The Siege of Milkengrad

Eleventh Day, Month of the Changing Winds, 1031CC *Day 1*
--------
My name is Jake Kenda Manose, and this is my first journal entry. I signed up for the Rahaz-Dath Mercenaries some months ago, but only now am I in danger for my life, so I have started this journal.

I'm stationed with the third company, under the command of Second Argent Johan Heigar, also known as the Double Blades. I've been trained in the style of the near legendary sword master Harneth Ag-Sha, who started the Double Blades. We, of course, fight with two swords at once.

That is for those who are not familiar with the structure of the Mercenaries. Now, back to the mission. We are under the employ of Stratanaria, who is currently part of the Alliance of the Red, to help besiege Milkengrad. Our regiment, which is made of several companies, has captured the fort of Apotropaeon, or Blowcrusher, at the Golden Bridge. Even as I write this others of the Alliance are capturing forts off of the main island, getting ready for hte final strike. However, our superiors are uneasy as they think some Milkengradians are hiding out near the fort waiting to attack.

I hear the dinner bell, so I shall be departing now.
*Several ink splotches* Jake.

Twelfth Day, Month of the Changing Winds, 1031CC *Day 2*
--------
It turns out that wasn't the dinner bell, but a warning bell. They attacked us and we lost several people, but the battle was easily won from our position in the fort. I killed my first man, too.

The Double Blades were sent out through the gate after the first wave of attackers were taken down by archers. I deflected a blow with my right-hand sword then slit the man's throat with my left. I watched his eyes widen, his sword drop to the ground, followed by his body.

Perhaps I wasn't ready for this. But it's too late now. I feel the fighting blood in my veins, now. Now I also know one thing: We shall win this fight, and Milkengrad shall be sorry for attacking Stratanaria.

It's my shift for gaurd duty now, so I shall leave. Until tommorow.
Jake.

Fifteenth Day, Month of the Changing Winds, 1031CC *Day 5*
--------
This morning at the mandatory inspection the Regiment Commander came out to report some news. "Soldiers of the 2nd Regiment of the Rahaz-Dath Mercenary Army, I recieved some good news. Late last night a letter arrived for me from Lecam Turpotaker, the pirate leader of the Stratanarian forces. It said that we shoulde be glad, for the Alliance of the Red has taken the forts of Esperoth, Turacanth, and Pelasgarth. This means that the Alliance, and us in turn by employment, now control all Milkengradian forts off of the main island."

He went on talking about how we should be expecting reinforcements from 1st Regiment because of the possibility of attacks from Helcrah. Along with the regiment the Master General is sending High General Markus Kale, a master strategist.

Hopefully this means that our position will be secure for however long this seige will take. As soon as the new regiment and the High General arrive we should be very capable of holding Blowcrusher against most attacks.

Time for my shift.
Jake.

Nineteenth Day, Month of the Changing Winds, 1031CC *Day 9*
--------
Our makeshift gaurdhouse that we built on the Milkengrad end of the Golden bridge was attacked. Around midnight a fire was started in the stables next to the gaurdhouse, killing all of the horses. The fire spread, and while the soldiers were busy putting it out they were set upon by the enemy.

Thirty and nine souls were lost, and the gaurdhouse destroyed. This may be a bit of a setback, as now we won't have anyone to alert us of approaching forces. Though, if they didn't notice the enemy then, I'm not sure they would have any other time.

But, no matter, those are the ways of war. We will avenge the deaths they caused threefold or more. When the siege is over, they shall see us the victor and be sorry.

I must rest,
Jake

Twenteeth Day, Month of the Changing Winds, 1031CC *Day 10*
------
Despite the minor setbacks, the siege is going splendidly. We have a lot of free time now, as all supplies have been cut off to Milkengrad and we here they are retreating to a few of their cities where they have food stores built up.

I met a serving girl from the kitchen. She volunteered to help out in the kitchen for this important mission and came along. She's just reach her eighteenth year and is a real beauty, named Jezra. Hopefully this will give me something to do during the boring times that this siege is sure to bring.

Personally, I think we should just rush them all and slaughter the whole lot. Then burn everything and scatter the ashes. Maybe have the wizards or clerics cook something up to make the land barren. Wipe Milkengrad off the map forever.

Perhaps that sounds a bit cruel, but I learned something this morning. My brother was among the casualities of the attack at the gaurdhouse. The last of the survivors arrived and he was not among them. Though I didn't mention it I was deeply worried about him. Mother is going to be very sad.

I feel it's somewhat my fault. He's my younger brother and I should have gone with him, to take care of him. Now not only shall I get vengeance for my fallen comrades, but tenfold for my brother.

Jezra calls,
Jake

Twenty-second Day, Month of the Changing Winds, 1031CC *Day 12*
-----
The reinforcements are too late. The Helcrani came from the south-east, from Helcrah. The people of the Fores mountains marched all the way here, ready for battle. They are well trained and vicious, but we had Blow Crusher. If we had been against them on an equal field of battle I doubt we would have triumphed, but we had a fort.

There weren't a lot of them, no doubt they split up to go after some other forts. That made it easier. We lost 19 men in that battle, but they lost far more. We didn't count, but we killed every last attacker. They were all piled up and burned in a great pyre. It's still burning.

The battle took all of 14 hours, begining just before sunrise, ending an hour or two after sunset. I'm surprised, actually. I would have though we'd still be fighting, or at least still gathering bodies. But we aren't.

I keep saying 'we'. It's amazing how quickly I've accepted all of these people as family. People have died, yes, but this siege has brought us all together. I'm starting to feel that what it says on our flag is right. 'We are Family. We are the Rahaz-Dath Mercenaries. We will prevail.'

We're going to celebrate,
Jake

Thirteeth Day, Month of the Changing Winds, 1031 CC *Day 20*
-----
Tomorrow begins a new month. I've been away from my family only 20 days, not even a month. Already my brother is dead. But otherwise things are well. We are all optimistic and believe the siege will be over in a month or less. At least before the Month of the Singing Bird is over. Our commanders share our hopefulness.

The reinforcements are supposed to arrive in 10 days, just shy of one month after this siege began. Most think it's a bit too late and they won't need to stay long, but at least they'll bring fresh rations for the march home. A lot of people are happy that we get to return home so quickly. Personally, I would have liked to see more battle. Me and the Double Blades didn't even get to fight against the Helcrani, it was all the archery company. Disappointing.

Still alive, though. Guess I should be happy about that. But I must still avenge my brother, and all of my other fallen comrades. The Helcrani and Milkengradians will pay. They will beg for mercy. None shall be given, but the begging will still be amusing none the less.

I promised Jezra I'd have dinner with her,
Jake
----
Alright, the entry said it ended Burning Heavens 13, according to the calender entry that's July, so I counted back 93 days and did that month and day. And since the SC starts at 1648 CC, and in the history the Fall of Milkengrad is 617 s.b., I just counted back 617 years from 1648.

Can anyone confirm those two things, or should I just go with what I got?

Tarquet Galbar, BeastMaster Of Santharia, He Who Rules The Animals.

Edited by: Tarquet Galbar at: 3/21/02 10:28:43 pm