Battle of Antilo
Battle of Antilo Acounts
To Grand Duchess Maudette of Bara 24th Sixth Moon 707 ATN
Your Royal Highness,
As mentioned in my last letter Queen Indrana’s army lined up to face us and eventually began to attack us in echelon from their right. This meant that we on our right wing did nothing. whilst we could hear the trumpets and horns braying and the clash of arms away to the left. In front of us were some militia slingers and spearmen with some bright orange clad troops to their right. They both looked to have shields but lacked body armour .After some time, these moved a little closer. The Brutyrs to our left grunted to one another in animal fashion but I had no means of communicating with them. They did look to be quite tough fighters so I had us move forward a little .in the hopes of getting them to charge the foes. Alas from out of the sky fell a shower of arrows! One struck my left shoulder and I was knocked off Harold’s back. to the ground! Another had killed Dame Aul’s unicorn Heloise, ,so now afoot she shepherded us back enough hets to get us out of range. Lady Clarisse pulled the arrow out and bandaged me up,, applying a phial of Holey Water.. The arrow had not gone in far, due to my excellent Mythryl corset. “I said to Lady Hildegard “I thought that you, as my chaperone should have protected me from that arrow? I gave you a shield specifically!”
“It says nothing about that in Dame Melusine’s Discourse on courtly Procedures’ that she gave me! I said that Miss Were should ride the unicorn in battle!”
“Miss Were is better leading our spearmen, as they are accustomed to obey her!”
“She is much too close to them I think! I hope that now you will go to the wagons for the wounded and we can let the men and Miss Were do the fighting for us!”
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Despite the pain I then called up my cherub Igual Gapode who then hovered above us. “Madam Marshal the battle is lost! Your left wing is turned and the banner will soon be under threat!”
So I ordered him to sound the recall on his trumpet which he did. I am glad to say that our men with Miss Were and the Azeladians managed to retreat to safety successfully. Lady Hildegarde pulled up Dame Aul onto Hilda and we were ready to help cover the retreat. Fortunately the Thentians under Duke Franz delayed the enemy enough so that Queen Parsifa and her courtiers and other units could escape. I ordered my cherub to spy on the enemy and report any big moves by them. He told me that he had seen a fairy Spindrift also watching the battle. He had now flown off to report to Queen Ephemera. The old knight commanding our five ox carts had seen how things were going and started heading for Bilia. Apart from food supplies one of the carts carried Querida Pomodora’s collection of Palantyte rocks. Her orb of authority with that of Queen Parsifa’s was captured by the enemy. We travelled overnight into Omilia with a council meeting on the 25th.
There I convinced the others that we should use out ships to attack the Sigis Hold to at least burn the long ships lying there.
I remain your obedient Servant Marshal Morgana Lefey
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To King Eudes of Thentis 24th Sixth Moon 707 ATN
Most beloved Highness,
After the disaster at Regalis all Gimawl’s supporters retired some five myles south of the city. There we all conferred, with the Thalian, Amelian, Narchadian and Stetian delegations heading back to Bilia. Queens Gimawl and Phaedra said that they were retiring to Palandork as they had sworn to do. The rest of us decided that since Indrana is deemed over aggressive we shall now back Queen Parsifa against her! We decided to try and recruit Count Prushamin of Palim to our cause. Going with Marshal Morgana of Bara I rode Hilda, one of her Unicorns to Hol Neigar Castle. From his wife the Markess of Hol Neigar, we discovered that he was away hunting with the Count of Yrshidim. We proceeded onwards to visit Queen Parsifa and Count Gotmor at Tallastor. There she agreed to bring such forces as she could muster to the Onin Bridge. So we returned to visit the Queens retinues at Palandork. The crag perched College where they intend to stay, was in ruins and the nearby village very primitive. A large number of peasants were working to effect repairs but the outlook was bleak! We returned down the appalling roads to the Onin Bridge where the Belmainian militias were already gathered. Incidentally due to these roads being used by Chaotic troops from the west, on their way to Narchad, they have a food depot every fifteen myles apart! Anyway once assembled, we then marched to near the river port of Antilo. The theory was that because much of Regalis City’s food comes via it,, Indrana must fight us or be starved out. Anyway it worked and by lunch time today her army was lined up opposite us. We had the Lisa stream guarding our left flank and the Queen with her banner and we ladies perched on a hillock in the centre. The Belmanians of five Countie’s formed the left two thirds of our front with the delegations and a couple of other unit for the rest. On the hillock with us were some springalds and crossbowmen taken from castles in Millien County. The enemy then started a staggered advance with their right wing,, a mass of goblins moving off first. Missiles were exchanged and then the units on our left charged into contact. Alas it seemed that the goblins were rather tough for they had the better of it. Soon the County militias of Haidril, Fidril, Wisentor and Aschponte were routed from the field! Count Gotmor had a great monster horned in his forces which did strike a few lusty blows.
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Our engines and crossbowmen supported the Millien County men as best they could but the enemy started coming at us from the flank and a rain of arrows fell on the springald men. Queen Parsifa re-ordered us so that our best fighters face laft and the Tempanian axemen were ordered to head in that direction. But Count Gotmor’s Millien Militia broke and ran and took the engineers with them. A trumpet way off to our right, sounded the recall and Queen Parsifa suggested that we run off the hillock to our right. This we did leaving the great banner the six engines and the two orbs of authority behind. The rest of the right wing of our army was heading in the same direction except for Duke Franz and our Thentians. Their gallant fight managed to cover the retreat of the rest of us but I fear that they are all slain and taken now! We all marched northwards as best we could until we crossed the border into Omilia in the dark. Some thirty myles I believe! In the morning Queen Parsifa called a council to determine what our future course might be? It was attended by Queen Ephemera of Amelia who had had spies following what had transpired. Her General Fabianus spoke first. “This was a most grievous reverse that you have suffered but your ships are still at hand blockading the Sigis Hold.” Those on the left of your army are retreating back to their counties. Your Royal Highness , what do you intend to do?”
“I am told we still muster one hundred and forty two. It seems that we are truly cut off from our supporters except hopefully, Count Morven of Cogwile here?”
“I will support you in any way that I can Your Royal Highness. Some of my men are aboard the blockading ships. I fear that Indrana’s aggressive policies will put my port of Tegalon at unnecessary risk!”
I then spoke “After the loss of Duke Franz my Thentian delegation is reduced to eight including Ambassadress Phreanda from Thalia. Our Lymphads will do what they can but I think we can do little but wait for any ransom demands Indrana may make, for any who were taken prisoner.”
Then Marshal Morgana of Bara spoke. She had been wounded by an arrow and was in some pain. “I accept that we are in no case at present to challenge Indrana’s army. But we yet have a goodly force. I have had a report that the Duke of Wardour attacked the port of Vendola and burnt a pirate ship being repaired there. He attacked with six ships under the cover of a fog. I think that we might attempt the same to burn those two Longships that lie at the Sigis Hold. Some of their crews are with Indrana’s army and very likely some of the Hold garrison are away as well. If we could burn those vessels, there would be less need of the blockade. A blockade that we cannot maintain for too long as our ships will be needed to send more supplies up to Hamora when the harvests come in. Does anyone have knowledge of the Sigis Hold?”
Grand Mistress Messalinda held up her hand, “I have visited it as Count Sharda’s wife Missifah, who is also Markess of Sigis is a member of my order. So is Dame Drakette, one of the hold’s officers. Due to the tragic loss of its fishing fleet in a storm several years ago men are in short supply there. The Hold comprises an old drum keep, two round towers and a large oblong tower facing the lake. The quay lies alongside the Hold and the village beyond. When I was there, there were quite a few fishing vessels. Catching both in the lake and the river!”
“Thinkest thou that we have the strength to take the hold Madam?” asked Queen Parsifa.
“It would not be easy. The Oblong Tower hath two Mangonels,, there is a Petrary on the keep and there are springalds besides. Likely the villagers would help man the walls.”
Marshal Morgana spoke again, “Taking the Hold is less important than burning the two Longships. I have heard that they are the only ones in existence nowadays. With them gone there will be fewer reinforcements for Indrana from the north. I am thinking of a night attack. With the Nebuchair palantyte orb and a favourable wind we can sail in, in the dark and hopefully take them by surprise. What think you all? “
Count Morven spoke again, “I will help in any way I can. Those Longships pose a threat to Tegalon I would fain have removed!”
Queen Ephemera then spoke “ It was our intention to remain uncommitted as we are eternal neighbours of Belmain. However if the fishing vessels of Sigis are destroyed as well it will benefit our own people. I support your plan.”
The Querida Pomodora then spoke, “I have seen the Nebuchair orb in operation and am sure we can find our way to the Hold, Azelad gives its support to the plan!”
Then spoke Sir Carlo Cornacchio, now leader of the Faraese contingent after the death of Commandare Eusebio Querci in the battle, “Fara will play any part asked of it in this noble enterprise!”
Queen Parsifa then wound up the meeting “It is agreed then that we will make this attack on the port of Sigis. We must now proceed on to Bilia and where we must finalise the plan with the assistance of the mariners.”
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Count Gotmor’s letter
Dearest Ermintrude,
Things have gone badly for us at Antilo. Queen Indrana took up ours challenge and came to give us battle. Our forces were in the centre except for the Brutyrs who were on the right wing. The enemy attacked our left first with hordes of goblins and trolls. Alas they broke the militias of Haidril, Fidril, Aschponte and Wisentor and eventually us. I followed my men and we with the other routed troops rallied at the Onin Bridge. There we had Countess Gypsyra of Haidril, Count Bromill of Fidril, my Mimomar monster and around fifty others. I think that our engineers, crossbowmen and Brutyrs escaped to the north with Queen Parsifa. The other two are returning to their counties and I shall do the same. We must try and replace the men and engines taken from the castle garrisons. Hopefully Indrana will concentrate on following up Parsifa’s battered army.
Your devoted husband Gotmor
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Lady Mira’s record of Queen Indrana’s rule continued
At my husband Marshal Gildelm’s suggestion, our army advanced in echelons from the right flank. Our rightmost unit was that of Migrab’s Bolgburz Aughed with their large archer contingent. They presently halted and rained arrows on their opponents. These soon lost patience and charged. The Aughed put their sword warriors out to face them and soon had the victory. The Militias of Haidril and Fidril fled, with those of Aschponte being driven off by the Porcian Goblins. We of Her Royal Highness’ menie moved forward and received some darts from the springalds the enemy had on a hillock beside their battle flag. To me with Sorceress Devilla was entrusted the task of carrying Queen Indrana’s orb of authority. My husband Marshal Gildelm stood ahead, to shield us as best he could. Eventually with an infernal racket the Khmer Orange units to our left began to advance. Princess Beh Monga told me that they would play traditional martial music as they went into battle. It was supposed to encourage them and dismay the enemy but sounded like an accident with the pots and pans in the kitchen! Their only instruments were drums and things looking like four bells on a rope. However their bowmen forced the retreat of some riders on blue unicorns, leaving one lying dead on the field. Doubtless our goblin allies would relish eating that at the victory feast!
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Some springald darts slew two amazons and smashed the shields of two more from the hillock. Nevertheless Her Majesty ordered us forward closer to the enemy. The Trolls, the Angmar Aughed and the Porcian Goblins fought the foes hand to hand whilst the Bolgburz Aughed worked their way around the enemies collapsed left flank. It was their arrows that sent the Springald man fleeing to make us safe. Then Od’s Norsemen and then the Groz Aughed got involved. Countess Redsun asked for quarter for her Wisentor Militia. Sorceress Devilla protested “Your Grace, surely she is one of those that has broken her oath not to bear arms?”
Her Royal Highness replied “Yes but we shall give her, her life under terms. Countess Redsun we shall give you quarter on condition that you and your men stay with us to capture Shone Fortress?”
“I agree. Lay down your arms men.” So that was fourteen prisoners to add to some four already captured from Aschponte! The enemy started to transfer some Tempanian axemen to shore up their left but they were too late. The large Millien unit including the Mimomar monster broke and ran. Some Bronid Pikemen on their right decided to retire at the same time due to Khmer Orange arrow fire. A trumpet blast blared from a flying trumpeter on their right. This must have made Queen Parsifa lose heart as she led her Courtiers and crossbowmen off the hillock. Other units on their right began to retreat but the Tempanian Axemen were trapped against the Hillock and threw down their arms. Her Royal Highness gave them the same terms as Countess Redsun. The only enemy unit still fighting were the Thentian delegation, who were now surrounded. Her Royal Highness called out “Duke Franz! We offer you quarter. If you and your force will aid me against the dwarves we might set you free without ransom?”
“Your Grace you are much too generous!” squawked Sorceress Devilla.
“We have little need of more Gold. We arewell aware of the prowess of Thentian knights. We are sure that with their help we may take Count Rankyn’e fortress of Shone!”
“Madam since we have little realistic choice I accept your terms. Since we are to serve you I take it that we can keep our arms?”
“Yes but stay here as you are until we can review the situation on yon hillock!” So leaving the Thentians we moved over the piles of bodies to where Parsifa’s banner had once stood. Commander Migrab presented it to Her Royal Highness who said she would use it as a carpet in her bed chamber. There stood also six abandoned springalds mounted on little carts. Tethered nearby were a dozen small oxen used to tow them. Queen Indrana ordered Migrab to guard them not to eat them as she would use them soon. We also collected the orbs of authority of Queen Parsifa and the Querida of Azelad. To the south we could see the routed Millien Militia following those of Haidril and Fidril who had run away earlier. Turning to the north we could see some delegation troops covering the faster retreat of the shattered units. With them were five ox carts. “Good! Their tracks will be easy to follow. Count Sharda prithee send your slingers to follow them to make sure they do not try to circle around us. We think they will run back to their ships off Bilia ready to go home but it will be as well to make sure. We will camp here to keep the split between the enemy forces. We must recover the wounded and send them to be treated in Atilo! Marshal Gildelm do you tally up our losses and those of the enemy! We fancy that with our new recruits we will be stronger than we were before!”
So we did as she said and the dead were gathered into big heaps ready for burning when enough timbers had been collected. The two sorceresses asked if they should send any of the prisoners particularly the wounded, into the Risen Dead state but Queen Indrana said not. She thought it might upset her new subjects.
Later that evening Marshal Gildelm came with the casualty tallies which were read out to those present.
Bolgburz Aughed 2 dead, Trolls Kaptain Granto & 1 dead, Angmar Aughed 1 dead, 2 wounded, Porcian Goblins 3 dead 2 wounded, Odd’s Norsemen 3 dead & 2 wounded, Durgid Amazons 2 dead 1 wounded, Groz Aughed 8 dead with The two Khmer Orange units and the Sigis Militia unscathed Totals Kaptain Granto and 15 others dead with 7 wounded totalling 22!
Belmanians captured unscathed were Countess Redsun, Mark Wilfred, Mark Mything, Mark Soun, SirFanion, Sir Rauld, Dame Peronelle, Healer Rosey, Sergeant Tallin, Sergeant Lyme, Nurse Orange and 7 spearmen = 18
Tempanian Axemen Commander Mask, Sir Gorm, Nurse Shiela & 11 axemen = 14
Thentians Duke Franz Neuman of Lonnen, Sir James Montmorillion, Sir Roux Potiron, Sir Dilbert de Tonnere, Sergeant Tudor, Sergeant Toxo, Trumpeter Height, Abigail Reddina, 3 longbowmen, 7 spearmen = 18
Total recruited prisoner effectives = 47
So our army of 287 lost 22 but gained 47 now = 312
Enemy Caualties found on the field
Captured Wounded Countess Gramarena, Mark Drunz, Dame Ildweis, Debutante Gilda, Woman Sergeant Lilaca, Sergeant Faren, Sir Rive Chillon of Thentis, 2 Millien warriors, 3 Millien engineers, 2 Tempanian axemen, 5 Bronid Pikemen Total = 19
Found Dead Commandare Eusebio Querci leader of the Faraese delegation, Dame Torre, Debutante’s Lima, Sewada and Stella, Sorceress Staffa, Fanier Barbo, Sergeant Lilaca, Trumpeter Felt, Nurse Blowsy, 23 warrior spearmen, 1 engineer, 3 Thentian spearmen 2 Thentian Longbowmen = 39
So Total enemy losses 47 + 19 + 39 = 105 plus some routed troops
“This was clearly a most decisive victory!” exclaimed Her Royal Highness, “Who now dare challenge us as Queen of Belmain! Countess Gramarena was one of those that swore not to bear arms against me. Doma Wilana execute her at once. We will not have our majesty so flagrantly denied!” So Doma Wilana went and cut off the Countess’ head at the Hall used as a hospital in Antilo. She was burnt with the others of her Aschponte County on the morning of the 26th Sixth Moon.
Her Royal Highness then said “It seems to us that we now have the strength to take Shone to Kill Queen Draffa and Count Rankyn and thwart King Druffin’s insolent claim against our Queendom! We must establish a base camp over the river on Willen County land. We will need engineers to work these captured springalds and we know the city is short of such folk. Count Sharda you have such engines in the Sigis Hold you could send those able to work them here?”
“Alas most of those that can work my engines are women but I could provide six men with that lore?”
“It must be enough, we will draft in some city militia to aid them. You will also call in your hunting unit from monitoring the border, their bows may well be needed to take Shone. Princess Beh Monga your unit has had little to do so far. You will return with it this night to Regalis. You will inform Sir Phistus and Chamberlain Opulan of our victory here. take the two orbs of authority with you as proof, one Queen Parsifa’s for the rebels and Querida Pomodora’s for the Tarkgh delegations! Its wondrous glory must be made public in the city and throughout the land. There we have one ram and four ladders. Order the carpenters to make two more rams and eight more ladders. Tell Sir Phistus to provide six militia men as loaders for the engines we have captured. When these are ready you will return to the army which should be encamped over the river by then.”
“Yes your Royal Highness we shall do as you say.”
After the funerals on the 26th the army began to be ferried over the River Rillo to the Willen County shore. By then it was obvious that those driven off on the enemy’s left flank were heading south to their home counties and thos on their right had gone over the border into Omilia. By the 28th the engineers had come from Regalis and Sigis and since there had been no reports of any incursion over the Omilia border. Queen Indrana ordered the army to advance to Shone.
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