Chapter 14

To worse

The Northern Lake is large and full of fish and water plant. Lord Raglan who is more accustom to the warm climate of his home city is feeling the effect of the cold upon his body. So far he has been on schedule and soon will turn to the South. According to the map, some settlement center on the lake and will not pose any threat to his Heavy Cavalry. Still he is cautiously sending out scouting parties, but they don't find anything unusual except there aren't any fishing activity. While suspicious, he simply thinks this might not be the right time to do fishing for the local people. For the next two uneventful days, Lord Raglan has turned South. Passing the first two settlements without incident, but something isn't right. He can feel his instinct telling him so, yet he can't make out what it is. On the third, he decides to stop. Looking around more closely, he suddenly realized that there isn't any children. Why isn't there any children? There can be only one possibility. Ambush.

"It's an ambush, kill them all."

The Heavy Cavalry is slow to response to his command due to the relative peaceful march, but soon have their weapons ready and horses charging toward the local.

The MPs feel nervous when the whole column of heavily armed horse men stop, soon their commander unsheathe his sword and yell out some order which they can't understand, but seeing the horse men gallop up with weapons at the ready, the MPs unleash their guns. To their surprise, the heavily armored riders are unfazed by the impact of bullets, only temporary stunned by it. Soon they continue onward with confidence that the weapon of the locals can't hurt them. The MPs change their target to the charging horse. This produce immediate result. Dozens of horse are hit and either fall death pinning their riders under or rear up in pain and throw their riders off. But the outnumbered MPs soon force to retreat and set fire to the settlement to prevent pursuit. The smoke generated by the fire catch the attention of the vanguard and scouting parties whom quickly head toward it. After regrouping his force, Lord Raglan is livid. He is at a severe disadvantage, with the heavy armors, his cavalrymen can survive but not the horse. And if the enemy kill off his horsed, then the heavy armors will become a liability, add to the supply problem is they don't have supply train, just with them carrying everything they need to reach their objective.

The MPs regroup with their commanding officer Dennis Aiblinger. He is disappointed about the result of the ambush, but accept the fact that the enemy heavy armors is too much for his MPs. Now changing his plan from ambushing to baiting, he gathers all under his command and marches to block the path of the enemy.

"We are going to block the enemy advance on the plain to the south. Target the horses and victory will be ours. Leave their equipment to the rear as this will give them some hope to push on instead of returning to their main force."

"But the plain will give their horse men advantage over us, we shall be overrun."

"If that's what they do, they are doom. We shall make some preparation to receive them."

"I hope your plan work or we are all dead."

"Don't sweat it Kenny, my target are the horses, not the riders."

Lord Raglan resumes his march and soon his scouts report a blocking force of around 3.000 men with some hastily barriers set up. He takes over command of the vanguard and rides ahead to access the situation. Everything look like a trap and he doesn't want to be ambush or suffer loss due to these simpleton. As the rest of the column reach is his position, he order rest and meal to be served before doing battle.

Dennis and Kenny look at the cavalry casually rest and having meal with a grin. A group of best shooters of the MPs armed with rifles form up.

"Kenny, let see how temperament they are."

"Being disturbed while having meal is not that much of a provocation."

"Aim for the horse, make sure to drive the hose crazy and you will see how much of a provocation this is."

The Heavy Cavalry watching the enemy small advance party with curiosity and a desire to ride out and slaughter them. But as Lord Raglan forbids sortie without his approval, they have to stand and watch the even unfold while waiting for him to come up.

Looking through his telescope, Dennis sees the commander of the enemy forces opposing him. Look a bit old, no doubt quite season in his job. But this is not going to be much helpful if he has no idea what he is up against. Soon the familiar sound of gun fire break the silence. Screaming rider and neighing horse bolting around disorganize the horse men, the commander also join some of his riders on the ground after his horse rear up and throw him off the saddles. Hoping these riders will get rile up and charge, Dennis signal for the MPs to prepare. Much to his disappointment, the commander seems upset but order the rest of the rider to dismount and send the horse to the rear. Cursing at the failure to lure the horse men in, Dennis decides to have Kenny and his squad fall back.

"They didn't take the bait, so what are we going to do now?"

"Let's eat, maybe they will be tempted if we relax our guard."

"If they are not?"

"Then we have a full belly. So it's a win-win either way."

Lord Ragland is not happy, a much smaller force of ordinary foot soldiers is blocking his 20.000 heavy cavalry force. He is in between a rock and hard place as he can't advance and retreat without being ambushed. Staying put will mean doom when the food supplies are exhausted. Now he is watching as a chance to rout these enemies has come. They are having a meal and this is a chance. Ordering group of Heavy Cavalry to mount up and prepare for sortie.

"Captain Sorokin, take your regiment around the right and cut off their retreat. Remember to ride out side of their range."

"Yes, My lord."

"Captain Kron, get ready to ride down these rabble on my order."

"Yes, My lord."

"Captain Nikos, take your dismount regiment and advance on the enemy, use javelins before hitting their position."

"Yes, My lord."

Dennis and Kenny are discussing about how to lure the enemy into attacking when a shout call out. They look at a group of horse men riding hard to their western flank, then detour and stop in their rear, cutting off their retreat.

"This willy old fox is good at what he does."

"And this is going to bite him back."

"What do you want to do now?"

"Kenny, prepare the rifle squad to receive an attack from the front."

"Why? Aren't they going to attack from both front and rear at the same time?"

"They are, but not at the same time. I think they will pressure us with dismounted men, and when we focus on the front, they will charge in from the rear. The left flank is open so we will run and get ride down by the rest of them."

"I see, I understand now. Good luck on the horse."

"Try to determine the weak spot on their armor Kenny."

"I'll do my best but don't get your hope up."

The dismounted Heavy Cavalry under Captain Nikos advance at a steady pace toward the barrier. Soon they come under fire from the rifle squad. Many are hit, but mostly gaze or light injuries that the whole regiment press on. At about three hundred paces, some of the hit beginning to become fatal as the dismounted men get hit in the face. Another 100 paces, and the casualty has mount up to nearly 200. But the remaining continue to press on with grim resolve for vengeance. Now only 200 paces left, but they are shocked to find the enemies are going to run while leaving a small rearguard.

"Charge, don't let them escape.

The Heavy Cavalry under Captain Sorokin gallop up and charge after the fleeing enemy. Even though they are surprise the instead of heading west, the enemies are running to the lake.

Lord Raglan instantly knows why there haven't been any fishing ship spotted. They hid them in advance. Cursing and ordering Captain Kron to charge, he watch as the gaps beginning to close.

Dennis looks at the charging horsemen with a triumphant smile. He has got them where he wants.

"Kenny, pull back over here. We are going on a boat trip."

Unleashing the last volley on the dismounted horse men, the rifle squad run for the lake shore. MPs now pushing the hidden boats into the lake.

Seeing their enemies are going to escape, the charging Heavy Cavalry keep increasing their speed. Suddenly a whole line of stumble, they have charged into a conceal ditch. Their enemies now unleash another deadly fire upon the horses, killing many. They pick up themselves and charge in on foot. But only 20 paces behind the ditch, a series of pitch hole traps start killing those who unfortunate enough to fall in.

Lord Raglan sees everything unfold before his eyes and decides to mobilize all his force.

"Mount up men, we are heading to the wall."

It was a painful decision but it's the right one. He can't touch his enemies or undo all the traps, but at least the road is open and instead of sacrificing more, he simply accept the loss and move in to complete his objective.

Dennis and Kenny now on separate boat. Looking at the passing horsemen with some anxiety. But they have inflict some casualty and decide to move South and harass the enemy when they come ashore.

"Kenny, when we are ashore, you will take the rifle squad and try to eliminate their engines in the rear."

"That's going to be difficult."

"Yean, but if we successfully destroy their engines, the will have to return to their force in the East."

"What about the dismounted horse men? They can't reach the Wall as fast and I don't want to leave an enemy behind."

"We will worry about them after we deal with their engines."

The Southern Force with Melphisto in command is proceeding slowly, though they have passed several settlement, nothing could be seen. And Melphisto soon realize the people had been evacuated. He thought it must be because of the gathering Giants. Thus they relax and proceed, confident in their number and the number of Giants following them.

Mikasa had rejoin Captain Hange, with the news of the fighting in Mistra, the ambush of the enemy main force and the disruption of the enemies calvary, this mean their turn will be coming soon. Captain Hange decides to let them proceed until they reach the Wall, then attack and kill the enemy's magicians.

The sun shine upon the face of Rory Mercury, Apostle of Emroy. It's a fine day but she is in no mood to do anything. Frustrated by the audacity of these mortals whom so far don't even care about her. No amount of shouting, pounding get her anything. No response whatsoever. Rory even tried to pretend to leave but after some time had passed, it's no use as not a single soul is seen. Finally give up, she departed toward Italica.

Princess Pina and her Knights reached Italica at sunset, their arrival was unexpected and causes a stir among the populaces and refugees. Count Colt didn't expect the reinforcement from the Capital so soon, and it was his old student that led them here was even more of a surprise. Now he is in trouble, if the princess learned about his secret truce arrangement with Orb, he and his family will be branded as traitor. Unaware of the wariness in the Count demeanor, Princess Pina assured the people more were on the way here. Once rest, she would lead the soldiers out to eliminate the bandits and crazed legionnaires. The meal with the Count and his daughter were delightful, she has always prefer honesty and integrity of the Count over those at the Capital. She went to bed soon after and dream about her accomplishment.

Princess Pina is having breakfast when sentry comes in to announce the arrival of her foot soldiers. Princess, the Count and his daughter watch in anticipation. With the flag of her Knights Order fly proudly, the pride of the Princess reaches heaven. But her elation soon evaporate by beastly shouting from the nearby wood. Before anyone can recover from their shock, the crazed legionnaires charge out of the wood, howling and yelling like predators pouncing on their preys. The foot soldiers are no raw recruit but old veteran. Being ambushed doesn't take away their skill or experience, in fact they face their ambusher with discipline formation and stop the crazed Legionnaires after falling back a few paces. The Princess has calmed down somewhat, seeing her foot soldiers handling themselves well, but she also knows this is a chance, thus ordering her friend and fellow Knight Bozes Co Palesti to assemble the Knights.

"Our foot soldiers are being ambushed as we speak, this is a chance to wipe out a good portion of the before we start our campaign. The eyes of the citizen are upon us, make sure the know about the might of the Roses, the might if the Empire."

The gate open and the Knights ride out at full gallop, gradually form up to charge. Grey, commanding the food soldiers seeing this gives the command for his left flank to fall back. Thus forming an echelon formation which expose their attackers' rear. The crazed Legionnaires press on their attack. Some in the rear notice the charging Knights let out a howl and rush toward the oncoming knights. They either skewer by the lances or crush beneath the hooves, but they have the same expression, joy. The charging knights finally hit home. The crazed Legionnaires now trapped between the Knights and foot soldiers with only a small opening on the left flank. Contrary to the expectation of everyone, they simply fights on more ferociously and joy. Ignoring fatal wound, missing limb or even throwing themselves against their opponent, using their teeth to bite the neck and ripe out the throat, causing blood to spill everywhere. While the foot soldiers are veteran, the knights are all first timers. Many freeze at such horrified scene. This isn't how they envision a battlefield. A battlefield where knightly conduct, honorable fight, skillful display or combat skill and brilliant tactics are employ, not these chaos. The sound of weapon clashes, the howling of the crazed Legionnaires, the neighing of the injured or dying horses, cry for salvation ….. all of those thing hit them hard mentally. It is to their credit that they didn't faint right away. Soon, a yell from one of the Knights snap the rest back to reality. One of the knight pull down from her horse and gang up by 5 crazed Legionnaires. They repeatedly beat her body which cause a slow death while she letting out cry for help. Lady Bozes recovers and reform the knights, once again they are fighting, not for their ideas, not for glory but for survival. When the last of the crazed Legionnaire is dead, they all collapse. Shocked by the horrible aftermath, they suddenly realize they are not mentally prepare for this and many knights simply look on with empty gaze. Princess Pina also shocked at the sight of the battle. But recompose herself and give order to return to the city. The cheering of the citizens help the Knights to recover somewhat, but many still shock. The Count has nothing but full appreciation for the Princess and her Knights, still it doesn't change the fact that he knows the city is doom unless more reinforcement arrive.

"I congratulate you and your Knight Order on its first victory, Princess Pina"

"Thank you Count, but I still have a hard time seeing myself fighting men in Imperial Uniform."

"Those are no longer Imperial Legionnaires, they lost their sanity and now only bend on fighting and dying a worthy death."

"Their looks still give me the shiver. How can it be like this? For not just a few but ten of thousand well-trained Imperial Legionnaires to lose their mind, what kind of horror they faced?

"I think I can tell you and your fellow officers after the report of the battle. Just make sure to prepare for it."

The Count bows and leaves the room while Lady Hamilton, Lady Bozes, Sir Norma and Sir Grey enter to give the report. Princess Pina looks at the face and grimace at the report. The thing she hasn't prepared to hear is the death among her Knight Order.

"The battle is a victory for us, 2163 enemies killed. No prisoners. On our side, 11 of the Italican solders die and the rest injured. 16 of the knights are killed, 142 injured. 82 foot soldiers died and 421 wounded. The wounded are being healed by mages so they will soon recover after a day rest."

"Thank you Hamilton. Now, what do you think about these crazed Legionnaires?"

"They are fearless and seek to fight to the dead. Their injuries matter not to them. They don't stop until they are killed."

"I don't think they are normal human but some kind of monster, they fight like wild beasts. Biting and clawing at their opponents."

"I see how they fight, nothing resemblance an orderly force but a group of crazy mob united in their goal of wreaking havoc and seeking death in combat. Not sure what have cause them to be like this."

"The Count said he has the answer, so rest up and fix yourselves. After that, we shall have a talk with the Count. Be prepared for it."

Left along in the room, Princess Pina take a deep breath and read the casualty list. Now she is face with the task of explaining the death of her fellow knights, noble ladies that want be knights like their male member of their family. She pick up the quill but find no word to write so she decides to leave it for later. Now she will go to the infirmary to visit the injured. Leaving the Mansion, she is greeted by grateful citizens and soldiers, this help her justified the sacrifices of her Knight Order. Opening the door of the infirmary, she is greeted by the an old man.

"Honor to have you here Princess Pina, I am Sage Cato El Altestan, in charge of the infirmary. This is Leile La Lelena my disciple."

"Greeting to you and your staffs, I know the effort and service of yours are instrumental in keeping the number of death as low as possible."

"Aye, if I wasn't for the Count, we are all dead by now, or worse for the women and children."

"Pardon?"

"The Count sent his guards to warn us and organize an evacuation here before those bandits and crazed Legionnaires show up."

"I see, he is serious in his duty of keeping his subject safe, can't say for most of other nobles."

"Indeed we are lucky."

"I am organizing a campaign to wipe out the bandits and crazed Legionnaires, perhaps you can help us?"

"I think my disciple can accompany you, she is smart and well-versed in many magic."

"Thank you, I shall call for her when the campaign start. Now may I visit my knights and soldiers?"

"Most of the soldiers had left, those that stay are sleeping and will be as good as new when they wake up. But I am worry about your knights."

"What do you mean?"

"They are fine physically, but their mental stats are not."

"I see, can you do anything about it?"

"I cast a calm spell upon them so they are docile for now. But this take time and I am not sure they will be the same again. Sorry."

"Thank you, I shall see to them now."

Princess Pina reaches the room which her Knights are currently recuperating, but fear of what she is about to see hold her back from opening that door. She knows opening that door will somehow change her forever. Her hesitation only last a moment as she takes a deep breath, closes her eyes and opens the door. When she opens her eyes, only silence and stillness greet her. Her knights are on sitting on their beds or lying on their back staring at the ceiling. There are no enthusiastic greeting, only silence. Her knights are hugging their pillows, eyes staring in the front with blank expression. Princess Pina doesn't know what to do. She walks toward one of the Knight, kneel in front of her and shake her to get a response. Nothing, as if she is shaking tree, no response. Without any idea to help her knights, the Princess has the first bitter taste of victory. There aren't any glorious boasting of personal valor, mutual congratulation among fellow victors …. Just an emptiness that make victory and lost the same. Realizing that there is nothing she can do here, the Princess left. Looking at the people of Italica from the balcony of the Count Mansion, she wonders if her knights feel the same when they look upon the simple happiness of these people for just having survive another day. Turn to get the conference room, she enters and sees the all have been waiting for her there. Drinking a cup of tea and nipping on a cake, she settle down and look at the Count.

"Once again I thank you on behalf of my people, I know for many of you, this is your first time in real combat. The result couldn't have been better."

"Thank you Count, we are honored for your praise. Now what about the answer we are looking for."

"Human and any kind of animal or beast have many things in common, one it those is fear. It is fear that drive those men crazy."

"Impossible, they are fearless in battle."

"No, they are neither devoid of fear nor fearless. It is a fear that soldiers dread. Imagine all you have been doing in your life is dedicate yourself in combat, honing your skill to fight strong opponent. Whether you win or lose, as long as you can display the fruit of your effort, you are satisfied. But these men have been deprive of that, have seen men dying without displaying any valor or honor. They were slaughtered as easily as you kill an ant. Our soldiers are deeply religious, and they fear for their souls if they die like a worthless beggar on the side of the street. Fear that Emroy will refuses their entry into the hall of the true warrior. Thus they ran and seek to fight and die in the manner of their choosing."

"It can't be, how can I believe that?"

"That is an unacceptable answer, do you even realize what you are insinuating my Lord Count?

"With the things I had experienced, it is irrelevant whether you accept or believe it. The truth is the truth. The Empire had made a terrible mistake. They can do whatever they want to the Empire as long as they wish to do so. If the Empire is to survive, negotiate a peace is the only hope."

"You dare say the Empire will lose?"

"The Empire had already lost even before the fighting even began, Princess Pina. Nobody realize it or accept it doesn't mean it is not true."

"Then how can you explain their inaction? Normally the victor will keep up their advantage and press on."

"As I said, they do what they want. They don't need to press on any advantage as they can create their own advantage. The only thing that stop their advance is because of heavy casualties. OUR CASUALTIES. They must had been busy cleaning up the dead bodies and debris back in Orb."

"You mean they didn't suffer any loss? I WON'T ACCEPT IT. ITS TOO FAR FETCH TO BE TRUE."

"I agree with Lady Bozes, my lord, The Empire is the strongest, how could they lose without inflicting loss upon the enemies?"

"Because the Empire is not even a threat, just a nuisance to them. And they was no battle. Just a one side slaughter."

"Very well, you are an honest and intelligence man, my lord. So I will give your answer the benefit of doubt. But what can you tell me about their weapons, soldiers …..?

"I shall, it will be a long and unbelievable story that I myself have a hard time accepting even when I was in the middle of it."

The Count spend the entire afternoon and evening to tell the Knights about his experience in Orb. The knights are shocked and disbelief, but nothing to repute his story as they still don't know anything about their enemy.

"If everything the Count tells us is true, the Empire is doomed."

"Wrong, My princess. The Empire is at the mercy of the Princess of Orb. She is the key to the survival of the Empire."

"I refuse to surrender without a fight."

"Then you will die without a fight like many that had perished."

"The power they possess is at least equal to the gods, how can mortal wield such power?"

"They don't have magic so they devote in developing technologies."

"So magic is the only thing we have over them."

"Yeah, but it amount to nothing. Barrier collapsed under their fire power, invisible spell render useless, offensive spell ineffective against their weapons. Worse of all, we still haven't learnt enough to know all their true capabilities. It came at a surprise one after another whenever we thought we have learnt it all. It's a shame but we are much inferior in knowledge. And to them, we are inferior primitive barbarian that need to be enlightened."

A gloomy air fill the room when suddenly a loud noise of someone kicking the door open. They all stand up, angry by this sudden and rude intrusion. But their anger soon turn into fear as the bloody sight of Rory Mercury is at the door. Her angry expression and blood stained figure silence all in the room. She storm in to reach the Count.

"Those fucking Orb Union, I shall kill them the moment I lay my hand on them. You mark my words."

"Your Holiness, may I inquire what happen?"

"I came upon their fortress with anticipation, but what did I get when I got there? Nothing. Absolutely fucking nothing."

Rory slams her fist on the table, shattering it. The knights and the Count jump and skip several heartbeat,

"A fortress? On Alnus hill?

"Yes, a god damn fortress making of fucking metal."

"How can a fortress be built so quickly? And making of metal?"

"You double my word huh? You want to attest to that young man?"

"No … I … sim. ….

"Shut your fucking mouth and listen to me all of you. And listen well or I shall bath myself in your blood."

Shaking uncontrollably, they all nob and swallow hard.

"When I got there, nothing in sight but a big fortress, no sentry, no guard, not even an entrance could be found. I yelled, shouted, cursed, lured and pound on the wall but nothing happen. They ignore me like some insignificant insect. Mark my word, I SHALL MAKE THEM PAY FOR THIS TRANGRESSION."

"Please calm down, you holiness. May I have the servant prepare the bath and food for you?"

"NO, I ONLY COME BACK TO TELL YOU THAT I MADE NO CONTACT WITH THIS ORB UNION. NOW I SHALL HEAD OUT TO VENT MY ANGER ON THOSE FUCKING BANDITS. MAYBE HUNTING THEM DOWN WILL SOOTH MY MOOD."

Rory finishes her sentence and jump right out of the window, shattering the glass. Now the Knights recover and exhale with relief as they thought they might not survive.

"What did she mean by coming back to tell you she didn't make contact, my Lord? Please answer honestly."

"She came several days ago, informing me that she wants to rest here and continued on her journey to Alnus hill to make contact with Orb as the God Emroy instructed her to. I ask her to help deliver a letter to them."

"What is the content of the letter? If I am not wrong, you seems to admire and wish to side with this Orb Union. That mean committing treason against the Empire."

"I ask them to be mercy on my subject should they attack the city. And I shall pay any price for it."

"Any price? Does that mean betraying the Empire?"

"Yes, if it mean my subject is safe."

"Do you think the Empire will stand and watch?"

"If Orb Union will it, the Empire will stand and watch. As I had said, The Empire doesn't matter anymore, the will or Orb or rather the Princess of Orb does."

Finding nothing to rebuke the Count, the Knights can only grind their teeth and hold tight their fists in anger. Another loud noise come with the doors slam open, they all held their breath thinking Rory Mercury has return only to see a frightened guard huffing heavily.

"I am sorry, but your presences are need outside. We are surrounded completely."

Count Colt, his daughter, the Princess and her Knights rush out of the mansion and onto the city wall. Lining up in the front is an army of at least 10.000. Messengers from other gates report the same thing. The siege of Italica has begun.

Arthurn and his squad journey down south is slow but at least without much trouble. From the frantic merchants and other civilians accompany the Imperial Force, he learns about the ambush and the occupation of the wall. The trap is sprung. Now he change the direction to the Southwest to intercept the Imperial force in the south and their Titans.

Cagalli, general Hazama and Colonel Kisara watch the screen showing the forces array against Italica. With the information gather by the bugs, they estimate that Italica can hold on up to a year unless the besieger use biological or chemical weapons. Since Italica is a city with refugee and many with talent for alchemy and mage, the threat is somewhat negated. So they turn to other matter.

"General, how is training for the new special force?"

"They have finish their training and now can crack an egg and make you an omelet or a sunshine egg."

"Good. How about our launchers?"

"We have 4 rockets ready for launch. As soon as Director Erica finishes adjusting the Mirage Colloid barrier, we can proceed with the launch."

"How about the materials for further base expansion?"

"We are gathering and with the supply provided by our allies, we can have enough to construct an advance base in 10 days. Then it's only the matter of how to transport them."

"Thank you, I shall leave to visit fairy land now."

"They are quite helpful. Boost our troop morale and especially popular with our engineers and maintenance staffs, they are very helpful."

"Yeah, to think they are hunted as slave by slavers really tick me off."

"If this is leak to our people back on earth, the Empire is done for."

"The Empire is done for anyway, it is a matter of how. I rather choose the option that not affect the innocent, but if innocent losses is among the prices to be paid for it, I shall accept it."

"You don't have to shoulder it alone, Cagalli."

"I know, there is one idiot I can blame for starting it."

In the communication room on the secret base which house the remnants of LOGOS, red light flare up. The operator accept the transmission and distribute to all the important figures. Each had been informed and now contemplate their move. Soon they unanimously vote to do nothing until the flow of supply from the new world start to flood in. They return to their pet projects and simply work in silence. After all, they have nothing with which to do anything. And the return of a prospective future will have a positive effect of returning old hatred.