Man of Loss

General Heath commanded the room through nothing but his achievements, silencing any mutterings with a mere glance. Behind him was an entourage of officers wheeling in a large chalk board and many stacks of paper. Silent as mice the room observed his every minute movement. First, he unravelled the map, then the scrolls, taking great care to placing small stones on each corner. Next, he set the field, placing the carved wooden blocks at precise angles. Lastly, tapping the pieces of chalk into their assigned position, each chak chak chak reverberating throughout the room.

“Operation Blazing Wings” the general announced to the thoroughly engaged audience.

“That is what I have named this plan. As you all know the early winter caught us off guard and forced us to dig in, fortunately we weren’t the only ones caught with our trousers down. Auldberg was compelled to seal its entrances before their seasonal supplies could arrive and now what was remaining has been exhausted. It is thanks to this, my spy’s tell me that they plan on abandoning their walls and instead intend to fight us in open field.”

Commander Leigefreid of the kings own cavalry interrupted suddenly “what that’s ridiculous how can they possibly believe they can beat us without their walls we outnumber them three to one. Respectfully, I struggle to take the words of your spies seriously.”

“Commander Leigefreid, I find it highly improper that you should talk ill of the men who have endangered themselves working behind enemy lines. Provided there is no one else to interrupt I will now explain the rest of the situation.”

…

“Good. It looks like we can continue. Auldberg realising its predicament asked for reinforcements from its allies located at the other end of the valley, infantry from Tanzig, Count Daynolds renowned cavalry regiments and the formidable Courloune crossbowmen. This alone would make them an even match on the field, especially with their walls offering support to the men below. Yet this is not what concerns me, what concerns me most is that they have contracted the aid of the Ula Mountain Ranges barbarian tribes, though poorly equipped these men are seasoned warriors whose numbers still elude us.”

“Does this satisfactory enough of a reason for you, Commander Leigefreid.”

“Yes General, my apologies General.”

“Apologies accepted. With the odds now firmly set against us a war of attrition is no longer advantageous, as such I aim to take both the city and enemies heads in a single day, concentrating all our energy and might to utterly defeat them. Does anyone disagree with this plan.”

“No, General.”

“As we are all in agreement let’s get into specifics, due to hastily thrown together units the enemy will likely have their troops evenly distributed across the opening of the valley. Something like this.”

The general now pointing at the enemy wooden blocks “we can expect that the barbarian tribes will be placed in the front, their love of battle is well known so they would settle for nothing less.”

The general now gesticulating towards the blocks representing the 12th army “This is us. As you can see most of our forces will be gathered at either side of the formation. Hence the name blazing wings. It is the job of both wings to destroy the enemy flanks as fast as possible to allow for a full encirclement of their forces. This will leave our weakened centre vulnerable to the full force of their armies, this will be the most difficult and bloody role of the battle. I have entrusted this task to the heavy infantry. Commander Ross you and your men must hold the line at all costs I can spare a single brigade of archers, that is the only support I can offer.”

“My men shall be an unyielding wall, General”

“Once the encirclement is complete, I will send a replacement unit, this does not mean your role is complete you and your men will still be expected to participate in scaling the wall. The defenders will comprise mainly of archers so you needn’t worry too much, but don’t be lax I’m sure they will have something hidden up their sleeves.

In truth It was at this point that my mind began to stray, thinking up all sorts of scenarios. My mind always seemed to return to one image me and my men sitting atop those splendid walls triumphantly looking upon the battlefield bellow. Ahhh and what a site it would be. I had fought in many battles but few of this scale and ferocity. I knew death would lurk behind every shield, but it is in these bloodiest of battles that the greatest rewards are found.

Before I knew it the meeting was over, excitement pricked my skin, with every moment my anticipation only grew. The crowd now shuffling towards the door gave me a proper view of the table. Seeing the table up close was a right I had not yet earned, but I could not help myself my feet were dragging me against my will.

Suddenly a deep voice appeared behind me “Boy! don’t get too ahead of yourself.”

“Commander Ross, I’m sorry I don’t know what came over me.”

Commander Ross respected those who earned the things they have, so for me to go above my station to something I had not earned was a grave misstep.

“Don’t let that ambition become your doom, get back to camp “

“Yes, Commander”

The cold seemed only to embitter me as I returned to my squad. I understand I crossed a line, but I don’t believe it was of such grate evil that I deserved to be reproached as I had been. I’m sure in his youth he also made mistakes. just a few hours ago he got every officer in the unit drunk if that isn’t a mistake I don’t know what is.

A shout echoed from a snowy palisade “heyyyyy squad leader, how’d it go!”

I could scarcely make out who it was calling out to me, squinting my eyes I made out the silhouette of a boy rather than a man.

“Hennry! That you!”

“The one and only!”

“Stick the kettle on ill tell the quad over hot drinks.”

Hennry was the latest addition to the squad and the youngest among us, he was strong for his age but still a twig to the rest of us. Its still a mystery to most of us how he even qualified, he was a good lad though. Looking at him was like looking at a mirror image of my 14 year old self freshly enlisted, before I knew it I had taken him under my wing. He would listen to every word I said as if it were the sayings of a sage. I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy this, its nice to have someone look up to you the way you looked up to others.

After three months here our dugouts and tents began to look more like homes with carvings and furniture set just how we liked it. When Wilford and Hennry were bored one evening they even decide to set up a welcome sign just above the doorway. With the news of our imminent departure waves of nostalgia are flowing over me. Sitting by the fire was Hans, Hans was quiet, he liked it that way. He never talked much of himself, I don’t know where he’s from, how old he is or even if that’s his real name, I didn’t need to know. All that is important was that he was utterly dependable, no matter the situation he never so much as flinched. Either side of Hans were the twins, two loudmouths of athletic physique, squabbling as usual.

“where’s Gregor”

Wilford answered without even needing to think “training outside where else”

“Go fetch him would you Henrry”

“Why me?! You know what he’s like when its just the two of us”

“you’ll be fine it’ll only take a moment”

Henrry walked out of the back curtain. CRASH!!!

“You little shit look what you’ve gone and done! Made me break my new axe handle, FUCK!

Past the curtain you could hardly make out the terrified pleadings of Henrry. Fortunately for Henrry his pathetic pleas seemed to work. Returning the same way, a cowering Henrry followed by the ogre that was Gregor. Once everyone took place by the fire we began our own little strategy meeting.

“You’re all caught up now, what do you have to say.”

Gregor responded first “what’s there to say, not like we get a choice, orders are orders. I just hope this weed over here doesn’t hold us back.”

Then the twins chimed in “honestly so mean, he’s got muscles and nothing else I tell ya.”

“Keep talking and not even your muscles will be left. Not after I’m done with the two of you”

“Oooooo soooooo scary”

“Pack it in you three”

“Yes, Squad leader”

“Sorry, squad leader”

“Get some rest, you’ll need it tomorrow”

I decided to get a breath of fresh air. I’m grateful for their abilities, I wish I could however say the same about their personalities.

Wilford decided to join me “Hey, Boss. Wanna give the camp one final goodbye”