Daybreak:Volume 3 Chapter 15 - Revision history

Aorii at 21:23, 28 January 2022

2022-01-28T21:23:21Z

Aorii at 17:29, 8 December 2021

2021-12-08T17:29:25Z

Aorii at 15:41, 21 November 2021

2021-11-21T15:41:06Z

Aorii at 20:42, 20 November 2021

2021-11-20T20:42:18Z

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	\| Back to [[Daybreak:Volume_3_Chapter_14\|Chapter 14]]		\| Back to [[Daybreak:Volume_3_Chapter_14\|Chapter 14]]
	\| Return to [[Daybreak_on_Hyperion\|Main Page]]		\| Return to [[Daybreak_on_Hyperion\|Main Page]]
	\| Forward to [[Daybreak:~~Volume_3_Interlude~~\|~~Interlude~~]]		\| Forward to [[Daybreak:Volume_3_Chapter_16\|Chapter 16]]
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}
	</noinclude>		</noinclude>

Aorii at 20:41, 20 November 2021

2021-11-20T20:41:55Z

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Aorii: REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

2021-10-29T14:37:16Z

REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

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Aorii at 18:55, 7 April 2017

2017-04-07T18:55:12Z

Aorii at 18:11, 7 April 2017

2017-04-07T18:11:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:11, 7 April 2017
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	Her eyes then clenched shut as memories resurfaced from those bittersweet days. She remembered when she first knelt before Emperor Geoffroi in personal audience; when she heard his confession and felt the crushing embrace; when she first spoke to him -- not as from subject to liege, but with mutual affection and kindness.		Her eyes then clenched shut as memories resurfaced from those bittersweet days. She remembered when she first knelt before Emperor Geoffroi in personal audience; when she heard his confession and felt the crushing embrace; when she first spoke to him -- not as from subject to liege, but with mutual affection and kindness.

	"Please..." her glistening ~~eyes~~ plead before the Savior's form. "If there is even the slightest chance I may be wrong. If there is any other way. Then please, Holy Father~~, give~~ me a sign!"		"Please..." her eyes reopened, glistening with desperate appeal as they plead before the Savior's form. "If there is even the slightest chance I may be wrong... If there is any other way. Then please, Holy Father...

			"Give me a sign!"

Aorii at 14:29, 6 April 2017

2017-04-06T14:29:11Z

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Aorii at 17:17, 20 December 2016

2016-12-20T17:17:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:17, 20 December 2016
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	"Commodore Hayreddin reports that the 3rd Fleet had been ambushed off the coast of Ceredigion by Lotharin forces. Admiral Kilic was killed in combat when his flagship sank."		"Commodore Hayreddin reports that the 3rd Fleet had been ambushed off the coast of Ceredigion by Lotharin forces. Admiral Kilic was killed in combat when his flagship sank."

	Slumping into his saddle, the General found himself struck speechless.		Slumping into his saddle, the General found himself struck speechless. He had warned the naval admiral to take extra precautions when landing given the Lotharin's new -- and evidently more capable -- Weichsel commander. But clearly, his words were not heeded.

	As moments passed in silence, it was his wazir, Hakim, who stepped up and dismissed the messenger.		As moments passed in silence, it was his wazir, Hakim, who stepped up and dismissed the messenger.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:23, 28 January 2022
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	Nevertheless, the usual expectation was that a banner included at least a hundred men. Yet the twenty-three banners in total summed up only eleven hundred soldiers. And contrary to Pascal's promise of 'a thousand longbows', two hundred of them were mere support troops who lacked the expertise to use a longbow.		Nevertheless, the usual expectation was that a banner included at least a hundred men. Yet the twenty-three banners in total summed up only eleven hundred soldiers. And contrary to Pascal's promise of 'a thousand longbows', two hundred of them were mere support troops who lacked the expertise to use a longbow.

	Looking ahead, Kaede stared at the back of the hooded, petite Winterborn leading this detachment. Against a Caliphate landing force of twelve thousand, this cobbled-together ~~force~~ would not last even ten minutes without Lady Vivienne's sorcery. But ~~even~~ as Kaede thought this, she remembered the conversation with Pascal prior to her departure:		Looking ahead, Kaede stared at the back of the hooded, petite Winterborn leading this detachment. Against a Caliphate landing force of twelve thousand, this cobbled-together group would not last even ten minutes without Lady Vivienne's sorcery. But as Kaede thought this, she remembered the conversation with Pascal prior to her departure:

	''"What do you mean, you want me to watch Vivienne?"''		''"What do you mean, you want me to watch Vivienne?"''
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	''"Perhaps there is something in Vivenne's past that leaves her loyalty beyond doubt. But until I know what that is to judge for myself, I must take precautions against the possibility that Vivienne's talents have influenced if not clouded Sylv's judgment."'' Pascal had finished.		''"Perhaps there is something in Vivenne's past that leaves her loyalty beyond doubt. But until I know what that is to judge for myself, I must take precautions against the possibility that Vivienne's talents have influenced if not clouded Sylv's judgment."'' Pascal had finished.

	''I guess we'll know by morning,'' Kaede concluded as looked up at the dusk sky and sighed, trying to ignore the disquieting flutter in her stomach as she did so.		''I guess we'll know by morning.'' Kaede concluded as looked up at the dusk sky and sighed, trying to ignore the disquieting flutter in her stomach as she did so.

	The Samaran girl sought out her familiar link but it remained suppressed. Her private telepathy channel with Pascal was not just silent. She felt like there was a void in her mind now that they were now out of range. Her familiar bond was still active, but everything except her empathic link with Pascal had shut off due to the growing distance between them.		The Samaran girl sought out her familiar link but it remained suppressed. Her private telepathy channel with Pascal was not just silent. She felt like there was a void in her mind now that they were now out of range. Her familiar bond was still active, but everything except her empathic link with Pascal had shut off due to the growing distance between them.
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	"Yes Sir," Kaede acknowledged as she awkwardly swiveled her mount around. "Sergeant Gaspard! Follow me with your rangers!"		"Yes Sir," Kaede acknowledged as she awkwardly swiveled her mount around. "Sergeant Gaspard! Follow me with your rangers!"

	It was her first battlefield command. And while the soldiers could begrudge her lack of experience, she was determined they would not fault her for being a backseat leader. This was especially the case as Pascal had confiscated all of her arrows so she couldn't strain her still-healing arm. Or at least, all except ~~four~~ 'for emergency use only'.		It was her first battlefield command. And while the soldiers could begrudge her lack of experience, she was determined they would not fault her for being a backseat leader. This was especially the case as Pascal had confiscated all of her arrows so she couldn't strain her still-healing arm. Or at least, all except five 'for emergency use only'.

	Two of them were rune-inscribed arrowheads of black iron, designed specifically to kill faekissed.		Two of them were rune-inscribed arrowheads of black iron, designed specifically to kill faekissed.
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	''"Clarion Boost!"''		''"Clarion Boost!"''

	Kaede watched as the ~~youngest~~ paladin magically amplified her voice. She took off her hood and walked gracefully to the cliffs' precipice. Her phoenix Olifant was already merged with her. Their unison transformed her cloak's surface into a billowing cape of cerulean cinders. White-blue embers cored by traces of gold drifted off her, unaffected by the coastal breeze as they floated about like faerie lights. It felt as though the very air surrounding the young paladin had been enchanted.		Kaede watched as the smallest paladin magically amplified her voice. She took off her hood and walked gracefully to the cliffs' precipice. Her phoenix Olifant was already merged with her. Their unison transformed her cloak's surface into a billowing cape of cerulean cinders. White-blue embers cored by traces of gold drifted off her, unaffected by the coastal breeze as they floated about like faerie lights. It felt as though the very air surrounding the young paladin had been enchanted.

	Then, as Vivienne unfolded her thin arms towards the sea, she began to sing.		Then, as Vivienne unfolded her thin arms towards the sea, she began to sing.
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	A rain of death began as arrow after arrow pierced the torsos and faces of Cataliyan sailors. Some fell onto the decks of their ships while others died in the water. Chaos escalated further as the first fire arrows soared in. They ignited the canvas sails and patches of floating oil, which billowed choking black fumes into the faces of officers who desperately tried to rally their men.		A rain of death began as arrow after arrow pierced the torsos and faces of Cataliyan sailors. Some fell onto the decks of their ships while others died in the water. Chaos escalated further as the first fire arrows soared in. They ignited the canvas sails and patches of floating oil, which billowed choking black fumes into the faces of officers who desperately tried to rally their men.

	Some brave ~~compound~~ archers and ballista operators managed to fire back against the Lotharin lines. They forced the Oriflamme Armigers to raise wards to protect Lady Vivienne. However, given the overall situation, it was too little, too late.		Some brave composite archers and ballista operators managed to fire back against the Lotharin lines. They forced the Oriflamme Armigers to raise wards to protect Lady Vivienne. However, given the overall situation, it was too little, too late.

	Morale began to collapse as more and more vessels overturned, capsized, or simply caught fire. Organization disintegrated from one ship after another as fear and panic spread like wildfire. Within the span of just a few minutes, the ambush had progressed straight past 'battle' and turned into a slaughter.		Morale began to collapse as more and more vessels overturned, capsized, or simply caught fire. Organization disintegrated from one ship after another as fear and panic spread like wildfire. Within the span of just a few minutes, the ambush had progressed straight past 'battle' and turned into a slaughter.
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	Then, if that wasn't enough, Vivienne finished her enchanting melody and began a new aria. It was the same song that she had performed back at Gwilen River. Her hastening tempo would provide coordination to the Lotharin longbowmen while inspiring them to shoot faster.		Then, if that wasn't enough, Vivienne finished her enchanting melody and began a new aria. It was the same song that she had performed back at Gwilen River. Her hastening tempo would provide coordination to the Lotharin longbowmen while inspiring them to shoot faster.

	Remembering her cue, Kaede began to wave her flag in a circle. It signaled the archers to take off their earplugs, while the support troops who could not wield a military bow began marching on the shoals. There, they would spend the rest of the day spearfishing with pikes and partisans, as helpless survivors from the Cataliyan fleet --most of them without even weapons or armor-- washed ashore in groups too small to resist.		Remembering her cue, Kaede began to wave her flag in a circle. It signaled the archers to take off their earplugs, while the support troops who could not wield a military bow began marching on the shoals. There, they would spend the rest of the day spearfishing with pikes and partisans, as helpless survivors from the Cataliyan fleet -- most of them without even weapons or armor -- washed ashore in groups too small to resist.


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	"Commodore Hayreddin reports that the 3rd Fleet had been ambushed off the coast of Ceredigion by Lotharin forces. Admiral Kilic was killed in combat when his flagship sank."		"Commodore Hayreddin reports that the 3rd Fleet had been ambushed off the coast of Ceredigion by Lotharin forces. Admiral Kilic was killed in combat when his flagship sank."

	The General slumped into his saddle as he found himself struck speechless. He had warned the ~~naval~~ admiral to take extra precautions when landing given the Lotharin's new and evidently more capable commander. But clearly, his words had not been heeded.		The General slumped into his saddle as he found himself struck speechless. He had warned the admiral to take extra precautions when landing given the Lotharin's new and evidently more capable commander. But clearly, his words had not been heeded.

	As moments passed in silence, it was his wazir, Hakim, who stepped up and dismissed the messenger.		As moments passed in silence, it was his wazir, Hakim, who stepped up and dismissed the messenger.
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	Pascal smirked in reply. This was good news that the army's morale truly needed. But more importantly, it brought Sylviane political support, which meant more time to execute the next phase of their stratagem.		Pascal smirked in reply. This was good news that the army's morale truly needed. But more importantly, it brought Sylviane political support, which meant more time to execute the next phase of their stratagem.

	"That ends any threat of a possible southern pincer." The young lord declared as his fingers traced the traditional map in his hands. "Tonight we take shelter in the town of Glywysing. The men can have a peaceful night's rest before we continue our march to Ceredigion Capital."		"That ends any threat of a possible southern pincer." The young lord declared as his fingers traced the traditional map in his hands. "Tonight we take shelter in the town of Glywysing. The men can have a peaceful night's rest before we continue our march to the Ceredigion Capital."

	Several of the congregating nobles cheered at the news. After days of strenuous forced marches, they were more than willing to accept whatever comforts a rustic town in the Ceredigion forests could offer them.		Several of the congregating nobles cheered at the news. After days of strenuous forced marches, they were more than willing to accept whatever comforts a rustic town in the Ceredigion forests could offer them.
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	"<Retreat, retreat! All he knows is to retreat!>" Mother Abbess Anne fumed over telepathy as she followed Lady ~~Estelle~~ back to the Knights Hospitaller column. "<He would rather send his familiar into battle than take it upon himself! Why? Because the man has no integrity, no faith!>"		"<Retreat, retreat! All he knows is to retreat!>" Mother Abbess Anne fumed over telepathy as she followed Lady Edith-Estellise back to the Knights Hospitaller column. "<He would rather send his familiar into battle than take it upon himself! Why? Because the man has no integrity, no faith!>"

	In the meantime, Edith stopped to lean against an ancient oak as she hammered its bark with her gauntlet in frustration.		In the meantime, Edith stopped to lean against an ancient oak as she hammered its bark with her gauntlet in frustration.
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	"<And the Princess?>"		"<And the Princess?>"

	Silently, Edith unsheathed the Sword of Charity and held it between her palms. She examined its pristine blade. Even after dozens of battles under her care, the dragon-forged aurorum ~~Steel~~ remained flawless, untarnished.		Silently, Edith unsheathed the Sword of Charity and held it between her palms. She examined its pristine blade. Even after dozens of battles under her care, the dragon-forged aurorum steel remained flawless, untarnished.

	But after tomorrow? She may never again wash it clean.		But after tomorrow? She may never again wash it clean.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:29, 8 December 2021
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	"Heard anything about our cute new commander?"		"Heard anything about our cute new unit commander?"

	"Ain't she some noble brat's pet?"		"Ain't she some noble brat's pet?"
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	She had been handed command of an entire ranger banner, which in truth was little more than sixty men pieced together from three units shattered during the Battle of Gwilen River. Yet as appalling as it was, she actually led one of the higher morale units in their detached force.		She had been handed command of an entire ranger banner, which in truth was little more than sixty men pieced together from three units shattered during the Battle of Gwilen River. Yet as appalling as it was, she actually led one of the higher morale units in their detached force.

	The twenty-three banners that formed what Pascal called 'Battlegroup Vivienne' were all critically under-strength. Sure, the Lotharin formation known as a 'banner' had no formal strength designation~~. It~~ was largely a feudal unit that was raised by a particular lord~~, although~~ the rangers ~~were exceptions as~~ they were ~~paid directly by~~ one of the five monarchs.		The twenty-three banners that formed what Pascal called 'Battlegroup Vivienne' were all critically under-strength. Sure, the Lotharin formation known as a 'banner' had no formal strength designation, as it was largely a feudal unit that was raised by a particular lord. And though the rangers used the organizational title, they were actually career soldiers who received pay from one of the five monarchs of the Empire.

	Nevertheless, the usual expectation was that a banner included at least a hundred men. Yet the twenty-three banners in total summed up only eleven hundred soldiers. And contrary to Pascal's promise of 'a thousand longbows', two hundred of them were mere support troops who lacked ~~sufficient~~ expertise ~~for~~ longbow ~~archery~~.		Nevertheless, the usual expectation was that a banner included at least a hundred men. Yet the twenty-three banners in total summed up only eleven hundred soldiers. And contrary to Pascal's promise of 'a thousand longbows', two hundred of them were mere support troops who lacked the expertise to use a longbow.

	Looking ahead, Kaede stared at the back of the hooded, petite Winterborn leading this detachment. Against a Caliphate landing force of twelve thousand, this cobbled-together force would not last even ten minutes without Lady Vivienne's sorcery. But even as Kaede thought this, she remembered the conversation with Pascal prior to her departure:		Looking ahead, Kaede stared at the back of the hooded, petite Winterborn leading this detachment. Against a Caliphate landing force of twelve thousand, this cobbled-together force would not last even ten minutes without Lady Vivienne's sorcery. But even as Kaede thought this, she remembered the conversation with Pascal prior to her departure:
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	''I guess we'll know by morning,'' Kaede concluded as looked up at the dusk sky and sighed, trying to ignore the disquieting flutter in her stomach as she did so.		''I guess we'll know by morning,'' Kaede concluded as looked up at the dusk sky and sighed, trying to ignore the disquieting flutter in her stomach as she did so.

	The Samaran girl ~~felt~~ her ~~suppressed~~ familiar link ~~for the first time since the Battle of Nordkreuz~~. Her private telepathy channel with Pascal was not just silent. It felt like there was a void ~~there as~~ they were now out of range. Her familiar bond was still active, but everything except her empathic link with Pascal had shut off due to the growing distance between them.		The Samaran girl sought out her familiar link but it remained suppressed. Her private telepathy channel with Pascal was not just silent. She felt like there was a void in her mind now that they were now out of range. Her familiar bond was still active, but everything except her empathic link with Pascal had shut off due to the growing distance between them.

	When Kaede first came to Hyperion, she absolutely hated the familiar link that allowed Pascal to use her senses and violate her emotional privacy at any time. However, after weeks of campaigning, she had grown used to always having Pascal on the other end of their telepathic bond. His presence and voice had been a reliable anchor for her, a life buoy that her mind clung onto in this wartime scenario of constant danger and death.		When Kaede first came to Hyperion, she absolutely hated the familiar link that allowed Pascal to use her senses and violate her emotional privacy at any time. However, after weeks of campaigning, she had grown used to always having Pascal on the other end of their telepathic bond. His presence and voice had been a reliable anchor for her, a life buoy that her mind clung onto in this wartime scenario of constant danger and death.
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	''"Clarion Boost!"''		''"Clarion Boost!"''

	Kaede watched as the youngest paladin magically amplified her voice. She took off her hood and walked gracefully to the cliffs' precipice. Her phoenix Olifant was already merged ~~inside~~ her. Their unison transformed her cloak's surface into a billowing cape of cerulean cinders. White-blue embers cored by traces of gold drifted off her, unaffected by the coastal breeze as they floated about like faerie lights. It felt as though the very air surrounding the young paladin had been enchanted.		Kaede watched as the youngest paladin magically amplified her voice. She took off her hood and walked gracefully to the cliffs' precipice. Her phoenix Olifant was already merged with her. Their unison transformed her cloak's surface into a billowing cape of cerulean cinders. White-blue embers cored by traces of gold drifted off her, unaffected by the coastal breeze as they floated about like faerie lights. It felt as though the very air surrounding the young paladin had been enchanted.

	Then, as Vivienne unfolded her thin arms towards the sea, she began to sing.		Then, as Vivienne unfolded her thin arms towards the sea, she began to sing.
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	As the fleet closed and panic spread, Kaede watched as the first ship collided with a rocky outcrop and overturned. It spilled over a hundred men into the sea. Just like historic navies on Earth, even many of the marines had little knowledge of how to swim and promptly began to flounder in the water. It was far worse for the army infantrymen, many of whom were wearing armor.		As the fleet closed and panic spread, Kaede watched as the first ship collided with a rocky outcrop and overturned. It spilled over a hundred men into the sea. Just like historic navies on Earth, even many of the marines had little knowledge of how to swim and promptly began to flounder in the water. It was far worse for the army infantrymen, many of whom were wearing armor.

	A second galiot soon overturned in the same way. Then a third began to capsize after a barely submerged reef tore through its keel. Meanwhile all around them, vessels that ~~have~~ regained a semblance of control tried to break free from the formation, only to ram into the hulls of their confused or still-entranced comrades.		A second galiot soon overturned in the same way. Then a third began to capsize after a barely submerged reef tore through its keel. Meanwhile all around them, vessels that had regained a semblance of control tried to break free from the formation, only to ram into the hulls of their confused or still-entranced comrades.

	It was a scene of total chaos, and it was only about to get worse.		It was a scene of total chaos, and it was only about to get worse.
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	The 'Ambush at Lysardh Point' would go down in Hyperion military history as one of the textbook examples of a perfect defensive battle. And for Kaede, it ~~was~~ a practical field lesson.		The 'Ambush at Lysardh Point' would go down in Hyperion military history as one of the textbook examples of a perfect defensive battle. And for Kaede, it became a practical field lesson.

	Every circumstance had been set against the invaders. The Caliphate sailed into unfamiliar terrain that wasn't part of their original war plan and therefore lacked knowledge of local conditions. The weather dulled their senses and compacted their formation. The mysterious Vivienne and her concordance magic led them astray and disrupted crew organization. Then came the shock of a coastal ambush which destroyed their morale, before the tide and treacherous waters finally sealed the deal.		Every circumstance had been set against the invaders. The Caliphate sailed into unfamiliar terrain that wasn't part of their original war plan and therefore lacked knowledge of local conditions. The weather dulled their senses and compacted their formation. The mysterious Vivienne and her concordance magic led them astray and disrupted crew organization. Then came the shock of a coastal ambush which destroyed their morale, before the tide and treacherous waters finally sealed the deal.
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	Out of the one hundred and nineteen Cataliyan vessels that sailed for Ceredigion's shores, only fifty six turned back to find shelter among the conquered Avorican coast. Even there, over a dozen of them would be burned by Lotharin guerillas operating behind front lines.		Out of the one hundred and nineteen Cataliyan vessels that sailed for Ceredigion's shores, only fifty six turned back to find shelter among the conquered Avorican coast. Even there, over a dozen of them would be burned by Lotharin guerillas operating behind front lines.

	It also ~~cemented~~ the reputation of Lady Vivienne, whose name had only been spoken in rumor and gossip before the Battle of Gwilen River. She would become known as the dreaded 'Winter Siren', whose name Cataliyan sailors would speak with dread for decades to come.		It would also cement the reputation of Lady Vivienne, whose name had only been spoken in rumor and gossip before the Battle of Gwilen River. She would become known as the dreaded 'Winter Siren', whose name Cataliyan sailors would speak with dread for decades to come.

	Later that night, Kaede smiled as she watched the forged orders from Pascal burn to ashes before her eyes. Maybe one day she would learn just what Vivienne's secret was. But for the moment, she was glad that her 'twin' was firmly on their side.		Later that night, Kaede smiled as she watched the forged orders from Pascal burn to ashes before her eyes. Maybe one day she would learn just what Vivienne's secret was. But for the moment, she was glad that her 'twin' was firmly on their side.
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	Her tone had been polite enough. But Salim knew that beneath it lay an impatience that had been simmering among his officers for days.		Her tone had been polite enough. But Salim knew that beneath it lay an impatience that had been simmering among his officers for days.

	"They have kept to less than a day's march ahead of us. If we turn around, they'll do the same and bite us in the rear," the General warned. "Furthermore, if Ceredigion is allowed time to fully mobilize its army and join ~~it to~~ Princess' veterans, then they could potentially field a force superior to us in this front."		"They have kept to less than a day's march ahead of us. If we turn around, they'll do the same and bite us in the rear," the General warned. "Furthermore, if Ceredigion is allowed time to fully mobilize its army and join the Princess' veterans, then they could potentially field a force superior to us in this front."

	Salim pursed his lips and released a deep exhale. He knew that with the naval reinforcements devastated, they no longer had the manpower to replace the horrific losses they took during the Battle of Gwilen River.		Salim pursed his lips and released a deep exhale. He knew that with the naval reinforcements devastated, they no longer had the manpower to replace the horrific losses they took during the Battle of Gwilen River.

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	It made perfect sense to Kaede: patriotism and nationalism were ''not'' human virtues, however governments might insist otherwise. For individuals with a multi-national background like herself, 'traitor' was often a matter of perspective.		It made perfect sense to Kaede: patriotism and nationalism were ''not'' human virtues, however governments might insist otherwise. For individuals with a multi-national background like herself, 'traitor' was often a matter of perspective.

	''"Perhaps there is something in Vivenne's past that leaves her loyalty ~~without~~ doubt. But until I know what that is to judge for myself, I must take precautions against the possibility that Vivienne's talents have influenced if not clouded Sylv's judgment."'' Pascal had finished.		''"Perhaps there is something in Vivenne's past that leaves her loyalty beyond doubt. But until I know what that is to judge for myself, I must take precautions against the possibility that Vivienne's talents have influenced if not clouded Sylv's judgment."'' Pascal had finished.

	''I guess we'll know by morning,'' Kaede concluded as looked up at the dusk sky and sighed, trying to ignore the disquieting flutter in her stomach as she did so.		''I guess we'll know by morning,'' Kaede concluded as looked up at the dusk sky and sighed, trying to ignore the disquieting flutter in her stomach as she did so.
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	Then, as Vivienne unfolded her thin arms towards the sea, she began to sing.		Then, as Vivienne unfolded her thin arms towards the sea, she began to sing.

	Even with wool in her ears, Kaede could hear the beautiful and soothing melody that reached out across the air. The prelude began gentle and slow, its soft lyrics flowing in perfect harmony with the rhythmic sound of ~~lapsing~~ waves. The music was simultaneously uplifting and calming. However by relaxing her thoughts it also dulled her senses.		Even with wool in her ears, Kaede could hear the beautiful and soothing melody that reached out across the air. The prelude began gentle and slow, its soft lyrics flowing in perfect harmony with the rhythmic sound of lapping waves. The music was simultaneously uplifting and calming. However by relaxing her thoughts it also dulled her senses.

	Kaede pinched herself to drive off the mental fog that began to gather. Pascal must have forgotten how easily she was affected by Vivienne's songs. It was likely a side effect of her increasing magical sensitivity -- a familiar trait which she had been practicing at his behest.		Kaede pinched herself to drive off the mental fog that began to gather. Pascal must have forgotten how easily she was affected by Vivienne's songs. It was likely a side effect of her increasing magical sensitivity -- a familiar trait which she had been practicing at his behest.
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	She also realized then that Vivienne was not singing in Lotharin or even Brython. In fact, her lyrics didn't sound anything remotely like the languages of Rhin-Lotharingie. Aside from the slow tune which threw Kaede off at first, there was something vaguely ''Middle Eastern'' about the song.		She also realized then that Vivienne was not singing in Lotharin or even Brython. In fact, her lyrics didn't sound anything remotely like the languages of Rhin-Lotharingie. Aside from the slow tune which threw Kaede off at first, there was something vaguely ''Middle Eastern'' about the song.

	Pulling out a piece of parchment, she scribbled 'what is she singing?' before handing it off to the nearest armiger. The reply came back ~~quick~~ in barely legible letters:		Pulling out a piece of parchment, she scribbled 'what is she singing?' before handing it off to the nearest armiger. The reply came back quickly in barely legible letters:

	'Kiswahi song with partial Caraliyyah lyrics. It's about a fisherman's wife beckoning her husband to return home.'		'Kiswahi song with partial Caraliyyah lyrics. It's about a fisherman's wife beckoning her husband to return home.'
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	"Then we should stop and fight!" Edith-Estellise asserted. "The victory at Lysardh Point has raised the men's morale. We are surrounded by streams and forests which will benefit our archers and impede their cavalry. Furthermore, we will have whatever defenses and buildings the town has to strengthen our center, backed by hunters and militia from the townsfolk themselves!"		"Then we should stop and fight!" Edith-Estellise asserted. "The victory at Lysardh Point has raised the men's morale. We are surrounded by streams and forests which will benefit our archers and impede their cavalry. Furthermore, we will have whatever defenses and buildings the town has to strengthen our center, backed by hunters and militia from the townsfolk themselves!"

	The beautiful saint looked up from the map with her ~~heterochromic~~ eyes. Her gaze was filled with a simmering frustration as she challenged Pascal:		The beautiful saint looked up from the map with her heterochromia eyes. Her gaze was filled with a simmering frustration as she challenged Pascal:

	"Why can we not ''make a stand'' for these people!?"		"Why can we not ''make a stand'' for these people!?"

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:55, 7 April 2017
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	"A cursed place for vile men."		"A cursed place for vile men."

	"Oh, it gets better," Major Hans smirked. "Assuming they operate like most navies do in hostile areas, they will anchor out in the bay at night, then sail in to land their troops at dawn. Perhaps Your Grace has noticed, but this part of Ceredigion gets rather ''foggy'' in the morning."		"Oh, it gets better," Major Hans smirked like a hungry predator. "Assuming they operate like most navies do in hostile areas, they will anchor out in the bay at night, then sail in to land their troops at dawn. Perhaps Your Grace has noticed, but this part of Ceredigion gets rather ''foggy'' in the morning."

	"It will be the perfect cover." Pascal ~~nodded~~ back before turning to Vivienne:		"It will be the perfect cover." Pascal grinned back before turning to Vivienne:

	"I can spare you five battalions of longbows and all the arrows they can carry. So lure the Caliphate's ships into those rocky shoals and destroy that army using every magic at your disposal!"		"I can spare you five battalions of longbows and all the arrows they can carry. So lure the Caliphate's ships into those rocky shoals and destroy that army using every magic at your disposal!"
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	But even as Kaede sulked, she heard a new voice from the crowd:		But even as Kaede sulked, she heard a new voice from the crowd:

	"More than just that. I was in the center at Gwilen. Watched her run past, calling for men as she went to smash that cavalry charge. Cut the river to shreds."		"More than just that. I was in the center at Gwilen. Watched her run past, calling for men as she went to smash that cavalry charge. Cut the river to shreds!"

	"She did that?"		"She did that?"
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	She had been handed the 3rd Company of the 29th Ranger Battalion, which in truth was little more than sixty men pieced together from three Ranger units shattered during the Battle of Gwilen River. That was less than forty percent strength; yet as appalling as it was, she actually led one of the higher morale units in their detached force.		She had been handed the 3rd Company of the 29th Ranger Battalion, which in truth was little more than sixty men pieced together from three Ranger units shattered during the Battle of Gwilen River. That was less than forty percent strength; yet as appalling as it was, she actually led one of the higher morale units in their detached force.

	The 'five battalions' Pascal promised were all critically under strength. A battalion using the Imperial Legionary military structure shared by the continental powers was supposed to include two combat companies and one logistics company, totaling five hundred men. But all together, the four battalions of militia longbows and one of rangers summed up to less than eleven hundred, and only seven hundred of them were trained archers.		The 'five battalions' Pascal promised were all critically under-strength. A battalion using the Imperial Legionary military structure shared by the continental powers was supposed to include two combat companies and one logistics company, totaling five hundred men. But all together, the four battalions of militia longbows and one of rangers summed up to less than eleven hundred, and only seven hundred of them were trained archers.

	Facing the two dozen figures who rode ahead of her, Kaede stared at the back of the hooded, petite Winterborn leading this battlegroup. Against a Caliphate landing force of twelve thousand, this cobbled-together force would not last even ten minutes without Lady Vivienne's sorcery. But even as Kaede thought this, she remembered the conversation with Pascal prior to her departure:		Facing the two dozen figures who rode ahead of her, Kaede stared at the back of the hooded, petite Winterborn leading this battlegroup. Against a Caliphate landing force of twelve thousand, this cobbled-together force would not last even ten minutes without Lady Vivienne's sorcery. But even as Kaede thought this, she remembered the conversation with Pascal prior to her departure:
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	"Please take a reconnaissance squad ahead to verify," Vivienne smiled kindly. "We'll need to set camp before the sun goes down completely."		"Please take a reconnaissance squad ahead to verify," Vivienne smiled kindly. "We'll need to set camp before the sun goes down completely."

	"Yes Sir," Kaede swiveled her mount around. "Sergeant Gaspard! Follow me with your ~~platoon~~!"		"Yes Sir," Kaede swiveled her mount around. "Sergeant Gaspard! Follow me with your squad!"

	It was her first battlefield command, and while the soldiers could begrudge her lack of experience, she was determined they would not fault her for being a backseat leader. Especially since Pascal had confiscated all of her arrows so she couldn't strain her still-healing arm... all except four 'for emergency use only'.		It was her first battlefield command, and while the soldiers could begrudge her lack of experience, she was determined they would not fault her for being a backseat leader. Especially since Pascal had confiscated all of her arrows so she couldn't strain her still-healing arm... all except four 'for emergency use only'.
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	'Kiswahi song with partial Caraliyyah lyrics. It's about a fisherman's wife beckoning her husband to return home.'		'Kiswahi song with partial Caraliyyah lyrics. It's about a fisherman's wife beckoning her husband to return home.'

	Kaede raised her binoculars again to survey the enemy fleet, trying to keep her mind and sight focused as the seconds passed. At first, it seemed like the Cataliyan oars slowed as the music from the mists confused the rowers. Then, as minute after minute passed, the ships began to slowly change course. Before long, the entire fleet was headed towards Vivienne, towards the craggy outcrop known as 'Lysardh Point' and its surrounding waters full of wave-breaking rocks.		Kaede raised her binoculars again to survey the enemy fleet, trying to keep her mind and sight focused as the seconds passed. At first, it seemed like the Cataliyan oars slowed as the music from the mists confused the rowers. Then, as minute after minute passed, the ships began to slowly change course.

			Before long, the entire fleet was headed towards Vivienne, towards the craggy outcrop known as 'Lysardh Point' and its surrounding waters full of wave-breaking rocks.

	The familiar girl rubbed her eyes in disbelief:		The familiar girl rubbed her eyes in disbelief:
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	Morale began to collapse as more and more vessels overturned, capsized, or simply caught fire. Organization disintegrated from one ship after another as fear and panic spread like wildfire. Within the span of just a few minutes, the ambush had gone straight past 'battle' and turned into a slaughter.		Morale began to collapse as more and more vessels overturned, capsized, or simply caught fire. Organization disintegrated from one ship after another as fear and panic spread like wildfire. Within the span of just a few minutes, the ambush had gone straight past 'battle' and turned into a slaughter.

	If that wasn't enough, Vivienne then finished her enchanting melody and began a new aria, its hastening tempo coordinating the Lotharin longbowmen while inspiring them to shoot faster.		If that wasn't enough, Vivienne then finished her enchanting melody and began a new aria, its hastening tempo coordinating the Lotharin longbowmen while inspiring them to shoot faster... at least once they took off their earplugs.

	Waving her flag once more, Kaede signaled for logistical troops who could not use a bow to march on the shoals. There, they would spend the rest of the day spearfishing with pikes and partisans, as helpless survivors from the Cataliyan fleet -- most of them without even weapons or armor -- washed ashore in groups too small to resist.		Waving her flag once more, Kaede signaled for logistical troops who could not use a bow to march on the shoals. There, they would spend the rest of the day spearfishing with pikes and partisans, as helpless survivors from the Cataliyan fleet -- most of them without even weapons or armor -- washed ashore in groups too small to resist.
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	"You're right..." General Salim broke in mid-reply. Then, as his voice recovering: "you have to be right. There is no way that measly force we're chasing could break off enough men to stop an amphibious assault from sixteen thousand infantry, marines, and sailors. They must have had support from local forces! And if that infidel king could betray his own emperor by accepting our bribes and promises in return for neutrality, why can he not turn face a second time and backstab us?"		"You're right..." General Salim broke in mid-reply. Then, as his voice recovering: "you have to be right. There is no way that measly force we're chasing could break off enough men to stop an amphibious assault from sixteen thousand infantry, marines, and sailors. They must have had support from local forces! And if that infidel king could betray his own emperor by accepting our bribes and promises in return for neutrality, why can he not turn face a second time and backstab us?"

	Hakim nodded ~~in agreement~~:		Hakim nodded:

	"All traitors are opportunists without faith."		"All traitors are opportunists without faith."

	"Perhaps we should return to Roazhon and assault the city, before meeting the Ceredigions in battle with our full force," ~~commented~~ Colonel Farah, Salim's senior Mubarizun commander.		"Perhaps we should return to Roazhon and assault the city, before meeting the Ceredigions in battle with our full force," proposed Colonel Farah, Salim's senior Mubarizun commander.

	Her tone had been polite enough, but Salim knew that beneath it lay an impatience that had been simmering among his officers for days.		Her tone had been polite enough, but Salim knew that beneath it lay an impatience that had been simmering among his officers for days.
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	"Impossible. The forest road is too narrow. The civilians will only slow us down."		"Impossible. The forest road is too narrow. The civilians will only slow us down."

	"Then we should stop and fight!" Edith-Estellise asserted. "The victory at Lysardh Point has raised the men's morale. We are surrounded by ~~hills~~ and forests which will benefit our archers and impede their cavalry. Furthermore, we will have whatever defenses and buildings the town has to strengthen our center, backed by hunters and militia from the townsfolk themselves!"		"Then we should stop and fight!" Edith-Estellise asserted. "The victory at Lysardh Point has raised the men's morale. We are surrounded by streams and forests which will benefit our archers and impede their cavalry. Furthermore, we will have whatever defenses and buildings the town has to strengthen our center, backed by hunters and militia from the townsfolk themselves!"

	Staring up with mismatched eyes of lapis and violet, the beautiful saint's gaze filled with a simmering frustration.		Staring up with mismatched eyes of lapis and violet, the beautiful saint's gaze filled with a simmering frustration.