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

[redwolf]

17 July, evening, Belgrade, Mug and Bun

Lim, Zhang, Lao Wang and Chen RongTai sat in one of the tables. Lim was telling them their stories since they left China. As he finished, Rongtai exclaimed,"Wow! you guys sure had some hell of an adventure since you have left."

Lim smiled and then turned to Lao Wang," Well then i would to know how the Steward of the Chen family along with this young master show up in Belgrade."

Lao Wang's smile died as he said," It's a long story. Suffice to say, the Chen family is no more in China. A few years back,...."

RongTai did not want to hear the sad story of his family's fall from grace again and he politely left the table to wander around the tavern.

In one of the corners, RongTai noticed the twins that had traveled with them to Belgrade. The twins had mostly stayed in the caraven with the priests and RongTai had hardly seen any of them around. Now the twins set at one of the tables with another young lad.

For the first time, RongTai had a good look at the female twin. She looked good in an exotic way, thought RongTai, different from the girls back home. RongTai frowned in concentration, what was her name again? Alyssa! Yap, that's it, thought RongTai.

Alyssa must had sensed someone staring at her and looked in RongTai's direction. RongTai quickly turned away, face flushing red.

"She looks pretty doesn't see." a voice came from behind RongTai in Italian. RongTao turned to see another young male, about his age or slightly older..

"Hi, I am Arthur, Arthur de Bloomfielde." said a smiling Arthur, giving his right hand. Rongtai did not know what to make of the hand but he stood up and bowed," My name is Chen RongTai."

Arthur's eye suddenly widened in revalation," You are related to Lt. Chen aren't you." Rongtai nodded," He's my uncle."

"I see, I see." Arthur replied but keeping his eyes on Alyssa. "I sure would like to get to know that girl." said Arthur. Alyssa noticed Arthur staring at her then and she gave a look at him. Arthur was not even abashed as he continued staring, sizing her up.

Arthur then blew a kiss in her direction. Alyssa's eyes rolled in disgust. Her brother did not looked too pleased and was prepared to step forward but Alyss put a hand on him and said a few words. Her brother nodded but gave a fierce stare at Arthur. Arthur continued to grin cheekily though.

Rongtai was not going to be idle though. He was apalled at Arthur's behaviour. This was no way to deal with a lady! He took a step towards Arthur and said in a loud voice cutting over the din of the crowd," What do you think you are doing? A man treats a lady with respect and what you just did is not respectful. Go apologise to her at once!"

Arthur stared at Rongtai as though he has went mad," Whoa, what's the matter with you? It's just a little harmless flirting."

Rongtai was about say something when Lim cut in,"Alright what's going on here?"

"This lecher Arthur insulted that girl's honour. I was going to make him apologise." replied an angry RongTai. "What, me a lecher? Arthur stuttered.

Lim took one look at Arthur and rolled his eyes heavenwards," Alright RongTai, leave it. Things are different here in the west. While blowing a kiss is not favourable sometimes, neither does it constitute a violation of honour here."

Arthur started to grin again when Lim turned on him," By the way Arthur, don't you have anything better to do? If not, I can always need someone to fix one of my spoilt spear throwers."

Arthur lost his smile," As a matter of fact, I do believe Sergeant Amric got something for me to do." as he darted off. Lim snorted and turned back to RongTai," That is someone you don't want to spend time with. He's a bad influence." RongTai nodded.

"Come on, we got to go." As Rongtai followed his elders out, he took one more shy glance at Alyssa before walking out. He did not see the queer return look from Alyssa though.

 

[unmerged(18239)]

The city's walls 17th July

"Come on men, we are needed on the wall, let's show those infidel murderers some steel."

And with that nine soldiers of the light company, armed to the teeth, left the shack and went first left and second right until they reached the wall.
Quickly the ran the stars until they reached the battlements where they met Amric directing the defences and ordering everyone whom, was not here to fight of the wall.

"What, you doing here, get to your position, or get off the wall." Amric shouted at one of the soldiers.

"Where's the position of Lim's jaghun, Amric?" Mosby answered.

"Hello Singleton, you got a map with you I suppose?"

"Off course sergeant."

"Along this stretch, some 200 paces from the Danube, Lim will get his first watch. You shall find him there." Said Amric pointing at the positions on Singleton's map.

"All right sir."

"And Singleton, get the boy off the wall."

"I want to fight sir!" Jan van den Berg answered the sergeant.

"You got no weapon, now get the hell off the wall!"

"I have two swords Amric, he can have one of mine. Come on Jan, come on men, let's go to our position."

 

[redwolf]

July 17th, evening, Cavalry HQ

Chen considered Johan's words," So what you are suggesting is that we hit all 3 camps so as to prevent the detection of our little bon fire tomorrow night?" Johan nodded.

"So lets say we break at dawn tomorrow. Kent, you will take your heavies and head north. I will take my Lighties and head south. After hitting both camps, we meet back at their main camp in the evening for the main event?" said Chen.

Kent's reply was a huge wolfish grin.

Looking over to Wu'tu, Chen said," Wu'tu, I would like you to join Lt Kent tomorrow. Your jaghun will act as his scouts tomorrow."

As Chen finished his orders, he continued staring at Wu'tu wondering if he would protest. Wu'tu on his part did not look too happy, but at least he did not have to see Chen on the morrow. Wu'tu nodded his head sullenly.

The meeting carried on for a while longer as minor details were sorted out but later after the rest had filed out, Chen remained alone in his command tent as he considered what had transpired between Wu'tu and him today.

Today was only an arguement, he thought. Later on, the dispute could become more serious, perhaps even going to a trial of combat. He had to resolve this as soon as possible. But try as he could, he could not think of any solution that night.

Belgrade

After settling in the new comers, Lim was walking to the stables when an aide came looking for him. "Sergeant Lim, Sergeant Amric is looking for you." Lim nodded in acknowledge and started walking to the walls.

Climbing the steps to the top of the walls, he could see Amric and Baer bellowing orders out to the rest og the infantry.

As he approached Amric, Amric turned back. "Ah Lim, good to see you here."

"You were looking for me?"

"Yes, i need to know the strength of your men as well as their cababilities."

"My jaghun stands at 100 men. They consists mainly of Chin and Europeans. All my men are fair archers. Chen also knew that there is hand to hand fighting, so he chose men who are fairly adept at the sword as well. On top of that, all my men are trained to use rockets in case you have any need for rocket troops. When Chen left, he told me we are likely to be on the walls as archers or as a mobile response force as and when we are needed. But he also say to defer to your orders. So now I would to know, what are my duties here in Belgrade?"

 

[Amric]

Amric considered for a moment," 100 you say? Well have 20 of them stick with Oskar and Gerd with the Quick Reaction Reinforcement Brigade. I'd like twenty of your men on each wall and 20 for the dock area. The dock area men might be pulled from there in case of necessity as well."

"Very well," Lim nodded," What about the rockets?"

"A supply for each of the men, I think," Amric frowned," As well as a cache at each wall for quick resupply when necessary."

"Sounds reasonable," Lim agreed," Anything else?"

"Depending on how they make their camp I'd like to see if we can shove some rockets at their camp later tonight to disrupt them," Amric smiled.

Lim grinned back," I like it, but they can't be at that ridge or the rockets won't reach them."

"That's why we have bolt holes," Amric peered at the Turks some more," But I'll speak to Captain about it in a moment. Marek, Sapphire, stay here with Lim while I go see Captain."

"Righto," Sapphire nodded.

Marek nodded slowly. Lim quirked an eyebrow and waited as Amric went to talk to Captain. He approached quickly.

"Captain," Amric began," I need your permission to have the Chin use their rockets on the Turk camp tonight. We might have to use one of the sewer bolt holes if they make their camp far enough away that the rockets can't reach them from the walls."

 

[Amric]

July 17, Mug and Bun--Evening

"Who was that bastard?" Alaric snarled.

"Artur de Bloomfeld," James supplied," He'sa vet. Tough too, I understand."

"Let it go, Alaric," Alyssa sniffed," He's trash. I can certainly handle him if he even THINKS about being fresh with me."

"I'd rather teach him a lesson," Alaric snapped.

"I said leave it be," Alyssa's eyes gleamed," He is going to be far to busy on the walls to bother us much."

"Who was the Chin fellow staring at you?" James asked with a grin.

"RongTai," Alaric replied absently," He's a nice enough lad, I suppose. He's just not used to seeing female warriors I think."

"He blushes easily," Alyssa chuckled.

"You think he likes you?" James asked, mischief in his voice.

"Wouldn't matter," Alaric shrugged," He's a barbarian from the east."

"You DO realize that his people think WE are the barbarians?" Alyssa asked him.

"Perhaps in their lands we might be," Alaric replied gruffly," But they are in Europe. So they are the barbarians!"

"Give it a rest, Al," Alyssa sighed," We have more important things to do than worry about trash like de Bloomfeld, or a Chin for that matter."

Finished with their meal they sat back as the dishes were cleared away.

"We have bigger problems indeed," Alaric agreed," Where are we to stay?"

"We don't have room," James admitted glumly.

"What about rooms here?" Alyssa raised a brow," It's a clean place. Plus with it being frequented by the company we might learn more about our father than he might be willing to tell us."

Alaric motioned the serving girl over," Do you have rooms to let?"

"We have a couple left, yes."

"We'll take them," Alyssa chimed in.

Payment was agreed upon with the manager of the place and the two took their belongings up there while James waited at the table. Upon their return he spoke up.

"Well I DID hear a story about Amric the other day," James mentioned slyly.

"Do tell," Alyssa prompted him.

"It was in Nissa," James started," A small city south and east of here. The Company had to find a way into the city and take it from the Turks....."

James wove his tale for an hour as the twins listened raptly to the second or third hand story of how their father had snuck into the city and opened the gates and then HELD them until the rest of the company charged into the fray. Including his wounding and continued insistance of fighting on.

 

[Valdemar]

Johan nodded at Chen, “Yes, there will likely be a small caravan one days march, as fast as the ox walks, north as well as south of the main supply camp, in cavalry terms no more than a few hours walk, but enough to see whatever fire we may start, so I suggest we move parallel to their main route until we can approach those two smaller night camps from the outside, destroy any witness without fire and then move on the main camp as you suggested.”

Chen nodded, and Johan eyed Wu’Tu, Frederik had talked positively about him, but his sullen attitude did not bode well for the mission. He dragged the big Mongol aside as the meeting broke into details.

“Listen, whatever you have of grudges against the Chin, leave them here, we cannot afford that now, if not for yourself, then for the men, or me.”

Wu’Tu tossed his head, “What’s it to you?” The anger still visible in his voice.

“Nothing except for the lives of the men, and because you and I have no grudge,” he stroked the axe, “yet.” Wu’Tu couldn’t help smile he didn’t feel threatned by the westerner, but he had heard the stories of the gate, and Johan was one of the survivors of that. Besides, a sergeant was supposed to protect his men, even from their compatriots.

Johan smiled back, “and Frederik would be pissed if you let me down.”

The Steppelander’s eyes narrowed, “That is not an easy claim to make tin man, Frederik is sort of special to us.”

Johan nodded sombrely, “To me too,” he paused, “he is my brother, but its not widely known, and we’d like it to stay that way.”

Wu’tu eyed him for a long time looking for deceit, finding none, finally he merely nodded.

 

[The_Hawk]

Nandorfejervar (Belgrade Fortress), July 17th, late afternoon

"What I can't figure out," George said, tapping a spike down with his hammer, "is why we're even bothering with this thing."

Alexander nodded and looked over the lip of the wall. "Got me," he said. "I don't see a Turkish boat anywhere."

Carl grunted. "If you two would work more and jabber less, we'd be done already, and could go have a look at that army." Not that I'm that eager to see the source of my death, he thought.

The trio were on the northwest wall of Nandorfejervar, the fortress of Belgrade, overlooking the confluence of the Danube and the Sava. Otto had been quite insistent that the corporals personally tend to mounting his precious ballista on the wall. Now, from its position, it overlooked the docks attendant to the fortress, and could be used against a hostile landing attempt.

The last spike tapped into the joint between two stones, George grabbed the weapon's frame and gave it a good shake. "Feels solid."

Carl nodded. "Those bastards will have a hard time getting in from the river."

"If they show up," Alexander added.

"If they show up."

A messenger came huffing down the battlement. "Corporals, message from the sarge. van Krieg's to head down to secure the sewers. You two are to finish securing the river."

"The sewers?" Carl's nose wrinkled in disgust. "What did I do?"

George and Alexander laughed and catcalled as the big Anglo-Saxon headed back toward the city. Carl parted ways with a rude gesture and a friendly wave before vanishing into the fortress proper.

* * *

Ever since discovering the secret sewer tunnels, Fallen Angel had stalked the entrance, waiting for the time to slip out and bring word to the Sultan. To the Free Company's credit, they had done a fine job guarding the place, and his occasional passage by (always in disguise, of course) had failed to find a flaw he could exploit.

The arrival of the Turkish army telescoped his plans, however. What had been a handy bit of information he should share when possible suddenly became a critical piece of intelligence that the Sultan would require immediately. Since the army's first appearance, Angel had taken up position in a building just down the street from the sewer tunnel, abandoned by Captain's evacuation of the city's women and children. Through a rat-chewed hole below the window line he watched, and waited.

The confused arrival of Carl van Krieg gave him the opening he needed. From what he could gather, the guards were puzzled as to why Amric would want to replace them with men from Carl's squad. They argued briefly about it before the soldiers let themselves be convinced -- after all, they wanted a look at the Turkish army, too. When the ones stationed down below came up to see what was going on, Fallen Angel made his move, slipping into the tunnel. As soon as he was out of hearing range, he broke into a run. The Sultan, he was sure, would be eager to receive him.

 

[LordLeto]

July 17, evening, Walls of Belgrad.



Marek and Sapphire look upon the massive turkish army arrayed in front of them, Marek twirls a throwing knife in his right hand allowing himself a small smile.

"You seem quite at ease Marek, dont you find these...circumstances just a tad unsettling."

"No." He grins even wider.

"Care the share why."

"I need some new boots, got these off a.....helpful turk a few days ago, dont quite fit right."

"Oh....."

 

[Storey]

Evening July 17th Walls of Belgrad


It was quiet on the west wall. If a storm was coming being here was like being on the leeward side of a ridge. Safe, quiet and boring.
All the rest of the squad except for Geoffrey and Cyril stood a lazy watch. Occasionally they would look in Geoffrey and Cyril’s direction but all they could see were their legs and butts.

"Okay, count."

"One, two, three, four, five."

"What did I tell you?"

Cyril scratched his head.

"Let us try a larger one."

Geoffrey shrugged.

"Sure. Now!"

"One, two, three, four, five."

"Damn if you are not right. How about a much smaller one?"

"You still do not believe me do you? All right go ahead. Now!"

"One, two, three, four, five."

"I will be damned if you are not right."

Geoffrey and Cyril scooted back from the castle wall where they had dangled while dropping rocks and counting how long it took them to reach the ground below.

Cyril squinted at Geoffrey.

"So what does it mean?

"Beats the hell out of me. All I know is objects of different weight fall at the same speed. Now Aristotle would say it was because…"

Just then a soldier came pounding up the steps leading to the wall’s parapet. He paused bending over to catch his breath before panting.

"Everyone is it to move to the main gate."

"Geoffrey just beat Cyril in asking.

"Why? What has happened?"

"The Turks have arrived and there are more of them than we can count."

Cyril waved to the rest of the squad and they set off at a quick march for the main gate.

 

[redwolf]

July 17, Evening, Walls of Belgrade

Lim silently observed the conversations of the new comers. He did not know much about the 2 of them but had caught glances of them at times over the past few days.

"I need some new boots, got these off a.....helpful turk a few days ago, dont quite fit right."

"Oh....."

That't when Lim decided to join the conversation," Marek, you do not seem to like Turks very much?"

"No reason to. The only good Turk is a dead Turk." replied Marek.

"Not all Turks are bad. For example there are 2 Turks in the city.."

"Turks in Belgrade? Where?" Marek asked a little too eagerly, eyes alight.

"It's not what you think, Marek. Those 2 Turks, Ahmed and Mehmed, are Company men, my men in the Light Cavalry. That's why I am telling you this now, don't do anything funny with them or you answer to me."

"Yes sergeant." Marek replied, just a tad sullenly.

"Good." nodded Lim as he went back to observing the Turks encampments. He wondered if Captain will give the go ahead for the night raid. On the top of the walls, the night wind bit into Lim's bones. Lim shivered. He hope Captain will agree to the raid though. It will be best way to warm his bones up.

 

[LordLeto]

July 17, Evening, Walls of Belgrade.


Marek fingered the money pouch taken from the turk gently as the night wind blows his wavy black hair away from his ears. For the first time he hoped that the death of that turk in the Roma slums wouldnt come back to him.

The company consorts with turks while it fights them, strange. Well they dont need to know why I kill for the time being, these gajikane havnt seen what I have. They havnt been brutalized to the extent as I have. Those bastards killed my father and sold my family like common cattle. Who knows where any of them are now.

"Marek!"

A voice calls from the street level, it calls in Vlax.

"Marek I need to talk to you."

"Zorica! I thought you had enuf of me after that um...." He is conscience of Lim's presence even though he doubtfuly understands them."problem." The strange language gets a passing glance from a few of the company men but they quickly return to watching the turkish army.

"Oh shut up boy, its about your sister."

"I never told you I had a sister......" Switching languages now. "Lim, can I have leave of the walls for a moment."

Lim looks at the old lady then at Marek and sighlently nods.

"Thank you."

He bounds down the stairs to the fortune teller.

In a slightly accusitory tone he presses Zorica in Vlax. "Whats this about my sister Dika, how did you know I even had one!"

"Dont be daft boy, you know damn well what I do the answer should be obvious. Shes here Nicu, shes here in the turkish camp, as a slave of one of their officers."

"Curse them!"

"DAMN IT MAREK, GET BACK ON THE WALL, AND YOU OLD LADY EITHER PICK UP A SWORD OR GET OUT OF HERE!"

"Thank you Dika." Swithcing languages now. "Sorry Sergeant Amric." Marek runs up the stairs to where he was before.

"What was that about Marek?"

He stares out into the distance a moment before replying.

"Family.....I need to get into that camp Sapphire....."

 

[unmerged(21085)]

July 17, Evening, Walls of Belgrade.

Sapphire looked across the area which was filled with Turks. Grimly, he thought over what on earth he was doing here. He is a merchant for god's sake. He should be somewhere in Western Europe and making money. Nevertheless, God thought it was funny to put him here and see what happened to him.

Sapphire sighed gloomily as Marek came up on the wall. He asked him

"What was that about Marek?"

Marek stares out into the distance a moment before replying.

"Family.....I need to get into that camp Sapphire....."

Sapphire stared at him as Marek as if he was a monster before him.

Sapphire's first instinct when he was startled is to slice Marek's head off with his Lochaber axe.

"WHY? How on earth, you want to go into that camp?"

Marek grimaced at that question:

"My sister is in that camp."

Sapphire replied to that:

"Even so, people changed over time, how you know your sister want to be rescued. It would be best to wait for any official trip into that camp.”

Sapphire winked at him and looked at Lim.

"Sergeant. Do you think, there will be a night raid soon?"

 

[redwolf]

July 17th,evening, Walls of Belgrade

"Sergeant. Do you think, there will be a night raid soon?"

Lim turned back to Sapphire and looked into his eyes,"What makes you think there will be any night raid soon?"

Sapphire shrugged," Well, the Turks are newly arrived and are probably still disorganised. If this is not the best time to hit them, then I don't know when is."

Lim nodded," Looks like you spent some time thinking on this, haven't you?"

Sapphire returned a grin. Lim grinned back at him and then greeted someone over Sapphire and Marek's shoulders," Sergeant Baer!"

Hearing the name of the feared First Senior Sergeant of the Free Company Infantry, the two new recruits stiffened to attention. Baer walked past the two of them and nodded to Lim.

With a huge grin on his face, Lim asked," Baer, I've got to ask you. With the Turks just on the outside of the walls, your men should not have much free time don't they?" Baer wasn't sure where this was going but he nodded.

Continuing, Lim said,"If that's the case, why then does this new recruit have the time to think about doing a night raid on the Turkish camp?"

Hearing this, Baer's face hardened and turned to the 2 men," So you got lots of free time on your hands don't you? Very well then, I got a patrol who's due to start their duty in a few minutes time and I am still a few men short. Perhaps you 2 should make your way there now to make up their numbers."

Faces white, the 2 men nodded and started making their way down the walls when Baer stopped them," By the way, the patrol start point is at the barracks which is not that near here so you better run. Oscar and Gerd are leading that patrol and if I find out from them that you are late, you will answer to me. NOW RUN!" The 2 men scrambled off.

Baer turned back to see a grinning Lim," Getting lenient now aren't you?" "They are new recruits." replied Baer, shrugging his shoulders. Looking around to make sure no one can hear them, Baer asked in a low voice," Now what was that about a night raid?"

 

[Lord Durham]

July 17th - Night, Outside Belgrade

Kara Mohammed nudged his horse forward with his knees as Vizier Ishak Pasha continued along the line his engineers had set out as the location of their wall. It was at this point, within range of their largest bombards, that the Ottomans would pummel the Christian city into submission.

Under torchlight, captured slaves - locals and men brought from conquered cities to the south - were hard at work digging a trench. The trench would eventually stretch from the Sava to the Danube - the palisade being erected behind it. Behind him, in the distance, the steady chopping of axe on tree echoed down from the Crutzka Heights, while ever-increasing mounds of dirt marked the locations where the mighty cannon would eventually rest.

His master seemed pleased, though there was a sense of unease against the possibility of an enemy sortie. Kara Mohammed had not been at Constantinople, but his brother had died there. He had died at the 'Breach of Sorrow' - a break in the walls that had witnessed some of the most heroic fighting he had yet heard. It was fast becoming the stuff of legend. He knew the Infidel referred to it as the 'Battle of the Breach'.

His master Ishak had a healthy respect for the heathen mercenaries. They were as feared among his people as he, a Janissary, was feared among theirs. Kara Mohammed looked forward to the battle yet to come. He looked forward to the opportunity to avenge himself on the slayers of his brother - these men of the Free Company.

* * *

July 17th - Night, Walls of Belgrade

Captain watched the endless row of torches and listened to the sounds of shovels and axes. They were sounds he had heard before.

Here we are again, he thought. Have I led my men into yet another trap? Will I fail them? Who must die this time? Captain sensed a figure beside him.

Lochlan said, "They sure don't waste time."

"No, they don't." Captain cracked a half smile, lost in the dark. "Somehow I can't help but shake the feeling we've been here before."

Lochlan laughed. "Aye." There was silence, then the ranger continued. "You should know; some of the men are hankering for a night raid."

"If nothing else they're enthusiastic." Captain pointed. "See the dark ridge, just before the trench they're digging, in the shallow gully?"

Lochlan looked. "Ah. Just below the torch light. Men. I see them."

"Right, they're keeping low so as not to be silhouetted."

"How did you ever spot them? I thought you had bad eyes?"

"I had one of the boys confirm it for me. Those men are waiting for us to try a raid."

"We could use one of the tunnels."

"I thought of that, but I'd rather save them for an emergency. There's no sense tipping our hand just yet. For now we'll just do it the old fashioned way, and buy time for Hunyadi."

"If he comes."

"Aye. If he comes."

"Do you suppose their commander will bore us with another surrender speech?"

Captain shrugged. "Probably tomorrow. We both know it's just a formality. Their intentions are clear."

"I wonder if it will be the same speech as last time? It was rather flowery."

Captain stared. "Gone poetic on me? I doubt our answer will differ. Ah, enough of this. Let's go for an ale. Nothing's going to happen tonight, anyway."

The two veterans walked away, leaving the frenzied activity outside Belgrade behind.

 

[Amric]

July 17, Walls of Belgrade--Evening

Lieutenant Jaeger suddenly appeared at Amric's side like a ghost out of the heathers of Scotland. With a nod, he motioned the sergeant away from Captain and Lochlan.

"I hear some of the lads are thinking of staging a night raid," Jaeger began with a sigh.

"They are wanting to do so, yes," Amric admitted.

"Bad idea," Jaeger pointed his chin out into the darkness," Take a close look out there."

Amric peered out there for a long moment, then sighed himself gustily," When did they show up?"

"Same time as the slaves," Jaeger grunted.

"Well there goes that idea," Amric frowned," Sapphire and Marek are going to be disappointed."

"They'll get over it," Jaeger snapped," And so will you."

"Me?" Amric inquired with some surprise.

"Yes, you," Jaeger frowned," You did enough heroics at Nissa. I need you, and not on some harebrained stunt of a raid, either."

"I never said I was going to lead the raid," Amric said with feigned innocence.

"Don't even try, sergeant," Jaeger clapped him on the shoulder," You have a bad habit of jumping into the thick of things."

"Well," Amric hedged," I wasn't planning on anything other than setting off rockets and hightailing it back into Belgrade. I'm not suicidal."

"Sergeant," Jaeger almost smiled," You have NOTHING to prove. Not to me. Not to anyone. You may not have been around since Constantinople, but you have done yeoman work since you HAVE been here."

"I..."Amric stopped speaking for a moment.

"We all have our demons," Jaeger glared out at the Turks," But you have done great work preparing this city for siege. And I KNOW you will work as hard as two or three men defending this city."

"It's my job," Amric shrugged," I do what I can."

Jaeger chuckled slightly," That is like saying a blacksmith is doing his normal job when he starts working on cannons."

Amric frowned," That doesn't make any sense, sir."

"Just take it from me," Jaeger," I've seen you work, and you push and push. Take the rest of the night off. Nothing much is going to happen tonight. You know it, and I know it. Baer knows it. But I am going to leave him up here to keep the allies and our men we're keeping up here in line."

"But," Amric grimaced," I still have some things..."

"No," Jaeger grated," You don't. I heard your children showed up moments before the Turks grabbed them. Get the hell off this wall and go see them."

"Yes, sir," Amric nodded and started toward the stairs down to the ground.

"I'll see you in the morning for the meeting," Jaeger called after him.

"Yes, sir," Amric replied.

"SERGEANT BAER," Jaeger bellowed," I'd like to see you!"

Baer arrived quickly, but calmly," You need something?"

"Get two thirds of the men off this wall," Jaeger ordered.

"Already doing so, sir," Baer grunted," I started having some problems with our allied troops, but I have been busy straightening them out."

"I'll bet you have," Jaeger's lips twitched," I sent Amric off the wall tonight."

"Good," Baer growled," He's been working twenty hours a day for quite a while now. I am not sure how he does it, but he does."

"I know," Jaeger sighed," He's going to work himself to death if we don't rein him in a bit."

"He's going to be up early tomorrow," Baer told him.

"He always is," Jaeger nodded slowly," You know what he does when he is up so early?"

"Yes," Baer grated.

"Mind sharing?" Jaeger inquired, brow raised.

"He does these WEIRD exercises," Baer told him," I've never seen anything like it."

Jaeger cocked his head to one side," What do you mean weird?"

"Stretching beyond what we do in training," Baer admitted," But it might explain his speed and flexibility in movement, even while in chain armor."

Jaeger grunted," Okay, since it doesn't seem to appear to cause any problems in the company. Driven, that man is."

Baer nodded slowly," That is my opinion as well. I need to get back to work."

"I won't keep you," Jaeger smiled slightly," Let it be known that there is NOT going to be a night raid from us tonight."

"Right," Baer agreed.

"Carry on," Jaeger looked out once more at the Turks.

"WHICH PART OF GET OFF THE WALL DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?" Baer bellowed as he walked away," You know your walls assignments and times! I do NOT want to have to EXPLAIN it again!"

 

[Valdemar]

July 17, night, outside Belgrade.

Ishak nudged his charger forward feeling the by now reassuring bulk of the Christian sword hanging from his saddle. He had begun carrying it strapped to his saddle ever since the day the young Sultan had bestowed it upon him, but had finally decided that it was not worthy replacing the sword that Murad had given him to best the Russian.

He trailed the line that would soon be the trench and palisade nodding at what he saw, correcting a few things with a wave of his hand. He stopped at one of the mounds, soon to be platforms for the guns and looked towards the besieged Serbian town.

So small it looked there in the moonlight compared to his last siege, he could almost see from one end of the wall to the next. No need for separate commands covering this one.

He went over the plans in his head. So far he had distributed the forces evenly to cover the entire city, but he would have to concentrate the forces once he knew where to strike. His infantry were still arriving in camp, but the Sipahis had almost all arrived and patrolled the countryside extensively.

He was not about to let him self be surprised by the Free Company. He turned to his Seneschal,

“I want the entire front covered, ask the Sipahis to patrol it until all infantry have arrived.”

He looked about. The first Sipahi patrols had already arrived at the main camp with “liberated” workers from the nearby farmlands. He looked at the Seneschal for a report.

“We have managed to bring a few volunteer workers, but the Christians have been here there before us.”

Ishak looked to the charred ruins of a farmstead, “They have destroyed every shelter?”

The Seneschal nodded, “every farm one days ride from here looks like that, even the churches look like that.”

The first Vizier looked up, “The Churches?”

“Yes, we will have to rely on tents and pavilions, but what’s worse,” he paused briefly, “they have burned every crop as far as the scouts have reached, killed all animals, we will have to go far for supplies and forage. And relocated or driven of the peasants.”

Ishak nodded he had anticipated that, no enemy would encourage pillaging, as the term would be seen from the Christian view point, and he had expected nothing less from the esteemed Captain of the Free Company.

“That’s what we have supply trains for.”

The Seneschal nodded.

Ishak looked at the walls again, Supplies, I’m precariously far away from a proper supply base, even with Nissa in Sulyman’s control. He idly wondered what surprises were in sore for his men. One thing he had learned from the city was to never anticipate what the Company would do.

“And the patrols between here and Nissa?”

Extensive patrols as far as one days ride south of here, some further, I assume Sulyman will venture out north from Nissa?”

Ishak nodded, one days ride, that was as much as two days marching of the army, or almost four days of a supply caravan of oxen and mules, he hoped that that protection would be enough to keep him going, at least until winter set in. Further out than that was the responsibility of Sulyman.

“I have arranged for the supplies to go in caravans, lightly guarded and they will camp every night to rest the animals. We should receive one or two caravans a day.”

“And the Camps?”

“We have done as you commanded, for every three days travelling there is a larger camp, a resupply and resting place, the patrols use it too, should scare away any brigands.”

Ishak shrugged, he care little for highwaymen, but the Seneschal had not been at Constantinople, no it was something else he worried about, he had heard reports of Cremona and the use of the light cavalry, and he had heard the sorry tales of the surviving cavalry commanders before Nissa fell.

He worried about the Mongols and other light cavalry, all spies claimed at least a few hundred horses on extensive patrols prior to his arrival, but had seen none, and the horses would be useless in the defence.

“Prepare the infantry to receive a cavalry charge.”

“My Lord?” The Seneschal stopped in recounting the ready supplies and looked up in confusion.

“Prepare the men for a cavalry charge. We know they have a number of cavalry detachments, they will be useless once we have the ditch and palisade up, send a runner to the men ambushing a night raid that it would be likely to be a cavalry charge, and tell the men guarding the engineers the same.”

The Seneschal nodded and bowed.

Ishak turned the horse with a thought and retired to his pavilion, tomorrow would show how well the Free Company had prepared for his arrival.

*****

July 18, early morning.

Ishak sat on his favourite charger, dressed in his most regal Janissary uniform, sombre and yet rich. Behind him his Seneschal was going through the last minute checking of his escort, a full Janissary squad of his personal guard and a full Sipahi patrol. In front of him came a standard bearer, Ishak had the honours of carrying the Empire’s colours next to his own, an honour granted by Murad only to his First Vizier.

At the sound of brazen horns the entourage moved out, Standards, followed by Ishak and his officers and their scribes, and finally the men, Sipahis arrayed on wither side and Janissaries in two orderly rows in centre.

Slowly the procession came within range of the longbows from the walls, and then with in earshot and still no one stirred on top of the main gate apart from the guard on duty. Ishak continued on not a muscle betraying his mood.

Finally just before the Ottoman pride entered the shadow of the wall a small group of figures appeared on the battlements.

The Pasha stopped his horse and as one the soldiers stopped. Moments later the dreaded Free Company Flag went up on the main tower alongside the Serbian and Hungarian colours. Ishak nodded slightly, wondering if Brankowitz willingly had gone along with the Hungarian, the letters of past had pleaded his innocence to the end.

Ishak nodded to a herald who trotted forward and opened a scroll.

“His most Imperial Ruler, Murad of the Ottomans, have send forth his most glorious Army under his most beloved General, Ishak Pasha, Conqueror of the City of Men’s desire, to claim the City of Belgrade from the traitor and oath breaker, the Serbian Despot, Brankowits. All that leave the city now, leaving their weapons behind will be spared by the grace of Ishak Pasha, most Compassionate Commander of the Imperial Army.” The Messenger paused briefly, fighting the scroll in the early morning winds. “Only the Ruler of Serbia, must remain to answer to his crimes, his life is forfeit.”

For a long moment nothing could be heard, no sound could be heard. Then the Messenger smartly rolled up the scroll, trotted forward and pinned it to the gate and returned to wait behind his master.

Finally Ishak rode forth, calling to the figure standing alone in front of the rest on the top of the battlement.

“Captain of the Free Company, will you not hearken my words and spare your men?”

Captain stepped up the stone rail but didn’t respond.

“I will spare you your men, you have my word, I have no need for needless bloodletting, we both know how this will end.”

A long pause ensued,

“Remember the City, the Breach of Sorrow, will you torment yourself with another defeat?”

 

[redwolf]

17th July, evening, cavalry HQ

Chen had been considering the problem with Wu'tu for some time now but was still unable to think of a plausible solution. Giving up, he went back to the maps again to see if he could find better improve the plans.

Staring at it, Chen couldn't help but think something was wrong. He stared for a moment longer before noticing something strange. Shouting to the guards outside,"Guard, get Zhang Gao here on the double."

Chen was still examing the map when Gao came in."You sent for me Chen?"

"Yes Gao. I was looking at the map again and I've noticed something strange. Johan was saying that the trip up would be a day or so. But I've just measured the distance on the map and I am very sure we can reach the caraven camps in a matter of hours.You care to explain this?"

"Nothing strange Chen. Johan mentioned a day by oxen speed. Of course horse is faster."

Now Chen was dumbfounded. He didn't recall that last bit. The he realised the problem. Johan's english was spoken with an accent and Chen always had difficulty picking up his words. He could easily have missed the last part.

Pointing at the map, Chen said,"So if we set out now and attacked the caravens camp now, we can still arrive at the supply camp before dawn?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Gao answered,"It's a high possibility."

Without waiting an instant, Chen shouted to his guard again," Guards, get Kent here and make it fast!"

Within a short period of time, Kent came running in panting,"What's the urgent news Chen? Some change in plans?"

"Yes Kent. I've just looked at the maps again and I've changed my mind. Instead of attacking tomorrow, I want the cavalry to move out now."

Kent's eyes widened as he realised what Chen was suggesting. Chen raised a hand," Wait let me continue. I've got my reasons." With that he started highlighting his plans and observations again.

After he finished, Kent remained in deep thought before nodding his head,"Sounds alright by me. But are we going to attack the main supply camp as well before the sun rises?"

Chen smiled,"Depends how fast can those horses of yours travels."

Nodding his head again, Kent said," Very well then, I got to make preparations for my me as well" As Kent left the tent, Chen could hear him shouting for Johan.

Turning to face Gao, Chen gave his orders,"Gao assemble the men now!"

Gao nodded in agreement and went off. Chen took one more quick glance at his maps and then went to gather his stuff.

Outside his tent, the camp was a hive of activity as men scrambled to get themselves and their horses ready for the night raid.

However the men's tensions were already on a razor's edge and they got themselves ready in quick order. By the time Chen stepped out of his tent, 500 Light Cavalrymen stood ready to move out. A little further away, the last of the Heavies were getting into position.

Seeing Kent, Chen nudged his horse over to him," Kent, since the southern camp is further then the north, I will take the southern camp since my horses are further. Once the 2 camps are eliminated, we will meet back at the supply camp. Depending on the time then, we will decide if we want to carry on or delay the attack till the next night. And remember, no fires when you attacked. I don't anyone to notice it."

Kent nodded and the 2 leaders went back to their respective commands. Giving a signal, the Light Cavalry set off first. Turning back and grinning, Chen shouted to Kent,"Don't take too long. Considering that your horses run like snails, you had better hurry. We don't want to wait too long for you."

 

[Valdemar]

Johan sat on his charger; as usual his squadron was in the front, only a short distance behind the Light Cavalry acting as guides and scouts.

In front of him the Wu’Tu and his men moved carefully through the underbrush towards what the scout reported as a small Turkish Supply Caravan moving steadily north on what almost had become a minor road where the Army had travelled.

Slowly the Men-at-arms angled north to come in front of the caravan, while the light horse divided to spread out both north and south of the suspected target to catch any that made a run for it.

Finally they reached the well-worn track and Kent arranged the men into attack formation, a large crescent covering from tree line to tree line.

The plan was for them to attack now, then swiftly move back south and attack the main supply camp before anyone missed the two caravans.

Before them the moon shined palely on the ground, in the distance the small dots of fire denoted the camp they were about to visit. The horse moved restlessly, leather creaking, armour rattling slightly in the quiet night, a horse snorted here and there, their breath standing like plumes of smoke in the still and cool evening air.

Kent silently lifted his hand and look both sides, all along the crescent his sergeant lifted their hands acknowledging the signal, then the hand came down and the formation moved forward, halfway there the hands came up again, and as they dropped the pace increased to a trot, a low rumble, four hundred thoroughbreds moving in unison. Then with a quarter of the way left as they passed the Mongol Sentries the hand came down the last time and the Cavalry advanced at full speed.

It was over before they knew what hit them, only the guards had time to rub there eyes before the centre of the formation was in the camp, and before the outlying wings had encompassed the camped, encircling it, closing it completely, all walking men had been killed.

Kent directed the destruction from the centre, ensuring all men was found in the tents, supervising what supplies to carry off, what to break and leave for the wild animals.

Johan off-handedly swung his axe killing a coupe of oxen before the Mongols mercifully arrived and finished of the pack animals with a few well placed arrows, carts were turned over, wheels deliberately broken on wagons, sacks cut open and dragged into the undergrowth or dumped in the nearby river.

In a matter of moments the small army was on the move, Wu’Tu’s men in front, anxious to get back into battle before Chen sounded the attack.

 

[Lord Durham]

July 18, Early Morning - The Wall

"Remember the City, the Breach of Sorrow, will you torment yourself with another defeat?"

Captain winced at the sentence. He waited for more, but Ishak Pasha remained silent, poised high on his mount in regal spendour. His speech wasn't as long as the first time. Just as Captain had surmised, the man was merely going through the motions. He cracked to Lochlan, "The bastard had to say that, didn't he? Just when I was starting to like the guy."

Lochlan bristled at the Vizier, and several of the veterans muttered oaths.

Captain looked around for Brancovich, found the man no where in sight. Must be hiding under a bed. Naw, give the man some credit.

Jaeger coughed, "I suspect he's expecting an answer, Captain."

"Hmm. Does anyone remember what I said at Constantinople?"

"Not me," LeClerc chimed. "I was too busy shitting myself."

This drew laughter from the men.

Good man, LeClerc, keep them loose. That's what Lochlan had done, in a previous life-time. Captain leaned on the battlement. "Where's your sultan? Afraid?" Captain waved a hand dismissively. "Not that it matters. I suppose now that your lap-dog the Bey's long dead, it's come down to you and me. So, I'll keep this short. If you want us, come and get us!"

Ishak Pasha nodded sharply, as if the answer had been expected. He brought his horse about violently and rode off, the escort hastening to catch up. Catcalls and curses from the men followed his departure.

After the dust had drifted away Captain said, "OK, men. Fun time's over. Keep a close eye on the heathens. It's unlikely they'll do anything right away, but you never know."

With the speed the enemy was working at, Captain figured they would have a few days grace, at most.

 

[redwolf]

July 17, night, South caravan camp

The trip to the caravan camp has only taken a couple of hours. With Gao having just explored the road the day before, the Light Cavalry moved swiftly.

Arriving, Chen observed the camp from where he was hidden in the undergrowth. It was a very small camp with few guards guarding it and most of them are asleep. This should be simple.

Signaling O'Floinn and Sebutai he had them and their jaghuns surround the camp to prevent any man from escaping. Once their jaghuns are in positions, Chen and Gao's jaghuns charged forward in silence firing a volley of arrows on the perimeter guards.

The perimeter guards were all dead before they could even raise an alarm. The Cavalrymen moved in swiftly going for the tents of the guards first. The attack was so sudden and quiet that almost no one had even woken up. Most of them were killed in their sleep. The few who had woken up were quickly dispatched off. No one was left alive as per Chen's orders.

As the last guard was killed, the rest of the Light Cavalry quickly moved in on the supplies and animals. Animals were slaughtered, wagons were whacked using axes and supplies were thrown into the nearby stream.

Once the camp was totally destroyed, Chen ordered his men to move out to the main supply camp quickly. By now the Heavies should have taken out their camp and should be moving to the main supply camp as well and Chen did not want Kent to arrive first. He will never live it down if those slow snails get there ahead of his Light. Nudging his horse, he and his men moved off into the light.

******************************************
An hour later

Hassan raised his hand and the 500 Spahis cavalry came to a halt. In front of him, the small caravan camp has been totally destroyed. Was it another group of brigands?

Hassan's group of Spahis were rushing to Belgrade. By now, most of the Turkish cavalry should already be assembled at Belgrade. However due to a slight delay at Nissa, they had been running late and Hassan had decided to ride through the night to save some time.

Hassan frowned as he looked at the camp. It was obvious that a group of Brigands seeing the camp so lightly guarded must have launched a raid to steal the food supplies here. Hassan sighed, he had wanted to rest his men here.

Turning back to his men, Hassan said,"Men! It is obvious that we can't camp here for the night as we have originally planned. The next stop point is the main supply camp of this region which is further north. We shall move fast and arrive there before dawn. Then we shall rest there for a while before carrying on to Belgrade."

With a signal, the 500 strong cavalry moved out toward the main supply camp.

**************************************
A few hours later

The Light Cavalry arrived at the supply camp and Chen was relieved to see that Kent had not arrived yet. Telling O'FLoinn to bring Kent to him once he arrived, Chen went on to observe the supply tent from his hiding point.

The camp was brightly lit and it was relatively easy to pick out targets. However the guards appeared to more alert than in the other camp so there might a fight ahead.

It was now the coldest part of the night and Chen shivered as the cold wind bit into him. Where was Kent, thought Chen. The faster he arrive, the faster I can get myself warmed up. Looking back and still not seeing Kent, Chen turned his eyes back to the supply camp in front, settled down and continued to observe..