A FAILED SIEGE

[marikandaperc 1176]

 

 

 

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PREFACE.

The following is an extract from the diary of the Grand Princess of Minitz, whose time is often spent around the Avalonian gardens. A knight protector and a devout woman, Avalon has spent a lot of time reflecting on the outcome of the latest siege of the Franklands. While supposedly born for her eyes only, the sentences have been adapted in order to be readable by the eyes of everyone. Some parts may be missing, but if you’re interested in finding out more, she will often receive guests in the gardens.

 

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THE SIEGE.

While our valiant soldiers marched over the corpses of the Franks who once possessed these lands of ours, I wielded my spear and embarked on a lone journey following behind the besieging army. Never having been one to inspire, my mind was filled with only one goal; to thrust my spear with as much ferocity as possible. A peculiar anger ran through my veins, one that took deep roots within my heart, chained by this sense of agony and thirst for destruction. And so, led by multiple generals with sharp wits, and marching alongside my sons, daughters, and cousins, I advanced more profoundly. I must admit, at one point, I had considered myself to be dead. While we advanced, an arrow struck my arm, yet the chainmail nearly fully neutralized its danger. A ladder fell, connecting the mainland to the Frankish fort, which rested in the center of an island surrounded by a deep moat. Some of our own fell, and there they remained stuck. Others, including myself, advanced forth covered by alchemical smoke. Unfortunately, I did not manage to get my spear onto any of my sworn enemies, instead, they managed to injure me. As my father thrust his mace onto the towering walls of the enemy fort, a boiling pot was brought from the top of the barricade. Before I could connect my brain to my legs, I was leaping toward my father to protect him from the incoming water from the dangerous heat. I screamed, shrieked, and cried - alone. None had stopped to help me, and while I did notice that, I did not quite care for I had my spear by my side, and that's all that mattered. Wounded, I crawled up to the wooden wall and rested my head on its tough surface, my eyes falling suddenly shut as I began to rest. I had a lot of time to think, but that had left me far behind my companions, and therefore I had to catch up at a later time. The pain lingered, and my anger grew more until eventually, the pain dissipated. Weak and miserable, I was subdued by inner hunger. I stood, with my face still burning, and caught up with my cousins who had taken a different path. There, I let the spear slink in my hand, and the shield guarded by my flank. I had thought myself to be immortal and broke out of formation to personally chase after the well-lined-up Franks. It was good, at first, for I had caught an enemy off-guard and swiftly executed him. However, I do not find pride in these actions, for a life taken is nevertheless a life taken. I managed to neutralize five of the many attacking Franks before ultimately being struck to the arm by a spear of the enemy. I am quite proud of how much I’ve improved using both spear and shield, but that is a topic for another day. 

 

As the battle continued on, we had no other option aside from fleeing. When I returned to the city, I was luckily treated by the Palace staff with the utmost urgency, and able to rush to the hospital where my children and cousins were being treated. It was a terrible situation, and I want it to be known that I will never be thankful enough to the House von Theonus and any other medics who were in attendance at the time. They were a bastion of hope during a difficult time. Other thanks are extended to, from me personally, and in no specific order to: The people, soldiers, and knights of Minitz. The Barclays von Reinmar and the Landsers. The forces from Númendil. The Inquisitor of the Holy Church Ser Ailred of Druzstra.

 

Considering that we were forced to flee the fort, with tail between wide legs, I do not consider this siege a win. There were many mistakes, many things we ought to have done differently, and a less superficial view of the situation. We had no plan, not that I knew of, and were all in all uncoordinated. If only we had spent more time organizing our forces, we maybe could have had a more successful siege. That being said, this is not a way to blame anyone. I believe I, myself, as the Prinzessin von Minitz, should have had a wider and less superficial involvement. I simply went there and did not think beforehand of how to actually approach the fight. Perhaps, if I had spent more time working and less crying over spilled honey, the siege would have been successful. Writing this diary has greatly helped me, both relieving stress by losing my hand to the pages and pondering on the what-ifs. Next time, when a battle is on the horizon, I will be among the ranks ready to plan the best course of action.

 

 

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AUTHOR’S NOTES.

The content of this page was published in order to let the battles Minitz faces be known. Among other things, it is our goal to thank any and all who decided to support our cause. None’s support has gone unseen.

While the cause of this violence is deemed just, it is not a source of pride for the author, whose heart will never stop mourning the lives taken by her own hand.

Any comment, inquiry, complaint and feedback may be directed to Avalon. 

 

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PENNED AND AUTHORED BY,

Her Serene Highness, Dame Avalon Barclay of House Glennmaer, the charred spear, Großprinzessin von Minitz, Viscountess of Tucay, Baroness of Hussen, Lady of Durres, Sister at arms of the Holy Order of St. Jude, Knight Protector of the Canonist realms, Guardian of the Franklamds.

[Gandhi 2719]

"This is awesome." Alfred Barclay mumbled.