Location: South Osterlend:
The stench of powder filled the air as soldiers of the Kasierreich were fighting for the field.
"Wheel right! Wheel right damn you!"
An officer shouted, and the sergeants pushing the men in formation using their spontoons were quick to enforce the order that was given down the line. The 22nd regiment of foot, under Kommandant Klein, was newly raised and untested up until this moment.
The rank and file, who were drilled endlessly enacted what was now firmly etched in their minds. Wheeling right as demanded they now parallel the opposing Tsardom fusiliers, their faces now in clear view.
"Make ready!" The order echoed through the company, muskets now raised and at half cocked.
"Present!" Muskets shouldered, barrels pointed forward.
"Fire!" The bellow of the volley fire was deafening as its cadence descended down the ranks.
Troopers of the Tsardom reciprocated in kind. With soldiers now beginning to drop on both sides, dead or dying.
"Independent fire, give them hell!" Shouted Klein, riding back and forth encouraging the men.
Crackles of shots continued, the fight was fierce, until eventually the pressure of murderous fire forced the Tsardom forces to waver, with enough time these opposing forces would flee.
-Line Break-
As the general spotted the right flank secured, with the enemy's left now sporting a wide gap, he waved for the right battalions to advance, now with these forces adjacent to the unit beside the fleeing Brown coats.
The subsequent fire was continuous as the Kaiserreich troops crushed their enemies morale, unit after unit until they began to flee until a broad order of withdrawal was sounded on the bugle from the brown coats lines.
While attempting to fall back in good order, the remaining troops began to panic as Kaiserreich Hussars began to come into view behind them. These horsemen's intent was clear as the shine from their unsheath sabers painted a sure picture of what is to happen.
The 12th regiment of horse, colloquially known as Rudolph's Horse was composed of hardened troopers, with the outfit seeing two campaigns prior to the current one. Called into the fray they ran through the fleeing fusilier forces with glee, hacking and slashing until their trumpet of recall was sounded.
The rank and file cheered the hussars on, as with the remaining enemy dead or surrendered, the battle was over and the day was won… for now.
-Line break-
Col. Klein was sitting in his field office, writing his regiments report after the battle of Strangerfields. 35 casualties, 3 missing, and 2 recommended for promotion. As he was continuing his report, a courier entered, and stood at attention.
"Orders from Field Marshal Wittelsbach." The messenger handed the letter to the Colonel.
"Thank you, that will be all." With the messenger recognizing his dismissal with a quick salute, he promptly exited the tent.
Klein opened his letter, noting it was indeed from Wittlesbach, based on the wax seal of the Marshall's house.
He smiled as he read his former classmate's letter regarding his new assignment.
I have received word of our victory over the Tsardom, and his majesty is elated. Several dispatches via crow were received and most notably detailed the valour your regiment had exhibited. His majesty wishes to congratulate you and your regiment. He has personally ordered your regiment specifically to sail to the colonies for garrisoning, and has granted bonus pay from his personal coffers.
A bit of fun relaxing in the sun? With more coin to boot? My word Ludwig, you lucky dog you!
Your departure is set in four days time, I expect to see you to be in Port Steinburg before then. Try not to drink all the beer before you land, I swear, you drink as much as a fish.
Best regards,
Hansel Wittlesbach.
-Line break: Port Steinburg-
As the regiment marched on the gangplanks two-by-two to the ship's deck, Klein met with the captain of the transport fleet and the lieutenants that served under him.
"How fares the route to New Bayren? Are we to be granted fair weather or are we in for a rough time of it?" He asked.
Captain Webber smiled at Klein's remarks. "Ah, we believe it will be an easy go of it, but the seas are up to change at a moment's notice."
"I see, regardless I'm confident you boys will see us through to our destination." Stated Klein.
"Without a doubt, Colonel, without a doubt." Agreed Webber.
As Klein surveyed the procession, he had took notice of the Marines at attention, as his soldiers marched.
"My, your marines look rather smart, new uniforms?" He asked.
"Oh, you noticed, did you? Aye, their new uniforms have them wear short tailed coats with black gaiters now. Their mitre caps now bear the insignia of the admiralty, though I wager they shoot just as fast as your land-loving grenadiers." Webber chuckled.
"A friendly wager then, three of my grenadiers against three of your marines… how many accurate rounds they can fire off in a minute, the officer who loses buys rounds for both sides at the local watering hole, what say you." Klein extended his hand.
"I'll take your wager, Colonel, with pleasure I might add, I only hope you have deep enough pockets." With a reciprocated handshake and a mutual laugh the deal was set.
-Line break: The far sea-
"You! Help him up on the rigging, you bunch pull down the sails, the rest of you look lively and help your seniors less you want to be sleeping with fishes!" Captain Webber was making the most of a terrible situation, nothing but a calm breeze up until the last night, where howling wind and pummeling precipitation poured plainly on deck rendering everything topside wet and cold.
Sailers scurrying back and forth, and even the marines and soldiers pitched in to reign in control of the ship from the onslaught of the sea.
Captain Webber turned to Klein near the helm of the ship.
"In all my years of service, I haven't experienced anything like this, smooth sailing for the most part, and few rough patches one awhile when traveling from Steinberg to Hannoverfield but I suppose ole Davy Jones is wanting new kompanie." Chuckled the Captain.
A look or worry was seen by the captain on the Colonel's face.
"Don't worry there Klein, I still have our bet to win, I can drown in this storm before I find out just how much you can take."
Klein smiled, "I suppose not Hauptmann, just don't be disappointed when it is I who wins."
And with that, the fleet soldiered through.
-Line break: Kyoshi Island-
Suki had not seen much outside the Earth Kingdom's realms, hell she hasn't seen much outside of Kyoshi island, but with a war on, and being responsible for her village's defense, she did not exactly have many opportunities for adventuring enact upon, not that she desired any to begin with. Drilling her Kyoshi warriors to prepare against Fire Nation soldiers or Earth Kingdom deserters was paramount and that was what she was focused on day in and day out, always vigilant, never slacking, however, even she would falter as she and her warriors would be the first to see the banner of the double headed eagle, carrier by men dressed in Blue and White.