CHAPTER SEVEN: The Return of the King
Excerpts from The Second Melian Wars, Written and Illustrated by Charlemagne Elsar.
Sunrise at Delhi gave start to the burial procession of Danier Elsar, slain in the Siege of Delhi. On a case near his coffin was his great sword which was said to have slain hundreds in the great battle.
Ralse stood by solemnly. In the absence of Danier, he was given provincial charge of Delhi and the rest of India. The true rule goes to Daniers heir, but none gave claim to the throne.
You know, they say his sword that betrayed him to his death, his wife whispered.
Yes, I know, Ralse answered. He had seen it himself. Daniers Bane.
All went without further interruption. Ralse had an early leave. He had to plan the assault in Calcutta, where Gandhi had fled. After all, he had caused half of the attacking Swordsmen to be killed. He needed the rest of the paycheck. Taking the Sword from the case, he skulked out of the courtyard.
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Well, Theodora. It seems we have come to an agreement.
Hannibal teased Theodora as they made out deals of peace. Troops of Carthage had passed through Byzantines borders now, and they needed relief.
You realize that the only reason of our enmity was the Koreans, Theodora apologized.
Oh, yes, I understand that all, Hannibal mocked. They were giving you great gifts. So why not toss around poor Carthage around? He got up and stood eye-to-eye with Theodora for a moment. Well, poor Carthage will not have peace for free. Give us this Polytheism.
Theodora was thrown aback at this demand. Call in the Science Advisor, she started. Her first maiden received the order.
Oh no you dont, Hannibal blocked. My terms: my rules. We speak alone. By bare margin your little maiden was allowed by an oath of silence. We are both unarmed. I want this to be an uninfluenced decision.
Theodora backed off. Obviously, he was pissed off.
Polytheism was a great advance in honor of our sage advisor Jack Nerdian, Theodora added. This was a product that was owed in part to his great age and wisdom. Such advance is not freely given away.
Two hundred hectograms of gold, Hannibal interjected.
Three hundred, Theodora urged. Now she was in control.
Thats impossible! Such does not exist. Carthage only has 267 in all its treasury!
Theodora raised an eyebrow. Then give us all that.
Youre asking us to empty all the gold in our possession.
Exactly.
Carthage himself now backed off. Slowly he paced the floor. Do you want me to do this? he asked Theodora.
Im not sure what youre talking about
How much do you want me to take this deal?
I am still reluctant at the small sum you pay in your part, but yes, I want this deal to go through. Peace between our countries is integral.
Well, then, water my mouth a bit, if I may say.
For a moment, Theodora was not sure if she understood. Very well, she started. Polytheism is the practice of worshipping more than one God. Each household can depend on its own deity. The practice will create happier citizens and a stronger and more durable government structure in case any of it starts to fall apart.
Hannibals smile vanished. But each household having a separate God is flawed, because when it
does fall apart, wouldnt factions form? Not exactly what you would want, is it?
Youll fix all that with the knowledge we will give you, Theodora assured. Though, in truth, all that was false. Some kind of monotheism was more efficient, but it was yet to be researched.
Okay, Im enticed. Its a deal.
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Twenty years later, Borand Reinad stood on top of the highest tower, looming over all of the Swordsmen of Byzantines. They stood in the city of Calcutta, just recently taking it over. Far beyond, the Indian Sea stretched forever into the horizon. Myein and China on top could be seen not too far off the coast.
This city was once the jewel of their kingdom, Borand announced, starting his speech. A place of light and beauty and music. And so it shall be once more! He unsheathed his sword and held it high into the air. Rounds of cheer spread through the soldiers. Let the armies of India know this: Never again will the land of my people fall into enemy hands! This city of Calcutta has been claimed for Byzantine!
The crowd grew into frenzy.
For Byzantine! they echoed.
For Byzantine! Borand repeated.
For Byzantine!
Borand gave one last hearty cheer. For Byzantine!
Back on the ground, Borand made way to his brother.
Good speech, his brother noted. Farand was his name. Nice and short.
Leaves more time for drinking! Borand laughed. Break out the ale! These men are thirsty!
Two filled cups arrived, and they gave a toast. Remember today, little brother. Today, life is good.
Farand drunk along, but stopped suddenly.
What is it? Borand asked.
Hes here, Farand answered grimly.
They both glance and see their father, Ralse Reinad, nearly forty years old, walking towards them, conversing idly with the crowd as he did.
One moment of peace, Borand muttered. Can he not give us that?
Where is he?! Ralse called out in joy. Where is Byzantines finest? Where is my first-born?
Father! Borand forced a smile.
They embraced, leaving Farand out. They say you vanquished the enemy almost single-handedly, Ralse congratulated.
They exaggerate, Borand noted. The victory belongs to Farand, also.
Ralse looked at Farand grimly. You let the enemy walk in and kill us on a whim
Always you cast a poor reflection on me.
Borand shook his head, but Farand answered. That is not my intent.
You give him no credit! Borand told his father. Yet he tries to do your will! Borand stormed off, to find more conversation than bitter old Ralse, who ran to catch up to him.
He loves you, father, Borand reminded him.
Do not trouble me with Farand. I know his uses, and they are few. We have more urgent things to speak of. Vanadorn of Theodoras advisory council has called a meeting. He will not say why, but I have guessed its purpose. They plan to stage the next phase in the war: an attack on Kolhapur. You must go.
No, Borand denied. My place is here, with my people. Not in Kolhapur!
Would you deny your own father?!
If there is need to go to Kolhapur, Farand asked, cutting in, then send me in his stead.
You? Oh, I see. A chance for Farand, captain of Delhi, to show his quality. I think not! I trust this mission only to your brother. The one who will not fail me.
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It was a gloomy night, arising dawn, as the garrison of Calcutta was rudely awakened.
To the coast, Farand whispered, arousing his men. Quick
It was a rather sad and shabby crew, most of whom had just awoken and had little time to gear up completely. The small harbor at Calcutta provided little shelter for what would come.
It was a fleet of Indian Galleys that had been drifting off of the coast for a long time now. However, they had never been considered a threat, because Galleys cannot damage this town like Dromons could. The possibility that the galley harbored an invasion force never passed through Farands mind.
But the fleet looked menacing in the maroon dusk, nevertheless. It was heading straight for Calcutta.
Faster
the Indian commander ordered. Draw swords.
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Hail Ralse, great general, Lord and Steward of Delhi. I come with tidings in this dark hour, and with counsel.
The old and wizened science advisor Jack Nerdian, pioneer in the Republic and many other technologies since, stood before Ralse in the ruins of the Great Palace of India.
But Ralse simply tuned him out. Perhaps you come to explain this. A hint of sadness crept into his voice. Perhaps you come to tell me why my son is dead.
Jack was set aback. He expected Ralse to be easy-going, but this man was not. He had already explained that while their combat calculators were accurate, there was always a chance of loosing.
My Lord, there will be a time to grieve for Borand. But it is not now. War is coming. The enemy is on your doorstep! As steward, you are charged with the defense of this city! Where are Delhi's armies? You still have friends. You are not alone in this fight. Send word to Theodora of the Byzantines.
Ralse snarled at Jack. You think you are wise, Jack, yet for all your subtleties you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of Indias Bane are blind? I have seen more than you know. With your left hand you would use me as a shield against India, and with your right you would seek to supplant me! I know who rides with Theodora of Byzantine. Oh yes! Word has reached my ears of this Vanadorn, heir of Danier, and I tell you now I will not bow to this Ranger from the West, last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship.
Authority is not given you to deny the return of the heir, Steward!
Provincial rule of Delhi is mine! Ralse yelled in frustration and anger, and no others!
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The battle raged on in Calcutta as the naval ambush drove the garrison away. The battle fought was evenly matched, but soon the Indians regained the city that was Calcutta.
Farand! his first-in-command cried. We cannot hold them! The city is lost!
Farand knew that it was true, surveying the scene with despair. Tell the men to break cover. We ride for Delhi.
Screech of machinery shook the air as the Indians found the supply of catapults laid garrisoned at Calcutta, and eliminating those guarding it.
Catapûlts! a swordsman cried.
Take cover! another yelped.
Fall back! Farand commanded. Fall back to Delhi!
The swordsmen fled, avoiding what casualties they could. The second-in-command fell, finally, unable to go any further. Farand and the swordsmen could not help him, but they run with great haste towards Delhi, unobstructed by formation that slowed them down. Retreat! Retreat!
The Indian Commander looked into the eyes of the fallen second-in-command without pity. Taking a spear from another, he plunged it straight into the dieing mans heart. The age of Byzantine is over, the Indian Commander said. The time of the Indians has come!
As the hapless Swordsmen fled towards Delhi, catapults launched from far back, their black rocks sailing the sky and decimating many troops from their well-aimed attackers. Hope seemed low for the fleeing Byzantines, with the stones raking them form the ground like ants. The Indians soon came after, to finish it.
Then from the road a white rider came, holding in his hands a pot of the sacred Greek Fire. Gallon after gallon was hurled towards the Indians like rays of sunlight until they eventually backed off.
The Swordsmen slackened their pace, now far out of the range of the catapults. They saw Jack Nerdian, who had come to their rescue.
Jack! Farand called after they safely entered the gates of Delhi days later. They broke through our defenses. They've taken the city and the east road. Battalions of Indians are garrisoning the city.
It is just as the Lord Ralse predicted! a defender noted. Long has he forseen this doom!
Forseen and done nothing! Jack scolded.