Lords of Freedom 2 - Chapter 16
Introduction
Lords of Freedom is an exciting trilogy that includes adventure, realistic action, surprising insights, and a touch of romance. (Movie rights open)
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Lords of Freedom 2 - Chapter 16 - Tactics, Training, and Battle
The following morning, after a tasty breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, and sausage, the Guardian set sail, bound for the inlet bay. According to Reece, the road nearest the inlet was about a mile away, and the surrounding area was forested with established wildlife trails.
The spot where training would be conducted, as well as meetings of strategy and intel, would be known as Safe Haven. There would be tents erected to house the men and guard stations set at critical points to ensure the enemy did not catch them unawares, whether by land or sea. Compounds to store weapons along with stables, a DFAC (Dining Facility), and medical structures needed to be erected to keep things running smoothly, so blueprints were drawn and materials gathered.
After a week, Safe Haven was nearly complete. The men worked in teams according to Knox’s direction, chopping logs for the more permanent structures, erecting the tents they had on hand, and crafting new ones.
The guard stations had been the first item of business and were manned around the clock. As well, Sheba patrolled the area, venturing far into the forest and hills to learn the lay of the land and scope the enemy’s position—native and Kingmen alike.
Knox walked alongside First Lieutenant Lindsey through the camp late one afternoon, assessing the construction progress. Both were pleased, but Lindsey seemed distracted, scanning the tree line as they strode along.
Just then, Sheba loped into Safe Haven and padded up Guardian’s gangplank. Lindsey cocked his head as the black tiger moved across the ship’s deck and up the stairs to the bridge.
“There is something remarkable about the tiger,” Marius said. “Besides her size and beauty.”
“Indeed there is. Have you noticed how Sheba interacts with Xan and Hon—almost as though they’re conversing?” Lindsey replied.
“I have, and I think they do, though I don’t know how,” Marius said.
“Then there’s the fact that not a single arrow or bullet harmed her the day they first arrived,” Lindsey said, rubbing his chin.
Sheba reappeared on the Guardian’s deck then, followed by Xan, and Hon. The trio descended the gangplank, and Knox raised a hand, signaling them. Xan took Hon’s arm and headed towards them, while Sheba trotted with purpose back into the trees.
Hon looked like a warrior-angel with her long blond hair loose, dressed in black leggings and a tunic, with boots on her feet. Xan wore similar attire with his staff in its sling over one shoulder, his step regal and his bearing sure.
“Greetings Marius, and to you, Lindsey,” Xan said when he reached them.
All shook hands, including Hon, who had a firm, steady grip. Then in unison, Xan and Hon’s gazes trailed to the spot where Sheba had entered the woods. Knox and Lindsey exchanged a look.
Xan glanced at Knox. “It seems the men support you as general. There are no challengers or dissenters, which is good. I plan to voice that fact—that you are in command now. Then we’ll outline our future strategy.
“We need more men, and everyone requires enhanced training. All your men are capable in their marksmanship and ability, so adding some additional skills shouldn’t take long.
“General Banastre and his troops are still licking their wounds from the last battle, but they are planning another attack as we speak, so time is of the essence.”
“About that,” Knox said.
Xan nodded, knowing what he was about to ask. “Sheba has been keeping tabs on Banastre and the Kingmen. They are a fair distance away gathering their forces and preparing to march. They have no idea where we are and intend to invade the city Leighford, to draw us in and finish us off.”
Knox widened his stance. “Leighford is the capital city, located in a tactically savvy area. If the Kingmen were to lay siege there, it would cripple us in a most dire manner.”
“I see General Banastre’s strategy; we can’t let that happen,” Lindsey said, disturbed as well by the news.
“We won’t,” Xan assured them.
“Do you have family in the city?” Hon asked.
“Not right in the city, but our family farm is close by,” Lindsey replied.
“My wife Hailey and I live in Leighford,” Knox said. “She is in the city at our home.”
“Hailey?” Hon echoed.
“Yes; she loves this land and backs me in defying the king. She has much sway with the people and is skilled in the arts of sewing and historical record-keeping. As well, she’s very good with horses and is an excellent rider.”
Xan and Hon shared a knowing smile, and Xan said, “We’ve overheard some of the men tasked with crafting new tents remark that having Hailey here would be most helpful.”
Knox and Lindsey chuckled, nodding their heads.
”Hailey has befriended a number of the natives,” Knox continued. “Many have joined forces with us and are reliable allies. The Kingmen seek to drive them far into the wilderness, if not wipe them out entirely, and they are ruthless about it.”
“So the natives are your allies?” Hon asked, confused; the natives had been fighting both armies when she and Xan first arrived.
“Sort of; it’s pretty much an even split,” Lindsey explained. “Some tribes are enemies and others allies—we fight a two-front war at times. The hostile tribes rarely attack our cities and towns, but they will descend on travelers and explorers. Our black powder weapons hold them at bay, but their stealth and knowledge of the land make them formidable foes in the wilderness.”
“How did Hailey come to befriend the natives?” Hon asked.
Knox answered, “She was out in the woods gathering herbs and ran across a young brave who’d been shot by one of the Kingmen. He tried to fend her off with a hatchet, but was too weak, and Hailey is a strong woman. She disarmed him and persuaded him to come with her back to the city where a doctor could dress his wounds. He was a goner, otherwise, and knew it, so he agreed.
“He made it halfway; then Hailey had to support him as they made their way along. When he fainted, she rushed on ahead and brought some men back to carry him the rest of the way in.
“Once the brave, Rising Moon, recovered, he lingered in Leighford for a few days, getting acquainted with everyone, which laid the foundation for building trust. After returning to his tribe, he’d revisit the city now and then with a few of his comrades, some braves and other maids.”
“Our native allies warn us when the Kingmen intend to attack, enabling the city guard to be in position to drive them off. Often, our forces will join the natives in defense of their villages, which prevents the Kingmen from reaching Leighford,” Lindsey added.
Just then, twigs snapped, and the bushes rustled as a native stepped into view. At once, most of the men snapped to attention; seconds after that the rest of them did the same, as half a dozen more braves moved into sight.
“It is Rising Moon,” Knox called. “Stand down.”
The lead brave raised a hand in greeting as Sheba moved into view, leading the natives through Safe Haven toward Xan, Hon, Marius, and Lindsey.
Rising Moon was lean and fit, with corded muscles and a lithe, agile step. His eyes were dark and brooding, and his ebony hair was tied back in a long braid. Three of the other natives had similar braids while those remaining had shorter hair.
“Welcome to Safe Haven.” Xan inclined his head.
Rising Moon raised his chin a notch, letting his gaze trail over the budding camp. “You are proficient builders and have chosen an ideal spot for your battle camp.”
“Indeed; we have an explorer among us, Reece, who knew the spot,” Xan said. “At present, he is with a select team constructing a remote training area for an elite division he will head.”
The natives exchanged looks, and Rising Moon said, “We are well acquainted with Reece, having encountered him many times in his journeying.”
“I am Xan, and this is my wife, Honbria; your escort is Sheba,” he said with a nod.
“My friends call me Hon.” She added a warm smile, which Rising Moon returned before introducing his comrades.
“We were about to convene a strategic assembly, after which we’ll enjoy our evening meal. Would you care to join?” Xan said.
The braves agreed, and Xan directed everyone into a structure known as The Briefing Room. After taking their seats, those who knew the natives engaged in casual conversation; then, introductions were tossed around. This mellowed the atmosphere and relaxed the men.
Xan let it go on for about ten minutes and then stood from his seat. The room quieted at once.
“It seems all of you recognize Marius Knox as General over the Freemen army. All in agreement say ‘aye’.”
Every Freeman soldier called out the word.
“Do any of you dissent?” Xan asked.
The room remained silent.
“Very good. All future recruits must first swear fidelity and loyalty to General Knox. Hon and I will teach you new skills with improved weapons and train you in advanced battle tactics and strategy.
“Treachery will not be tolerated; any traitors discovered will be promptly executed.” Xan lifted his staff. “This staff allows me to determine, beyond any doubt, a person’s loyalty, so unfounded accusation will not be an issue.
“In other times and places, armies facing enemies with superior numbers and equipment had great success using what is known as Fabian Tactics, which include the following:
● Choosing the best times and places to fight.
● Setting ambushes
● Hit and run attacks
● Shooting from behind cover
● Rapid retreats
● Superior scouting and overwatch
● Depleting enemy soldiers and supplies
● Long-distance shooting
Xan finished with the words, “This will make more sense once we begin training, but are there any questions now?”
A few men voiced some tactical questions, which Xan answered. Then, he called Knox to join him at the head of the table. Murmurs of anticipation filled the room, as the men were eager to hear from their general directly.
“We need to reinforce our numbers and secure more cannons,” Knox began. “First Lieutenant Lindsey has commissioned a team to recruit men from the nearest towns. With gold provided by Xan, they will also purchase cannons, ammunition, and other supplies.
“Xan will provide groove-barreled rifles and pistols for Lindsey and his team and will conduct a brief training session with them prior to their departure.”
Knox paused, noting that Lindsey, although paying close heed, had his gaze locked with Sheba’s. His First Lieutenant remained distrustful and wary of the tiger with her keen intelligence and uncanny ways.
Knox went on: “Reece has commissioned his team to be known as Mountaineers. They will specialize in ambush and battle in the mountains and woods. Their training area is a short distance from here, where they’ve been clearing brush and constructing necessary structures and whatnot. The Mountaineer training area will have a unique access system, which Reece will brief everyone on once the area is ready.
“As well, once initial training is complete, an elite unit will be formed to be known as Lindsey’s Riflemen. Lindsey will head this unit, comprised of the top marksmen in our ranks.”
“Joining will be voluntary and will entail additional training and conditioning that will be rigorous and challenging,” Lindsey said, his gaze still on Sheba. “Men must qualify for this unit in fitness and strength as well as marksmanship.”
Murmurs arose, with a number of the men eager already to embark on the challenge. First Lieutenant Lindsey was well-respected, and to be part of his elite team was a goal worth pursuing.
“Rising Moon, can you gather more braves to join forces with us?” Knox said, looking to the natives. “Your stealth and bow skills, along with your knowledge of the land, would be a great boon to us.”
Rising Moon nodded, as did his comrades. “There are more warriors who will join from our tribe, as well as from others. We will see to that.”
When Sheba stood and padded toward Lindsey, his eyes widened, and he glanced around. Only Knox noticed, though, and he raised a brow.
Then he continued: “Excellent; Xan and Hon will begin Fabian Tactics training tomorrow morning for the rest of us, once Lindsey and his team depart. New recruits, as they arrive, will join in the training.”
Sheba, meanwhile, had reached Lindsey and nudged his shoulder with her head. He flinched but then scowled. It wasn’t a hostile scowl so much as one of resignation. Tentatively, he laid a hand on her neck and then smiled—won over at last, at least to a point.
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