News, Year 123 (from Printemps onwards)

Angst · 01-03-07, 12:36 PM

Page 1185

NEWS of the KNOWN WORLD

Incorporating the Ragnarok reporter.

Printemps 30th 123

Achmenia.

Nyfører.

Nyfører and his armies moved by easy stages to Babol in Caspia. By mid Frostmon they were gathered, the 10,000 mounted foot of the 112ers, Skrapehake and Hidy Harald with 10,000 mounted infantry, Boson with another 15,000 infantry, Laganides and Masacaces with 15,000 cavalry, and Hyasaqyte with the 30 great wagons of the artillery corps.

This great horde needs 8 ktons of grain (or equivalent) each month: they soon finished any supplies left over from their journey and by the end of Frostmon the situation was deteriorating rapidly. Foragers scoured the lands of Babol, to the despair of the peasantry and to the anger of the local Caspians: several hundred were killed but many more could die of starvation before the harvest.
A couple of weeks ago a group of mounted infantry moved to seize the new Sevan bridge but were unable to do so as it is as yet unfinished with only a few ill-balanced planks as yet in place.
By the 30th of Printemps Nyfører’s whole force had moved to the bank of the Arax opposite Sevan, where they have just been joined by Nyfører himself.
Hråkon, the Estonian Bey of Sevan,, has demanded to speak to Nyfører: his men hold the fort that guards the ford.

Tomeniaces bar Auro.

Sadiq led a few thousand open order cavalry to the Besh ford where his men have scouted and foraged for the New Persian Imperial Construction Corps and Boson’s infantry who are building a fort there.

After a pleasant stay in the Hakka-Hakkari region the rest of the Chaldean army under Tareq moved by easy stages to Hosa and thence to Sahand. There Tomeniaces bar Auro joined them after attending Abraham’s wedding: when apprised of the situation he warmly congratulated Tareq on his actions. What actions?
When he reached Sahand Tareq’s forward scouts had reported to him the dire situation as regards supplies in Caspia, and around Babol in particular.
There was little grain available locally, but Tareq bought what he could. He also sent officers with substantial cavalry detachments and numerous cavalry mounts (without their riders) to Hosa, Ala, and Van where they purchased grain from the local merchants, paying a fair price but not even contemplating a refusal to sell as a viable option. Simultaneously he bought ponies and horses locally for temporary use as pack animals.
Tomeniaces continued Tareq’s plan and by the end of Printemps they had amassed a useful supply dump at Sahand, enough for a couple of months or so for the army.
Tomeniaces sent Za’rashti bar Zayid with his Pontic division to discuss the situation with Nyfører.

Mustasha Sr.

Mustasha welcomed the guests to the wedding of his blood-brother Abraham to Wagnimandua the Galatian on Printemps 1st. A magnificent and major event attended by, amongst others, the Empress Ate and her Galatian, by Emperor Angustus with an impressive retinue of Sassanian nobles and generals, and by Brahma and numerous other local New Persian Emirs and Sheikhs; Suren was there after a very hard ride. It is uncertain if Nyfører’s absence was to avoid unpleasantness, or was because of his new war, but onlookers noted with some relief that Emperor Angustus greeted Empress Ate … and her Galatian … with warm courtesy.

After a week of feasting the guests have departed.
Suren has moved to join the army in Caspia. The Chaldean levy has gathered at The Great Oasis, as is its wont.

Eastern Ocean.

Two knarrs with experienced crews and a few extra large men aboard sailed up the eastern coast of the Known World from Amol: representatives of the Two-Rivers Trading Company, their first halt was at Ufahavn where they were dismayed to find the company offices not only deserted but stripped of even their doors and roof.

Onward to Kazan on Sea where they were not only unable to locate any trace of the company office, but were attacked with the loss of seven of their number.
Westwards to Ingridshafn where they were welcomed by Jarl Ogmund Ogmundson who commiserated with them over the Kazan attack and invited them to eat in his hall. There they were attacked, overpowered, robbed, and their survivors driven out to perish in the winter wilderness. 20 of Ogmund’s men were killed or died later of their wounds, but he thought that it was well worth it for two such fine knarrs.

Pontus.

A detachment from the Royal Guard was despatched to Ate. The detachment, one nervous man strong, was ordered to inform the ex-Empress that when her husband has paid his taxes she may perhaps get some troops.

The rest of the Royal Guard, ordered to stay where it is, shuffled its feet and looked at the ground.
The Phœnix crossed to Istanbul where it is now camped. Before departure the army paraded in all its finery and was presented by the Emperor Shalman with new and unusually splendid banners, in honour of its renaming: the 1st Royal Polonovan Guard. The said Polonova accompanied the Emperor and impressed the men with her horsemanship, controlling a particularly large and spirited stallion despite much noisy cheering. They say that she controls the Emperor with equal skill.
Those close enough to see the fine nauseating impressive trophies hanging from her saddle were even more impressed.

It is not entirely clear if the Emperor has already married the young Polonova: when the PITHOff was asked he muttered something incoherent and took another large swig from a large flagon.

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Carthage.

Overheard in the Temple, with apologies for plagiarism.
I have a shrewd notion that those who are insecure, hungry and without hope will not be ardent defenders of political institutions nor discriminating in the gods they embrace.

Salammbo.

At the great New Year festival Salammbo made her eagerly awaited appearance. Onlookers guessed that her words were going to be contentious: when the High Priestess entered the great hall she was accompanied by Maxentius jr and Harribal bin Elros and was preceded by her Temple Guards whilst the Trias Old Guard, Maxentius Jr’s bodyguard, guarded her entrance to (and egress from) the hall and the nearby gateway. The Trias Old Guard also held the horses of the guards along with spare mounts and numerous pack animals.
She announced to the expectant throng that she was going to return to Trias Province where she would ensure that Trias reclaimed its rightful independence. All taxes would of course be withheld.
Once Baal is restored to his rightful place as the sole god of Carthage and once all perverse Motiphs are removed from the Punic Empire, the possibility of an alliance between Trias and Carthage could be considered. She did remind the crowd that were Elros to perish, Harribal his son and heir would be the next Emperor: she would ensure that he was well protected.
Salammbo then left with Harribal and Maxentius jr and the guards: none tried to hinder their passage. They rode rapidly via Tembusi, Schkender and Kys and reached Trias without mishap. They moved without delay to join Zaranissa.

Hasmarbal.

Hasmarbal travelled to Windicta, where he publicly swore allegiance to Philipo as Emperor of Eastern Carthage. Asked to swear allegiance to Baal, Hasmarbal pointed out, rather testily, that he had been swinging the sword against Motiph for many months, so his loyalty to Baal should not be questioned. He did, however, at the suggestion of Philipo, publicly pray to Baal for the deliverance of Carthage under the hand of Philipo.
It is widely believed that Hasmarbal sought funding from Philipo but that before the latter reached a decision the noble Faron dicided that the Demiliton treasury was honour bound to support Hasmarbal and his loyal forces. Whatever the truth of these rumours, it is known that many mounts have been handed over by Faron’s agents to Hasmarbal’s officers.

Hasmarbal rejoined his army and that of Moloch in Marsal. It seems that Moloch’s army, as part of the Demiliton forces, has received a war-chest from the Demiliton treasury.

A’Rrosee & Elros.

A’Rrosee (and Elros) pushed scouts down into the coastal plain; a few far enough to overlook the unwalled town of Marsal and the nearby camps of the armies of Hasmarbal and Moloch. He (they) then moved the forces under his (their “Stop trying to ignore me!”) control to Tembusi and thence to Schkender. A couple of days ago they started a cautious advance towards Marsal behind a large cavalry screen, though with still but a handful watching Marsal.

Altribaal.

Philipo informed Altribaal, the newly elected CinC of the Punic elements of the Trias Army, that he is to be his imperial ambassador at Salammbo's court: “… even though it is unfortunate to lose such a strong leader of men, the political importance of Trias is such that you, Altribaal, must go given that you are the best qualified man for the job.”
Neither Altribaal nor the men who had just elected him to be their commander were best pleased and their discontent was not diminished when they learned that only half the necessary had been put in their divisional war-chest.
By chance, at that time, agents from Trias Province, sent by Zaranissa and Salammbo, made contact with this remnant of the Trias Army, now incorporated in Philipo’s CIA as the Triassic division, in an effort to persuade them to come home and serve the true god Baal, whilst being fully paid and well fed. Salammbo had promised that there would be no recriminations, no victimisation.
None the less, many feared that a return to Trias would be a death sentence. Altribaal persuaded these latter to refrain from trying to impede the departure of their comrades and pointed out that their duty would be done if they reported what they knew immediately … to himself, their elected leader. He and those that chose to follow him, about half the force, fled by night.

Zaranissa & Salammbo.

Zaranissa concentrated the Trias Provincial Army in Senastarte, where he was joined by Salammbo.
There they met and warmly welcomed Altribaal and his men; there was a joint parade of all these forces and Salammbo blessed the banners and those about to fight for Baal, absolving them of any guilt for what they are about to inflict on the heretics. She reminded them that Baal is without sin and as they act in his name and are but his right hand any and all their actions will therefore be without sin too.

The Trias levy is gathering at Paender.

Wallachia.

After resting through much of the winter the army is now stepping up the intensity of its training, readying itself for fresh challenges.
A grand parade on Printemps 30th, to mark the end of the winter was well attended by press and foreign diplomats, probably hoping for hints as to 123’s plans, but to no avail: Cambysses made a speech telling the army how good they are (prolonged cheering), how good their generals are (prolonged cheering) and hinting broadly at future victories over unspecified foes and the development of radical new weapons and tactics, equally unspecified.
The Hunnic squadron of the special Scouting And Subversion regiment of the Intelligence Division was especially congratulated on their achievements
During the evening’s social entertainment four members of the said unit were wined generously by two spies reporters. The two reporters were later asked not to repeat what they had managed to learn … or else!

Hunland.

All is quiet.
The Byelohun levies are gathering at the Site of the Holy Tree: it is perhaps worrying … or should worry the neighbours … that all the levies of Byeloland, including Greek and Macedonian settlers, have already turned up or have sent large contingents to represent them and to discover what is afoot.
The Siberians, rather fewer, are also gathering, on the northern shore of The Sweet Lake.

Germany.

No treasury having been handed over by the recalcitrant Vikings, Friederich has called the Ostragoths to levy to his banner at Friederichshavn for an early start to a campaign; he has also asked Harda Knut to bring his men and the fleets are also to join this overwhelming force.

Friederich is already at Friederichshavn with his cavalry.

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Sassanidia.

Rebellion and palace coup rumoured.

Taking advantage of the increasingly prolonged and orgiastic festival of the New Year a group of young army officers with detachments of trusted (by them!) troops entered the Cairo Citadel where the generals and other senior officers were reviewing a parade of scantily clad cup-bearers of various genders.
With no difficulty they took the generals into protective custody: Farex, the able loyal and popular 79 year old Libyan Sassanid CinC of the 1st Army: Neguib the notoriously cautious and unpopular 43 year old Egyptian commander of the Nile (provincial) army: Obisis the desperately unpopular 41 year old Nile Sassanid CinC of the 2nd Army, and Putrifax his 32 year old Nubian Egyptian divisional general were the more senior of the captives, but a few dozen of their staff officers were also put under guard in the cellars of the Citadel. The rebels sealed off the Citadel and the adjacent attached Imperial palace.
The touchy but popular 78 year old admiral Glaci’is had the misfortune to be visiting the palace and he joined the generals in the cellars, his protests soon stilled by a beating. It is widely believed that Stephanus and the whole of the Imperial family were made prisoner at the same time, but if so they did not join the others in the Citadel cellars … rumour places them in the extensive cellars of the Palace.
Over the next few weeks the rebels young officers, Sassanidians from the two Nile Provinces or from Libya Province to a man, tried their captives. First all “foreigners” were found guilty of foreignness and were publicly executed. Most of the remainder followed, only Farex and a handful of staff officers were spared; but when Farex was freed and his sword returned to him, he chose to fall on it.
These men, the self-styled Protectors and Organisers, (P&O), have called all rulers, chieftains, and other dignitaries from the Nile and West Nile provinces to a convocation in Cairo, the Purifiers of Sassanidian Honour (POSH) which is due to start in about 7 hours. Non-attendance has been deemed to be a capital offence: many invitees fear that attendance may have a remarkably similar result.
For whatever reason this group has chosen to eschew names, they are to be known only by their titles, or so it has been announced. The 1st Protector is the new commander of the 1st Army, the Nile Organiser the new ruler Nile Province, Cairo Organiser the ruler of Cairo, and so on. (Zeus assumes that this system will prove so unwieldy that it will be dropped at the first “reshuffle”)
Wild rumours circulate: the most popular is that these men have come under A’Rrosee’s spell and are leading Sassanidia to Motiphation: favoured by some is the notion that this has been planned by Emperor Stephanus as a the only way to cleanse and reinvigorate his empire: ditto Prince Ptelnet: ditto Emperor Angustus: oh, the possibility that they are just a bunch of greedy/bored/nationalist (delete at will!) young men is not wholly discounted. There are rumours of a Supreme Organiser.

One down, …

Ar Karnevs, usually cautious but always gullible, was arrested, tried, and executed for treason when he foolishly ventured from the moderate safety of Damietta in response to an invitation to a funeral of a distant cousin … who is incidentally in excellent health.

Of lowly birth, he rose during the troubled times 4 or 5 years ago: brave, loyal, popular, and a competent commander,in 118 he had been made Convenor of the Levy by Sancho. This had been neither forgotten nor forgiven.

Gaul.

Fratricidal feasting.

Pepin killed his illegitimate half brother Pierre in a drunken brawl in late Frostmon. There had of course long been bad blood between them, each resenting any success achieved by the other.
At a feast to celebrate Irulam’s birthday Pepin angered Pierre by mocking his naval exploits, but then enraged Pierre by suggesting that his long though ineffectual absence had at least allowed several of those present to enjoy the company of Pierre’s young and very attractive wife.
Well, both Irulam and Pepin are known for their amorous exploits: Pierre drew his sword and rushed at Pepin who also drew his sword, but wine and anger proved Pierre’s undoing; he stumbled and fell on Pepin’s sword. There is some dispute as to whether Pepin could have avoided stabbing poor Pierre, but he didn’t and Pierre died a couple of hours later, still cursing Pepin.
In view of the importance of those involved Irulam has asked Cerdic to adjudicate, and to select a successor for Pierre not only as admiral, but also as ruler of Rennes and Overlord of the Coast and Peninsula.

Marseilles relieved.

Cerdic’s winter trained veteran mounted infantry set off from Davos: along the Royal Road to Bern, there across the Rhone and down the valley to the ford that lies some 40 miles or so above the confluence with the Saone. They had by this time brushed aside a few bands of Dacians who seemed minded to contest their passage: these men were able to operate in the appalling conditions at least as well as were the tribesmen: even so they had lost 25 men and 94 mounts, though the latter loss was not a problem as the men moved faster on foot and were using their mounts as pack animals.
At this ford they split up. 500 heavy infantry set off at a fairly brisk pace down the Rhone valley; they reached Marseilles without incident and had no difficulty breaking through … well, just walking through … the very loose siege. But the guards refused to open the gate to let them into the city, particularly as the few Tuscan cavalry that constituted the so-called siege were showing no signs of hostility.
Governor Caractacus was called: he is a Briton, the men demanding entry were a mixture of Montenegran and Thracian Greeks. He agreed to let two officers in to discuss the impasse and to persuade him of their bona fides, but only on condition that the other 493 (the spearmen had lost 5 men) pulled back a good mile so that they could not rush the gate.
The Tuscan cavalry, a little more numerous now, were unable to resist the temptation and killed or seriously injured 17 men without loss before Caractacus let them into the city. They were immensely grumpy about these events and were restrained only with difficulty from venting their spleen on the hapless guards and citizenry.
The other force, a mixture of light, heavy, and extra heavy infantry, crossed the Rhone and then the Saone, losing 9 men and 57 horses and 9 ponies on the latter crossing. The loss of the mounts would not have been a problem were it not for the loss of the equipment they carried.
This second force reached Mende without further mishap, whence they raid into the invader held territory, seeking isolated detachments, though with little success as the Italians have not ventured out much in the winter.

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Slavonia.

Baja & Buda.

Brigadier Drusus, commander of Cerdic’s 500 Tuscan garrison troops in Baja, reacted vigorously to the attempt of the citizenry to starve them out. His men took over the city with little difficulty, capturing Bellerophon who had not even got round to recruiting more than half a dozen feudal retainers (Pindar’s had perished with him).
Drusus has imposed a ruthless reign of terror and has imposed a swingeing tax, expropriating not only cash but also valuables, food and indeed maidens.
Xenophon of Buda has gathered what forces he can and with the fine weather now approaching has readied them to go and sort out the situation.

Vikinglands.

Pripyat.

Njal, the able leader of the Vikings of The Pripyat Grazing, still vigorous despite his 80 years, was killed in a hunting accident a few weeks ago. He will probably be succeeded by his unpopular grandson, also named Njal, who was with him on the hunt. It is well attested that there were no suspicious circumstances attendant on the mishap, a fact which is in itself unusual and therefore suspicious.

Latvia.

In the Dvina Vale mead and the onset of spring have set blood rushing to the heads of the young warriors.
Dredd Donarson, popular son of the slaughtered Jarl Donar, urged on by his fiery step-mother Ingebøg, called for vengeance upon Otto the Visigoth and Friederich his unholy backer. His claim to lead the peoples of the Dvina vale was not contested by Niall the unpopular Estonian Jarl of Riga, nor by Jarl Blatt of Viski who has succeeded Wodd, his father, killed at the battle of Viski.
The hotheads have rallied to the Dredd standard.
Of the Jarls of Central Latvia there is little doubt that Thor Ulriksson, the rash German-hating Jarl of Utena will join the rebels: it is not yet clear if Foed of Birzai or Vacuna of Vilna will also join them.
The leadership of the Rusne & Wista Jarls was grabbed by Lemminkainen of Lubin to the chagrin of Poeja of Polessk but it is likely that the latter will join the rebellion when he has heard of it, and Lemminkainen may well have little choice but to join too. Gog Kalevalason is very much an unknown: and as for Thorsson the Timid, well, it probably depends on who frightens him most … or first.
The rising trouble was reported to Sten Gunnarsen who has sent an urgent message to Bjarni and has called the levy to him at Konigsberg. It is feared that many of the warriors from the Dvina will fail to answer his call, or even join Dredd.

Estonia.

Erik has many failings, but lack of courage is not one of them: he told Friederich’s emissary to “Haddaway an’ shite, man”, muttering that Friederich was mad: even if he had the Viking treasury he wouldn’t hand it over.
Anders has called out the levy but seems either to be awaiting instructions or to be waiting to see how events unfold before defining their task. Many urge that he announce his support for Dredd.

Malta.

Rumours circulate. It seems that the mayor boss is in negotiation with a foreign power. He must be a worried man; no unknown ship is being permitted to enter the fortified part of the great harbour, and even those registered there are now searched, seemingly for troops, before being allowed in.

Thrace.

Antigonus Gonadus.

Nahese, Antigonus’ personal physician, killed himself on the Ides of Dormon by binding himself to his treatment couch and then consuming his entire pharmacopoeia, as a result of which he died a confused but unpleasant death.
Antigonus’ wound, trivial though it was, had not only failed to heal but had slowly spread to the surrounding tissues which became an interesting and almost attractive shade of greenish-purple, though with an unpleasant odour. Alarmed, Vashti insisted on further opinions: all agreed that topically applied toxins were to blame, but too late: the corruption continued its inexorable spread and Antigonus perished peacefully.
Vashti and Demetriaces announced that they would personally question Nahese carefully rigorously intensively … but too late, so the evil-doer behind the murder remains uncertain.
Despite his reputation for impeccable honesty and integrity there are those who suspect Demetriaces or even Vashti his mother, but suspicion falls mainly on Shalman or Ate, with or without the aid of Lysander, the cunning and ambitious Governor of Thrace.
Despite these suspicions, Demetriaces has confirmed Lysander in his post, and has stressed the need for vigilance, hard work, and various other appropriate noises. Demetriaces has also promoted Anti-Bessus to CinC, replacing the late Perdiccas, and has asked him to prepare a full report on the army along with recommendations for its development. Plagiar is reported to be dismayed that he has been overlooked.
We hear that both Lysander and Anti-Bessus have sworn to serve Demetriaces loyally etc.

Ptelnet.

Emperor Angustus gave control of the Parthian forces to Ptelnet who arranged for some to be demobilised on generous terms and others to move to join him in Thrace.
Horisis gathered these men, cavalry, infantry and siege corps and sent them, under the command of Koribis who was also ordered to Greece with his division.
They moved by easy stages north through Pontic Iberia and then along the coast road, across the Bosphorus, and thence to Nis where they were reviewed by Prince Ptelnet and allocated to the Immortals and the UPA.

Thorsson.

Thorsson and his men joined those of Cnut and Arne in Burgas and then moved down the coast to Istanbul where they have just booked crossings.

Montenegro.

Argon the Montenegran, Chairman of the West Croatian and Rijekan Councils, took his own life in his 63rd year.
Popular and competent, it is said that he was wearied by the long wars that have so disrupted Rijekan life … though there are rumours of a recent scandalous incident in the ladies section of the public baths, and his chosen mode of death was unusual in the extreme.
He is succeeded by Sisseron, perhaps an ambitious opportunist, but a man who is noted above all for his integrity and scrupulous honesty.
Both Zog and Plutarchos have angrily claimed that they should have been made Chairman of the West Croatian Council, but were deemed unsuitable in view of, respectively, their past links to Cerdic and Ptolemy, and their closeness to the Italian authorities.

Angst · 03-03-07, 02:57 PM

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NEWS of the KNOWN WORLD

Wapenry 30th 123

The East.

Caspia

Hans and his much reduced fleet arrived at Daran and established a camp just north of the town. His men have been building mud-brick storehouses for the grain and other supplies which they have unloaded.
It seems that about half Hans’ fleet refused his orders and elected to stay on Bukhara: Hans now only has his famous drekkar, 14 longships and 3 knarrs.
Grain was loaded aboard ships of the Chaldean merchant navy at Tehran; they headed north escorted by Chaldean warships. After an uneventful journey they arrived off Daran. Daran of course lacks a harbour and unloading is therefore proceeding slowly, so far without mishap.
The Chaldeans have refused to put the grain in the storehouses built by Hans’ men and are erecting a rather more substantial storehouse.
A brigade of Boson’s infantry and 2 brigades of Masacaces cavalry have arrived to help at Daran.
Nyfører has moved supplies from the Tigris to Karakum and thence north to the Arax. His men have taken over the ruined fort at the ford due north of Karakum and used it as a base for despatching the supplies down the river.
Masacaces has based most of his division on Karakum whence they organise the transport of supplies. Despite all these efforts, the supply situation remains poor and is expected to get worse as supplies have to be sought from further and further afield.
Nyfører ordered the transport of supplies to Babol by road from Karakum. He has paid compensation to the unfortunate locals and promised them grain once it is available in sufficient amount … unlikely to be any time soon.
A brigade each of cavalry and infantry moved via Babol to the coast, found it bleak and inhospitable and returned to Babol. Lief’s army has also moved to Babol.
Skrapehake and Hidy Harald are scouting the Arax valley from their base in Nyfører’s camp opposite Sevan: a few of their scouts have crossed to the left bank. Hyasaqyte’s men labour valiantly building pontoons but the scarcity of adequate timber is proving a handicap.
Uncertainty and confusion as to the whereabouts of Beelzebub, the debauched Hereditary Sheikh of Babol … had he gone with Nyfører and his armies or was he still in Babol territory trying to sort out the mess, or was he pursuing his favoured past-time … were resolved with the discovery of much of his body at a largely derelict hamlet a few miles west of Babol.

It seems from his wounds that he had been slaughtered by humans but partially eaten by wild animals. No clue as to the identity of his killer or killers or their motive has as yet been found. He had many enemies.
He is succeeded by Damibub, his second son, the eldest having perished in a fight over a woman two years ago.
Tremuras has called the levy to his standard at Sahand.

Chaldean travellers.

Shakbut bar Sahdi moved with two brigades of cavalry to the Tug bridge where he was met by his light brigade on the 12th. The three brigades crossed the Murat and Firat rivers and then rode rapidly via Sivas to Trabzon. Thence along the coast road: they are expected in Amasra in another 3 days or so.

Mustasha the Elder left the Great Oasis with his personal guard and a few trusted friends and advisers and headed north: they crossed the Murat river two days ago.

Ostland.

Nyfører has sent an emissary to Anders on Bukhara.
Nyfører has also sent envoys to the Ostland cities: it is far from certain that all have survived as we hear that there are still bands of dissident Estonians robbing and killing travellers with scant regard for the rights normally accorded to heralds or envoys.
There may be some disagreement between the erstwhile lovers, Daraxes and Rosanna. Rosanna with her two year old daughter and two month old son and a small personal guard turned up unexpectedly at Nyfører’s camp a week ago having, rather worryingly, crossed northern Caspia undetected by Nyfører’s scouts. Rosanna ordered the men holding the fort at the other end of the ford to go home and to tell Hrakon to come immediately to renew his oaths to her and to Nyfører.
Hrakon duly arrived at Nyfører’s camp. Our local expert on duplicity anticipates that Hrakon will try to curry favour with Nyfører by blaming Rosanna and/or Daraxes.
It seems that Rosanna blames the recent troubles on tensions between Daraxes and the Estonians … and to a lesser extent the Latvians … getting out of hand, with both too proud to compromise when minor incidents escalated. She does not think that Daraxes will come to meet Nyfører.
Daraxes has appealed to the authorities in Powellopolis for help should the forces gathering in Caspia invade his lands. He has also appealed to all horse-peoples to come to his assistance should the pony-eating barbarians invade his lands: envoys have gone to Azov Province in the north and to Zagros and Chaldea in the south, but also to the neighbours, the Ishmaelites, Iranians, and Caspians where his appeal is likely to heard sympathetically by those who have been oppressed by the insubhuman barbarians.

Mesopotamia.

Two brigades of Boson’s infantry gathered from Sevan, Besh, and the Hakka-Hakkari complex and then with a cavalry escort moved to Sinjar arriving a few days ago. Entry to the city has been denied pending clarification of something (I know not what!).

Abraham, accompanied by his son Ibrahim, his radiant bride Wagnimandua, and the Chaldean levy has just arrived at the Tikrit bridge where he is establishing a camp on the west bank. They have invited Brahma to visit their camp, as an honoured guest of course, to discuss the local situation.

Zagros.

Kublai has instituted a rigorous training programme for his army and has himself assisted in these training activities. Most brigades are training near Shiraz. Kublai’s heavy artillery has been put into storage and its propellant slaves are now labouring in his gold-mine and on his farms.

Inconspicuous scouts have kept an eye on Nestro’ai, now near Kazgan.

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Carthage.

Primas.

As the weather improved so A’Rrosee and Elros increased the pace of the advance of their forces towards Marsal. Late on the 4th a group of Hasmarbal’s officers out hunting met a large detachment of light cavalry and realised that all was not well: the two survivors raised the alarm.
Hasmarbal and Moloch strengthened the guards around their camps that night and detailed cavalry for an early morning probe in modest force. Modest, as Hasmarbal and Moloch had less than 10,000 men: about 2-3,000 were cavalry though most of the infantry was mounted: they also had about 200 cart-mounted bolt engines and 50-60 elephants.
They did not realise until dawn on the 5th that there was anything more than a large force of scouts or skirmishers nearby. A’Rrosee led perhaps 20,000 Motiphators, about half cavalry and half mounted foot: Elros had led was accompanied by Melqart bar Hanno with about 20,000 Carthaginians, mostly cavalry and mostly very nervous new recruits. They too had elephants, 40, but untrained and very unpredictable.
Marsal is of course unwalled.
The attack at first light was divided into two groups, probably in an effort to avoid the Motiphators and the Carthaginian elements attacking each other in the confusion. By chance this meant that Melqart was predominantly pitted against Hasmarbal’s forces, with the Motiphators against Moloch’s provincial army.
Both attacks carried the camps’ outer defences and Moloch’s men were soon in flight or in whichever paradise their beliefs qualified them for: though for many flight was but a brief postponement of paradise.
The fighting in and around Hasmarbal’s camps was confused by the elephants, Pocilbus proving uncharacteristically competent and Melqart’s raw men being all too fearful of them. But Melqart’s veterans swung the day and soon elephants were trampling they knew not whom in the panic to which the arrival of Melqart’s elephants added hugely.
The pursuit was particularly bloody as Marsal is on a ridge running onto a promontory and many were trapped. Melqart’s attempt to persuade Elros to halt the slaughter was thwarted by the paucity of sweeties.
Over the next week the Motiphators and, sad to relate, Melqart’s men too, hunted down survivors: quarter was rarely asked and even less frequently granted. Marsal was looted, its citizens treated as enemy.
By the 13th A’Rrosee and Melqart had rallied their troops. Losses: Moloch lost perhaps 4-5,000 men, Hasmarbal about 2,000: plus 2,000 or so artillerists and elephant crews and 5,000 or so local populace were also lost though it is likely that many of these will have accepted conversion rather than death. Melqart lost a little over 1,000 men, and the Motiphators about 700.
Pocilbus, Xmaras and Narbal perished.
The surviving elephants and most of the bolt engines were captured by Elros and A’Rrosee.
Hasmarbal and Moloch have rallied their survivors and are now almost at Farah, making good speed with Imperial Guard and some Motiphators snapping at their heels. A’Rrosee and Melqart I’m-in-charge-Elros are now headed purposefully along the coast behind a very large cavalry screen; they passed Voccalica 2 days ago. The elephants are lagging somewhere near Cahns, and many of the Motiphators are motiphating … Anssos and Cahns have been looted and de-Baaled by the Motiphators as they passed: they are busy now in Voccalica. Converts and slaves a-plenty.

Demiliton.

Philipo pushed scouts to the south and to the west: those in the south found nothing of note to report. The west was different!

Trias.
Baal will provide!

Local authorities are establishing who the heretics are (trans. followers of the Motiph perversion) and their role in the so-called religion.
In view of the shortage of good firewood all those of priest/shaman rank will be cleansed by Baal (trans. staked out in the desert and left to die).
All other followers of the Motiph perversion will be given a choice – publicly recant and hammer in the stakes for the priests and other believers or be cleansed by Baal themselves.
Salammbo has announced that those fighting against the Motiph heresy will be granted the lands of those cleansed. All other belongings of those cleansed by Baal will become the property of the Trias military.

Zytokberg.

Having received reports of both renegade Trias troops and foreign troops lurking near Zytokberg, Zaranissa sent orders to the levy to hasten, whilst scouting cautiously, to Zytokberg. He set off via Linka and Sidris with scouts ahead and patrols out on both flanks, ordered to prevent messengers passing in either direction.
The levy moved more quickly than Zaranissa had anticipated and reached Zytokberg on the 20th. Although they tried to camp inconspicuously, twenty-odd thousand men are not easily overlooked.
The men lurking near Zytokberg were 500 or so Leonese light cavalry with, as guides and mentors, 20 Trias Punic cavalrymen. The arrival of the levy caused panic and they dicided to depart forthwith. Of course on the afternoon of the 21st they met Zaranissa and the Trias army going the other way and unfortunately, rather than talk to the scouting screen which they encountered, they mistakenly thought that that was all there was. They attacked and broke through the screen but were then destroyed by the army.
If there were survivors, they must be few and lost in the desert.
Zaranissa and his men spent a couple of days checking that there were no more enemy nearby, and then helped Salammbo and Salaebal root out heretics.

Sassanidia.

The POSH was well attended by the sheikhs and rulers of Nile province but a number of leading West Nile dignitaries failed to attend and have been proscribed. These include Ar Magrevs, Sheikh of El Minya and spokesman for the peasants’ party, and Ar Mergevs, Emir of the Nile valley and Bey of Memphis, and Ar Diotr, Bey of El Giza: both are adherents of the peasants’ party.
It soon became obvious from the proscriptions and the speeches that the P&O have no sympathy for Motiphation nor for the peasants who relatively recently acquired positions of power with the support of the Punic invaders.
Although no Supreme Organiser has as yet appeared, it seems that these men are upper class nationalists spurred to act by the disasters that have befallen Sassanidia.
During the final day of the POSH it was announced that there would be a significant recruiting drive and that the armies would reconquer Libya and Nubia as soon as they had brought West Nile Province firmly back into the Sassanidia fold.
Our intrepid investigator says that since they have taken control of the Imperial P&O Treasury they can almost certainly afford a considerable increase in the size of the armies.

Our intrepid investigator has also speculated as to the reason for the great deference accorded Me’socolon, the senile and unpopular Bey of Alexandria.

Page 1192

Dacian Highlanders.
Tidying up.

During the winter Scurilus had, with the total support of Jurassa and Scurvius, appointed himself Earl of the Rhone and had taken possession of Cerdic’s extensive estates around Bern Lake (I know it isn’t in the real world, but …)
After local consultation he had then appointed two Lowlanders, Wallis and Zurch, as Barons of the Upper and Lower Rhone Vale
Next Scurilus arranged a meeting with Lygenard under a flag of truce and drew to his attention his somewhat parlous situation. He suggested a formal truce with hostages “… your two sons … no, of course I won’t give you any!” as an alternative to Bern being besieged and the said sons being slaughtered as punishment for Lygenard’s stupidity.
Well, Scurilus can be persuasive and a truce was duly agreed and Lygenard’s two sons are now in Scurilus’ care where they have been treated with exemplary kindness.

And so to spring when young men lightly turn to thoughts of rapine.

Jurassa, forceful and imposing as ever, and Scurvius, charming and popular and much admired for his youthful brilliance, called the Highland chiefs to Bern with as many followers and friends as possible. All were told but had already guessed that the aim was to exploit the Gallic pre-occupation with the Italians and Iberians to exact vengeance … and collect a bit more booty
After a not unpleasant winter savouring their recently acquired wealth and women there was considerable enthusiasm for the venture.
Jurassa dedicated the expedition to the memory of her father Scurvio, and said that it was fitting that it should be led by his grandson Scurvius.
Chieftains Skabidol and Detatox and even Decaboluz with his handful of men came. Scurilus of course came with the bellicose Zurch and the Gaul-hating Wallis.
This considerable force set off north and west; they crossed the headwaters of the Saone just before mid-month: here Regent Aardrid joined the Dacians on their march with a few hundred Aalen Saxons.
Onwards across the low hills to the Seine headwaters, now moving more slowly as they looted and pillaged with enthusiasm. Most are on the left bank of the Seine but a significant number are looting between the Seine and the Marne.
Scurvius has pushed mounted scouts well out in all directions; they have kept a particularly careful watch on Dijon, even though they are now some distance northwest of the town.

Marseilles.

Regan initially expressed some disgruntlement at the reinforcement of Marseilles, not unreasonably suspecting that the new arrivals would stiffen the resolve of Governor Caractacus.
But resourceful as ever, she let the news of the Gallic success filter through to the fortress garrison.
On the 5th 100 of her men, in suitable uniforms suitably travel-stained and with a few pack animals, marched rapidly up to the fortress “harassed” by her light cavalry.
No hesitation this time; the fortress gate was opened quickly but carefully to admit the reinforcements who even shouted in an appropriate tongue.

Her men held the gate open long enough to let in a few hundred friends: the garrison was overwhelmed though some 45 of Regan’s men were killed. Regan, rather unfairly perhaps as they were only doing their job, has had the garrison’s survivors transferred to mining duties.

Gaul.

The invaders’ moves.

Leo has sent a note to Emperor Elros regretting that with the situation seemingly so unsafe he has not as yet sent any taxes (not even sweeties) lest they fall into the hands of the Emperor’s enemies.
Leo has reiterated his willingness to pay any Punic fleets “overlooked” by the Emperor.
The Taragon levy, 15,000 or so strong, having gathered at Aloala was led by Maralo at a brisk pace via Andorra to rendezvous with Sancho Sefi at Toulouse where they arrived without incident.
The Leon levy gathered and then moved to join their comrades who had elected to overwinter in Zaragozza. Now some 15-20,000 strong, they set off over the more or less clear of snow pass towards Dolmansville which they should reach within a week.
Carmino, having satisfied himself that the Leonese treasuries and storehouses are secure, has joined the levy.
El Gordang’s cavalry pushed to La Rochelle, harassed by Asprix’ cavalry. Asprix got rather the worse of the exchanges but called Louchix and Cantonix to come to his aid with their the infantry. When Bregalad sortied from La Rochelle to join up with El Gordang the Tolosans decided that discretion was appropriate and drew aside before triumphantly entering La Rochelle.
Dagamo and his fleet moved down the coast and then up the estuary to Bordeaux. Bregalad and El Gordang returned to Bordeaux, still just about harassed by the Tolosans, though very much more cautiously.
Sancho has pushed strong cavalry patrols along the Garonne to the coast.
Leo moved those of his forces which had over-wintered in Montpelier to Toulouse, leaving Escarrio and Publius to hold the southeast from their base at Nimes.

The defenders’ moves.
Cerdic has of course called out the levies.

The Bruxelles levy and army, some 15-20,000 very assorted fighting men, have just reached Reims.
The Tolosan army, about 2,000 cavalry and 5‑10,000 infantry is about half-way from La Rochelle to Tours. Sirosis, Ferrat, Braznac, Baccalix, and Archeolis with their feudal retainers, perhaps another 10,000 men, are in or near Tours.
The response in Bordeaux province has been negligible … only a few warriors have moved to join Cerdic.
The response of the Bretons was augmented by a generous offer of armour to the volunteers. There must be 25-30,000 warriors including those on the Breton warships. Most of these have reached Tours (No, not the ships!) and the rest are expected over the next few days.

Some conflict.

Leo and Sancho pushed strong cavalry patrols towards Mende and Clermont Ferrand. They met scant resistance initially as the Gauls, mostly Tolosans, withdrew northwards: as they withdrew the Gauls took with them any food stocks that they could, plus as many of the herds and flocks as they could. That which they were unable to drive or cart off has been collected by the invaders and carted or driven south.

Cerdic pushed cavalry south and as the Bretons arrived these cavalry skirmishes increased in vigour. It is not entirely clear who had the best of the skirmishing … numbers killed, the invaders have a slight advantage, percentage lost, the defenders. The main skirmish area is still south of Limoges but well north of Clermont. A few invaders have pushed through the Mende gap but are essentially unopposed.

The Bruxellois fleet has gathered and is now moving down the Channel collecting Breton contingents as they go. They are now off the mouth of the Seine.

Page 1193

Vikinglands.

Latvia.
You will notice a Thorsson the Timid here in Latvia. There are two Thorssons nicknamed Timid: this one is unrelated to the puissant Thorsson settled in Armenia. This one is timid; the other is not.

Sten Gunnarsen with but 1-2,000 men of the Latvian levy rode to Polessk. He had dicided to ensure the support of Poeja of Polessk and of Thorsson of Taurage, and perhaps the support or at the worst the neutrality of the other Rusne and Wista Jarls. It seems that he intends to wait for Bjarni and Friederich before tackling the rebels themselves.
At Polessk Poeja regretted that after the recent terrible times he could not spare any men to help Sten, but nor would his men help the rebels. Sten didn’t believe him but thought that he had too few men to matter and after a rather sparse feast, continued on to Taurage.
There Thorsson assured Sten of his full and vigorous support, though this was limited by the poverty of his people. Sten didn’t believe him but thought that he had too few men to matter and after a rather sparse feast, continued on towards Vilna where he should arrive in a couple of days.
Lemminkainen learned of the rebellion and of Friederich’s call to the Ostragoths: he thought it prudent to gather 500 or so men of the Rusne & Wista levy before moving to offer his support. With his followers he went up the Wista from Lubin to Slonim where he feasted with Sigurd. They set off with their followers and are now about half-way from Slonim to Vilna. Lemminkainen, unaware of Sten’s efforts, has sent friends ahead to gather the warriors from Polessk and Taurage.
Meanwhile Thor Ulriksson of Utena had persuaded his cousin Foed, of Birzai, and Vacuna, Jarl of Vilna, that their interests lay with the rebels. They concentrated their forces, only a few hundred strong, at Utena.
Dredd Donarson and the Dvina Vale Jarls with about 1,500 warriors had gathered at Riga where, after a few well-lubricated feasts, they crossed the river and then moved in surprisingly good order behind a proper scouting screen to Utena; they are now about halfway from Utena to Vilna. Thor, Foed, and Vacuna have joined their march.

Pripyat.

Having re-established himself, with the acquiescence of Bifrost, as war-leader of Pripyat Province, acknowledged by the Sarmatians as well as the Vikings, Loki called his personal followers and the levies to his banner at Okolova.

Loki has asked Atlas to lead the Sarmatian contingent and Atlas has not only agreed but has brought Trinian’s Sarmatian levy with him. They have some 10‑15,000 warriors, the biggest force assembled in Pripyat for some time.

Coming to join in.

Friederich and his cavalry moved to Konigsberg where they were welcomed by Gog Kalevalason who told them that Sten Gunnarson had already left: Friederich sent a detachment to join Sten and find out exactly what was afoot. Friederich’s fleet, with Ostragoth warriors aboard kept pace and discharged its men at Konigsberg whilst others of the Ostragoth levy followed Friederich on land. By the evening of the 10th 30,000 Ostragoths had gathered.
Friederich and his cavalry rode to Polessk where on the 14th Poeja re-affirmed his strong support for Bjarni, Sten, “… and of course, your good self, sire.” Poeja unenthusiastically agreed to accompany Friederich.
After a two day wait for the Ostragoth levy to catch up, on to Taurage.
On the 21st Thorsson the Timid greeted his visitors with trepidation, re-iterating his enthusiasm for Sten, Bjarni Friederich and er, so on. His enthusiasm grew apace when the Ostragoths arrived on the 24th and Thorsson unenthusiastically agreed to accompany Friederich.
Now in distant contact with Sten, Friederich dicided to wait for more information in Taurage where supplies were not a problem; he pushed scouts across the Rusne.
Harda Cnut and his men have maintained a steady pace along the North German Plain; Harda Cnut and his cavalry have reached Konigsberg: the main body of Harda’s levy infantry is expected to have crossed the Wista by the evening of the 2nd.

Estonia.

After a private meeting with Smaragda (“We are just good friends and if you say otherwise I’ll tell Hrunting.”) Hrunting met Anders. The runes seemingly, and unusually, had but one possible interpretation: that the warriors were to levy at Tallinn with their longships.
Erik Notfenrirson was persuaded by Smaragda that he should offer his unstinted support to Hrunting, and she herself used her not inconsiderable influence to persuade the longship owners and captains to join the expedition. She also convinced Erik to spend some of his cash on more longships for the Estonian navy.
“Where are we going, my lady?”
“I don’t know, I’m not in charge. It’s up to Anders and his nice young friend, Hrunting.”
The 53 longships of the Estonian fleet, plus 29 privately owned longships were inadequate for the numbers who turned up. Even with the 19 provincial knarrs, not enough. Erik reluctantly agreed to hire 13 owned by local merchants. Crowded, but it will have to do.
The fleet left on the 8th and sailed to Valjala to collect the local contingent, thence to Riga where they arrived fairly late on the 29th. They have had unusually favourable winds enabling the knarrs to keep up: most of the warriors are reassured by the now widespread rumour that the pleasant weather is a gift from Freya who must be on one of the knarrs.
We hear that Smaragda herself is not (yet) with the expedition: she stayed in Valjala to talk to Gunnar Njalson in an effort to persuade him to join the expedition at the head of his father’s warriors.
Gunnar is not a chip off the old block: he is an able administrator, but he lacks military skills and indeed physical courage were the truth to be told. Smaragda, after a loud tirade of harsh words and all too believable threats, bullied him into offering her the command of these veterans. She asked old Blovin to lead them and he agreed with enthusiasm, particularly when she promised that Erik would pay them generously. “Oh yes he will!”

Blovin and Smaragda left Valjala a day ago.

Page 1194

Hunland.

Seg sent fleet messengers to Ghengis’ camp near Volsk in Volga province and to the Siberian steppes:-
"Surrender now and avoid needless destruction. Or at least come and fight us to save your lands."
Ghengis sent urgent messages to his levy gathering by the Sweet Lake, and to all the powerful men of Volga Province: to the ruling brothers Galgyn and Gwalchai Annen, to Pan Ch'ou, Pinqus, Xanadu Tuuf and his son Atle, to Ali Mentari. Pallos and Suborai: he also sent a message to Gilgamesh, his beloved grandson-in-law. Perchance with something akin to desperation he asked them all for urgent help.
He urged them to hasten to Volsk, there to resist the attempt by the upstart Seg to make himself the Khan of Khans. He made sweeping promises which most realised he could not hope to fulfil without himself becoming Khan of Khans … but better the maniac you know than the madman you dont.
Galgyn and Gwalchai are of course Byelohuns who succeeded Gawain, and Pan Ch’ou is the leader of the Volgahuns, beholden to the brothers.
They called their levies to Mekha, the ruined and abandoned city opposite Volsk, and persuaded Ghengis that, at least for the time being, his men should stay on the Volsk or right bank of the Don and theirs on the left … to minimise the risk of misunderstandings.
Pallos, leader of the Greeks settled in the cities has called his adherents to arm themselves and to be ready to defend their cities: Pinqus the Macedonian has given similar advice to his people. It is very likely that the Mesopotamians and Persians settled on the coast, and the more recently arrived Viking settlers there will also try to avoid getting involved. Certainly very few if any from these groups will join the levies at Volsk … unless offered very large financial inducements to do so.
Xanadu Tuuf & Atle lead the Volgan Urohuns. They also have considerable influence with the Siberian Urohuns found in Ghengis’ levies. They have promised to bring their followers to Mekha, and are expected in a week.
That Ghengis appealed to Suborai for help was unexpected. Suborai is of course the youngest of Subedai’s brothers: when Subedai went to join Seg Suborai took over the leadership of the Volgan Byelohuns who are settled in the southwest of the province. Suborai has called the Byelohuns to his standard some 50-60 miles north and west of Rostov.
Gilgamesh has perhaps enough to worry about on his southern border though one remembers his past loyalty to Ghengis; but one must doubt that he could get troops to Volsk in time to influence the likely conflict.

The Siberian levy has started a leisurely move towards the Don valley and Volsk where they are expected in a week or so.
Seg and his followers moved to Moskva where they crossed the Don headwaters into Northwest Urals. They then headed southeast towards the Sweet Lake. Large numbers of scouts have fanned out ahead of the army with many also on the west bank of the Don.
Making good time with the infantry mounted and many spare mounts, the rear had reached the Sweet Lake by the 20th, by which time scouts were scattered through the Southeast and Southwest Urals. The main force is now a few miles east of Kursk.
Although this great army has foraged there has been neither looting nor gratuitous violence: we hear that Seg has paid each man (“Yes dear, and each woman.”) ½ gp as compensation for their good behaviour.
“That’s not possible, that would cost him 35-40,000 gp!”

“Will you tell Ghengis?” “Not likely!”

Slavonia.
Baja & Buda.

The desperately unpopular 63-year-old Xenophon led his feudal retainers south to Baja, some 1,600 cavalry and 800 infantry, the great majority recently recruited to replace the disastrous losses of the previous season. But Xenophon and his men were confident, as they knew that brigadier Drusus had less than 500 men.
Xenophon’s men were perhaps unaware of the full extent of his military incompetence, an incompetence that was to play some part in the disaster about to befall them.
Xenophon sent a herald ahead to negotiate a peaceful settlement but Drusus ignored the offer of a parley. On the 12th, after an unhurried march, Xenophon arrived outside Baja and set up camp near the east gate: he had arranged that at dawn citizens would let down ropes or ladders at several points along the east wall, a fact all too well known to Drusus.
At dawn Xenophon’s cavalry gathered near the east gate waiting for it to be opened to admit them. Meanwhile ladders and ropes were duly let down but when several dozen Slavonians were on the wall a detachment of Tuscans arrived and swept them off. Despite this both the outer and inner doors of the east gate were duly opened … by Tuscans though this was not immediately obvious … and the Slavonian cavalry swept through.
When a few hundred had entered, the straw in the archway of the gate caught fire: a brief conflagration but in the confusion the doors facing inwards as well as those facing outwards were closed. The cavalry who had entered found themselves in a trap, all exits from the narrow street being barricaded. Missiles and fire rained down from the houses: few Slavonians survived and even fewer Tuscans perished.
Outside there was nought but confusion; Xenophon urging his infantry to scale the walls and his cavalry to charge the gate: his men withdrew to their camp and despite his orders prepared to set off for home next morning.
But Drusus is a competent if rather vindictive man and in the wee small hours by the light of an almost full moon the Tuscans attacked the Slavonian camp: no real defences and no sentries: more slaughter though in the end about a third of Xenophon’s men survived: Xenophon didn’t.
Hearing of the above events, Royer crossed the Danube with most of his local Popliteal feudal forces and moved to Buda where he stressed that he came to offer peace and his protection, though he did hint very heavily that a failure to accept him as overlord would not be acceptable.
After a few days of almost friendly negotiation Buda agreed to elect a council to run their every day affairs under the “guidance” of Prince Royer and his wife Rheann.
Rheann certainly, and Royer probably, and the Council possibly knew that this was not a formula to continue for long; indeed Rheann is already advising Royer on the choice of reliable followers to fill the various vacancies left by the series of disasters which has befallen Buda and its people. Royer will soon be Buda’s feudal overlord.

At Rheann’s prompting Royer has invited Drusus … with a bodyguard and under a flag of truce … to discuss a possible alliance.

Page 1195

Exodus contd.
Thorsson’s armies.

Bold Cnut crossed from Istanbul without incident and set off at a brisk pace along the north Pontic coast. A day ago he and his men reached Of where they are enjoying a well-earned rest. They are accompanied by an agent or guide rumoured to be one of Nyfører’s officers: it is further rumoured that Nyfører has hired the men for the season.
Thorsson and his men have followed a more leisurely itinerary: they are currently enjoying the sights and sampling the delicacies and indeed the indelicacies of Alansberg. There have been a few complaints about their casual attitude to prompt payments for goods and services.

Ptelnet.

Ptelnet greeted and reviewed the Immortals and those elements of the UPA present in Greece, and congratulated them on the job they had done over the winter protecting the Greeks from the ravages of the baby-eating Punies. He also welcomed the new recruits and ensured that they were integrated into their new units. However, he told the troops, their time in Greece had come to an end, and they needed to return to New Persia.
Ptelnet and the Immortals left next day at dawn at a brisk pace. Via Philipopolis and Adrianople to the Istanbul ferry, they are now about 20 miles east of Amasra.
The UPA, commanded by Sahure, left a week later having collected up the garrisons. They followed the same route but at a much more sedate pace, the wagon train carefully guarded: they have just reached Adrianople.
The garrisons in those crucial hard-won forts in the passes were replaced by men of the Royal Guard, still looking less than enthusiastic … but disciplined none-the-less.
Ptelnet has despatched couriers to his other commanders.

Staying.

Arne Loppson and his men were ready to cross on the ferry when they received a cash offer for temporary employment in Thrace. After some debate they voted to accept the offer, and marched briskly via Adrianople to Philipopolis where they were welcomed by a slightly surprised and initially worried Demetriaces. He was reassured by Suren’s agent who accompanied them.

Demetriaces.

Demetriaces asked Plagiar to visit Shalman as his envoy. Shalman is requested to recognise Demetriaces as successor to his late much-loved father the Prince Antigonus.
It is noted that Demetriaces and the Lady Vashti are now accompanied by alert personal guards and that food tasters are now employed … and so far there have been no further untoward happenings.
Demetriaces has distributed aid to the needy.

Thrace.

“Everyone's buggered off and left me alone. Oh well, more time for Poli and me to do whatever it is young folks do. Like play games of scrabble (Fxnqhyrt is so Sarmatian a word, 274 points to me) and go for long rides (cough, well she doesn't walk does she) in the countryside.

By the way, Polonova, what’s the significance of 210?”

Montenegro and environs.

Maharbal sent Baalqert with a substantial force up the coastal plain and they patrol widely from their Potok base.
Maharbal, looking exhausted after the long winter and Ariadne’s enthusiastic demands, concentrated his forces and those of his friends and allies at Ariadnopolis. His army and those of Leptonos and Ceutabaal moved up the coast to Thessaly, shadowed by the 2nd fleet under Sirsalis. Ariadne has stayed in Thermopolae: in her condition campaigning was thought inappropriate “… that’s ridiculous, I’m only three months.” “We shouldn’t take any risks! and I need the rest.” “What was that?” “Nothing dear.”
At Thessaly they were welcomed by Heracles who did his best to gloss over the unfortunate misunderstanding last year “… an over-officious harbour master, now replaced.”
Heracles, well known for his monarchist sympathies, greeted young Prince Kostas with particular sycophantic enthusiasm.
Maharbal has pushed scouts north and east. He also sent an officer to express his condolences to Vashti and Demetriaces and at the same time to reassure the latter that Maharbal and his forces were only coming to take control of the Montenegran lands whose return had been promised by the Empress Ate, your noble aunt.

Achmenia, north.

Gilgamesh has inspected his army and placed them on high alert. His Governors have been instructed to inspect all town defences, strengthening them where necessary and repairing any winter damage or deterioration.
Harmuz, appointed by Gilgamesh to administer Georgia, has inspected the captured liberated cities: all seems to be relatively harmonious and peaceful.
Gilgamesh sent his son-in-law Mihrak with a substantial bodyguard … the 2nd brigade of the 1st division of the Azov Army under Brigadier Enkiduz … to talk to Hystaspes, Bey of Uil, about the advantages of liberation. They arrived after a leisurely ride a couple of days ago.
Hystaspes, a man blessed by nature with a happily limited grasp of complex problems was loath to open the city gates to his visitor. Mihrak indicated that he thought this an unprovoked display of ill manners whereupon Hystaspes, a man further blessed with little patience and a limited attention span, told him to asterisk off.
Mihrak wasn’t pleased but Enkiduz was enraged at such discourtesy to his cousin, his general. He pointed out to the city’s guards that his men were more numerous than the menfolk of Uil and that unless they opened the gates forthwith, he would storm their miserable town and personally supervise the ……

The captain of the guards … there were but 40 of them … opened the gates and personally led Enkiduz to the royal palace hovel. An increasingly subdued Hystaspes was dragged before Mihrak and is even now discussing the advantages of liberation with increasing enthusiasm.

Naval Affairs.

A fleet of about 30 nondescript galleys was sighted off Olympia: the next reliable sighting was off Crotone. About the mid-month 15 of them passed through the Straits of Messina. Another half-dozen or so headed south: six stayed near Messina.
Not again. The six that stayed are unreliably reported to be Greek: be that as it may, they are now inspecting shipping and collecting a piracy suppression tax.
The 15 which headed north through the Straits then rowed up the west Italian coast as far as the Tiber before heading out to sea.

A fleet of 8 merchantmen passed through the Straits northwards with some difficulty a week ago; they were helped by the anti-piracy patrol but the charge for this useful service has not been announced: if the winds and currents are adverse most merchantmen prefer to wait in either Messina or in the bay on the north shore of the Messina peninsula. Where these 8 went is uncertain.

Malta.

A fast galley arrived from Windicta and a senior negotiator and a couple of his men were allowed into the fortress; the galley itself was refused entry to the inner, fortified, harbour.
It is widely believed that a deal was agreed, presumably in good faith on both sides. The galley and its agents left.
The next arrival was a Gallic flotilla of six galleys. They were refused entry to the inner harbour. They put a few hundred marines ashore and these men peacefully but firmly took control of the island; a couple of the galleys rowed round the island, and another pair patrolled off the harbour entrance.
The Gallic admiral, one Temeraix, requested entry to the fortified harbour but it was again refused. He recalled his marines.
Then three Punic galleys, two transports and a single escorting trireme, arrived. They were seen by the Gallic scoutships and when the other four Gallic galleys came out to join them, the Carthaginians turned and headed back towards Windicta, shadowed for some distance by two of the Gallic warships.

Two nights ago the heavy duty boom that closes off the narrow entrance to the inner harbour was opened by men already inside the fortifications and the Gallic galleys entered. The Gauls have made it very clear that they now own the harbour including the armouries and workshops, but not the fortress itself …yet. Temeraix has asked for a meeting with the captain of the garrison, few in number but adequate for so strong a fortress

Angst · 31-03-07, 09:58 AM

Page 1197

NEWS of the KNOWN WORLD
INCORPORATING THE RAGNAROK REPORTER.
Funfly 30th 123

HUNLAND.

Honoria warned Seg that Tenapin ap Orlin is not to be trusted.

“… he puts 20,000 warriors in the field and if he rebels many of Subedai’s levy would refuse to fight or could even join Tenapin. We don’t really know what happened to his father, do we? We only have Tenapin’s word that he is dead.

“And look at his behaviour last year: messed up your plans just so that his men could have first grab at the loot: and some iffy communications to Ghengis; I mean how did Ghengis escape you. I tell you, I don’t trust him. Watch him! Just don’t turn your back or give him a position where he could lose you the battle.”

“Yes dear.”

“Oh, do listen. You know he has a better claim to the High Khanship of Byeloland than you do: even some claim to be Khan of Khans.”

“Yes dear.”

The Siberian levy speeded up its rather leisurely pace when they realised that if they didn’t Seg would soon be treading on their tails. When they reached Mekha they were carefully helped across to Volsk, which is of course on the other bank, by anxious Volgans.

Xanadu Tuuf and Atle, leaders of the Volgan UroHuns, reached Mekha with their followers as expected and camped a little to the north of the ruins.
Seg continued down the left bank of the Don on a broad front. On the 5th Suborai in person came to Seg’s camp, duly and carefully escorted. He had a happy reunion with his brother Subedai and not surprisingly offered his services and those of his few followers to Seg.

As Seg’s forces approached the ruins of Mekha both Xanadu and Atle also came to his camp, equally carefully escorted by some of Seg’s numerous and alert scouts. They too offered their services and claimed that the Volgan UroHuns would follow them: they seemed to think that the Siberian UroHuns would also be delighted to escape Siberian domination. With Seg and his huge force so close Galgyn and Gwalchai were unable to act against Xanadu and Atle.

Galgyn sent an emissary who informed Seg that the brothers sought peace with honour: they did not intend to fight in support of Ghengis but asked that the neutrality of Volga be respected, rather glossing over the fact that it hadn’t been shown much respect so far!
Seg’s forces duly arrived at Mekha; they have established a series of camps which effectively ring Mekha on the left bank of the Don. Scouts everywhere, as usual, with a careful watch on the river and quite a few Byelohuns on the right bank cautiously watching the Siberians.. It is not clear if the Volgan forces would be allowed to leave if they tried to, nor is it clear if supplies will be allowed through the Byelohun line or indeed across the ford past the Siberian forces.

Xanadu Tuuf and Atle have shuffled their camp-site a bit further from Mekha and a bit nearer to the Byelohuns: Byelohuns watch them, entering and leaving their camp casually but politely.

SASSANIDIA.

Nubia.

Khamoun has been trying to raise a cavalry division but with very limited success: the Egyptians make very poor cavalrymen and the Sassanidians scent change or trouble or both.

The 21st Protector … a subgeneral in the Sassanidian Army of Nubia … an arrogant West Nile Sassanid, travelled with a substantial bodyguard to negotiate with Mustasha the younger.

It seems that the Protectors and Organisers will accept Mustasha’s continuing to rule as their agent on condition that he swears loyalty etc and that he acts with vigour to re-establish Sassanidian rule and to suppress Egyptian freedoms, indeed, to return the Egyptians to a state of serfdom, probably fairly abject serfdom.

If Mustasha is unwilling or unable to agree these terms, he will be permitted to leave with his personal possessions and his immediate family, household slaves, etc.

West Nile.

The Supreme Organiser of the P&O sent detachments of heavily armed men to El Minya, El Giza, and Memphis.

The group sent to Memphis to arrest Ar Mergevs got lost in the maze of allies and made enough noise to ensure that he was warned of their coming and he fled.

Ar Magrevs, Sheikh of El Minya and unofficial spokesman for the peasants’ party, heard that strangers were coming and mistakenly thought that he could sort things out with a mob of supporters at his back. When push came to shove his mob fled and he was arrested: his trial is scheduled for Ete 5th but it is unlikely that he will live that long.

The force sent to El Giza duly arrived and demanded to know where Ar Diotr was to be found. Eventually they found the Bey, Ar Tolovs, who told them that Diotr is the Bey of Asyut. Significantly displeased, they took Tolovs into custody and hastened to Asyut: too late, Diotr had fled. They hanged Ar Tolovs … he’s just another blasted uppity peasant … for complicity in Diotr’s escape.

To Sassanidia.

Ptelnet and the Immortals reached Trabzon without incident on the 20th. A day’s rest to load up the spare mounts with supplies and then off again, more cautiously now with scouts ahead but still maintaining a brisk pace. They should reach Malatya in another 1-2 days where their scouts have arranged a market, promising prompt and fair payments.

Spitames has arrived in Gaza with his 2nd division and a brigade of Tospades’ mounted infantry. They were followed by Savalaces with Ptelnet’s Hexopodry and then by Horisis with Ahmose’s