by Paul A Jones
Sergun and Kall rode out with the armoured horde. They ran down those who fled on foot. They found a column of abandoned supply wagons intact. They rode out for ten kilometres but found no large groups of enemies to fight. It did not satisfy Sergun’s bloodlust to kill only a few stragglers. It was poor sport. It was as if all were fleeing northwards.
It was a great feeling to have taken the town back, killed many enemies and to have driven them well back from the walls. It was a rout and the enemy morale was sure to be devastated by such an unexpected defeat. What would the survivors say? Those who hadn’t seen the guns would report the air filled with noise and the ground shook and blew apart. Men and horses were blown apart and the land devastated. It was as if a magic force had been sent smashing into them. Unseen and unstoppable. There was no defence against it except to run away. For now, the mystery would remain. Once it was discovered it was mechanical equipment performing the murder others would seek urgently to copy or capture the weapons and the targeting of those who manned it was sure to be the highest priority. Their units would need to be heavily protected as a cruel death was sure to be visited upon the artillery men. For now the men and Galls would enjoy their victory and bathe in the respect and joy of their comrades.
Northtown was a shambles and would need lots of repairs before anyone would think it a good defensive base again. All of the enemy positioned beyond Northtown lay dead or dying. Their old heavy equipment was wrecked. Sergun wondered where the enemy lay next and how many. They would have to rely on their scouts and military skills. The oracle was no longer available to their forces. Their orders were clear, not only to retake the town and clear the enemy but to advance and take ground and move to the City of Dreams. The government of Tharne as he predicted wasn’t going to forgive the murder of their men outside the gates or this attack. They were going to extract a heavy revenge instead. More fool the Lord for not releasing Jannesse when he requested it. Too bad for the many others in the city who were likely to lose their lives.
Lord Chromosol was true to his word. His troops performed with calmness and professionalism. The weaponry was as portable as he’d said. Wagons pulled the largest while men were capable of carrying the smaller mortars.
Near the head of a large force of Tharne troops advancing into enemy territory was a powerful feeling of bringing justice to the lands and vanquishing out dated and cruel ways. It was a much livelier experience than riding at the joint head of a few men. He was confident and longed to bring those lands to the north of Tharne into friendly control. Supplies were needed for such a force of men and Galls since there were no crops and few wild animals south of the City of Dreams it was decided to establish a strong base halfway between Northtown and the enemy city.
Jehran was in fine spirits. ‘We’ve shown them what happens to those who threaten Tharne.’
‘Your partner’s wish becomes that of Tharne now. We aim to capture the city and kill several of their rulers. Among them Lord Arconis.’
‘We’re happy to be of assistance. Will be still be needed with these huge weapons of destruction our army now wields?’
‘Destroying the City of Dreams is not our aim.’ Replied Sergun. ‘Let’s hope our guns threaten them enough to open the gates to the city. If not we’ll use them to smash down the walls instead. Our sword skills are not out of date yet!’
Sergun strode around the construction site for the base. To build such bases beyond Northtown was long an ambition of his peoples. Now it was occurring.
‘Where’s your lady now?’
‘In our tent resting.’
‘It’s good to be reunited with old friends. When we take the city, what are your plans?’
‘Once the city is open we find the Lord and kill him. Then retire to a farm or run a shop.’
‘Hard to picture you doing either.’
‘I can’t fight with a sword until I die. I never pictured you becoming a farmer. If savage Sergun can run a farm I’m sure I can run a shop.’
Sergun smiled. ‘Well said, you’re right of course. Be aware I’ve only ever seen you drink, talk and kill.’
‘It’s all I saw of you as well. Times change, no point in being stuck in the same ways for my entire life.’
‘Good words my friend. That corrupt city must fall, and I’ll be happy to see Arconis hang. Then we can have peace again.’
‘Sounds like a good plan. Is there a place in the world for us during peaceful times?’
‘They found one for me. Once I was savage Sergun. If I can adapt to a peaceful life then I’m sure you can.’
38. Destroying the Enemy
They constructed the base near the site of the temporary one they abandoned in the first battle with the Raiders and city men. With the foundations of the base laid the troops advanced towards the City of Dreams. The fort was to be their supply post. The engineer’s plans were for a large fort with a protective ditch dug around the entire base, guns, and mortars to protect it and two thousand troops to garrison it.
Sergun was surprised and pleased to realise the gunners in the forests who helped them recapture Northtown were only a small part of the Regiment. The 1st Artillery Regiment was going to be a deadly force. Guns and mortars were bought up to the base and dug in. More were placed on carts or dragged by horses forward of the base. They would have mobile cannons with them all of the way to the city and beyond if need be. Yet how could cannons help them in the city? He doubted they would. He hoped the enemy would send their army outside to fight. It was a beautiful city with many fine buildings, temples, canals, hotels and cafes. The thought of cannons smashing such works was appalling. Too many innocent people would perish and the aim of the Tharne army was to defeat the enemy warriors and leaders not slaughter their innocents and wreck the city. If it happened he supposed it would send a message to other enemies to submit to Tharne or risk destruction but it wasn’t the type of victory he was anticipating. Few people in the city sought to harm him and his comrades. They were controlled by the sadistic brutal laws of their home. How could an unarmed person in the city change the laws when the slightest resistance would have enslaved them and possibly their family as well? The system made the Lords powerful and wealthy. His side were strong enough to stop it and the will was there.
Lord Chromosol was in an excitable mood, confident and eager. Satisfied with his new equipment and the results. ‘This is only the beginning. Each day new guns and mortars are being constructed and tested. Men trained in their use and practising relentlessly. Nearly every gun made has been sent here. All of this is from the plans you gave to me!’
Sergun wondered where the oracle was. Sure to be safe and well protected. He hoped its companions were smart people to talk to. It was a creature beyond his knowledge.
Looking out over the Raider’s lands at the site of the base under construction was a good feeling. Expansion of the borders would provide extra protection for his peoples. The fort when finished would be a strong base, far from impregnable but it would take many thousands of enemy and powerful weapons to take it.
Sergun was confident of victory over the City of Dreams and those Raiders who would fight against them. The sister city further along the coast would be a difficult proposition and the two remaining cities on islands were for the navy to deal with. He hoped surrender would come with little extra loss of blood. Tharne only wanted for slavery to be abolished, Galls to be allowed to be citizens and for those who ordered the murder of their men to be punished.
He wondered if they would encounter another Keratha hunting party and how they would react to be fired upon by mortars and portable cannons! He hoped to keep their latest developments a surprise for that foe if the time came.
He wondered how many Raiders would attack them this time, how united were the tribes? They would find out. They would need thousands of guns to help destroy the Raiders largest forces. There was no evidence such an amount were available. The Raiders were not so united to link all of their tribes into one
force. They fought amongst themselves, sold others of their kind to other tribes and to the Keratha.
Their next tasks were to take the City of Dreams under Tharne power, destroy their army, take any Lord who refused to submit into custody and repeal the unjust laws. He wondered how many friends would lose their lives fighting in these battles? Certainly fewer than if they had not the weapons they now wielded.
Leaving the semi-constructed base behind wasn’t a sad experience. Victories bred confidence and the morale of the troops was excellent. Knowing their sleeping troops had been murdered while resting outside the City of Dreams and the city enslaved innocents and cruelly abused them was another mark against the enemy. The Raiders were long-term foes of Tharne. Keeping the soldiers active and moving forward would help their morale.
Leaving behind the base wasn’t depressing as now they occupied one they could return to four days closer than Northtown. Their lands appeared safe for now. The weather was mild and they saw no people or large animals for three days travelling to the City of Dreams. Their scouts returned and reported large numbers of horsemen to the north approaching. The city itself wasn’t in sight so if they fought these foes they should still be able to surprise the enemy leaders.
The troops of Tharne chose their position on one side of a narrow stream and dug positions for their guns and mortars so they were out of sight. A barricade was built and the troops rested. There was still a day to go before the enemy arrived. The scouts confirmed they were still approaching. Sergun hoped a battle far outside the city’s walls would stop a greater destruction occurring within the city and it would mean fewer civilian deaths.
Kall. ‘How long will they be tricked by our guns?’
‘They’ll adapt eventually but it may be too late for them. We’ll make the most of these new tactics. Move swiftly.’
‘We’ll be at the walls to the city within a few days. This time they’ll not be turning away our army so easily.’
By dawn’s orange light the enemy approached. They appeared to outnumber Sergun’s troops twofold. He was excited at the prospect of battle and keen to move onto the city but with these enemy roaming they wouldn’t be safe. The enemy leaders approached seeking terms; They wore gleaming white armour, rode impressive armoured horses and were well armed. They requested the surrender of horses and for the men and Galls to return to Northtown. General Kall’s reply was hostile and they departed to rally their men for battle. They hadn’t detected the hidden guns. They seemed a touch suspicious but the heavy weaponry of Tharne was well hidden. Cloud cover formed and a wind blew across the plain.
The enemy on horseback looked impressive. There looked close to around eight thousand. Many warriors were tattooed, most wore skins while the greater part had armour and were from the City of Dreams. Without fear they charged and the sight would have terrified most troops. At eight hundred metres range all of the artillery fired while the mortars which could reach fired at the first wave. Horses and men disintegrated and disappeared beneath clouds of smoke. Sergun this time made sure he wasn’t too close to the loud guns. The volleys of shots were relentless. The enemy continued to charge. At a hundred metres perhaps less than a few hundred riders remained. At fifty metres fewer survived. The remaining charged into the ranks of Tharne and most were quickly killed. A few of the remaining enemies stepped down from their horses. They wore armour but looked shocked. The men thought they were riding out to massacre the enemy instead they found themselves isolated and the survivors of a slaughter. No one wanted to waste their life on the men or allow them to escape and give information away. They were shot down with many arrows. A tremendous cheer arose from the men. Most of the force before them had been wiped out. There were injuries on his side but only from accidents, not combat and no fatalities. As the fog from the guns cleared the evidence of mass slaughter lay ahead of them. There was a tremendous cheer from all the victorious soldiers. Such a victory with no loss of life on their side was almost unheard of.
Sergun was deeply impressed and Chromosol was in his best spirits since the last war. The bodies of men and horses were eventually piled into a heap and set on fire when the soldiers left. No one wanted disease to spread. Scouts went north but reported no incursions by Raiders and no large forces approaching.
‘Who can stop us now?’ Said Kall.
‘If we’re caught unawares we’ll be stopped. If we’re caught asleep or run out of shells. Caution is necessary.’ Sergun replied
‘Onwards to the City of Dreams. This time we won’t sneak around like spies. We’ll smash their army, kill their leaders and end oppression. Who would have thought our little expedition from Edge City would lead to this?’
Sergun grinned. He was unhappy at leaving that time but duty called, and was confident now. As long as the Keratha and most of the Raiders stayed out of the fight, a victory for his peoples seemed assured.
He looked back from where they had come. Tracks covered the area. Supply wagons and more horseman were following. The foot soldiers would arrive days later. Sergun wondered if they would cross paths with another Keratha hunting party. It would be unwelcome. To destroy them would be easy enough but for the Keratha or Raiders in large numbers to arrive now would spoil their attack on the city and make them retreat.
With aid from the Oracle, Tharne had developed artillery and used it to defend the city. They tempted in large numbers of Raiders and City troops. The attackers believed they were safe and took up positions and camped six kilometres distant. Lord Chromosal ordered the artillery to fire at night for maximum confusion. A scout confirmed that the enemy troops were still in the camp. The guns fired thousands of shells into the enemy positions. Sergun watched the scene as the men worked furiously, dripping in sweat from the heat of the guns and the weight of the shells. It’s like magic, as he cannot see the effects upon their enemy but knows there is damage being done. For maximum effect the artillery fired beyond the camp to hit any retreating troops, then fired back the final salvos on the camp again.
They waited until morning light before riding out to see the effects of the guns on the enemy. The sight is one of devastation as if some group of monstrously large and furiously hostile creatures had arrived, ripping apart men, smashing their equipment and animals, disintegrating others. The land is blown apart. It’s hard to know how many enemies were killed. The stench of death and of weaponry is all around them. It’s a grim sight to witness and Sergun felt no sense of pride in defeating the enemy in battle.
‘There’s not enough bodies to count how many died.’ Sergun exclaimed.
‘Fewer people to bury.’ Agreed Chromosol.
Sergun was appalled at the carnage, yet thought how many Tharne lives had been saved by the weapons. It was possible the Raiders and their allies would seek peace now or quickly aim to discover the secret weapons used by his people. To move deep into enemy land risked the guns being captured and used against them.
‘The Minister will seek to use this advantage for us. We should attack the Raiders and crush them while we can.’
Sergun had never imagined Tharne would be able to crush the Raiders. He believed they’d always exist, north of his people, beyond the Walls of their northern cities. ‘We cannot seek to crush them all. Do we want Tharne to rule this whole world?’
‘End slavery, school all children, give security and comfort to many.’
‘Agreed, these are fine ways, but those Raiders who hunt, we should give them peace. It’s their way of living.’
‘They will breed and seek to overthrow us. We must crush them now while we can.’
Sergun listened to his friend’s words and was saddened by the force of his hatred. To kill all Raiders or change them into Tharnians, struck him as monstrous. To crush those who attacked them yes. He hoped the Minister would not be swayed by such anger and power. He hoped the oracle’s knowledge would not become the tool for his people to attempt to conquer the world. That was too much of a burden. Perhaps that was why it had been bur
ied all this time; it was a dangerous device which could yield too much power.
Sergun wondered how the survivors were describing it when they got back home. They’d describe it as magical; screams from the sky and then explosions and fire all over the place and death. Only to run for their lives and hope to live. Unstoppable, awe-inspiring. It would have struck fear into their hearts. It was a way of fighting against his experience, yet he would not deny that rather than risk losing thousands and more of their troops in pitched battles this new, deadly technique was far superior.
39. Return to the City of Dreams
It took four days to reach within sight of the City of Dreams. The small town outside was abandoned. They approached above the town to the large city gates. He wondered if the Lord had already fled or perhaps he was unaware of what was occurring outside. He thought the Lords must be confused. They were waiting for the return of many or at worst some of their soldiers. None made it back. As if they had been swallowed up. Now outside of their walls a large army appeared. It was likely they’d already sent half of their entire force outside of the gates. He wondered if the ruler they sought was watching from the walls thinking himself safe. He was likely confident and had his escape route ready in the event the walls were breached.
Outside the city lay a force of men gathered for combat. They sent forth a spokesman and a Captain of Tharne rode to meet him. The rider came out from the city carrying the flag of truce. It took bravery, arrogance or perhaps madness to face thousands of enemies while alone. He was dressed in fine armour, shining white with a covered face helmet, large sword and looked tough. Also outdated. He requested the men leave in peace and no more lives would be taken. When the offer was rejected he said a battle outside the walls should decide who would control the city. Sergun agreed.