“Admiral Kalcan will also see that our ships are constantly sighted all along the Caedellium coasts and will carry out enough raids to force them to keep men near likely targets, so they can’t be sent elsewhere.
“At the same time, we’ll increase pressure on two major potential allies of Moreland—the Stent Clan and the so-called Tri-Clan Alliance. Colonel Metan will use Selfcellese to carry out minor raids into Stent Province. Similarly, Colonel Erdelin will use Eywellese and our cavalry to threaten the coastal and inland portions of Keelan adjacent to Eywell territory and to make them wonder if Gwillamer is a target.
“Again, the goal is not to seize and hold territory, but to appear threatening, to force Keelan and Gwillamer to maintain forces along those borders, ones well distant from Moreland City. This prevents them from sending all their fighting men to Moreland’s aid and delays those they send until it’s too late for effective coordination.
“Colonel Erdelin will also see that the Eywellese posture and carry out incursions into Moreland to match what we’re doing with Stent, Keelan, and Gwillamer. We don’t want to make it too obvious where our thrust will be and give the Caedelli any reason to mass men into Moreland too early, until we’ve concentrated our forces and are well into the drive toward Moreland City. At that point, we prefer a few clans come to Moreland’s aid, but at the last moment and without time to organize.
Zulfa looked at the men around the table. “Questions?”
Metan indicated by hand motion that he had something. “Perhaps an update from Assessor Hizer on suborning other clans would be in order.”
Zulfa turned to the assessor, who opened a folder in front of himself. “Not as much success as we would like, though I believe we’ve neutralized several clans, and several others will be hesitant to commit themselves. Whether they eventually do commit is not as important as delaying any such action until it’s too late.” Hizer rose and went to the map.
“I agree with General Zulfa’s plan to split the island. The two parts of the island will have only four clans in the south, but these are the three clans of the Tri-Clan Alliance and the Hewell Clan, which our reports indicated is close to joining the alliance. These four clans are also among the richest in resources and with better leadership. In contrast, the twelve clans in the north are fractious, with simmering long-term feuds and suspicions of other clans that we’ve tried to encourage. They also have no formal history of close alliances, and several have leadership that rivals Moreland in lack of brains and self-control.
“In addition, our agents in clan territory will continue reporting to us and be available should any sufficiently important target of opportunity occur, such as removing leadership.”
Approving nods met the last statement, assassination being an accepted tactic in Narthani warfare.
“Thank you, Assessor,” said Zulfa. “One scenario is that we continue on to Orosz City and farther to Adris Province. Once the island is split, we will see which clans perceive the inevitable. I’d be surprised if there’s a general capitulation at that point, so I expect we’ll still have to move either north or south, where we’ll link up with Admiral Kalcan’s ships at the first opportunity.
“We’ll reward clans coming over to us with lands and spoils, but we need to move quickly to finish the remaining major resistance. Whether we go after the northern or southern clans next would be decided at the time, though I believe the southerners are the biggest threat, and knocking them out would almost certainly bring a quick resolution to the entire mission.”
Zulfa uncovered a diagram of troops units. “When we move on Moreland, the force will consist of five thousand infantry in ten standard five-hundred-man blocks—each block composed of two hundred pikes and three hundred muskets. Such an emphasis on pikes wouldn’t be advisable in a mainland campaign, since pike formations have become obsolete and are being deemphasized in favor of increased muskets. If our units were back in Narthon, they would have converted by now. In our case, the High Command believes the expected opposition here on Caedellium will be mainly horsemen with minimal to nonexistent infantry and artillery support. Since the pikes are the traditional solution to holding cavalry at bay while muskets and cannon fire work on the enemy, we don’t foresee a problem.
“The force will have twelve 12-pounder batteries of five cannon each—a total of sixty cannon. The troop blocks and cannon batteries will be the main instruments to break the Caedelli. Light cavalry will scout and screen during force movements, and when we bring the Caedelli to a field engagement, the cavalry will protect both flanks and the supply train to the rear. We’ve planned on three thousand cavalry in two groups, one composed of fifteen hundred Eywellese and the second of a thousand Selfcellese, plus five hundred of our own heavy cavalry. If the situation warrants, the heavy cavalry will be available to break up Caedelli light cavalry groupings, in addition to stiffening the Selfcellese. The three thousand cavalry will also be available to encircle or ride down remnants of any islander forces, if proper conditions exist.”
“Meaning, the Selfcellese still can’t be trusted,” groused Erdelin, ever ready to claim unspoken and unearned credit for the Eywellese he oversaw as being more reliable than the Selfcellese overseen by Metan, whom he considered a plodder.
Metan flushed and was about to snap back when Akuyun jumped in. “The Eywellese have always been more enthusiastic about the alliance than the Selfcellese—or, should I say, more gullible? Colonel Erdelin has done a good job in controlling and using them. The Selfcellese have been a more difficult challenge, but I have full confidence that Colonel Metan is bringing them along as well as possible until our position here is more settled.”
Metan relaxed with an appreciative nod to Akuyun and a studied ignoring of Erdelin.
“True,” said Zulfa, who returned to his seat, closed one folder, and opened another. “We believe any potential problems with the Selfcellese will be stabilized by having our own cavalry acting with them. Anyway, that’s the rationale for composition of the two divisions of cavalry in the force structure.
“Moving on from the general action plan, now let’s review preparation issues, and by this I mainly mean the infantry. This is an area I tasked Colonel Ketin to keep a close eye on. Colonel?”
Thus prompted, Ketin opened a folder of his own. “We have two interrelated issues regarding infantry readiness. First is the quality of these troops. As you know, we were assigned a mixture of experienced and raw troops. We can be honest with ourselves that neither of these is among the best quality for a campaign against a significant enemy. The experienced troops are not quite the dregs of other commands, but neither did commanders make any effort to give up their better people when levied to fill out our rosters. Many of the rest of the lower-grade troops are from various peoples the Narthon Empire has conquered in the last decades and have either little to no experience or have experience other than in the Narthon army. General Akuyun procured a good cadre of lower-level squad and platoon leaders, but I wouldn’t want to use the bottom ranks against a Fuomi or Iraquinik army. The situation has improved markedly in the last two years, as the men have been integrated, trained, and, in the worst cases, disciplined severely enough that I believe the troop blocks are of acceptable quality for the foe we face here. Naturally, nothing is certain until their first real battle, but with the better men dispersed among the blocks, I believe they are as ready as they will be without coming under fire.
“The second issue is the lack of maneuver experience. The needs of our situation here on Caedellium have necessitated that much of the time the infantry had been relatively dispersed as garrisons, putting down minor revolts, building fortifications, and assisting the settlers brought in. Whatever training has gone on has focused on the smaller units, squads, and platoons, with only minimal time working in complete five-hundred-man blocks and no training experience at all in multi-block movements.
“This needs to be rectified as soon as possible. The total force we will move out wi
th will be eleven thousand—five thousand infantry, five hundred of our own heavy cavalry, a thousand artillerymen and engineers, two thousand support personnel accompanying the combatants and trailing back into Eywell, and twenty-five hundred total Eywell and Selfcell light cavalry. When we gather the force together, and before we seriously engage the Caedelli, we need intensive training to achieve an acceptable level of unit coordination. Since it is impossible to assemble the entire force for joint exercises full time, I have suggested to Brigadier Zulfa that we start immediately with exercises involving smaller numbers, something like two or three infantry blocks, plus a few artillery batteries and some cavalry. Then, as the date to initiate the move on Moreland approaches, we can consider larger assemblies, leading up to the full gathering in the last sixdays.”
Ketin finished his presentation and looked at Zulfa, who said, “I agree with most details of Colonel Ketin’s assessment, and we will implement these actions as he has outlined. He and my staff will send more details on training schedules in the next day or two. As for when to start assembling the force for large-unit training, I think we can wait and see how the training with fewer units is progressing after, shall we say, the first two months? Normally, I would prefer more maneuver training as a total force, especially with relatively untried units, so let’s press the training vigorously in the time we have left.
“One final topic I wanted to address before we finish,” asserted Zulfa. “You know or have heard rumors that three of our men were executed on Colonel Erdelin’s orders. This incident relates to general discipline. I have endorsed the colonel’s actions and will ask him to summarize what led to this. Colonel Erdelin?”
Erdelin looked unperturbed. “Three men under my command, all three among the newer recruits, raped an Eywellese woman at a horse ranch, while their squad was patrolling a forested region near the Moreland border. She was alone at the time, her husband providing local guide services to another squad. Based on testimony from other members of the squad and the woman’s husband, I determined there was no doubt to this breach of discipline. The three men were hanged in front on their entire infantry block and the squad leader given ten lashes and demoted for losing control of his men.”
“Again,” said Zulfa, “I concurred with Colonel Erdelin’s action, as did General Akuyun. The woman herself is of no consequence, but the loss of discipline can’t be tolerated. The men had been warned to leave local women alone. That’s what the brothels are for.”
“As Brigadier Zulfa said,” Akuyun took over, “I endorsed the executions as necessary. Not only was it a breach of discipline, but one inducement for clans to come over to us is the promise of better treatment than if they are conquered by force. The contrast between what happened to the Preddi and the current status of the Selfcell and Eywell clans is a lesson we want the other clans to take to heart. That contrast is lost if, as in this case, we promised a clan their women will be left alone by our men and then something like this happens. It’s the same if we tell a Selfcellese farmer he will keep his land, and then we turn around and take it away. What incentives do they have not to revolt? While we can always destroy a people, if necessary, we prefer they’re willingly integrated into the Narthon Empire.
“However, while I agree with the action, in looking into the matter I found something that may have created the climate where this discipline breach occurred. I have spoken with Brigadier Zulfa and Colonel Erdelin about it, and the colonel acknowledges that changes are needed in his staff structure.”
Erdelin looked as if he had just bitten into a sour fruit and was slightly flushed but didn’t comment.
“The number of functional women in the brothel serving the executed men’s unit had declined to where the number of visits per man was down to once a sixday or even less. I also had one of my staff check elsewhere, and it seems a similar situation is developing at other sites. This is one of those minor details that have to be attended to. I realize no commander can be aware of everything affecting his command, but that’s what staffs are for. In this case, a member of Colonel Erdelin’s staff failed to recognize the problem properly and bring it to the colonel’s attention. I’m assured the situation is being rectified.”
By the time Akuyun had finished speaking, all present knew that one of Erdelin’s staff was thrown under the wagon to save Erdelin’s face, and the other two troop colonels and Admiral Kalcan would later that day be ensuring that their staffs also checked into the issue.
“As for the problem of staffing the brothels,” continued Akuyun, “this is something all of us, including my staff, should have seen coming, because it has been a year since the last major batch of women was added. We need to be alert to such details. In this case, the problem should be solved as the incursions into clan territories take captives and we make our move on Moreland.”
Sadek Hizer observed approvingly from his seat. Part of his role as assessor for the High Command was evaluating the command structure for performance. Akuyun had publicly rebuked one of his sub-commanders in front of his colleagues, then pointed out the same problem could be happening under their commands and emphasized a joint responsibility, including himself. Erdelin might resent the public rebuke but would accept it more gracefully than otherwise. Hizer had seen commanders who humiliated subordinates so often, there was little loyalty returned. Erdelin and his staff had been negligent but had acted decisively in the executions, and he would be sure his staff was more attentive to the little details, as would Akuyun’s other subordinates.
Very well done, Akuyun.
With the initial main topics covered, the meeting continued for another hour, reviewing the maps of the terrain they would encounter in their drive to split the clans and going over training and supply details. Finally, they then enjoyed a socially oriented mid-day meal and spirits. Akuyun believed such informal interactions helped cement a feeling of unity among men, no matter what their levels, be it unity among the lowest troop levels or the top commanders.
Preddi City, Akuyun Villa
Akuyun drew deep breaths, his heart rate slowing after he’d spent himself. He and Rabia were still joined, her legs and arms around him. He stroked the top of her head with one hand, then raised his head from beside hers to look into her face and kiss her. She smiled. It was a well-practiced routine for them. Whenever there was action about to take place, his libido was more active. She thanked Narth that the times when he personally headed off to fight were over. In those days, their coupling wasn’t just to satisfy his desires before leaving, but also to allay her fears for his return and the possibility it would be their last night together. Over the years, it evolved into one of their rituals. Whenever he was sending men out to do what he didn’t do anymore or when a major operational plan was finalized, they still kept this routine.
That he still desired her after twenty-eight years of marriage and four children and had never shown an interest in other women were gifts she didn’t take for granted. They lay together for a few more minutes, then he rolled off to his side, holding her in one arm as she turned to him.
“So, you’re satisfied that everything is ready to begin the next phase?”
To begin talking “business” right after sex might seem indifferent to some, but they had been married long enough and well enough that any tender murmurings afterward were by now assumed without being repeated.
“As satisfied as I’m likely to be,” he answered. “It will be the first time for a major Eywell operation. I think Erdelin can handle the details. While he’s not the brightest of my subordinates, I still think he’s the right man to control the Eywellese. They’ve taken well to integration, but their hetman is a hothead and not the brightest light in the sky, though I don’t think he’s dumb enough to cause Erdelin any problems. The son is another story. We may have to eventually do something about him, since I don’t see him becoming hetman should anything happen to his father.”
Rabia stroked his face. “That’s something for another da
y. Best not think about more tonight.”
He held her tighter, and they drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 17: Culich and Yozef
So, You Want to Marry My Daughter
Yozef hadn’t eaten with the Keelan family the evening of Culich’s return. When Breda Keelan recommended the prospective groom not be present when her husband learned of Maera’s desire to marry, Yozef made halfhearted objections, then gratefully made himself scarce in St. Tomo’s library and ate evening meal with Carnigan at the Galloping Horse Inn.
“You’re quieter than usual, Yozef. Do you feel all right?” queried Carnigan between two prodigious quaffs of beer.
“Oh, just things on my mind.”
“Things? Like what?”
Yozef was stumped for a second. He didn’t want to get into a discussion about the possibility of marrying the hetman’s daughter, yet he needed to say something to distract his friend from probing harder.
“Well, for one thing, I’m remembering a story.”
“Hah! About time! I haven’t heard one of your stories for sixdays. Hope it’s a new one.”
Yozef had garnered a reputation in Abersford for telling amusing stories no one had heard before. He hadn’t seen reason for the pub patrons in Abersford to know he cribbed them from Earth and they weren’t Yozef Kolsko originals.
“It happened in a pub in Orosz City during a clan conclave. Three Morelanders are drinking their beers and spot a Keelander. One of the Morelanders walks over to the Keelander, taps him on the shoulder, and says, ‘Hey, I hear your hetman is a drunken lout.’
The Pen and the Sword (Destiny's Crucible Book 2) Page 20
