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Well, this is my first attempt at a story. It’s a bit of an epic, and is only the first episode 
Game: Standard Map, Small Continents, Eight Players, Monarch difficulty
Map Description: The world map consisted of one continent in the east that America (myself), the Iroquois, the Russians and the Aztecs shared. In the west there was another main continent shared by the English, the Germans and the French. Off the northeastern tip of the western continent was the smallest continent that the Greeks had to themselves. Various islands also surrounded the western continent.
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Prelude
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Washington III stood on the hill outside Philadelphia, the wind whipping at his cloak. The Iroquois encampment just outside his borders was plain as day. In fact, it definitely appeared defensive, as his Northern General had described.
“Any word from our emissary?” He asked his near-by aide.
“No, my liege.” The aide replied.
“If the Iroquois refuse to trade us iron, we may have to go to war.” Washington sighed. “And who knows what the Russians will do if we do go to war.”
“They are the biggest land-owners on our continent, my liege.” The aide pointed out. “We may eventually have to annex the Iroquois anyway just so as we can compete against the Russians.”
“You may be right.” Washington replied. “The Russians do seem intent on continental domination. They are untrustworthy. Their recent war against the Aztecs attests to this. I would guess that they do not attack the Iroquois simply because it distracts us.”
“The Iroquois are the smallest nation on this continent. Being sandwiched in between the two powerful nations can only make them nervous, especially with their resource-rich territories.” The aide observed. “But when their neighbours are uneasy neighbours to each other, they will have to decide which side to sit on.”
“Don’t hope too long for an alliance with the Iroquois. The Russians don’t need the Iroquois’ iron deposits.” Washington said. “As the only desert nation on this continent, we have little to no resources. We have no horses and no iron. We need iron.”
Washington turned away from the view towards the Iroquois troops and focused on Philadelphia sprawling beneath him. Since the founding of the city some 150 years ago at the mouth of the Washington River, Philadelphia had flourished into the second largest city in America, and by far, the largest city on the western coast of the continent.
“What news do we have from Seattle?” Washington asked.
“The Russians are quiet. So far they have acknowledged our requests to stay outside of our borders.” The aide reported. “It would appear that unfortunate incident between our warriors and their archers has blown over.”
“The captain of that battalion was disciplined?” Washington asked.
“Yes, he is currently in the stockade in Seattle awaiting hanging.” The aide said.
“Good. We need the army to realize that unprovoked and unauthorized attacks on the enemy cannot be tolerated. That stupid attack could have thrown us into a war I doubt we could have won.” Washington said. “Let’s retire. I need to think some more about the Iroquois.”
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The Iron War
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The third volley of arrows arced over the crest of the hill and fell into the ranks of the defending troops of Salamanca. The siege of Salamanca had been raging for three weeks. General Brady overlooked the scene. Six weeks ago, the Iroquois had refused the American nation access to its excess iron, fearing the Americans would use it against them. But politics is fickle, something Brady normally refused to try and understand, and the Americans feared Russia more than anything. Russian armies had been amassing on the America - Russia border and Leader Washington was worried.
Four weeks ago, the newly formed Northern Offensive Army marched on Grand River, the township that had direct access to the Iroquois iron deposits. The battle was short and vicious. Ranks of American archers rained death down upon the Iroquois defenders and endless rows of spearmen protected the army when the Iroquois attempted to attack. Grand River was taken. Brady, seeing an opportunity, pushed home his advantage and quickly advanced on Salamanca, the Iroquois capital. But the defences were tougher and after three weeks, his army had yet to crack the nut.
To further complicate matters, the Russians had invaded from the east. Seattle was on the brink of collapse and Chicago was under siege. The cavalry of the Russians was wreaking havoc amongst the American ranks. The Russian leader, Catherine, was ignoring any contact from Washington, and three messengers had been returned minus their heads.
Brady brought his mind to bear on the current battle. The Iroquois had just sent an army out through the gates in an effort to drive back the invaders. Brady shook his head in disbelief. The Iroquois were doomed. They sent under-manned and under-trained armies against his entrenched troops and rather than attempting to throw back the American invaders, Brady had heard reports of troops from Niagara Falls attempting to capture the inland city of Miami.
Brady heard a commotion behind him and turned to see what it was. Making his way through the archers’ ranks was a man in battle armour carrying a wicked-looking sword. Brady smiled. The man came to a stop and saluted.
“Colonel Smith, Philadelphia Barracks 1st Swordsmen Battalion reporting.” He said. “I’ve got three battalions of swordsmen with me. I am ordered to place them under your command.”
Brady offered Smith his hand.
“Welcome aboard, Colonel.” He said. “Leader Washington doesn’t waste any time.”
“No he doesn’t sir.” Smith said. “We were already trained for this job before we even had any way to build our swords or armour.”
“Well, I think your battalion is what we need to crack this nut.” Brady said. “I doubt the Iroquois leader has ever encountered a concentrated attack of swordsmen, let alone a small one. I believe it’s time to march on Salamanca.”
Smith saluted and made his way back to his troops. Brady turned to a nearby Colonel.
“Colonel Harrison, I want those walls down now.” Brady ordered.
Colonel Harrison nodded and left. In short time, the once-quiet atmosphere was blown away by the powerful launches of catapult shots. Brady watched as the advancing Iroquois army faltered as the catapult fire started, then stopped altogether as the shots cleared their heads. The catapult shots were on target instantly, smashing into the city walks with ballistic intensity. More shots launched out of the tops of the trees behind Brady and continued to smash the walls to pieces. The Iroquois army was retreating to more defensible positions. A clatter of armour told Brady that his swordsmen had arrived.
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Hiawatha stood at the window of his palace. His troops had managed to keep the American troops at bay for three weeks. He just needed two more weeks before his reinforcements from Niagara Falls arrived. The supply line with Russia had given him horses and his mounted warrior army was now racing to the defence of Salamanca. His gambit to distract the Americans at Miami had failed. All he got from it was a good deal of his citizens dead and the Americans even more determined to take the Iroquois nation.
He sighed and turned away from the window. Even the invasion by the Russians was not deterring the Americans. His runners told him that they were close to losing two of their cities and still they pushed the attack on his capital. Had Catherine and himself under-estimated the Americans? Until now, the Americans had strived to avoid conflict, even giving away a number of technologies after the debacle with the Russian archers. But had their passive approach been because of weakness or tactical smarts?
Hiawatha’s musings were interrupted as the palace shook viciously from a nearby explosion. He ran to the window and was instantly blown off his feet by the concussion of a nearby explosion. Dazed, he stood up. He brushed his hand across his forehead and it came away red. A messenger came running into his quarters. Hiawatha saw his lips move but couldn’t hear anything. Concentrating, the words began to push past the roaring in his ears.
“…cans are bombing the city walls.” The messenger said. “Our army has moved back to defensive positions.”
“What are they going to attack with?” Hiawatha asked.
“All we can see is their spearmen and archers.” The messenger reported. “And of course their catapults are in the trees.”
“Which means anything else could be in the trees.” Hiawatha said as he moved back to the window.
The walls to Salamanca were now a pile of rubble and the front ranks of American spearmen were starting to advance. Hiawatha watched. The archers also moved forward to be able to reach the city proper and even as he watched, the catapults had moved out of the trees as well. Nothing else. Just in front of the archers were the battle standards of the army’s General.
Maybe the general got bored with life or is just impulsively impatient. Either way, his force was not designed for taking cities. It had only taken Grand River because he hadn’t expected the American attack and the town was grossly under-defended. And after all, it had only been a town, not the sprawling monstrosity that Salamanca was.
“I want the barracks emptied.” Hiawatha ordered. “And I want all troops at what’s left of the western wall.”
Hiawatha’s attention was drawn by movement just within the edge of the line of trees the Americans had emerged from. He turned to say something to his messenger, but he was already gone, off to deliver his last order. Turning back to the window, the first swordsmen appeared out of the trees at a flat-out sprint. Hiawatha himself ran for the door, with the intention of getting to his defending forces to warn them of what was coming over the hill.
---------
Washington cut down another Russian warrior. He barely had time to get his breath before another warrior was running at him with a crudely made weapon. American archers rained arrows down on the Russian troops surging through Seattle’s streets. Washington looked up and saw the long spears carried by Russian horseman.
“Enemy cavalry!” He shouted to his nearby troops.
Spearmen rushed to the front, knocking down and impaling the remaining Russian warriors with their spears. With practiced precision, the spearmen adopted a defensive posture and the first wave of Russian horsemen crushed themselves against the spearmen. But behind the horsemen came a wave of swordsmen. The spearmen didn’t stand a chance against the newest shock troops that were being introduced to warfare. A messenger dodged his way through the fighting to Washington’s side.
“My liege, the northern flank has collapsed. Russian swordsmen are pouring in through the wall breaches.” The messenger gasped. “The General is dead.”
Washington nodded.
“Fall back!” He shouted. “Fall back to the Western Wall!”
“We’re abandoning the city to the Russians?” The messenger asked in disbelief.
“We are, my boy.” Washington growled. “I am not going to waste American lives in a battle that cannot be won. Catherine wants this city intact, so the citizens should be safe. And if she comes anywhere near Chicago, she won’t stand a chance. Now, spread the word.”
Washington killed a charging Russian swordsman. Rapid movement in the corner of his eye drew his attention and he had enough time to duck beneath the spear of a horseman and cut the horses legs from underneath it. The horseman died instantly when he hit the ground.
The American troops were slowly pulling back. Warrior reinforcements drawn from the local populous ran up to assist. Eventually, the remaining American troops escaped via the western gate and began the four-day trek towards Chicago. Washington stopped at the top of a hill and looked back at the smoking remains of Seattle. He swore that Russia would one day pay for this.
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Hiawatha reached the defenders at a dead sprint. The garrison leader saluted him when he arrived.
“Sir, our defences are ready.” He reported.
In between gasps of air, Hiawatha spoke.
“No, they are not!” He said. “Your troops are setup wrong. The Americans have swordsmen.”
The garrison leader stood still, looking shocked. Even as he looked like he was about to order the reposition of his troops, the first arrows from the American archers began to fall. The men could hide under their makeshift shields from arrows, but nothing could stop the catapults when they began to fire on the defensive positions. The Iroquois troops were in disarray as the wall of swordsmen crested the hill and fell amongst the Salamanca defenders. The ill-prepared Iroquois troops were decimated.
Ordering the fallback, Hiawatha withdrew with his troops towards the palace. One of his advisors ran up.
“Sir, we need to get you out of the city.” He said.
Hiawatha looked stunned.
“You want me to abandon my people?” He asked.
“Sir, if you stay your people won’t have a leader.” The advisor replied. “Salamanca is lost. Your leadership is our only chance.”
Hiawatha’s shoulders slumped. His capital lost. The Hanging Gardens now an American icon.
“Ok, we’ll re-establish leadership at Niagara Falls.” Hiawatha ordered.
The Iroquois leadership rode at speed from Salamanca. Hiawatha didn’t even look back at his once-proud capital. He didn’t give much hope for his diminished nation, even with the Russians as allies. The Americans had been under-estimated, and he feared his nation would pay the ultimate price.
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Like she had won the battle herself, Catherine, leader of the Russians, rode at the head of the Russian column into Seattle. Citizens of the once-American city glared at her with barely controlled rage.
“What is the state of the rebellion in the city?” She asked. The general riding alongside her answered.
“Resistance is still high.” He replied. “The connection this city had to its nation was strong. They have not been willing to give it up easily.”
“Well, we’ll just have to stamp out the resistance with more direct tactics.” Catherine said. “Use your troops as police. Until this city resigns itself to the fact is now a member of the Russian Empire, martial law is to be enforced. Do you understand me?”
The general nodded. They were passing a line of troops wearing American uniforms, chained together. Catherine held her hand up, stopping the column. She beckoned to the Corporal leading the prisoners, who came over and bowed to her.
“Corporal, did these troops take part in the main battle?” She asked.
“Most likely, ma’am.” The Corporal replied. “But we caught them two days ago attacking a city patrol.”
Catherine’s eyebrows rose.
“Resistance fighters?” She queried. “Kill them.”
The Corporal looked like he was going to say something before simply nodding and drawing his sword along with other troops. It was quickly over. Nearby citizens looked on in shock. Catherine spoke up.
“This is what happens to anybody that is found attacking soldiers or peoples of the legal government of this city. Anybody found assisting these people will meet the same fate.” She turned to the General. “Carry on.”
---------
General Brady looked up as the messenger ran up.
“Sir, Grand River reports a force of mounted warriors approaching from Niagara Falls.”
“Has Washington deployed any troops or do I have to dispatch troops of my own?” Brady asked.
“No sir. Leader Washington has dispatched the Atlanta Barracks 3rd Swordsmen Battalion and the Miami Barracks 14th and 17th Spearmen Battalions to assist.” The messenger reported. “However, he believes that this counter-attack by Hiawatha has left him short of defence in his two cities. He wants you to advance on Niagara Falls.”
Brady’s eyebrows rose.
“Do I get any reinforcements?” He asked.
The messenger continued.
“Two swordsmen battalions will meet you near Atlanta. The majority of offensive units are being funneled towards Chicago.”
“Not surprising. Washington wants Seattle back. Wouldn’t surprise me if he intends to invade Russia.” Brady mused. “Ok, inform the following battalion commanders that we move out in six hours.”
Brady listed a number of archer, spearmen, catapult and all swordsmen battalions. What he left behind was more than enough to protect and police Salamanca. He thought of his tactics.
The Iroquois were on their last legs. They were learning the hard way that the Russians were not good allies. Instead of assisting the Iroquois, Catherine had invaded America. The loss of Seattle had stunned Brady, and he realized that finishing off the Iroquois had to be done quickly so as all resources could be focused on the Russians. The only factor that he couldn’t predict was the Aztecs to the north of the Russians. They had remained neutral throughout the conflict. Who knew what side they will pick when it came down to three.
Game: Standard Map, Small Continents, Eight Players, Monarch difficulty
Map Description: The world map consisted of one continent in the east that America (myself), the Iroquois, the Russians and the Aztecs shared. In the west there was another main continent shared by the English, the Germans and the French. Off the northeastern tip of the western continent was the smallest continent that the Greeks had to themselves. Various islands also surrounded the western continent.
-------------
Prelude
-------------
Washington III stood on the hill outside Philadelphia, the wind whipping at his cloak. The Iroquois encampment just outside his borders was plain as day. In fact, it definitely appeared defensive, as his Northern General had described.
“Any word from our emissary?” He asked his near-by aide.
“No, my liege.” The aide replied.
“If the Iroquois refuse to trade us iron, we may have to go to war.” Washington sighed. “And who knows what the Russians will do if we do go to war.”
“They are the biggest land-owners on our continent, my liege.” The aide pointed out. “We may eventually have to annex the Iroquois anyway just so as we can compete against the Russians.”
“You may be right.” Washington replied. “The Russians do seem intent on continental domination. They are untrustworthy. Their recent war against the Aztecs attests to this. I would guess that they do not attack the Iroquois simply because it distracts us.”
“The Iroquois are the smallest nation on this continent. Being sandwiched in between the two powerful nations can only make them nervous, especially with their resource-rich territories.” The aide observed. “But when their neighbours are uneasy neighbours to each other, they will have to decide which side to sit on.”
“Don’t hope too long for an alliance with the Iroquois. The Russians don’t need the Iroquois’ iron deposits.” Washington said. “As the only desert nation on this continent, we have little to no resources. We have no horses and no iron. We need iron.”
Washington turned away from the view towards the Iroquois troops and focused on Philadelphia sprawling beneath him. Since the founding of the city some 150 years ago at the mouth of the Washington River, Philadelphia had flourished into the second largest city in America, and by far, the largest city on the western coast of the continent.
“What news do we have from Seattle?” Washington asked.
“The Russians are quiet. So far they have acknowledged our requests to stay outside of our borders.” The aide reported. “It would appear that unfortunate incident between our warriors and their archers has blown over.”
“The captain of that battalion was disciplined?” Washington asked.
“Yes, he is currently in the stockade in Seattle awaiting hanging.” The aide said.
“Good. We need the army to realize that unprovoked and unauthorized attacks on the enemy cannot be tolerated. That stupid attack could have thrown us into a war I doubt we could have won.” Washington said. “Let’s retire. I need to think some more about the Iroquois.”
---------
The Iron War
---------
The third volley of arrows arced over the crest of the hill and fell into the ranks of the defending troops of Salamanca. The siege of Salamanca had been raging for three weeks. General Brady overlooked the scene. Six weeks ago, the Iroquois had refused the American nation access to its excess iron, fearing the Americans would use it against them. But politics is fickle, something Brady normally refused to try and understand, and the Americans feared Russia more than anything. Russian armies had been amassing on the America - Russia border and Leader Washington was worried.
Four weeks ago, the newly formed Northern Offensive Army marched on Grand River, the township that had direct access to the Iroquois iron deposits. The battle was short and vicious. Ranks of American archers rained death down upon the Iroquois defenders and endless rows of spearmen protected the army when the Iroquois attempted to attack. Grand River was taken. Brady, seeing an opportunity, pushed home his advantage and quickly advanced on Salamanca, the Iroquois capital. But the defences were tougher and after three weeks, his army had yet to crack the nut.
To further complicate matters, the Russians had invaded from the east. Seattle was on the brink of collapse and Chicago was under siege. The cavalry of the Russians was wreaking havoc amongst the American ranks. The Russian leader, Catherine, was ignoring any contact from Washington, and three messengers had been returned minus their heads.
Brady brought his mind to bear on the current battle. The Iroquois had just sent an army out through the gates in an effort to drive back the invaders. Brady shook his head in disbelief. The Iroquois were doomed. They sent under-manned and under-trained armies against his entrenched troops and rather than attempting to throw back the American invaders, Brady had heard reports of troops from Niagara Falls attempting to capture the inland city of Miami.
Brady heard a commotion behind him and turned to see what it was. Making his way through the archers’ ranks was a man in battle armour carrying a wicked-looking sword. Brady smiled. The man came to a stop and saluted.
“Colonel Smith, Philadelphia Barracks 1st Swordsmen Battalion reporting.” He said. “I’ve got three battalions of swordsmen with me. I am ordered to place them under your command.”
Brady offered Smith his hand.
“Welcome aboard, Colonel.” He said. “Leader Washington doesn’t waste any time.”
“No he doesn’t sir.” Smith said. “We were already trained for this job before we even had any way to build our swords or armour.”
“Well, I think your battalion is what we need to crack this nut.” Brady said. “I doubt the Iroquois leader has ever encountered a concentrated attack of swordsmen, let alone a small one. I believe it’s time to march on Salamanca.”
Smith saluted and made his way back to his troops. Brady turned to a nearby Colonel.
“Colonel Harrison, I want those walls down now.” Brady ordered.
Colonel Harrison nodded and left. In short time, the once-quiet atmosphere was blown away by the powerful launches of catapult shots. Brady watched as the advancing Iroquois army faltered as the catapult fire started, then stopped altogether as the shots cleared their heads. The catapult shots were on target instantly, smashing into the city walks with ballistic intensity. More shots launched out of the tops of the trees behind Brady and continued to smash the walls to pieces. The Iroquois army was retreating to more defensible positions. A clatter of armour told Brady that his swordsmen had arrived.
---------
Hiawatha stood at the window of his palace. His troops had managed to keep the American troops at bay for three weeks. He just needed two more weeks before his reinforcements from Niagara Falls arrived. The supply line with Russia had given him horses and his mounted warrior army was now racing to the defence of Salamanca. His gambit to distract the Americans at Miami had failed. All he got from it was a good deal of his citizens dead and the Americans even more determined to take the Iroquois nation.
He sighed and turned away from the window. Even the invasion by the Russians was not deterring the Americans. His runners told him that they were close to losing two of their cities and still they pushed the attack on his capital. Had Catherine and himself under-estimated the Americans? Until now, the Americans had strived to avoid conflict, even giving away a number of technologies after the debacle with the Russian archers. But had their passive approach been because of weakness or tactical smarts?
Hiawatha’s musings were interrupted as the palace shook viciously from a nearby explosion. He ran to the window and was instantly blown off his feet by the concussion of a nearby explosion. Dazed, he stood up. He brushed his hand across his forehead and it came away red. A messenger came running into his quarters. Hiawatha saw his lips move but couldn’t hear anything. Concentrating, the words began to push past the roaring in his ears.
“…cans are bombing the city walls.” The messenger said. “Our army has moved back to defensive positions.”
“What are they going to attack with?” Hiawatha asked.
“All we can see is their spearmen and archers.” The messenger reported. “And of course their catapults are in the trees.”
“Which means anything else could be in the trees.” Hiawatha said as he moved back to the window.
The walls to Salamanca were now a pile of rubble and the front ranks of American spearmen were starting to advance. Hiawatha watched. The archers also moved forward to be able to reach the city proper and even as he watched, the catapults had moved out of the trees as well. Nothing else. Just in front of the archers were the battle standards of the army’s General.
Maybe the general got bored with life or is just impulsively impatient. Either way, his force was not designed for taking cities. It had only taken Grand River because he hadn’t expected the American attack and the town was grossly under-defended. And after all, it had only been a town, not the sprawling monstrosity that Salamanca was.
“I want the barracks emptied.” Hiawatha ordered. “And I want all troops at what’s left of the western wall.”
Hiawatha’s attention was drawn by movement just within the edge of the line of trees the Americans had emerged from. He turned to say something to his messenger, but he was already gone, off to deliver his last order. Turning back to the window, the first swordsmen appeared out of the trees at a flat-out sprint. Hiawatha himself ran for the door, with the intention of getting to his defending forces to warn them of what was coming over the hill.
---------
Washington cut down another Russian warrior. He barely had time to get his breath before another warrior was running at him with a crudely made weapon. American archers rained arrows down on the Russian troops surging through Seattle’s streets. Washington looked up and saw the long spears carried by Russian horseman.
“Enemy cavalry!” He shouted to his nearby troops.
Spearmen rushed to the front, knocking down and impaling the remaining Russian warriors with their spears. With practiced precision, the spearmen adopted a defensive posture and the first wave of Russian horsemen crushed themselves against the spearmen. But behind the horsemen came a wave of swordsmen. The spearmen didn’t stand a chance against the newest shock troops that were being introduced to warfare. A messenger dodged his way through the fighting to Washington’s side.
“My liege, the northern flank has collapsed. Russian swordsmen are pouring in through the wall breaches.” The messenger gasped. “The General is dead.”
Washington nodded.
“Fall back!” He shouted. “Fall back to the Western Wall!”
“We’re abandoning the city to the Russians?” The messenger asked in disbelief.
“We are, my boy.” Washington growled. “I am not going to waste American lives in a battle that cannot be won. Catherine wants this city intact, so the citizens should be safe. And if she comes anywhere near Chicago, she won’t stand a chance. Now, spread the word.”
Washington killed a charging Russian swordsman. Rapid movement in the corner of his eye drew his attention and he had enough time to duck beneath the spear of a horseman and cut the horses legs from underneath it. The horseman died instantly when he hit the ground.
The American troops were slowly pulling back. Warrior reinforcements drawn from the local populous ran up to assist. Eventually, the remaining American troops escaped via the western gate and began the four-day trek towards Chicago. Washington stopped at the top of a hill and looked back at the smoking remains of Seattle. He swore that Russia would one day pay for this.
---------
Hiawatha reached the defenders at a dead sprint. The garrison leader saluted him when he arrived.
“Sir, our defences are ready.” He reported.
In between gasps of air, Hiawatha spoke.
“No, they are not!” He said. “Your troops are setup wrong. The Americans have swordsmen.”
The garrison leader stood still, looking shocked. Even as he looked like he was about to order the reposition of his troops, the first arrows from the American archers began to fall. The men could hide under their makeshift shields from arrows, but nothing could stop the catapults when they began to fire on the defensive positions. The Iroquois troops were in disarray as the wall of swordsmen crested the hill and fell amongst the Salamanca defenders. The ill-prepared Iroquois troops were decimated.
Ordering the fallback, Hiawatha withdrew with his troops towards the palace. One of his advisors ran up.
“Sir, we need to get you out of the city.” He said.
Hiawatha looked stunned.
“You want me to abandon my people?” He asked.
“Sir, if you stay your people won’t have a leader.” The advisor replied. “Salamanca is lost. Your leadership is our only chance.”
Hiawatha’s shoulders slumped. His capital lost. The Hanging Gardens now an American icon.
“Ok, we’ll re-establish leadership at Niagara Falls.” Hiawatha ordered.
The Iroquois leadership rode at speed from Salamanca. Hiawatha didn’t even look back at his once-proud capital. He didn’t give much hope for his diminished nation, even with the Russians as allies. The Americans had been under-estimated, and he feared his nation would pay the ultimate price.
---------
Like she had won the battle herself, Catherine, leader of the Russians, rode at the head of the Russian column into Seattle. Citizens of the once-American city glared at her with barely controlled rage.
“What is the state of the rebellion in the city?” She asked. The general riding alongside her answered.
“Resistance is still high.” He replied. “The connection this city had to its nation was strong. They have not been willing to give it up easily.”
“Well, we’ll just have to stamp out the resistance with more direct tactics.” Catherine said. “Use your troops as police. Until this city resigns itself to the fact is now a member of the Russian Empire, martial law is to be enforced. Do you understand me?”
The general nodded. They were passing a line of troops wearing American uniforms, chained together. Catherine held her hand up, stopping the column. She beckoned to the Corporal leading the prisoners, who came over and bowed to her.
“Corporal, did these troops take part in the main battle?” She asked.
“Most likely, ma’am.” The Corporal replied. “But we caught them two days ago attacking a city patrol.”
Catherine’s eyebrows rose.
“Resistance fighters?” She queried. “Kill them.”
The Corporal looked like he was going to say something before simply nodding and drawing his sword along with other troops. It was quickly over. Nearby citizens looked on in shock. Catherine spoke up.
“This is what happens to anybody that is found attacking soldiers or peoples of the legal government of this city. Anybody found assisting these people will meet the same fate.” She turned to the General. “Carry on.”
---------
General Brady looked up as the messenger ran up.
“Sir, Grand River reports a force of mounted warriors approaching from Niagara Falls.”
“Has Washington deployed any troops or do I have to dispatch troops of my own?” Brady asked.
“No sir. Leader Washington has dispatched the Atlanta Barracks 3rd Swordsmen Battalion and the Miami Barracks 14th and 17th Spearmen Battalions to assist.” The messenger reported. “However, he believes that this counter-attack by Hiawatha has left him short of defence in his two cities. He wants you to advance on Niagara Falls.”
Brady’s eyebrows rose.
“Do I get any reinforcements?” He asked.
The messenger continued.
“Two swordsmen battalions will meet you near Atlanta. The majority of offensive units are being funneled towards Chicago.”
“Not surprising. Washington wants Seattle back. Wouldn’t surprise me if he intends to invade Russia.” Brady mused. “Ok, inform the following battalion commanders that we move out in six hours.”
Brady listed a number of archer, spearmen, catapult and all swordsmen battalions. What he left behind was more than enough to protect and police Salamanca. He thought of his tactics.
The Iroquois were on their last legs. They were learning the hard way that the Russians were not good allies. Instead of assisting the Iroquois, Catherine had invaded America. The loss of Seattle had stunned Brady, and he realized that finishing off the Iroquois had to be done quickly so as all resources could be focused on the Russians. The only factor that he couldn’t predict was the Aztecs to the north of the Russians. They had remained neutral throughout the conflict. Who knew what side they will pick when it came down to three.
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