Alain Marshall: Wraths of War

.::Alain Marshall: Wraths of War::.

Turncoat Wars: Division 1

I am Alain Marshall, Cavalry Lancer, and Halberdier, of the Brogan Cavalry Troop, led by the Grand General Bryson Analu, and commanded by King Elroy of the Abrienda Plains. I’ve fought in several battles, and managed to keep myself alive. The most recent battle was against the High-Elves.

It’s been a month since the betrayal of the High-Elves. We humans, along with the Dwarves, turned on their army shortly after arriving at the final fortress of the Dwarves. We alone outnumbered them, but with the Dwarves aiding us the battle was won in a very short time. They were crushed, and had no chance to retreat back to their cities. After the battle the official treaty between us humans and the Dwarves was signed. The basic terms of the treaty were that if the Dwarves supplied us with weapons and armour, then we’d help them destroy the High-Elves, who were the Dwarves’ mortal enemies. The treaty was signed, and we declared war on the High-Elves of the East.

The lay of the land was easy to learn. We were all in the Abrienda Plains, except the Dwarves, as they were in the Maura Mine. To the west was us, the humans, and our many cities, towns, villages, forts, and trade sites. In the east were the High-Elves and the mines. Due to being in the same region the Dwarves and High-Elves were constantly fighting.
Surrounding the plains was a vast forest, known as the Woods of Verdure. Goblins inhabit this area, and keep to themselves. Through the south part of the woods one could get to the Delano Caves, which were inhabited by the Dark-Elves. They were constantly raiding our villages and trade sites, hoping to get some good grabs, and they usually did. But they were eradicated with the help of the High-Elves, before the betrayal.

We’ve been sitting in our camps, outside the enemy’s first city. Soon we’ll line up, and move into position. As for now we’re all getting ready for a battle. The final parts of my armour are being put on now. My thoughts turn to the battle ahead of us. I’ll be facing an enemy that… I’m a part of. I’m not part OF them, but my blood reaches back to a time of peace between us. My father was an Elf, and my mother a Half-Elf, as were their parents before them. I’m a Half-Elf myself, but the Elf blood is fading. If I’m ever to have a child, I doubt there’d be much, if any, Elven blood in him. Now my name rings through my head… Alain… Alain… Then, I realize someone is calling me.
“Alain! Quit your dreaming. We have to line up for inspection before we head out.” The man was Amil, second-in-command to Grand General Bryson.
“Yes, sorry. I’ll head out after I get my helmet on.”
“Hurry up. Most everyone is there already.” With that he left my tent and probably went into his place in line. I hurried to clamp my helmet straps together as I rushed out of the tent and into line.

The Inspector General came to look over the majority of us. It would take much too long to inspect every single soldier. He actually suggested some time ago that we all glance around, to see if someone’s got their armour on wrong. As far as I could see, everything was fine around me. It was not more than a few minutes before he had finished his inspection. His gruff voice was suddenly audible.
“Follow Bryson to the field outside the city. You all pass this time, but your luck may run out next time, so you just keep that in mind!” He tried to go for intimidation, and it usually worked. He was tall, and extremely muscular… almost as if he were a child Troll in a human’s body. Young Trolls are much stronger than a human and, even as a child, they are larger.

The armies that are marching on this city are both human and Dwarven. We have the Brogan Cavalry Troop, which consists of 86 Horse Lancers, 40 Light Cavalry, and 24 Cavalry Archers. Our troop has been severely diminished since the last battle. Other than us there’s also the Faris Cavalry Troop, Ryder Cavalry Troop, the Ajax Infantry Troop, Boris Infantry Troop, and Cillian Archery Troop. I’m personally unsure of what the Dwarves are bringing.

Thanks to some spies, we have a general idea of the enemies battle plans. They’ll initiate the battle with a cavalry charge. When they begin to charge our archers will let off a volley. The Horse Lancers of my troop will be acting as Halberdiers for the start of this battle. We’ll be crouched in front of the regular infantry holding a pike near the ground. To each soldier’s left will be a halberd on the ground. Once the Cavalry are too close to turn back we’ll whip our pikes into an angled position. The enemy cavalry will slam into the pikes at full speed, and be thrown from their mounts. The swordsmen will dispatch of them quickly as we pick up our halberds and run forward to meet the second wave of cavalry. Instead of them ramming us again, we’ll line up to be in-between them as they come closer. As the pass we’ll use the spike on the backs of our halberds to pull them off their horses. That will most likely pull our halberds away, but then we will rush at the enemy with our swords drawn. As we finish them off our own horses will be brought forward with a new halberd for us. We will proceed to then line up, and charge at the enemy. Our intention is to crash through their infantry line with our armored cavalry, then turn around and smash through again. We will then ride back to our line, and retreat. At this point we expect the enemy to charge with their infantry. Our infantry should have better armour then them and, at the least, better weapons. As I’m not part of the battle after that, I don’t know the rest of the plan. I’ll just have to hear the news when it’s over.

Turncoat Wars: Division 2

I’ve returned to the camp just now, for our part in this is over now, and it went decently well. Their initial charge failed, as we expected. Only a few cavalry got through the line, and they were shot down by the archers. The next part didn’t go as well as we had hoped though… I think the enemy cavalry saw it coming, because they were able to avoid us, for the most part. We did pull a few soldiers off their mounts, and got them while they were down. The extra Pikemen in the line took care of any cavalry that got through, thankfully. After the second charge our horses were brought to us, along with a new halberd each. Once mounted and strapped on, we charged. Our horses were armored against the enemy pikes and, though a few men did fall, we crashed through their front line, trampling and killing a good deal of them. We turned back and charged again… even harder than before. They were able to scatter enough to avoid us a good deal this time, but we still managed to decapitate a few of them on our way back. After getting past our line I looked back and saw the enemy infantry trying to charge. But they were too disorganized from our charge to be quite effective.

As I’m now done my part, I can relax. The boys here are taking off my armour, and laying it in it’s place. Once they’re done I’ll probably take to my cot, and sleep for a few hours… If I can manage. I’m a bit sore from having a horse slam into me, naturally. But wait. No… no sleep now. Just now Amil walks into my tent. When Amil is there, rest is not an option.
“Alain, you’re back. I’ve been going around to see who’s left of the Brogan Troop. Not that it really matters anymore.” I’m confused now. What does he mean when he says it doesn’t matter?
“What are you saying? Why does it not matter?”
“Because, Alain, it’s being disbanded.” He sighed lightly. I was shocked thoroughly at the news.
“But why? Aren’t there enough riders coming in to replenish our number?”
“No, that’s not the problem. Look, Alain, I don’t honestly know why. I’ve only been told that it’s going to happen. I don’t even know when it’ll happen.” He turned around and left, to continue to check on who was left. After my armour was off I sent the boys away and sat down on my cot.
'What reason is there to do this? We can get new units into the troop, can’t we? Of course we can! There’s more than enough men! Then, dammit! Why?'
It didn’t make any sense to me, but I was only a soldier. I was only there to fight under a banner. Brogan, Ryder, Cillian, it didn’t matter to them. They only wanted us to fight. But I, as an individual, can grow accustom to the particular traits of the name, and banner, as well as those under it. But who I’m I to complain like this? I sound like a child! I’m just one of well over 800,000 men. Ah, but this thinking is not helping my pains. I must rest for at least some time.

Yet again an interruption. It’s Amil again.
“Alain, I’ve just got word. The battle was won! It was well in our favor.” Well, this was some good news, but I’m still upset.
“That’s wonderful news, sir. How did it play out?”
“I don’t know yet, but I’m sure the general will have some stories.”
“Alright. Please, inform me when he arrives.” There was a short pause, and Amil’s face went blank.
“A…lain…” He gasped slightly as he fell over, with an arrow in his back. I would have run to him, but an Elven Swordsman came into the tent. I was at a complete disadvantage as he had full armour, while I had none. I jumped at my sword, but he lunged forward and grabbed my foot. I can’t get my sword now.
'Now what? Agh!'
He pulled me closer. I’ll… I’ll kick him or something.
'No… That won’t help. Oh dear, he’s ready to strike. Off with this poor soldier’s head…'
But one of the soldiers came up behind him, lopping his head off. I got up and ran to my armour. I only had time to grab some of the simpler things. I ran out and could see that there’s havoc everywhere! Elven Cavalry Archers are running around everywhere shooting the Hell out of our army. Swordsmen are everywhere burning things, and killing anyone the meet. There was no hope to fight back. I figure if I can get to the general’s tent I can blow the horn for a retreat.
'No choice. I have to do it. We’ll all be dead my sundown if we don’t!'

I only encountered a single enemy soldier while running, and I actually caught him off-guard. Lucky. As I entered the tent there was another soldier. I’m not entirely sure what it is he’s doing, but he hasn’t seen me yet.
'What’s around here… Wait… Is that? Yes, it is! A knife!'
It’s simple, really. Elven armour doesn’t have anything but cloth at the neck. If only I can make the throw… I let it go, but I missed for the most part. It barely cut the skin of his neck.
'Well, if anything, I sure made him bleed.'
He turned so fast it was almost like he didn’t actually turn. He rushed at me, but I saw that coming, as would anyone in their right mind. I dodged his first attack, but he whipped around again, and struck my upper arm, cutting off a bit of skin.
'AAGH! Dammit, that hurts! I’ll have to work on healing it later, though… Urgh…'
As he came at me again I had a chance to draw my sword and block this one. I pushed hard against him… so… very… hard… He’s got some strength, but there’s no doubt I’d be the one to win this. I give it my all and shove him away. I made a dash at him, and managed to jam my blade into his stomach, but not before he could bring his own blade down on my arm again. The pain wasn’t as bad as before, nor as bad as it could be. I was too hyped to feel it fully. As he’s falling I pull my sword out, making sure to cut him a bit more as I do so. I run to the horn and give it a strong blow, or as strong a blow as I can muster. But it was enough, and the horn sounded. I ran back outside the tent and what I saw was good. Everyone is jumping onto their horses, while others are holding the Elves back. I, myself, should get to a horse as soon as I can… but I don’t see one. Fine then. A cavalry archer is coming up near me. I’ll run back into the tent and grab one of the halberds there. It shouldn’t be hard to get him off with one. Unfortunately he’s noticed me. I’ll just have to go for broke and be a moving target by actually running at the guy. His flipping arrows off at me, but I can tell he’s not aiming. That‘s not odd for an Elf, but the fact that he‘s missing is. But he’s here. I thrust the halberd’s spike just under his arm, yanking him off. The pull knocks me over as well, but I knew that would happen. Getting up quickly I ran at him with my sword, stabbing him through his heart, and ran over to the horse. It stopped almost as soon as he was off it.

I mounted and ran for the others. They weren’t far ahead, but I did have some catching up to do. The sun was going down, and I can hardly see them now. But that doesn’t matter. I know where they’re going. They’ll head for our fortress, just on the border of the territory here. If the cavalry archers don’t catch up with us, we’ll be fine, but I can see them back off in the distance, just in front of a blazing fire that was once our camp. We’ll have to ride a good distance to get there… but I’m confident… yes. Very. Or, I would be, if they weren’t catching up at an amazing pace. Wait, what…? Yes! We have cavalry archers of our own!
'I’ve got to get them to fire. You’d think this horse would go faster, being an Elven steed. I guess calling out is the best I can do…'
“HEY!! HEY!! THEY’RE BEHIND US, CATCHING UP!” I was screaming as loud as I possibly could. It hurt like crazy. Either they had heard me, or they just decided to look back, but our cavalry archer started to fire on the enemy. Several went down before they fired back at us. The shots were pin-point to the heart. Several of our own fell off, but the horses kept running. We kept exchanging volleys of arrows back and forth, both sides losing several men as the arrows struck them. The Elves always hit the heart, while our men hit just about anywhere that would do enough to at least make the enemy fall off their horses. Finally I can see the fortress, and they must see us too. A volley of arrows from the Longbowmen there are flying straight into the enemy. They’re retreating, and we’re safe now.
'Ugh… When I get in there I’m going straight to a cot to lie down.'

Turncoat Wars: Division 3

I’d made it to the fortress safely after the enemy retreated. My poor troop was decimated, though. With so few of us left, I knew there’d be no chance they’d bring us back now. They’ll just send us off to other units to replenish them. My thoughts on the matter were interrupted, however, as someone entered the room I was in.
“Umm… I feel I’ve found the wrong room. This isn’t… no. It’s not. I’m sorry.” with that he closed to door. That was weird. But I can’t think now. I know I’ll leave soon.
“Ugh. I can’t stand this. I’m to go fight wars as just another soldier, who no one notices? What life is this? It’s not even a life at all. It’s simply avoiding death.” I was talking aloud, to myself, again. I’d been doing it a lot since I got back. Someone barged in, rather to my surprise.
“You, follow. They’re calling everyone from the Brogan Troop. That is your troop, yes?”
“Yes, it is. What’s this about?”
“Not a clue, but I’m only here to get you anyway.” He left the door open as he went to the next room, prompting me to follow him. Of course I went out behind him, and went along with him. Soon we were all behind him as he walked through the fortress into a large room. It wasn’t grand, and it wasn’t high. Just wide, cold, and filled with guards. It felt as though we were going to be executed. In the room was a long table, with more than enough seats for those of us left from the troop. We were offered specific seats, just simple wooden chairs. Uncomfortable wooden chairs. As we sat another man came in. He looked important, but I’d never seen him before. He sat down and spoke to us.
“You’ve all heard the news by now, I presume?” There was not a sound. “Yes, well, your troop is being disbanded. We’ll be splitting you into a couple other troops that need some more men. In an effort to keep things simple, those of you on this half of the table…” he pointed to the left side, “…will go to the Siyavash Black Knight Troop, while those of you on this side…” he pointed to the right side of the table, which I’m on, “…will be put in the Ryder Cavalry Troop.”
I stood up to argue. “Sir, I-”
“Protest, I know. I heard you in your room.” He cut me off there. “I’m sorry, but the orders aren’t mine. Just do it.” I suppose I don’t have a choice. Fine. Off I go. Someone on my side of the table asked a question to the man there.
“When will we leave for our new troop?”
“Now. You’re being sent out to attack the Elves again, but with the Ryder Troop.” Well that was some news. “Get your gear on, and get out there.” He got up, and left while we got up. Several guards showed us where to go, as we’d never actually been to this fort before.

- - - - - -

We’re back on the field again, but this time our part is bigger. The Dwarves are keeping the main Elven army at bay, while we take this next city. I’m on a horse for the full duration of the battle, and we’ll be starting with a charge. Our horses are armored again, and we’ll be crashing through their infantry. There’s two waves of us though, so we’ll be doing a lot more damage. The waves of cavalry will be close to each other so the enemy doesn’t have time to realign their troops before they’re smashed through again. We hope to beat them back enough to retreat their infantry line, or weaken then enough for our own infantry to take them.

“Ready…!” Grand General Bryson called out. “Stay as a solid line! Do not falter! We must crush them beneath the hooves of our horses, and pierce their hearts with our pikes!” He look to both ends of the line, as he was in the middle. “CHAAAARGE!” As he started yelling out the command our horses started to run at full speed toward the enemy infantry line. I looked back for a second and saw the other line of cavalry beginning their charge. The armour on our horses was a plate style, but on each plate were several incredibly sharp blades. When we hit the enemy the force of the horse would be pain enough, but the blades cut their faces to ribbons, as I’ve seen before. If the strength of the horse slamming into them doesn’t kill them, the blades will.

Our charging cavalry slammed into the enemy line, crushing many. Only a few of our own were stopped by the enemy pikes, and the second line came in. This alone did a great deal of damage to them, but we turned around after quickly lining up with the second wave, and charging again. As we collided with them again I noticed many of our cavalry going down. I looked behind me to see a volley of arrows coming in. I raised one of the small shields on my arm to cover my back, over where my heart was. The Elven archers always aimed for the heart, and as such I felt an arrow slam into my shield. It stuck fast since my shield was wooden, but I merely broke the shaft of the arrow. Many others were doing the same once they realized that the Elves were shooting at them.

We made it back to our infantry line with only a few more casualties, then made one thick line of cavalry, and waited. The Elves sent out their own cavalry line to attack. As we waited for them we were given halberds that were strapped securely onto our arms, and we were all tied well to our horses. The enemy cavalry was close enough, and so we charged. Our plan was simple. Elven soldiers were never strapped to their horses, so what we were to do was hold out halberds out, slightly behind us and with the spike pointing out, and as we got close enough, we’d jam the spike into the Elf and pull him off his steed. This plan did, however, run a great risk of us getting our arms ripped of, or broken. But I’d done it before, once. It hurt like Hell, but I still have my arm.

Our charge against the enemy cavalry went relatively well. We pulled most of the riders off, though several of our men went down as well. Someone next to me actually had his arm ripped. It was still attached a bit by one of his muscles, but I can only imagine what it’ll feel like later when they have to cut it off. Sickening thought… But now I’ve returned back behind everyone. The infantry are charging now, to kill those we pulled of their horses. Those of us horse riders who are severely injured are now pulling back, as they can’t fight now.

We’ll have one more part to play in this battle before we can go back ourselves. Our infantry are lining up again, now that they’ve dispatched of the enemy left in the middle of the field. They’re preparing for the enemy infantry to attack. When they do, it’ll be a classic battle. While I have a moment, I need to heal. The others don’t know I’ve retained this ability from my father, and I try to keep it a secret. I made sure it looked like I was only grasping my shoulder in pain, but I was really healing it. There was a light glow coming from under my hand, which you have to be close to really see.

- - - - - -

The infantry did their thing, and actually lost. Due to this we were forced to charge at the enemy again. Our halberds were detached from our arms, and put in our hands. We charged at them again, but we were hit by a few volleys of arrows send out one right after the other. This took down a noticeable chunk of our number, but we kept going, prompting our horses to run faster. The armour had been slightly weakened from the last charge on some of our horses, and as a result, several of us went down to the enemy pikes. But we broke through them still, and kept charging toward the Elven archers who were firing at us while we were still far enough away. Our own archers were picking off the last of the Elves infantry as they tried to rush them.

Our charge was successful, as archers are very lightly armored. They couldn’t even retreat, as we ran them all down with ease. This battle was won, which would make us all joyful. The losses weren’t even all that bad either, considering the size of our army. But now they’ll bring in the rams, bash down the enemy gates, and take the city garrison down. The city will be ours, and we’ll have expanded our territory. This field battle outside an Elven city was quite exhilarating, but it will wear a man out. So, I now follow the rest of the cavalry, and fall back to the fort.