The Siege
It was 1274, and the campaign season was just about to start. Sigismund was in his tent with his retinue, thinking about how to proceed.
“I think the Chancellor knows me too well.” He remarked to no one in particular.
“Why’s that?” responded Karl, as usual.
“He’s ordered the AHA to seize Bran before the end of the season. I think he wants me to avoid creating situation I can’t handle.”
“Probably a good idea.” Welf stated simply.
“Regardless, I suppose I can’t blame him.” Sigsimund exhaled. “Bran is formidable in it’s fortifications. The Hungarians have even taken the time to install cannons in their towers.” At this, Frederick perked up.
“Really? And here I though that with a spy to open the gates, my coming here was a complete waste of time.”
“They also have a siege works and a cannon foundry.” said Sigsimund.
“Yes, I’m quite glad to have been a part of this.” finished Frederick.
“And were it not for those towers,” Sigismund continued, “I would be inclined to rout the enemies before us, trap them in Bran with a siege, hire a few mercenaries, and defeat them after the construction of a few rams, ladders, and towers. But this is simpler, and I’ll probably have to fight these Hungarians anyway.” Sigismund paused.
Or Arnold would. Perhaps that was the main reason he was hesitant to end the campaign so quickly. Perhaps that was why the Chancellor was ordering him to take Bran at once, so Arnold could resume command. Well, no matter.
“But it’s still not right.” Sigismund lamented. “After those three battles, it would be anticlimactic to destroy the King of Hungary with the entire army.”
“Here we go.” remarked Welf quietly.
“Yes, I’d like to end this with another even fight. I’ll take the best unit of Armored Sergeants we have, and together we’ll defeat the King. He’s not that impressive to begin with, if my bodyguard were more numerous the spearmen wouldn’t be necessary.”
“He fears battle, and his wife’s brazen and unchallenged adultery has made him a laughing stock. Hardly a regal figure.” remarked Welf.
“The report even says he’s a corrupt, severely austere hoarder of wealth. How does that work?” asked Karl.”
“Yes, I don’t expect him to be much of challenge.” stated Sigismund. “He’s healthy but that’s it.”
***
At last, they had arrived. Bran was before them.
Pausing to reflect on the victory that awaited him, Sigismund watched as a hawk flew from within the city and landed on his outstretched hand. Unwrapping the message that was on it’s leg, he read.
“My lord, I’ve bought off a few guards and the gates will open upon your command. As I write this, the King of Hungary is within the first ring in the east of the castle. Despite my efforts I cannot conceal your presence much longer. Move swiftly.
Your man in Bran.”
Sigismund chuckled inwardly at the rhyme. He cast a glance at the castle, where his enemy must be. Then he addressed his men.
“All right lads, time to get what we came here for! Double time, till reach the center or the enemy!”
It did not take long for his own guard to enter through the first wall.
As the Armored Sergeants entered the castle, Sigismund was halfway to the second gate.
Meanwhile, having been made aware of the invaders, the King of Hungary approached the same gate in order to get back to the center of the Citadel.
“At last!” exclaimed Cecil. “All right, get ready! Slow down to a normal march and prepare to charge!” Sigismund was quite excited to fight King like this. His excited turned to outrage when the King’s men started going through the gate instead of attacking.
“How dare they show their backs to us! Double time, attack!”
And so Count fought King. The battle progressed exactly as Sigismund expected. His were better men, but not good enough to overcome the King’s numbers. Sigismund paused from his reflection to attack a Hungarian knight.
Finally, the spearmen arrived. Sigismund having lost fourteen of his men and King Markus having lost twenty-four, the former decided to pull his men back and let the spearmen finish the latter off.
As expected, it was an easy task. The Armored Sergeants assault soon cost the King control of that gates.
As the battle continued the King found himself more and more out of favor. His men could not stop the spearmen, who by now had forced their way through the gatehouse.
Unheard by all but the rearmost spearmen, a cry rang out amongst Sigismund’s bodyguards. Though the Reich had taken the gates, there were still Hungarian archers who had only Sigismund and his men to target. One arrow found it’s mark, and Sigismund died. The shock and grief was great amongst those who noticed, but most of the soldiers were too busy fighting to notice. And so, Sigismund’s soul ascended to Heaven. The King of Hungary’s departure would not be far behind.
Re: Battle reports thread - King of the Romans PBM
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