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

[LordLeto]

July 10, Afternoon:Belgrade

Marek turned into the door way of the house he was staying at, James trailed just behind, a wooden sign hung above the door notifeing passers of the occupation of the lady of the house.

The gypsy pointed to a wooden table as he unloaded the axes from his belt and tossed them on the mat and cover that made hsi bed. "Set those things on the table there."

"So where is Zorica?"

"Probably in back with a patron."

"Can I see?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Its a personal thing, your fortune is known to you and the teller, and whomever you may wish to tell, its not right to spy on anothers with out an invitation."

"Ok..... You know Im part of the "Free Company.""

"Is that right."

"Yep, Amric promissed me a position."

"Well maybe you can put in a good word for me."

"Why you want to join." The boys eyes brightened at the prospect of a companion in the company.

"Yes, if only just temporaly to fight these turks comming."

"Oh. But you could stay on longer couldnt you?" The boy was grabbing at straws.

"I go where I please."

"Then go with the company."

"Perhaps, they might not even want me, Im a gypsy you know."

"I know, they wont care Marek."

"You never know, dont think Ive met many who are welcoming to us Roma."

"Yes but most of these men are from the west, many might not know of gypsies."

"Maybe bu...." A tall man with dark hair burst out of the back room interrupting Marek and James, cursing in a language familiar to Marek, Turkish. Upon hearing it his eyes changed in a flash, anger now controlled his face.

"Armaya tut bengalo manusha!" Zorica cried after him.

"What was that she said Marek?"

""Curse you devil people." Zorica what happened."

"That gajikane didnt like his fortune, so he ran out with out paying." She spits out the door way.

"Ill get him." Marek grabs two axes from his bedsheet and runs out the door.

"You, little gajikane, go after him, he may need help." James grabs the remaining axes and runs after Marek, the sound of his feet on the cobble stone resounding in his ears. He catches up in time to see an axe fly from Mareks hand and land in the turks unsuspecting back, a second quickly joins it to the right. The man turns around to face Marek who stands motionless as he slumps to the ground blood seeping from his mouth.

"Marek......here." James hands him the axes.

"Thank you, but I wont be needing them." Marek approches the body placing the axes in his belt as he walks. Removing the two axes from his victums back he places them alongside the others. "Come here James, get his feet." The boy just stares absently at him for a moment then does as told. The two carry the body back to the fortunetellers house.

"What are you doing Marek."

"I got your payment." He rips off a small leather pouch from the corpse and tosses to Zorica who moves out of its path letting it fall to the ground.

"I dont want your marhime money Marek. Get that...." gesturing to the body. "out of here!"

"I will, during the night."

"Fine! But you cant stay here anymore Marek, I hope those gajikane want a murderer for a companion." Zorica promptly walks into the back room and slams the door.

Ignoring the show Marek seaches the body, removing a ring, a dagger, a note with a seal placing them in his shirt, and his boots which he exchanges for his own. "James help me cover the body with this sheet and place him in the corner there." The two move him into the corner with a thud. "Now think, where would we most likly find your new friend Amric."

"The uhhh the ummmm" James is quite distracted by the corpse before him. "...Tavern!"

"Which."

"The "Mug and Bun" the company has pretty much taken it over."

"Good, I know a back way." Marek walks over to the coin purse and picks it up and gestures it to James, who sakes his head not wanting the taited money also, Marek mearly shruggs and puts it on his belt. "We'll leave when its dark, and get rid of this body. Maybe your "Captain" will be interested in him."

 

[Valdemar]

July 17 early morning.

For Frederik the last week had been a strange feeling. He had watched as the Company had gone through the last preparations, but unlike Constantinople were he had been an unwilling spectator always on the verge of leaving he was now consciously a part of the effort.

The Turk loomed high on everybody’s minds and ever since Sapphire had returned with confirmation a few days back all hands had worked franticly to ready the city to the onslaught.

Lately the Rangers had begun filtering back with more detailed information, force composition and the like, but Sapphire’s early call had left them with a better frame, and allowed them to confirm the direction.

Kent and Chen had left the city immediately upon the news, hoping to get out of reach and into hiding before the first Turkish patrols interacted with the Scouts, made up by the parts of the Light Cavalry that was to stay behind.

Frederik had said his goodbyes first to Maria, and now to Johan, he hoped it would not be farewells, but for now all he could do was to keep his promise to Sapphire, and to that end he was tracing a route to the waterfront carrying the big axe over his shoulder.

Down by the docks it was eerily silent, most ships where gone, either with Maria or as a precaution against the blockade that must come. He walked along the quay until he came to a small smelly tavern, entering he allowed his eyes to adjust to the gloom and then headed straight to the table where the big man sat all alone brooding over a half full tankard.

“Brought you something,” The sometimes merchant placed the Lochaber against the wall.

“So? It looks like my job was in vain, the Turk is only days away, you knew when I got back.”

“Yes and no, we knew they were coming up the land side, not whether or not they had covered the river, and the Rangers have not arrived with the estimates, yours was the best we had right there and then.”

Sapphire stared morosely into his beer, “not enough obviously for me to get noticed.”

Frederik smiled, “They have been occupied, come along and I’ll see what I can do.”

Sapphire sullenly followed Frederik until they reached the quarter assigned to the Company. Frederik routinely dodged marching patrols, a few horses and last minute supply cart before finally reaching the heart of the Company, the large sprawling square set off to Milo’s supply dump. Tents littered the open spaces interceded by large covered piles of lumber, stones and other unidentified materials, all along the square houses had been transformed into warehouses and a small host of men scurried to and from carrying ledgers and goods.

Frederik found Milo in the centre of the organized chaos deeply involved in a heated debate with Sergeant Amric over something, with Captain and Constance nearby bent over a large bound ledger, likely tallying the last resources gathered form the uplands

Frederik casually stepped close to Milo and said out in the blue,

“Milo what exactly do you need?”

Milo turned, air on ends in frustration, “I don’t want anything, but he wants another thousand spears.” He threw up his hands in disgust; Captain looked up, but didn’t comment.

Frederik smiled, “Is that all? Do you have the wood, and the smithies?”

Milo shrugged, “But not enough steel, not high grade anyway.”

“Does it have to be?” He turned towards the Sergeant, “Amric, those are disposable spears right?”

Amric nodded.

“So it might actually be a benefit not to give the Turks spearheads made of high grade weapons steel.” Frederik turned towards Sapphire, “I’m sure that my friend here can supply at least ploughshares and other farm tools enough for a thousand spears.

Sapphire looked slightly taken aback, but Frederik winked at him, so he straightened to full height, “By tomorrow evening soon enough?”

Captain followed the conversation with a slight smile, he had full confidence in Frederik securing steel for a few thousand spears, he was quietly wondering who the stranger was.

As if Frederik had read his mind, he slapped his head theatrically, “Oh, I almost forgot, this is Sapphire, he is going to prove useful should you need anything out of the ordinary.” He smiled as Milo greeted the man, then pulled the wrapped axe from his should, slowly unwrapping as he spoke.

“And Amric, this is his, he has asked if he could be of assistance, I’m sure you could help him get settled?”

Amric slowly looked over Sapphire before answering and Captain had straightened up and eyed the trio, with a sharp look at Frederik, reminding him who hired and fired Soldiers in the Company.

 

[unmerged(18239)]

10-17th of July

That evening Singleton returned to the little shack he called his house while he stayed in Belgrade with the Free Company.

As he entered the only room of the building Jan van den Berg stood up from his seat at a table and walked at the Armenian corporal.
“Singleton, what was it like.”

“Don’t know.”

“Ah, come on, tell me?”

“O.k there where Chen, Amric, O’Floinn and a bunch of stupid, arrogant Nobles.”

“What did you tell them?”

“Just showed them the maps, nothing more.”

“Oh.” And with that the boy went to sleep between two blankets in a corner.

The next day Mosby and his team went to their work on the maps again as soon as the sun broke trough the fog. His team was very curious on his contribution to the meeting of officers but the only thing Mosby said where things like “arrogant Christians.” And: “what a waist all this food, we gonna need it.”

For the next five days Singleton Mosby, Jan and his team worked from dawn till dusk on the maps and prepared various sets, then on July 17th they set out for Chen to deliver them, a total of 37 sheets of paper of various sizes.

 

[Valdemar]

July 17, somewhere south of Belgrade.

Johan was riding an unfamiliar mount leading Hannibal by the reigns, trying hard to get to learn his second horse. Ever since Frederik had brought news that the Turk was approaching only days away and on both sides of the river the two cavalry forces had packed their supplies and ridden out.

Kent and Chen had had a brief and informal meeting settling on the overall tactics. For now the light and agile cavalry would work as screen and scouts, while the heavier, but also slower and less discreet heavy cavalry would remain in the centre of the force, shielded by Chen’s forces, like the iron fist hidden in a glove.

They hoped to be able to raid a few unwary supplies or marching troops before making the enemy aware of their presence, then lure the pursuers out and crush them one by one, but to do that they first had to get in hiding and to hide eight hundred men and their double mounts was no easy task.

Johan looked up ahead where Chen had sent men to investigate a ranger claim of a deep and narrow gorge that might serve the purpose.

He saw them wave up ahead and directed his platoon in that direction. They followed the Light cavalry into a narrow ravine, the only sound being the horses and the sound of falling water. He looked back and saw the entire army following him and wondered if the tracks would be very visible.

He shrugged, they were out of the enemy’s path, and as long as no one came looking for them they would not be here long enough for it to matter.

The ravine narrowed further, and only four horses could go side by side next to the small river flowing out of the mouth, then suddenly it opened up into a deep-sided bowl, more than large enough to hold the army, and still conduct manoeuvres.

He didn’t want to get caught here, with only one way in, but should it come to that, the Free Company Cavalry would prove very good at defending this place.

He led his platoon to the river feeding a small lake in the centre; all they had to do now was wait for the Turk to pass them by. Settling down he left his horses and went in search of the other sergeants to organise watch rounds.

 

[Amric]

July 10, Mug and Bun--Late Evening

Amric walked into the Mug and Bun and sat down at his usual table, back to the wall. The serving girl walked up and took his dinner order, setting down a goblet of water. Amric looked at the crowd, nodding at those he knew personally, which was all of them, since it was all company men and women. James and a strange man were sitting at a different table. He jumped up with his companion and marched over to the sergeant.

“Hi, Amric,” James piped up,” Meeting is over finally?”

“Yes,” Amric nodded,” Who is your friend?”

“This is Marek,” James answered,” He is a friend of mine. He is thinking of joining the company!”

“Sit down, both of you,” Amric motioned to the chairs at the table,” Have you eaten, James?”

“I had something a bit earlier with Marek,” James admitted.

Amric’s food arrived, causing the boy to salivate. Roasted boar, onions, and other vegetables covered the plate, along with some bread with a hard crust with the underneath bread being soft and almost buttery tasting. James stared at the food, licking his lips.

“Bring a plate for my boy here,” Amric asked the serving girl,” Marek?”

“I had enough before, but James is a growing boy,” Marek smiled briefly.

Soon enough another plate was placed in front of the lad, who started shoveling food into his mouth like a ravenous wolf. Amric looked at the boy, who slowed down slightly to take a drink of milk from a goblet.

“James,” Amric sighed,” We’ve had a conversation before about table manners.”

James swallowed,” But I’m hungry!”

“You’re always hungry,” Amric chuckled,” I remember those days. Still, you are no longer a street waif who doesn’t know when or where his next meal is coming from, so do try and not act like you are starving to death.”

James swallowed another bite,” But I’ve only had two days to get used to that concept, whereas I’ve had YEARS to be used to the idea that I might not eat for a day or so.”

Amric grimaced,” You have a point. Still….”

James nodded,” Okay, okay!”

Marek watched the interplay between the sergeant and the boy with some amusement.

“So can I join the Free Company?” Marek inquired.

“You will have to talk to Captain first,” Amric mentioned briefly,” It’s his company. He does the hiring.”

“Where do I find him?” Marek inquired.

“He’ll be here,” Amric drank some water,” Soon enough. The meeting ran late, and I am sure he’ll be here to get something to eat when he is done wrapping up the loose ends.”

“Very good,” Marek nodded,” James and I have known each other for some time now. He told me how you two met. But I am curious about something.”

Amric took a bite and chewed thoroughly before swallowing. He just sat there and looked at Marek silently. Marek swallowed, suddenly nervous. He wasn’t sure why, but the sergeant suddenly seemed far more dangerous than he first appeared. He swallowed again, clearing his throat.

“Why did you wish to take James in?” Marek finally asked.

“Nobody else has bothered to do so,” Amric replied slowly,” So I did.”

“But WHY?” Marek inquired.

”I could say that it is none of your business,” Amric shrugged,” But I’ll tell you. He reminds me of my son.”

”Where is your son?” Marek wished he could stuff his words back into his mouth when he saw the eyes of the sergeant darken.

“England,” Amric bit the words off,” With his mother and sister and stepfather.”

Marek made the connection,” You’ve never SEEN your son, have you?”

“No,” Amric sighed suddenly,” I haven’t. I’ll never see him.”

“A pity,” Marek understood suddenly,” That is why you wish to ‘adopt’ James. As a replacement for your son.”

“Not exactly,” Amric replied,” Not a replacement, per se. But he needs a parental figure, and I aim to be just that.”

“I see,” Marek nodded quietly.

James had watched Marek and Amric talking, but instinctively knew that he should stay out of that conversation. Captain walked in with Constance and they made their way toward their own table. Amric caught the captain’s eye and nodded toward Marek. Captain nodded back. He escorted Constance to the table and held her chair for her before seating himself. They ordered and then he caught Amric’s eye and nodded once more.

“Let’s go, Marek,” Amric stood up.

“How did he even know that you wanted to speak to him?” James asked in surprise.

Marek stood up as well,” I’m ready.”

“It’s a trick, James,” Amric watched the lad eying the remains of his own meal,” Order another plate for yourself lad. You don’t have to eat scraps anymore.”

The two men ambled over to the Captain’s table while James ordered another plate of roast boar. Amric bowed, with Marek following his lead.

“Good evening, lady,” Amric smiled,” Captain.”

“Good evening,” Marek echoed.

“What can I do for you, sergeant?” Captain inquired mildly, one eyebrow raised.

“Marek here would like to join the company,” Amric replied,” So I brought him to you.”

“I see,” Captain leaned back and looked over the potential recruit,” Why do you want to join the Free Company?”

“I hear you fight Turks,” Marek replied,” I want to fight Turks.”

“Well,” Captain frowned slightly,” Here in the company we don’t care who you were, or where you are from, and that is important. You get a clean slate, as it were, here in the company. We do care about fighting experience, but even those without any real experience can be trained.”

“I have experience fighting Turks,” Marek nodded,” Plenty, I’d think.”

Amric left the two men talking after nodding to Captain and Constance, returning to keep an eye on James.

 

[Lord Durham]

July 17 - Nissa - Evening

In the central market a dozen bodies sat lifeless on thick stakes, blood congealed along their base. Surrounding them the sullen-faced inhabitants of Nissa stared, resigned, while a handful of Turkish guards exchanged casual banter.

Sulyman watched, arms crossed. He had rounded up the mayor and his family, and some of the leading citizens, and sacrificed them as an object lesson. It was a useless gesture. These people were already beaten. Still, he had to make a statement - as sickening as it was.

Finally he turned, having seen enough. The minor vizier searched out his senior cavalry commander. "Yakub, dismiss the men, we've had enough entertainment at the expense of the locals. Prepare your men for patrols. Watch especially the west side of the Moravia. There's a ford due west of here. I don't trust these mercenaries. Not at all."

"Mercenaries, sire? You mean Hunyadi's men?"

"I do not, Yakub! I mean the Free Company. They were here in Nissa, and now they are held up in Belgrade. They are sly tricksters. They will present one front and strike from another."

"Begging your indulgence, my lord, but how can you be so sure?"

"Experience, Yakub. Experience. Now see to your men. We have to keep the supply routes open." Sulyman faced north. "Ishak Pasha should be at Belgrade by now."

* * *

Within Sight of Belgrade - Evening

Father Falkenberg and Father Holmes sat in the front of a well-worn wagon. The younger and large of the two, Father Holmes, clutched the reins and urged the draught horses along the dirt trail that passed as a road.

Behind them the twins Alaric and Alyssa talked in hushed tones, concern evident on their young faces, while surrounding the group, the escort of Company retirees and veterans studied the imposing hills to their south with growing unease.

Earlier in the day the small caravan had chanced upon a merchant and his family moving with all haste toward the coast. They told the group about the encroaching Turkish army, a mass of swarming men cutting a swath of death and destruction along their path toward their ultimate goal - Belgrade.

Since then, the pace of the group had increased as it became evident they were in a sudden race against time.

And now, with the walls of Belgrade within sight, the first banners of the Ottoman vanguard appeared on the distant hills. Just as quickly, a detachment broke from the enemy force and approached them at a fast trot.

* * *

Belgrade - Evening

Captain watched with some interest as Fredrik and Sapphire displayed the first batch of crude spears that would be used with the Chin spear throwers. They were merely sharpened stakes with no metal head and cut from soft wood.

Milo and Otto nodded approvingly. The German engineer looked at Sapphire. "Well done. The force of impact will be enough to pierce the light Turkish armour and the soft wood will splinter on impact. Devilishly simple."

The merchant bowed slightly. "I will produce as many as possible. So long as we control the Danube I can always send out teams to procure more wood."

Captain said, "Controlling the Danube is something I can't guarantee. I suggest you gather as much wood as possible before the Turk arrives."

Fredrik clapped the man on the shoulders and they walked off. Moments later Sergeant Amric appeared with Marek and the map-maker Mosby in tow. Marek had been assigned to Amric's command, and the sergeant had spent the past few days bringing the gypsy up to speed.

They stopped before Captain. Mosby handed over some maps. "These should be as accurate as possible, sir."

"Excellent work, Singleton." He unrolled one and inspected it. "You're cavalry, right?"

"Yes sir. O'Floinn's my commander."

"Well, I think you missed his departure."

"But Captain..."

"Not to worry, Mosby. These maps are far more important. Are you good with a bow?"

"Passing so, sir."

"Good. Assign yourself to Sergeant Lim. We'll need you on the walls."

"Yes, sir."

"Marek, isn't it?"

The gypsy nodded in greeting.

"I trust you are fitting in?"

"Yes, Captain. I'm, er, I'm not used to acceptance. I'm used to hate and fear."

"Well, save the hate and fear for the enemy. You're a Company man now, and the Company looks after its own."

Marek's answer was lost as a guard shouted down from the battlements. "Captain! Turks! You better come see this!"

Captain and Amric exchanged looks. Captain handed the map back to Mosby and the group raced to the walls and up the stone stairway. They reached the guard and followed that man's pointing finger. "There sir. They're chasing that supply train."

Captain took in the scene, then he heard Amric's gasp.

"Jesus preserve us."

The Company commander looked up. All along the crest of the distant heights the banners of the Ottoman army rose into view. The cadence of drums and horns drifted lazily toward the city, growing in strength as more troops arrived.

Along the walls a crowd was gathering, pointing, cursing and crossing themselves at the sight of the spectacle.

Captain went back to the chase. The Turkish cavalry troop had picked up the pace, but then so had the supply train. It was going to be a near thing. He cast about and saw the Welsh longbow commander. "Lieutenant Gryffyd!"

"Sir!"

"Get your men to the walls. Give the Turk a volley or two!"

Captain, Amric, Mosby and Marek waited pensively as the scene played itself out. It was becoming obvious the wagon train would loose the race. The escort was beginning to slow. They were preparing to give their lives to ensure the safety of the occupants of the wagons.

"Those are my men!"

Captain turned at Fredrik's voice. The merchant and Sapphire had come at the sign of activity along the walls. "Your men?"

"Ex-Company men. We can't let them die at the hands of those barbarians."

Captain agreed. "Not if we can help it. Gryffyd?"

"Ready, sir."

"Then fire, dammit!"

* * *

Outside Belgrade - Evening

It was clear to Father Falkenberg that they were not going to make it. After coming so far he felt bitterly disappointed. Not that he or Father Holmes feared death, but it was unfair to witness the death of others. Father Petronius called to the escort commander. "Take the twins. Ride for the city. Maybe they'll leave us alone."

The commander shook his head. "Sorry, Father. No can do. Carry on, save yourself and the young'ins. Men! Prepare to accept the charge."

The Father's answer was lost as the escort swung about and formed into a wedge.

The Turks, sensing battle and a chance for glory, spread out into a wide crescent and spurred their horses into a charge.

At a hundred paces from the escort a sudden thrumb - like a swarm of angry bees - sounded from the city walls. Seconds later a rain of shafts fell among the Turkish cavalry, throwing it into chaos.

The escort commander glanced back at the city. "By God, it's the Welsh. Maybe the Company is in there after all. Let's go, men. Ride for your lives! I have friends who owe me money behind those walls."

Another volley convinced the Turks to retreat while the caravan reached the open gates and passed through. Father Holmes pulled back on the reins, bringing the tired horses to a stop. Ragged cheers sounded from the walls and men began to gather around the newly arrived group. Some of the Company men recognized familiar faces among the escort and called out greetings.

Minutes later Captain burst through. Father Holmes and Falkenberg were on hard ground, looking somewhat relieved. The twins stood beside them. Captain approached the monks and clasped both in a hug. "Your arrival brings me joy, Father. I'm glad you are both safe." He paused to eye the twins.

Suddenly Sergeant Amric was beside him. He stared - his mouth open in shock...

 

[unmerged(9046)]

July 17 - Nissa - Evening - just before the arrival of the Turks

The Rangers Remi and Nikolai stood before their commander to deliver their report. As they were trying to find the words to describe the immensity of the Turkish hordes, a cry arose from the walls. Captain and Amric were off to one side.

"Jesus preserve us."

With that simple phrase, the news the Rangers were detailing became both more important and less important. they hurridly finished their reports.

With a word, they were dismissed. Remi returned at once to his men. They were replacing worn equipment and cleaning their swords.

"Boys, it has begun...."

 

[unmerged(10971)]

17 July, Evening: Belgrade

Lorenzo, Carlo, Charles, Ahmed, and Mehmed were relaxing on the walls.

"You know, there's rumors of the Turks being about. Are you sure this is a safe place to be?"

Lorenzo, tossing his ball in the air, gave a chuckle. "Don't worry, Charles. There aren't any Turks for miles around."

As he said that, Ahmed, who was staring out over the countryside, suddenly cried in shock, then shouted in Turkish, causing Mehmed to run beside him.

Carlo jumped up and asked Charles, "What did he say? Was it important?"

"He said, 'By the Prophet, I've never seen so many.'"

Lorenzo joined the rest when he heard that. An immense army, Turkish, swarmed over the hills, beating their drums and shouting. All three of the Christians crossed themselves, while Ahmed and Mehmed babbled to each other, Charles joining at at times.

"You're right," said Lorenzo, "the wall wouldn't be a safe place right now."

 

[unmerged(9046)]

17 July, Evening: Belgrade

Henri had been on guard duty the night before and had spent the day sleeping. He was awaken by a lot of commotion in the barricks.

"They are here! They are here!"

Henri jumped out of bed. Immediately, he began to make the bed up ad put away his clothes.

He didn't want the officers to find anything out of place in this surprise inspection.

He had the wrong "they"....

 

[Amric]

July 17, Gates of Belgrade- Evening

Amric stared at the twins, well he mostly stared at Alyssa. She was the spitting image of her mother as a young woman. For the sergeant, it was like falling backward in time to the day he had first met her. He continued to stare in shock as they pushed their way forward to meet Captain.

"Excuse me, sir?" Alyssa interrupted," My brother and I are looking for Amric Al'Aeshir. Could you tell me where we can find him? We've traveled all the way from England to see him."

Captain broke off and stared at them before chuckling," He's right here, lass, lad. Meet Sergeant Amric Al'Aeshir."

Amric goggled," You...you look like..."

"Father!" Alaric exclaimed," You look a bit different from how mother described you. But it is you!"

"My god!" Amric finally managed to speak," It's you. BOTH of you! What in god's name are you doing here? The Turk is outside the walls! You have to get to the docks and get a ship north. Quickly!"

"We're not going anywhere, father," Alyssa hugged him," We just got here and we came an awfully long way to see you."

"Don't you understand?" Amric automatically hugged her back," You're in danger here!"

James squirmed through the press of bodies," Who are these guys?"

"James," Amric smiled sadly," This is my son and daughter. Alaric and Alyssa Al'Aeshir."

James looked horrified," But...but, what will happen to me?"

"Nothing lad," Amric smiled down at him even more sadly," You are still my boy, as it were. Alaric, Alyssa, meet your foster brother."

"Hello, James," Alyssa hugged the boy.

"Hello," Alaric shook the lad's hand briskly," Welcome to the family, I suppose."

"Thanks," James shook his head shortly," So now what? I hear the Turk is here."

"They are," Amric agreed," Which is why I was trying to get Alaric and Alyssa to escape by the river north. I think they ought to take you as well."

"We're not leaving," Alaric replied firmly," Alyssa and I are NOT going."

"I'm not leaving either!" James piped up.

"Sergeant," Captain cleared his throat," We need to get this gateway cleared. And there are Turks to deal with."

Amric shook his head to clear the last remnants of shock from his mind," Right, Captain. James, take the twins to the Mug and Bun."

Clearing his throat he shouted," CLEAR THE GATEWAY! NOW!"

Men started to drift back, the monks approached Captain while Amric pushed his children away.

"Get going," Amric said," I have work to do right now."

"But we need to speak to you," Alyssa protested.

"Alyssa," Amric sighed," Now is NOT the time. I have to get moving."

He moved at top speed up the steps toward the top of the walls. More company men started to arrive, leaping toward the walls for defense of the city. Amric's voice could be heard from the top of the wall.

"Get those weapons ready!" he bellowed," NOW would be about RIGHT, don't you THINK SO?"

The three turned and made their way toward the Mug and Bun while Amric harangued the defenders and started getting things organized. The monks were whispering with Captain and some of the guards that had come with them continued to stay close to the wagons that had arrived with them.

"Where the HELL is you WEAPON?" Amric barked," What do you MEAN you left it BEHIND? You have 10 minutes to get back here with it or I'll throw you over the wall MYSELF to greet the TURK! NOW MOVE!"

The man scurried away as Amric passed out of sight along the wall greeting men and getting them ready.

 

[Amric]

July 17, Mug and Bun-Evening

The three moved through the streets silently until they reached the tavern and walked inside. It was virtually empty as every available man was on the walls of the city. The serving girl approached them as they sat down at Amric's regular table.

"What will it be?"

"Small ale for me," James told her and looked at the twins.

"White wine for me," Alyssa smiled.

"Brandy, if you have it," Alaric ordered," Otherwise, your best ale."

"James, you know the sergeant told us not to serve you ale, or wine, or mead, or anything else remotely alcoholic."

James shrugged sheepishly," It was worth a shot. I'll take some water then."

The girl returned quickly with their drinks and stepped away. The twins both dranks and looked at the younger boy hesitantly.

"He doesn't ACT like a noble," Alyssa mused.

"Not surprising," Alaric frowned," He's been a mercenary for over a decade, Alyssa! Although that Captain of his still hold himself with the bearing of a noble."

"Amric is NOBLE?" James exclaimed.

"Well, sort of," Alyssa tried to explain," His father is a noble, he is a noble's son. But he left England a long time ago."

"Which also means that you TWO are noble!" James nearly wept," Nobles. Terrific."

"We're not all bad," Alaric chuckled," Some of us are actually good people."

"Not the point," James sighed," I had NO idea Amric was noble blood. Why does he act like he is a common man?"

"Perhaps that is what he wants to let others believe," Alyssa frowned," I just really don't know right now. He pushed us away before we really had a chance to talk."

"Well," James shrugged," Ever since he has been here he has been hopping around like a one legged man in an ass kicking contest. And WINNING. He's never in one place for very long."

"Why would a sergeant be doing all that?" Alaric inquired.

"Captain has him in charge of the defense of the city with some guy named Otto who is a genius of cannons and other long firing weapons," James said proudly.

"A SERGEANT?" Alyssa exclaimed," That seems odd."

"From what I understand," Jame informed them," He is an innovative thinker. Scares some people with his ideas, let alone some of the things he's done."

"Like what?" Alaric inquired, sipping his brandy slowly.

"Not long after I saved him from some ruffians," James replied," Those same guys with some of their friends...."

James told them about the burning down of the tavern and the impalement, which caused Alyssa to pale and Alaric to frown greatly.

"That sounds awful!" Alyssa cried," Why did he have to impale that man?"

"It's an object lesson," James explained," They made the error in attacking a company man. There are those who think Amric went a bit too far, but since then nobody has dared to attack a company person, male or female."

"Apparently it worked," Alaric mused," Alyssa, I don't think our father is quite the man we had pictured in our minds. It will take time to learn who and what he is and become a real family."

"But the Turk is outside the walls," Alyssa complained," We may not have much time to get to know him while he is working at defending the city."

"We'll just have to enjoy what time we have with him when we get any chance to do so," Alaric sighed.

"We could speak to this Captain and try to join the company," Alyssa noted," We did discuss that while traveling here."

"Good point," Alaric nodded," I had nearly forgotten that!"

"I wouldn't try that right this minute," James informed them," I'd wait a bit until the furor of the immediate arrival of the Turk has died down a bit. Try tomorrow. It would be better then."

"Sounds reasonable," Alaric agreed," Let us get something to eat then."

 

[unmerged(10971)]

17 July, Evening: The Mug and Bun

"Well, there were some happy meetings over at the gate."

Charles snorted. "Happy? In a situation like this?"

Lorenzo merely shrugged and took another drink. Carlo spoke up meanwhile. "The cavalry situation is certainly interesting. I think we're the only jaghun left in the city. All the rest are trapped out there."

"Good for them," Lorenzo growled.

"Yes, I imagine you're right. We starve or get slaughtered. They at least have a chance."

"Well," said Charles, "we could escape by water. That's how I--and the Company, although I certainly wasn't with them--got out of Constantinople."

"If the Turks don't have somebody upstream--well, they certainly didn't get this far by incompetence."

Ahmed and Mehmed, as usual, began chattering among themselves. This rather annoyed Carlo and Lorenzo, who couldn't understand a word of it; but Charles listened intently.

"I don't like this," Mehmed said.

"What will the army think when they find us among their enemies? They will consider us traitors to the Sultan--and perhaps to Islam. That would be the worst part of it."

"To Islam? No, this is not a holy war. It is an unholy one, actually. What right does the Sultan have to the Balkans?"

"You're letting the money get to your head, Mehmed. The Sultan has every right. We're only helping these Christians because they pay us. Even then..."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I do not dare to."

"Nobody can understand us... except Charles."

"Yes, except Charles."

They both looked at him, some ill intent in their eyes. "Let us wait until he cannot hear us," Ahmed said.

"You are the only one who has thoughts ill-suited to this place."

Ahmed shook his head and leaned back, ending the conversation.

 

[redwolf]

17 July, outside the walls of Belgrade

Lao Wang stared in horror as the Turk detachment started moving in on them. He stared back at the walls of Belgrade. They were so close, Damnit!

Lao Wang turned back to young Chen," Young Master make a run for it. With your horse you can easily make it. The rest of us will buy you time."

Young Chen looked as if he was going to protest but Lao Wang cut him off with a wave," Stop arguing, now GO!"

Suddenly a volley of arrows from the walls flew over them and into the midst of the Turks, throwing them into confusion.

Lao Wang was shocked. No arrow can travel so far. But he quickly gathered his wits and shouted," There's our chance! Now run for it!"

Following the caravan, the Chin quickly entered the city. Even as they entered the city, a group of horsemen rode forward. They had been prepared to charge out to buy more time.

Lao Wang took one look at the men and exclaimed," Imperial Guards!"

Lim and the rest stopped in their tracks at the sound of their native tounge. Turning back, Lim stared at the old man before recognising him. He was even more startled when he noticed the young man beside him.

Dismounting, Lim went over to them and bowed his head in respect,"Young Master, Lao Wang. What are you doing here?"

Young Chen replied, We are here to look for Chen Hui. Where is he?"

Lim sighed," You just missed him. He left the city a few days ago."

Lao Wang groaned," We missed him again. Damn. Lim, where did he go?"

In the distance, Amric was shouting to for men to the walls. Lim glanced in that direction and then turned back to Lao Wang,"It's a long story. I will tell you later after we are off duty. Zhang, please take them to the our barracks and settle them down."

 

[redwolf]

17th July, Cavalry HQ

In his temporary command tent, Chen held meeting with the rest of his sergeants. Outside the rest of the Light and Heavies were busy building defensive emplacements.

One of the men entered the tent and announced," Sir, Wu'tu and his jaghun has arrived." Chen nodded," Good, everyone is here then. Bring him in."

Chen looked around the tent. Gao, Sebutai and O'Floinn were here. Together with Wu'tu, he had 500 of his Light Cavalry here. The remaining 100, which included the Ming Guards, Lorenzo,Charles, the 2 turks and Mosby were back at Belgrade.

Wu'tu entered the tent. Chen greeted him and and asked him for his report. Wu'tu said," Nothing much to say except that I met a group of Chin on the way to Belgrade. They claim to be related to you."

Chen's eyebrow shot up,"Related to me? Who are they?" Wu'tu frowned in concentration for a moment before replying," I can't remember exactly. Something about a servant and a nephew. They should be in Belgrade by now. You can find out exactly who they are when we get back."

Chen was dumbfounded. He was not sure who Wu'tu was talking about but whoever they, what reason could they have in Belgrade? Chen shook his head. Whoever they were, it can wait for an instant. Now he got to plan his missions so that he got a chance to go back.

Chen turned to his other sergeants and asked," What is the status of the Turks supplies caraven?" Gao replied," The supply line is stretched back for a great distance. As a result, the caravans are not very well guarded. It would be easy to intercept them."

Wu'tu said in a thoughtful voice," If they are as lightly unguarded as you say, it would be possible to intercept one caraven and then infiltrate their camp and burn their suppplies, especially when we have a couple of Turks with us."

Chen interrupted," The 2 Turks are back in Belgrade." "What?! Why the hell did you leave them behind. They could have been useful along." exclaimed Wu'tu.

Chen raised a hand," My decision Wu'tu. Captain wanted some of our men to be left behind as extra archers so I left them behind along with my Ming Guards." Now Wu'tu exploded," Are you mad? The Ming Guards are some of our better warriors, not to mention the tactical value of those Turks. That was a bad decision Chen. Shur'tu would never have made such a bad mistake."

Chen eyes narrowed as he replied in a cold voice," Shur'tu is dead, Wu'tu. Iam in charge now. Remember that sergeant.And who stays in Belgrade is my decision."

Wu'tu did not back down as he gave a rejoinder," Being leader does not give you the mandate to make bad decisions either and that was a bad decision."

Now Chen went over to Wu'tu and stared squarely into Wu'tu's eyes. Wu'tu stared back with equal intensity.

"Are you questioning my authority, Sergeant?" Chen said in a low voice. Wu'tu replied calmly,"Maybe I am."

Chen was about to say something when Sebutai jumped in between the 2 of them and exclaimed," What the hell do you 2 think you are doing? This arguement is helping nobody except the Turks."

At that moment, Kent, Johan and the rest of the Heavy Cavalry sergeants filed into the tent. Kent came to a halt when he saw Chen and Wu'tu squaring off. "Er... are we interrupting something?"

Chen glanced at the Kent, stared one more time at Wu'tu before finally taking a step back," No Kent, just a slight misunderstanding." Chen looked at Wu'tu daring him to say other wise.

Wu'tu remained silent for a moment longer before saying as well," Yeah, it's just a small misunderstanding. Nothing serious." All the time, his eyes never left Chen.

Kent stared at the 2 of them. He could see something was not right but he kept his peace," Very well then. Shall we discuss how we will annoy the Turks?"

Chen took a deep breath as he calmed himself down. "Actually Wu'tu had a good suggestion before we had our er.. little misunderstanding." Chen glanced at Wu'tu but Wu'tu kept silent. Chen continued," He suggested that we intercept one the supply caraven, put some of our own men in and pass off as Turks and infiltrate the Turks camp and then set fire to their supplies under the cover of night."

Kent considered the idea," But then who will pass off as Turks?"

"The moors. Their skin colour is close enough and people like Kumar can speak Turk as well. In addition to that, once the camp is in chaos from the fire, I would the Light and Cavalry to raid their camp, attacking from 2 different points to cause even more chaos and damage. If we can take out their war engines as well, perhaps we can buy more time for our people in Belgrade."

Chen paused for a minute for everyone to consider the idea before asking," "Well what do you people think?"

 

[unmerged(18239)]

Afternoon and evening, 17th July

All afternoon of the 17th Singleton Mosby and Jan had searched for Amric after they had found out Chen was not in Belgrade.

"He's gone for almost a week and will not be back for another week, why don't you knew that?" a Ligth company soldier had asked Singleton after he had knocked on the Light company's Belgrade headquarters.
"I have been working around the clock since the meeting in the palace, had to ready a lot of maps, that's why." Mosby replied, somewhat irritated, not by the attitude of the soldier but by the fact he did not know his commander was not in town.
"Well, then I go looking for Amric, maybe he knows to whom I have to deliver those maps, I can not wait an entire week, who knows what might happen in that time."

So, an irritated Singleton walked away in search of the infantry sergeant.
"He could be in the palace." Jan suggested.
"Why not, he could be everywhere. How on earth could a simple sergeant lead the defences of a city like this, a sergeant needs to lead a group of 50 men. And a city has to be commanded by a proper officer, an officer with aids, aids you can find, aids you can find to deliver those maps to."
"I think sergeant Amric is doing a great job, why are you so irritated." Jan asked Mosby.
"Piss off!"

After this it took them some two hours to find Amric and fortunately for both Mosby was calmed down by them. Amric led him to Captain to hand over the maps.
They stopped before Captain. Mosby handed over some maps. "These should be as accurate as possible, sir."

"Excellent work, Singleton." He unrolled one and inspected it. "You're cavalry, right?"
"Yes sir. Chen's my commander."
"Well, I think you missed his departure."
"But Captain..."
"Not to worry, Mosby. These maps are far more important. Are you good with a bow?"
"Passing so, sir."
"Good. Assign yourself to Sergeant Lim here. We'll need you on the walls."
"Yes, sir."

And before anything more could be said the Turks arrived before the city and all sped to the wall.

Later that evening in the shack which has been the headquarters of Singleton's mapping team for two full weeks.

Nine men where assembled. The seven most talented mapmaker, three from them are members of Lim's the other four from various other Jaghuns, Singleton and Jan.
"I have to thank you for the hard work you have done, together we have done a marvellous job and finished all maps just in time. The Turks have arrived in front of the walls and I think it is time for us to join the ranks again and get ready for the coming fights."

"Captain has assigned us all to Lim for the time being because the remainder of the light company is not within the walls. I am going to find him tonight and I think it is best if you join me."

A minute later the nine went to their respective barracks and polished their weapons, so did Mosby. Who's chest was in the back of the shack.
He took out his composite bow and strung it for the first time in two weeks, feeling the tension on the string and the power of the weapon delighted him. Two shafts of a dozen arrows where laid besides it. Then there was his Armenian broadsword and the well decorated scimitar he had taken from a Turkish officer he had killed during the fight for Nissa. The same weapon had been logged in his shoulder and created a massive scar.
"We are going to find a sword and a bow for you tomorrow, or maybe even tonight, and I think it is time for some lessons."

 

[Valdemar]

The Cavalry Camp July 17th

Johan eyed Kent to see if this was anything they should be aware off, but the two Light officers seemed to settle their differences and the meeting continued.

The officers and sergeants huddled together over a few sketches of the area while Chen and his men pointed out what they had scouted.

“They have spread out their supply line here, along the Moravia,” Chen pointed to the river line, “They have a heavy garrison in Nissa, covering the fords there, and the fords across this east-west tributary along the supply route.” He stuck his knife into Nissa. “But the line is still spread out and they do not guard every wagon or every marching regiment with horse.”

He looked up and smiled wickedly, “I suggest we make sure they guard them in the future?”

Kent and the others nodded. “I like your idea that we strike hard at a large target now, before they know we are here, but then I suggest we relocate ourselves, we will be too easy to find here, and shift the focus to smaller more mobile targets.”

Chen nodded, “That’s what we are best suited for, but what about you? To make an impact we need all our strength.”

Kent lifted an eyebrow, “Why we are the steel jaws of any trap, you just do your running and hitting, and lure them out, then we will hit them.” He slammed his armoured fist into the sketch sending sand flying, “We will hit them hard.”

The men around the table grinned and Kent looked at Chen, “Any nice targets for that first and effective hit? And off course, any comments on you taking all the risks at the raids?”

 

[redwolf]

17th July, Cavalry HQ

The men around the table grinned and Kent looked at Chen, ?Any nice targets for that first and effective hit? And off course, any comments on you taking all the risks at the raids??

Chen grinned and replied," Risks? What risk? I thought we were having fun." Kent laughed and Wu'tu snorted which earned a glare from Chen.

He continued speaking," Alright now to serious matters." everyone at the table stopped their laugher and merriment and concentrated on Chen.

"For this raid, I see 3 targets that we chould hit. First, the food supply of the Turks. That will be Kumar's job once they infiltrate the camp. The second target is the horse herds of the Turks. If we can scatter their horses, it will severely disrupt their ability to protect their supply lines. Third target will their war engines if they had already built them or the raw materials for the engines. If we can take out these targets, we would have given them a bloody blow."

Kent leaned forward towards Chen,"How then do you propose to do it?"

"As i've said earlier, this will require all out strength. Once Kumar and his men sneak in, they will have 2 missions. First mission of course will be to burn the food supplies. Second mission will be to locate the horses and engines. Once they are located, signal flares will be released to indicate their location. The Light will then charge in from one entrance to hit the horses, burn everything we see in sight and to extradite Kumar and his men. Kent, your heavies will come in from another entrance to take out their engines. Outside, we will leave a mixed reserve force of Heavies and Light in case any of our groups run into trouble. Remember, our mission is to cause as much chaos as possible. Should things start to go wrong, pull back instantly. It does not matter if the targets are not met. At all cost we must preserve our strength to fight another day as well!" Chen finished with a flourish.

Looking around, Chen asked everyone," What do you think of the plan? Any thing to say?

 

[Valdemar]

Frederik stood on the wall next to Sapphire looking at the spectacle before them. He had greeted his men at the gate and learned that they had decided to guard the wagons at the monks’ request, but had left half the force at home, supplementing it with local men in training. He had dismissed them to go search out old acquaintances after pointing out suitable lodgings.

Now he stood on the main battlements watching the spectacle while Company men, Serbians and Hungarians surged around them all finding their places or simply coming up to see.

The Turk patrol that had attacked the monks had withdrawn and at first only the standards crested the hills to the south, but then slowly the hills around them all showed flags until the horizon from the brink of Sarva to the brink of the Danube all showed the Ottoman colours.

First then did the army advance. The sight was both magnificent and scary. The way the colourful banners had encircled the city like an encroaching tide, and now it spilled over the edges flowing into the plain below like so much coloured fluid. At first no details could be discerned, but gradually individual battle standards came within view and finally just out of reach of even the catapults the army stopped, individuals clearly visible.

Sapphire suddenly shivered slightly and Frederik grinned at him, “Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it looks, not yet anyway.” He noticed Amric nearby, “Go talk to the Sergeant there and find out where your place on the wall will be when you are not securing stuff for the supplies.

He looked about the top of the gatehouse. Everything had settled and almost all of the Free Company officers and Otto and Amric were up here to get the best view of the enemy. Frederik eyed Captain,

“Will they offer surrender like last time?”

Captain rubbed his chin without answering at first.

 

[Valdemar]

Johan looked at Chen, “No sounds all right, but I guess we will be lucky if we find any siege engines this far from the front.” He held up a hand to stall objections, “but as you say, if they stage a camp this far away from Belgrade, then it must be because those supplies are more than mere food.”

Chen nodded, satisfied.

Johan shifted the weight of his mail, “I suggest we hit them soon, and possibly hit the first supply train out and the first in, to ensure no one reports the fires, that means hitting at least two other smaller over night supply camps south and north of the main camp, and not using fire doing it, AND ensuring nobody survives.”

Johan could see Wu’Tu nodding in agreement, making sure the two closest enemy elements were taken out made sense to him.

 

[Amric]

July 17, Walls of Belgrade--Evening

Amric was looking at the flood of Turks appearing along the ridgeline. John stood next to him, as did Oskar and Gerd. Marek stood nearby, a gleam in his eyes. More and more noncombatants were pushing to see the Turk arrive.

"IF YOU AREN'T HERE TO FIGHT," Amric bellowed," GET THE HELL OFF THE WALL! ALL NON COMBATANTS OFF THE WALL."

The order from the sergeant was passed along the wall and other sergeants, corporals, and officers began chivvying the civilians off the wall.

"Get the streets CLEARED!" Amric shouted once more," John, I want you on the south wall like we discussed two days ago. Where is Geofrrey and Cyril?"

"They were at the west wall," John replied," I'll get over to the south wall right now."

"That would be good," Amric nodded," Oskar and Gerd! Gather your men. You are in charge of the flying reinforcement brigade. Where is George, Alexander, and Carl? I want them at the docks with their men."

"They are already there finishing up the defenses there," Oskar replied," Come on, Gerd. We have things to do."

Sapphire walked up to the little group," Sapphire reporting for duty, sergeant."

Amric looked him over," Very good, Sapphire. You and Marek are with me, along with the messenger runners."

"Do you think the Turk will offer terms of surrender?" Sapphire asked him.

"Even if they do, we can't accept," Amric sighed," His demand would be to hand over the company to him, and Captain couldn't allow that. Plus Brancovich's head would probably also be forfeit. We'll have to fight."

"Do you think they'll attack soon?" Marek inquired.

"I wouldn't," Amric rubbed his chin," If they attack and fail then they will have to set up their camp in the dark of night and that could prove to be very dangerous."

Amric turns to a runner," Go to Carl van Krieg. I want him down in the sewers with the others guarding them. Tell him that I want to know the moment Turks try to use them to enter the city. And to hold the Turk back until reinforcements arrive to throw them out."

To another messenger," Find Lim. I want to see him soonest to discuss the arrangements of his men."