Chapter 21
The newly appointed generals, Conrad, John, Rhyll and James, had met with their troops and had been working with the commanders to formulate plans. On a specified day, which was now two weeks ago, the adventurers gathered with the other generals in the academy war room. It was an exact replica of the war room in the palace. However, with the palace being nothing but burnt embers, the academy was the only place left that had the facilities to formulate battle strategies. By the time the generals had arrived back in Thorvale, the King had already created some initial strategies. He spent the entire first day going through them one by one. The proceedings were very democratic, each general analysing the existing plans, making alterations, and then presenting their thoughts back to the group. This was a process that was going to take many days. If the final strategy they chose was wrong, it would cost valuable time, effort and manpower to alter things. Once the initial ideas had been pondered and worked upon, the floor was given to Rhyll to address. He had been away to his horde to discuss, with their newly appointed leader, how the Barbarians would best fight the war ahead.
“Traditionally, my people have occupied the land at the foot of the Sacred Hills.” Rhyll began. “A long time ago, we were considered to be nothing more than outlaws. In this time we were hunted by various lords who claimed that we occupied their land. We even had to do battle with the ruling monarchy of the time. Because of this, and our small numbers, we have devised many means of defending that area of land we call home. We have traps, ambush points and many ways to control the battle if it could be brought to the west.”
The noise level rose as the gathered generals pondered on the Barbarian’s words. Suddenly, a voice could be heard above the din. A leather-faced and clearly battle hardened general spoke. His name was Targe and his gruff voice quickly silenced those around him.
“What sort of contingency plans do you have? Do you know what numbers you could effectively defend against and what will you do if you cannot hold your ground?”
Rhyll stood up from his seat and adopted a confident pose.
“That is a fair question general. To answer your first question, how many men can we defend against? To be honest with you, I do not know. In the past, we have defended against armies of up to five thousand men. However, in my lifetime we have yet to use the defences our ancestors put in place. Training is currently underway and so I would estimate that we would still be able to hold off at least that many.”
There were a few worried looks on faces around the room. Rhyll looked confident but his first answer had failed to inspire confidence.
“To answer your second question,” Rhyll continued, “if we fail to hold the attacking army, we would retreat to the Sacred Hills. We have worked closely with the Priestesses for many years. They have provided us with essentials such as food and medicine in return for our protection, especially when travelling away from the temple. Our plan is not one of counterattack but one of consolidation. If we are driven from our homeland, it is likely that a great many of our kin will have fallen. The priestesses will be able to provide a safe haven at their temple for us to rebuild our forces and plan ways to take back what is ours.”
“And just how will this be achieved?” General Targe asked.
“The priestesses will collapse the mountain.” Rhyll replied.
Again a murmur went up around the room as the generals again contemplated what had been said.
Up to this point, John had sat quietly listening to all the proposals but now he had something to add.
“If I may?” He began and the room fell silent, each general showing the utmost respect for each other. “Having lived my entire life in the shadow of the Sacred Hills, I have heard rumours and stories. Many times has it been spoken that the Priestesses of the Sacred Hills still possess power over the land. Often they use it to enhance life; to make the area in the surrounding hills a haven for all kinds of animals and plants. But, they also have the ability to destroy the land. I am certain that what Rhyll has spoken of is possible.”
James, the youngest general sitting at the table had also been quietly listening up until this point. He had felt a little uneasy about addressing such an experienced and battle hardened group, especially considering he had yet to see active duty. However, having listened to Rhyll and John, what he thought was a good idea popped into his head. He almost jumped out of his seat and began.
“This should not just be the contingency plan of the Barbarians alone. We all should adopt this plan.”
“Explain yourself.” The King ordered.
“Well, my lord, I think that it is wrong of us to assume that the West will be attacked first. I, like you my lord, was amongst the few survivors to witness the awesome destructive powers Bhryll possesses. When he attacks, he will not be thinking about destroying a few smaller towns and villages to the west of our kingdom. He will want to go straight for the jugular, Thorvale, and put our very leadership in disarray. This one victory could drain the confidence of our troops and put us at a grave disadvantage.”
“I would agree with that assessment.” The King replied. “That is why I have decided to move all this city’s important functions to Beskholme. The royal court will move, so will the barracks and the academy. It is not the ideal city but it will afford us more time. If Thorvale does fall, we will have some advance warning of the type of defence we would need to halt them and the type of attack we can expect. This is a decision I have made on my own for the good of the kingdom. Thorvale is far too close to the coast and therefore is a prime candidate for an initial, surprise attack.”
Everyone in the room seemed to be in agreement with the King’s approach. Rhyll addressed the generals again.
“It seems that most are in agreement that the city of Thorvale will be the first target. Away from our homeland, we will not be as effective as we would be if we fought there. We are too few in number to act as an independent army. I propose another use for my men. We are fast and agile and despite our large frames, we can be quite stealthy. I propose that we act as an aid to the main forces engaging the enemy. We will perform hit and run assaults to try to weaken their resolve. By destroying smaller groups we would be able to make a prolonged indent into the strength and confidence of the enemy troops. If the enemy forces do not break away and spread out, we can stalk the main force; making them fight on two fronts and diverting some of their attention away from their primary targets. Is this proposal acceptable?”
The conversation between the generals became quite heated as they discussed the Barbarian’s proposal. Fifteen minutes passed as each general added input on how best to use the Barbarian force. Finally, King Henried spoke.
“It is agreed.” He said forcefully. “The first phase of our plan is set. Rhyll, you will position your forces in the Coastal Forest. From there you should be able to observe the landing of the enemy forces without being detected. You can then direct your troops as you see fit to maximise the damage. Be warned though, the Coastal Forest runs in a line from just one mile outside of Thorvale and all down the coast, finishing just a couple of miles shy of Horton Peak. These trees may be used by the enemy to get close to Thorvale without being detected. Do not become outflanked.”
“Don’t worry; if any enter the woods, they will be cut down quickly.” With that, Rhyll’s part in the planning was complete.
James took the floor again.
“My forces are currently located in the small town of Bowton. It is an ideal spot being located in the centre of the kingdom. We can act either as an attack force or, as I think it should be, a backup army to try to take the enemy by surprise. If scouts can locate the enemy, we should be able to set up a series of ambushes that could wreak havoc.”
General Targe added his comments. “Your ideas are exciting James, but you have not fully considered the implications. The enemy will land on our southern shores; that is the only thing that is certain. Where on the southern shoreline is anybo
dies’ guess. What you propose is to set up an ambush against an enemy whose positioning and tactics are a mystery. I am afraid what you propose is impossible.”
James looked like he had just had the wind taken out of his sails.
Conrad felt a little bit uneasy giving advice to generals but he spoke nevertheless.
“I do not like to be the pessimist but I feel that this deserves to be said. Each scenario that has been considered has assumed that we can match or defeat the enemy in battle. We are taking on a creature we now know to be a god. This creature has hundreds of thousands of willing servants on that island. If they are made into an organised unit, the chances of victory against such a force are slim. It seems to me that we should be considering defensive strategies that will maximise the damage we do whilst minimising casualties. If we stand toe to toe with this force, we will be slaughtered. If we try to ambush this force, their numbers will still prevail. All the while we will be losing more soldiers than we can afford to.”
There was a quiet, sombre atmosphere at the table. Conrad’s words had struck a chord with many of the generals sitting at the table. Few had entertained to possibility of defeat, even fewer had thought about it in such graphic detail.
“What course of action would you suggest, Conrad?” The King questioned.
“We all seem to be in agreement that Thorvale will be the primary target. We need to mount a solid defence here. This will give us the information about their capabilities and their numbers. However, Beskholme should be the place of our first defensive structure. Someone needs to assess the land outside the city and determine what kind of traps could be set to allow us to take out as many enemy soldiers as possible.” Conrad paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. He resumed his speech.
“I have got it,” he said excitedly, “make Beskholme the trap.”
The generals looked at each other, not entirely sure about what Conrad was intending.
“It makes perfect sense. The enemy come up against fierce resistance in Thorvale. If they take the city, they will come to Beskholme fully expecting a solid defence again. We have early traps laid out to catch them off guard and we have a legion of soldiers defending the city. Lined across the walls, they will appear to be a full garrison. They use Beskholme’s existing defences to cause more damage and then flee through the rear of the city as the walls are breached. The enemy will pour into the deserted city quickly. When a large number are in, we destroy the city with a series of large explosions thus killing all within the walls. We could then use James’ army to build defensive structures at Bowton. If we continue to do this, we will minimise our losses but maximise the enemy’s.”
“Blow up an entire city? Is that even possible?” General Targe scoffed.
The King answered the question. “I believe it is. Beskholme is a city that produces most of the explosive for the kingdom. There should be enough to execute this plan.” The King turned to address James.
“Do you feel that you could erect some form of effective defensive structure in Bowton?” He asked.
James looked thoughtful for a minute before replying. “Yes, I believe that given enough time, we should be able to produce a fine defensive structure. I do have one question though, how do we guarantee that they will attack from the direction of Beskholme?”
Conrad spoke, “This should be fairly simple. There should be enough men of the legion escaping Beskholme to promote a chase. The men should be quick enough if they can gain a head start in all the confusion. We will assign our fastest and fittest runners to the legion and draw them into your defences.”
“I think we have a plan. “ The King said confidently. “That now leaves only the armies of the West to consider. The lords of every major town need to be informed of the plan and to provide similar provisions. Also, send a letter to the Priestesses. We need to know how much time they would need before sealing themselves into their temple. We do not want to lose any soldiers in the collapse of that mountain.”
“It would be wise to send a couple of legions into the mountains from the start. They will be there to defend the temple if a surprise attack occurs. We do not want our contingency plan to be foiled.” General Targe added.
“That is good advice. Add to the message to the lords of the west to send one quarter of their forces to the Sacred Hills at once. They are to provide aid in whatever capacity it is requested of them.”
Messengers were dispatched to every corner of the kingdom.
“Where shall our armies be positioned, my lord.” General Targe asked.
The King bowed his head in thought. “I shall stay in Thorvale and lead the defence against Bhryll’s initial assault. In the event that the city is captured quickly, I shall evacuate and make my way to Beskholme. General Targe, your army will aid me in the defence of Thorvale.”
The general nodded his head but said nothing.
“If we fail, then it will be John’s army that shall take up the battle. Your first task will be to assemble whatever defences you can at Beskholme. Remember, leave only one legion behind to defend the city. You should then make your way to Bowton to aid James.”
The King then looked at each general sitting in the war room.
“Gentlemen, this is going to be the biggest battle this kingdom has ever witnessed. I wish I could say that I am confident of success but I know there are overwhelming odds against us. All I ask is that each and every man stands and defends the country we love. We shall have archers and artillery lined on the shore to try to delay the attack. The Barbarians will be supporting them. Now it is up to you to organise your defences. Good luck Gentlemen and I hope to see you in the fullness of time.”
The King stood up and exited the room.
In the two weeks that followed the discussions, the generals set about their tasks. King Henried had his archers move to the coast, dragging the cannons and catapults with them. The King himself, stayed in Thorvale. He was overseeing the defences. Oil had been spread in the fields around the city walls. The city gates were being reinforced. The streets were being filled with obstacles so that an invading army would have to scramble to meet the defending infantry; thus making them easy targets for the archers. The blacksmiths of the city worked furiously to created swords, shields and armour. They mainly worked at creating hundreds of thousands of arrows. Too much ammunition was better than not enough. Vats of oil were placed all around the wall, ready to be boiled and then dropped on the heads of the enemy. King Henried felt certain that they could hold out.
John and Conrad were busy preparing traps. They had their army digging lots of huge holes in the fields in front of Beskholme; the city they had been charged to defend. It was hoped that if they could not kill the enemy, they could at least trap them. At the entrance of the city and in the buildings immediately inside the walls, many explosive devices had been set up. They figured that fire would be the thing the undead would fear most. As in Thorvale, the city walls were well prepared but Beskholme had the addition of catapults. The catapults from Thorvale were being moved to defend the coast.
James had his army filling fields with wooden steaks protruding from the ground. This would be a hindrance for any large army. It would slow them down significantly and also tire them out. The field of steaks stretched for at least a mile deep by five miles wide. It had been a Herculean effort to get this done as hastily as they had. Behind the fields of spears, large trenches had been dug all filled with rivers of oil. James knew that no human army would ever come close to getting through the defence he had devised. But because it was not a human army he would be facing, he was not certain.
Rhyll and his barbarians were hidden in the Coastal Forest that overlooked the southern shores of the island. They were far enough West so that they would not be outflanked; or at least they hoped not. They figured that they were close enough to see when the first enemy ship approached. They would wait in the woods until the battle began and then creep up on the flank of the enemy.
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br /> Across the water on Cursed Isle, Bhryll and The Watcher organised their troops. Lined up along the shores were two hundred ghostly galleons. Even with this many ships, there would not be enough room for all the inhabitants of Cursed Isle. Bhryll knew that at least two trips would be needed, maybe three. He also knew that this would work to his advantage. He planned to be predictable when the initial force landed, led by The Watcher. His second force would land one week later when nobody should be keeping a lookout over the water. That force would head due north and then move in on Beskholme from the West. The idea was to kill any who fled. Then he would come across to assume control of the Kingdom. He would start by destroying the Temple of the Sacred Hills.
As his armies were all lined up awaiting the command to board the ships, Bhryll stood next to The Watcher examining his troops.
“I never thought this day would come.” The Watcher said.
“But you never lost faith.” Bhryll started. “Once the humans are crushed, I will grant you powers beyond your wildest dreams. You will be a god.”
The Watcher turned his head towards Bhryll and smiled.
Bhryll turned away from his armies and looked out across the water.
“Let us begin.” He commanded.
The Watcher raised a horn and sounded it. All along the shorefront the armies of chaos marched onto the ships.
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Resurrection (Book 1: The Chronicles of Chaos) Page 23