1868-08-13: Send Swords
Send Swords
Summary: Baron Thomas sends missives to those friendly forces near Goldhollow, requesting help.
Date: 13 Aout 1868 IE
Related: Siege at Goldhollow Pt I
NPCs: {$npc}
Players:
Gauvain  Letholdus  Thomas  

As soon as he'd settled into Goldhollow following the gruelling march, Baron Thomas Chandus, Brigadier and commander of the force now occupying the Fallow Lands' biggest city, sat down to write a letter to the Lord and Knight Marshal. He immediately sent his Serjeant at Arms to prepare moongazers for an urgent flight.


Lord Marshal Gauvain Tarris and Knight Marshal Letholdus Romante,

Your graces. The army of Rikton will be upon us in no more than a week. Viscountess Sonya's Shadow Snakes tell me that a Templar marches at the head of this force, numbering some 6,000 souls armed with siege weapons. I presume and assume that the army is entirely professional.

Since departing from Oracla, a small force of Kaedon, Northmen and some picked knights were sent to Goldhollow to assess the situation. They found the soldiers, militia and levies sorely wanting but have made great strides, as well as conscripting the citizenry into greatly increasing the fortifications of this city of 10,000. Altogether, Goldhollow had 900 fighters, though I am loathe to trust the levies, of whom there are 300. This is in addition to the troops that we brought, of course, who are now busy preparing defences and shaping up our slovenly allies into fighting soldiers.

Were I this Templar, I would not tarry. They are unlikely to stop and besiege us, as your two armies are near enough for reinforcement. I therefore assess that they will attempt a nearly immediate assault.

Duke Gauvain -

Please inform me of whether you can send relief in any way, shape or form. Our troops will maintain contact with your scouts and guide you in if necessary. Meanwhile, the Kaedon Shadow Snakes will be laying traps and ambushes, and keeping an eye on our enemies, while my rangers screen the enemy army and the Burnished Spurs attempt to find routes in the east for the Knight Marshal. This message is urgent. If we can pin his army against the city, we will have a good chance at routing it, particularly if we do a good job at keeping their scouts occupied or killed.

Duke Letholdus -

We are in urgent need of your forces. I will send a troop of Chandus Hobelars to link up with you and show you the way in, but your army is requested to Goldhollow in order to destroy this Rikton army and save the jewel of the Fallow Lands.

Your graces, if we cannot turn back the enemy at Goldhollow, a key linchpin in our defences of the Fallow Lands will be lost, opening up the rich Crownlands to them and ceding a strategic position to Rikton.

Yours in service,
Thomas Chandus, Baron Repton March, Brigadier


Having made two identical copies of the letter, he hands it off to Serjeant Verus, watching him stride away to the rookery.

Days later, the replies return. Duke Gauvain's comes attached to a catapult ball, while Duke Letholdus's is carried by the Chandus Hobelar lancers.


Thomas,

You are alone. Teleko is attacking Oracla as I write this. I will do what I can, but for the moment, we are dug in.

Gauvain


Baron Chandus,

I regret to inform you that we are also under attack in our fortifications by the Kentaire 5th Legion. One speed to you, and I pray that you find your way to victory.

Duke Letholdus Romante


Well, it was the hard way, then. Thomas strode off to prepare.

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