Brutal Diplomacy by J Clifton Slater

Author:J Clifton Slater [Slater, J Clifton]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-03-27T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter – 28 Surprise Attack

Multiple candles from the blockade ships caused an alarm when the lookout reported them to the duty officer and the duty NCO. They both went to their superior officer. According to the sub-commander, who woke up angry at the disturbance, it wasn’t important.

“It’s more likely to be pirates attempting to take the ships. We have, and correct me if I’m wrong, a squad in the town, guards on the docks, a full squad patrolling the hook, and archers on the ships,” he grumbled. “I don’t see any reason to mobilize the entire garrison.”

Three squads were bounced out of their beds and ordered to arm up. By the time Alerio and the oarsmen took control of the blockade ships, thirty Qart Hadasht heavy infantrymen stood in front of the Citadel. They weren’t happy at being woken up in the middle of the night and then left standing around waiting.

Eventually, a young Lieutenant appeared. The NCOs called the squads to attention.

“What are our orders, sir?” one asked.

“We’ll march to the docks and display Empire might,” the Lieutenant replied. “March them out.”

The Qart Hadasht infantry hoisted their shields and spears and marched down the hill towards the dock. No one thought the situation was important enough to notify Admiral Hanno.

***

A young man peered around the corner of a wall and counted the troops. Then he sprinted away, turned at the next corner and ran all out for six blocks. At the warehouses, he slowed down through the alleyway. Once on the dock, he sprinted until he reached the man in the shiny Greek armor.

“Captain Frigian. Thirty of their infantry are coming,” he reported between deep breaths.

“Only three squads? Our luck is holding,” Frigian ventured. Then to the men lounging around the dock, he ordered, “Sons of Mars. Grab your sword, shield, and adjust your mentula. Company is coming. Let’s give them a warm welcome.”

Moments later, high up on the street, movement appeared between the pools of light. As the Empire troops drew closer, they resembled a heard of deer running through the woods. Some details flashed as they entered a light then vanished until more were visible. Eventually, they solidified into two lines of marching troops.

“Shields up,” ordered Frigian and a hundred shields lifted. They didn’t click together as a well-trained Legion unit but there were enough to form a formidable wall across the street.

Seeing the crowd of shields, the Lieutenant held up a hand and the NCOs called the squads to a halt.

“In the name of the Qart Hadasht Empire, what is the meaning of this display?” demanded the officer. “Disperse now, Sons of Mars, or taste Empire justice.”

A more experienced officer would have retreated and sent a runner for help. The Lieutenant’s NCOs would have told him. But the officer was an aristocrat, young and not open to suggestions.

A man in Greek armor sauntered up behind the loose rows of shields.

“We can’t do that,” Frigian informed the officer.

“And why not?” bristled the Lieutenant.

“The Sons of Mars are defending the harbor with pirates,” replied Frigian.

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