Chapter 8, The End All

Rory watched the men work on the aircraft. She sat in the grass near the airfield. The grass had turned brown, The air was cold, the sky was cloudy. The first snow had fallen last night and there was a light dust of white in some areas. It was a pachey snowfall. Today the local farmers were finishing their harvest. She learned that some farming equipment and supplies from the other world would arrive next week. The things they promised would ensure no one in the city would starve.

She snickered to herself for a moment. In the short time she had known the otherworlders, she had already learned much about them, and their technology. Airplane, Engines, Tanks; She had learned these names. Though how everything worked still eluded her. All she knew was it was not magic. Though it may as well have been. These people clearly possess great power. They were on a whole different level compared to the ones who started this war. The best part was the other worlders were barely trying. She imagined; What if the gate had not been such an obstacle. The ships and aircraft here are not even amongst their largest and most powerful ones. She yearned to see this other world for herself. Having overheard the soldiers talk.

Speaking of which, this deployment as they called it was more like a vacation for them. Some of them were veteran troops. Having fought in wars in their world. The things they described would put even the harshest battles here to shame. Here not only was the enemy a push over, but home was only a few hours boat ride away. Apparently there was a city near the gate. My-am-ee. Is that what they called it? Rory hoped she could see these things for herself.

Still their weapons of war were quite frightening. Even if the Empire had a whole army of destruction mages, they never could have won. These otherworlders wield such power. The power to kill their foe from great distances. She learned that when the Legion was whipped out, and the princess captured; That legion was mostly destroyed by a weapon positioned fifteen kilometers away. Fifteen kilometers, That was about ten of her miles. That was almost a day's journey for the legion. But only an hour for the otherworlders. She thought long and hard for several nights. But eventually she came to the conclusion. There was no scenario in which the Empire could win this war. Even if the deck was stacked in their favor.

She stood up and was about to head back to town. But she continued looking at the aircraft. The ground crew was busy preparing two large pods under the wings of the news arrival. Was this some kind of weapon? The aircraft itself looks more like the 'drones' than the 'manned aircraft'. She had a feeling that she had not felt since all this started. She needed to head for Sadera, The Imperial Capital city. This could only mean one thing. The final battle was approaching, and there would be much blood shed. Her position as an advisor meant her departure would raise suspicion. But her duty as the Apostle to the god of violence and death took priority.

Tonight she would steal a horse, and head for Sadera.

3 days after Rory left

It had been just under a month since they lost a single drum of fuel in a desperate attack by the enemy. But now the final piece of the puzzle was here. Major General Jay Kendal looked over the aircraft on the ramp. It was a MQ-25 Stingray. An unmanned drone that specializes in air-refueling. This was the final piece of the puzzle. They now had everything they needed to cut the head off the snake.

From the beginning the plan was to establish a base and then build supplies for a direct attack on the enemy's leadership. The gate being such a major choke point necessitated a quick victory. If they could take hold of the enemy's capital, they could end this with minimal cost. But even with their technological advantage, taking what would most certainly be the most well defended city in the nation would be no small task.

Intelligence gathering has led them to believe the enemy had about three hundred thousand men in their ranks. Most were deployed around the empire itself, with at most a few thousand per garrison. The capital normally hosted over three thousand regular troops. More recently that number has increased to five thousand. With support from additional armies presumed to be allied with the Empire. This meant they were facing in total, an enemy that was ten thousand strong. On top of that the city was walled and fortified. With a smaller army watching the east approach to the city.

On their side, They had four battalions of infantry to work with. Plus thirty two ground vehicles ranging from tanks to humvees. And self propelled howitzers. They also had twenty-six aircraft. Drones, helicopters, ospreys, and harriers. With a few additional companies brought in to provide rear security and support. They also had their ships. Two LCS, a frigate; Originally four subs, but now only three. And four petrol boats. Plus various LCACs and LCU's. Theoretically they had everything they needed. But they were outnumbered three to one. They needed a plan.

24 hours before the battle begins.

The gates of Saltwood-keep opened up, And the convoy departed on its way to the capital. They were leaving a day in advance because it would be a twelve hour drive to reach the capital. They planned an additional ten hours for resting prior to the battle beginning. There was also the army protecting the east approach to the city. They would need to be dealt with. And they would have no air support during the engagement. But given how quickly battles were won previously, The commanders were confident that two hours would be enough. Ariel recon suggested that the army had hunkered down in an open area near the main road. They sent some of their forces to several nearby villages. It was clear they planned to wait here through the winter.

The convoy consisted of all the tanks and most of the APC's. The Paladins were also accompanying this convoy. There were of course some trucks and light vehicles too. This convoy consisted of the bulk of the attack power for the battle. A secondary force left yesterday consisting of primarily light support vehicles and trucks. They would make an amphibious landing south of the Capital and serve as the distraction force. Recon showed they had no enemy forces on their approach. While the main force had to fight an army.

Ten hours later. Army of Elbe

King Duran sat in his tent looking over various maps and reports. He read the logistics report carefully. His army was four legions strong. But supporting that many men in a single location through the winter would be next to impossible. The town near their location was a fork for two major roadways, One leading directly to the capital. The other led to Mare-Oppidum where the enemy currently resided. The area was relatively hilly with some flatland's between the hills. Since they were only a day's march from the capital most of the land was farmland. With some Timberland too.

But he had to do the same. Traveling in the winter was difficult if not impossible. He would have to remain here which meant using the land's resources. Foraging would provide them with food and water for only a couple of weeks before they used up what was in the area. He sent two legions worth of men home to help stretch the foraging supplies out as much as possible. That left just over two thousand men under his command. That would not be enough. So he divided up one legion and sent the parts to various villages about a half day's march away. They could live off the land in those areas, while the main unit stayed here. Since Elbe was primarily a trading kingdom, He had close connections to traders and merchants. He could easily requisition supplies from them. And the Capital was close by as well. So they could share surplus supplies too.

These decisions should allow them to make it through the winter well rested and fed. Ready to fight come spring. But that meant there was only one Legion here now. Around a thousand men. He knew the enemy already defeated a legion, and took a city. Ordinarily he knew one legion would not be enough against a threat like that. But he also knew the enemy had yet to leave Mare-Oppidum. His trade connections were able to inform him the majority of the enemy's forces were still there. Given Winter was already here Duran was confident the enemy would make no major movements for the next three to four months. They apparently planned to wait out the winter there.

On a hilltop roughly two kilometers away.

Two Royal Marines were prone looking through their binoculars at the enemy camp before them. Just behind them was the rest of their unit in a Land Rover. They were one of three recon units moving in front of the main forces. Before them was what they believed to be the enemy's main camp. Right where the drone showed it to be. About two kilometers behind that was a town. Its light could be seen through the darkness. The sun set a few hours ago. By now most soldiers in that camp were probably going to sleep. This was confirmed when the light coming from inside the largest tent with an elaborate symbol on it went out. They assumed that was the commander turning in for the night. Time to radio the main force.

"Anvil actual, recon three. Position same as before. Head honcho just turned in for the night. The enemy appears unaware of our presence."

There was a pause before the reply came. "Roger that. Tanks are moving into position, with light vehicles behind them. The paladins are set up ten clicks back. They have the range dialed in as best they can. But there's no drone overhead, you'll have to direct their fire. Be ready. Action in two mikes."

The whine of the tank's turbine engine could be heard very faintly through the night. The sound of the engine was loud when next to it. But it's high pitch did not carry far, so it's doubtful the enemy could hear them. In the distance the first shot from the paladins could be heard. A few seconds followed, then the impact. The shell hit a few hundred meters north of the camp in an open field. The recon team informed the leader while they watched light slowly come on in the tents. People began emerging.

Another shot from a paladin. Another impact. Closer to the camp this time. If they adjusted two hundred meters south they would hit the center of the camp.

"Anvil Actual, recon three. Adjust fire two hundred meters south."

It took a few seconds for the order to be relayed, but soon after another shot impacted near the center of the camp. Recon informed Anvil's leader they had the right spot. At that point more shots could be heard. More than one at a time now. Shell impacts began landing all through the camp. For the next sixty seconds it must have been hell down there. The tanks moved in after the artillery stopped.

Down in the camp

Duran had just turned in for the night. He lied in bed with his eyes closed thinking. He hated this whole situation. The Empire goes and invades some other world. When that world justifiably returns the favor he calls them for help. Molt should clean up his own mess. Given the rumors he poked a bear. Not that Duran believed them. The merchants were saying crazy, impossible things. If they were first hand accounts then maybe he would look into it further. But it was all third or even fourth hand statements. One merchant told another, who told another, who told him. The truth won't survive going through that many mouths. Especially when the claims were ludicrous to begin with.

The enemy most likely will have a hard winter. He was aware that Molt sent the reserve fleet and most of his dragon riders to attack the gate. He received no word of their victory or defeat. He may not be informed if they were successful since he would have to wait out the winter anyway. But surely even Molt would tell him if they were defeated. That would be a major set back to their plan. But still Duran had a nagging feeling he should make plans to fight a enemy who's not starving. He'll figure it out in the morning.

An explosion! Duran sat up. That was an explosion, and close. He had no destruction mages in his ranks. No one did. There was no way the enemy could be here, their weeks away. Another explosion, closer this time. Duran stood up and grabbed his long sword. Bandits? They would be stupid to attack a military camp. Mercenaries then. Perhaps the enemy hired them to harass Imperial forces. Awful brazen to attack a camp of this size though. A third explosion. This time inside the camp. Duran hurried out of the tent to see men running everywhere. Lanterns lighting up. Everyone was shouting. But no target in sight. No mage to be seen. No mercenaries to fight.

"What is going on!" Said Duran.

At that moment Explosions rained down. What was one separated by several seconds, became a constant rain of fire and death. Every explosion claimed who knew how many lives.

"The rumors were true!" yelled Duran. The merchants were not mad, they spoke the truth. This had to be the enemy. But why here, So far inland. They must plan to take the capital before winter really sets in. And with power like this…

An explosion landed behind Duran. He was knocked from his feet and thrown tens of yards. Though conscious when he landed, he could not move. He coughed up blood. His organs must have ruptured. He could feel blood pouring over his body. Perforated by shrapnel. Before he lost consciousness the explosions stopped. The sound of the night returned. But then a high pitch whining sound. It got louder. Drew closer. He lost consciousness before he saw what it was.

An hour later.

Twenty minutes was all it took to wipe out the army standing between them and the capital. That included the slow approach they made. And the mop up operations. Most of the enemy was killed. A few managed to make it into the fields and most likely deserted. They were left alone. But some were captured. About thirty men were.

The commander of the unit brought a translator and spoke to the POW's. "Who here is the highest ranking man among you?"

A man walked forward, clearly scared out of his mind. He was shivering, and in his undergarments only. He spoke and then the translator did his job. "He says he is a legate, everyone else here is a common foot soldier."

The commander nodded before addressing him. "You will be given a small amount of food, water, and clothing. You will then depart this village in any direction except the west. Consider yourselves civilians from here on."

They were letting them go. Their job was to assault the capital, They had no time for prisoners. There was no threat these twenty men could pose now. Especially unarmed. It was a day's walk to the capital. Half a day to any nearby village. And weeks to Mare-oppidum. There was nothing these men could do. So they were let go with a few items to aide their journey to a nearby village.

The allied soldiers watched them for thirty minuets as they left. They did as instructed. Heading east to one of the villages in that direction. Soon after they were gone the convoy started up again. It passed through the town much as it had most villages and towns they came across the past ten hours. To no one. The sound of their approach likely scared off anyone. Streets were deserted. Which was fine by them.

Just outside the town, the road forked. One road would head north where it will connect with another road that approached the capital from a different direction. This is where the force would divide up. They evenly split their forces so that half would approach the capital from the north east, the other from the east.

Portus de Sadera, about that same time

Less than one hundred kilometers south of the Imperial Capital city Sadera, was a moderate sized city called Portus de Sadera. It served as the port for the capital, atleast for larger vessels. A river did allow smaller ships to make it into the capital itself. A large paved road connected the two cities. Though trade over the past months had dried up thanks to the enemy's control over the Blue Sea. Surprisingly the enemy made no advances here. Though this city was much farther from the gate. After the news came that Mare-Oppidum had fallen, many expected this city to be next. But an attack never came. In fact none of the sailors here had ever even seen an enemy ship. Though there were reports of strange goings on in the waters nearby. Pipes sticking out of the water that were gone within seconds. Strange humming sounds that come and go. And at least one sighting of a black thing beneath the waves. Someone also reported hearing a strange ringing while swimming underwater.

It was a clear night, and Lorarii could not sleep. So he decided to walk along the docks. The cool crisp air, the smell of the sea. It relaxed him. There were several boats tied up. Fishing boat's mostly, but also some trade ships that became stuck when the enemy took control of the sea. And at least two military ships. When Mare-Oppidum fell a draft was instituted. Most fighting age men in the city were drafted into the guard. But then the enemy never came here. With winter approaching the conscripts were released from their duty. But we're told to come back once spring arrives.

Lorarii looked out to sea. The sky was crystal clear, and the stars seemed extra bright tonight. At the horizon you could clearly see where the sky meets the water. But then he saw something move on the water. It was right on the horizon, its silhouette blocking out the stars behind it. It moved quickly. Then he saw another, and another. What were they, Ships? No ship ever moved at that speed, even with a mage. Some sort of sea creature? No it was on the surface. Whatever they were, they did not appear to be heading for the city. So Lorarii decided to head back home and try to get back to sleep.

In the water off the port city

"So far so good, It seems like we haven't been detected." Said the XO of the Fort Worth.

Her job was to escort the LCAC's and landing forces to their launching point. The Carter already deployed special forces in the area they were to make landfall. The landing zone should be secure by now. They would then push towards the roadway, then to the city. Recon revealed no bridges for them to worry about. Good thing since it was doubtful any bridges the citizens of this world constructed could hold up the weight of even their lightest vehicles. Additionally, unlike the other approaches to the city, this way had no enemy armies stationed on it. Probably because the road only leads to one place.

Onboard the LCAC's and barges was about half a battalion's worth of US Marines. They will be joined by some other troops and light vehicles soon. The Ospreys would bring them in just before dawn after an LZ was secured. They would then continue ferrying troops to and from the battle. The special forces teams would remain, over watching the entrance to that port city, and along key defensive positions on the road. They will be the rear guard. Not that anything the city could muster was a threat. Nor did they plan on letting the enemy get word out of an attack. But the allied forces would still prefer to not get flanked during a major offensive.

The troops begin to make landfall. At the same time Ospreys began to take off from the base. The sun would be up in a few hours. It was an hour flight to the LZ.

Three miles from where the Army of Elbe once stood.

They ran as fast as they could. For three, almost four miles they ran. Awoken by the first few explosions, they grabbed their gear ready to fight. But then it rained hellfire and brimstone. Luckily the contubernium was on the edges of the camp. When the death-rain came, They dropped their gear and ran. Through the town, past the farms, and into the countryside. Tiered and out of breath they stopped. Surly their far enough away now.

The four men talked for a bit. "What the hell was that?"

This question came from the leader, Their most veteran of their eight man unit. But none of the others knew just what had happened. Or where the other four where.

"I don't know. But given what I've heard, that had to be the enemy." Said one soldier

Another interrupted him. "You must be mad. No army of man possess such power. That had to be the gods themselves, angry at something."

A brief argument started, then suddenly stopped. There was a noise in the distance. A high pitched whine, getting louder. It was approaching, and quite rapidly. They could smell it to, a burning smell. They must be downwind then. But none of them knew what it could be.

"Everyone, Into the woods!" shouted the leader.

They did as ordered. Not that it needed to be an order. They laid in the bushes, and behind trees. They watched as the source of the noise passed by. Self propelled carts of some kind. Of many shapes and sizes. But they moved at great speed. They were heading towards the capital.

Command and Control center, Allied base near Mare Oppidum

The time was four fifty eight. The sun would be rising in two hours. Overnight allied forces moved most of their troops to three staging areas outside the capital city. Engagements with the enemies outer line of defense were completed overnight. At this time the allied forces were pushing to the capital, and would arrive in position in less than an hour.

Major General Kendal entered the room. Brigadier General Byrne was already there looking over the battle map. The plan was to have their three battalions divide their forces and give the illusion of a much larger army. Hammer was the two battalions approaching from the East. They would be the ones to push into the city. While Anvil came from the south. They would keep the pressure on the enemy and only push in to reinforce Hammer, Or create a pincer attack on the palace and senate buildings themselves. Before the ground forces made their advance, the harriers would establish air superiority and take out key targets.

The global hawk was already overhead. And it indicated that the enemy had concentrated their forces in three key areas. The palace itself had the largest concentration of forces as there was the main garrison for the capital there. It was located in the center of the city. Smaller concentrations of forces were in the North East and South East corners of the city. But these two garrisons still consisted of just under half the enemy's manpower. One additional force was located outside the city at a palace with a Jade colored roof, And auxiliary units located at an airfield looking area north west. Though both were notably smaller than the forces inside the city, and consisted primarily of cavalry. The Empire most likely planned to use them for flanking attack, or for quick hit and run tactics on supply lines. Not too terrible a strategy. Except they were fighting an enemy that was over a thousand years more advanced.

To the enemies minds, Concentrating their forces, and positioning them as they had allowed them to easily defend the side of the city the enemy would come from. They could easily rotate men out of the fight ensuring they were rested. The walls were big enough that you would need large and cumbersome siege engines to scale them, And they had towered defenses in areas that made any direct attack costly. It was also estimated the city had enough supplies to last several months. However the true power of their enemy was not known. As far as the empire knew, every force they sent against the otherworlders was wiped out. But they did not know how. And they most likely assumed it was by superior numbers or luck.

Today their walls would offer no protection. When the harriers secured air superiority over the city, this concentration of forces would switch to being a convenient target. One that would allow the allied army to break the back of their enemy. Their gates may be able to withstand a ram being pounded into it over and over. But it would not withstand the explosive force that was coming. Archers would be useless against armored vehicles. Tests had shown that modern day body armor and equipment worn by allied soldiers was also capable of protecting against arrows and swords. Not that many, if any engagements would come down to a close fight.

The time was now oh-five hundred hours. First light of the day was seen on the horizon. The mission clock started. The harriers were entering the airspace over the capital, while ground forces were in their staging areas. And thus began the most one sided battle in military history.