Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1998 10:45:39 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [ffml] [MW] After the battle From: Sky H Ainsworth The citizens of Nikeah were very glad for their freedom being restored and thanked the army of Lance Henriksens greatly. Bacca, however, realized that the town was too weak to defend itself any further and advised the townspeople to flee. They all refused. Schala, Kaitlin, Lady Paladin, and the other heroes were gathered under a large canopy inside of Nikeah. "So what will we do?" asked Schala. "Well, since the whole purpose of this army is to defend humanity, I cannot abandon these people," said Bacca. "Also, since there are so few free towns around, I do not want to lose these focuses of humanity to disappear." "Could you leave a garrison?" asked Kaitlin. Bacca thought a moment. "Yeah, I guess I could." He paused. "I'll do that. I'll leave a ten thousand man garrison here. Only the largest force could dislodge that from here and any force that large would be spotted from far away and the inhabitants could flee if necessary." Bacca looked around, his eyes showing grave concern. "Now we have something else to discuss." Bacca pulled out a world map and placed a few colored beads on it. "We are here, at Nikeah. Within the last two days, the corvettes have reported troop movements here, here, and here. Apparently, the worse I could have hoped for seems to be happening: the major enemy armies are marching straight for us." "How do you know?" asked Lady. Bacca looked at her and noticed that she seemed very tired. "There are very few targets in each army's direction. Also, they seem to be working together, why else would they all march at the same time. I don't know, but I'm thinking that they are aiming now to take us on and take us out." "So what will we do?" asked Scotts. The wizened general pulled out his dagger and rested the tip on the wooden table, his hands on the handle. "Well my friend, you and I know of a place that we can use for defense," said Bacca with a smile and a wink. Scotts thought a moment. "Oh, you don't mean that old fortress, do you?" "The one." "But it's nothing but a pile of rubble and surrounded by nothing but a huge forest. I mean, what are you thinking of, sir?" asked the old general, concern in his face. "The walls still stand," said Bacca, his voice confident. "The ramparts need repair, the well redug, and the moat fixed. But that fortress is large enough to house this entire army. Also, our rangers can occupy the forest and slow down any enemy forces coming to attack." Scotts scratched his chin, which was covered with a little white fuzz. "You may be right. But do we have the time?" "Yes. It would take weeks for these armies to reach the fortress, and they would not reach it at the same time either. What we will do is this...." Bacca stood against the table and beginning indicating. Lady stood next to Bacca, leaning against him. "We will move the army through this pass and this forest to the place. Once there, the engineers will rebuild the outer ramparts and troops will lumber the forest. When the outer wall is finished, then the engineers will move to the inner wall. Meanwhile, the magic users will cast protective spells on the walls to protect them against magic attacks. They will do the same to the inner wall. And then the inner keep can be rebuilt. Also, I think a nice iron and oak gate can be built for the two entrances. "What do you think?" Scotts studied his young friend, doubt evident in his face. "But sieges are long and messy, and they require food and are terrible for morale with the troops." "I know," said Bacca. "But I think this is better then fighting these huge armies in the open field and having one always on our flank. We can bring in supplies with the corvettes and the rangers will help with the morale." "Very well, sir," said Scotts after some thought. "When do we move?" Lady was leaning heavily against Bacca now. He took notice of this and glanced at her. The warrior could see a feebleness in the healer. Maybe the many injured were really straining Lady, or something else was bothering her. "Immediately," said Bacca. "Arrange the garrison and then have the rest pack up. Time is of the essence, so we will use the airships to transport troops to the fortress while the main army marches there. This should make preparation go faster." "Yes sir," said Scotts. He saluted and walked away. Bacca looked around. "If you could excuse me a moment." The heroes left the canopy. Bacca took Lady into his arms and held her tightly. "Lady, what is wrong?" "I just feel so weak, Bacca. I don't feel like I can stay awake." The healer's voice was weak. She tried to hug Bacca tightly. "When we get to the fortress, you will be able to rest," said Bacca, trying to reassure her. "No, I need to go home," said Lady. "There I can refresh myself. Also, I have to pick up some items for this siege you are planning." Bacca thought a moment. "How about if I go with you?" Lady looked up at Bacca. "But don't you have to stay with the army?" "Not really," said Bacca, smiling at Lady. "Scotts knows what to do and I trust his abilities. Also, I chafe under such work as preparing for sieges. Also, I really want to see your cottage." Lady smiled weakly. "Thank you, Bacca." She hugged the High Lord of All That Kicks Ass tighter. "When do you want to go?" asked Bacca. "Now," said Lady. "Okay, let me arrange things with Scotts first." Bacca brought the old soldier back, spoke with him for a few moments, then turned his attention back to Lady. "I'm ready." Lady concentrated a moment and the two disappeared.