Siege of Zagreb
The camp of the Corinth Army was quiet another day of the siege. Aleksios slept soundly……
However, I feel compelled to the Kaiser’s calling and Duke Leopold is looking for Austrian nobles to fight in the East. I have learned many things in my travels and educated in some fine institutions but it is learning and not doing. I can ride a horse well but can I lead men into battle? I have studied the strategies and tactics of our military men but have not fought a battle. How can I prove to the Duke that he has a worthy son and provider for his only daughter if I cannot fight in battle? He is the greatest General in the Reich! I do not want to show that he has a son who is a good administrator managing crops and taxes. I have to be able to demonstrate that I am capable to taking arms and fighting for Reich. You have learned me a great deal in life skills and the art of war was not to your liking. I will now take on a new mentor and learn what I can to protect everything that you have believed and worked in your life. The Duke's reputation precedes him but I am not concerned………
“General awake, awake the enemy is approaching!” Aleksios woke from a deep sleep.
“What?” Aleksios responded as he sat up already dressing himself.
The General’s aide began to stammer on. “My lord, a relieve force as arrived, the men in Zagreb have sallied and the Venetian Dodge has arrived with the second army. Our scouts did not think he would dare to break the siege.”
“Interesting? I would like to speak to officer in charge of that scouting party and why we were surprised like this! You know Gregory I had the strangest dream. I was the Count of Zagreb and married into an Austrian family belonging to the Holy Roman Empire. Quite strange yet intriguing, what do you make of it?”
“Maybe it is a good omen that we will capture the city and it will be yours but if you do not hurry there will be no victory.” With that said the aide grabbed the General’s weaponry and prepared him to get to his horse.
The situation was not has grimed. The Venetian armies had not merged and were some distance the Byzantines had the forest for coverage.
The Venetian Captain marched from the hillside and was marching for the main road. Aleksios had his troops covered in the wooded area off the road.
When the Venetians converged to the road a volley of arrows were leashed upon the approaching enemy troops. Confusion and panic ensued the enemy fell back and the Byzantines remained hidden in the forest.
The Dodge was approaching cautiously the first Venetian Army regrouped but did not approach the forest edge. The Byzantines waited.
The signal was given and both Venetian armies moved into the woods supported by catapult and ballista crews. The Byzantines unleashed the counterattack catching the Dodge by surprise.
The first Venetian Army routed and the Dodge with the second army began to falter. The Dodge was quickly surrounded and cut down from his horse.
The Venetians fled the battle field.
The road was open to Zagreb and The Army of Corinth marched into the city. It was a long siege and the treasury had to be replenished. The town was sacked.
Aleksios was satisfied with the results and quickly sent a messenger to the spread the word that a victory had been achieved. Can Venice be next?
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