by N. C. Reed
“Sir,” Pierce leaned forward, interested now. It wasn't a staff assignment after all.
“I'm sure you'd rather have your old command, but that won't be the case here,” Davies was apologetic. “Your men need the rest and time to refit, and their retraining will take time. Normally I'd have sent you along with them but the truth is you're more than capable of exercising independent command and that's what this is for the most part. You 'll have to decide what you can handle on your own and what you 'll need to send for help over. In addition, you 'll have to support the River Guard. They are currently pulling all available forces they can together and placing them here to guard against incursion by boat, supported by some experimental artillery units that should be able to deter any boat parties. They will require land support which you will have to provide from your command.”
“What kind of artillery, sir?” Pierce asked.
“I'm told it will be very similar to the highly effective rounds we used in repulsing the last Imperial attack on this position,” Davies assured him. “Their orders are to remain undetected unless and until a major incursion is spotted, at which point their orders will be to destroy it if at all possible. That's why they will need support from you. In the event that the boat force is able to land, your men will have to either protect the artillery forces as they withdraw, or help them reduce the enemy, whichever is more practicable. Meanwhile,” Davies moved his hand back to the area north of the river and the capitol, “you will have to patrol this area on a regular and random basis, keeping an eye out for Imperial troops, especially cavalry raids and any possible force that might threaten a river crossing into Nasil. You will have to evaluate each one and determine if you can hold unaided, and if not then send for help.” He looked at Pierce.
“And there's the rub. Every time you call for help, it will have to come from somewhere we need the troops already there. From here, for instance, or elsewhere. There is a small force of the Prince's Own finishing their training cycle at Cove, and a larger force that is a few weeks into it. I'm told once the Prince's Own contingent is finished they will move into the area to support you in a likelihood, and that the cavalry division now training at Cove Canton will be available to backstop you as necessary. But if you can handle the threat on your own, that is preferable to pulling men from other areas.”
“I see, sir,” Pierce nodded. “What kind of force will I have to call upon?”
“Your strength will be centered on the 31st Mounted Infantry, Independent Brigade. Their strength is around thirty-five hundred effective at the time of their arrival here with Freeman's Corps. Here is a list of other units, all separate and independent units, that will be attached. Cavalry, a Pioneer company, additional mounted infantry and even one regiment of foot soldiers to garrison choke points or other areas you feel the need. They would be a good choice to backstop the River Guard for instance, but I leave that up to you. All totaled, you 'll have about six thousand men, all well trained but for the most part unblooded.”
“A good number, sir,” Pierce nodded, looking over the organization of the unit he'd be commanding.
“It is until the scope of your operation hits home,” Davies sighed. “That's a lot of ground to cover.”
“But not all of it is passable, sir,” Pierce said, rising from his seat and moving to the map. “A lot of this area is so rough that even unsupported cavalry would have a difficult time getting through it without loss. Some of these roads are little more than mountain trails and they aren't well kept simply because very few people use them. The people living here are hardy and often wild as well, sir. The Imperials will lose men to random archery attacks simply because the people of that area will see killing them as a challenge. They 'll also see their presence as a challenge that has to be answered. If the Nor do send men into this area, those people will fade into the hills and then hit and run against them, stealing horses, killing sentries and so on.”
“There are a few passes where a sizable force could come through, and I 'll have scouts well ahead of them while using the Pioneers and any available local help to prepare blockages for those passes. Anything to slow their advance and make targets of them. And as you said, assigning the foot regiment to the River Guard is the most sensible thing to do in this case. Their lack of mobility would limit their usefulness in the highlands, but make them ideal for the static defense needed along the river itself. I can assign a company of cavalry to act as runners and scouts for them from wherever they decide to set up shop.”
“That's an excellent idea,” a new voice spoke and both men turned to see Parno McLeod standing just inside the tent, flanked by a colonel wearing the black and green of the McLeod Dynasty and a foreigner wearing similar colors though not in uniform.
“Marshal,” Davies nodded while Pierce came to attention.
“Stand easy,” Parno ordered, moving forward. “Sounds like you chose the right man for the job, General,” he said to Davies.
“Then Colonel Pierce led the rear guard as we withdrew from Lovil,” Davies nodded. “Held far longer than anyone had any right to expect as well. Were it not for him, I don't know how much worse things might have been.”
“You speak as if you know the area well, Brigadier,” Parno turned to Pierce.
“Somewhat, sir,” the man nodded. “I was raised around this area in different places until I joined the army. I was singled out for officer school and then War College because I also had a decent education thanks to my mother. Her family have lived in these hills since before Tyree's time, milord.”
“Outstanding,” Parno was glad to hear it. “That makes you doubly able for this position then. Do you see any problems we've overlooked?”
“No sir, I don't,” Pierce admitted, looking back to the map. “Supply shouldn't be a problem as We 'll have Nasil to our back, and we 'll have sufficient manpower to keep scouts out along any likely trails. The only thing I could ask for would be additional Pioneer units if they're available to hasten our ability to block roads and passes. It's hard, dirty work and one company would be hard pressed to do it all in a timely manner.”
“Well, it so happens I can do that,” Parno nodded. “I operate an Engineering school at Cove Canton and this would give them some much needed hands on training. I 'll send a messenger to them tomorrow ordering them to send all those ready or nearly ready to graduate to assist you. Where will you try to make your headquarters, Brigadier? Since you know the area I think it best to let you decide where to meet up.”
“I think Springfield, sir, assuming we don't get there and find Imperial troops already in the area,” Pierce said after a minute, pointing to a small dot on the map. “It's well north of the capitol and there are good roads to and from. We can scout the provincial line between there and Kenty, blocking the roads and passes I spoke of, enlisting the aid of the locals, as well as deploying scouts of our own.”
“Sensible,” Parno nodded. “Very well Brigadier,” Parno said finally. “General Davies' confidence in you seems most well founded. Assemble your men and prepare them for immediate departure. The sooner the better in fact.”
“Assuming that all commands are in good stead we should be able to leave tomorrow, though it will likely be approaching noon,” Pierce mused. “I will speak to the assembled commanders as soon as I can this evening to ascertain readiness. If we can depart on time and have no issues, I estimate we can be on site and working in a week to ten days, depending on what we find.”
“Excellent,” Parno nodded again. “Godspeed, Brigadier.”
“Thank you, Marshal.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
-
“So, we 'll be keeping some of the refugees here after all.”
Memmnon was seated at the head of his conference table, with Winnie to his right and Stephanie to his left. Minister Philo was there along with Sebastian Grey and Howard Govan. Aides were in attendance as well as scribes to record what decisions were made.
“Yes,” Philo nodde
d, glancing at Winnie. “Lady Winifred's notion to keep underage children and their parents here in the city bears some merit, Highness. Simply put, children too young to be of use in farming or other operations would be at risk and their education will probably suffer as well. If we are to maintain any sense of normalcy we must include learning for the next generation.”
“That is true,” Memmnon nodded. “They are the ones we fight for the most, after all. I understand you have made arrangements to create care for the children while their mothers work in some capacity?” he looked at Winnie.
“Yes,” she nodded. “There were a number of school teachers in the refugees and other educated women as well. While we debated on sending teachers with each group and the children with them, in the end we decided to send teachers with each group that has children, and try to group the children so that more than one teacher can be sent with that group or groups. Some groups will be made up of people who have no children and aren't likely to have any. Those work groups will be sent into areas that will let them provide for themselves as well as support the war effort with things like logging and mining where needful. Some will also participate in industry throughout the Basin. There are a number of men who can work in those arenas that are unable to serve in combat.”
“Excellent idea,” Memmnon approved. “And I believe you have recruited from among the refugees as well, Doctor?” he turned to Stephanie.
“I have, Highness,” she nodded. “Several women of higher learning and some who already have medical experience will be incorporated into my new School of Nursing here in Nasil. Some of them will no doubt show aptitude enough to move into medicine themselves with a bit of experience and education. We will have need of many more nurses and surgeons before this is finished. Already we are short handed due to the high number of injured from the battles already fought. It will only get worse.”
“Also true,” Memmnon nodded.
“Women surgeons?” Sebastian Grey semi-objected. “Are we really contemplating women surgeons in the army?”
“And what might that problem be?” Stephanie's icy voice floated down the table.
“It's not done!” Grey thundered, forgetting who he was talking to for a second.
“I've heard that all my life,” Stephanie said calmly. “And yet, here I sit. The Royal Physician, founder of the Cove Canton Military Surgeon School, and now the Nasil Military Medical Academy. And I remind you that I am the sole person at this table that was at the Battle of the Gap.” Her voice was like iron for all it was soft.
“I believe she has you there, Sebastian,” Memmnon smiled sardonically. “It's time we stopped limiting women in their roles, gentlemen. In Tyree's time women served in combat if you recall your history. I admit that was a different time and their weapons were much better than our own, allowing women parity in battle. My own betrothed is one of the most accomplished archers in the Kingdom and has trained more archers to expert level than anyone else I know personally. While I agree with my brother than serving in open combat is not acceptable for our women, restricting them in their roles elsewhere is stupid and wasteful. Parno told me of a woman he met in the west who commands a listening and observation post on her land along the Great River, and does so with skill.” He leaned forward slightly, getting the attention of everyone at the table.
“There will be no more talk of restricting women in roles they can fulfill in support of the Kingdom's war effort. Nor will I entertain any more objections to it. Enough is enough. Women want to serve, and in areas where they can they will be allowed to do so. I trust I have made myself clear on this?”
“Aye, Highness,” Grey muttered as the other men at the table nodded their assent. Winnie practically beamed at Memmnon's side but not where he could see it. Stephanie felt vindicated as well by the King's pronouncement but didn't push that. Her point was made, that was all that mattered.
“The first refugee resettlement groups will be moving out tomorrow,” Philo returned to the business at hand. “Three groups headed for Royal Reserves in the Basin, south of the river. The area north of Bingham in fact.”
“I want a strong presence in that area to keep down banditry,” Memmnon ordered. “With so few able-bodied men they will make an inviting target.”
“We've seen to it,” Govan nodded. “These three groups are large and well equipped, and will be near each other as well. No more than ten miles between them at the furthest point. As soon as their crops are in they will be stockading their living areas as well. We have a Pioneer company and a platoon of Royal Engineers going with them. They aren't pleased about that, by the way,” he added.
“I 'll speak to the Chief Engineer today,” Memmnon promised. “They 'll be delighted by this afternoon.”
“Now that I'm thinking about it,” Memmnon mused, “I want all the women who are able to draw a bow to be armed with one and given proper instructions in using it. There's no reason for them to be victims of a crime simply because they have no means to defend themselves. Every woman who wants one should be issued a dagger as well, and a short sword if they wish. I know for a fact that women can wield them with proper training. I will make sure that Colonels Moore and Stang provide sufficient men to accompany the refugees and provide such instruction.”
“Sir, weakening the capitol isn't a good idea,” Grey objected.
“It's for a limited time and in limited numbers, Sebastian,” Memmnon parried. “And it will be done. We have failed our people quite enough of late. There will be no more of it.”
“We will likewise begin offering the same training to women here in the city,” he decreed suddenly. “There are many healthy women here who would no doubt make fine archers if given the opportunity. We shall give them that opportunity if they desire it. That I will leave to you,” he turned to Winnie. “You have served as an archery instructor before, and seeing you shoot should embolden even the most timid of women to try the bow should they desire.”
“Of course,” Winnie managed not to stammer. “Whatever pleases you, my Lord,” she bowed her head regally and Stephanie had to fight to keep from beaming proudly. Winnie had come a long way in a short time.
“Anything else?” Memmnon asked the assembled group.
“The Generals from the War College want to meet with you about the strategy we are using in the war,” Howard Govan spoke. “They believe that we should be pushing against the Nor now, regaining our crop land in time for planting.”
“Parno has put forth an excellent reason for that not to be done now,” Memmnon replied. “If they feel they must object, they may do so, but warn them now,” he leaned forward again. “Their arguments had better be based on fact and figure rather than some dislike for my brother. He alone had produced victories in combat against the Imperial invasion. All they have done is posture and support my brother Therron in his ruinous command. If they want to keep their heads about them, suggest they keep their heads about them, if you take my meaning.”
“I do,” Govan nodded, fighting off a smile. “I'm sure none of them will have the fortitude to face you directly.”
“That means they will try to do it surreptitiously, which I like even less,” Memmnon frowned. “Sebastian, are we keeping an eye on Therron's friends?”
“We are, milord,” Grey nodded firmly. “Including them. Not all of them were loyal to Therron, and some of those who were have abandoned that line in light of the death of your father.”
“Good,” Memmnon nodded. “Allow the three most ardent objectors to see me. Schedule it for tomorrow, I suppose, though you 'll need to check with my secretary to ensure I have an opening.”
“As soon as we adjourn, Your Highness,” Govan nodded.
“Well then, I believe we can adjourn.”
~*~
“You're not doing this just to pacify me, are you?” Winnie asked as the meeting broke apart. She and Memmnon were alone other than Stephanie.
“Doing what?” Memmnon frowned. “The archery instruct
ion? In what way will that pacify you?”
“You know what I mean,” Winnie developed a frown of her own.
“For once, I do not,” Memmnon told her. “One of the things Parno is concerned about is a raid in force making way down the river to the capitol. As Grey pointed out, we are weak here at the moment. Should a sizable force indeed make it this far then having a force of women who can man the fortress walls and shoot accurately might make the difference in a bit of damage here and there as opposed to a high casualty count and a raid that could do real damage and hurt morale. It is simply a matter of making use of every resource we have.”
“You aren't afraid they 'll be injured in combat?” Winnie asked.
“Of course I am,” Memmnon replied, exasperated. “But will they be any less injured if they are wounded or killed or. . .what have you, by a raiding force? I think not. At least this way those who want the means of fighting back will have them.”
“Okay,” Winnie nodded, satisfied with the answer. “There are a number of young women from the refugee group that wanted to remain here. I could train them as sort of an auxiliary unit to supplement the City Guard and what have you.”
“No,” Memmnon shook his head. “Those who are going in the groups need the training as well, and they will get it, but we need them where they are just as bad. Growing food and producing war material is just as vital as anything else they could do here. We must limit our numbers in the capitol to what we can sustain here on our own. And every one of them you remove from the refugee resettlement is a bow lost to them should the need arise.”
“True,” Winnie frowned, not having thought that through. “Still, we could lead-”
“No,” Memmnon's voice was firm this time. “I want them able to defend themselves, and help defend their homes or this city if it is their home, but there will be no field unit of women warriors, Winifred. The risks are too great and I will not take them. I would ask that you not foment such a plan to others, either. Do not try and go around me in this. I will bend so far but no farther and that is too far.”
