Oct 20, 1450: The Abandoned Wagon – Morning
As per orders, the rangers rendezvoused with the light cavalry at the abandoned wagon and used that as their base of operations in anticipation of the infantry’s arrival.
During the time between the 18th and the 20th of October, patrols swept the immediate area searching for signs of the bandit camp, with little success.
On the morning of the 20th, an early patrol under the command of Mario Botacelli detected movement in the forests further east of their position. Investigation revealed the movement to be a large force of mercenaries heading straight for the wagon.
A runner was dispatched to the camp where he reported to Lochlan. Lochlan in turn gathered Nikolai, Lim Hui and Bogdan Viteazul. Given the urgency of the meeting, the balance of the command knew something was up, and casually began to arm themselves in anticipation of orders.
Lochlan knelt on the ground with the scout, while Nikolai, Lim Hui and Bogdan stood and watched. The scout was drawing in the coarse dirt. “They are coming along this road, sir. We counted maybe 300 infantry and perhaps 50 horse. They looked pretty beaten up.”
Bogdan flicked at a bug on his sleeve, feigning indifference. “What was the condition of the horse?”
The scout looked up. “I’ve seen better. I think these men haven’t eaten for a while.”
Nikolai grunted, “Good and bad. Morale will be low, but desperation will be high.”
Lochlan pursed his lips. “From further east, you said?”
The scout nodded.
“Every indication had our bandits trailing north.” He shook his head, his long grey hair swaying with the motion. “A problem for another time. First things first. Nikolai?”
“Sir?”
“Gather the balance of the rangers. Two wings. Keep north and south of the mercenaries. Stick to the forests. Pick off stragglers, set traps, ambush small units. Keep them on their toes and slow them down. We need time until the infantry arrives.”
Nikolai nodded. “50 men, two groups of 25. Mario has 5 with him, so I’ll send 20 his way. That should do it.” Without waiting for an OK, the elder Rus stormed off barking orders.”
Lochlan and the scout stood. “Lead your 20 back to Mario, give him his orders. Tell him nothing foolish, understand?”
The scout swallowed and ran to join his assembling brethren.
Bogdan asked, “What about us?”
Lim Hui said, “We have 75 well-trained light cavalry with bows. We will approach along the road. Once we make contact, we harry them back toward this position. Same method as the scouts. Attack isolated units, ambush the overanxious. Just don’t get trapped.”
Bogdan raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Me?”
Lochlan interrupted. “I need one of your boys to ride to Captain. Tell him the situation, and if he can light a fire under his men.”
Lim Hui barked an order, and a rider hastened west. He turned to Lochlan. “And what will you be doing?”
“I’ll be the garrison.”
Lim Hui regarded the abandoned cart. “A lot of fuss over a wagon.”
“Not so much the wagon, but what it held. Or what it is purported to have held. Word must have spread, whether purposely or not. There’s something fishy about this, but I can’t put my finger on it.” He paused as he watched the rangers melt into the forest, two wings flanking the main road. He wished he was with them, but his duties prevented that luxury. He cracked a half grin. “Well, let’s see what the new boys are made of.”
Lim Hui passed Bogdan a glance. “Indeed.”
Lochlan left the men to gather their cavalry. Soon they rode off, leaving the senior ranger as the lone occupant of this suddenly important abandoned wagon. Carefully he knelt beside its massive wood frame, removed his collection of knives, and began to prepare them.
Oct 20, 1450: Several Miles East of the Abandoned Wagon – Late Morning
The scout had little trouble finding Mario. All he had to do was listen for the thump-thump-thump of the marching mercenaries, their endless cursing, the clatter of weapons banging on armour and the snorts and whinnies from the forward cavalry screen.
The scout led the 20 reinforcements deep into the forest, away from the enemy, where he found Mario and his small command. Or, at least, Mario revealed himself to be found. Lochlan’s orders were passed along, and soon the rangers began to edge closer.
The enemy mercenaries were strung out in a long column, showing little discipline, though judging by the weapons and armour some of the soldiers carried certainly appeared to be no pushovers. Still, the rangers had surprise on their side, something that would be revealed shortly.
Lim Hui and Bogdan led the light cavalry along the road. Ahead of them two outriders carefully approached each twist and turn of the trail with anticipation. They needn’t have been so careful. The enemy cavalry was detected well in advance.
Lim Hui called a halt while Bogdan approached. The Moldavian grunted. “How do you want to handle this?”
“The road is narrow, the forests inaccessible. This will hurt them more than us. They have no archers, perhaps a few crossbows. I say we hit and run, draw them from the main body with our arrows. Properly executed, we could wear them down long before they reach the wagon.”
“And if they grow too bold?”
“Then it’s steel on steel.”
Bogdan grinned. “Let’s get to it.”
Setup prior to combat. The FC Infantry is to the left of Base Camp, off the map.
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