I am concerned about our Lord Durham. Can anyone make sense of his last post?Originally posted by Lord Durham
And I responded ten minutes ago. Try a refresh
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Bio shalt be on its way. Great site too. But dammit, you missed me out!
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Damn! My apologies. I'll fix that ASAP
(Five minutes later) There! You were originally in there but when I realigned some names so they were under each other (like the Fourniers) I forgot to put you back in. Sorry.
(Five minutes later) There! You were originally in there but when I realigned some names so they were under each other (like the Fourniers) I forgot to put you back in. Sorry.
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Lt Forster was again making the rounds of his men. No new calvary horses were taken this time, but it didn't matter. He had lost more men than animals. They did capture 10 guns, with their draft animals and supplies. That was good. Forster heard the Captain talking about some new recruits that wanted to fire the guns, so that will add to our siege and assault ability.
Arrangements had been made to move the wounded to the coast, where they would be put on a ship and sent back to Palermo. The boat was to hug the Italian coast,so as not to run into any of the Pasha's ships.
Those not too badly hurt were bandaged after pouring grappa into the wounds to help cleans and sterilize.
Volunteers have been streaming into the little village, wanting to join the most famous mercenary unit in the world. Captain has been carefully screening them to see if they would be fit enought to make the grade.
Word was that we would soon be on the move again.
Arrangements had been made to move the wounded to the coast, where they would be put on a ship and sent back to Palermo. The boat was to hug the Italian coast,so as not to run into any of the Pasha's ships.
Those not too badly hurt were bandaged after pouring grappa into the wounds to help cleans and sterilize.
Volunteers have been streaming into the little village, wanting to join the most famous mercenary unit in the world. Captain has been carefully screening them to see if they would be fit enought to make the grade.
Word was that we would soon be on the move again.
Rest and Recoup
Those that were not on patrol or foraging duty stood along the rocky coastline of Istria watching the transports sail north on their long journey home to Palermo.
The bodies had been placed in coffins and Captain made a big deal out of observing all the various religious ceremonies that went with this solemn time. A casual onlooker would be quite shocked to see Christian standing with Orthodox standing with Muslim paying their last respects to fallen comrades.
To the men of the Free Company it was no big thing. Many of the younger recruits had a hard time putting aside past prejudices, and it was to be expected, but a firm talking to by one of the veterans quickly put matters in perspective. If that did not work they were sent packing. It should be noted that Barkdreg took special relish in teaching the recruits proper manners.
As the ships became mere specks on the horizon Captain called his Lieutenants together for an impromptu meeting. They gathered around him, finding seats on the rocky shore. I was ever ready with my parchment.
"I have decided to take Sergeant Misha's men," there was a slight waver when Captain mentioned his name, "and use them to replace losses in De La Croix's battalion."
De La Croix nodded. His command had taken the brunt of the battle, with Bloomfield, Zagloba, De Lyon and Rictus suffering the worst. Taking on Misha's men would give them automatic veterans. They wouldn't have to worry about breaking in recruits. That job would now belong to someone else.
"Lieutenant Forster," he glanced his way, "managed to secure ten additional artillery pieces of the 30 pound culverin variety, complete with siege train and some draught animals. Good work."
The others echoed Captain's gratitude to the veteran cavalry commander. Capturing workable artillery was no small feat.
"We're currently looking for trained personnel to use them," d'Silva interjected. "General Furlano has agreed to supply us with some of his experts to help in the training."
Captain continued, "We have had a steady trickle of soldiers coming into town asking to join. A lot of them are locals that were hiding in the hills and causing the Turk whatever trouble they could. I think their skills could be useful. I want you to have your Sergeants split the recruits up, sign the good ones and send the others on to the Venetians."
The men chuckled at that. The Venetian army had met little resistance at Richenberg and were quite surprised, and no doubt relieved, that the Company had made first serious contact. General Furlano expressed his gratitude repeatedly until Captain subtly impressed on the man the need to reach Trieste and begin a siege before the city had time to properly prepare. The last couple of days had seen the Venetian army marching past Beruvic south to the capital of Istria. When Furlano inquired as to the state of the Company, Captain said he would need a week to ten days before resuming action. Furlano had no choice but to agree. It would take that long to reach and properly begin the siege of Trieste anyway.
"Any questions?" Captain asked.
Forster said, "Foraging's scarce around here Captain, especially with all the horses and draught animals. This isn't exactly prime grazing land."
Captain agreed, "I figure we have a week left at the most. Don't worry. I think we'll be on the march before then."
Thebarge raised a bushy white eyebrow, "Where to? Trieste?"
Captain shook his head, "Don't think so. Apparently the Turk is quite active in Croatia."
The men groaned.
Those that were not on patrol or foraging duty stood along the rocky coastline of Istria watching the transports sail north on their long journey home to Palermo.
The bodies had been placed in coffins and Captain made a big deal out of observing all the various religious ceremonies that went with this solemn time. A casual onlooker would be quite shocked to see Christian standing with Orthodox standing with Muslim paying their last respects to fallen comrades.
To the men of the Free Company it was no big thing. Many of the younger recruits had a hard time putting aside past prejudices, and it was to be expected, but a firm talking to by one of the veterans quickly put matters in perspective. If that did not work they were sent packing. It should be noted that Barkdreg took special relish in teaching the recruits proper manners.
As the ships became mere specks on the horizon Captain called his Lieutenants together for an impromptu meeting. They gathered around him, finding seats on the rocky shore. I was ever ready with my parchment.
"I have decided to take Sergeant Misha's men," there was a slight waver when Captain mentioned his name, "and use them to replace losses in De La Croix's battalion."
De La Croix nodded. His command had taken the brunt of the battle, with Bloomfield, Zagloba, De Lyon and Rictus suffering the worst. Taking on Misha's men would give them automatic veterans. They wouldn't have to worry about breaking in recruits. That job would now belong to someone else.
"Lieutenant Forster," he glanced his way, "managed to secure ten additional artillery pieces of the 30 pound culverin variety, complete with siege train and some draught animals. Good work."
The others echoed Captain's gratitude to the veteran cavalry commander. Capturing workable artillery was no small feat.
"We're currently looking for trained personnel to use them," d'Silva interjected. "General Furlano has agreed to supply us with some of his experts to help in the training."
Captain continued, "We have had a steady trickle of soldiers coming into town asking to join. A lot of them are locals that were hiding in the hills and causing the Turk whatever trouble they could. I think their skills could be useful. I want you to have your Sergeants split the recruits up, sign the good ones and send the others on to the Venetians."
The men chuckled at that. The Venetian army had met little resistance at Richenberg and were quite surprised, and no doubt relieved, that the Company had made first serious contact. General Furlano expressed his gratitude repeatedly until Captain subtly impressed on the man the need to reach Trieste and begin a siege before the city had time to properly prepare. The last couple of days had seen the Venetian army marching past Beruvic south to the capital of Istria. When Furlano inquired as to the state of the Company, Captain said he would need a week to ten days before resuming action. Furlano had no choice but to agree. It would take that long to reach and properly begin the siege of Trieste anyway.
"Any questions?" Captain asked.
Forster said, "Foraging's scarce around here Captain, especially with all the horses and draught animals. This isn't exactly prime grazing land."
Captain agreed, "I figure we have a week left at the most. Don't worry. I think we'll be on the march before then."
Thebarge raised a bushy white eyebrow, "Where to? Trieste?"
Captain shook his head, "Don't think so. Apparently the Turk is quite active in Croatia."
The men groaned.
Well done Lord Durham and richly deserved, if I may say so myself. For all those other Captains-to-be, look to this man as a mark to which you should all aspire.
Quality posts, All 300 of them. Well perhaps about 90% of them. The other 10% were complete tosh
Quality posts, All 300 of them. Well perhaps about 90% of them. The other 10% were complete tosh
Sgt. Elliot T. Bloomfield had just returned from a wearying three-day trip in the Istrian heat to the main force of the Venetian army, conveying the secret and interesting information discovered by his able footman, Argael. It was Captain's position to leave intelligence to others. The Free Company would do what it was best at, Bloomfield thought: drink. (And fight, of course.)
Bloomfield had brushed some of the dust from his worn uniform and put his feet up. The serving wench was bringing a tankard of cool, wonderfully wet-looking ale. Bloomfield reached out for the ale. At that moment, the door flew open, and Lt. De La Croix walked in and snapped: "Sgt Bloomfield!" Bloomfield jumped up and and jerked to attention. "At ease, Sergeant," De La Croix said and Bloomfield moved his right foot an inch forward but remained otherwise as rigid as he had been. All except his eyes, that is, which rolled over, trying to glance and the tankard of fresh, cool ale. Bloomfield could feel his parched toungue clinging to the top of his mouth, and he had a hard time concentrating on what De La Croix was saying.
"Sergeant, I see you have returned. Good work at the battle. You will find that I have assigned a lot of experienced Company men to your unit to make up for your losses. Make sure they are integrated quickly and now the drill. Are your men ready to march?"
"Sir?"
"You haven't heard, Bloomfield? We're off to Croatia. Well, in that case, you had better attend to your men, rather than to your leisure. I want a report in half an hour that your men are ready to march. Run along, Sergeant, at the double! Dismiss!"
Bloomfield shot one last glance at his ale, saluted and hastened to find his men. Mmh, thought De La Croix, Bloomfield forgot his beer. Well, best not let it go to waste. He took a deep drink. Agh, he sighed. Another swig, and De La Croix walked from the room, whistling a hornpipe, called Off to Croatia.
(Note: please ignore the typo in the name)
Bloomfield had brushed some of the dust from his worn uniform and put his feet up. The serving wench was bringing a tankard of cool, wonderfully wet-looking ale. Bloomfield reached out for the ale. At that moment, the door flew open, and Lt. De La Croix walked in and snapped: "Sgt Bloomfield!" Bloomfield jumped up and and jerked to attention. "At ease, Sergeant," De La Croix said and Bloomfield moved his right foot an inch forward but remained otherwise as rigid as he had been. All except his eyes, that is, which rolled over, trying to glance and the tankard of fresh, cool ale. Bloomfield could feel his parched toungue clinging to the top of his mouth, and he had a hard time concentrating on what De La Croix was saying.
"Sergeant, I see you have returned. Good work at the battle. You will find that I have assigned a lot of experienced Company men to your unit to make up for your losses. Make sure they are integrated quickly and now the drill. Are your men ready to march?"
"Sir?"
"You haven't heard, Bloomfield? We're off to Croatia. Well, in that case, you had better attend to your men, rather than to your leisure. I want a report in half an hour that your men are ready to march. Run along, Sergeant, at the double! Dismiss!"
Bloomfield shot one last glance at his ale, saluted and hastened to find his men. Mmh, thought De La Croix, Bloomfield forgot his beer. Well, best not let it go to waste. He took a deep drink. Agh, he sighed. Another swig, and De La Croix walked from the room, whistling a hornpipe, called Off to Croatia.
(Note: please ignore the typo in the name)
Advance to the Sava River
On August 12 the Company set out from Beruvic and marched south and east until they linked up with General Furlano and elements of the Venetian army.
The Venetians had left a covering force to carry on the siege of Trieste. Captain had donated his 10 siege guns, keeping the 10 captured culverins for the campaign. This freed up hundreds of draught horses that would not be required for the march. Forage in the mid summer would be hard enough without taking care of extra mouths to feed. Especially animal mouths.
The 20000 soldiers of the Venetian and Company army made their way east over the Dinaric Alps until they had reached a tributary of the mighty Sava River. They paralleled the river for the next few days until reaching the Sava itself. Before them laid the vast rich plains created by the soil deposits left by the Sava River. Holding this area which laid north of the capital city of Zagreb would be vital to the campaign.
At that point they rendezvoused with 10000 men from Milan, under command of a General Porta. It was obvious Porta and Furlano were not drinking buddies, as they appeared to have had a history of bad blood between them. Captain shook his head in wonder. It looked like we would have three enemies to fight now.
After a days rest filled with meetings that often degenerated into shouting matches, word reached that an army of Turks was slowly making its way up Croatia from their southern province of Bosnia. The numbers were uncertain, but they were determined to be over 20000 men, at least.
Faced with this news the two sparring Generals made their first intelligent decision. They decided to march south and place themselves between Zagreb and the Turks. That would give them a few days to rest and prepare defenses for the encroaching Infidel.
That left me to ponder one thing. Croatia was a Hungarian province. So where in hell were the Hungarians?
Route of March from Beruvic to the Sava River
On August 12 the Company set out from Beruvic and marched south and east until they linked up with General Furlano and elements of the Venetian army.
The Venetians had left a covering force to carry on the siege of Trieste. Captain had donated his 10 siege guns, keeping the 10 captured culverins for the campaign. This freed up hundreds of draught horses that would not be required for the march. Forage in the mid summer would be hard enough without taking care of extra mouths to feed. Especially animal mouths.
The 20000 soldiers of the Venetian and Company army made their way east over the Dinaric Alps until they had reached a tributary of the mighty Sava River. They paralleled the river for the next few days until reaching the Sava itself. Before them laid the vast rich plains created by the soil deposits left by the Sava River. Holding this area which laid north of the capital city of Zagreb would be vital to the campaign.
At that point they rendezvoused with 10000 men from Milan, under command of a General Porta. It was obvious Porta and Furlano were not drinking buddies, as they appeared to have had a history of bad blood between them. Captain shook his head in wonder. It looked like we would have three enemies to fight now.
After a days rest filled with meetings that often degenerated into shouting matches, word reached that an army of Turks was slowly making its way up Croatia from their southern province of Bosnia. The numbers were uncertain, but they were determined to be over 20000 men, at least.
Faced with this news the two sparring Generals made their first intelligent decision. They decided to march south and place themselves between Zagreb and the Turks. That would give them a few days to rest and prepare defenses for the encroaching Infidel.
That left me to ponder one thing. Croatia was a Hungarian province. So where in hell were the Hungarians?
Route of March from Beruvic to the Sava River
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Barkdreg: "Mhm, I like these Hungarians." Chewing sounds. "Try some, Warspite. There is a hand left in the pot! And you better hurry, I fear we are running out. Dunno, but married life has given me an appetite..."
Lt Forster had his men out running reconnaissance patrols as they moved down their next location. He too was wondering where their erstwhile ally was. It would be so much easier to have someone who knows the terrain when doing these operations.
btw, who are those five dudes on the front of the 'Free company' homepage? I assume one is Captain, but the others...?
Is it gonna be one of those nights?
Bloomers send you a PM Rictus? It's just too much coincidence...
Bloomers send you a PM Rictus? It's just too much coincidence...