Destiny of Empires [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 7 - April 2011]

[Arabia (DoE)]

"It is indeed a trouble time sir," said Aquil al-Rashid, the first advisor to the king. "The Russian queen is dead, and the Israeli city of Ekron has been razed. Here are the reports."


After quickly reading through the news Al Mualim replied, "The death of the Queen is a great loss to the world. She was truly a great leader, and a good friend. Even more, the betrayal of the Israelis accompanied with her death spells disaster for the war. The razing of Ekron is horrifying to say the least. How can a nation commit an atrocity such as this, even against a backstabbing enemy? May Allah have mercy upon the Sultan and his soldiers who did this deed. If any reports should come of Arabians doing this we would have to withdraw from the war. I am unsure how a leader can sleep at night after hearing his troops have done such a thing. After the world is at peace we must send some aid to help rebuild this lost city. It is much different when the thing actually happens in your time. The tales of razed cities of the past seemed so unreal until now." Al Mualim would never see the Ottomans in the same way again.

"Aquil al-Rashid gather the people, we will hold a prayer for the dead at the Kaabah. I will be there presently." With that Aquil al-Rashid left to call the people. Al Mualim bent down and prayed for the late queen:



"O Allah! Grant her protection, and have mercy on her, and keep her in good condition, and pardon her, and make her entertainment honourable, and expand her place of entering, and wash her with water and snow and hail and cleanse her of faults as a white cloth is cleansed of dross."

Later at the prayer for Ekron:

"Let us have moment of Prayer for the dead."



[OOC: Can't figure out how to make the larger, attachment thing always shrinks em /OOC]

[Mali (DoE)]

greetings to all the great Mali wishes to announce the following. He assumed the title Negus Nagast and wants to open Mali to the world. So far, Mali lived in isolation but realized that the world is big and can not live alone. Please everyone who wants to trade with us to know they are welcome.

[Ottoman Empire (DoE)]

Public Notice:

The Ottoman Turks congratulate China on the opening of its Incaconan Embassy and the treaty this represents. At the request of the envoys of Incacona, the Ottoman Turks have also recently finished construction of an Incaconan Embassy in our lands. The formal gala commemorating this occasion has been postponed, due to the ongoing pressing diplomatic issues.

Aysecan, Public Relations

[France (DoE)]

"If it was me the French King Philippe, I would have been ofended - my armies to have won such a decessive victory, and yet someone else, who is never saw real war and bloodshed, to speaks up on my behalf, intervenuing in my foreign policy of a sovereign kingdom and actual world power." the young Princess Catherine said after reading the document with her redden from tears beautiful eyes. "Sniff!"

Princess Catherine

We Gauls have tough hides. We are not easily offended.

And although we are at war, we extend our deepest sympathies on the passing of your mother, Catherine. She and my sister were very close, and shared a friendship during a brighter time than we now live.

Regards, King Phillipe

[France (DoE)]

The Second Day and the Long Retreat

It was late in the day when General Jugan ordered his troops up the hill. There were not many Turks left standing. The Israeli attack had been devastating. The 2nd Cadiz Heavy Cavalry Regiment led the charge.



They soon slowed to a trot, however, as the remaining Turks had no further stomach for a fight. And it was no wonder. The hill top was like a scene from hell. Thousands of bodies covered the landscape. The cries of the wounded added to the horror.

The cuirassiers rounded up the Turkish troops and led them down the hill. They destroyed what was left of the Turkish catapults. And they scouted the road to the NE. A cloud of dust could be seen, rising from what was clearly further retreating Turkish troops.

General Jugan ordered a general pursuit. During the next several days, French troops rounded up the Turkish survivors, destroying those units which unwisely chose to fight against hopeless odds. But where were the Russians?

The Turkish resistance stiffened as the Army of North Africa entered Turkish territory. Fresh reinforcements, two regiments of janissaries slowed the French pursuit. But they too were overwhelmed. Finally, exhausted after miles of travel and days of fighting, the pursuit came to a halt. The French troops had to rest.

And then they were spotted. The commander of the 23rd Royal Regiment, a mace infantry unit, climbed to a hillock where he could see some distance to the east. A force of Turks and Russians were there, with several batteries of catapult artillery. The commander lowered his telescope, and commented to his aide "Well, the Russians certainly can run faster than the Turks. I have to give them that." Descending from his observation post, he sent a message courier back to General Jugan. It was not clear what the Turks and Russians were planning to do. Counterattack? Evacuate by sea? Attack Ekron? Tomorrow would bring the fateful answer.

Meanwhile, the roads leading back to Guardaia were crowded. Wounded French units were camping to regroup. Reinforcements were arriving. And prisoners were everywhere. Long lines of dejected Turkish troops were escorted slowly westward.

[Ottoman Empire (DoE)]

Back in the Sultan's Court...

Mohamed entered the private chamber of the Sultan, head bowed in disgrace... "Your Majesty..."

"What is wrong Mohamed?" the Sultan's face showed great concern.

"D-d-defeat... Majesty... total and utter defeat in Africa. As you already know, our armies are ruined and the wounded are in full retreat" said Mohamed...

"Yes, yes, I know this... Taner brought me the news just after he came back from giving my agreement to a treaty with the Incan Envoy... So you are saying you have WORSE news than that?"... The Sultan was perplexed at how things could get any worse...

"Yes Majesty, it has happened... again... Our officers, outraged at the treachery of our supposed Israeli allies, decided to attack the garrison at Ekron..." Mohamed was sweating now from his brow, clearly distressed

"And...What has happened again?" The Sultan was enraged now... "Did they capture the city!? Kill some of the Garrison!? What!? I gave you strict orders that there was to be a complete surrender after we were betrayed by Israel! I specifically told you that there was no more point in fighting after that!"

"We were fighting FOR Israel!... If Israel was not with us, then the War had no further purpose! You were instucted to make peace with France and order our troops to board ships and leave Africa immediately!" The Sultan was standing now, and Mohamed was cowering at his feet.



"But Majesty, the F-f-French!" Mohamed stammered and stuttered, unable to contain his fear at the rage of the Sultan... "They r-r-r efused our offer of Peace outright once again... And once again, they have slaughtered our withdrawing soldiers... stabbing and sh-shooting the wounded in their backs as they ran away and t-t-trampling them underfoot with their h-h-horses"

The Sultan stepped quickly towards Mohamed with his hand raised as if to deliver a backhanded blow... Mohamed fell to the foor, disgraced at his failure. "And What Else?!? belowed the Sultan... "What other Failures do you have to report?!?"

"Majesty! P-p-please forgive me!" Mohamed pleaded... "The Officers were quite Mad with the anger of betrayal fresh in their minds! They would not listen to me! They would not listen to reason!... They... they... th..."

"They WHAT!?!" shouted the Sultan... as his guards closed the door to his private chamber to prevent those outside from seeing the Sultan in his enraged condition...

"Acting against my orders... They have laid siege to the City of Ekron and set it ablaze!... the city is gone Majesty, nothing more now than a heap of smouldering rubble"


"Just like Jerusalem..." said Ahmed with a heavy sigh... sinking back into his chair.

"Just like Jerusalem, Majesty" Mohamed replied...

The Sultan covered face with his hand and shook his head... He couldn't believe it was happening again... and during his reign... He had specifically forbid any further action against Israel. The Interim Government had briefly considered it, even discussed it with others, but ultimately decided against it. To make sure there would be no mistakes, as one of his first acts as ruler, Sultan Ahmed had promised the Ottoman Turk people that his reign would see the reconciliation with Israel and compensation for their past injuries at the hands of former Ottoman leaders...

But he had let himself become distracted by the War with France. He had not reached out enough or apologized to Israel for what the past leaders had done. So when the chance to finally reconcile with Israel over the War with France materialized, the Sultan jumped at it. His heart was overjoyed at the chance to fight, side by side with the Israelis. Indeed, he would have abandoned this war long ago had it not been for the opportunity to finally make amends with Israel... by sharing common camps, and fighting a common foe.


Ahmed had no further designs on Africa... before the War, he had been desperately trying to sell off his African holdings to Neandor. Sultan Ahmed hoped that leaving Africa to the Africans would help heal the wounds between the Turks and Israel... In fact, with England defeated, this was truly the only thing the Turks were still fighting for in Africa... to help bring African Independence as a gesture of lasting friendship towards Israel.

Thus, it hurt and wounded Ahmed deeply, and personally, when the Israelis betrayed the Turks in such infamous form... So many brave Turk soldiers... who had bought into the notion of freeing Africa for the Israelis as reparations for the past tragedy of Jerusalem... had died at the hands of the Israelis who betrayed them... the same Israelis that they were fighting for, crossing the burning desert for, dying for...

The rage was welling up in the Sultan's chest now... he could feel his blood boiling... but he was not angry with Israel... this was his fault... he had never apologized for Jerusalem, he had never made it fully clear to Israel that he aimed to make amends to them... he never told them of his wish to free Africa of European influence for their benefit and prosperity... their anger and hatred towards the Ottoman Turks was understandable... now there might be no turning back... he had failed to express his sorrow and guilt to the Israeli people... but no longer... the Sultan was outraged... but not at Israel...

He was angry at the failure of his Cheif Military advisor and the deplorable actions of his officers... But now would begin the path to reconciliation that he promised his people... and though he might not see it happen during his lifetime... he would take the first step of the journey, right now, by punishing those responsible for the atrocity at Ekron... the Sultan turned his gaze coolly towards Mohamed... "You Have Failed Me, For The Last Time... General."

"But Majesty I..." Mohamed backed away from the Sultan... still on all fours.

"Guaaaards!" the Sultan shouted.

Four Jannisaries burst into the Chamber, ready to do the Sultan's bidding... Ahmed looked at them and then at Mohamed and then spoke the four most feared words in Turkey...

"Off with his head!"

Without a word, two Jannisaries siezed Mohamed and dragged him away, as he screamed to the Sultan for mercy. The Sultan called out "Taner!"



Taner peeked around the corner... afraid to enter, for fear that he would be next... "Yes Merciful Highness?"

"I need a report of the battles leading up to the burning of Ekron... specifically, detailing the exact method and circumstances of the Israelis' betrayal of our forces. Obtain the report first, and then I want any officers who participated in the burning of Ekron excecuted!... See to it!"

"Yes O Gracious, Merciful Highness" Taner replied, relived that it was others and not he who would lose their heads...

"And Summon Aysecan," Ahmed continued, "Have her begin drafting a letter of apology to the Israelis for Ekron... and Jerusalem... and respond to the Public letter that Neandor issued, purporting to offer terms for our surrender..."

Taner bowed low, and left the Sultan's chamber... closing the door behind him.

[France (DoE)]

The Battlefield at Ekron Oasis



General Jugan felt it was his duty and responsibility to survey the battlefield. He swore a silent oath to himself that he would never become blind or immune to the death and suffering that war brings.

Soldiers and civilian workers were gathering the dead for burial. It was a grisly task. There would be spirits over this tract of land for many years to come, thought Jugan.

"Over here, sir!"

Jugan heard the shout of his intelligence officer, Captain Burgogne, and headed over to where he was inspecting several bodies. Burgogne held up some personal information, and also pointed at some peculiarities on the uniforms.

"Definitely Arabian, sir. It is confirmed. Many of the dead are Arabian."

"And just what the hell were they doing here?" Jugan asked to no one in particular. He uttered a foul curse, but he could not honestly say if he was cursing Arabia, or Russia, or just the evil gods of war.

[Israel (DoE)]

Sultan of the Turks,

Your army is destroyed. The few remaining units will be killed of in the coming hours.
Your entire nation lies open for our invading troops. But we do not seek expansion beyond the borders of the Holy Land that G'd has given to us.

If you truely want to end the anonimisy between Israel and the Ottoman Empire, then give in to our following demands:
- give up the state religion of Judaism and acknowledge that only the jews are G'ds chosen people
- Hand back the city of Jerusalem to us. (now know as 'Damascus') so that our people can pray at the location where once the Tabernacle was

When you have accepted these requests, then there will be peace.

Rabbi Amram Goan

[Ottoman Empire (DoE)]

Public Notice to All Concerned Nations:

The primary purpose of this notice is to publicly and unambiguously apologize for the recent and past wrongs commited by the Ottoman Turks against the people of Israel. The secondary purpose of this notice is to respond to specific communiques directed to the Sultan and his High Advisors.

First, the Sultan is deeply grieved at the recent destruction of the Israeli city, Ekron. This act was committed against the Sultan's orders by enraged and insane renegade officers. These heinous acts shall not go unpunished and the Sultan has already ordered the summary executions of all those responsible, including his highest Military Advisor, General Mohamed.

The severed head of Mohamed will be encased in a round ball of amber, and sent as a gift to Rabbi Goan as a testament to what happens to those who wrong Israel under the reign of Sultan Ahmed IV. The Sultan invites the Rabbi to roll and kick the Amber-Head-Ball at his pleasure.

Second, on behalf of the Ottoman Turks, the Sultan hereby issues his most sincere and humble apology for the terrible destruction of the Temple of Solomon and the city of Jerusalem. There is no need to rehash the circumstances of this tragic occurence, the Ottoman Turks fully accept responsibility, profusely apologize to the people of Israel and beg for their forgiveness.

In demonstration of his wish to plead for the forgiveness of the Israeli people, the Sultan hereby formerly acknowledges the claim of the Israelis to be the chosen people, and renounces any false claims that may have been made by Ottoman Turk rulers in the past regarding the true holders of the religion of Judaism. The Ottoman Turks hereby recognize that only Israel is entitled to call themselves the true practicioners of Judaism. The Sultan apologizes on behalf of all past Ottoman Turk leaders, that this apology was not given sooner. Therefore, in accordance with the wishes and demands of Israel, Turkey has officially given up Judaism as the State religion of Turkey. Our State religion is now Hinduism and our National 'avatar' has been changed accordingly.

Since the beginning of his reign, it has been the utmost wish of Sultan Ahmed, that the relationship of Israel and Turkey could be healed. It was his heart's dearest hope that this could occur through our joint military action and subsequent liberation of Africa, but this was not to be. It is obvious to the Sultan that much more healing will be required before our nations can ever move beyond the hurts of the past. This letter is an attempt to begin this process.

The Sultan seeks no further hostilities with Israel, and asks for peace while a reasonable plan can be developed to heal the rift between our people. The Sultan invites Rabbi Goan to offer a peace treaty and contact him privately to discuss his particular demands.

Aysecan, Public Relations

[Inca (DoE)]

A Letter from the Emperor

To the court of the world,


The Inca government officially denounces the Ottoman actions in Ekron. Although the Israelis may have "backstabbed" them, this is no excuse for outright terrorism and the slaughter of so many innocents. What part did the farmers and merchants of Ekron have in such a backstabbing? This is unconscionable.

We will state for the record that the Inca offer of a global embassy was given prior to this horrid act, and we do not consider the matter resolved at present. This embassy was offered so as to replace the one planned in Venetii, the Neander having unexpectedly closed borders with Incacona. The embassy will no longer permanently be placed in the Ottoman capital, although due to some technicalities it may be so located for the next [10 turns]. We are discussing the details with the Ottomans now. The Inca diplomatic efforts for all of Western Europe and Africa cannot sensibly be located in the capital of barbarians who have killed so many thousands of innocents.

The Inca government has offered to repatriate all Ekron traders who were living in Kassito, which had regular trade routes with Ekron, at cost to the Inca government. In addition, the Inca government has offered 50 million incos for the rebuilding of Ekron, along with free shipments of corn grain to assist with refugee efforts and the rebuilding of the city.

That the Ottomans have also had their cities razed and people murdered by the French does not excuse their doing the same. This perhaps only proves that aggressive, destructive wars that terrorize innocent populations only lead to further such destruction. We wish that the peace negotiations would begin again, although it still seems many participants have a desire for further war, as new cities are attacked every day.


In more positive news, the Inca have established the second of their global embassies in Beijing. It is a most happy occasion, further bonding our two nations together, already so bonded by trade and religion. Attached is a map of the Inca diplomatic divisions of the Pacific and Incacok regions. In addition to the basic consulates operating in nations with open borders with our Empire, we now are operating to "global embassies" in Capaco and Beijing. In these two places our highest diplomatic officials will devise and execute diplomatic affairs for their respective regions. Although we do have individual ambassadors for each nation with open borders (and some without them), the act generally as intermediaries for the regional ambassadors, and act in lieu of the general ambassadors for the more mundane and inane aspects of international diplomacy, discussing the issues of local Inca communities, trade details, shipping, representing Inca business, and so on.

We wish to construct two further embassies in Eurasia for Asian and European-African affairs, yet such deals are still under negotiation. One has been planned in Moscow, and the deal has been finalized, yet the Inca officials are temporarily removed from it, preferring to watch events in Africa unfold instead. The last embassy remains in limbo, however, as discussed above.


Also, the Inca wish to give their most sincere condolences to the Russian people over the loss of their great and beautiful queen. Catherine was a dear friend to the Inca leadership, and her loss has pained us most severely. We hope that the Russian people can rebound from such a year of destruction and loss for the empire.

Signed,

Chan Y'cacz

Sapa Chitcopi Incacona
Capaco, Empire of Inca

[Israel (DoE)]

Shalom Catherine II,

Catherine, we consider you to be our friend. May the Most High bless you.
We send us our condoleances over the loss of your mother.
May you find courage and wisdom to lead your nation like she did.

Rabbi Amram Goan
Leader of the Sanhedrin

[Inca (DoE)]

A Public Notice

To the world court,


The Inca acknowledge that an embassy was built in Istanbul for the Western Affairs division of the Piytu Y'npazhak. The Inca further announce the closure of this embassy. Appropriate payments have been made for its construction and demolition. The Inca diplomatic staff has already left the city. Due to the terms of the embassy's construction, a [10 turn] notice has been given of closed borders and trades with the Ottoman Empire, effective as of 1515AD, lasting until at least 1590 AD, at which point discussions over the return to regular trade with the Ottoman Empire will be considered.

This is solely due to Ottoman actions against Israel regarding Ekron. The Inca cannot abide by continued trade or friendly relations with those who engage in this, the greatest act of barbarity possible.


Signed,

Chan Y'cacz

Sapa Chitcopi Incacona
Capaco, Empire of Inca

[India (DoE)]

The current troubles of the western nations caused great consternation in India as thinkers and scientists debated the lesser and greater atrocities of war. A young thinker named Eneri Kofermyi arrived in Delhi to study the great thinkers and masters of the time, of which Plato and Ptolemy Vayabagaran were considered the foremost.

Eneri arrived at the bustling capital of India in 1630, having journeyed from Calicut. Delhi, this great cess-pit of countless thousands of souls of any religion and denomination piled together, famous for its incredible scientific achievements, its University, its many libraries and monasteries, its newbuilt observatory, and perhaps most debated of all, its stench.

Beginning his studies at the Muslim monasteries he quickly rose to prominence and challenged many Imams with his encyclopedic knowledge of the holy scriptures and their interpretations. Deeming him clever, but young and unwise, he was sent to study Christian writings in their monasteries, only to be expelled for challenging the divinity of the pope, turning instead to the Taoist monks who found him brilliant, but lacking humility. His untempered criticism of established dogma made him both unpopular with the older thinkers, but also highly respected among the more radical ones. Especially younger students looked up to him. Immatriculating at the University of Delhi he was noticed by certain academic figures who made certain that he was allowed to challenge rigid thinking with new ideas without repercussions.

During the next five years Eneri Kofermyi wrote brilliant treatises on philosophy and science. During his time he helped India develop many new technologies and argued fervently for their implementation. As he published his paper on the necessity of religious tolerance and nobility of self-sacrifice and pacifism, he was noted by the scientific and political leader of India, Plato himself. Following an audience with the High Scientist, it was declared that Eneri was one of the great men destined to be a ruler of India when time had tempered his wildness. Plato himself took him under his personal tutelage and together they continued to greatly advance Indian science.

Eventually Eneri was offered the co-stewardship of India and his brilliant mind balanced with Plato's wisdom resulted in a Golden Age for India. During this very time Eneri became obsessed with the Western Troubles as the great wars of the time were known. One of his least known works of this time on the matter of war and its horrors would later become one of the most important in India's coming future. The paper written as a comment on the folly of the west "Conflict and Nations: An inquiry into the causes and consequences of military activity" would eventually become the most quoted work in Indian foreign policy.

[Ottoman Empire (DoE)]

Notice to All Concerned Nations:

The purpose of this notice is to make a public statement regarding the ongoing wars in Africa, and respond to some of the additional communiques directed at the Ottoman Turk Government regarding this conflict.

First, the Sultan has announced his intention to publicly publish his report on the circumstances that led to the burning of Ekron, as soon as the rougue Officers are interrogated and executed. In the meantime, the Sultan intends to continue discussions with Israel, to determine if there is any mutually acceptable form of compensation that can be offered to Israel for their destroyed city. It is the Sultan's hope that when this conflict ends, France may also be motivated to offer some compensation for the three(3) Ottoman Turk cities it has razed during the war.

As Chan Y'cacz of Inca has pointed out, past razings of cities can not justify future razings, however, we must reminds the world community, that it is unjust and unfair to place blame upon the Sultan and condemn the Ottoman Turk people for the heinous acts of insane war criminals, if your nation issued no such condemnation of the French following the relentless razings of three(3) Ottoman Turk cities... one of which was totally defenseless with no garrison whatsoever.

In the interest of harmony, we will not accuse specific nations, save one, of hypocrisy, but just issue this general statement on the matter. The one nation that we must respond to specifically and point out their shameful, disgraceful hypocrisy and condemn in the strongest terms possible, is the vile, murderous Vikings.

Lest we forget, this entire war was started by the Vikings unprovoked, cowardly sneak attack, and all the misery and death and wasted resources should be laid at their feet. The Vikings have all the blood of this War on their hands, and they should be ashamed to dare criticize the acts of anyone else involved in this war... A war that they started... out of a wanton lust for battle and conquest.

On the issue of peace... The Sultan has already requested Peace, both publicly and privately to both France and Israel... With regard to the purported "secret" letter to myself from Neandor... Possibly through some error in the Neander dispatch service, the letter was not "private" at all, but was realeased publicly, making it very difficult to respond to or act upon in any reasonable way. Moreover, despite the Sultan's affection for King Veneta, recent acts by France have shown that the former influence that Neandor had with France has dissapated.

Specifically, France used Neandor built Warships to sink Ottoman Turk galleys and Caravels off the French coast, even after Neandor gave assurances that the vessels would not be harmed. Second, Ottoman Turk soldiers laying siege to Tangiers were requested to withdraw by Neandor, and they did, in fact, withdraw under a public flag of truce, but they were not allowed to leave as Neandor promised, but instead, they were run down and slaughtered by the French army. These occurences give us serious, legitimate doubts about the Neander's purported ability to deliver any peace deal. Therefore, we appreciate the sentiment, but prefer to deal with France and Israel directly.

Now to address some questionable and/or false statements that have been made regarding this War. First, there were absolutely NO RAPES whatsoever at Ekron. The soldiers who razed Ekron were retreating from France and had no time for such nonsense. Additionally, as part of the alliance with Israel, Ekron had been converted into a military camp, and there were virtually no women present there. The insinuation that there were rapes in the razing of Ekron is pure lies and propaganda.

Also, it has been suggested by France that our retreating wounded soldiers were captured rather than slaughtered. If this is true, we request an accounting of the prisoners... the type of unit and the number of each type, so that we may purchase or negotiate for their safe return at the conclusion of this conflict. Failure to give account of the prisoners should obviously be determined as evidence that no prisoners were taken, and in fact the wounded were simply slaughtered as before.

Finally, returning to the primary issue at hand. The Sultan seeks no revenge against Israel for the betrayal at Ekron Oasis. The Sultan wishes only to part ways in peace, with the hope that the blood of countless Ottoman Turks soldiers has quenched the Israeli's thirst for revenge... for good.

The Sultan has therefore directed his forces marching on Tel Aviv not to attack the city, and not to harn the Israeli people, but to instead, maintain a defensive posture and pray to our new Hindi Gods for peace. The calls for revenge in Ottoman lands are loud indeed, and the Sultan has issued a warning that the razing of Tel Aviv would be dealt with even more harshly than with Ekron... but there has already been rumors of Officers who wish to "join the Martyrs of Ekron"... This is indeed a critical time in our world.

Aysecan, Public Relations

[France (DoE)]

The Ruins of Ekron

The French cuirassiers advanced at first light. The lead scouts indicated that there were still Turkish troops on Israeli soil. They were soon spotted by the main elements of the French army, but only the mounted troops could reach them. Repeated charges by the French cavalry wore down the janissaries, who eventually threw down their arms.

But there was still the regiment that had sacked the city of Ekron. Prince Eugene of Savoy and his regiment were first on the scene. Not waiting for any support, and with a cry of "For Ekron!", they charged the Turkish troops.



It was brutal fighting. The enraged French versus the desperate and stubborn Turks. After an hour of intense fighting, Eugene called for the retreat of what troopers he had left in the saddle.

As that retreat was being sounded, the 5th Calais Chevallier came trotting down the road. Surveying the situation, its commander quickly formed into line, and once again the beleaguered Turks faced a cavalry charge. It was too much. Many fought to the end, and died bravely. Others were rounded up as prisoners.

The last enemy soldier in North Africa had been run off the continent, killed or captured.

General Jugan arrived later in the day to survey the aftermath of the short but violent battle. At the same time, general Moshe Abner, the Israeli general who led the assault on Ekron hills arrived. It was the first time the two had met.

They approached each other and shook hands, the respect for each other evident in the grip and the gaze.



"Shalom, General Jugan".

"Shalom, General Abner".

Overlooking the ruins of Ekron, there was nothing else to say.