The Papacy - An Alternative History

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But you don't understand!! I went to the bar to recquisition all the contents for medicinal purposes!

The Freeman Company, a force of 4000 trained mercenaries, have three recognised medical personal: all of them fully trained carpenters. Tell Lt. Fournier (yes, he's the guy who led the cavalry in after all the real fighting was done) that the local grape-spirit is not for drinking but for use as an early anaesthetic for those heroes who will play no further part in this campaign, and for those unfortunate souls who will play no part in ANY future campaign.

Beer, however, is on tap, courtesy of the locals free from the yoke of Ottoman rule - for now.

As the Captain always said: "The Company looks after its own".

p.s. I seem to recall LD mentioning a "token" force. There was more blood and guts in this one than were suffered in all the Company's previous campaigns in Malta and Sicily combined!!

 

[Misha]

[Earlier]

The battle still raged out on the eastern approaches. Sergeant Misha's troops had failed in their bid to turn the Turk's flank when 2 columns of Janissaries had suddenly appeared in their front. Misha had swiftly given the order to deploy from column to line formation. The enemy infantry would have to fight their way through his men if they wanted to try to flank the Free Company.

To nobody's surprise, the enemy deployed into line also, setting up a classic infantry engagement. Confronted by superior numbers, Misha had no choice but to order his men to stretch out their lines to avoid envelopment. This gave the advantage to the enemy who now had a thinner line to break. The Turk's began to probe for weaknesses in the Company's lines. Kozsey & the other corporals shouted instructions to steady the men & shore up any momentary holes in the lines. Misha knew the men couldn't hold against this kind of pressure forever. But he also knew that withdrawal was not an option. Without his men to hold the line here, the enemy could roll up the entire Company in one flank attack. They had to stand, no matter the cost.

Misha continued to give orders in his distinctive clear high tenor voice. Misha's voice had been the subject of much paradeground mimicry in the past, but its high pitch had proved an asset on the battlefield, somehow cutting through the din of battle much more effectively than more traditional bass voices. Misha's men could always hear & understand his commands, & what they heard they had learned to obey without question. Which is why at that moment, the entire right half of the formation began to swing back away from the fight.

The old sergeant watched the men perform this most difficult evolution without a hitch. All that time on the paradeground had been well spent he thought to himself. Misha had seen a third column of Jannisaries moving up to roll up his right flank, & he had ordered the men of the right to pivot away from the attack, effectively refusing the flank to their adversaries. The manuever bought some time, as the enemy had to reform to try to take advantage of the new tactical situation, but Misha knew that the end of the game was near. There was no way his outnumbered men could fight off their adversaries & it was only a matter of time before the Jannisaries had his men completely surrounded. Damn! Where was the cavalry when you really needed it!

As the Turks reformed to press their advantage, Sergeant Misha saw Corporal Kozsey signal something. Following the indication, Misha looked over to the main engagement. It looked like Bloomfield & De Lyon's men had achieved some kind of breakthrough, capturing a battery of some sort. Quite likely the battle was won - too bad his enemies on this side of the field were unaware of that piece of news. But the revelation heartened Misha to give new orders. When Corporal Kozsey heard them, the huge Pole shook his head, as if to reject the command. But the old sergeant could not be ignored when he raised his voice a second time. Kozsey & the bulk of the men began to withdraw, leaving Misha & a select few to cover their retreat.

Corporal Kozsey pushed his men to force the gap to safety before the enemy could close it. He spared one last look at the remant that remained but couldn't see any of the men of the Free Company - the Janissaries had completely engulfed Misha & his men. The big Pole wanted to turn around & try to force his way back in, but he knew that would only result in military disaster. Misha had known that the only way to save even a portion of his men was for the rest to make the last full measure of devotion. Kozsey knew it was better to save the lives of the men he could, rather than throw their lives away in an hopeless effort to save those he couldn't. But it was a bitter pill to take nonetheless.

Kozsey marched his men to safety. As he looked out across the field of battle, he could see that the Captain's plan had been a success. The abortive flanking manuever had drawn the enemy's attention, drawing troops away from the center. While the Janissaries were trying to turn the flank battle into a flanking manuever of their own, Bloomfield & De Lyon had been able to concentrate & breach the enemy position. Sergeant Misha & the boys had delayed the enemy movement long enough for Bloomy & his men to win the day. "Well big whoopy shit," thought Kozsey. "I hope this town was worth the lives it cost. But somehow I damn well doubt it."

 

[Forster]

Lucky I stopped by at lunch today, or I would have missed the battle entirely.

Lt Forster surveyed the damage and what was left after the battle. He had lost some good men, both new and old. Storey's group had done well, all the cannon were captured, but he was unable to prevent his men from butchering the gunners. It seems there had been two battery of guns, but the infantry nailed the second.

Once the line was breached, the Janissaries fell back, right onto the lances of the calvary. It was over fairly quickly, and that surprised Lt Forster. After all he had heard about Janissaries, this seem almost too easy. Has the Pasha Turk fallen on such hard times?

He gave orders too his men to get the wounded to the aid station that was being set up in town. He sent Sgt Storey to gather any stray horse that could be found. Then it would be time to take care of their own horses and find a place to settle down.

He then set off to find the Captain.

 

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De Lyon was still slowly removing his plate armour when Bloomfield arrived with two beers and sat down. De Lyon looked up through his blood-soaked eyes. Bloomfield placed one of the beers in front of him and just said "Thanks lad"

"Thanks to you and all your men", De Lyon said through gritted teeth as he removed his pauldron to reveal a blood-soaked tunic. "So that's what a Turkish sword feels like when it gets through" he said as he took a cloth and soaked in a small bowl of distilled liquid of some sort and applied it to the half-open wound. He winced a little before turning to Bloomfield to ask "You any idea how the rest of the battle went"

"Pretty nasty by all accounts", said Bloomfield. "Word is that Sgt. Misha lost a fair portion of his company to the east although most of the new boys seem to have come out of things relatively unscathed"

"Well at least that's some..merde!" De Lyon grimaced again as he pulled off his breast-armour. Another wound on his left side was exposed. "How the bloody hell did I get hit there? The armour's hardly been scratched"

"Look's like a bit of a schrapnel wound, my boy" answered Bloomfield. "Hey, let me do that" and the now grimy rag was once more applied to the wound to De Lyon's great discomfort.

"So the younger boys see a bit of the fight while my boys get a serious battering", he said at last.

"That's the way it is with the Company", responded Bloomfield. "It's the only way to learn the ways", and then turning to the door, "hey, it's Rictus". Rictus had just staggered into the place half-dazed.
"I thought you'd gone off to get yourself seen to about that nasty neck wound of yours?"

"Bah!" said Rictus coming over to the table. "It's too bloody busy there to get anything done. Just had time to check that my remaining boys were looked after before I came here for a spot of self-administered first-aid. You alright?" he said looking at De Lyon.

"Oh nothing serious", said the Frenchman. "Apart from the fact that I've got eight boys dead out there, a further ten who'll never fight again and about twelve who'll be on the next boat home" he paused. "Apart from that, I'm fairly glad to be alive still. What sort of damage did you boys suffer?"

"Nine killed, seven seriously wounded and another fifteen who'll be spending several months in rehab." answered Rictus.

"Well you're pretty lucky yourself", said Bloomfield, "if it wasn't for that neckguard you have there"

"Give me plate armour protection anyday", said De Lyon, "and not that medaieval stuff. This gear kept me alive today" and then remembering himself he continued "but before I forget Rictus, well done, your boys earned themselves a little rest after the fight they put up today"

 

[Lord Durham]

Captain received the standard from a very weary Sergeant Bloomfield. He nodded, "Well done Elliot. Very well done."

He hoisted the standard for all to see. As tired as the men were, the cheer they let out was deafening.

As he wiped his brow a large man raced up to him. It took a moment before he recognised the person as Corporal Kozsey. The man was definately agitated.

"Corporal?"

"It's Sergeant Misha sir. He was with a knot of men. They were surrounded by Turks."

Captain thundered, "Well go look for him! He's too important to loose."

As the man raced back Captain slumped in his saddle. Not Misha! God no!



* * *

This is twice I've had to move this post thanks to the continuing contributions. Not to worry. It's a good thing

I echo Lionheart's sentiments from earlier. That was awesome storytelling. Each one of you deserves to take a bow.

Will some one take a look at the collar Rictus is wearing? Maybe all the men should have one.

Sergeant Misha, say it ain't so...

Lionheart, blame Storey. I think it was he who claimed they were a 'token force'

Forster. I was with you on this. The battle grew legs and ran. Man, it was great sitting back and watching this baby develop. What a great bunch of writers.

 

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Originally posted by Lord Durham

On August 2 a Venetian army of 30000 soldiers invaded Istria and laid siege to Triest after brushing aside token Turkish militia. From August 20 - September 24 the combined armies of Venice/Milan fought a series of battles with the Turk in Croatia, finally driving the heathen out of the province. On the 26th of September Volgograd fell to the Russian/Ryazan army.

Zagreb in Croatia came under siege from the Turks on October 20. On December 22 an army from Milan raised the siege and forced the Infidel from Croatia once again.

Sorry Cap'n but I think the quote can be attributed to 1st Lt. Durham

 

[Lord Durham]

Too bad there's not a 'smilie' for getting caught with your pants down

Thanks, Sherlock!

Finish that beer, I was ready to move on to Croatia anyway.

 

[Misha]

Corporal Kozsey formed the men up again. He wanted another crack at those Turks in his front, now that they were beginning to realize that the Company had won this fight. Maybe there was still a chance that Sergeant Misha and his cohort could be rescued. In any event, he had to try. But he needed some support - support that could only come from HQ. He was about to dispatch a runner, when he saw a cavalryman riding by leading a spare horse. In a moment, the huge Pole had commandeered the animal, & was riding it for all it was worth back to where the Captain was standing. "Damn, I hate horses," Kozsey thought, "but what kind of Pole would I be if I couldn't ride?"

As the horse climbed the rise to the HQ, he could see the Captain raising a Turkish standard, & the men cheering. "Damn, they think this is already over. Well, I have some news for them!"

Dismounting, he raced up to the Captain on foot. The Captain seemed to recognize him instantly.

"Corporal?" the Captain asked.

"It's Sergeant Misha. He was with a knot of men. They were surrounded by Turks," Kozsey replied, the words coming out in a tumble. He was making a mess of this, he was sure.

But the Captain seemed to understand. "Well go look for him! He's too important to lose." The Captain barked a few quick orders, & the available men were dispatched to follow Kozsey & do what they could. Corporal Kozsey was already moving at high speed & had remounted before the Captain could finish giving his orders.

As soon as Kozsey returned to his men, he dismounted again & gave the order to advance. He knew he should have waited until the rest of the force was organized, but he just couldn't wait. As long as support was coming & their back was covered, he & the men just couldn't wait anymore - military dictates be damned. They advanced up the low rise that had served as the focal point of the skirmish on the eastern flank. At the crest, Kozsey got a clear view of the battlefield. The Janissaries were in full retreat & were being harried by Company cavalry. Kozsey couldn't see that they had any prisoners - if they did, the Company would be reclaiming its own soon enough.

As Corporal Kozsey looked down the eastern slope of the rise, he was struck by an odd sight. He swore for a moment that he saw the missing men of the Company standing in formation, as if at inspection - their uniforms clean & their weapons in hand. He blinked & looked again. No, not standing, they were laying in formation, as if asleep? He ran forward. No, not asleep, dead. The Company dead were arrayed as if for inspection, but they were all undoubtedly dead. Kozsey stopped & stared. "What the hell?"

The he remembered something Sergeant Misha once had told him. Something about elite units respecting their worthy adversaries. What was it? Rather than loot them, they would leave their most capable enemies on the battlefield arrayed for war, a signal to those who judged them in the next world that these men were warriors true. Or something like that. Misha had always been the one with the words. Kozsey had thought the sentiment kind of silly. He didn't anymore.

He looked down the line of bodies, & silently remembered each man's name, rank, & service record. "We won't forget you," he promised to himself. He lingered for awhile over the motionless form of Sergeant Misha. "Odd, he looked bigger in life than he does in death." Kozsey shook his head, & gave the orders to move the men for a proper Christian burial. "The Company takes care of its own." And so it goes.

 

[Storey]

Storey sat beside his horse wondering if being in the Calvary was such a good idea. Things had started off as planed with a surprise charge on the barn. The cannons had been quickly silenced but there was still the mayhem of in close fighting with the Janissaries that were stationed with the guns. He was still learning how to fight on horseback when suddenly that problem was solved for him. One moment he was slashing down at the enemy the next they were stabbing down at him as he half lay under his dead horse. Only the help of his men saved his body from being hacked to pieces. The fighting had been over for half an hour and he still sat there by his horse shaking. His father had told him that there was no shame in feeling fear as long as you still did your duty. He once told him of a time when he had heaved for an hour after his first battle but the point was that it was after the battle. Of course once he got control of himself he had gone through the bodies of the enemy dead and found quite a few trinkets. Storey sat upright and started feeling better. He had led his men in a successful attack and had lived to tell the tale. Besides he didn't think anyone had gone over the enemy bodies yet and he thought he would do his papa proud and remedy that oversight.

 

[Lord Durham]

It was late in the day when I found Captain sitting by himself on a rocky outcropping just outside of town. As I approached he made an effort to put his back towards me. It was a subtle gesture, but it spoke volumes. I stopped short and watched him for a few moments. He seemed to shudder.

I heard sound behind me and turned to see several of the Lieutenants making their way towards the man. I moved over to intercept them, holding up a hand.

"What is it Clerk?"

I looked back over my shoulder. "I think Captain wants to be alone for a while."

d'Silva blustered, "I think Captain should know our men are still looting the corpses, even after the honour the Infidel showed to Misha."

My eyes grew misty. This was the part of the Annals I detested. Sometimes the burden was too much. d'Silva made to pass around me but I blocked him. "Leave him be, I said! Let the men carry on with their looting! They deserve it!" I spat the next words out, "We're mercenaries aren't we? The world doesn't expect us to have any honour!"

d'Silva stared at me, his brows knit in consternation. Finally Lieutenant Thebarge reached out and touched his arm, "Lets go back, Ferdinand. I think Clerk is right. Captain needs to be alone."

With a look of helplessness on his face the artillery lieutenant allowed himself to be led away. I watched them recede. After a few moments I turned back to Captain. His body shuddered again.

I wanted desperately to get drunk!

 

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Originally posted by Lord Durham


Too bad there's not a 'smilie' for getting caught with your pants down

Thanks, Sherlock!

Finish that beer, I was ready to move on to Croatia anyway.

Croatia already! Well if you guys are going to leave so soon then I respectfully ask that you allow me and what men I have left to stay and rest a bit. The state that mine and Rictus' companies are in you wouldn't even be able to create a new one out of the remnants.

Perhaps they might be reassigned although watch out for the language problem. My boys only speak French and not very good French at that.

 

[Rictus]

You might be able to get some cockney from mine, but I wouldn't count on it

 

[Lord Durham]

Lionheart said:
Croatia already!

At least you're true to your character
We'll have to start calling you Mrs. Pierre De Lyon.

I've put what limited creative knowledge I have to use and built a rather primitive Free Company Home Page. It's obviously in its infant stages regarding look and content but it will remain a work in progress. I have a section for Bios if any participant would care to help fill in the blanks. I'm hoping to use it as a reference for everyone so we don't get too confused as the timeline progresses.

Let me know what you think and I'm always open to suggestions. As for Bio submissions, perhaps a PM or e-mail would save clogging up the thread.
BTW, if I missed anyone by all means let me know.

 

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Cool site

I've seen the site of the Free Company, it's cool. Maybe we can start selling our services in the net Who knows, perhaps someone is in need of a gruop of mercenaries from the XVI century.

Good work gentlemen, I'm proud of been a part of this Company. My Bios will be sent to you (I hope) tomorrow, of course by PM.

 

[Misha]

I concur. Great site, even for a work in progress.

I'll PM the info on the (deceased) Sergeant Misha.

 

[Forster]

Nice work, LD. I do have one question, though, do you or Warspite have personal lives? Where do you find the time.

 

[Lord Durham]

I'll never have as much time as Warspite I think , but I've been off on holidays this week so between day trips, etc, I've managed to squeeze in more time than usual to get this thing going. The drawing itself was actually one of the easier parts.

Glad everyone likes it so far. I'm hoping to get some 'tactical' information up this weekend to add to the flavour. (Now I need a smilie for crossed fingers )

 

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Nice work indeed

As for Mrs De Lyon it would be Madame if you feel the need to insult my honneur.

But if you insist, I want some men to supplement the ranks. Honour is one thing but reckless abandon is another.

And why oh why couldn't Misha have done the sensible thing and conceded? The company had won the day. See earlier remark

 

[Sgt. Bloomfield]

Great 'page, LD!

The only thing missing is an email link for contacting you directly and easily.

I'll send my, ah... Sgt Elliot T Bloomfield's bio around soon. (Thaddeus, if you must know.)

 

[Lord Durham]

I wouldn't think of insulting your honneur, Msr. De Lyon. I'd let Bloomfield and his sabre do that

As for Misha, his character was getting long in the tooth and it was kind of cool in a way since it brings a certain kind of mortality to our personae. I've been assured a replacement will be showing up soon.

As for reinforcements, Captain was impressed with De Lyon and Rictus. Stay tuned.

Sgt.B: Thanks. E-mail link? Why not.