Captain and meet up with you later."

"Sounds like a plan."

The two men nodded and, in unison, pulled their horses onto a course back to the Free Company ranks.

 

[The_Hawk]

July 3rd, morning, the forest north of the Free Company formation

Antonio Scallini held his breath as the Free Company scouts picked their way through the woods. The apparent leader, still on horseback, led the way carefully, though he seemed more concerned with his mount's steps than with scanning the forest. A single misstep could finish a horse for good. Then again, thought Scallini, perhaps there's more to this one than there seems.

Scallini caught his breath again as the lone horseman drifted in his direction. He prayed silently that his men would stick to their orders and reveal themselves only at his command. The foxholes and barrows his men had secreted themselves in had been prepared for just this sort of situation; Cerbaia had a commanding view of the valley and was quite resistant to siege, but was on the wrong side of the river to control the Via Lombardia which anyone passing through would take. Scallini and Alberti had long since made arrangements to ambush anyone who passed by their fortress. Now Scallini had to hope those arrangements held true, or he would quickly find himself outnumbered twenty to one -- on the wrong side of the river.

He nearly choked on his next breath when the horseman motioned for his fellows to stop not twenty yards from his hole. The rider scanned the forest, and Antonio could swear the eyes shadowed under the wide-brimmed hat passed right over him.

And then, just as suddenly, the rider turned his horse, shouted an order to his scouts, and headed back toward the Free Company proper. Scallini allowed himself to exhale. I may live through the day after all.

* * *

Across the river, Alberti and one of his sergeants watched the Free Company's ranks as they warily continued north, skirting away from the river and out of bow range. Alberti frowned. "They're not coming close enough."

His sergeant nodded. "We can cross at the bridge, my lord; the peasants can provide a solid shield for the archers..."

Alberti raised an eyebrow. "Are you mad?" He pointed at the nearest Company column, its troops shooting glances across the river with every step. "Those are Welsh longbows. None of the blasted peasants would survive against those."

"Surely you cannot mean to just let them go, then? Scallini cannot manage them all."

"You are correct." Gualtiero pondered for a moment. "Prepare the archers to move north along the river at my command." He pointed at the narrowest gap between the river and forest. "The Company will be forced to follow the road there... let them think they are still out of range. Then we spring our surprise, and while Scallini has them distracted, we move to fire across at them."

The sergeant grinned. "Genius, m'lord. And the peasants?"

"Let them charge across the bridge and up behind the Company if I give the word. Perhaps they can slay a few more of these villains while they retreat."

"Of course, my lord."

As his sergeant turned away to dispatch his orders, Alberti looked again at the mercenary company across the river. At the back of his mind, a slight conflict arose, and he wondered if he knew what he was doing, a thought which he supressed immediately. I'd better hope so, or Cosimo's the least of my worries, he thought.

 

[redwolf]

3 July 1440, Morning – Near Cerbaia

Chen Hui had breathed a silent of relief when the Free Company had continued to move. "Boy am i glad Captain isn't going make us take that castle. It ain't going to be fun at all, attacking a river under a shower of arrows." Huang Wei commented.

Chen nodded," Forming up in battle formation was probably just a precaution to warn the other side not to try anything funny. Those people on the other side had probably saw us as well and had formed up as well just in case. As long as both sides keep to their side of the river, i don't think anything will happen."

Zhang asked," Well, what if they decided to cross the bridge and attack our back later?"

Chen looked at Zhang and replied," Look at those sorry excuses of a infantry soldier over there. Most of them probably can't tell one end of their weapon from the other. I don't think they will be insane enough to attack experienced soldiers. But in the event that they are insane enough to try, then we will make sure they won't be crossing back."

 

[Lord Durham]

3 July 1440, Morning - Near Cerbaia

Captain watched as the Free Company arrayed themselves into position, well out of range of the enemy archers. Not that the archers were a problem - he could have had Fyrsil clear the opposite bank with ease.

But he had no intention of provoking the locals. He was not prepared to make war on the Tuscans because their Duke was in a snit.

They waited long moments as the scouts swept in to observe the enemy, then reported back. The archers appeared professional enough, but the men guarding the narrow bridge amounted to little more than militia and peasants, and not particularly well-armed at that.

Lochlan digested the last report. "That bridge can't hold more than three men abreast. Perhaps they merely wish to keep us from crossing."

Captain scanned the well-placed castle. "My war is not with them, anyway." He swung his horse about and studied the road ahead, saw the heavy forest to their east, flanking the road north. He watched elements of the scouts disappear into the forest. Lochlan rode up beside him. Captain said, "Let's continue our march. Keep the Welsh on the left, ready to deploy against the archers if need be. Shur'tu will lead the van, Kent will drop back to cover the rear and the baggage train. If the Florentines decide to cross the bridge they'll be met with lances and cold steel.

The orders were passed along, and slowly the Company began to continue north...

 

[The_Hawk]

Scallini watched and waited as the Free Company made its way past. The greatest weight of their cavalry was in front, with only a few pickets off to the sides, so he waited until the van passed to attack the flank. The mercenaries, he could see, were quite alert, but the majority of their suspicious glances were reserved for the opposite side of the river, to assure that Alberti's men stayed out of bow range.

Tense seconds past as the troops marched north. Finally, Scallini gripped his mace with a sweaty palm and rose from the underbrush, a dozen men around him springing out as he did. He motioned for quiet. No battlecries until we reach the open, he had told them. Whispers quickly shot down the line until the whole infantry unit crouched in the forest, prepared to strike.

And then they did. Scallini led his men forward at a jog, each readying his weapon, each heading for the middle of the Free Company's column. As they shot through the woods and into the open, shouts went up -- both from his own men, and from their victims. Scallini ignored the nearest cavalryman as he crossed the hundred or so feet to the road, his target the nearest group of infantry. He raised his mace in anticipation of his first strike, and let out a cry of rage as his men fell upon the Free Company.

* * *

Across the river, Alberti heard the first ring of steel on steel, and the shouts of combat. "Now!" he yelled, and his archers raced north along the river, prepared to fire on the Free Company's left flank as Scallini ate away at the right...

 

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3 July, Morning: Near Cerbaia

Jean's group rode along the right side of the Company. Suddenly, a group of people ran yelling towards the infantry, right behind him. Jean and his men swung around, but they were already to the infantry before they could get their bows out.

Jean's men drew their swords. Jean sent one to Shur'tu to tell him to send more men over. After that, he yelled, and his men charged in.

 

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July 3rd - Near Cerbaia - Morning

Men charged out from the forest. It was sudden, though not unexpected. O'Floinn's bow was up almost immediatly. An enemy ran screaming from the trees. O'Floinn took him threw the throat. He discharged 2 more arrows at the before drawing his sword and charging into the thick of the fight.

 

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3 July

Robert O' Glaigh heard the clanging of swords to his left and his shoulders sank for a moment. I've wanted to be part of a battle since I got here. And wouldn't you know it, the first ones I draw steel on are my own people. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the irony. He sighed, set his shoulders, and waited for his orders.
-------------------------------------------------

His father was sitting with Thomas Clayborne and his men in the center. "Fool," Sean said. "Nice of him to go an' git his people slaughtered for no good reason."

"That's a narrow bridge, he did pick a good spot to defend from."

"Too bad he's not defendin'. Dividin' his own forces with a river. Idiot. They'll be killed in turn."

"What should we do?" Thomas asked.

"Yer under Cap'n orders. Obey them."

"And what will you do?"

"Try to smooth oe'r ruffled feathers when this slaughter is over. Try to keep one of their leaders alive. I'll have a chat wi' 'im af'er."

"Aye."

"Good day fer fightin'. Too bad I', no' wi' the Company anymore." Sean laughed, testing the weight of his claymore in his hand before he returned it to his sheathe. Thomas shook his head and laughed in response.

 

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3 July 1440, Morning - Near Cerbaia

Cries of war, rage, and battle sprung up behind Landen and to the right. Sounds like they're coming from the forest. But that's impossible... But one glance was enough to tell him it indeed was quite possible. 100 men, shouting loud enough for ten times their number, quickly cleared the small gap between the forest edge and the road.

Landen turned a little more to the right. One glance from Captain told him everything he needed to know. Disappointment.

"I'm sorry, Landen."

"Later, Foppy." The voice was calm and without reproach.

"We couldn't penetrate far into the forest because of the horses."

"Later. First, we correct our error. Rangers, follow me!" The young nobleman's voice, as he shouted those last three words, was still steady but had the slightest hint of cracking. His charger burst into a full gallop and took its rider, sword drawn, toward the thick of the fight.

***

Kincaid heard the warcries, the clash of swords, and the "Rangers, follow me!" Instantly, he oriented his steed, Celeritas, toward the gleaming white sword that Landen held aloft. Sweeping out to far to the east, he found a good line of sight to the action, but the enemy was already fully engaged and he could not fire for fear of hitting a fellow Free Company man.

"Damn!" He patted Celeritas on the neck for assurance. "I shouldn't have profaned. Let's go." He nudged his mount to go faster (Landen was already halfway there) and drew his sword. It feel curiously heavy.

***

Scallini picked out a great, bear of a man for his first target. I hope he is slow to react to our surprise. "Murderers! Fiends! AAARGGGGH!!!!!!"

 

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3 July 1440, Morning - Near Cerbaia

The Company scrambled for a tense second as the enemy streamed out of the forest, then the professionals regained their balance. Of course that balance probably had something to do with Baer and Erik who were alternating between cursing and orders as they moved the regiment to form up.

"Looks like your going to have to have a talk with Landen and the rangers." Captain said mildly as Landen glanced back at him before leading his men into the fray.

"Aye sir." Lochlan said, his voice hard. His eyes though were very busy, they skipped along the length of the forest, and then back along the river bank. "Fritz." The ranger called for the messenger. "Tell Fyrsil he's free to feather those archers moving up on our flank now."

"Yessir!" the former swiss pikeman yelled as he rode, or rather his horse rode away with him on it.

"What are they trying to accomplish?" Lochlan asked. "So they stalled the infantry, they'll be slaughtered between them and the cavalry, see look there." He pointed to the heavy cavalry under Kent, which was turning to charge the infantry now beating against Jaegers pike wall.

"Keep an eye out, some of them may come in this direction." Captain said, absently watching the battle.

Lochlan glanced sharply at his old friend. "Yes sir." was all he said. "Morgan, ready blades." He barked to the guard commander. I miss Hans. Lochlan thought sadly, the old german had taken a wound that left him on rhodes when the company had left. Likely the big german would never walk again. At their commanders command, the guards spread out in a loose formation guarding the vulnerable command area.

"Now what are they going to do next." Lochlan mused.

 

[redwolf]

3 July 1440, Morning - Near Cerbaia

Chen Hui and the rest of the Ming Guards were on the left flank of the van, nearest the river. One moment, it was all quiet, the next all hell had broken loose as they heard screams and shouts followed by the ringing sound of steel on steel behind and on their right near the forest.

The Ming Guards had their bows drawn in an instant but found that there was too many Free Company soldiers between them and the ambushers.

Lim asked," Should we go help?" Chen quickly scanned the area, then shook his head. "Nope, we don't need to. There are only about a hundred of them and while they have the element of surprise, they still won't last very long. Although i've got to wonder how the Rangers failed to notice 100 men hiding in the forest." Even as he spoke, he could see the Free Company soldiers already responding to this sudden ambush.

Chen smiled. He glanced back across the river to see if the soldiers on the other side were noticing how well the Free Company fight. His smile disappeared when he saw the archers running along the river bank, soon to be in range of the Free Company soldiers. He glanced back at his people. Almost everyone's attention is on those ambushers. He wasn't sure if anyone else had noticed the archers coming up behind them yet.

Chen realised that a messenger would not be able to get through the mass of bodies between them and the longbowmen before the archers on the other side get into range. If those archers are able to get a few free volleys into the Free Company, it will cause lots of confusions among the ranks, not to mention the number of casulties. He shouted to Gao. Gao turned his head around to see Chen pointing frantically across the river. Looking across the river, Gao started cursing when he saw the archers moving. Chen shouted to Gao," Gao, I have an idea. With your permission?" Gao nodded.

Chen shouted," Huang, get your bugle out. Blow as hard as you can to get the other's attention. The rest of the Jaghun,prepare to fire across the river at the archers!" Zhang took one quick look and said," Chen, we are still out of range. We won't hit them at all."
Chen reply," I know. I don't mean to hit them. I just want to alert the Free Company of those archers. When the rest hear the bugle, they will turn to see us firing arrows across the river and this way know of the other threat across the river. ARCHERS! READY! FIRE!"

As the Jaghun fired across the river, Huang took out his bugle and blew with everything he had. As Chen reloaded, he heard the sound of the bugle and a smile crept to his face. He recognised the tune. It was a tune that he had not heard for a long time. Known as the Imperial Charge, it was the signal for the Imperial Guards to charge the enemy except that this time the tune was to warn the Free Company of another threat across the river.

Chen grinned. Shur'tu and his mongols know the tune very well also and they would be wondering what the hell are the Ming GUards up to. Chen fired another arrow, with the sound the of the bugle in the background. He hoped the rest were alerted to the threat or there will be hell to pay...

 

[The_Hawk]

July 3rd, morning -- Near Cerbaia

Even as the swiftest of the archers drew up and took their first arrows from their quivers, a bugle call echoed from across the river on Alberti's left, heralding the arrival of a smattering of fire from a forward cavalry element. The Florentine harumphed as he saw the arrows fall well short of their targets. These mercenaries need more training, he thought.

Then he saw the Welsh longbowmen draw their bows in unison and let loose their first volley.

The hail of ash fell among his troops, sending up cries of agony as running men suddenly twisted in midstep and dropped to the ground. Those of his men who had arrows at the ready let them go hastily, with little effect. Though not significantly outclassed in terms of range, Alberti's men couldn't compete in terms of power to the mighty longbow. Still, the second volley the archers exchanged was more even, though Alberti knew in the back of his mind that he couldn't sustain these sorts of casualties for long.

Then the sergeant at his elbow said something which froze his blood. "What the devil are those peasants doing?"

* * *

Guillermo Fanucci hadn't relished being stuck with the peasants -- irregulars, as Alberti had insisted on calling them. They had been difficult enough to keep in order so far. Now all hell was breaking loose. The first ranks, seeing the cavalry at the mercenary company's rear pull away, surged across the bridge at a jog.

"Get back here, you rabble!" he shouted; but even now a battle cry was washing back through the ranks, and his order was lost in the wave of sound. The peasants surged forward, and Fanucci was unwillingly pulled along with the tide.

* * *

Alberti watched in horror as the peasants abandoned the bridge and rushed the rear of the Free Company. Without cavalry defending the traitors, those irregulars will perhaps do some damage -- but how long until the cavalry notices them?

He cursed, and continued his train of thought out loud. "The fools! Once the cavalry overrun them, they'll break through and storm across the bridge! Sergeant, the day is lost. We've done enough damage. Back to the keep!"

It took a split second before he realized the sergeant hadn't begun relaying his orders to the troops moments after he said them. "Sergeant?" he asked. He turned just in time to see his subordinate pitch forward into the mud, the feathered shaft of an arrow protruding from his eye.

 

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3 July 1440, Morning – Near Cerbaia

Scallini, running full tilt, raised his mace in preparation to deal a crushing blow with all his weight and momentum behind it. But the hulking, hairy Teuton lowered his pike impossibly fast, catching the blunt weapon in midair. Poor Antonio nearly dislocated his shoulder since his body wanted to go forward while his hand, gripping the mace as if it were his mother-in-law's neck, came to a complete halt. Recovering, he barely blocked a parrying thrust and was ignominiously forced to scurry out of range. You want to play? So be it. He reached for the throwing knives stored on the inside of his shield.

Scallini's force had came out of the woods in two waves. The first, lead by Scallini himself, came in as a ragged line and crashed itself into Free Company infantry. Half impaled themselves on Jaeger's pikemen, and half matched swords with vanguard of LeClerc's regiment. Superior training told, and soon the first wave was on the defensive. However, they held the tactical advantage long enough to wedge themselves into the gap between LcClerc's and Jaeger's regiments, and it was into this hole that the bristling fist of the second wave hurled themselves.

"Go! GO!!! Kill the longbows! Kill them-" Scallini broke off to dodge another of Baer's thrusts. "... Our lives depend on it!"

 

[redwolf]

July 3rd, morning -- Near Cerbaia

As the first volleys from the longbowmen took down the enemy archers, many in the Jaghun cheered. By now they had stopped firing and just watching the 2 groups of archers exchanging fire across the river. " That was fast thinking on your part. Well done." commented Gao. Chen was about to answer when he was interrupted by a shout from Lim Hui

"Look! The enemy infantry are crossing the bridge." shouted Lim Hui. Chen Hui looked to the bridge. Indeed he could see them streaming across the bridge. He replied to Lim," They are really insane. The heavy cavalry will..." Chen stopped when he realised that the heavy cavalry were not at the rear but were engaging the ambushers at the edge of the forest. Chen started cursing.

Even as he was cursing, he could see the rear ranks of the Free Company forming up to meet the infantry threat. Even without the heavy cavalry, they should be able to hold off the enemy until the heavy cavalry return.
Chen saw Gao in deep thought and asked," What are you thinking?" Gao replied," Those enemy charging our rear ranks. Just before they engage our people, they will be within the maximum range of our arrows. Which means we have one clear shot at them before they engage. Hopefully this will do our people some good." Chen glanced back and started estimating the distance. He turned back to Gao," You're right, we have one clear shot at them. Lets do it."

Gao quickly pass the order and the Jaghun drew their bows again and waited for the enemy to enter within range. Gao shouted to his men," Alright people, we have only one shot at them so make them count. And don't hit any of our own men. If you are not confident of your shot, do not fire. Alright steady, ready..... FIRE!!"

100 arrows were released in perfect unison. Over the heads of the Free Company soldiers the arrows flew. The Jaghun saw their arrows reach maximum height and started downwards towards the enemy infantry. Cheers erupted from the Jaghun as they saw their arrows decimate the front ranks of the enemy infantry. Ther second ranks of the infantry hesitated for a second, then continued their charge at the Free Company.

Gao looked as the enemy infantry engaged the Free Company soldiers. He commented to Chen," Well that's all we can do for the rear elements at the moment."

Chen scanned the battlefield to see what where else they could help. Eyes focusing on the ambushers, he inmediately saw the gap in between the Free Company line and the ambushers making a run for the gap. Past the gap, they would have a clear run on the longbowmen. Chen turned back to Gao and saw that Gao had noticed the same thing.

Gao said," Well can't have them harrassing our archers can we?" He ordered the Jaghun to move out. At a fast trot, they rode to the archers, putting themselves between the archers and any possible ambushers that might get through the gap....

 

[Craig Ashley]

July 3rd, morning -- Near Cerbaia

Shur'tu and the rest of the light cavalry were past the point of attack. He watched as Gao lead his jaghun towards the Welsh to provide them with protection. Shur'tu flashed a quick hand signal to Omar and soon the Moor's jaghun was following Gao. Two hundred horsemen should be enough to handle whatever this rabble has in mind.

Just then Jean's messenger arrived, requesting more men in the flank. Shur'tu snarled at the messenger and told him to stay put. It's good he showed initiative and didn't wait for my command, but why in the hell won't he use the kettles or banners? Damn Eutopeans never learn.

Shur'tu looked at Wu'tu and motioned for him to follow. Soon the two hundred men were riding forward, giving themselves enough room to swing around and giving the enemy time to committ everything to this attack. With a quick wave of Shur'tu's fist, the cavalry wheeled around and came charging into the enemy's flank, just as the second wave had come crashing in. A clipped bark and a wave of arrows was set loose. They were intentionally aimed to the left - to miss any FC men - but many found their mark. Shur'tu wasn't going for anything fancy. Just seal them in behind the wall of German led pikes. Constantinople had taught Shur'tu just how deadly those weapons could be. A stray thought flashed in the Mongol's head. The Rooster. Another fallen comrade. The light cavalry crashed into the Tuscans and forced them forward into Jaeger's waiting pikes.

 

[Craig Ashley]

July 3, Florence - Midday

Cosimo rode up to the villa. His men surrounded the estate, from a respectful distance. Officially they were there to offer additional protection to the occupants, but there was another purpose. Mainly to keep an eye on the comings and goings of the estate, which lately had been very little.

Cosimo dismounted and approached the villa slowly. Sean O'Glaigh's guards were notorious for their itchy fingers. Even though he had a free pass to the estate for sometime, Cosimo always came in slowly - just in case. A household servant rushed out to meet him and guide him to a receiving room.

The O'Glaighs kept a fine estate, but not one that was overly lavish. No matter what else could be said about the old codger, he had taste. Cosimo looked around absent mindedly. His eyes not truly seeing his surrounding. Memory served to fill in the blanks. The gonfaloniere slumped down into a chair. Rest had been hard to come by and the dark rings around his eyes were proof for all to see.

“Cosimo, so good to see you. Thank you for coming.” Christina O'Glaigh swept into the room.

Cosimo looked up, heavy eyelids covering the upper half of his eyes. For a moment there was an awkward silence and then Cosimo realized Christina was waiting for a response. “Thank you for your hospitality,” he mumbled.

Christine looked over the young noble, a touch of concern on her face. Cosimo was prone to the occasional fit of sulking, but this certianly seemed more serious. Gone was the fire in his eyes. Even his powerful voice seemed weak and strained. “Cosimo, have you been sleeping well?”

The gonfaloniere dropped his head back down, his empty eyes no longer visible. “No. Every second of the day is like the moment just before you fall to sleep. Everything is a blur. Sounds seem far away. Your mind wanders in strange directions. That moment has been my life for the last week.” Christina stood still, not sure how to respond. “I long for sleep. To sleep is to forget, even for a short while. I would savor the moments when you just awake, your mind still sleepy and unaware of world. In those few moments, the day is new and anything is possible. Of course, then you remember and its all over.”

“Would you like something to drink? Or even eat?”

“Raphael is letting me win when we duel. I suspect he always has let me win, but now it is obvious. My blade is slower than an old man with a gimp leg. He's a good man.”

This sudden change in topic made Christina hesitate. “Yes ... he is. He's been a loyal servant to your family for many years.” Cosimo sat in silence, his body slumped deeply into the soft chair and his head still hung low. “Cosimo, I asked you here to talk about these guards you have around the estate. They're really not necessary. You, of all people, should know how well guarded Sean keeps the villa.”

“If you don't like them, I'll have them removed.” Cosimo waved his hand as he spoke. Christina stood shocked at how quickly the gonfaloniere yielded to her request. Then he spoke again, in a slow monotonous tone. “Actually, Signora O'Glaigh, as much as I want to grant your request, I cannot. Nothing can be taken for granted. While Sean is away, I have taken it upon myself to see to your safety. I could not stand it if Sean returned to find out something had happened to you. Please let us speak of this no more. The guards must stay. They are necessary.”

“But, Cosimo, I'm sure you could find a better use ...”

The gonfaloniere looked up. For one brief moment the fire was there. “Signora, they are necessary.” And with that, it was gone, burnt out like an ember.

 

[redwolf]

July 3rd, morning -- Near Cerbaia

Gao and his jaghun quickly lined up in front of the welsh longbowmen, but at the same time taking care to stay out of range of the archers on the other side of the river. As they formed up, Omar and his jaghun also arrived and started forming up alongside them. Omar commented to Gao," Shur'tu thought you might need some help and told us to come provide assistance." Gao nodded.

They watched as Shur'tu and and his men moved to engage the ambushers. But even as Shur'tu's men released their arrows, a small knot of about 20 ran through the gap and headed directly for the longbowmen only to run straight into a wall of cavalrymen.

Outnumbered 10 to 1 and fighting on foot, it did not take very long for the light cavalrymen to take care of them. As the last one fell, Zhang commented to Chen," This is almost too easy." Chen turned to Zhang and replied," Don't underestimate them Zhang. The fact that they are able conceal themselves right under the eyes of the the rangers show their capabilities. Be alert Zhang, they may still have some surprises up their sleeves."

Zhang nodded in agreement," Yes Chen." even as the 200 light cavalrymen continued to keep a watchful eye for anymore tricks that the enemy may spring.

 

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Robert O' Glaigh cut down the last opponent that was in his field of vision. He then wheeled his horse to make for where the rangers were forming again to the left of the Mongols. As he rode to his post to form up, he could see Landen's face. It was ashen. Robert was still new, but not new enough to know that the fallout from this would not be pleasant. There are times when being junior is to your advantage, he said to himself as he laughed mirthlessly.
-------------------------------------------------------

Sean O' Glaigh leaned over to the son of his oldest friend and said, "Well Thomas, me lad. Cap'n darlin' is goin' to have plenty to talk abou' tonight."

"He is indeed. Not their best performance."

"They'll all need to be be'er if it's Gattamalata, I'll say tha' fer nothin'. There's no cohesion between the differen' units, and not dismountin' the Rangers to sweep a forest..."

"Amateurish," Thomas replied.

"Well, most of 'em are green. An' those who fough' in the siege e'en havena bin in open groun' fer a while. They'll be whipped into shape on the march, I'm sure."

"So is there anything I can do besides talk to you?" Thomas asked.

"Aye, go talk to Cap'n and see if he'll let me borrow ye back fer a few minutes. Ye did keep a banner wi' ye, didn't ye."

"I have both, which one do you mean"?

"Not the red rider, tha's fer sure," Sean laughed. "The House banner, o' course. The be'er to put a li'l fear into the fools who did this with. But get Cap'ns permission before we do it. It'll look more imposin' if he sees my banner wi' us when we chat."

 

[Lord Durham]

July 3rd, morning -- Near Cerbaia

It was a well-executed ambush. Captain gave the enemy commander that much credit. Still, the Company had been caught with their shields down. A stern look at Lochlan betrayed his anger. For his part, the Ranger shrugged. Captain knew Lochlan would deal with the fiasco when time warranted.

The engagement itself was rather short-lived, and Captain took note at the quick response and initiative shown by some of the cavalry. Overall, their losses would be minimal. However, he would have to view Florence as hostile territory until they crossed the border. He sighed at the ugly turn of events.

His attention was drawn by the approach of Sean O'Glaigh and Thomas Clayborne. A third man held a banner.

Just then, a strong commotion distracted him, and he looked to the south, toward the bridge. Captain couldn't believe his eyes. The peasant rabble had stormed across the bridge, their destination taking them on a course toward the rear elements of LeClerc's infantry and more importantly, the baggage train. The peasants saw loot.

"Constance!" he cried out. He looked again. "Where in God's name is Kent?" One of the messengers pointed. Kent had ridden east to sweep around the enemy's rear. Captain cried, "Can't I even trust my veterans?" He drew his sword, shouted at a surprised Clayborne. "Form your men. Follow me, at the double! We must reach the baggage train."

Without waiting for an answer, Captain rode off. One thought played through his mind. If Constance comes to harm, Florence will pay in blood!

 

[unmerged(4007)]

Thomas gave the order immediately, and the banner was stowed faster than it came out.

"Well, so much fer tha' idea," Sean said, "If anythin' e'er happened to me sister-in-law, Christina'd ne'er forgive me. I said it was a good day to draw steel." Sean pulled his charger into the line and drew his sword as Thomas and his men charged for the train.