Chapter 51: Maximillian In Peril

A thunderous roar erupted from the trees on the hill. The sound of cannon fire had many look at the hill. Before realising the trouble they were in the advancing reinforcements of the Maximillian army were bombarded with cannon fire. 

Unrelenting, the onslaught of cannon balls rained down the Maximillian reinforcements led by Osbert. Looking in horror, Grand Duke Osmund cried out to his son, "Osbert pull back! Retreat!" His effort to call out for his son was in vain. Osbert could not escape the descending cannon balls.

Osmund's war horse was struck in the head by 1 of the falling cannonballs. Young Osmund was sent flying into the air before landing on the soft muddy ground. Many of the bodyguards rushed to the side of Osmund but the tightly gathered group of men was torn apart. Osmund who was terrified tried to run back to his father but unfortunately, it was all for naught. A singular cannonball found itself lodged in the back of Osmund. 

In an instant, the young man dropped to the ground. His body was ruined and mangled, now lying lifeless on the field of battle. A piece of Osmund died that day, his eldest son was killed before his eyes. There was nothing Osmund could do but watch on and hope his army could persevere. 

While the barrage by the cannons was taking place the remaining infantry and cavalry sallied forth to help the men at the farmstead. With a sense of urgency, the cavalry flew down the hill and broke the left flank of the Maximillian infantry. 

Following the cavalry down the mountain, the infantry arrived shortly later. Butchering the enemies before them the new arrivals began to tear through the Maximillian soldiers. Victor smiled as his men were able to reach the farmstead and assist the force under his reliable generals. 

Using his spyglass he peered over to where Osmund Maximillian was. He was near his camp mounted on his horse with 40 retainers by his side. He had sent all the remaining soldiers he had to try and crush the Luxenberg force at the farmstead.

An idea popped into Victor's head seeing the lightly defended Grand Duke. Turning to an officer in charge of his Royal Scots Grey, Victor commanded that all 120 of them, ride forth through the trees and ambush the Grand Duke. With haste, the Royal Scots Grey soldiers set off on their mission.

Everything was unfolding like Marshal Soult and Victor hoped for. The surprise attack from the hill was a success. Although Victor was happy it worked, he was still saddened by the casualties they had sustained.

The Grand Duke of Maxillian was beyond devastated. This battle that he thought would be easily winnable had turned into a complete failure. He had lost over half his army and more importantly, he had lost his heir. The new successor of his title would be Osiris.

At the farmstead, the Maximillian army had surrendered. They had lost 40,000 infantrymen, 7,000 cavalrymen. The Maximillian artillery had not suffered any losses but was nearby and could be run down by the Luxenberg cavalry.

Seeing his army surrender pitifully Osmund knew that he failed; having no choice he signalled for him and retinue to retreat. The group of 41 mounted men began to depart from their current position but were alarmed to see that 120 elite cavalrymen had surrounded them and had their rifles aimed at their heads.

They had 2 choices offered to them, "Surrender or die." Many of the mounted men were ready to fight but their Grand Duke ordered them to stand down, they had well and truly lost, and retreat was now impossible.

Victor's army reunited in its entirety began to organise the prisoners and tally the dead. Many infantrymen and cavalry were wounded in this battle but the death toll was not as severe as the Maximillian army. 20,000 infantrymen, 4,000 cavalrymen and 10 guns were the total casualties for the Luxenberg army.

Taking a few days to rest and recover a funeral was held for the fallen Luxenberg soldiers. With the majority of the army in attendance a simple ceremony began. After laying the final body to rest Victor looked out at his army and delivered a touching speech.

"No sacrifice, no victory. It is a phrase I have heard often and now is ever more meaningful. Today was a great victory in our territory's history, but that victory came at the cost of the men lying here. They gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our victory." 

Taking a moment to pause, Victor slowly took a few breaths and tried to compose himself before carrying on his speech. With his mind clear and his emotions held in check Victor began to continue his speech.

"These men fought valiantly and to the bitter end. Their bravery is an example to us all. In the face of a superior army, they held strong and took many enemies with them to the grave. We have many battles to come but there is no finer army that I would face death with than you men!"

Lifting the spirits of his army they cried out and cheered, honouring the fallen and showing their love for their lord. The soldiers began to bury the dead alongside Victor, who was insistent that he do this as a final gift to the men who fought courageously.

That evening Victor ordered for his soldiers to bring Grand Duke Maximillian to his tent. Complying with their lord's orders the soldiers fetched the Grand Duke from his make-shift cell and brought him before Victor.

"Grand Duke Maximillian it is good to see you again," Victor said sarcastically in a mocking tone. Osmund said nothing and just looked at the floor. He had catastrophically lost and now had a Grand Duke younger than his son gloat to him. 

"For what it is worth I am sorry about your son. I did not know him well but he seemed like a genuine man who had bravery. For him to die the way he did was unfair but that is the nature of war after all. At least you still have your other 2 sons. I have heard that Osiris is a fair capable young man who is the same age as me." Victor continued in a more empathetic tone.

Despite Victor's efforts, the Grand Duke of Maximillian remained silent. The silent act was agitating Victor slightly, the man who acted like he and his family were superior was now reduced to a silent and defeated man. 

Looking at the defeated Grand Duke, Victor began to contemplate what to do with him. Killing him now or in front of his capital's walls was an option but it would be a waste to not have use of him. Osiris who would become the new Grand Duke would not ransom his father, due to the high asking price.

Peace was not an option either, too much blood had been shed for either side to back down now. There would be a siege to take Maximillian's capital city of Jenkas. Estimating the remaining forces of the Maximillian army, there would be around 7,000 infantrymen, a few hundred cavalrymen and maybe 20 guns. 

They had taken 20,000 infantrymen prisoner alongside the remaining 3,000 cavalrymen as well. Victor had managed to capture all 200 guns and half of the artillery crews for them, thanks to the help of his cavalry. 

Mercy for the Grand Duke was a viable option but he needed more troops. Victor remembered how he had gotten hidden quests for completing tasks like, the first victory of the first city conquered. Perhaps there was a hidden quest for killing someone who held the rank of Grand Duke or higher. It was a risk but due to the low amount of grand duchies on the continent, it was a risk that could pay off.

'A second battle is unavoidable, and I need the troops. Grandfather and his army are at least a week and a half march away maybe 2 if needed to rally his forces,' Victor contemplated. Coming to a decision Victor softly spoke to Osmund.

"Forgive me for this, I shall send your family to join you."