The fight for Freedom!

Heres another one Ive been writing over at poly for some time now, I have been suffering from terrible writers block with this piece and it is a work in progress. Again please tell me if you like it and I will post some more of it, thanks


The Fight For Freedom


This is a story of a struggle for freedom from the tyranny of a totalitarian regime. I expect at this point that this will be quite long and ask for patience on your part. I have been mulling over several ideas for my second story but couldnt quite get going.

This story is totally inspired from my first full week of playing PTW but not a particular game so no maps as yet. I will work on some for later, but for now you will just have to use your imagination. Any way I hope you like !


THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
part one :The secret meeting

"Was there ever a time that our nation was not at war or falling out with one of our neighbours?" Bryn asked the group of likeminded young men. "Right back through the mists of time our people have struggled against outside oppressors!, The Vikings, The Saxons, The Romans to the south. There have been many foes to fight!"

All the men nodded in agreement in their darkened smoke filled corner of the Three Horseshoes Inn.

"None that have come before have treated our clansmen as badly as these Communist Pigs! Not even the English!" declared Connel, Bryn's eldest son.

"Yes, yes my son! you are right. When they took control of our government, they said it was for the good of the people. The reality is far from good! and we are merely their slaves helping to feed their insatiable lust for blood and power! be it foreign or Celtic."

Bryn Murdoch was a proud man, proud of his sons, and his service to his country in the past. He had had a distinguished career in the army as a member of the special forces. Very adept in the art of survival and guerilla warfare adopted by the Celts to undermine the English in earlier times. He missed the days of King Brennus's rule and would never be able to serve those who had executed him, the Communists!

In their midst that night was a Japanese agent, heavily disguised. His name was Scratch and he had a message for Bryn from his government.

"You say all this and I suppose I agree with you, but what can we do? We are farmhands! how can we change anything?" said Kyle the Son of Aidan Donavon, an old friend of Bryn's.

"Kyle! Kyle!, for heavens sake man have you forgotten what they did to your Father?" retorted Bryn.

Aidan Donavon had refused to hand over his whole harvest to the authorities, and had been shot for his trouble in front of his family. Bryn and Aidan had been comrades in the army years before, and he missed his old friend dearly.

"This so called peoples government is our worst enemy! they have no regard for the commoners, and they see us merely as their servants." said Connel "I say it is time to avvenge our brethren!"

"Please if I can interupt you for a moment," said Scratch. "You cannot just start a war with your government, they will annhilate you in only a short time. You must prepare yourselves carefully, you need to recruit and train many more of your clansmen. You need to win the minds of your fellow commoners if you are to stand any chance in the struggle to come."


Again feedback most welcome

Part one cont....

Bryn knew only to well that Scratch was right, he drew the meeting to a close. "Gentlemen I think we all know in our hearts this man speaks words of wisdom. The task ahead of us is indeed great, and many of us may not survive the coming trials."

"We must rise up against this evil tyranny that has beset our beloved Celtica! We must free ourselves from these chains of oppression! Go now back to your villages and be amongst your kin, and help to gather in the harvests."

"In three moons from now make your way to Devils Bridge, bring with you any volunteers from your clans. There among the ancient ruins of the iron mining colonies we shall hold council. Farewell and may the Gods be with you."

Bryn thought to himself how young these men were to be village headsmen. The government had drafted many of the older men to fight on the beleagured English front. Leaving these very young men, still boys almost in some cases to head their clans.

Bryn himself had been shunned by the army because of his outspoken loyalty to the former King Brennus, who had been murdered by these Communist Pigs.

Later that evening back at Bryn's farm the three men, Scratch, Connel and Bryn sat around the fire place, sipping at their wild mushroom soup, and freshly baked bread for supper.

"I have a sealed letter from my government here for you Bryn!" said Scratch

"Greetings Bryn Murdoch,

I have been advised of of your struggle against the tyranny inflicted against your people by the Communists. My government wishes you every success in your struggle against the oppressors.
As such we would be honoured to provide what ever assistance you may require.
I must advise great caution though, because if this information falls into enemy hands it will mean war between our two nations. We do not wish to control your people but to restore your nation to its former glory as Japan's ally and trading partner.
I eagerly await your response.

Togugawa" Bryn read the letter out loud.

"Why would the Japanese want to help us!" stated Connel, "Whats in this for them? were totally different peoples ethnically and culturally."

"Ah my young friend we are merely but as the sand of a beach. You see if I take a handfull of this sand and look closely at the grains, I can see that some are different colours, and some grains are larger than others. However they are all grains of sand and they are all a part of the same beach! I recognise them all as grains of sand, can you see?" said Scratch.

"You speak much truth my wise friend, Connel you would do well to listen carefully to these things!" said Bryn. "I think its time for us to retire for the night. We can continue to discuss these things tomorrow by the light of day."

"Goodnight Father, goodnight Scratch," said Connel.

"Yes goodnight my friends," replied Scratch.

Part 2 The Council Of War

Bryn was thinking by himself, the three moons since the secret meeting of Clan Headmen had passed quickly. He and his Son Connel had arrived at Devils Bridge ahead of any others, and Bryn could'nt help wondering whether anyone else would show.

"I hope that no one's let the authorities know what were trying to do here Son," said Bryn.

"Dont worry Father," said Connel,"They will be arriving soon enough, and I dont think it is likely that anyone would have done so."

The location for this gathering of the Clans was an ideal choice. At least 250 miles from the nearest large city and far from any village. The only way in was on foot through the dense forests and hills of the Celtic wilderness.

Devils Bridge had once been a thriving mining colony, but the iron ore had been worked out well over a hundred years before. The place was now deserted, and the old pack horse route badly overgrown, in fact in places it no longer existed, completely hidden by the dense undergrowth or washed away by rivers in flood.

The few remaining stone huts were useless as their rooves had long since collapsed, but the old mine workings had extensive tunnels and huge underground caverns, hewn out of the bowels of the hills this was an ideal place to hide an army base.

Later in the day more men started to arrive and Bryn's heart began to lift.

A familiar voice said, "Hello again my friend, it is good to see you again."

"Scratch! thank the Gods you've made it, its really good to see you again," uttered Bryn with a widening smile on his face. The turn out was incredible, from just 20 or so men at the Three Horseshoe's Inn three moons ago, there were a hundred or more who had made it to this place. Bryn was overjoyed!

The hunting party returned successful with plenty of fresh meat, and that evening the gathered men enjoyed a great feast, washed down with fine wines from Japan.

"I hope you brought more than just wine with you!" said Connel to Scratch.

"Oh yes we have brought more than just wine. We have medicines, hides, grain and paper. In fact we have many things!" replied Scratch.

"What about guns!! How can we fight without guns?," retorted Connel aggresively.

"Hold your tongue boy!, show some respect."

"Its okay Bryn, no offence taken. Connel let me try to explain if I can. If we were to bring you Japanese arms, would not your government realise as soon as one of your number is killed or captured. The outcome of this would surely be war between our two nations! then how could we help your people." answered Scratch.

"Whats the use of you helping us if you dont give us weapons? how can we fight without weapons?" asked Kyle Donavon.

"Well my friend we have brought you weapons! not guns or bullets but paper and ink. Your fight is only just beginning, there is much that needs to be done before anyone fires a gun in anger," replied Scratch.

"How do you mean much to be done?" scoffed another head strong young clansman who had listened in on the conversation.

"You will never defeat your enemy untill you have won the support of the people. You are too few against too many and you cannot afford to sustain the losses that open warfare will incur. Before anyone of you fires a gun in anger you will have to convince the masses that all other options are dead. Youre people must be able to clearly see for themselves the futility of fighting for social justice through civil debate."

"When the masses can recognise that the forces of oppression are maintaining themselves in power by any means, and against all established laws, only then will you win the support for an armed struggle."

"So how do we fight with ink and paper?" asked Connel.

"Propaganda! my friend propaganda. You need to incite the masses to defy the government. You must become a thorn in the governments side, by letting the people know about the acts of cruelty perpatrated against the poor. This is the first phase of your struggle, and the more hearts and minds you can win over the better your prospects of final victory will be," finished Scratch.

"Well we will have plenty of time tomorrow to discuss this further" interupted Bryn, "Goodnight all."

The following morning after a good breakfast all the men gathered in the large central cavern, designated as the Great Hall.

"Order! Order, Brothers we are gathered here todey to witness the birth of a movement, a movement of the people. Not just to witness its birth, but to swear allegiance to its just cause. This movement my Brothers shall be known as "Free Celtica"," said Bryn Murdoch to those gathered before him.

A cheer went up from the men, "Place your right hand over your hearts, raise your left hands and repeat after me," started Bryn.

"We swear, on our honour, before our Brethren and the Gods, that we will give our lives to "Free Celtica","said Bryn.

All the men gathered their gladly made this vow, and the first council of war of the "Free Celtica" movement commenced.

"Brothers I know that many of you have come here today expecting to go to war imediately," said Bryn.

"Here, Here, we wish to avvenge our murdered clansfolk," was the general response.

"I understand your desire to fight, but we must stop and assess the situation. We have a long and difficult struggle ahead of us," returned Bryn, and he continued to explain all the things that had been discussed by the Japanese envoy, Scratch the night before.

The men seemed to have calmed down and Bryn invited Scratch to speak.

"Brothers! please I call you Brothers for I too have taken the pledge to "Free Celtica". This struggle is as important to my country as it is to your clans. Brothers if the communists defeat the English then we in Japan feel it will only be a matter of time before they turn their eyes south."

"as your leader Bryn has explained to you it would be senseless to supply you with Japanese weapons, for fear of their discovery in the field. However we pledge to supply this base via the ancient pack horse route, from our northern cities with all the necessary food, supplies and resources needed to sustain your fledgling army."

"In addition to this to help you to manufacture your own equipment I have brought with me many tradesmen and professionals to train your people.
Horse breeders, Blacksmiths, Gunsmiths, Explosives experts, Engineers, Bakers, Doctors and Cobblers to name but a few. In a few moons from now a detatchment of Elite Imperial Samurai special covert troops will arrive to train your people in the arts of warfare and assasination techniques."

"Before you can fight you must be transformed from farmers into deadly warriors trained to kill."

"What on earth are we going to learn from a load of old Cobblers?" shouted young Angus O'hara from amidst the gathered men, who broke out into raucious laughter.

"Order!, Order, please continue Scratch," said Bryn.

"Thank you Bryn. Yes, yes I see your joke, but my Brothers do not mock. It is a very long walk back to your villages, and further still to your nearest cities. Much of your activity will be on foot especially later when the real fighting begins. In those days ahead remember when you laughed so today, but be thankful that you will be wearing a pair of boots of the finest quality. You will come to see how important good footwear is when it has saved your life a time or rwo."

"Thank you very much Scratch for your ever insightful wisdom. Right Brothers, for the next two days the Japanese Printers will teach you how to construct and use a simple press, to use in the field for printing leaflets etc. From here several of you will head back to your villages to begin the the first stage of the struggle, the war of propaganda."

"Your three priorities are to inform the wider population of the truth in any way possible, stay in touch with HQ with messengers wearing good boots naturally, and keeping one step ahead of the enemy," this raised a smile to everyones face including Scratch's, " and to recruit new volunteers to our cause."

"All new recruits are to be sent here for further training straight away. No heroics Brothers, when the time is right we will step up our operations. Good luck and may the Gods be with you," continued Bryn.

And so it was that the "Free Celtica" movement had been born, and the war of propaganda was set into motion.

..........................................................................................


Still no fighting for those who like to see it, however I hope you like the story so far. Im finding it enjoyable to write and I anticipate it being quite long. I just hope I can continue to get it from my mind onto the screen.

Comments would be appreciated.

Done a map of Celtica's continent at the time of the gathering of the clans at Devils Bridge.

Note the size of the Celtic nation having swallowed the Vikings and Saxon in the past.

The neutral zone is a huge mountain range to inhospitable for human settlement.

The Viking and Saxon nations used to occupy the region next to the English border.

Rome is on another continent further to the south which I will show in a world map later in the story.

The hostilities between Rome and Celtica have ceased for now and the war between Celtica and the English is at a stalemate.

Japan does not wish to get involved in war but fears that should the Communist Celtic regime annexe England they will turn their greedy eyes over the mountains to Their lands.

Japans gamble to assist a Celtic uprising is risky but if successful should secure peace for the inhabitants of the continent of Celtica.

The only problem for the revolution if sucessful would be whether the Romans would again try to claim a chunk of Celtica for themselves.

Just what will happen is in the hands of the Gods!


EDIT apologies for getting the spelling of the Celtic capitol city wrong on the map should be Entremont.

This is just a little bit of something I found the other day, two verses of a poem by William Butler Yeats, written in 1902. It sort of sums up the image I have in my mind of the band of men gathered in the wilderness and forming their movement "Free Celtica".


Verses 3 & 4 of "Into The Twilight"

Come, heart, where hill is heaped upon hill,
For there the mystical brotherhood,
Of sun and moon and hollow and wood,
And river and stream work out their will.

And God stands winding his lovely horn,
And time and world are ever in flight,
And love is less kind than the grey twilight,
And hope is less dear than the dew of the morn.

Part 3 The war of propaganda.


"RISE UP!! Break free from from your chains!

Open your eyes and witness the oppression,

See what they have done to your Brothers and Sisters,

RISE UP!! open your hearts and join our cause,

RISE UP!! and help FREE CELTICA!!"


read the leaflets being handed out to the crowd gathering at the gates of one of the armaments factory in the city of Stockholm.
Things were going well for the "Free Celtica" movement, only six moons into its campaign and all the rural areas of the central regions had been persuaded to help. In all the villages many of the clansfolk both young and old were helping to support the movement, raising funds, attending rallies, distributing leaflets and giving food and shelter to their heroes.

Many young men had volunteered to join the cause and had swelled the ranks to over five thousand, who were being trained by the Japanese in the arts of guerilla warfare and survival techniques. Yes things were looking good.

The Communist regime, preoccupied with its war against the English to the East had been taken almost completely by surprise at the speed with which this populist fervour had taken root. They were shocked indeed to find that their message had started to spill onto the streets of the major cities. The major industrial cities for that matter, the very source of the Communist parties grip on power.

Meanwhile at Communist Party HQ in Entremont,

"Sir! please excuse me for the interuption. I have just received reports of disturbances in several cities." Said comrade Svenson the chairmans most trusted aide.

"WHAT!! what do you mean disturbances? " yelled Chairman McGregor, leader of the Communist party.

"There are reports of large workers rallies being held in Stockholm, Alesia, Copenhagen, Bergen and Gergovia Chairman!"

"Call in my advisors Svenson, I want them here today. Get me General Thordarson on the phone immediately and send instructions to govenors of these cities to send in the troops to quell these so called disturbances. Oh and Svenson send out a comunique to all other districts and advise them to use any force necessary to prevent further troubles."

"Yes Sir Chiarman," Svenson said, saluting and clicking his heels as he left the Chairmans office.

Connel Murdoch and Kyle Donavon had been placed in the same unit six moons ago that had left Devils Bridge to undertake its mission to convert the masses of Stockholm. Stockholm was the main arms manufactoring centre for the Communists. A ripe target for the movement with its population of around two and a half million, many of whom were forced to work in its factories. Most of the cities inhabitants lived in poverty and even the children were forced to work from the age eight or nine.

A stark contrast to the luxurious lifestyle of the Communist elite who feed off the blood, sweat and tears of the masses. Here in the cities it is the Police and party members who are the oppressors. Out in the rural areas the Army are the ones responsble for terrible treatment of the peasants.

"These people are far worse off than we have ever been Connel," stated Kyle.

"Yes youre right Kyle, at least back home the air tastes sweet, and there are far less soldiers than there are police in the city."

Most of their unit had slipped back to the wilderness to attend the second council of war at Devils Bridge. Just three of their number remained in the city to assist the workers and their new unions in their efforts to gain better pay and working conditions.

The war of propaganda had scored a direct hit, whole communities were questioning their situation. Workers were forming Trade Unions and demanding better conditions.

"It looks like old Scratch was right my friend," said Kyle.

"This is not over yet Kyle!, this is far from over!, I cant see the government turning a blind eye to whats happening here," replied Connel.

"Aye, I reckon there will be blood flowing before long." Said Kieran Docherty, the third member of their unit who had stayed behind.

Suddenly sirens and gunfire erupted all around them, armed Police and Soldiers approached from every direction. The gathered people started to run in blind panic as the troops blatantly fired into the crowds.

The three young men of "Free Celtica" began to run as fast as they could for their lives, but Kieran was caught in a hail of bullets. His spent body fell to the ground, Kyle leapt over a barrier and dived for cover in some bushes. Looking back he saw Connel being beaten by four soldiers with their rifle butts.
Kyle realised he could not help his friend, he cried as he watched the pigs drag Connel away, half dead from the beating he had received.

Continued,

Back at Communist Party HQ that evening Chairman Mc Gregor was holding an emergency meeting with his Advisors and Generals.

"There is no way I can spare any troops from the English front to quell these disturbances Chairman!" said General Thordarson.

"Chiarman, Comrades, could we not perhaps sit down and talk with the rebels! Perhaps some investment in Cultural building would be useful!" Interupted comrade Flanagan the Cultural Advisor.

BANG!!BANG!! two shots were fired from Chiaman Mc Gregor's pistol. "Svenson! clean up that mess and get me a new Cultural Advisor!!" Yelled Mc Gregor.

"Yes Sir, right away Sir," Svenson said quite nervously.

"Explain your statement General."

"Yes Chairman, our current status is stalemate with the English forces, and we have made no significant gains for over a year! If anything the English seem to be increasing in strength, and may be massing for an offensive."

"So what is our current training status ,and weapons/resources production? " asked the Chairman.

"Well Chairman we are corrently training new Infantry, Calvary, and Artillery regiments at full capacity. Every sizable city has a Barracks facility working flat out. As fast as we can train them they are being sent back in body bags, so as you can see we can not spare any men from the training centres either." Said comrade Jones the miliatary advisor.

"Further Chairman our cities are flat out producing miliatary hardware with currently no scope for any increase. Unless we can build power plants to increase factory output and production, but this would slow down arms production in the short term." Added comrade Davidson the domestic advisor.

"The only suggestion I can offer is that we open peace negotiations with the English. If we can secure favourable terms then we could switch our attention to the rebels and unions Sir!" Commented comrade Davis the foreign advisor.

"NEVER!! do you hear me? We will never surrender to the English! I shall not rest untill they are wiped from our continent." Shouted the Chairman, "You would do well to be more careful what you suggest fool!! Unless you want to end up like comrade Flanagan!!"

"Please forgive me Sir," Davis uttered shaking in his boots. "I must also inform you that Rome is again making threats, and Japan has severed diplomatic ties with us due to our continued aggression towards the English. As a result of this action they have ceased trading with us and refuse to send any further consignments of wine in tribute."

"Why those treacherous dogs! Damn them to hell! Thordarson when we have finished removing the English from Celtica, I order you to head south and destroy those traitors!"

"Yes Sir Chairman! By your command."

"Sir Chairman, Comrades I feel I must add something to this discussion. We must increase funding to science and research if we are to stay ahead in world power. Sir I fear that unless we increase funding then we shall fall behind our enemies in the arms race. Our spy network already has evidence to suggest the English are carrying out secret research into two very disturbung areas. We believe they are developing some kind of flying machines that will be able to bombard our cities, and some sort of motorised cannon with untold firepower that will be capable of decimating our troops in the field." Said comrade Simpson the science advisor.

"Very well make it so Davidson, redirect 10% of the treasury to research and raise taxes imediately," said Mc Gregor.

"Yes Sir right away Sir."

"Sir Chairman, comrades I would suggest that we have a national draft and conscript all men aged 20 yrs to 22 yrs into the army. Although these troops would not be very well trained they would greatly assist in quelling any further disturbances in the cities." Said comrade Jones the miliatary advisor.

"Excellent suggestion Jones, get on with it right away," said the Chairman.

"Good news Sir, reports have just come in that order has been restored in all the cities where rallies were being held today. All city govenors report that all is quiet this evening," interupted Svenson as he arrived back at the meeting from taking care of comrade Flanagan.

"Excellent, excellent! Right gentlemen be gone and return to your duties. I want some good news from the English front and soon. I also want this Free Celtica thing crushed imediately! Do not let me down," the Chairman warned.

Kyle had stayed out of sight untill darkness fell, there were troops patrolling everywhere. He did not want to get caught, and let Connel down. He knew he had to get back to Devils Bridge and get some help to rescue his brother. Before he left he made a vow to the gods to return to Stockholm and avvenge the death of his brother Kieran and to rescue his brother Connel Murdoch.

As he made his way stealthfully through the side streets and Alleys he spied his chance, a clumsy calvary officer had dismounted from his horse and was relieving himself into a grid. Kyle crept up behind the man taking his knife from his boot, in one swift movement he leapt out from behind the man and grabbed his head with his left arm while his right hand sliced deeply into his victims throat.

He quickly comandeered the dead mans tunic, weapon and mounted his horse, making his escape disguised as an army officer. Once clear of the city limits he spurred on his steed and galloped as fast as he could go, back to the wilderness.

It would be helpful to know if you folks are liking this

I love it its great really great!!!

Yes its great

I have enjoyed this so far, and look forward to the chance to continue to do so.

Thanks!

Thank you for the replies they are greatly appreciated now here is some more of the story.


Part 4 The Ignited Fire!

Kyle had made his way to the edge of a safe village deep in the Celtic rural lands, and close to the wilderness. He and his unit had started their operations from this same village at the beginning of the propagnda war.

He had been riding hard for two days and needed rest and sustenance. Devils Bridge still lay some distance away, but he had to stop.

As he rode his stolen horse through the village it struck him that something was wrong! it was ghostly quiet! The village was deserted however there were no signs of anyone preparing to leave. Fires still smouldered, clothes still hanging out to dry, doors and windows left wide open and plates of food and drinks still littered the bar and tables of the Inn. It was as though the villagers had suddenly vanished.

Kyle knew this was bad, deep in his gut he could sense that something terrible had transpired here.

He tended to his horse and found something for himself to eat at the Inn. Thinking to himself he decided to continue his journey as soon as he and his horse were both fed and watered, when he felt a sudden severe blow to the back of his head, and collapsed unconcious face first into his stew.

His limp body was lashed to his horse, and his captors thinking they had captured a Communist cavalry officer, hurried back to Devils Bridge with their prize.

"You damned fools! you could have killed him!" yelled Bryn as he threw cold water in Kyles face.

Kyle woke coughing and spluttering " Where am I ? is that you Bryn ? oh thank the gods Ive found you" he said staggering to his feet. " Oh my head! what happened to me?"

" These fools happened to you thats what!! go on you miserable dogs get out of my sight. You must rest now Kyle we will talk later." said Bryn.

" No please wait you must listen, they've got Connel! they've taken your Son! "

Bryn turned to face Kyle, speechless for an instance "You mean hes been arrested. But how Brother what happened ?" he uttered as a look of dread flooded his normally hardened and wise appearance.

Kyle began to recount the events of the last week to Bryn, starting with the day of the demonstration in Stockholm.

"Please excuse the interuption," said Scratch, "I have dire news Bryn. Reports have come in from several of our target cities that the army has violently put down the fledgling union movement."

"There has been many innocent and unarmed civillians murdered in the streets, and a great many arrests. Some of our Brothers are arriving back with very disturbing accounts to tell."

"In addittion to this our scouts report that a large force of conscript infantry is presently moving through the rural regions, and taking prisoner all the inhabitants of your clans villages. Brother Liam O'brien has just come in from patrol, he can tell you more," added Scratch.

"That would explain what I found at Newbridge, the place was deserted," said Kyle.

"Brothers I have seen with my own eyes that which I am about to tell you. The force Brother Scratch mentioned is around 3000 conscript infantry led by a handfull of C.S.G officers, ( Communist Special Guards)."

"They have been in the rural regions for about three days now and seem to heading north west.Brothers their mission appears to be to enslave whole clans, and we have witnessed them send the men back towards Alesia with a detachment of guards. The women and children appear to be heading east towards Stockholm to work in the munitions factories. I am sorry my Brothers but we have also seen the old and sick taken into the woods, and we could hear terrible screams and gunfire." Reported Liam O'brien with tears streaming down his face.

"Bryn the men are assembled for your speech, shall I tell them to disperse ?" asked Scratch.

"No my Brother tell them to to wait for half an hour, then quickly gather up all commanders and advisors and send them to the war room for an emergency meeting."

Scratch went about his duties while Bryn listened to the rest of Kyles story, then made his way to the war room.

The emergency meeting heard the reports and Bryn recounted Kyles experience, "We must not let this go unanswered, the time has come to fight !" said Bryn.

"Brothers we have reports from our scouts that the main enemy force lies here, camped 20 or so miles miles from the village of Two Hills," Scratch said pointing to the huge map spread accross the tressel tables. "We also have fairly recent posistions for the two groups of captives, and are certain they will be following these marked routes."

"Brothers I will go now and address the men while you complete your plans, may the gods give you wisdom." Bryn said as he left his most trusted Brothers to set in motion their response to the events of the last few days.

A huge cheer went up from the assembled men as Bryn Murdoch entered the great hall and took to the platform.

"Brothers I was to come here today to thank you for the hard work you have undertaken to train to become "Free Celtica's" army, and to give you your orders for your new mission. As you know we have trained you to capture and secure the rural regions in the hope of bringing the communists to the negotiating table with empty stomachs, by cutting off their supplies of food." Bryn went on to explain all of the recent events, and the mood of the men had become very sombre.

"Do not be defeated by sadness, lift up your hearts and focus your minds on revnge. Even now as I speak to you your Brothers are drawing up plans for our response, and we must act before Two Hills is taken. RISE UP BROTHERS!! ARE YOU WITH ME!!"

A deafening cheer went up around the hall.

"Brothers go now to your quarters to await your orders, take this time to speak to your god and write to your clans. Brothers the evil one Chaiman Mcgregor has IGNITED THE FIRE, that fire will now turn to consume him!! and Brothers may the gods go with you."

Part 5 Baptism Of Blood!

"We have 1500 trained Celtic guerilla freedom fighters, I would suggest we split this force in three. As you know we are poorly armed at present so our best weapon is stealth, they will never expect an attack. Kyle you will lead group A and head south east to intercept the column of women and children heading for Stockholm." Said Scratch.

"It will be an honour Brother," Kyle answered.

"Good now listen carefully, our scouts report that up to 100 heavily armed conscript Infantry men are escorting the captives, so yes you do have superior numbers. However I suggest you shadow them and attack under cover of darkness. We cannot afford any losses so use your Knives and bows saving your rifles in reserve if needed, as you know only every third man is armed with our homemade rifles."

"Kyle when the battle is over strip every one of the enemy dead of all their weapons, amunition, uniforms and equipment, get the women to help with this and bury the dead out of sight. Take 50 good men with you disguised as enemy Infantry and head to Stockholm to rescue my son Connel. Again you must use stealth to sneak into the prison, you should release all the inmates and assist them in taking the cities armoury. Enlist any that wish to join us and get the others to set up a diversionary riot in the city centre so you can make good your escape.I will be waiting for your safe return at Newbridge." Said Bryn.

"I am deeply honoured that you should entrust me with this mission, I will not fail you," stated Kyle.

"Of course you will not fail," said Bryn grasping Kyles arms tightly, "You are as brave as your father and he would be very proud of you. Now make haste and avvenge your kin."

"Brother Robert Jones you will lead group B, your mission is to rescue the captives heading for Alesia. You should use the same tatics as those I described to Brother Kyle. You should send all the men directly to Devils Bridge for training, explain to them that a similar force has been sent to rescue their kin and they will be reunited as soon as possible. Once again strip the enemy entirely and do not let anyone escape," said Scratch.

"Yes Brother Scratch they will pay in blood for their crimes," said Brother Jones.

"Good now once you have the situation under control your job is to secure all this region," said Scratch pointing to to the large map at the central rural villages. "From here send out small raiding parties to dirupt the enemies supplies and communications, and if you get an opportunity to attack an enemy patrol then do so. Remember always strip the dead and take everything of value you can carry. Further men, supplies and orders will be sent to you as soon as possible, understood."

"Yes Brothers," replied Robert Jones the youngest of the Celtic commanders.

"Good now be on your way and may the gods be with you," said Bryn.

"Okay now that just leaves the main force camped outside Two Hills. As you know my goverment did not want to risk being seen to be helping you for fear of war, but I see no option at the moment. Group C will be heavily outnumbered and will be massacred if we do not get our hands dirty," said Scratch.

"So what do you propose Brother?" said Liam O'Brien who was to lead group C.

"Well Brother I think we should again use stealth, Liam your objective is to attack at night in force and take out their officers. They will most likely be found in the larger tents in the centre of the camp. If you can achieve this goal then the remaining troops will be confused and easier to control," replied Scratch.

"How do you mean control?" asked Bryn.

"Well if we can force them to follow our troops, due to their inexperience we can pick them off at will. After you have suceeded in your first objective, and I must stress this will probably cost us many mens lives, you should lay a series of surprises ie traps and ambushes to entice the main force to chase you to Two Hills. Leave at least 100 men at the rear to mop up and prevent any one getting back to report on what is happening to the Chairman."

"Okay it sounds like a daring plan and it may suceed, but how do you expect us to take out over 1500 of them in Two Hills?" questioned Liam.

"My brother as I have said I see no alternative in this situation, Japan must get her hands dirty on this occasion. I will leave as soon as were done here with the division of 1000 elite Samurai we have stationed here and head directly to Two Hills. I am hoping to give our guests a very nasty surprise when they enter the village, and I am sure they will surrender when their predicament becomes clear to them." answered Scratch.

"A daring plan indeed Brothers, may the gods be with you," said Bryn.

"Yes my Brother it all hinges on Liam's men successfully killing the enemy officers."

and so it began, the response was set in motion and the freedom fighters set off to accomplish their missions.

Kyle led his men through the forests all throughout the night without rest stopping only briefly at Newbridge to quench their thirst. His forward scouts had already spotted the enemy column moving slowly towards Stockholm with the captured women and children.

"I estimate they are about 30 miles south of our posistion," said one of his scouts.

"Good, get back out there on a fresh horse and see where they head to and keep me informed. Right Brothers Hanrahan, Davis and Campbell get the men to their feet and move out, weve got a lot of ground to cover. We must attack tonight." Shouted Kyle.

The intensive training these men had undertaken could be seen indeed, and Kyle felt immense pride as he ran through the fields and crops with his Brothers. Each man driven on by the desire to exact revenge for their kin, murdered by the evil Communists.
By noon Kyle had sight of his objective about two miles ahead of him. The enemy troops had not placed any scouts to the rear and as such had no idea what was stalking them.

"Tell the men to rest up here in these woods for a while. We will slowly ease up closer to their posistion later this afternoon," said Kyle to his officers.

"Yes Brother Kyle," came the reply.

The enemy column set up camp that evening having only covered about twelve miles that day, the women and children making slow progress in their bindings. As had become the usual over the last few days many of the Communist troops took their pick of the despairing women and raped them during the early evening. The screams of fear and pain could be heard for miles and filled Kyle with hate and rage.

His men slowly made their way closer to their target, it was well into the early hours of the morning now, and most of the camp fires were just piles of glowing embers fading slowly. The few lookouts that had been posted were all fast asleep and were quickly dispatched.

Kyle gave the order and his men attacked in a storm of fury, he charged straight into the fray himself and grabbed a very surprised soldier by the collar with his left hand, ramming his razor sharp knife deep into his victims belly with his right hand. As the startled soldier looked into Kyles eyes, Kyle violently headbutted him smashing his nose across his face, whilst he wrenched and twisted his knife in his victims gut as he screamed in agony.

The attack was a total success with only a few men slightly injured in the process, Kyle surveyed the scene and wept as saw the women and children wallowing in blood, and smashing the bodies of their captors with rocks and anything they could find. Spitting and cursing to vent their anger and being baptised in the blood of their enemies.

Part 6 The Battle For Two Hills,
Will Liam be able to take out the enemy officers and at what cost in the lives of his Brothers.

i can remember reading this over at poly and you never finished it, could you please

Yes indeed Ancient Grudge I did post this at poly and never finished it up, a case of severe writers block Im afraid. However I have recently resumed writing and have posted several new chapters there. It is still a little behind where I am up to as I am currently writing chapter 11, but I will post the whole story here as soon as the cfc regulars have caught up

Part 6 The Battle For Two Hills,

Liam O'Brien was an ex army man himself and had known Bryn Murdoch before these dark times. Bryn had been an officer in the regiment he had served in, and Liam had always looked up to him. The respect was mutual though, Liam was one of Free Celtica's best men, now aged 32 and in his prime.

Liams men were all in their posistions waiting for the operation to get underway as the evening drew in. Many of the men were talking to their gods unsure of the eventual outcome of this nights action. Liam himself was thinking back to his younger days as a lad on his parents farm. He could hear his old dad now in his mind saying "For pities sake lad dont tell your mother you want to join the army."

As is the case with many families his kin wanted him to stay at home and take over the farm some day. Liam feared the worst now as his parents farm farm was near the village of Newbridge, and he had seen what these evil pigs had done with the elderly and sick at another village.

"Brother all the men are in posistion and await your command," came the sudden voice of Brother Evans one of Liams officers.

"Scouts have reported that this looks like the weakest point in the camps perimeter, and the commanders tents are situated here about 100 yards in from this point," said Brother Crawford pointing to the plan of the camp.

"Good, now send a runner round the field to Jeffersons posistion and tell him to light the smoke pires.Crawford tell the men to be ready on my command, Evans you know what youve got to do?"

"Yes my Brother, Ive got 100 men already heading towards Two Hills to set up ambush points and some other surprises," replied Brother Evans.

"Good go to your posistions then and may the gods be with you." Liam said.

Luck was on Liams side tonight, there was no moon and a light fog was hanging in the air. As the smoke from the pires began to drift in on the breeze and mix with the fog, Liam gave the order to charge. Simultaneously diversionary attacks were launched at other areas of the camps perimeter to cause the utmost confusion.

Liam and 50 of his best men armed with their homemade assault rifles and fixed bayonets, sprinted through the enemy camp like a tidal wave, killing everthing in their path. Hundreds of enemy soldiers were running blindly about in a state of sheer panic. Screams echoed through the darkness from all around the camp where the archers arrows were finding targets.

Liams group were on the command tents so fast that the enemy officers and their guards had no time to organise a defence. Many of the conscripts ran from the scene in fear as Liam and his men mercilessly killed their commanders.

"Keep after them Brothers!! FOLLOW ME!!" Shouted Liam.

Before long some semblance of order was instilled amongst the enemy by their junior officers, and a defensive ring was established which began to put down some return fire. As they regained control of their men this quickly became more intensive, and although it was difficult to target anything due to the smoke it was becoming effective due to their numbers.

All around Liam his Brothers were getting hit, some fatally so he gave the order to retreat and head to the rendezvous point. It was sometime before the communists stopped firing, unsure as to what was going on.

As Liams officers brought in their reports it became clear what the cost of this mission had totalled. He had lost 12 men from his own group and in total 33 Brothers had given their lives to Free Celtica this night. They had inflicted at least 150 casualties on the enemy and achieved their main objective of wiping out the experienced officers. Their sacrifice had not been in vain.

The next stage of the plan was simple, entice the enemy to follow them into a trap at Two Hills, taking out as many of them en route as possible. There was no time for Liams men to rest now as there was much to prepare.

A reargaurd was dispatched to try and prevent any messengers heading back for reinforcments, as the rest of the men headed off to their next posistions. At first light about 100 men launched an attack on the camp with bows from elvated posistions, causing fresh panic amongst their ranks. As predicted by Scratch the inexperience of their junior officers came through as they sent a detatchment of about 150 men to chase down and kill the pesky archers. They chased the archers for about a mile becoming exhausted carrying their heavy packs and amunition.

Suddenly from out of nowhere came a stampede of half crazed cattle charging towards them. Thousands of beasts trampling all who got in their way, spurred on by about 50 men on horseback. Firing their weapons into the air they steered the stampede towards the main camp while the archers finished off the chasing pack and set about salvaging any weapons and equipment they could.

Liam looked on from his hilltop through his field glasses and could see the look of fear etched on the faces of his enemies as the stampede approached the camp. It was a scene to behold as the herd lunged into the infantry, but with over a thousand rifles going off left right and centre it was not long before the stampede moved away. Leaving in their wake masses of carcasses both bovine and human.

"Our scouts estimate the stampede has killed or injured about 300 of them including the ones who were chasing the archers." Reported Brother Crawford.

"Excellent work men, whats the latest situation," asked Liam.

"Well it looks like they are packing up and preparing to hunt us down," answered Crawford.

"Funny I thought they might stay put for a bit, there sure is enough beef down there to feed an army for months!" said a younger Brother sitting near to Liam.

"Thats very funny but weve got no time for joking, MOVE OUT BROTHERS!!" Liam shouted .

Throughout the morning the enemy had sent several smaller detatchments of men ahead to try and capture the sporadic groups of rebels, who continually harrased the main group, that were moving slowly towards Two Hills. Each time getting stung once again with more wounded or killed men from an unseen foe, in ambush after ambush. Although nothing as successful as the earlier stampede Liams men suffered no real casualties during this phase of the operation. They were simply too fit and agile for the communist conscripts to catch.

Jefferson and his men had successfully stopped the expected messengers from getting through to call in reinforcements, and as the enemy pressed on towards the village, his men brought up the rear to the scene of the battle already fought. His men assisted the Japanese caravaners to load all the equipment they could salvage, onto seemingly hundreds of packhorses and mules, nothing was wasted not even the many sides of beef.

There was indeed enough beef lying around to feed an army for months, and nothing was left to waste.

....................................................................................................................................

"Comrade, I think we should stop sending men ahead and stick together. If we continue to send out small groups we will continue to lose more men. I think they are hoping we continue to do just that as I believe there only to be about 200 of them, and so."

"Nonsense you fool there must be more of them than that! look how many of us they have killed!! 200 men could not inflict over 500 casualties so easily!" Said Seargeant Gunnarson angrily to his Corporal comrade Mc Fee.

"You may be right Sir but I still think they want us to keep spliiting up, Im sure if we keep the men together we will be able to crush this resistance!" retorted comrade McFee.

"Tell the men to form up and await my orders, well what are you waiting for you insolent dog, I SAID NOW!!" yelled Gunnarson knowing full well in his own mind that McFee was right. "The next time you question my command Ill have you shot! do you understand me McFee?"

"Yes comrade," McFee said as he saluted and clicked his heels turning to go about his duties.

........................................................................................................................................

Meanwhile sensing a change in his enemies tactics from his observation point, Liam ordered his officers to move all the men out imediately and head directly to Two Hills. He knew an all out assault against this force in the open would spell disaster for his men.

........................................................................................................................................

Some time later on top of one of the hills over looking the village.

"Sir the rebels have all fled to the village, our scouts have estimated their actual number to be around 300 to 350 men armed with some rifles but mostly bows." Reported McFee.

"Comrade Sir I suggest we dig in here and wait for Artillery and reinforcements to arrive before we go in." Said comrade Wilson assessing the situation.

"Nonsense you fool we will attack imediately, prepare the men for an assault on the village NOW!!" Yelled Gunnarson.

"But Sir, shouldnt we at least wait until its dark for cover?" asked McFee.

Gunnarson swung around and punched comrade McFee square in the face," you dirty yellow coward!! you disgust me. You will go in the first wave." He yelled, spitting his words out with venom, "There's only 300 or so of them down there, it will be a walk in the park."

"Yes Sir comrade Sir please forgive me, I will go and prepare my men."

....................................................................................................................................

The "Free Celtica" fighters were very relieved to to find that Scratch and his Elite Samurai's had arrived in good time for the coming attack.

The Communists had split into three groups of around 400 men each, and proceeded to attack the village from three sides. This was yet another fatal mistake by Gunnarson, yet again he had split up his forces. As they charged it became impossible in the ensuing chaos of battle for the three groups to stay in contact with each other.

Liams men aided by some of the villagers tackled the group attacking the northern perimeter of the village, and managed to hold them there for a while. Scratch split his force in two to tackle the other two groups attacking from the south and east roads into the village.

The hardened Japanese troops were crackshot marksmen and felled a great many of their prey when they unleashed their hail of lead. This initial exchange of fire cost the conscripts dearly, but on they charged and steadily pushed their way into the village. The fighting intensified quickly becoming hand to hand as all three groups converged on the centre of the village. The Japanese discarded their rifles and unsheathed their ancient ceremonial two handed Samurai swords, they began meticulously slicing their opponents into smaller pieces, Liam could not believe what he was witnessing.

"Thank the gods were not at war with these boys" he thought to himself, distracted for just a moment as he was he had not noticed the young conscript charging with his bayonet at his back. Whoosh came a sound straight past his left ear with a bright flash of steel, as he turned to see scratch split open his would be attackers stomach with a huge gaping slice of his sword.

"YAGGHH" cried Scratch as turned on his heels spinning his sword overhead in a full circle severing his foes head clean from his body.

"Thank you Brother!! you have just saved my life!!" panted Liam as he gathered himself from the moment.

"A pleasure to be of service my friend," said Scratch.

It was soon over as the remaining conscripts, around 700 men threw down their weapons and surrendered to their superior assailants. Comrade Gunnarson lay in a pool of his own blood missing his right forearm, lost amongst the littered body parts on the blood soaked ground.

The prisoners were rounded up and secured by the Japanese.

"Men of Celtica, why have you come to your Brothers homes and murdered our kin? Are we not all of the same nation? We have brought this fight to you because we could no longer stand back and watch while your superiors murdered our clansfolk!" Liam said to the prisoners. "we have decided to stand and fight the evil communist regime, there shall be no more unanswered crimes against our kin!! Your officers are all dead! I offer to those of you who have a conscience and a heart a chance to fight with us your Brothers, a chance to redeem yourselves before your gods for your sins against your Brothers!! To fight against this evil regime and its evil leader, Chairmen McGregor!!"

There seemed to be many of the prisoners mumbling to one another, many of these young men had been forced to join the army, and did not agree with what they had been forced to do.

"You will be taken from here to our secret base where any of you who are found to have taken part in the mass murder of the elderly and sick at the villages you attacked, will be executed. It would do well for those of you who have a conscience and are innocent of these crimes to hand over those responsible to us now, our leader will look more favourably on the rest of you I promise you!!" continued Liam.

The majority of the prisoners needed no second thought on this, and gladly handed over the guilty ones.

"Many of us were sickened by this and refused to have a part in the evil work of the C.S.G." said corporal McFee to Liam O'Brien.

"Good!! Good thank you my Brothers," the fifty or so men were handed over and marched out of the village by the Japanese to be shot by firing squad. "The rest of you are invited to join us, we will train you in the arts of guerilla warfare, and you will join "Free Celtica", ARE YOU WITH ME? WILL YOU RISE UP WITH ME? RISE UP AND FREE CELTICA!!!"

A huge cheer went up from all the men in the village, all the survivors of the conscript force agreed and took the oath.

"We swear, on our honour, before our brethren and our gods, that we will give our lives to "Free Celtica"!!"

"RISE UP!! RISE UP!!" Shouted Liam, working the men into a frenzy.



Comments and opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Part seven To rescue a friend and a Brother.



Several days had passed since Kyle and his men had successfully defeated the column south of Newbridge. He and his small group of men had managed to enter Stockholm unopposed, and had lain low in an unused derelict factory whilst they gathered intelligence on the day to day routines of the local garrison and the cities prison.

"Tonights the night Brothers, after the prison guard changes at 11.00 pm a local sympathiser who works at the prison is going to unlock this gate at the south wall." stated Kyle

"How can we be sure we can trust this man?" asked Brother Campbell.

"There is no need to worry my Brother, I met this man when I was working in Stockholm with the local union leaders. In fact this man was at the demonstration the day our Brother Connel Murdoch was captured!"

"Still I hope you are right to place so much trust in this one man Brother," answered Brother Campbell.

later the brave group of Free Celtica's finest made their way through the shadows towards their rendezvous with danger. At approximately 11.10pm the gate in question swung open and Kyle's men made their way into the prison grounds. They had prepared well for this operation and split off in their small groups to their designated sectors of the prison complex.

"Remember Brothers speed is of the essence!!" Kyle said as they set forth.

The local man whose name was comrade Jones to those who worked at the prison led Kyle to the Govenenors office, Kyle kicked the door off its hinges and had his knife to the startled mans throat in seconds.

"Tell me where the prisoners from the riots are being held you communist pig!!" yelled Kyle at the Govenor.

"Never!! I'll never tell you anything!" cried the govenor.

"You two hold him tight, Jones grab his hand and hold it flat to the table" Kyle instructed his men.

Kyle took his knife from the fat govenors throat and cut clean through the govenors little finger on his left hand that was being held firmly by his newest recruit. Jones cringed at the sight of blood and relaxed his grip a little as the govenor screamed in agony.

"HOLD HIM STEADY!!" yelled Kyle at Jones.

"Yes Sir, I'm sorry please forgive me," Jones said as he recomposed himself and tightened his grip.

"Now you listen carefully to me you fat bas**rd, tell me what I want to know or I'll cut the rest of your fingers off!" Kyle said to his prisoner in a calm but menacing voice.

When the required information had been retrieved kyle put a bullet in the govenor for good measure and made his way to find Connel.

When the prison was totally under their control Kyle made an address to the assembled inmates,

"Men of Celtica we have come here to set you free from your chains!! will you help us your brothers to overthrow the evil Communist regime that has tortured you and your families for so long." A great cheer went up from around the men gathered, "Good we must act quickly before the city garrison is allerted to our presence, we must rise up together and Free Celtica!!"

Kyles officers issued out orders to all of the inmates and those who volunteered to head to the cities central square to stir up a riot headed off. Many of these brave souls would surely not survive the coming events and would be martyred by daybreak. the remaining inmates and the rest of Kyles force headed for the cities armoury setting fire to prison as they left.

the whole of the city seemed to erupt at the same time with masses of the populace joining in the ensuing riots.
It had not needed much of a spark to ignite the tinder box of resentment held for the regime after the brutal way they had put down the workers demonstrations the week before.

All this factored heavily in Kyles favour as he and his band of Brothers launched their assault on the cities armoury, meeting only very light resistance as most of the cities troops and been sent into the city to quell the riots. The armoury was stacked full of state of the art weaponary, kyle could not believe his luck.

He quickly issued his orders to his men and within a short time they and the former inmates numbering over 200 men had gathered as much as they could carry. Including 100 horses from the adjoining stables to pull the fifty pieces of Artillery that were ready to be dispatched to the English front, and vast quantities of shells and other amunition.

Kyle ordered his men to put the near dead son of his Chieftan Connel Murdoch into one of the covered wagons and to place a heavy guard around it to protect him as they made their escape. Kyles heart sank a little as he wondered whether his friend would survive the journey back to Newbridge his body shattered from the relentless torture dished out by the communists, but Kyle knew in his heart that Connel would never have talked or he would already have been dead.

"Move out men we must make haste before the sun comes up and reinforcements come to the city!" yelled Kyle.

Kyle and his loyal band made their way back through the fields and hills, back to the safety of Newbridge and their Cheiftan Bryn Murdoch. The following evening they made camp about 25 miles from Newbridge, the men of Free Celtica took the time to start training the new recruits in the arts guerilla combat. Every brother was equally adept in the teaching of these skills, a testament to the excellent training they had received from Scratch and his elite Samurai.

It was late in the evening and the light had all but faded, Kyle was sipping some fresh wild mushroom soup by a glowing campfire. He felt a sense of coldness brush by him chilling him to the bone. 'What could be wrong he wondered ?', their rear scouts had not detected any signs of anyone following them and they were very well armed with the benefit of entrenched artillery pieces well dug in on their elevated hilltop.

Just then a familiar voice broke Kyle out of his train of thought " I'm sorry to disturb you Brother, you must come quick!!. Its Brother Connel."

"Whats wrong with him Brother ?" Kyle asked Brother Campbell in a worried voice.

"I think hes gone Sir, hes stopped breathing!"

"NNNOOOO!! NNNOOOO!! PLEASE NO!! By the great God Cernunnos tell me its not so!" cried out Kyle.

"Please Sir you must come quickly!" Campbell pleaded with his Chieftan.

"Yes yes, Im sorry please take me to him." Kyles mind raced back through all the years of his life, back through all the memories of childhood, memories of freedom of running and jumping and playing with his best friend Connel Murdoch. Memories came flooding back so strong he was sure he could almost touch them, galloping through the fields racing their ponies, stealing freshly baked cakes from their mothers kitchen, running and hiding in the forest stuffing their faces with wild berry pies.

Kyle hurried back to the covered wagon where Connel lay with Campbell, all his thoughts now turned black, he remembered that cold chill that seemed to pass right through. "Its true hes gone!" kyle said as he fell to his knees by his friends side.

"What shall I tell the men Sir ?" asked Brother Campbell.

"For the moment nothing, let them sleep theyve had a long day," Kyle answered, sobbing now. "Please forgive me Brother for crying but I loved this man as my own Brother! send a rider to Newbridge to inform Bryn he should be told."

"Please Brother do not let me stop you from grieving, he was a Brother to us all and one of the bravest men I have ever known! You stay here Sir and I will see to everything as you command." said Campbell with a tear forming in his own eye.

A map showing troop movements of recent events.

simply put... lovely

Thanks Ancient Grudge is any body else reading this ?

Part 8 News Good, News Bad!!


"Brother Murdoch!! two riders approaching from the North and East," yelled one of Bryn Murdochs men on watch duty. "They are wearing our colours Sir!" came a further shout.

"Send them to my quaters as soon as they have tended to their horses," commanded Bryn.

The first of the two riders had tended to his horses needs and was heading to give his report to Bryn as the rider from the East was approaching the outskirts of the village. "Brother! I have news from Brother Robert Jones in command of force B!"

"AH good, I was beginning to wonder what had become of you all, pray do tell me the news is good."

"Indeed Brother the news is good, Ishall read from brother Jones's despatch."

" Brother Bryn Murdoch, it fills my heart with joy to tell you my news. I hope my rider finds you and your kin in good health.
We first made contact with the enemy some distance from our anticipated point. This is the main reason for the delay in getting news back to you, we moved several miles into enemy territory, and with the luck of the Gods found them in an isolated area of forest ten miles from Alesia.
As we could not risk letting them escape we attacked in full force using the trees for cover. Sadly we did suffer casualties, 30 Brothers left this life on this day and are now in the hands of the Gods.
However we did manage to totally destroy the enemy force and capture a significant amount of weapons and supplies.
Please forgive me Brother but I did not follow your next order, I decided it would be too dangerous now to send the rescued men back to Devils Bridge, as we were so far behind enemy lines.
Instead we told them the situation that a similar force had been sent to rescue their kin, and they all decided to take the oath and join us in the battle for Alesia.
We laid low for several days in the forests while I sent several Brothers into the city to gather information.
Finally we got the news that the cities garrison had moved out of the city a week ago to go to the beleagured English front, and the the city was in the depths of revolt.
Brother we did not have to fire another shot! we were cheered and welcomed into the city as if a conquering army! The people have risen up my Lord to "Free Celtica" and Alesia is ours."

"This ends brother Jones's despatch my Lord" said the rider, brother Kelly.

"Excellent!! Excellent!!, that is indeed good news, go now brother Kelly and fill your belly. I will have despatches ready in the morning for you to take back to Brother Jones."

As Brother Kelly left the room the second rider from the East walked in, "Sir! Brother Murdoch I bring news from Brother Kyle Donavon, who is camped some twenty miles from here."

" Ah more good news I hope, please do continue," said Bryn to the young Brother.

"No my Lord, I am sorry my news is not good. Please Brother be seated I have some very bad news for you."

The door opened and Bryns staff officer came into the room. "Brother this rider has just informed me of your Son Connel Murdochs death, Brother Kyle Donavon is bringing his body here today and sent this young rider ahead to tell you the grave news. I am sorry Sir, it appears he suffered from severe torture at the hands of his captors in Stockholm." said Brother Peterson.

"He passed from this life last night my Lord, there was nothing anyone could have done, he never regained conciousness from when we rescued him from the prison my Lord." continued the young rider Brother Harrison. " The rest of my report is in these despatches Brother I'll leave them on your desk." He saluted and turned to leave the room.

"Stop young Brother, thank you for informing me it cant have been easy for you to deliver such news to me, please dont feel bad," said Bryn with tears in his eyes.

"Thank you Sir," said Harrison and left the two men alone.

"Leave me now Brother Peterson, I would like to be alone for a while."

"Of course Bryn, please accept my sympathy, your Son was a man of courage and honour. Shall I take those despatches Sir."

"No no thats alright my Brother I'll read them shortly, thank you for your kind words, now please leave me and dont let anyone disturb me for a while!!"

Peterson left the room and gently closed the door behind him, leaving Bryn behind to collect his thoughts and grieve for his Son.