Guys UN Peacekeeper is back with another chapter, enjoy.
Ch-8 Battle for Italica. Pt I
Germania, Border of Formar Province, Tristain army camp.
8:45 AM (Earth Time)
It had been four days since the Tristania army had set up their camp on the banks of River Tire, the natural border between Formar province and other provinces. The camp is divided into two parts, one that housed the Tristanian army and the other for the Rose-Order knights.
Saito leaves his tent still in his old tracksuit and Derflinger swung on his back. He stretches his back looks around to see most of the soldiers were up and had begun performing their regular duties. It has been nearly 2 years since he came to this world after being summoned by Louise as her familiar. In the beginning, it was difficult for a person like him from a free world to be thrust into a class-based society depending on your ability to use magic, not on the basis of your merit. Slowly he began to get a hang of this society, well sometimes things would go overboard when Louise is around. Being tormented and blasted by her has become a common thing for him. He even had resurrected from the dead after being heavily wounded in battle against the Albionians. He had many good friends and even got a girl but he still misses his home, his family, his old life as a normal high school student who would worry about his grades all the time. For awhile during the early days of his stay he nurtured a hope he would return back to Japan someday but after letting his one and only chance to return go away for helping his friends in the fight against Albion invasion and after being stranded here for nearly 2 whole years that hope has already faded away to nothingness. He is going to live the rest of his life here away from his homeland.
Suddenly he hears heavy footsteps coming towards him. He looks around to see a soldier running towards him.
"Sire," he says. "General Gramont has summoned you."
" Ok soldier, lead the way."
Saito follows the soldier towards the command tent which had been set up right in the middle of the camp.
He enters the tent to find Guiche, Louise, Tabitha, Kirche and other officers including the acting commander of Rose-Knight order Bozes have gathered around.
"Saito you are late."
"Hehe, sorry Louise I think I just overslept."
"Why are you not in you armour I had it bought for you ?" she yelled at him.
"Hey, I can't wear that bulky armour when I am taking a break."
After his first death at Albion Louise decided it will be better this time Saito had some kind of protection on him rather than relying on his usual commoner garments he keeps on wearing though being rose to the rank of a noble. But for Saito those were bringers of pain, the armour set was highly uncomfortable for him to wear and move around. He hated them but due to Louise's persistence, he put them on from stopping her from going nuts.
As they began to quarrel Guiche butts in.
"Hey keep your lover's quarrel for some other time we are gathered here for to discuss something important right now."
This silences them both.
Seeing everything calming down Gramont began.
"Just half an hour ago a messenger arrived from Captain's Pina party. According to the messenger, the provincial capital Italica is under siege and captain Pina is requesting reinforcements."
"Then we have to make haste and send all available men we have," Bozes said.
"And we shall miss Bozes, go back to your camp and prepare your knights for the upcoming journey."
"It shall be done general, my Knights will be ready to move in an hour."
Bozes slowly bows her head and leaves.
Gramont turns his head towards Guiche and orders.
"Son, you will be taking command of the Tristain Royal Cavalry unit and join the Rose-Order knights as part of reinforcements sent to Italica."
Gramont notices the distressful expression on his son's face.
"Are you not up to the task ?" he asks calmly.
"No father it's not like that, it's just the first time I will be leading troops into battle so I got a little nervous."
"It's alright son, it is fine to be nervous when leading troops into battle, you not only have to concentrate on winning the fight but also had to take care of your men. I also had to go through the same when I was young as you but you will fare fine, you are my son after all."
"Thank you, father."
"Take good care of those men under your command, they are the best Tristain has to offer so use them accordingly. I will be following close by with rest of the army."
Guiche, Saito and others remaining in the tent bow their heads and began to leave.
"Be careful son and stay safe."
"I will father," Guiche replies with a smile as he leaves along with his companions to prepare for their journey to Italica.
(3 hours later)
The combined group comprising of Rose order knights and the whole Tristain royal cavalry unit under Guiche and his Ondine exited the camp and rode towards Italica. It is estimated they would be there in Italica to reinforce Pina and Napoleon in 2 to 3 days. While everyone was determined to help save the city from the foreign invaders, Saito, on the other hand, had a lot of doubts. They had very little to no information on the invading army, which distressed him the most.
But he was confident in him and his friends that with the use of his Gandálfr powers and the combined magical powers from Ondine knights, his friends and help from Rose order knights they will be able to break the siege and drive the invaders back to their camps at the foothills of Alnus hill.
Germania, Alnus Refugee Camp.
10: 50 AM (Earth time.)
The refugees had finally returned from battlefield now named by the refugees as the 'Graveyard of dragons'. With them, they brought two large sacks of dragon scales collected from the dead.
"Sage Cato, we were able to collect a large number of scales," Elvira said as she wiped the sweat from her face. Carrying this large sack alone was really hard and the bristling sun over their heads was making it harder.
"Two full sacks? that's' great" Cato said with a large smile.
Cato knew how rare the dragon scales have become, Though they make a good sturdy armour even with the power to block musket balls, with the use of Dragons as a beast used for war by the military, their hunt has been forbidden by the Imperial court. A person could only acquire dragon scales from a dead dragon corpse only in a battlefield.
"Hmmm... a dragon scale is worth several silver coins. With the scales have become a rare item the price must be higher. A single silver coin will be able to sustain a person for a few days. which means, we will be having a lot of money to gain in our hands."
"So, does that mean we are filthy rich now." one of the refugees asks.
" We should entrust these to an important trader who would be able to pay us the right amount." another said.
"I have an old merchant friend in Italica. He may be helpful if we can settle a deal with him."
"But Sage Cato how will be able to get there? We do not have any mood of transportation." Elvira said.
Cato thought for a while and then replied with a smirk on his face.
"Don't worry, my dear, I think I will ask General Hazama a favour. After all, I am their magical arts advisor after all."
UNTF Fort Endurance, Special Region, August 29, 2019.
12:10 PM (Earth Time)
Command Center, Hazama's Office.
Itami and Arran stood before General Hazama's desk. Not long ago both the men were indulged in leading their own platoons in the regular military exercise. Until both were informed they were being summoned by General Hazama and were to report to him immediately. With no time to lose and not wanting to piss off their commanding general, they hitched a ride to the command center.
"Gentlemen I have a very special mission especially for your platoon."
"Special mission, sir ?." Itami asked.
"Yes, RCT 3 will be escorting and helping Sage Cato aka our magical arts expert and a group of other refugees with him on a trading endeavour to the provincial capital of Italica. There they are going to sell the dragon scales they have collected from the rotting dragon corpses on the field. According to them, these scales fetch a high price in this world's market. The refugees are trying to earn enough money so they can sustain themselves on their own and become independent of us in near future."
"With all due respect, sir, why our platoon is chosen for this mission.?" Arran asked.
"Cato personally asked for your RCT3 to be their escorts Lieutenant. These people trust you because you were the ones that protected them from the Imperial army and brought them back here so they would under our care and protection. They trust you, people, more than any of our men right now and your team is also the only one to have made a friendly contact with the natives, understood."
"Yes, Sir."
"Now look here," Hazama said pointing towards a map on his table. The map depicted the scouted regions around the Alnus Hill.
"Here is Fort Endurance. To the south is the city of Italica, This city according to the information we have acquired is the important trade center and the breadbasket of the Germanian Empire. Due to its close proximity to the central highway connecting the imperial capital with the capitals of other two kingdoms makes this city as a staging and resting ground for the trading convoys passing through the city. The Formar province is also considered having the most fertile soil in all the eastern provinces of the empire. Controlling the city means we are hitting two birds with a single arrow. The connection between the Kingdoms will be served along with the food supply feeding the imperial war effort will be severely hampered."
"Sir, what are the objectives for this mission ?" Arran asked.
" Escorting Cato and his group is just a cover to gain entry into the city. After gaining entry through the gates your objective is to scout the city for the location of barracks and armoury and measure the level of defences, the strength of the garrison and the number of noble officers those are stationed for the city's defence. any questions ?"
"Sir, if things go south what kind of reinforcements do we expect ?" asked Itami.
"The Combat group Beta under Col. Romanov will be ready to leave as soon as you radio us for reinforcement. Helicopter gunships will be on station to provide air and ground support. any more questions ?"
"..."
"Good, Lt. Itami, go there help the refugees sell their merchandise, scout, return back and report what you have learned. Be friendly as much as you can, but be on your guard you will be deep inside enemy territory. While you are in the city try to find out the whereabouts of out of our abducted civilians, If you find anything report back immediately. You will be leaving tomorrow. Dismissed! "
"Sir, yes sir." Itami and Arran replied in unison, presented a sharp salute and left the room. Hazama turned to the map again and thought to himself "Very soon the first major offensive is going to commence against the imperial forces and their allies. With Italica and basically the whole province under our control, the communications between Germania and her allies would be broken. They will have to fight the war alone isolated from their allies. With mounting casualties on their side, we will force them on to the negotiation table. If negotiations break down the full might of the United Nations Task Force will be unleashed upon them."
( Next Day)
9:15 AM (Earth Time)
RCT 3 vehicles exited the concrete walls of Fort Endurance. Their destination was the refugee camp where they were to pick up the collected dragon scales along with Cato and few others.
"So we are delivery service now ?" asked James
"It's technically reconnaissance," answered Carter. "The selling of those scales is just a cover for our entry into the city. No one made contact with the city yet, so it is a perfect opportunity for us to convince the locals we are not actually invading their asses and pillaging their villages and towns for fun."
"Oui, their own army is doing that not us," Cardwell said.
"For the best part, we are taking civilians to the place we don't know anything about..."
"Damn I hate babysitting," James stated.
"What do you think Sergent ?" Cardwell asked Beaman who sat beside him.
"Well according to my opinion going there with people who know the place is better than risking ourselves trying to communicate with people those are convinced we are invading their land."
He turned towards Arran who sat in the front seat.
"Isn't it right Lt. ?"
"Yes, it is Sergeant." Arran replied.
Muller who was in the driver's seat nodded his head in agreement with his officer while still concentrating driving the Humvee.
The convoy slowed down and pulled over at the Refugee camp entrance.
Itami and Arran got out of their respective vehicles and decided to wait for the refugees to arrive.
A few minutes later they saw Cato walking towards them with the support of his staff closely followed by Elvira and another girl Rainn carrying the fabric cloth sacks filled with dragon scales.
"Good morning Mr Cato," Arran says with a warm smile.
"Good morning to you too, sir," Cato replies back
"You have brought only two bags, sir," Itami asked.
"Oh yes, these are the highest quality scale we were able to gather so far."
"Ok, put them here" Itami opens the back door of his HMV. "we are going to leave immediately."
He helps them climb aboard the vehicle.
Everyone got back into their vehicles and the convoy began to roll.
For next 3 hours, the convoy moved through the dirt road leading to the city. Along the way, Elvira took a nap while Rainn kept her graze on the HMV's window, Kuwahara explained the workings of a compass to Cato, they talked among themselves as if they were old acquaintances from before. It was a pleasant ride before everyone noticed a thick black smoke rising from a distance.
The convoy came to a halt.
Arran this is Itami, could you see the black smoke rising over there. If we are not far from Italica I think it is coming from it. over
Affirmative, should we continue ? over
He thought for awhile and then replied.
We will continue towards the objective, but cautioned is advised. How copy? over.
Solid copy
The convoy began to move as the top mounted gunners and the IFV kept a vigilant watch on their surrounding for possible hostiles.
Italica, West gate, August 30, 2019.
10: 20 PM ( Earth Time )
"Run, brigand scum run."
"We won, we won."
Several town watchmen and militia volunteers raised their swords and spears in the air as they successfully defended against the second brigand attempt to breach the west gate.
But Pina who stood among them on the walls of the west gate didn't join their small celebration. She was worried, the gates of the wall were broken and the town militia had taken heavy casualties in containing the brigands' breach through the gates. She looked on as the brigands ran away from the walls after losing a considerable amount of men in this assault. Instead of a rout, it was a tactical withdrawal. She full well knew they will be coming back after they regrouped their forces later on. They knew with the present condition of the city defenders they wouldn't be able to hold another assault through this broken gate.
Outside the wall, the corpses of the bandits and horses scattered all around the ground.
"Norma! Hamilton! Napoleon! are you all alright ?"
Inside the broken gate, Norma and Napoleon were defending a barricade. Norma rose up by supporting himself on his sword, while Napoleon stood by supporting himself on the barricade. They both panted heavily. Their armours were marked with sword hits and blood of their foes.
Magic is the best weapon for a noble knight when it used in close range or duelling against another mage but when your enemy gets too close you had to take them on up close and personal by using your sword, not your wand which is practically useless in this kind of situation. For the knights entering their first battle against a determined enemy, it was an eye-opening experience. Napoleon, on the other hand, had seen some action in the previous war so he was in a better condition than the others around him.
The surrounding was covered with the bodies of the attacking bandits and of the defending soldiers everywhere. An intense battle was fought here.
Hamilton was already on the ground. She straightened her legs with her palms supporting her body, barely from keeling over.
"We are somehow, alive."
Coming down through the stairway leading to up the wall Pina looked down to see Gray, waiting.
"Captain, how cold! , you are not worried about me ?"
"Gray I know you would be fine so I didn't ask," Pina replied.
Gray was one of the few lucky commoners to have been raised from rank of a common footman to knight by the displays of skills on the battlefield and the experiences he gained from the battles he fought. He stood there with no sign of fatigue on his face. There was not a single drop of blood on him. If there wasn't any blood on his sword then Pina would have considered he was hiding somewhere during the fight. He still looked energetic and had a smile on his face.
"Captain, why are we fighting with these marauders here ?" Hamilton complained.
"It can't be helped, I thought the outworlders army would be besieging Italica. Not our own soldiers turned bandits."
On the way to Italica Pina's party came across several fleeing villagers who informed them that Italica was under siege by a large armed group. After hearing this news Pina thought that the outworlders army had begun their offensive. She sends one of her riders back to General Gramont to sent reinforcements to Italica as quick as possible and rushed to the city to help in its defence.
However, she soon realized the ones attacking Italica were, in fact, the remnant of the combined army consisting of former Imperial and Gallian troops those who deserted during and after the disastrous battle of Alnus hill.
After entering through the southern gate of the city she heads straight into the Italica's count mansion and by the permission of the countess who is a twelve-year-old girl took over the command of the city's defences. She had assured the Countess and the citizens that they had to hold for just three days until reinforcements would arrive to lift the siege.
After the battle had come to an end men who still had some strength left rushed back and forth to put out the fire. Women tried to treat and help the wounded while children collected scattered weapons and arrows. The muskets were now completely being useless as most of the gunpowder they had all been used up in the first two brigand assaults. Surviving musketeers ditched their muskets for a sword or a spear.
"Milady... may we take a little break."
An old man who represented the citizens asked
"The brigands haven't given up yet, they would soon rally and attack us again."
looking towards the now destroyed gates. " We can't rely on this gate to protect us anymore. It is going to be even more tiring."
"But, milady..."
"I am not asking you. This is an order."
"As you wish," he replied back.
She then walks towards Napoleon who was keeping track on the condition of the gate.
"Sir Napoleon, how are the city gates holding, can we repair them?"
"I don't think so Captain Pina, the bolts are completely destroyed, it is beyond repair," he replies back.
Pina silently curses her foolishness for not bringing any earth mage with her. The ones those were attached to the Tristain unit were already dead.
"So, what should we do right now ?"
"May I suggest, Why not we tear the gate down and jam up the entrance," Gray suggests.
"Good make it do."
Gray began instructing the people to gather sturdy furniture and pile them against the gate.
"If they come too close then we will burn it, and might well keep tossing more wood in to keep it burning. After all a burning fence is a great barrier."
Pina nodded and said.
"I am heading to the Countess mansion to report our present situation, stay on alert and keep your eyes peeled for any bandit attack."
Napoleon and Gray nodded.
(10 Minutes later).
After presenting the report on the current situation to the countess, the head maid requested her to have a little food and rest, which she gladly accepted.
After filling her stomach with enough food, she decided to take a short nap in the guest room and instructed the head maid that if anything happens to bring the messenger directly to her.
While leaving the room Pina turned around and asked the old Head maid.
"What would you do if I do not wake up?"
The head maid replied with a creepy smile. "I would splash water on Milady's face and invite her to rise."
"Very good."
( 1 Hour later )
Pina suddenly wake up from her slumber when she felt a feeling of cold water on her face.
She quickly donned her armour over her clothes and headed towards the east gate, as the messenger had informed her a new situation has arisen.
Italica, East gate
Outside.
12:20 PM (Earth Time)
The convoy came to a halt just a few meters away from the gate. The surrounding looked like an intense battle was fought here just hours ago. Though there were no bodies around to be seen the corpses of the dead horse and the sight of some discarded broken weapons and dried blood on the ground proved that point.
Itami took a glance towards the top of the wall to see several men were aiming their bows and crossbows towards them.
"It looks like they are under siege or something," Kurata commented.
"They are really not happy to see us here," Kurokawa said.
Suddenly they heard a Knight yelling at the top of the wall.
"Who is there? Friend or foe, if you are a friend then come out and show yourself."
"Ehh... I think we should try to find somewhere else to sell those dragon scales."
"No, we can't, if we turn back now then we will be perceived as a threat and might face the same hostile welcome whichever town we may go next," Cato stated.
"We have to show them we are not hostile."
Cato opened the back door of the HMV and hopped out, followed by Elvira and Rainn.
'Damn' Itami said to himself.
"I will follow them, stay on alert, at the first sign of hostility prepare to lay suppressive fire and bug out as fast as possible."
The plan was relayed to the others. As Itami got out of his HMV he looked back to see Arran coming and joining him.
"Hey, you didn't need to join us."
"I can't let you go alone you know and let you do something stupid."
They began to follow Cato and his group towards the gate.
Italica, East gate.
Inside.
12:40 (Earth time)
On the top of the wall, after Norma called out to the unknown people outside the gates, Napoleon and Italica militiamen on the top of the wall waited for their response. They had their bows and crossbows pointed towards them but Napoleon doubted those would be useful against those metal constructs outside the gate.
A few moments later they were soon joined by Captain Pina and her page.
They looked through the small opening on the eastern gate's small side door.
"What are those ?" asked Hamilton "Are those armoured carriages ?"
"We don't know," Napoleon said coming down from the wall. "Whatever things those are they are forged iron and there are people riding them."
"The last bigger one looks quite intimidating."
They waited for a few seconds more with no response.
"Norma" Pina ordered, "Tell them this is their last warning before w..."
"Captain someone coming out from those metal carriages." Grey points out.
From behind the first carriage, three people came out.
The first was an old man wearing blue wizard master clothing and a pointed hat. He began to walk with the support of his staff on his right hand. Then followed by two women one had a blonde and other brown hair. Then finally being joined by two men in Green fabric clothing and helmets. Though both the men's clothing patterns were totally different.
"Master Cato !"
Pina looked towards Grey who had a surprised look on his face.
"That's master Cato, the renowned mage who personally trained his majesty the Emperor."
Grey nodded and says.
"Captain if Master Cato is on those strange people side then it is safe to assume they are not hostile."
"Are you sure Grey ?"
"Yes captain, I am absolutely sure."
Pina thought for a minute, Pina master Cato had already taken the side of the Brigands they would have already broken through the walls during the first assault. Having a veteran and powerful mage on their side will turn the tide of the battle. They surely are on short on noble officers right now. Half of Napoleon's men are already dead and wounded.
Knock Knock
They were now at the door.
Pina thought for a few seconds before saying to herself.
"If they are not our enemies, it is better making them our allies."
She in a hurry pushed the wooden bar of the door and pushed the door open.
"Welco..."
On the other side, there were master Cato and the two girls. They were looking at the ground with a confused expression on their faces.
She looked down to see a man in green clothes lay unconscious on the ground.
When she raised her head to explain her mistake she found out his companion is pointing a black stave which oddly looked like a musket at her face.
(30 seconds earlier)
As they reached the side door of the large wooden gate, Itami decided to initiate the first contact with the city's inhabitants.
"Should I call Muller to help you ?"
"No it will be fine Arran, I have trained myself a bit in the local language. Until they don't use some new word it will be fine."
Itami knocks at the door.
There wasn't a response for a few seconds.
Itami turned his head back to say something to Arran when suddenly the door opens up towards him knocking him out cold.
By reflex, Arran quickly pointed his L85 rifle at the red headed woman's face.
"RCT actual is down! RCT actual is down"
From the back of the convoy, he could the cocking of the machine guns as they pointed towards the wall. The German APC broke formation and jumped in front of Itami's HMV.
Kurokawa, Carter and James soon Joined Arran at the gate.
Kurokawa kneeled down to check Itami
"He is alright Sir, Lt. is just unconscious." She stated
"Well then, don't just stand there wake him up." Arran barked.
"Was it my doing..?" Pina asked both confused and scared, she never had a musket pointed towards her. Her knights wouldn't move a muscle for the safety of their commander and the militiamen were too scared right now with an Iron behemoth now standing in front of their gate posed to break through it if anything happens.
Cato nodded and said. "Young knight you should think about the person on the other side of the door before opening it like that."
After a few slaps on Itami's face, he finally gained his consciousness.
"Ohh, my face.." he mutters. " Care to explain what just happened ?"
"Sir, You were just knocked out by the lady over there," Carter answered as he pointed his L85 towards her.
"Hey," Itami said while standing up. "can't you be bit careful when opening a door."
The answer didn't come, instead, he saw she was paralysed with fear, he looked back to see the reason why. When you have three assault rifles pointed towards your face you ought to paralyze in fear.
Itami gestures towards Arran to lower their guns. Which they do but they keep their guns at the ready to meet any threats.
Seeing them lowering their weapons Pina sighs is relief along with her fellow knights
Itami then decides to strike a conversation by beginning with..
"So miss I think you owe me an apology for your mistakes you know."
Before she could reply a shorter woman in a similar armour of the redhead but less decorative stepped in front the woman blocking the way and yells at them on top of her voice.
"Stupid commoners, this is an insult to the nobility of Germania, show some respect, you are standing before Pina de Terre a noble and commander of the Rose knight order. You should bend your knee and apologize immediately for addressing her in such a barbaric manner."
As Itami tried to find words to respond, Arran took over.
He walks past Itami and stands in front of the short brown haired teenager. "Did he ask you anything little girl? Ehm ? " he snaps at her.
This enrages Hamilton, as she reaches to her wand, she is suddenly smacked by Pina from behind on her head, who has now return back to normalcy and saw her subordinate trying to escalate the already tensed situation.
"I apologize for my subordinate's rude behaviour and my clumsiness before, please come in."
She moves away from the door to let Itami and his group in. Once inside she asks.
Arran instructed his men to form a small circle around the civilians. They were receiving several curious glances from the Militiamen and the townspeople who were watching the strange clothed men entering through the gate.
"What business are you all here for ?"
Arran turns back and asks. "Mr Cato, would you take over ?"
"Yes, my good man why not."
Cato comes forward.
"Young knight, we came here with no hostile intent, we are here just to sale our things in this town."
"Sage Cato !" Someone yells from behind the barricade.
Cato looks over Pina's shoulder to see his old companion Percival, Coda's village chief coming towards him. He was soon blocked a few knights from coming any closer.
"Young Knight, would you please let my old friend through."
Pina nodded and orders her knights to let him through.
Percival arrives and gave Cato a bear hug.
"Cato, you come again in the time of our need." He looks past his shoulders to see and recognise the face of his village saviours.
"Thanks to the founder, you have also brought the Green Guardians with you, the city will be truly saved." He said out loud.
Percival turns towards the dishearten defenders and people of Italica and began to shouts in joy.
"People of Italica, we are not in peril anymore, the saviours of the Coda village, the warriors who stood their ground alone against the might of the Imperial Fists and their dragons and prevailed, the Green Guardians are here to help us save the town of Italica from the evil clutches of the Brigand army."
First, there was no response and then slowly people began to cheer waving their weapons and hands in the air in joy. For them, the legendary Green Guardians are here to help the beleaguered people on Italica in the time of their need as they did for the Coda villagers. The morale of the people grew ten forth as the news of their arrival began to spread all over the town.
"Ehh... Lt. why are these people are cheering ?" James asks.
"They are cheering for us private, we are somehow popular among these people for helping the Coda villagers before. They have even had a nickname for us."
"What is that, Sir ?"
"Green Guardians."
As the commoners cheered, the Noble knights especially Pina had a grim look on her face. In front, her were the men who defeated the mighty Imperial Fists. They are her enemy who tried to defy Imperial authority in Formar. But now she needed them the most, There aren't many mages left in the town. Many are already dead or wounded in the previous assaults. She wanted to draw her wand and cast a deadly spell on these people but she controlled herself. The defence of the city comes first, so by swallowing her honour and says.
"Please follow me, we have much to discuss."
"Before we follow you I want you to open the gates so that our men outside would be able to enter into the city," Arran said.
Pina sighs and orders her men to open the main gate. A few seconds later five strange horseless iron carriages enter the through the gate.
Soldiers from RCT 3 began to disembark and form a perimeter around their vehicles to keep the curious civilians away.
"Now would you please follow me."
"Master Cato, would you join us ?" Itami asks.
"Sure, why not, lead the way."
"Carter and James follow me, others stay here to be on alert, but stay as friendly as possible. Also, don't let Rainn and Elvira go anywhere until we return."
"Yes sir." members of RCT 3 replied in unison.
Pina began to walk towards the large mansion that sat all above the medieval-looking building in the city followed by Itami, Arran, Cato, Carter and James.
Italica, Formar Mansion.
For generations, Italica has been under the generous rule of the counts of the Formar family. Due to the unwavering loyalty for generations to the crown the relation between the counts of Formar and the ruling emperor has always been strong.
The group walks down a long corridor of the massive mansion as the Pina explains the town's history.
"A couple of months ago the emperor along with the Gallian king with full support from the Pope opened the Gate on the Alnus hill. The main objective of opening the gate was to open a direct route the Holy lands and send an invasion force through it and catch the Elves off-guard. Instead, the gate joined to a strange new world. With the ambition of further expansion of the imperial authority to the unknown lands on the other side of the gate, it was decided to send an invasion force anyway. Instead of glorious victory the Imperial legions faced a crushing defeat and were forced to flee. The gate was temporarily sealed off and call came to muster a force to defend the imperial land from the enemy counterattack. The Count answered the call by leading most of the professional soldiers along with entire Italican artillery corp. with him. The enemy didn't make a move for nearly a month when suddenly they attacked the holiest and auspicious day the birthday of the Founder Brimir which is celebrated as a big event all over the Halkeginia. The defenders were caught off guard and were massacred, a few were able to escape only to go insane later on after witnessing the horrors of the massacre of their comrades. The Count and the Italican soldiers never returned. This in return turned the law and order situation of the entire province into a nightmare. The regular patrols those were conducted before halted completely. The situation became so bad that even defending the city is proving difficult."
The group then stopped in front of a large wooden door.
"Right past the door is Myui, the current Countess of Formar province and leader of Italica."
Pina pushed the door open revealing the throne room of the Formar mansion. In the middle of the highly decorated room, on a small podium, sat a small girl with orange hair in a pink dress on a wooden chair. On her right was an old woman in maid clothes and on the left was a man in butler clothing.
"Damn, she is just a child," Carter whispers.
"No shit," James replies.
"The countess just turned twelve recently," Cato informs as they enter the throne room.
Pina took a few steps and stands next to the decorated throne.
"As you all can see, asking her to command an army would be too much, so I have taken the command of the defences in her stead."
"Captain, who are those people ?" Myui asks curiously looking at the strange green clothed men in front of her.
She had recently heard stories of men in green clothes and armour have fought against the imperial fists and soundly defeated them while protecting the Coda villagers. They have become s stuff of legend among the commoners. She was also glad they stopped the horrible acts of violence committed by them on her people.
"They are..." Pina was interrupted when Arran came forward from the group to themselves.
" Lieutenant Arran, madam, I am officer of the 3rd Battalion of the British army, Lieutenant Itami officer of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force. We are part of the United Nations Task Force and I assure you we nor our armies do not desire to threaten you or your city."
"Then would you help us ?, the Tristain army and Rose order knights are still a day away from the city and the defences are failing, I have heard the stories of men in green clothes like you have fought and defeated the mighty Imperial Fists. If these stories are true then help us hold the town for tonight."
There was silence for a minute or so
"We would like to help you," Itami says breaking the silence.
"Hey, Itami aren't you jumping up the gun," Arran whispers.
"These people are in dire need of our help. If the city falls not only the civilians will be massacred we will also be losing this strategic position."
Thinking for awhile Arran walks out of the room. He switches his radio on.
"RCT3 4-3 this is RCT3 4-1 come in, over."
"This is RCT3 4-3, over."
"RCT3 4-4 local authorities are asking for our help to help them defend this from the Brigands for tonight. Contact Base command and ask permission if we can do that, over."
"Roger that RCT3 4-1, out"
He walks back to the room to see Cato was having a hearty conversation with the countess.
He joins back the group and waits for a response from the command.
Suddenly his radio crackles to life drawing everyone's attention towards him.
"RCT3 4-1, command is ok with us for aiding the city, but they asked for more information about the situation we are in ASAP. over"
"Affirmative 4-4 will try to gain more information as quick as possible, 4-1 over"
"4-4, and inform other units to be prepared for combat. over"
"Roger that 4-1, 4-4, out."
"What were you doing now ?" Myui asks.
"Me? your highness, I just received confirmation from my high command to help you defend the town."
"How can you do this, are you a mage ?"
"No, you milady, we along with the whole of the UN Task Force not a single one of them is a mage. Everything we do is possible due to the fact of the advanced technologies we use." Cato explains.
"Advanced what ?"
"They make use of their scientific advances rather than the use of magic, milady" Cato said.
"So you are all commoners, Your army is an army of commoners," Pina states shocked by this revelation.
"Our base is situated at the Alnus hill."
"You are the outworlders those are invading the empire !" Pina stated as placing the countess behind her.
"Why are you helping us ?" Countess asks.
"Countess" Arran explains calmly "Though we at war with the empire, the safety and life of civilians comes first. That's the reason why we are ready to help you."
"How do you have those horseless armoured carriages ?" Countess asks again as Pina stays in the alert.
"Countess, can we keep the explanation for later on. Right now we have to plan for the defence of the city." Itami says.
Pina sighs she now know the real identity of the Green Guardians. They were the out-worldly invaders and her enemy, but the Itami person was right they have to place the city and its people before her personal grudges. She will deal with them later on after the brigand menace is taken care of.
"Right we will discuss this later on, Now please follow me."
"Head maid would you sent a messenger to the get Captain Napoleon here."
"Certainly milady."
The soldiers and Cato follow Pina and the Countess into another room. Sometime later they are soon joined by Napoleon.
Countess ordered one of her maids to prepare some beverages and also bring the map of the city.
"Please have a seat," Pina said.
Arran, Itami and Cato took the sofa on the left while Carter and James stood behind them. The three nobles took the right. A table lay in between. As the group were sitting down the maid returned with a large tray with eight small cups and a jug. She gave everybody a cup and filled them with a pink liquid which looked like grape juice. The map was rolled on the table. The map was only a drawing, but it had the precise representation of every roads, streets and alley.
Arran checks his pockets only to find his notepad is missing.
'Must have left it in the Humvee' he thought.
"Itami you have notepad ?" Arran asked.
"Yeah sure, here."
"Good," he said as drew a pen from his pocket.
Pina with Napoleon's help began to explain the current state of the defences of the city.
"We currently have nearly one thousand men including the noble officers defending the city," Pina said.
"We presume there are nearly 800 or so brigands attacking the city," Napoleon added.
Arran nodes and notes the data into his notepad.
"So we have the advantage in numbers." Itami states.
"Though we have clearly numerical advantage the brigands are former imperial soldiers who were attacking the Alnus hill. They also have some Gallian troops in their ranks. They all have the basic training when joining their respective armies. A lot of them have battlefield experience under their belt. On the other hand except for a few noble officers and Town watchmen, others are peasants, farmers, merchants and artisans who took up arms to defend the city." Pina stated.
"The brigands also don't have the numbers to attack multiple locations at the same time," Napoleon added.
"As you can see." pointing towards the map. " the brigands attacked the East gate today morning, the gates were heavily damaged during the attack and they likely are going to attack that position again."
"Countess would you allow the non-combatants to take shelter in the mansion, I do not want woman and children caught up in the middle of the fighting when it begins," Itami asks.
"Yes, I think it will be possible."
"Good."
"What is going to be our strategy ?"
"I want you to guard the West Gate for tonight, they will definitely attack us from there, if the rumours of your capabilities are true then you will be able to push them back," Pina says by taking the initiative.
"Hmmm... Captain, I think your plan is fine but I want to post some of my men on other gates too, so that if the bandits think otherwise then they can act as your reinforcements."
Pina thinks for a while.
"Ok then we have an agreement, Take your men to the west gate."
Arran and Itami stood up and saluted before leaving the room followed by Cato, leaving the Pina, Napoleon and Countess alone in the room.
"It is a right decision to let them enter the city? They are the outworlders from the Alnus after all." Myui asks who was having doubts of the true intentions of the these Green guardians.
"Time will tell countess, time will tell," Pina replies.
Deep inside Pina was praying to the founder for the Brigands to attack the West gate tonight. Not only the outworlders would be dead by defending the already broken gate as how powerful their rumoured weapons must be they are still commoners and they can't hold out against overwhelming numbers. The brigands also will be low on strength after facing them and She would be able to lead the city's militia to victory. She would be hitting two birds with a single stone. The surviving outworlders would be taken as prisoners and their so-called advanced technology would be under imperial possession.
Finally, She would be able to avenge her brother Vance death who was killed in the defence of the gate by securing the first victory against the out worlder invaders.
( 5 minutes later )
Itami and Arran walk through the empty hallway towards the mansion gates.
As they exited the mansion Arran turns his head back to find James was missing from the group.
"Carter when did that guy go?"
"Sir I think he might be taking some pictures with his camera. He was already fascinated when we entered the mansion and wanted to explore it for a bit."
"Ehh... that idiot. go quickly and get him before he does something that might offend these people."
"Yes, sir."
Carter walks back into the mansion and finds out James was there taking pictures of some decorative carvings and paintings on the walls.
"Hey asshole, don't just run off from the group like a little kid searching for a candy," he yells at him.
"Sorry, just got mesmerised by these paintings over here."
"Get over here before Lt. kick our asses."
"Okie dokie."
He slings his camera and began to run towards Carter, but suddenly he crashes into a maid who came out of nowhere holding a large basket filled with loads of bread.
"Kyaaaa."
Massaging his back James get back on his feet and extends his hand to the fallen girl.
"Sorry miss."
The girl her head and looks right into James' eyes. Her calm face soon turns into surprised and then to tears. She caught hold of James' hand and began rambling to his surprise in Japanese.
Soon he was joined by Carter
"Miss could you be able to speak in English please, I do not understand Japanese."
The girl stops and after a few seconds utter a few words in broken English.
"You...British Army...Come...help...me...I...Nihhon...person."
"You are a Japanese citizen!" James asks her with widen eyes.
The girl nods in response.
Carter contact Lt. ASAP, I think we might just have found a missing person from the Battle of Ginza.
Formar Mansion, Throne room.
Countess Myui had never been felt so betrayed in her whole life. He personal maid, whom she has also considered as her best friend turned out to be an outworlder.
After the strategy planning was over, Captain Pina and Napoleon stayed behind to discuss how to deal with these outworlder soldiers after the Brigand threat was dealt with. But when suddenly the door of the throne room was flung open as Itami and Arran enter the throne room along with their two other soldiers escorting Minami along with them.
Seeing this Head maid miss Kaine quickly responded.
"Dear sirs, did Minami did something wrong ?"
" No, madam she did nothing wrong, but we are here to present our gratitude for rescuing and protecting one of our citizens from the other side of the gate," Itami said.
Myui widen her eyes and quickly stood up from her throne.
"What !, Minami is this true ? are from the other side of the gate ?"
Minami comes forward and speaks by lowering her head
"Yes milady, I am a Japanese citizen, my home lies on the other side of the gate. I was kidnapped by the Imperial army but was able to escape from their clutches while on the road to a slave market."
"Then your story of your native village on the far east of Italica, the accounts of your family, where it all just a lie."
"I am sorry milady, the part of my home in a far-off village was a lie, but the part that I share with you about my family was all true."
"You were the only one I ever trusted, but you lied to me."
"I am sorry milady, I am sorry for deceiving you and every other person in this mansion who was kind to me. I was scared that if my origins were discovered I would have been looked down upon, or worse I would have been handed over to the army and sold into slavery." Minami says as tears flow down her cheeks.
Myui comes down her podium and hugs Minami and says.
"I would never have done that, though you were from otherside of the gate, you are still my friend."
As she releases her. "But you shouldn't have hidden your origins from me."
"Milady, It was your father's orders to keep her origin secret from others. It was meant to protect her from the prejudice of other staff members of the mansion. He didn't want this poor girl to suffer more for only being an outsider as he rode to battle her people at the gate." Kaine speaks up.
Myui lowers her head
"I understand, he was always a very kind person who looked after his people."
She turns towards Itami and asks. "Are you going to take her away ?"
" Yes your highness, she had to return back to her home and to her family."
"I understand."
"Your Highness, would you allow Minami to be under your care until the battle is over?" Arran asks.
"Yes, she is welcome to stay as many days she wants, She is my friend after all," Myui says with a smile.
Itami and Arran present a quick salute before turning back and leaving the room. Leaving Minami behind in the Throne room.
"Minami."
"Yes, milady."
"I want to know about the world that lies on the other side of the gate. Would you tell me about it ?"
"Yes, milady certainly," Minami replies.
" Please, you are my friend call me Myui."
Brigand Base Camp, Commander's tent.
Brigand commander Solvin was having a hard time keeping his men from deserting again. He already had nearly died twice, first in the hands of outworlders counter-attack and then in the hands of the Imperial fists when his own men rat him out in fear of being burned alive by their dragons. The only thing keeping his men from running away was the fear of being executed by the worst possible seen fit by the fists.
He looks around to see the wounded were being treated and dead were being piled up into a grave near the camp. Nearly one-third of his men were dead or wounded. He hasn't expected these much casualties. If there were only the town watch and the city's militia they were facing then the siege would have been a walkover. But in the nick of time, a group of Noble knights reinforced the city and were inflicting heavy losses on his forces by their magical attacks.
The first assault ended in a disaster, his men weren't expecting the Knights joining the defender's ranks and were forced to retreat after heavy losses. The second assault also ended in failure but he also able to secure a strategic victory in the battle. His musketeers were able to kill and wound many knights those dared to venture on top of the wall. After the gates were broken much more were killed in the melee that followed. If he had a pair of cannons in his possession then those walls and those Nobles wouldn't have stood a chance.
He hears a pair of heavy footsteps marching towards him. His around to see a group of Fists lead by Captain Noldid coming towards him.
"My lord." Solvin bows his head.
"Commander, I had expected you to break through the walls the day before yesterday. What is the holdup?"
"Sire, it would have been possible if the defenders weren't being reinforced by a group of Noble Knights. They already have inflicted heavy losses on my men."
He notices a frown forming on Noldid's face.
"Not to wo...worry my lord, my musketeers have already taken care of most of them, only a hand of them remain standing. I promise in the next assault tonight we would surely break through their defences and sack the city."
"I will be taking command of tonight's attack commander. I want this siege over with as quick as possible. The knights of the city must have requested reinforcements and they will be arriving soon. The city must be burning before they arrive." Noldid states.
"Yes my lord, I will be honoured to be fighting under your command."
"Hmmm... what is your strategy for tonight's assault ?"
Solvin unrolls the map on the table. The map has been marked with a red x which designates the broken gate. He points towards the west gate and says.
"Sire, we have already broken through the western gate. I have decided to lead the attack through this gate tonight."
Noldid thinks for awhile.
"That will not do you are going to lead the infantry assault on the East gate. You have already broken through east so they would have set up their heavier defences there. Attack them where they least expect and we will prevail."
he continues. " You will personally lead the infantry charge against their defences. If you are unable to breakthrough then only we will join the battle. Are you clear ?"
Solvin nods and replies. "Yes my lord."
"Good, then go and prepare for tonight's attack."
Solvin salutes and turns around to leaves the tent.
"If he fails to take the walls then kill him on the spot and take command," he orders one of his subordinates.
Looking at the map of the city. Noldid unsheathes his knife and stabs it into the heart of the city where the Formar mansion is situated.
"Tonight Italica will burn."
UNTF Fort Endurance, Special Region, August 30, 2019.
Command Centre, Briefing room.
"Gentlemen Attention please."
The conversations between the officers suddenly stopped as Gen. Hazama stepped on the small stage. O'Brien stood beside him.
"At 1240 hours RCT 3 made contact with the city of Italica. the regional capital and an important trade hub of the region. The city is currently under attack by a large bandit army. The local leadership has asked for our assistance to deal with the bandits and we are going to help them."
He points towards the aerial image of the city taken just a few days back through a UAV.
"According to the info we are provided by our men. The city's western gates have already been damaged beyond repair leaving a massive gap between the city's defences. our men have also reported that the city's defences won't be able to hold another assault due to the casualties they already have taken."
"Sir." An Italian officer raises his hand.
"Yes."
"Sir, the brigands are attacking a city full of people, they must have a numerical advantage the besieging bandits."
"You are right Lieutenant, but the defenders are just conscripted citizens armed with pitchforks and spears. On the other hand, the attackers are former soldiers from the army those have resorted to banditry after we routed their army during the battle of Endurance. The main professional defending force of the city has also been downsized after their previous lord led his army against our initial push into the special region. From what info we have gathered the city is now ruled by a twelve-year-old girl with no experience. We also have confirmed reports on the discovery of a Japanese citizen who was abducted during the battle of Ginza. The person had been rescued and sheltered by the present countess.
After a brief pause.
" Now the 1st Cavalry division and JSDF's fourth Airborne combat unit will be sent as the air component of the reinforcements we will be sending. Col. Romanov's Combat Group Beta will be following them close behind. we are going to relieve the city from attacking bandits and garrison Italica and form a FOB. Our top priorities are to defend the city and also to secure this region for our further operations. With the city under our control, we will be controlling the important trade highway of the empire and cutting off communication between the Germania and her allies in South and Southeast. We will also finally be able to find out what happened to our people brought here through the gate.
"Any questions ?"
Col. Romanov raised his hand.
"General, I need your permission to take the British military music band with me."
"Why is that Colonel ?" Brigadier Smith asks.
"Brigadier if we are going to take control of the city we are going to do it with a victory parade. As a matter of fact, I haven't brought my own musical band I would like to borrow yours," he replies with a smile.
"Yes, you can Colonel. Yes, you can." Smith replies back.
" Gentlemen, we have Imperial nobility in the city, By the show of our military might and our real war waging capabilities we will be trying to persuade them it is better to negotiate rather than fight a costly war. And about the Band, you also have my permission Col. Romanov. Show them that we are not some barbarian rabble from the other side of the gate but a well-disciplined professional fighting force under UN banner from a much more advanced and civilized world that they ever saw and met before."
"Dismissed."
Italica, West gate
18:46 PM
The soldiers of RCT 3 were setting up firing positions and setting up sandbags on top of the wall, just over the gate.
The Marder APC had positioned itself right in front of the gate with its 20 mm cannon pointing right at the broken gate now stuffed with wooden furniture and other wooden stuff to form a barricade. Right behind it some of the soldiers were helping the militia and fixing the wooden barricade which acted as the second line of defense. The girls along with Cato have already been moved to the Formar mansion for safety reasons. Cato insisted on staying, but Itami denied as he was still a non-combatant and he wouldn't allow a civilian under his position to risk their lives.
"Monsieur, with all due respect we are basically acting as the meat shields for that red-headed knight captain. With no support we might be overrun by those bandits out there we are outnumbered 10 to 1 here. I guarantee that she must have instructed her men to strip our dead after the battle for our weapons and equipment." Sergeant Beaman said visibly irritated.
"I understand how you feel Sergeant, but that is not going to be the case. We already have extinguished all the fire that showed this gateway to be defended. With the NVGs we will be leading them into a trap. That's the reason why I positioned our only IFV in front of the gate. Anything crosses through would be met with the heavy machine gun and 20mm cannon fire. Plus the base has been notified of our situation and the reinforcements will be on the way."
"Who are they sending sir ?"
"The American 1st Cavalry, JSDF airborne combat group and the Combat Group Beta consisting elements from the Germans, Canadians, Russians and Indians tanks and troops, they will be arriving to reinforce us soon. They will be garrisoning the town and will establish a FOB for our further operations. We just have to hold out until they are here."
Just as Arran finished explaining Beaman, Itami walks towards him.
"Everything is set up Arran, we are ready for anything that comes beyond the wall."
"RCT3 4-1 to RCT3 4-5, is everything is ready? over."
"This is RCT3 4-5 to 4-1. Everything ready here over." Cpl. Cardwell reports from the east gate.
"Affirmative 4-5, do you need anything else ? over."
"4-1, the only thing I need is to someone tell these overdressed bunch here to stop glaring daggers at me like I am gonna blow a hole in the walls myself, over."
"Just Ignore them and continue your mission, over."
"Roger that over and out."
Italica, East gate, August 31, 2019.
3:30 AM
It was already midnight, there was still no sign of the Brigand army. The sunrise was drawing closer and the widow of a night attack along with it. Cardwell kept up his guard as he patrolled on the walkway on the wall and keeping vigilant watch of his surroundings. A woman walked past him who was offering water to the militiamen guarding on the wall. He looks down to see numerous bonfires illuminating the dark night of the special region. He looks up to the beautiful twin moons of this world.
'The moons are the proof that we are in a different world rather than travelled back in time to medieval Europe.' He thought to himself.
From the time he arrived at the walls the morale of the militiamen are at the peak. They considered him and his comrades as heroes who stood an impossible force. Some of them even tried to share their food with him, which he politely declined.
The only people those kept distance from him were the high mighty overdressed knights. They were of two different groups. One those were with light armour and had blue uniforms with a blue hat. These guys looked like the ones from the Three Musketeers movie he watched a considerable time ago. They were armed with swords and some of them even had wands attached to their hips. The other group was the one that had the overall command of the defences. They were donned with highly decorated ornamental armour and capes. These were the guys who most of the time glared daggers at him. According to the info the ones with blue hats were the Knights from a neighbouring Kingdom called Tristain. They are here to help their Germanian allies The Rose order. It was really a peculiar name for a knight order, but when commanded by a woman of a very young age, like this names are predictable.
All around him men were slowly falling asleep. Much more were barely keeping their eyes open. For making matters worse he himself was falling asleep too.
He put down his Famas assault rifle on the walkway and began stretching his hands and legs. He decided to sit down on the ground to rest his legs for a while. When his eyes fell upon figures getting out of the bushes. He didn't realize who and what are they until dozens of bright red dots appeared in the group. The dots began to fly in the sky towards the wall.
One landed next to him. It was a burning arrow. Some of them were able to hit their mark, killing some unsuspecting militiamen.
One of the Knights began to yell, alerting all the guards on the wall along with the barricades on the ground that acted as a secondary line of defence on the ground.
He armed his Famas rifle and began returning fire picking up men running towards the wall holding ladders and heavy shields. As they began to fall down dead by his fire they were soon replaced by their comrades those who picked the ladders up and kept their advance on the wall. The militia also fired their arrows and crossbow bolts at the oncoming bandits, but with little success.
As He reloaded a fresh clip into his rifle he heard loud sounds of muskets being fired on the wall. He quickly took cover behind the wall. But some of the defenders were cut down by the musket volley along with one of the Tristain knights who had exposed himself for sending his magical attacks through his sword.
Cardwell got up and started running along the wall towards the gate when the second rain of burning arrows fell upon him. He tried to dodge some of them and was successful. He started to yell through his radio.
"This is RCT3 4-5 to all elements, East gate is under attack! I repeat the East gate is under attack! requesting assistance over."
But nothing came back. Hell, his radio was even not working. He slowly looked back to find miraculously an arrow had hit his back and had struck on the radio rendering it out of order. His radio saved his life but at the cost of being isolated from the rest of his platoon.
As he fired another burst towards the attacking brigands he heard a loud screeching noise in the air. He face turned pale, he knew this sound, he heard it before when they were defending the Coda villagers days ago. This was the roar of a dragon and it was coming from the side of the brigands.
To be continued
This chapter was getting too big so I have decided to divide into two parts. This is the longest chapter I have written so far and it will be not the last.
Don't forget to review.
Stay tuned for next chapter : Battle of Italica pt II