Commando Part 9

Their pursuit of these foes led them out of the city. On their own rides commandos and Red Hearts chased down the last remaining foes whom tried racing to the ends of Bor Dorahl’s limits. Near the outskirts of the ancient Dwarf city Red Hearts, Unseen Bears, Onyx Cougars caught up with these intruders. Just thirteen of attacking intruders remained with the united gangs in hot pursuit. Scores of pursuers shot at them with an array of various weapons from pistols, to rifles, sub-machine guns to assault rifles and repeaters. Just six out of the thirteen fleeing foes made it out of the fire. A total of six of the unknown intruders escaped Bor Dorahl. Maurice watched these escapees ride down the road to the Gantronese held areas of the northern Unknown Lands.

      For a whole month the inhabitants of Bor Dorahl were on their toes expecting another attack. During this single month all the Vestrisians and their goon allies talked about uniting their forces into a single faction. Together their forces would be able to repel a brigade’s worth or a full division of Gantronese or enemies. Inside the ancient castle within the face of the mountain the gangs and Vestrisians along with Bor Dorahl inhabitants forged the Sarcagos Circle Alliance. The Unseen Bears, Commandos, Red Hearts, Onyx Cougars, Silver Harpies, smaller groups and the inhabitants of Bor Dorahl joined as one faction.

      With their unification these gangs and factions could secure a foothold for the VAVR, a free state, security for travelers and a buffer against the Gantronese and the Gargoyles. Colonle George Bryce the Quick, Rachel Grange, Major Vorheels, and other leaders discussed revenge against the Gargoyles, Warlords, and whoever sent these intruders. In a matter of days their newly formed Triumph irate ruled government chose to strike.

      Over six hundred fighters were assembled for the campaign of the newly founded Sarcagos Circle Alliance. Maurice Viyamor was one of these fighters. Most of them were Vestrisian ex-soldiers, Unseen Bears, and Commandos. Under the command of Major Vorheels the battalion marched towards the west while envoys travelled to the Uwaux and Tuxir Nations for support and maybe unite with them. In force the battalion sped its way towards the mountain of Paqyks Summit. This Mountain was home to the Dwarf Warlord Bandornez “No Beard” Stonecutter and his few hundred henchmen and minions.

      As they rode towards Paqyks Summit more fighters joined their ranks. From lone wolves, gunslingers, rangers, Uxane Prowlers, Renegades, honest outlaws, Tuxir Uwaux riflemen, disgruntled bands or miners and prospectors. Their force doubled to over twelve hundred angry men, women, elves, dwarves, Forsythans, and Gnomes.

      This single Warlord had many enemies and approximately seven towns and cities under his control. If these settlements pulled for him they’d face thousands of scared combatants forced to fight for a Warlord. After two hours of riding with a growing force of two thousand strong they came upon one of Stonecutter’s cities. Named after a god, Vig Durahl is a city of some 24,000 various peoples and professions. It rested on the slopes of the Summit along with two other towns, Rambadir, and Dhurnheim.

      Their forces halted at the gates of the city. His senses told him the Warlord might have more men than they thought at first. To Maurice’s dismay the Warlord’s own fortress like palace had four encampments of three different factions. It appeared to be a force of six thousand or more. Setting up camp the gathered forces of the SCA chose some envoys to negotiate with the mayor or governor of the city. Major Vorheels and Maurice were chose along with a female elf named Tethys Farleth to speak with governor of Vig Durahl. A trio of envoys entered the city under escort of police guards which numbered four out of the found hundred eighty of the whole force.

      Inside Vig Durahl they found a mixed population of Dwarves, Elves, Gnomes, Humans, and civilized Orcs. Even Uxane, Grussians with their pill box hats, box beards, Eothians in the traditional yellow gold trimmed ponchos each a different color with its own patterns and design depending on the clan or region. Grussia was the more militaristic state that created and supplied a variety of weapons until the Gantronese took over. Eoth was the populace nation with access to the seas. Like Grussia, Eoth was wedged between two mountain ranges with islands in the large lake the nations shared. Eothians were more of them mule drivers, fishermen, fish mongers, Trackers, Traders, Shipbuilders, Rope Makers, Cutters, Stevedores, stable hands, and Herders. Due to their location numerous Eothians and Grussians picked up mining, logging, adventuring among the artisan jobs and sailors/divers. Eoth was not without the arcane using enchanter-warriors and the Jaguar border guards.

      Maurice looked at these Eothians and Grussians who seemed to have migrated here decades ago. He wondered if any of them were refugees escaping the Gantronese hands. As they proceeded through the streets the inhabitants were preparing for a siege from both sides. Word had spread that their force was outside causing hundreds to begin taking shelter in cellars, and basements. A few hundred citizens picked up arms and marched towards the governor’s estate. There the three envoys met Governor Ordwick von Ramsteakle a very round fellow who appeared voracious.

      For hours they spoke with the fat governor Ramsteakle. This fat pig of a governor despised Warlord Stonecutter but was too afraid to lift a finger against him whenever his thugs or henchmen caused trouble for the citizens of Vig Durahl. Pressure from locals, the armed militias, an army outside the city, history of constant abuse and oppression, and fears of falling under Gantronese rule again forced Ramsteakle’s hand to act. He ordered all citizens with a weapon to join the forces outside while permitting the SCA access to the city.

      Neighboring settlements were contacted while a militia of one thousand two hundred twenty was marshalled. This added to the gathered mob of fighters who had joined the envoys to the Governor’s Estate. A force of three thousand five hundred armed peoples and soldiers set up positions around the North West flank of the city. Vig Durahl’s neighbors would permit six hundred ten to join them making their own force 4,110.

      Against the force of six thousand the gathered fighters could fend off an attack or two, push the advance, counterattack and storm the palace. With four thousand it seemed possible and easy enough. On the next day their force increased by a few hundred more only to find a large encampment of Gantronese troops. It was obvious Warlord Bandornez “No Beard” Stonecutter sided with the Gantronese. To many this meant he was handing over the Sarcagos on a silver platter.

      The battle commenced with a force of three thousand advanced towards their defenses. Having everything set up for their defense the Sarcagos Coalition waited. For some time they waited, watching the enemy movements. Once the enemy was in firing range, the best marksmen opened fire. Thirty five minutes of shooting and exchange of fire the three thousand sent against them saw their own numbers reduced to not even a third of its strength. Seven hundred enemy combatants fled back to their camps. Losing a hundred sixty seven dead and two hundred wounded the defenders prepared for the next wave.

      Wave number two came a few hours after the first. This wave was slightly larger than the first by three thousand. As a larger wave advanced on them another group joined the Gantronese. Many of the Sarcagosee fighters were dismayed at the sight of more enemies. Some considered fleeing as others began shooting at the advancing wave. Maurice fired his rifle at specific targets as his fellow Vestrisians let fingers become trigger happy. Seeing the SCA forces sending lead down towards the enemy encouraged the gathered militias. The advancing wave returned fire and even took cover slowing their advance.

      Maurice kept throwing heat upon the advancing enemy with his gathered allies and comrades. Over the course of the shootout they chipped away at the second wave.

Their adversaries also chipped away at their defenses. All around him combatants fell dead, took cover, and received hits that took them out of the fight. However their losses were not as heavy as the enemy heading towards them. For nearly a full three hours the battle raged on with casualties mounting on both sides. Wave number two was slightly wavering and ready to break. Somehow this second wave did not break and retreat. Was it the Gantronese presence? Did the invaders force their hand and coerce the warlord’s forces to stand their ground? Sure enough the enemy did stay put while a third wave advanced forward.