NationStates Jolt Archive

The Day Was Cold, The Sun was dim, little spatters of rain pit patted against the huts of the Village with the border of the land known as "Croatia", A Few Thousand Warriors and their families had assembled to carry forth life to this land, and to incorporate it into Bosinski Novi's Influence, the city, so small, was all but ignored by the great Cities such as Sarajevo, and its influence had waned, but it would gain power here.

The Rain began to increase, and the rumbling sound of thunder foretold a storm, but it also signalled the beginning of the Journey, even if they encountered people who lived in this land, surely they would not resist?

A Few Days Later

Croatia had been a challenge, a few hundred had already died or stayed to settle villages, incorporating a strip along the border into the Collection of City States, And a Few hundred more had began to make for the coast, and to bring more ports to the homeland. But for the 2 thousand or so left, approaching further into Croatia. There was an objective, a lone town stood Sisak, Here there would be a battle.

Other Parties had stopped midway through Croatia, it would be enough for the influence required, Only one town that had to be included resisted.

The Town had no fortifications which could only be a benefit, The Women and Children stayed in the woods behind, The 800 Men were armoured and equipped from their packs, some producing bows, a few mounting their horses.

They were facing only 300 Men, but they had the advantage of the cover of the town.

The 500 Men Arranged themselves into formation, lowered their "pikes" (Think hoplite's, Greek.) and advanced, The 200 Archers Advanced behind, the 100 or so Horsemen swung off into the distance, but ready to charge.

The Archers aimed high, and fired, death rained down onto the small conglomeration of men prepared to face the advancing formation.

The formation grew closer, javelins and arrows hit them, men fell, 500 to 400 in a few volleys, but the holes, were plugged, and no sooner, battle was joined.

The fighting was heavy, but the Cavalry were ready, they had got around to the rear, and charged, they smashed into the rear of the enemy, shattering their resistance.

And it was over, 300 Men annihilated but to the loss of 200.

But the town was theirs, and what they wanted they had acquirred. And even a few rudimentary boats had secured the many islands of the sea.

Proposed New Border:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/Ravenart/croatia-map.jpg

From the Blacktoweran Shores a single Galley set sail. Its passengers were one Diplomat and a smal personal escort of 20 or so Cavalry. The calm seas were easily passable to the little vessel as it crossed the channel to the shores of Croatia. They had planned on crossing the unclaimed land and to enter the borders of Arenumberg to speak of Trade treaties, and possible a military alliance against the Warbands of Southern Tanthan, should they decide to contest with Blacktowers claim over Slovenia. Little did they know that Arenumberg had already begun their own expansion towards the coast...

the next day....

As the ship passed by one of the Islands that dotted the coastline, the Diplomat noticed a rugged flag flying from one of the rooftops. It was the Arenumberg Military Standard.

"By the Gods" muttered Jaspus. "They have already reached the coastal Islands! These Arenumbergian are a persistant people. I do hope that we are accepted peacefully." The Diplomat then motioned to the Captain of the galley to raise the small white flag to the top of the mast, the Universal Signal for peace. Below it the Great Standards of Blacktower flowed gracefully in the soft Sea breeze. The Coast was within the horizon, and it would only be a few short hours until they would land.

2 hours later.....

The galley approached a small harbor at the town of Split. Upon docking the captain payed a small fee and his passengers unloaded their Horses and Cargo. After saying a short goodbye to the captain the Diplomatic party set out for the Town, hoping that someone in power would recognise them. It would be difficult as they were not sure how the Population of Croatia had taken to their new occupants, but hopefully it was peaceful. 20 Cavalry stood little chance against a large rioting crowd.

Luckily, For the Blacktower Party, Split had been found mostly abandoned, a disease had ravaged its people before the expedition had arrived, and again, most luckily, A Governer had been stationed in it, for the Coastal regions, Headed from Split itself. Again, yet Luckily, Agreci Eranas, The Governer, was heading out to the harbour when he encountered the Blacktower Party, their marks identifiable.

Of course, he knew not of their language, hoping they had brought along a translator, he said.

"I am Agreci Eranas, Governer of Split and of the coastal regions you see around here, you are most welcome here, what may i do for you?"