The Free Company - Book VI: For Whom the Bells Toll

[unmerged(18239)]

With much and much difficulty Mosby stood up, still leaning against the wall in his back. He shook his head, and another time. Then he saw again.

"Johan" he had heard, it was a scream of Chen, and the scream had woken him up from his bedazzled state.

Mosby looked before him at the carnage, it did not enter his brain what happened and he did not know where he was or what was going on.

Then he touched the blade still in his shoulder and felt the blood and the pain he almost fainted again.

Seconds past by during which the cavalry crashed into a small group of turks not more than a few yards away.

Mosby bit on a piece of cloth atached to his hand and put his gloved hand on the sword in his shoulder. With a firm pull the sword let loose and a wound opened. Pain entered his head and screams of red violence ran trough.Mosby screamed in rage.

Two Turks flew from the carnage of the cavalry charge and dove away into the porticulus of the gate. Suddenly a wild, bearded and bloodsooked barbarian jumped in front of them.They bolted. A scimitair flashed and flashed again as the two turks fell to the ground.
"The where just seventeen." Flashed trough mosbys head.

Next he ran to the carnage in fron of him and fought alongside Chen.
"I am back, they had me for a while but I still live, or so I think. Otherwise I must have netered hell to fight forever alongside you."

 

[Amric]

As the light cavalry burst through the gate Chen jumped one way while Amric leaped painfully in the other. The Chin and Mongols burst through the Turks and raced into a side street. Moments later the heavy cavalry stormed through and crushed many of Turks in front of the gate. A piercing whistle cut through the noise and Johan was able to swing onto his horse.

Turning he saw Amric standing there almost on one leg, leaning on one of his swords. The senior sergeant didn’t speak at first, but Johan could read something in his eyes. The German nodded gruffly and swung into the saddle, then he reached down and grabbed Amric’s outstretched hand,

“A good fight, senior sergeant. A good fight.”

Clasping hands, Amric nodded," Indeed it was, sergeant. Indeed it was. I'm quite glad you decided to come along on this venture. Your presence ensured it's success. Good luck to you!"

"And to you."

"Go rejoin your unit, Johan," Amric smiled wearily," Go kill some more Turks for me."

Johan spurred his horse and moved to join the heavies which were busily clearing the salley bailey. Chen's voice yelling caught Johan's attention, he charged in that direction. Mosby was down.

Nearly ten minutes later, a throat clearing behind Amric made him spin clumsily around. Jaeger stood there in his gleaming armor and pike.

"Gate secured," Amric reported," The Light Cavalry have dashed down that side street there. The heavies are clearing the salley bailey as you see. Chen and five of his men are on the gate over there. I have Cyril, Geoffrey, Oskar and Gerd left from my original command. Other than Johan who has rejoined the heavies."

"Good work, sergeant," Jaegers eyes narrowed," You've been wounded."

"Nothing life threatening," Amric shrugged," I'll get wounds bound and get to work."

"I think you ought to go back to camp and let Jan look at you," Jaeger mused.

"If you don't mind, sir," Amric interjected," I'd prefer to stay with my men. I'll get them looked after properly once the city is taken."

"If you insist," Jaeger nodded," But if you end up killed or out of action for an extended period of time I am going to be put out with you."

Amric smiled," I'll keep that in mind, sir."

"Carry on then, sergeant," Jaeger moved on to reach the head of his personal pike formation.

"Sir," Cyril spoke up," I really do think you ought to let Jan look at you."

Amric glared at him," Are you kidding? He drinks to much, his hands shake, and I don't TRUST him."

"He saved Baer's life," Geoffrey interjected.

"And Baer is now laid up again," Amric snapped.

"Because he pushed himself too hard after his recovery," Cyril argued.

"As you were," Chen trotted up," Take this knife, Geoffrey, and place it on a brazier inside the gate house. There should be one in there. The rest of you help me get the senior sergeant inside."

Geoffrey dashed off to do as he was told as the others picked a protesting Amric up and carried him into the main gate house. Ten minutes or so later they had stripped him of his armor and had cleaned the wounds out, and Gerd had carefully poured alcohol from a flask onto the wounds.

None of them were bleeding much anymore as Chen took the now white hot knife and placed it against the flesh of Amric's leg. A foul stench pervaded the room. Roasting meat smell that caused Cyril to gag briefly. Amric hissed and bit back a scream. Chen did it again on the back side of the leg.

Again Amric managed to keep back a scream of pain. The wound on the side of his abdomen was also tended to, after the knife was reheated again. Once more Amric continued to keep his lips clamped shut other than a hiss of pain. Chen looked at the head wound and frowned.

"I don't think this one should be done in this fashion," Chen opined.

"Please, Chen," Amric gasped," You did say you would do it."

"Since you insist," Chen placed the knife on the head wound. The charring meat smell now had a new odor mixed in of burning hair. Amric did scream this time. A blood curdling shout that caused each man to quail slightly and Chen to drop the knife. But the job had been done. Amric's head lolled briefly and his eyes refocused.

"Thank you, Chen," Amric rasped.

"You are welcome," Chen smiled grimly," You men try to keep him here for a little while."
"What of Mosby?" Amric asked.

"Badly wounded at the shoulder," Chen replied shortly," He'll have to see Jan. No doubts of that. We've bound his wounds as we could. I have to go."

With that the Chin walked out of the room. Amric immediately began to try to stand up. The others attempted to stop him, but a fiery glance quelled them silently.

"Help me with my armor," Amric growled, wincing at the pain.

"I don't think..."Cyril began.

"I wasn't ASKING," Amric snarled," I have to get back into the fight. The men need me."

"They need you alive more," Geoffrey snapped.

Amric stared at him for a moment," You are correct, as far as that goes. But, remember, John is still new at being a sergeant. I promise not to exert myself too much, unless necessary."

"I believe we can keep you out of trouble," Oskar smiled.

Gerd's fingers flew rapidly. Oskar frowned.

"Gerd says he is sorry he couldn't warn you of the Turk crossbowmen," Oskar interpreted.

"Gerd," Amric looked at the man, whose whole body radiated misery as well as anger," Even if you had shouted from the top of the turret, there is no guarantee that much could have been done to change the outcome. We did hold the gate, and the company is now rampaging into the city. The Turks are done here in Nissa."

Gerd motioned hesitantly, Amric's head snapped up," We'll talk about it. AFTER we clear Nissa of Turks. NOT before."

Gerd nodded.

"Let's go," Amric sighed," We've got a battle to finish."

With that, the remaining men surrounded their sergeant and marched slowly out of the main gate house to join back up with the infantry. John Branden had already told off fifty men of the infantry to hold the gate so that the Turks would not escape from the city from that direction. The gates were well held this time.

 

[Storey]

May 31 – Nissa Gate

What was left of the last Turkish formation plowed into the remnants of the Free Company still standing at the gate. But this time there was a difference to the attack. The Turks were not trying to close the gate but were desperately trying to fight their way out of the city. Only a few managed to break through and they had the rude surprise of running into the main Free Company infantry formations that were approaching the gate with the Captain leading the way.

As the last Turk stumbled past Geoffrey he turned and looked at the Captain and muttered

"About time you showed up. What were you waiting for a written invitation?"

Further musings were stopped by the realization that he was still on his feet in one piece. He checked his body and found no serious wounds. In fact except for a nasty slash on his left arm he was mainly untouched. Smiling he looked around and saw sergeant Amric reaching up and shaking Johan’s hand while saying something about a good fight. Geoffrey muttered to himself.

"Good fight? If this was a good fight I don’t want to see a great fight."

But he restrained himself because sergeant Amric looked a little worst for wear at the moment. In fact he was standing almost on one leg leaning on one of his swords. Geoffrey continued looking around and wondered where Oskar and Gerd were. A cold thought ran down his spine and he hurriedly started looking among the bodies littering the ground hoping against hope that he wouldn’t find them there.

 

[The_Hawk]

Captain pulled his charger to a stop just beyond the gate as all around him infanty swarmed into Nissa. He cast a sideways glance at that scholar-turned-soldier Geoffrey, standing nearby, who was muttering something. Well, at least he’s still alive. That’s a good sign.

Captain waved over his infantry lieutenants. “Jacques, send squads along the walls to clear them of any pockets of resistance. When they reach the far end, send them back down to the street, headed south – just in case any Turks got clever and decided to try and outfox us. Erik, send your men straight through – after Kent, I suppose.” The heavy and light cavalry had already vanished into the city after their prey. “I would prefer no one escape to tell the Sultan about the Battle of Nissa… such as it was.”

With a quick nod, almost in unison, the two infantry leaders turned to do their duty. “Messenger!” Captain shouted, and moments later Fritz appeared at his side, clinging to the mane of his horse and looking pale. “Get back to Otto and tell him to increase the range of his shots. I’d like to make our enemy as uncomfortable as possible during their retreat.”

As Fritz rode off and the infantry cleared around him, Captain walked his horse to Geoffrey, who was now picking gingerly through the bodies. He asked his question with one word: “Amric?” It was punctuated with a blood-curdling scream which cut through the air around the gate, leaving both men to stare at one another dumbfounded.

“…is being tended to, Captain,” Chen interrupted, walking out of the gatehouse. The Chin jerked a thumb over his shoulder.

Captain frowned, having difficulty rectifying Chen’s confident tone with his visible discomfiture. “It doesn’t sound good.”

“He’ll be fine. We’ve got some others who won’t be unless they seen Jan soon, though.”

“Oskar and Gerd?” Geoffrey asked.

“Fine as well. In better shape than you,” the Chin said, pointing at the nasty laceration on Geoffrey’s arm. “You’d better get that looked at.”

Captain nodded, cutting off any protests Geoffrey might make. “Alright, then, let’s get Jan in here.” He gestured to the bailey. “This is as good a place as any for him to set up.”

Chen turned away to find the doctor when Captain’s words gave him pause. “It’s good to have you back again, Lieutenant.”

 

[Lord Durham]

May 31 - Nissa Gate - Late Morning

John Brandon watched his father as he talked with Lieutenant Chen and Geoffrey, amazed at the way the commander kept his calm under the most trying circumstances. In his mind, the Company had pulled off a perfect ruse, resulting in far fewer deaths that any assault would have sustained. The young man shook his head, wondering if he could ever hope to follow in his father's footsteps - or in the footsteps of Lochlan, Jaeger or Amric. In John's eyes Sergeant Amric had really come into his own with the aqueduct plan and subsequent holding of the gate. John knew that men would talk about the stand for years to come, sitting around Company campfires, playing dice and drinking ale. He felt a new admiration for the crusty veteran. With a sigh, he returned to the task of guarding the gate.

* * *

If there was one thing Sulyman knew for certain, it was a lost cause. Nissa had been his, for a moment. He was dumbfounded by the swift turn of events. It bordered on witchcraft. However, he would have lots of the time to ponder that... later.

Now he had to escape and find Ishak Pasha, to warn his old friend that the north was no longer secure. After that, he would have to plead his case with the Sultan, and there was no telling how a ten year old would react to such news.

Calling out for his most trusted officers, Sulyman and nearly 100 cavalry rode out of the southern gate, meeting no opposition, leaving the fate of the garrison in Christian hands. The hapless fools would buy him the time needed to flee and find refuge with Ishak.

 

[Storey]

May 31 - In the bailey near the gate

Someone yelled.

"NEXT!"

Followed by the sound of a bucket of water splashing on a tabletop.

The blood and water were still dripping on to the floor from the table when the steady hands started once again to work their magic. Rough but sure they began using the catgut with skill and speed.

"Now don’t move. That’s better, just a moment more."

"Ouch."

"Shut up that didn’t hurt."

"How would you know? It’s not your arm."

"Yea but its my needle and I’m using it so I should know how it feels."

"That doesn’t make any sense."

"What? Don’t distract me. Here have a drink it’ll help ease the pain."

"DAMN, its like drinking fire! What’s in this bottle?"

"The stuff that men’s dreams are made of. Have another drink."

"Damn its starting to taste better. Wait a minute my mouths gone numb. Id dat normal? Gad my dongue had gone numb."

"Good keep drinking until your arm’s numb but leave some for me. This is thirsty work."

Geoffrey by this time was pleasantly surprised to find that his arm no longer hurt. In fact he felt ready to go and start a fight with a Turk.

"Okay your done send in the next man. Hey aren’t you forgetting something?"

A somewhat dazed Geoffrey stared at Jan before noticing that Jan was staring at the bottle Geoffrey was holding. Geoffrey looked at the bottle and then at Jan. Jan looked at Geoffrey and then at the bottle. This might have gone on for some time but Geoffrey finally said.

Oh. Sorry, here and danks for da drink not ta mention da arm."

"Yea sure. Take it easy for awhile or you’ll be back in here for more stitches."

Jan watched Geoffrey walk out the door and took a quick short drink from the bottle. He stuffed a cork back in it and yelled.

"NEXT!"

Followed by the sound of a bucket of water splashing on a tabletop.

 

[Amric]

May 31 1442, Nissa-- After Dawn

Amric limped out and noticed Captain nearby, who had just dismissed the LT's. He stumped over and restrained the salute which was almost automatic. But he knew such a thing was not done in a war zone.

"Captain?" Amric looked up at the man he admired as much as his old mentor Draco.

"Sergeant," Captain looked at him in shock," You look like hell."

Amric smiled briefly," Yeah, but you ought to see the other guys. Anyway, I think we should find a way to plug our little bolt hole into Nissa, on the off chance the Turks figure it out and try to use it on us. Perhaps a series of gates in the aqueducts. Perhaps even a patrol through there as well."

"Why don't we do that after we finish capturing the city," Captain suggested.

"Um, good point," Amric admitted," I just didn't want to forget in all the excitement."

"Well," Captain chuckled," I'll leave it to you to remind me if I manage to forget."

"Yes sir," Amric grinned.

"I believe you ought to get some rest," Captain suggested.

"Begging your pardon, sir," Amric demurred," I'd prefer to be with the men. A backstop to John, if you would. I'll let him run things, unless I need to take over, which I doubt. Or the situation demands we split up. I'd like to season him with having a leavening of experience to fall back on if he needs it."

Captain stared into the city for a moment," You may have a point, Amric. Very well, sergeant, return to your men."

"Yes, sir," Amric nodded and turned to go," The dead from the gate action are in the main gate house. I didn't want them bothered by the Turks. Other than those who fell at the Turk last ditch effort, that is. If someone could take them back to camp so that they can be buried properly?"

"I'll make sure it's taken care of," Captain promised.

"Thank you sir," Amric waited for a moment.

Captain hesitated for a moment, then settled back onto his charger without speaking. Amric nodded. He understood the unspoken request. He'd die to ensure that John survived the capture of the city if it became necessary.

Amric bellowed," What are we waiting for? Invitations to the ball? Get a move on! If we haven't cleared the city of Turks by nightfall I am going to be VERY disappointed! John! A moment of your time, if you please!"

John trotted over as Amric marched toward the infantry that was his responsibility.

"John," Amric said without preamble," I want you to take the lead on this. You bark out the orders, and I will just observe."

"I'm not sure," John began to say.

"John," Amric sighed," It's not really a request. You need the experience. Use it. How often do you get a chance to capture a city? It doesn't happen every day. Not even with the Free Company. Don't worry. I'll be here. I will, um, attempt to restrain myself and let you run the show."

"Well," John straightened his shoulders," I'll do my best. What with your men, Baer's, and my own...well, it's a lot of men and responsibility."

"I have full and total confidence in you, John," Amric clapped the youth on the back," Let's get to it. Start barking!"

John grinned," You heard the man! Get moving! I don't want to have to explain why we haven't cleared the city to him! Do YOU? I DIDN'T think SO!"

The infantry began to move out more swiftly. John ordered Cyril and Alexander to take 75 men and go down one street over from the main push. He had Gerd and Oskar go one street over the other way. The men began to march forward toward the sounds of screaming and blades clashing further into the depths of the city.

 

[redwolf]

May 31


“It’s good to have you back again, Lieutenant.”

Chen turned back and saluted Captain," It's good to be back, Sir." And then he continued on to the gate house.

Just as he was about to enter the gate house, Lim Hui and the rest of his jaghun came riding out from a side street and straight towards him. Lim saluted," Good to see you alive Chen. How's the rest?"

Chen shook his head," I lost 4 of them and 2 more might die if they don't get treatment soon." Suddenly he smacked his hand against his forehead," Jean! I forgot about him!"

Lim looked a little surprised," Jean is here?"

Chen nodded," Yes, he was captured by the Turks and is now in the city. Quickly get me a horse."

The whole jaghun rode to where Jean was being held captive. Chen burst into the house only to find it totally deserted except for a couple of dead Turks.

"Damn, where the hell did that friend of his take him to now?" Turning back to Lim, Chen said," Go, all of you. I want you to tear this whole city apart until you find Jean. I've lost enough men for one day and I will not lose Jean as well. And if you see any of the infantry sergeants, ask him and his infantry men to look out for Jean as well. Now go!"

 

[stnylan]

May 31, immediately preceding Amric's post above

One moment they were in the thick of things, and the next the were pressing to the sides, trying not to get trampled as the cavalry charged through the gate, and then there was, if not quiet, then calm.

Oskar let out an enormus sigh. "Well, that was a pretty enjoyable scrap, what do you think?" Gerd hunched down, and shifted a few of the bodies. He hauled one slightly apart, and Oskar wondered over to see who is was. "It's Toby," he stated simply, and Gerd nodded. He brushed the ungainly mop of hair away from the corpse's face, closed the man's eyes, and wiped away the blood that had spilled from his mouth.

Oskar was busily cleaning his sword. "Too bad when you think about it. He owed me at least three drinks." Gerd shrugged.

"OK Gerd, what is it? Don't you think I didn't notice. I'm usually the one playing it a little loose, but you? You were going at it like Reinhardt used to do back in the Bremen days. I never seen you so damned angry. You scared me. What is going on?"

Gerd did nothing for a moment, and then, with just one hand, slowly, as if the very motions caused him pain, told his tale. The other gently stroked the dead face of Toby.

Oskar sat back on his heels. "Right, we're off to see Amric." He squared his shoulders and muttered to himself. "Of course, Amric is likely not to understand - but sure as hell Captain won't. And Jaegar, he wouldn't recognise the problem if it hit him on the nose. No, it's gotta be Amric."

 

[Lord Durham]

May 31 - Nissa Gate - Late Morning

While the men of the Free Company moved deeper into the town of Nissa, rooting out isolated bands of Turkish resistance or gathering prisoners, Captain remained on Bucephalus and listened patiently to all the various messengers that came to him from all directions with reports.

All directions save one - the west. He wondered what was happening to Lochlan, O'Floinn and the balance of the men unaccounted for. Their absence probably meant the Turkish Spahis were still operating.

He sent messengers to locate the officers, ignoring the cries of the men from the adjoining bailey where Jan performed his work.

While he waited, his eyes settled on a young child standing in the doorway of a once respectable looking house. The boy's eyes were dark and lifeless. Captain sighed. Nissa had seen more than its share of conquerors. The Free Company was just another master.

He leaned over to a runner, one of the many sons of the Company men who Captain liked to put to work. "Go find Milo. He'll probably be with Otto helping to break down the cannon. Have him bring in the supply train as soon as possible. Have him send out foraging parties." The boy recited the orders. Captain listened patiently, realizing the runner wasn't much older than the boy standing in the doorway. He felt the sudden need to explain. "These people look like they haven't eaten a decent meal in months. I don't want it to be said that the Free Company are barbarians."

The runner nodded, not understanding why the man known as Captain would take the time to explain his orders to an army bastard. The conversation finished, he ran off to locate Milo, thinking, Wait till the others hear this!

* * *

Sometime later LeClerc, Jaeger, Kent and Chen gathered in a circle around Captain.

LeClerc started, "The town is almost ours. Most of the heathens have fled."

"Their leader?"

The Frenchman spat. "Sulyman, Captain. It was Sulyman, from The City. He's gone. Fled south."

Chen raised an eyebrow. Captain said, "It's a long story. Kent?"

"Captain?"

"I want you and Chen to take a reinforced patrol and head for the bridge. I haven't heard from Lochlan or O'Floinn. See what you can find."

The heavy cavalry commander grunted. "The Spahis?"

"Kill them, of course." They paused as the first of Milo's carts rumbled through the main gate. During a lull, Captain continued, "Once the Spahis find out that Nissa has fallen they'll ride south. It's they who will be in danger of having their supply lines cut."

Kent and Chen exchanged looks. Chen asked, "Are we planning to stay here, then?"

"For now. The men need a rest, and Hunyadi needs a secure supply line. We will do more good here than trying to locate that elusive Hungarian. Once we're established, I'll send scouts to find him."

The two cavalry lieutenants rode off, planning how to proceed with the patrol.

"Jaegar?"

"Captain?"

"Get Amric off his feet first chance you get. He's running on revenge right now. He's no good to me dead. I'll have Otto see him later about the aqueducts. These walls will need repairing, too."

"I'll organise the citizens..."

"No. Not yet, Erik. We'll do it ourselves. I want to win their trust."

The German shrugged. "Will do."

Captain cracked a half smile, "If we treat them as the Turks did, they'll just stand by idly like they did during our assault. I'd rather have them on our side, and not as bystanders."

Jaeger grinned. "Understood." He went off.

Captain looked at LeClerc. "Well, Jacques, It's time I visited the wounded. Can you make sure Nissa is secured?"

The Frenchman bowed. "Gladly."

Captain dismounted and took the long walk to the bailey and all the horrors it held...

 

[Amric]

May 31 1442, Nissa -- Late Evening

John surveyed the building critically. It wasn't in very good repair. Apparently when the Turks took the city it had been damaged. Evidence of fire marred the outside walls of the three story building. The windows gaped like the broken, rotten teeth of an ancient bent crone. Amric stood next to the young man quiety. His face was drawn slightly, but he refused to leave the youth. John nodded thoughtfully before turning to William.

"Lead a team to investigate the building," John ordered.

"Got it, sarge," William replied, motioning his men forward.

A few bolts shot out of the windows in response. With practiced speed the men dashed into the door of the building. The rest of the men had surrounded the building. No Turks would escape. Shouts and screams erupted from within the building, along with the clash of steel and the pounding of boots on the wooden floorboards.

A Turk leaped out of the second floor window, only to be quickly dispatched by the waiting infantry. Within a few minutes the sounds of battle died down. William poked his head carefully from the top of the building and waved.

"Building cleared sergeants," William yelled.

"Good," John shouted back," Now get yourself and the rest of your team out here and we'll go to the next one!"

"Righto," William waved again.

A minute later boots pounded down the stairs and back outside. The team had only one slightly wounded man, whose scratch had already been tended to. John motioned the next team to enter the building next door.

No arrows or bolts came from these windows. However when the team led by Tomas entered they were met with fierce resistance. The clash of steel echoed outside. The men encircling the building seemed to lean forward, waiting with anticipation for the first Turks to try to run from the building.

Their patience was rewarded. Twenty of them tried to make a break out of the back of the building. It wasn't even a battle. More like an execution, in reality. No Turks tried to surrender, and they were cut down to the last man.

"Next!" John shouted.

Jaeger appeared with about ten men, seemingly on a mission of some importance. With a gesture he motioned toward the infantry and they all walked over to John and Amric.

"Senior sergeant," Jaeger said," It's past time for you to take a rest."

"We're almost done, LT," Amric replied.

"That wasn't a request," Jaeger snapped," Captain wants you to rest. I want you to rest. It's an order."

Amric sighed," Yes, sir. John, you have it all to yourself now. Be careful of traps."

"Of course," John smiled," I'll be careful. I promise."

"Good to hear," Amric chuckled," I'll expect a report when the job is done."

"Absolutely," John said," No if you would excuse me?"

Amric nodded and went off with Jaeger and his men back to the Free Company post at the salley bailey. Jaeger marched alongside the limping sergeant.

"You should have stopped after the gate," Jaeger mentioned.

"Probably," Amric shrugged, wincing slightly," But I wanted John to have some experience with the men in this situation. But to backstop him I needed to be along with him."

"Understandable," Jaeger nodded shortly," Admirable as well. However, if you can't do your duties because you've been to seriously wounded you are no use to anyone."

Amric thought for a moment," In other words you don't want to have to train up yet another sergeant at this time."

Jaeger's lips quivered for a moment," Maybe. Or it could be that your senior officers believe that you are worth saving. You do good work. A little....creative...sometimes, but you're a good sergeant, and the men would follow you no matter where you lead. Think about it. Geoffrey! A man who was a scholar and is NOT known for volunteering....Volunteers for your mission. Others as well. Johan, a sergeant in the heavy cavalry wants to go with you."

"You have a point, I suppose," Amric grudginly admitted," I just hate to leave the fight before it is all over."

"It is over," Jaeger grunted," To all purposes anyway. Just cleaning up the last pockets of resistance. You've held the gate, and you've marched all over the city. You've done enough for today. I wouldn't be surprised if some of your men don't drop by to chat while you are on enforced recovery."

"Maybe," Amric dropped his head," But I lost most of my command."

"It was a risky mission," Jaeger's piercing eyes bored into his sergeant's eyes," A mission that had every chance of failure. In fact, it was considered a less than likely chance that you would all die long before you reached the gates. You beat the odds. It was a risk Captain considered worthwhile. Why? Because it cost us far less lives to take the city than it would have to besiege and then assault it. Far less. This could very well be the least costly battle we've ever fought."

"Yes sir," Amric nodded.

They reached the salley bailey and Jaeger led the sergeant to an area so he could rest and perhaps clean up a little.

"Thank you sir," Amric said.

"You're welcome," Jaeger replied," Now get some rest."

"I will, sir," Amric smiled wanly.

Oskar and Gerd showed up a few minutes later. John Branden had sent them back as well as Geoffrey to rest. They were eager to speak with the senior sergeant.

"Oskar, Gerd," Amric sighed," I knew I'd be seeing you sooner rather than later."

"Well, it's like this," Oskar said," Gerd wants to talk to you about something."

 

[unmerged(6528)]

May 31st, Noon

"Damn it!" Lochlan cursed. "Where are O'Floinn and the other Jaghun's? The Free Company Lieutenant was half kneeling in a rather damp bed of moss, and the fact that he was slowly getting soaked wasn't helping his disposition.

"Where do we stand old man?" Nikolai asked, he was sitting, his back against the trunk of a tree opposite where Lochlan knelt. Kincaid was on his lieutenants right, checking over his crossbow. Laszlo was sitting a bit up from Kicaid, keeping an eye on the central Spahi camp in the valley below.

The rangers were all tired, most of them had gotten little sleep in a week, and were low on supplies. Essentially the delaying force was running on willpower and a stubborn refusal to lose the battle, if battle was what this actually was.

"Oh he's not that old." Landen's voice came form behind them all. "I mean surely this tree is only a bit younger than he is." Landen said mockingly, pointing at a tree that had to be three hundred years old. Foppy came with him, and the two joined the tactics discussion.

Landen and his friend looked like hell, both were grimy and could have smelled better. Which means I look just as bad...or worse. Lochlan thought sourly.

"Well, about half the officer for that central column were taken care of the other night." Lochlan said, scratching a map in the dirt. Apparently theer milling around, not sure what to do at the moment."

"Sounds like their normal behavior." Foppy cracked, and Lochlan fixed him with a quelling look, before chuckling a moment himself.

"True enough. Anyway, the last message I got from O'FLoinn was that he was taking his men to deal with the Spahi closest to Nissa." What Lochlan didn't voice was that they'd had no contact at all from the Company since the dance began about a week ago. As a result, he had no idea what the status of Nissa or the Company was. "So, that leaves us with this last Spahi group, here." His dagger stabbed the spot on his makeshift map. The third Spahi column was farther east, and would leave them even farther away from Nissa and the company.

"Are they moving?" Laszlo asked quietly.

Landen answered, he'd come from that direction himself. "Not yet. But it looks like they will within an hour or two. We can't let them link of with that central group, thats too many men for us to handle at once even if er had O'Floinn of the other light cavalry."

"The light Cavalry is supposed to be watching out backs." Nikolai muttered. "Instead their off running around, asking us to break up our units to help them, we don't even know where they are most of the time."

"Enough." Lochlan said. "I trust that they have been doing everything in their power to get the job done. Besides, worrying will get us nowhere."

"Sir." Kincaid spoke diffidently. "It sounds like we need a messenger back to Captain the most." Lochlan raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. "Yes sir." Kincaid understood the motion. "I volunteer."

Lochlan nodded, and he decided to show his faith in the young man by closing the matter. "Kincaid will head to the Company then, while we move to distract that Spahi column. Ill dispatch a squad to try and find the light cavalry, and two more to keep an eye on that central group. Everyone else, moves with us."

 

[unmerged(6528)]

May 31st, Nissa - Noon

"Amric is always pushing himself." Morgan murmered to Henri. "He's going to get killed one of these days because he thinks he's invincible."

"Like your adopted father is any better." Henri shot back, referring to Lochlan and Morgan's mother. The infantry corporal sighed. Lochlan's relationship with his mother was not something he contemplated often, he and Lochlan did not have a father-son relationship, it was more of a respected uncle type of bond. Which worked, but it was still, odd.

"Morgan, Henri, lets do the next one." John called out. Morgan waved a salute toward his friend, and drew his sword.

"Ok boys, lets flush us some turks." He led his men into the next building.

 

[unmerged(10971)]

31 May, Late Morning: Nissa

Jean and the Turkish servants were still racing behind Charles down the streets of Nissa. Finally, Charles dashed into one of the houses. Before Jean could follow, however, he gave a scream of rage and dashed back out.

"He's gone! I missed him!"

Jean just looked confused, as did the servants.

"Suleyman! I was ordered to... get rid of him if I ever got the chance. And here I had the chance, I could have killed him! And now he got away, and--" Charles ran back in, showing an empty room-- "he either took all useful documents with him, or destroyed them! I failed. My one most important job, and I failed!"

As Charles leaned on a table, Jean came in and said, "Don't feel bad. Suleyman is far too skilled to be so easily caught. He will be brought to justice some time, if not in this world than the next. God will not allow such a man to be rewarded."

"I know... but I was so close. So close!" Charles shook his head. "It's time for you to return to the Company, the city has fallen. I no longer hate your choice to join them."

"What will you do now?"

"God only knows."

Jean smiled. "Can you fight? Ride a horse? Use a bow?"

"Yes, and these two can as well. Much better than you, I know you'd be the first to admit it."

"Not the first, but it is true. You could join our light cavalry, since you no longer hate the Company by your words. By the way, what brought about that?"

"A long story. I'll tell you once we're out of this place. Now, can you find your way to the Company?"

Jean led Charles and the other two out of the house and back north. Soon, they ran across a small group of light cavalry.

"Lim Hui! Where's Chen?"

"Wondering where you are. Come."

Jean et al. soon found themselves in front of Chen.

"Looks like he was serious about being a friend. Just wouldn't allow me to rescue you, could you?"

Jean smiled. "I don't want to owe you my life twice, once is bad enough. Now, how is my jaghun doing?"

"About as well as the rest, which is to say not very well. I'll tell William Horn--"

Jean's smile turned into an outright laugh. "Will? You made him a temporary Sergeant? Oh, I wish I hadn't been captured just so I could see that. Next time, choose Carlo or Lorenzo. Now, as for other business, I have a few new recruits. Charles, another Frenchman; and two Turks--yes, Turks, I figure if you Mongols and Chinese can get in, there's nothing wrong with a couple Turks--named... ah, Charles, what are their names again?"

"Ahmed and Mehmed. Best horsemen this side of the Danube."

"Thank you. Now, show me where my jaghun is, so Will can't do any more damage."

 

[unmerged(9046)]

May 31st, Nissa - Noon

"Morgan, Henri, lets do the next one." John called out. Morgan waved a salute toward his friend, and drew his sword.

"Ok boys, let’s flush us some Turks." He led his men into the next building.

Henri brandished his sword. It felt good to be a swordsmen and not a pikeman at this stage of the battle. Henri had seen death that day and was angry with his enemy.

The three young men moved in on the building.

John did a quick recon of the building with three other men. He stationed these at the back door and ordered them to enter when they heard the front assaulted.

Back at the main entrance, the three men prepared themselves. Finally, they were ready.

Henri threw his shoulder into the door and the big man splintered the door like it was made of paper. John and Morgan followed with swords drown. John went left and Morgan went right.

John entered and saw a room empty of humans. There was a fire going over in the corner and food was on the table. Somebody was here. Morgan entered and saw a door being pulled shut. With a cry, he called for his friends. Henri came in and saw the empty room. When he heard Morgan’s call, he turned at once towards the right. As he paused a second to appraise the situation, John came up next to him.

A noise was heard to the rear of the building. It was apparent that the other three FC men were entering the building.

Henri again led the charge with a shoulder into the door. The other two men entered a room and were set on by four Turks.

 

[stnylan]

May 31 - Nissa - afternoon (I think)

Searching from house to house Gerd and Oskar, together with about half a dozen others, had rooted out their fair share of Turks. Gerd always in the front, unwilling almost to let anyone else take any risks. It was the kind of fighting at which the two Germans excelled, since they were quite accustomed at using whatever came to hand.

Despite it all Oskar muttered all the time, and often turned to the others and said something along the lines of "Now, keep an eye out if anyone is going to do anything to him up there. In this kind of mood it would be just like him to get himself spitted, and we got not to let that happen." And, perhaps a little surprisingly, they did so. Perhaps it was the simple fact that the usually conifdent Oskar was so agitated that convinced them something was terribly wrong with the likeable, silent, Gerd. At the end of the day they were friends, and what were friends for if they did not look out for each other?

Eventually they simply ran out of Turks. The Turkish captain had fled apparently, so eventually once they had gone through their area and back, they called it a day. More precisely, it meant they went off to find an officer to tell them what to do.

Oskar though had a specific officer in mind. "Now, come on Gerd. Let's find Amric and straighten this out." Gerd hunched his shoulders, and stuck out his arm, but Oskar paid no heed and simply grabbed the arm and tugged Gerd along. After a short struggle Gerd followed, his face darkened.

They found Amric near the bailey, narrowly missing. The sergeant looked somewhat weak, a little pasty, and tired, but otherwise seemed good.

"Oskar, Gerd," Amric sighed," I knew I'd be seeing you sooner rather than later."

"Well, it's like this," Oskar said," Gerd wants to talk to you about something."
Gerd suddenly jerked away, and stormed off in the direction of the gate. Oskar let out a very deep sigh. "OK, more accurately I want you to speak with Gerd."

"About the gate?" Amric asked.

Oskar nodded. "He saw those archers, and tried to warn us. He blames himself."

Amric sighed. "There's precious little chance we'd have heard any cry in time," he commented. "Haven't you already told him that?"

"Course I have sir. That's the problem. He's got it into his head that he's to blame for his mates dying. Now, we've had mates die on us before - you don't live like us and not - and Gerd's always been able to cope with that before. Drink to their memory and dice for their affects, sing a song maybe if we're drunk enough. This though - he sees it like being in a pike-line. If you falter there you could ruin the whole line. You got to be dependable. See?"

Oskar continued, plunging on. "You see sarge, ever since you put Gerd in charge of some of those recruits he's been troubling about something, now I reckon I know what's what. You forget it perhaps, I sometimes do, but be sure he never forgets it. He can't speak, and now he sees that as a fault.

"Course, it's a load of rubbish. I know he's my friend an' all, but men like Gerd are as rare as an honest miller. But he's got it into his head and nothing I'm saying is getting through. He's heard it from me all before, and well, it doens't penetrate."

A note of panic started to enter Oskar's voice. "Please sarge, you gotta talk to him."

Amric sighed again.

 

[Amric]

May 31 1442, Nissa -- Midafternoon

The southern square of the city seemed quiet. Too quiet. Not even the annoying pigeons that seem to infest every city were in evidence in the square. The long abandoned fountain was in poor repair, with the stone work cracked and pitted and the whiteness obscuring the features of the man and horse from the many decades of pigeons using it as their focal point of their dive bombing runs.

The men of the Free Company paused at the four streets going into the square. John stood there in thought for a while, studying the situation. Francois stood nearby. An old hand from the companies time in France he was a grizzled veteran who had been quiet most of his time in the company. If he had spoken more than a hundred words in anyone's hearing it would be a first.

He spat, and cleared his throat," It's a trap."

John looked at him in surprise," You think so?"

"Yep."

"Archers on the roofs and windows," John continued," with lots of Turks inside the buildings to charge out at us, yes?"

"Yep."

"Any advice?" John inquired mildly.

"Kill them," Francois smiled, his eight remaining teeth a bit snaggly in his mouth.

"Sounds like you want to finish this detail,"John observed.

"Yep."

"Shocking," John chuckled," Very well, then."

He motioned some men to start trying to infiltrate the side streets and alleys around the buildings facing the square. With a squaring of his soldiers he led the lions share into the square to spring the trap.

As expected, bolts from crossbows erupted from the windows and roofs of the buildings. What the Turks didn't expect was the near uniform raising of shields to shield themselves from the deadly iron rain pounding against their temporary shelter. Some men fell with screams as shields were punctured or penetrated. Wild yells from the buildings erupted and the Turks swarmed out to deal death to the company men.

With a snarl of, "Death Rides With Us!" the company men formed their defenses and met the attack with an unyielding shieldwall and skilled blade work. More yelling from inside the building told the tale of the other company men storming them from the opposite direction.

The stillness of the square had been brutally shattered. Blood soon stained the cobbles of the square and ran in tiny riveluts between the cobble cracks toward the long defunct fountain. The Turks, depending on surprise and the element of terror were woefully unprepared for the fierceness and sheer brutality of the company response.

The swordsmen, well trained by Amric, sliced through the Turks in a deeply delving cut which spread itself wider and wider and more men poured into the openings made. Soon the rear areas of the Turks were overrun and they found themselves surrounded by the company men from inside as well as outside. They had been enveloped completely and now had to fight a hopeless two front battle.

The bolts from the buildings ceased abruptly as the last resistance on the roofs were crushed from within by the invading company men. The Turks fought on bravely, but with little skill or leadership. Within the hour it was over. The Turks lay dead. Brave, but poor fighters. Apparently the Turks had not had truly skilled warriors defending the city. If any indication of the skills of the garrison were any indication.

The blood had pooled into the fountain, trickling and streaming in from the cracks and crevices from the square itself. The blood, starting to cool, was congealing into a very burgundy mass that was very unpleasant to behold.

It seemed like the last pocket of organized resistance had finally collapsed. Only scattered resistance was left in small pockets in little sections of the city. Turks who knew their commander had fled and were really only going through the motions of resistance. This last organized pocket collapsed when the captain in charge was cut down inside the main building on the square. Good leadership cut down caused the Turks to fight poorly with little organization.

"Let's get this place cleared out," John ordered," and finish off the last bits and pieces of resistance. Good work, all!"

The men cheered with enthusiasm before turning to the work at hand.

 

[Lord Durham]

May 31 - South of Nissa - Evening

Sulyman and his escort kept a steady pace on the chance they had been spotted and were under pursuit. But, as the sun lay low in the sky they eased their pace to keep the horses fresh.

The minor vizier ran excuse after excuse through his head, trying his best to place the blame on someone, or something. Ishak Pasha, and more importantly, the ten year old Sultan Mehmet, could only be so forgiving.

And Sulyman liked his head right where it was.

A shout stirred him from his dark thoughts, and when he looked up he saw a troop of Spahis approaching from the west. They were maybe 700 hundred strong. More importantly, they were riding at a pace that brooked defeat. Many of the mounts held two riders, while healthy soldiers lead other horses by the bridle, injured Turks swaying from loss of blood and exhaustion.

Sulyman was speechless.

When the Spahis commander finally reached him, the vizier heard a story of relentless ambushes and traps and deceptive hit and run tactics. And ghosts. The Spahis commander spoke of men who appeared from nowhere to kill, only to melt away into the forests never to be found. The Spahis losses were high, and there was no telling how many of the elite Turkish cavalry were left from the initial 2,000 dispatched.

Sulyman said nothing. Earlier he would have had the commander killed outright for allowing such a disaster. But after losing Nissa, and seeing with his own eyes the black on black banner of the dreaded Free Company, the vizier did nothing, and counted the Spahis commander a lucky man, indeed.


May 31 - West of Nissa - Evening

Kincaid was near the Moravia River when he heard the soft trample of horse hooves and jingle of armoured livery. The ranger slipped into the woods and peered at the dirt trail. Shortly, a small troop of cavalry rode into view, led by a most recognizable figure.

Fritz virtually jumped put of his saddle when Kincaid appeared beside him. The messenger let out a sigh of relief.

Kincaid looked him over. "What are you doing out here?"

Fritz attempted to muster as much courage as possible. "Looking for you, sir. And Lieutenant Lochlan, sir. And acting Lieutenant O'Floinn, sir."

Kincaid rubbed his head. "That's quite a list. Well, I can help you with the first two. Haven't seen O'Floinn, though. Tell me, what have you been up to?"

Fritz saw an opening. He relaxed and shrugged. "Not much. We're waiting in Nissa for your arrival. Captain got worried and sent me out to round all of you up."

This time it was Kincaid's turn to gape. "Nissa?"

"Yes, sir. We took it earlier today. Now, where did you say Lochlan was?"

 

[Amric]

May 31 1442, Nissa--- Midafternoon

Amric sighed again and levered himself up to his feet. Swaying momentarily he began to stump his way over to the gate where Gerd had stopped and knelt at the spot Toby had died. His limp was still pronounced, but he grimly made his way over to the distraught man. Oskar stood back where Amric had been resting, gaping at the sergeant and the man who was like a brother to him. This might be interesting, but somehow he felt it was better if he stayed out of it, this time.

"Gerd," Amric stopped next to him.

Gerd didn't seem to hear the sergeant. Amric frowned and knelt down with a wince of pain and tried again.

"Gerd," Amric commanded," Look at me."

Gerd turned, his face streaked with tears, his mouth set in a hard line. He shook his head and turned away again. Amric grimaced and thought for a moment before speaking.

"Gerd," Amric said," I know this isn't going to help right now. But Toby knew what he was doing when he joined the Free Company. He knew the risks. He knew he could die."

Gerd shook his head violently and twitched his shoulders as his fingers flew in his intricate dance of communication. Amric shook his head sadly.

"Slower," Amric suggested," You're moving to fast for me."

Gerd tried again. Visibly making an effort to slow down his finger movements so the sergeant could make out what he was trying to say. With broad gestures he tried to convey his feelings and the thinking that he had been doing all day. Amric frowned and concentrated on trying to understand what the man was trying to 'tell' him.

"Gerd," Amric shook his head," It's not your fault. It's your job to lead men. Just like it is my job to lead men. Or Captain, for that matter. Do you think he thought we would take the gate bloodlessly?"

Gerd shook his head again, with even more vigor than before.

"Gerd!" Amric exclaimed," Do you know how I agonize every time one of the men I lead dies? Almost every night I go through a litany of the men who have died under my command. Do you know how long it takes? Do you have ANY idea?"

Gerd looked at Amric for a moment before shaking his head silently, 'no'.

"You don't want to know," Amric sighed," I dream about them sometimes. Some of them laughing and drinking and having a great time. Then I see the situation that killed them. I see the blood pour out of their bodies and pool around their cooling corpses. Sometimes I see myself kneeling there with their head in my lap, with them saying their last words to me before they pass on."

Gerd waved his hands in negation. Shaking his head he tried to turn away. Amric reached out and grabbed his shoulder with an iron grip. Gerd tried to shake him off, but was unwilling to injure his commander to do it. Amric kept talking relentlessly.

"I've written letters of condolence to many families," Amric continued," I've personally buried more men than you can imagine. I've killed more men than I've buried. Believe me, I'll be at the funerals of every man we lost today at the gate. Do you think I don't feel guilty? I feel like if I had done something different they might still be alive."

Gerd shook his head and opened his mouth as if to shout. Obviously nothing came out and his fingers again moved in the intricate dance. Amric grimaced and frowned.

"Gerd," Amric replied," You don't know that even if you could have shouted that it would have done any good. We were all exposed. We couldn't possibly have gotten to shelter before the Turks fired their bolts at us. Even if Oskar, or Cyril had noticed and shouted. Would it have made a difference? That is second guessing and wishing for something that just isn't going to happen."

Gerd yet once more tried to communicate his frustration and anger to his sergeant.

"Gerd," Amric winced as the kneeling down was starting to take it's toll on his abused body," I understand your frustration. I really do. I know you're angry. I've heard about how you fought like a maddened tiger all over Nissa."

Gerd's mouth thinned as he heard this news.

"Yes, Oskar told me," Amric said," He's worried about you. I can't blame him. I'm worried about you as well. I know you think being mute is a handicap. It is if you BELIEVE it is a handicap. Being silent has it's uses as well. You know that. If I want someone to babble incessantly I have Oskar."

Gerd almost smiled for a moment, but managed to repress it. His whole face took on a tinge of anguish.

"Gerd," Amric struggled to his feet," Stand up here for a moment."

Gerd stood up, his head bowed and eyes downcast.

"You're a good soldier," Amric continued," A very good soldier. So you can't talk. Oskar does enough of that for three men. You're covered there."

Gerd shrugged, again repressing an urge to smile.

"You're a good leader," Amric said," A natural. You don't really make that many mistakes and when you do you correct them quickly. I know you feel guilty. It's survivor's guilt. I know it well. Very well, believe me."

Gerd shook his head in negation.

"Yes, Gerd," Amric said," I DO know. I've been in a command position for years. Not like Captain. Or the LT's. Obviously. But I have, and I have felt frustration when I've made mistakes that cost the lives of the men I have lead. I've felt the guilt of being one who lived while those around me have died."

Gerd nodded slowly, although the look in his eyes still said that he wasn't really convinced. Perhaps he would think about it for awhile. Amric sighed again and turned away.

"Gerd," Amric said," If you want to talk some more.....You know where I am."

Gerd nodded slowly as he continued to stare down at the place Toby had died. Amric had tried his best, but he wasn't sure he had reached the man. It was still a bit too soon. The pain too raw. The nerves to taut to really respond properly yet.

Amric shambled over back to the spot he had been resting. Oskar had vanished from the area. Perhaps in search of some drink for Gerd and himself. Amric wished once again that he could drown his sorrows in heavy drinking. But his experiences with it had proved to be disastrous in the past.

For he had once drank more than Jan did on a daily basis. It had caused him to lose his edge and had caused him to make a very bad mistake that had cost the lives of the men under him. From that time on he had vowed to never drink again. It hadn't dulled the pain of the losses and had directly helped cause even more deaths.

Amric winced and repressed a groan as he eased himself back down to a sitting position. His back against the wall of the bailey, he leaned his head against the cool stone of the wall and closed his eyes in weariness. He went through his litany of the dead in his own mind. It had been two days since he had last done it and he felt the need to purge himself of the list, at least for a short time.

 

[redwolf]

June 1, evening, West of Nissa

The Heavy Cavalry and Chen's jaghun had headed out west to find what they could of the Light Cavalry and Rangers. As the sun began to set, they had arrived at the bridge joining the 2 banks of the Moravian River. Kent and Chen had decided they would settle down here for the night. Fritz had rode on ahead.

Earlier in the afternoon, Chen had lighted smoke signals to the rest of the Light Cavalry recalling all Light Cavalry forces to the bridge. Not that he did not trust Fritz. He was hardworking enough and he put a lot of effort into his work. And besides the Light Cavalry could be anywhere west of the River.

Lim came over to Chen," Think O'Floinn and the others saw the smoke signal?"

Chen shrugged," No idea. We will find out soon enough. Tomorrow, we will send out more signals. They will see the signal. The mongols will understand what it means. O'Floinn should understand what the smoke signal means too unless he has been sleeping during my class."

Lim grinned," You never know. By the way, did you let them know we are here?"

A sly smile appeared on Chen's face," As a matter of fact, no. I only told them to come to the bridge and meet the Heavies. As far as they know, they think we are still dead. Unless Fritz finds them and tell them, they are in for a surprise when they arrive.

Both men chuckled. In the corner of the makeshift camp, Zhang had taken out his dices and the gambling table been set up. Chen looked at Lim," Shall we?"

Lim nodded and the 2 of them headed off to join Zhang.