Northern Scandinavia, 941bc
While the ancient Scandinavian heartland had been part of the French empire for many years, and partly occupied by America before that, independent Scandinavian civilization survived on the large, nearby island known as Gotland. Here they remained at war with the French, and the two enemies launched frequent raids at each other across the narrow Gotland Sea. Luckily for the celts, many French cavalry divisons met their doom at the hands of fearsome viking berserkers, or from riflemen technology and tactics supplied by the celts to the Scandinavians some years ago.
The celts assumed the remaining free Scandinavians would be pleased to see the French control of their ancient continental heartland being lifted, eventually to be returned to their control. But instead, it seems they saw this as a personal insult. Full of arrogance, they still believed they could defeat France single-handed and retake their homeland for themselves. Insulted by celtic interference, they declared war in 942bc, supposedly in support of the Byzantines. The Scandinavians were still bitter over the celtic annexation of old Viking colonies on the northern tip of Celtonia many years ago. The celts had also taken the island colony of Molde from them in the eastern ocean, which was now the home of the Spanish government in exile. Perhaps the Scandinavians wished to retake all these losses.
Whatever the case, an isolated nation with only three major cities declared war on the celts, who were now in the middle of a military and industrial boom - with a larger area of the world under their control than ever before.
But the tough berserker forces were not to be taken lightly, and the last thing the celtic command wanted at this stage was yet another enemy to fight. The important naval base of Akwesasne - situated on the northern tip of Gotland, right next to Viking territory - was put on full alert. Reinforcements were organised from the mainland forces to bolster the defences there. However, orders were given to ignore Viking land and naval forces wherever possible, so as not to damage this already weakened nation. The celts had no intention of giving up their base on the Viking island, but hopefully this crisis could be resolved shortly...
Yaxchilan, 940bc
The celts had advanced into the city of Yaxchilan several months ago. The area was originally part of a large mayan kingdom, but had been conquered by the celts in their war to protect the Dutch centuries ago. Since then, it had been made part of a strengthened Holland now too strong and aggressive for the celts to accept. Still, much of the population was now ethnically Dutch, which complicating things. Dutch architecture and culture dominated the streets, but here and there glimpses could be seen of old mayan buildings.
The loss of the city had put a huge hole in the Dutch line, practically isolating the cities in the eastern half of the country. The Dutch wanted the city back, and sent in waves of riflemen from all directions. But the celtic position was soon fairly strong, with infantry, cavalry and artillery all gathered to defend the area.
Orgetorix woke to the sound of artillery fire. Today, it seemed, the Dutch were attacking again. Now he had a cavalry division to lead into battle.
Dutch tactics were questionable they sent riflemen marching over open terrain towards the celtic defence, with little cavalry and no artillery to support. Perhaps they believed the celtic defence was weakened here. But the celts had reinforced this area with several divisions of all types. Orgetorix hoped the Dutch might change their mind and turn around when the first few shells began landing amongst them.
But still the Dutch advanced into the hail of artillery, mortars and machine gun fire. Men fell down everywhere, some were being broken apart and thrown into the air by explosions. The carnage was terrible. When the artillery and machine guns topped, there wasnt much left for Orgetorixs cavalry to do. The last few pockets of riflemen were defeated, many of the Dutch never even got a chance to fire their guns at the celts. A few Dutch prisoners were taken many more preferred to fight to the death.
On the way back to Yaxchilian, Orgetorix saw a line of Dutch prisoners being led away. He was reminded of the Dutch soldiers who had befriended him, all those years ago when he was a captive in Ugarit. Perhaps some of them were in this line, or had died today in the rain of shells and bullets. That thought was terrifying - Orgetorix did not want to associate the memory of those very human people he had once known, with the mangled bodies he had just seen lying around the countryside.
Orgetorix saw one of the Dutch prisoners staring up at him on his horse, but instead of being scared or disheartened, the prisoner seemed to have an expression of contempt. Orgetorix rode over and matched pace with the line, and leant over from his sadle to talk to the man.
Soldier of Holland! Tell me
You knew you couldnt win against us this time. This land is under our protection. Why didnt you retreat?
The man shrugged. Im doing my duty. I serve my army, as do you
I serve no-one, replied Orgetorix. I choose to defend my nation. Why do you so blindly go to your deaths?
You serve your superiors, as we all do
We put our trust in our elders, who the spirits have called forward as the best leaders for our people.
The dutchman laughed at this. Is it your spirits, or is it greed that drives them? Face it, your leaders are playing power games, have been for centuries.
Orgetorix was clearly taken aback by this comment. The celtic guards stood poised, as if expecting an order to restrain this impudent prisoner. But Orgeotrix continued the argument.
What do you know about it? If it wasnt for us, you would be speaking mayan or incan right now
By now the line had now stopped moving. Both guards and prisoners were standing around, surprised at the discussion unfolding.
Think we know nothing? We know all about the celts and their plans for world conquest
Well, I see the propaganda people in your country must be doing a good job
Propaganda? People only need to open their eyes. Who can believe the celts anymore? All they bring is war and death
Well perhaps people would prefer the concentration camps of the fascists?
Sir, finally, one of the celtic guards dared to interrupt Orgetorix, Sir, our orders are to escort these prisoners to a safe area. We must not delay
Orgetorix eased and sat upright in his saddle, realising this was not the time or place for a debate.
Enough of this. You are lucky that there is no more war for you. We will see that you are well treated. Get them out of here, soldiers
Yes sir
Orgeotrix rejoined the cavalry heading back to Yaxchilan, galloping along the dusty road. Many of the celtic troops here were eager to advance, to achieve gains like those on the French front. But after battles like today, many just wanted to see the end of this war, one way or another.
A true world war was now developing, with almost all the world at war. But by 940bc, the Dutch made peace with all their other neighbours to concentrate on the celtic threat. This left the Hittites out of the war for now. Also, Germany was at war with France and the Incas (German government was still in Vilacamba, near the incan lands
), but since regaining independence they had little in the way of an army. The Spanish government was in exile on the island of Molde in the eastern ocean, with no real country to speak of.
The diplomatic situation amongst the remaining powers was complicated. To the eyes of the Celts, four main conflicts were being fought:
The French war - Celts, Germany (no army) and Iroquai against France
The Border war - Celts and America vs Byzantium
The Southern war - Celts vs Holland
Finally there was the recent outbreak of the celt/viking conflict. The vikings were also at war with just about everyone.
(Diplomatic report, 940bc)
The war still raged, but after 940bc the celtic people breathed a sigh of relief. With progress on all fronts, victory seemed almost certain now... The only question was, how much damage was the war going to do to the world, or to the celtic spirit? This kind of global warfare, and the kind of power now being placed in the hands of the celts, threatened to corrupt the new generation of celtic leaders. And perhaps it was still unwise to underestimate the enemy nations
When i finish, maybe ill put a contents list thing at the start, or transfer all the story posts to a new thread or something, if that would be useful (and if mods would allow it)
