32 days after the Revolution begins. Night Raid HQ
The room fell silent in the long moments after Susanoo read the dispatch from the RAHQ
Orders informing Night Raid that they are officially disbanded.
That their comrades Tasumi and Walker are accused of treason and to be terminated on sight.
That their boss Najenda is to return, alone, to the Revolutionary Army's HQ for questioning. No doubt, the Council looks for someone to blame.
"Absolutely absurd!" Lubbock shouted, breaking the lasting, dread filled silence. "We're suppose to believe that Tasumi killed two members of the Council or whatever the hell our higher ups call themselves?!"
"Yeah! Where's their proof?!" Mine chimed in, equally as livid as Lubbock. "How are we suppose to take their word for something we clearly know is a lie?!"
"The only way to know for sure is to go and find out." Bulat stated, crossing his arms.
"But that would mean boss could become a hostage!" Lubbock shot back.
"And if she doesn't, we all end up with targets on our backs!" Bulat shot back. "Do you want to live your life always watching over your shoulder?! Never knowing when that hidden knife will come to claim your life?! Can you really life like that? Can any of you?!"
"It's not like we don't already-!"
"Enough!" Najenda shouted, she looked at each one of her subordinates -ex subordinates now- in the eye willing them to calm down. "I...We have no choice. I'm going. I have to, and find out the truth of what happen."
She looked to Susanoo. "Do you best to make sure these guys don't do anything stupid."
The humanoid Imperial Arms nodded.
"Boss, what if Tatsumi or Walker show up?" Akame asked. "How do we handle with that?"
Najenda let out a sigh. "...Officially, these orders stand. Unofficially, pretend you never seen them before until I can sort this all out. Its...the best option we have right now."
Lubbock let out a tisk, while he didn't like it the man was willing to comply with the orders of his crush.
Mine gave Najenda a shocked look of betrayal. Akame's face held that same readable she had most of the time.
Bulat closed his eyes, frowning but understanding Najenda's position.
Leone leaned forward in her chair, giving a sad smile to the table she now stared at.
"And we're suppose to be the good guys." Leone muttered in a tone of sad sarcasm.
It was a statement everyone in the room could relate to.
After letting it all sink in for a few moments, Najenda rose from her seat.
"I best get ready. It's a long trip."
Susanoo rose to assist his master, leaving the others to their own thoughts. Eventually, one by one the former members of Night Raid leave the room to do whatever they decided on to pass the time and try to push this alarming news from their minds or vent at the frustration of it all.
Regardless, little did these professional assassins, who dedicated so much of their recent lives to the cause of revolution, who are now rewarded with suspension and threat of execution, realize that this very moment...
Was the last all of them would share together.
18 days after the Revolution begins. Holzward, shortly before General Heiscliff's force and the Path of Peace's Vanguard commence combat.
"General! Enemy vanguard spotted." A report came in, brought by a cavalry scout who rush into the general's command tent.
"They've split their forces into three groups, one approaching through the valley, the others on each cliff edge. The group in the valley will make contact first in roughly 15 minutes, the other two about 15 or 20 minutes after."
"Very good, you may leave." General Heiscliff replied. He took the few moments after the scout left to glance at the faces of his staff and other officers here in the command tent.
They had a total force of 6,185 men, mostly mercenaries, to combat a force of 8,000 highly trained, zealot warriors.
447 men of the original 451 Imperial soldiers assigned to this delaying action were divided up according to General Heiscliff's design. His escorts were split among the various mercenary outfits that needed better direction as well as Captain Brigid company (ignoring the uncounted support units) as these soldiers barely have any experience outside bandit suppression.
Of the 500 riflemen from the 1st New Rifle Corps, 2nd Company, only 400 are combatants. Those combatants are divided into two platoons of 200, each lead by a captain, further divided into sections of 100 each lead by a lieutenant, and finally into squads of 20 lead by a sergeant or corporal.
The remaining 100 men are all logistic and command staff. The company staff consists of 22 men in charge of communication, administration, operations, and intelligence. An additional 8 are platoon staff -radio men, messengers, intel agent- divided between the two platoons.
The remaining 70 are divided between blacksmiths, the logistics unit in charge of the distribution and safe keeping of extra ammo, kitchen staff, military police, carpenters/engineers, scouts/foragers, signal corps, doctors, a drill sergeant plus 2 assistants, and finance master with one adjutant.
The remaining 4,234 men where organized according to specialization, size, and quality of arms. With the exception of assigning officers to direct the more rowdy groups, the mercenaries chain of command (in whatever form it took) remained intact as each band was kept together in their assigned units.
34 of these mercenaries were place aside, for they possessed specialize roles ill suited for the coming battle. A reserve was formed of 500 and all cavalry units were divided into three units and placed to the rear of the planned formations. The latter units would have a key role for the last stage.
They have done everything they could in the time allowed. Now, it is the time to see if this was all worth the effort.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the time is upon us." The general continued. "All our preparations are to be tested by this overly zealot force. The forces we have mustered will be taxed in this vital battle. We must hold, no matter the cost. The Empire's fate rests on our shoulders. Do not fail her."
The officers not assigned to staff and had standing orders left, each knowing their role in the coming battle.
General Heiscliff took his place at the head of a square table, upon it a detailed map of the battlefield before them featuring each trench line, wooden walls lining the cliff edges, built in traps, palisades, and other fortifications. Red blocks represented platoon sized formations under their command while blue rectangles awaiting placement stood for the enemy.
Xiao Mei and Su placed these blocks upon the far end of the map; two in the valley and one on each end of the cliff.
"It is fortunate we have those riflemen in place to forestall the incoming attack along the cliff edges...and the addition of another crossbow unit of 80 to augment their force." Heiscliff started, pointing at the areas he brought to attention in turn.
"Bowmen lining the cliff side to prick at the enemy forces coming up from the valley before slamming into our kill field. Pitfalls to funnel the foe to the paths we desire. Melee forces on all ends to block the surge of forces crashing down upon our lines. Cavalry to act as emergency shock troops for any breeches in the lines and chase down any remnant enemy forces should all go as we wish. I say this plan is sound and we are sufficiently prepared. All that comes to question is the execution."
"Uuuh...umm." A timid Captain Brigid spoke up, raising a hand. "G-general? Is it alright for me to remain here and not with my men?"
General Heiscliff smiled at the far too young captain. "My dear Brigid, I thought it best you experienced command first hand. Given you and your men are ill experienced in such efforts as this is all your first real campaign. If you are worried about your companies, I can relate.
I, too, care deeply for all those under my command. All I can say to assure you is to trust in the plan and the men who will execute it. Trust that as many men as are intended to survive, will survive, be it by the gods graces or the whims of fate."
"In other words, don't waste time thinking on it." Gunnery Major Halve cut it. "We do what we can to prepare the stage to insure minimum casualties to our own and maximum to the enemy. Did I get the gist of is, general?"
Heiscliff nodded with a smile.
"Well...I'm more nervous being here in a place I don't think I belong but yes sir, general sir, I do-I mean I am worried about my soldiers...S-so thank you for your kind words." Captain Brigid managed to say. "I'll do my best not to think about those worries and focus on this vital learning experience, sir!"
A few in the tent chuckled, but remained focused on their individual roles.
They were the brain of this force and needed to respond quickly and with precision.
Gunnery Major Halve turned to his radiomen, asking for a status report from the front.
The radio, not an invention widely circulated in the Imperial Army. A newer creation, utilized by the RA in their bases or so the spies report. To see a portable unit implemented in a military role however, adds great gravity to the battlefield when messages and intel can be relayed quicker than traditional messengers or signals.
Chairmen Fuyu has been busy forging an army using the latest in technology. Very busy indeed.
Heiscliff turned his head to his aid, Miranda. The latter, knowing him so well, handed the general a canteen of water. He took a swing, smiling at his aid as he thanked her.
The flamboyant general took a deep breath, awaiting the word of first contact with the enemy force.
The Path of Peace contingent traveling through the valley consisted of 3,000 elite soldiers handpicked by Lord Fairchild himself for the honor as the tip of the spear for their campaign against the corrupt Imperial Empire. The remaining 5,000 of their vanguard, split into 2,500 as they traveled parallel along each of the cliff edges, were picked by the new Head Priest of their religious movement. The commander of the force was picked by Rook, bodyguard of his holiness Lord Fairchild.
This commander traveled at the head of the 3,000 strong detachment, walking alongside the frontline units. While their army did posses horses, Lord Fairchild decreed they be used to assist the wounded and civilians that have flocked to their banner in the aim to overthrow the current, evil government.
Not a single member of the Path of Peace complained or gave a negative through, for it is their way to help those in need.
What is concerning is the distance between their detachment and the main force. Last messenger took 4 days to reach the group, a day longer than last time.
The commander considered pausing for a day or two after rejoining the other two units of the vanguard, which will be when they emerge from this canyon securing a straight path to the Capital. That way, he would still be following orders and closing the line of communication which -if stretched to a certain point- can lead to military disaster.
A disaster that could've been exploited by anyone competent enough to see the vulnerable point, which thus far the Imperials seem to not be in the slightest.
Thus imagine this commander's surprise when his scouts reported a concentrated enemy force in elaborate defensive positions on both sides of the cliff edges and what appears to be further fortifications at the rise up from the valley.
Overall, the Path of Peace had grown complacent fighting mediocre Imperials after all this time. Barely any expected to come up against any commander with a brain till they neared the Capital.
In hindsight, given that this pass lead directly to the Capital, it should have been a given that the Imperials would start taking things seriously. Only now does the commander realize their grave mistake on splitting their forces.
Regardless, they had little choice now but to press on and overwhelm whatever defenses the enemy has prepared.
No matter the cost.
It was relatively quiet, outside of the occasional cough, armor/weapon rattles, and the shifting feet of someone anxious or preventing their legs from falling stiff.
That's how it usually goes before a battle. The eerie quiet before all hell breaks lose. When men shout and struggle to survive, doing everything they can to live and the foe dies.
The desperation seen in those moments can leave one scared. Makes one question how we humans can be so cruel and barbaric toward one another.
And wonder how some individuals can stomach making a profit, willingly fighting in such madness time and time again.
Thinking on it, Thomas wouldn't have expected he'd be a man who makes money off battles and death. Life, full of the unexpected, suddenly turned him to this profession.
He started off as an apprentice to a fur trader, learning how to hunt game, how to skin their pelts, how to create snares and hides to wait patiently for their prey, how to repair and maintain bows and knives, even dabbled in a little bit of blacksmithing at one point to get an idea of that trade. He learned how to shoot a bow and by the gods he became damn good at it.
He learned how to haggle, how to barter, how to convince the customer that the pelts they sold were what they needed rather than wanted. That was and still is the trick of the merchant game.
Most importantly, he learned how to handle money. Ah yes, money. The one thing that runs many a nation. The one thing that these governmental types value more than their own lives.
Everything went well when Thomas learned the ins and outs of fur trading. He even had his foot in the door to a nice market down in the south when he took over from his teacher or went off on his own.
Then the Imps came. Tax Collectors, they called themselves. Really thugs the local lord sent to convince the plebeians they were short paying their monthly taxes and aimed to double charge them.
One thing lead to another, swords were drawn, next thing Thomas knew his master was dying in his arms, the city was on fire, and the Imp Tax Collectors were killing everyone that moved.
He still didn't know how he and a handful of others lived through that shitstorm. Just lucky, he'd guess.
The next couple years, Thomas survived thanks to his learned skills, only this time he hunted game to eat rather than for their pelts. He still took those skins though, both for personal use and to sell the excess whenever he stopped by a local settlement as he drifted around without a purpose other than surviving to the next day.
Then he stumbled upon an encampment of rangers. A bunch of fellow survivors living in the woods, away from the Imps and their damn taxes. Didn't take much to welcome Thomas into their fold.
Now you might as, is living in the woods away from it all illegal? Sure, by Imp law.
Enforceable? Well, lets say anyone that tried to impose a tax on them mysteriously ended up tied to a tree with dozens of arrows sticking out of their chests.
Course doing that sort of thing meant they had to travel around a lot else the Imps would gather in force and subjugate them.
Bout 3 years of this since Thomas joined them before their luck ran out. Imps came, slaughtered a few but not without taking a grand toll from all the precise arrow fire, drove the survivors to the wind.
Thomas stuck with a group of 20 rangers. The ran to the east for about three days. Once they settled, one of em said: "Well, if the Imps don't like us living free, why don't we become mercenaries and take some of that lovely coin that they care so much about?"
The others laughed at the suggestion, yet agreed to the idea the next day.
Ever since, Thomas and merry band of rangers became bowmen/hunters for higher. Sometimes they were assassins, sometimes pest control for wild animals, sometimes they aided in subjugation efforts and sometimes -like now- they joined in battles as skilled archers.
Did he feel any regrets joining up with the same Imps that killed those he cared about twice over? That he sometimes aided in similar acts that caused others similar pain?
Hell no. In fact, he was glad he'd be taking some of their damn blood stained coin away.
Money was the reason why he suffered twice over. Money will be the reason why he will never suffer like that again.
If he had the choice, he would do it all over again.
Which is why Thomas, positioned on the cliff edge looking down at the valley felt indifferent as he took in the number of enemies approaching: One of the many rebel armies springing up these days due to their intolerance of the corrupt government. It was funny to think that if he life was any different, Thomas might have been one of these freedom fighters.
He knew the plan in place -a damn fine plan at that- and his roll in it. He and his boys were paid in advance and were expected to preform their jobs.
Which is why Thomas, without any remorse, drew his trusty longbow along with the other bowmen alongside him when the order was given, aimed at a target well within his range, and let loose his arrow.
His chosen target, along with many others, all fell in quick order.
He drew and fired again.
A third time.
A forth.
And continued to feel nothing as the body count rose.
"Just business." Thomas muttered, releasing his fifth arrow.
The Battle of Holzward, as it would be later called, had begun in earnest.
Mercenary Bowmen from both cliff faces fired volley after volley at the approaching, close ranked formation of 3,000 lightly armored, highly motivated warriors.
Dozens fell as they dashed forward knowing the only way out was forward.
And that was were the real beauty of the plan came into play.
As the Path of Peace warriors swarmed forward and arrows continues to prickle at their numbers, those that rose up the valley were meet with a nasty surprise.
Palisades of wooden walls with cut in, rectangular holes designed to fit rifles through faced the opening to the valley. Behind them, 200 men divided into two sections of 100 stood at the ready to fire their bolt action rifles.
The first line opened fire, downing the front wave of the Path of Peace completely. The second wave rushed forward and were similarly cut down. The third faced the same fate. Beyond that, some of the enemy began to stretch out to the flanks aiming to circumvent these palisades and riflemen beyond them. Instead, they ran into a steel wall of mercenary lancers, pikemen, and sprinkles of swordsmen and mace wielders that prevented the encirclement.
As the packed numbers of Path of Peace warriors rushed up from the valley, they were first cut down in mass by volley fire from 100 rifles firing 5 rounds each before needing to reload (when the first section had to reload, the swapped places with the second and continued the fire).
Those that survived ran to the flanks and were checked by the mercenary melee fighters preventing them from moving beyond the killzone.
Thus, did blood and bodies pile up upon the rise from the valley further delaying the upward charge of the Path of Peace members as they had to move aside these obstacles before they too would be cut down by rifle or blade. Then the cycle would repeat.
As the situation became hopeless, some attempts to climb the valley wall was made but this was countered by the accurate arrow fire of those skilled bowmen up high.
Without any other choice other than complete destruction, the commander of the Path of Peace force ordered a retreat.
However, even that choice would be taken from them as they fell completely into General Heiscliff's trap.
Once the enemy force began to withdraw, one of Heiscliff's escorts blew a horn. On that preassigned signal, two other Imperial soldiers took the two handed hammers they were given and slammed down up these iron stakes wedged into the earth several times until they felt rumbling from the earth and quickly backpedaled to a safe distance.
You see, Chairmen Fuyu had tasked the civilian contractors tasked with rebuilding this route with constructing several defensive gimmicks to aid in any number of situations like what these defenders find themselves in now.
The one that was just activated was a (mostly) controlled rockslide.
As the first of the Path of Peace rearguard now ran at full pace to escape out the valley, rocks of various sizes rushed down and buried them alive. The rest of the remaining forces halted, some of those nearest to the rockslide were hit by the wayward falling rock here and there with varying results of injury or death.
When the dust settled, their path back was effectively sealed.
With no choice left to them, the warriors of the Path of Peace turned back around knowing their only hope was through the fire and steel.
And that hope was dashed when the saw what awaited them.
Upon the uprise to the valley, formed up in wedge formation, were 300 mercenary heavy and medium cavalry.
Sir Dun'kar of the Scarlet Band, whom have been given the honor of forming the vanguard of this formation, lowered his visor and readied his lance.
"Now to trample the filth beneath our hooves and earn the easiest pay we've received in years!" He shouted. "CHARGE!"
Armored death the likes of which not one of these Path of Peace warriors, let alone the Imperials and several mercenaries who watched from above descended into the valley and trampled all that stood before them.
Body parts flew from lances or were crushed under hoof. Some poor souls simply became puddles under the sheer weight of the charge. With only swords, there was little the Path of Peace members could do against the heavy cavalry that crushed into them followed by the medium cavalry that cleaned up afterword. Anyone that looked like trouble for the charge was sniped by the marksmen like Thomas up high.
They charged forward until reaching a fair space from the newly fallen rocks. Any surviving Path of Peace warriors that tried to climb the unstable were shot down for their troubles or crushed by loose rocks. Those that remained between quite literally a rock and a hard place held their ground despite it all.
Amused, Sir Dun'kar let out a huff as he rose his lance up. His Scarlet Band followed suit and wheeled about trotting back their way up in single file with the medium cavalry wheeled about in the other direction also traveling in a single file line.
The reason why both cavalry left this was was to make room for the pikemen and lancers that followed them down.
These pole-armed men formed up, spreading wide once the last of the cavalry had passed by and pointed their arms at the remaining Path of Peace warriors. To their credited, these men didn't give into despair as the mercenaries took one step at a time forward. Some even charged forward as a last act of defiance.
Regardless of their choice, the end result was the same.
Whether rushing toward the blades now or waiting for them to press up against their flesh when there was no longer any room to give, the last remnant of those 3,000 brave souls died to the last.
The first act of The Battle of Holzward has concluded.
The second and final act was about to begin.
"Report." General Heiscliff demanded, focusing on the board before him.
"Sir, the 3,000 strong force has been neutralized." A radioman replied "The wings are reporting enemy sighted at maximum distance."
The general nodded. "Very good. Have the riflemen in the center retain their sections and move to the secondary defensive lines on the left and right. There they can rest for a time until needed." He said, pointing at the places he is indicating upon the map.
"Additionally, have the melee fighters split up in even numbers and form up with the rear lines of the mercenaries waiting behind trenches. The heavy cavalry can withdraw beyond the reserves while I want the medium cavalry to split into two groups between 100 and 50 riders. The larger group is to form up with the left wing cavalry while the smaller heads to the right. That should balance out their numbers evenly."
While the radioman conveyed the general's orders relating to the riflemen, runners ran out to deliver the orders to the other units once they were properly written.
One might argue that the radioman could've conveyed all the orders and yes he could have, but that would require members of the riflemen units to run and deliver the orders orally. While this may be faster overall, there is a risk of something getting lost in interpretation and the matter of delay getting the riflemen into position.
Every moment counted and the general prioritized the riflemen into position sooner than the other units. Thus is the gamble of battle.
Heiscliff rose his head up from the table. "Xaio Mei, Xaio Su."
The pair snapped to attention as their adoptive father gave his orders. "You are to take command of the left and right cavalry wings respectively. Use the light cavalry sparingly if at all until the enemy withdraws then chase after them with the light horse units for no more than two miles. Split up the reserve units evenly and have them support the pursuit. They should be light troops so they shall be able to keep pace with your cavalry."
"After two miles, withdraw the light troops and all but 30 cavalry. Xaio Mei, you are to follow whatever Path of Peace units remain at a save distance and locate their main encampment and report back to me its location. It will take days so make sure you are prepared."
"Xaio Su, you are to take your 30 riders and track down General Batto's location. Don't make you presence known as I want that uneducated barbarian to be fully surprised by what Chairman Fuyu has proposed."
Xiao Mei and Xiao Su gave their father a salute, then quick stepped out of the tent.
Miranda approached from behind, holding out a canteen of water.
"Timely as always, my dear Miranda." General Heiscliff said before grasping the canteen and taking a drink. Once he finished, the familiar leader of the Scarlet Band entered the command tent helmet in hand.
"Sir Dun'kar, excellent work crushing the core of the broken force in the valley." Heiscliff said to the mercenary as the latter approached. "I trust the battle has been satisfactory to you and your men thus far?"
"On the contrary, it is far too easy. Not that we are complaining about easy pay!" Sir Dun'kar cheered, raising his fist in glee. "I've come to check if we have any further orders now that you have placed us in the rear."
"At that moment, no." Heiscliff replied, handing Miranda back the canteen. "That said, if the Path of Peace manages to break through, I will need your forces to inflict shock upon their flanks. I'll alert you if the situation demands such, for now however you are to rest while remaining on standby."
Sir Dun'kar nodded. "Very well. However, if you may permit me an inquiry." The mercenary waited till Heiscliff gave his consent. "It is curious to me that these foes only use swords. Do they simply not have access to any other weapons or believe that even missile troops are irrelevant?"
"Ah yes, that is a valid question." General Heiscliff turned his head to the tomboy captain, whom was currently engrossed in how the portable radio worked. The general smiled, calling Captain Brigid over.
"Yes, sir?" She replied after coming to a stop beside the table.
"My dear Brigid. Sir Dun'kar here is curious as to why the Path of Peace seems to only use swords. Perhaps, you can satisfy his curiosity?"
Brigid smiled, eyes brightening up as she turned her focus to Sir Dun'kar. "Happy to assist, sir!" She said with glee, eager to put the time she devoted to studying every piece of intel on their foes the Imperials collected to good use.
"You see, Sir Dun'kar, the Path of Peace private forces are mostly light troops with only chest armor for suitable protection. As such, the see the sword as the best weapon to use for such light troops as their entire doctrine relies on fast strikes and flanking attacks."
"That explains the lack of diversity with melee weapons." Sir Dun'kar nodded. "Why not missile troops?"
"That is due to the scarcity of experience in warfare." Heiscliff answered.
"While bows are common throughout the Empire, the Path of Peace sees no need for such weapons until this rebellion. I'm sure they will rectified these mistakes with the civilians they have been recruiting in mass. Or perhaps not. Due keep in mind, outside of bandits, the only real warfare the East has seen are the infamous pirate raids along the coast and the occasional skirmishing with the boarders of the Dominion to the northeast."
"Lack of experience." Sir Dun'kar let out a huff. "For such a highly motivated force to be so sort sighted. Then again, they are a religious order rather than a military one."
"Indeed." General Heiscliff nodded. "If nothing else, Sir Dun'kar. I must return my attention to the battle at hand."
Sir Dun'kar saluted, placing his fist to his chest, turned and marched out.
With that, General Heiscliff returned his gaze to the map before him. Captain Brigid returned to observing and trying to stay out of the way.
Miranda took out a hand towel and wiped off a bead of sweat forming off Heiscliff's brow. The latter thanked his aid as his mind raced with how the opening stages of these battles on the wings will commence.
Both the left and the right positions of the Holzward fortifications are mirrored with one another.
Trenches dug along the front line. Pitfall traps and a special surprise lay further beyond.
In these trenches, 200 riflemen (100 in both sides) augmented by 80 crossbowmen on their flanks (40 per side, split into groups of 20 to cover the riflemens' flanks) stood ready with clear lines of fire as they watched the enemy grow closer to their lines.
Further down to the bottom of these trenches were a mix of mercenary and Imperial forces all armed with short range melee weapons like swords, handaxes, maces, and so on. Most of these fighters formed into groups of six, crouched down in a line adjacent to a long, knotted rope connected through the earth to that special surprise intended to be used when their foe drew close.
Standing behind the frontline were rows of men armed with spears, pikes, halberds, or some other sort of polearm. Behind them were more close quarter melee men who's task was to counter any breaks in the defensive line and reinforce those in the trenches once the fighting drew to that point. Behind these men were the scarce bowmen, most of which were the very same who fired upon the enemy traveling up the valley.
The plan was simple: Hit the enemy with lead and bolts as they are slowed down by the pitfall traps, wait until they drew close before withdrawing the missile troops from the front line allowing the foe to slip into the trenches and engage the troops there.
As the missile troops withdrew, the force armed with polearms will march forward and prevent the enemy from progressing past the trenches by a wall of sharp pointy objects being thrust at them.
Reserves would then pore into the trench to aid in combat by plugging any holes that form in the lines or throw themselves into the expected to be bloody melee that would certainly engulf the trenches as the bowmen and withdrawn crossbowmen pepper the enemy with volley fire while the riflemen withdraw to the secondary defenses.
This part of the battle wouldn't be a sound as the first stage, but just as deadly on paper.
If either or both sides falter, General Heiscliff had prepared several counter moves but these plans wouldn't be as decisive as they needed to be for this critical battle.
The execution would be the deciding factor here, and the general had full faith that this stage and mercenary army gifted to him on a silver platter would carry much of that weight.
Only time would tell.
It didn't take long for the Path of Peace forces to enter into firing range. They were as fast as most horses when they really tried.
All the same, that speed didn't save them from the bullets that slammed into them like a stone wall.
Of the 2,500 forces assaulting each flank, over 400 fell wounded or dead before the first warriors fell into the pitfalls. By that time, the crossbowmen added into the mix, raising the casualties to over 550 in short order.
That said, the pitfall traps did less damage than expected as some of the Path of Peace force simply flew over them with their impressive speed.
Thus it was a little shocking to those on the front line when the enemy nearly reached their lines before the word was given to spring their surprise.
Below, men pulled thick, knotted ropes as hard as they could springing up from the dirt in front of the trench lines one final barrier: Wooden spikes like those used to stop cavalry assaults.
The vanguard of Path of Peace warriors, moving with such momentum they couldn't stop, were impaled upon these spikes as dirt and dust descended around them. Those behind these unfortunate souls halted and regrouped. Soon after, some tried to chip away at the wood with their swords.
Slow work, but with enough time would allow small breakthroughs in the line.
Without wasting a moment, the riflemen and crossbowmen withdrew to the rear as planned using small wooden bridges place strategically across the trenches. Those below not holding ropes in the trench drew their weapons as their allies marched forward in formation behind them.
After a few minutes, those holding the ropes released their grip and quickly drew their arms. The moment these spikes dropped, the Path of Peace warriors gathered beyond surged forward. Arrows loosed descended from up high to harass their lines but did little damage due to the lack of volume. This would change in a matter of minutes.
The mercenaries formed a spear wall, forcing the Path of Peace warriors to drop into the trench or risk impalement (though some of the more foolishly daring attempted to jump beyond the reach of the sharpened tips before them only to be intercepted midair by others in the mid and rear lines).
As expected, the trenches quickly dissolved into a bloodbath as brutal close combat waged between the two sides. While the warriors of the Path of Peace couldn't relay too much on their speed in such tight quarters, their excellent swordsmen skills caused damage.
The mercenaries held their own, as did the members of Heiscliff's escorts serving as officers, however Captain Brigid's company fair poorly. Many of the bodies that littered the ground were these inexperienced Imperials.
As more warriors jumped into the trenches, gaps opened up in the lines of the spear wall allowing reinforcements to aid the defenders in the trenches. These gaps were mostly formed around the small wooden bridges. Several opportunistic Path of Peace members realized this opportunity and rushed over the bridge forcing some of these reinforcing mercenaries to engage. Meanwhile, bolts and arrows rained down on the Path of Peace's mid and rear lines causing significant damage.
Dozens of minutes passed as the trenches became slick with blood further degrading the quality of combat. The flow of combatants streaming into the fray slowed to a trickle.
Seeing the futility of the situation, those who commanded the two Path of Peace forces ordered at first a regrouping that turned into a withdraw as the intensity of the raining arrow and bolt fire wreak havoc.
The mercenaries and Imperials let out a cheer as gaps once more formed in the lines to allow pioneers to lay down wider wooden bridges across the trenches.
Those survivors of Captain Brigid's company within the blood pooled trench let out a disbelieving breath wondering how they are alive as others let out similar sighs of relief.
Once the wider bridges were secures, Xaio Su and Xaio Mei lead their respective cavalry and accompanying light troops across to charge into the rear of the Path of Peace's formation.
This added shock and pressure forced the foe to withdraw completely from the battlefield rather than regroup out of range from missile attacks as originally planned.
While they didn't devolve into a complete rout, the Path of Peace force retreated with the intention of regrouping with their main force. Xaio Su and Mei's forces kept up the pressure to insure their foes didn't change their minds up to roughly 2 miles from the lines as their commander and father instructed.
Pausing to confirm the enemy's commitment to their retreat, the twins followed their father's orders to the letter.
Sending their light troops and most of the cavalry back, Xaio Su headed off towards the north to locate General Batto's location while Xaio Mei shadowed the Path of Peace to find the location of their main force.
This endeavor would take several days to complete, and no one but General Heiscliff and Chairmen Fuyu knew what would come next when this information was delivered.
For now however, a great victory was won in the East on the same day a great defeat was earned in the West by the Imperials.
Valuable time was now bought for the Capital as the greatest plot ever conducted in the history of the Empire continued on its course unabated toward its explosive conclusion.
28 days after the Revolution begins. Late Morning. Imperial Palace, The Capital.
It was a rather warm day for the winter season. One could even see the snow melt a tad off the rooftops in the inner gardens of the palace.
Jast walked through the halls and into one of said gardens, on his way to meet his fellow collaborator. These days, he played things rather cautiously given the extra eyes watching.
The senator causally looked around, trying to spot the one who has been showing up everywhere Jast decided to go.
It didn't take too long to spot the man.
Alec the Bard, true to his title, played his lyre upon a snow covered rock in the center of the garden. He drew a mixed crowd of government officials and nobles, the latter mostly being women who obviously were fawning over his good looks.
Alec's eyes were closed as he strung a pleasantly calming tone. A rather suiting moment in a time of uncertainty.
The Capital, least those within the Palace given the recent actions of Wild Hunt, held their collective breath on the news received a week ago.
General Esdeath, the fearsome Ice Witch, had suffered a crushing defeat in the West.
At the same time, General Heiscliff successfully fended off the Path of Peace's advance in the East.
While the latter eased the masses from exploding into outright panic, for if that religious movement had secured what is now referred to as Holzward they would've had a path straight to the Capital, allowing them to surround them within 3 days at the least.
Still, the fact the force of nature that is General Esdeath was defeated...
Word had reached sometime later that the general had taken refuge in a key fortress apart of the old Imperial boarder helped dispel some uncertainty on her whereabouts for even the most pessimistic refused to acknowledge the possibility of Esdeath's death.
The latest reports stated that a massive Gaulic force, the largest anyone had ever seen, had laid siege to the very same fortress while a force of Enik were spotted to the south. No word of those horse archers or the heavy armored cavalry, which is the most concerning.
A relief army was forming to reinforce the fortress and would march out in 3 days time reaching the old boarder in another 5. These troops were taken from the redeployed Northern garrison intended to aid in the East. However, with the victory at Holzward and the efforts of General Batton, these forces were freed up.
Now that Jast thought of it, the last anyone heard of General Batton was several days ago...
The senator looked back to Alec. The man smiled, meeting his gaze. Pausing in his lyre playing long enough wave at the senator like an old friend, he perfectly sold the point that every move Jast made was under watch both from obvious and invisible eyes.
In a way, it was flattering that in the eyes of this cesspool of a government he is only now considered an individual of note.
Jast returned his focus to his awaiting comrade: Chairmen Fuyu. The man stood with his eyes closed, listening to the tone spun by Alec the Bard and shacking his head to the notes.
When the senator approached, Fuyu opened his eyes and gazed upon his friend. "Lovely song from your personal spy." He teased, knowing everything that transpired that night via Serpentine.
"I'm more concerned about the spies I can't see." Jast countered. "Though if he hadn't have the courtesy to reveal himself one can admire his ability to blend in plain sight."
"Not many suspect performers who's job it is to draw attention to themselves as effective spies." Fuyu added. "Nor prostitutes for that matter."
The two turned to their right, walking at a slow pace as they conversed.
"Word has spread of both the victory won by General Hesicliff against the Path of Peace's vanguard and the devastating defeat of my dearest sister Esdeath by the hands of the barbaric tribes of the West. Both accruing on the same day or so the record states." Fuyu stated the old news that everyone still talked about, mostly for show given the ears that maybe upon them. "Makes you wonder about the odds of two major battles taking place at the same time?"
"Rather small I'd say." Jast responded, glancing at Alec before continuing. "I receive a reply from the north. Prince Vind Lyn is sending a detachment of the army to assist us here in the Capital. On the matters of when, how many, and even if they left already, has not mentioned."
"Ah, so your marriage proposal went through after all." Fuyu chuckled, slapping Jast on the shoulder. "Congratulations are in order. When's the lucky day?"
"Sometime after the revolution has ended." The senator replied.
"That is for the best." Fuyu nodded. "I'll have you know, I have been successful in my recent endeavors. New allies to aid us in these troubling times have been recruited, new information has come our way to tip the scales, and plans proceeding perfectly to rid the Capital of the thorns placed in our side."
'Which is to say, you've recruited members of the Jagears to deal with Wild Hunt.' Jast mentally drew his own interpretation of the vague way Fuyu spoke. 'Thanks to that, you've formulated a plan to deal with them.'
Fuyu stretched his arms above his head. "It really is a nice day out. I wonder if this is a sign of an early spring?" He casually said, shifting to small talk.
Jast let out a single laugh, about to counter with his own wasteful babble when someone quickly approached them.
The woman was a nobody in terms of social status; just a lower ranking noble looking for a prospecting male. Someone who, when working up the courage, can easily be seen as approaching either Jast or Fuyu as both are still officially bachelors.
To confirm, Jast looked to the spy. Alec had glanced at the pair while playing his lyre, studying the woman for a moment before returning his focus to the crowd before him and rewarded his fanclub with a wink.
The noblewoman stopped before Fuyu and Jast, standing a bit more by the former. She held a fan in her one hand, occasionally using it upon her face.
"Such a warm day for the winter season." She said with a voice that came off as obnoxious. "Isn't it such an oddity, Chairmen Fuyu?"
"I was just stating the same thing!" Fuyu replied with a laugh. "It truly is odd that such a day would approach us in this manner."
The noblewoman took two steps forward, leaning upward to Fuyu's face as she used her handfan to cover their mouths from prying eyes: Another classic move by aristocrats when speaking secrets or naughty words to one another.
"Apologies, but this is urgent." The woman's mannerisms changed. Her eyes flashed that familiar reptilian yellow. "Drastic moves have been made by our foes. Something I failed to see coming."
"By all means, Serpentine." Fuyu replied.
"I curse myself for being in these weakened stated." The woman let out a breath. "Steven and his family have been arrested. The charge is treason. The warrant signed by Saikyuu and he means to execute the lot of them in two days time."
Fuyu's eyes widened. Slowly, he took two steps back placing a hand upon his mouth.
"What did you say?"
22 days after the Revolution began. The Old Imperial Boarder
It was a rather cold day for the winter season.
Or rather, this particular area was colder than expected.
The commander of this key fortress, this linchpin in the defensive works of the West and the Old Imperial Boarder thought as he looked in admiration as General Esdeath crafted a new army before his very eyes.
It was a slow process to be sure, one that required large amounts of water, but impressive none the less.
In the 3 days since her arrival, Esdeath has handcrafted 150 soldiers for her newfound army. Each a work of art in their own right as they were formed to the minute detail with great care.
If she wasn't a blood thirsty sadist with a hard passion for war, Esdeath would've been the most successful ice sculptor in the history of the Empire.
Of that, the commander would bet money on.
A subordinate staff officer approached the commander after a few more moments of admiration, handing his superior the daily report.
The civilians of the western territories beyond this wall were fleeing from the barbaric hordes pillaging the country side with little resistance. Brave, foolish men died disobeying orders to save those they could from the merciless murderous men reclaiming their old lands by blood and steel.
Here, to the north, and south, refugees have been poring through to the relative safety these old walls grant. For your see, there are three main gates along the old Imperial boarder and miles of wall garrisoned and patrolled by better trained, older Imperial soldiers.
They wouldn't make the same mistakes as the droves of Imperials soldiers that have fought and fallen against the barbarians.
The commander issued a standing order to allow the refugees through unmolested until the enemy were spotted within a day or two's travel from the gate. Scouts were sent out daily and so far none went missing.
Word from the refugees stated that the hordes were preoccupied with the few remaining bastions of Imperial Forts remaining in occupied territory. This would mean they have days, maybe weeks if they were lucky.
That is, until the recent word reached their ears.
Reinforcements from the barbaric nations have arrived, swelling the foes' numbers to levels unseen since the old wars that won the Imperials this territory. Forts fell one after another in alarmingly short order, and now nothing stood between these savages and these walls aside from whatever civilians still remained hoping to reach safety.
The commander read the report, more of the same aside from a notable decrease in the number of refugees. A sigh that the hordes were drawing close.
"In your best estimates, how long until the barbarians reach our walls?" He asked the staff officer, giving the report back to the younger man.
"Sir, by the accounts of the refugees alone, I would say three days until our scouts can confirm their approach."
"Three days..." The commander mulled that over, looking at General Esdeath as she finished creating another ice soldier. The rate of creation was a consistent 50 per day. In three days, their total numbers would reach 300. A force enough to make an impact to be sure, but against the enemy numbers even suggested...
"Not enough time." He concluded, turning to his staff officer. "We'll have to hold with everything we have without the general's support. If we can delay the barbarians for 2 weeks or longer, her new army can sally out and crush these savages."
"Not that these scum can even assault our walls." The staff officer replied with a smirk.
"I wouldn't be so certain." Came the commander's surprising reply. "We thought these barbarians couldn't conquer forts, yet we hear the news of them toppling each and every one beyond our walls seemingly overnight. No, these barbarians have tricks and newly learned skills under their belts. We mustn't underestimate them or the Empire will be overrun with their irk."
"I want another inspection of our defenses, triple check everything! Test all the counter measures and drill the men again! Send a rider out with another request for reinforcements. I don't care if its a thousand, a hundred, or even ten men! That's an order!"
The staff officer saluted, racing off to carry out the orders.
Little did the commander know that he was correct.
The barbarians had learned several new skills, thanks to an ally they refer to as the Collaborator.
In three days time, the defenders of the Old Imperial Boarder will find themselves in disbelief. Not only at the sheer number of foes they will come against, nor at the machinations made by a man who's grand plotting boarders on clairvoyance, but to eventually find out that all their efforts in the following days will be rendered completely pointless by what will transpire to the north.
That, is a tale for the future.
For now, all these men and women of the Imperial Empire had to concern themselves with is one simple fact.
The Gauls are coming.
THUS ENDS ANOTHER ENTRY TO AKAME GA KILL CLOCKWORK!
Ahhhh man, this took longer to write that I'd have liked. Life and her business be a bitch sometimes.
Anyway, this was a fun one to write as we finally got to see the battle against the Path of Peace's vanguard forces. It was a battle scripted by Fuyu and conducted by Heiscliff, one that fit exactly according to plan thus feeling like a rehearsed play of sorts. That said, it was fun to go a little in dept with the mercenaries :D
There is a battle that is to come though, one that will be fully Heiscliff's design and there you all will see why he/they are an instinct type general. Hope you look forward to that as it'll be very interesting hahaha.
Also yes, Night Raid has officially disbanded but the tragic events to come for the members of the infamous group will be more impactful, as will the events involving Run and Wild Hunt.
Much fun times ahead to right, hooo boy.
Hopefully everyone can keep up with the timeline bits here and there with all the hopping around back and forth with these days. There's a reason to my madness so bare with me, it'll last unit the end of this arc then we'll go back to normal haha.
Dropped some hints here and there for stuff I plan on writing for the next entry and those beyond. What will you see in the next installment, I wonder?
As the Empire grips with shocking news, Night Raid disbands! Plots move forward from all sides as move and countermove are conducted in the greatest game of all! Barbarians to the West, Zealots to the East, Revolutionaries to the South, how will the Imperials survive the onslaught regardless of the recent victory?
Find out next time as Fuyu deals with unexpected moves from his foes and the necessary destruction of Wild Hunt nears ever closer!