The Levantine Struggle: A Crusades Hotseat AAR

[Thanatos Eclipse]

Commander Gaspard Arnaad sat around a campfire, just south of Antioch, with some of his new friends. These men had been very eager to share their fine ale with Arnaad, once they had become properly acquainted, of course. 'They say that money can't buy friends, than again, 'they' probably never had money.' Commander Arnaad laughed at the thought as his comrades sloshed their drinks around and sang.

Interrupting the merry making, Arnaad raises his glass and shouts above the noise, "Well boys, drink up. Tomorrow we hunt the demons!"

.........

From his horse, Commander Arnaad watches as the mercenaries pick over the carnage. A few finished off the wounded, but most were more interested in scavenging the fallen royal guards for whatever riches they might be carrying. Arnaad turns to the mercenary captain, saying, "Send some men to occupy the fort, no one will be returning there. The rest of the demons retreated towards the city, but they'll find no haven there. Let's go, the devil Asemopoulor Ducas yet lives."

.........

As Arnaad approached the siege of Antioch, soldiers rode up from the Order's camp to greet him. The leader of the group spoke up, "Sir, the retreating Greek forces circle outside camp looking for an opening in the siege. Should I make the men ready to finish them off?"

"What of the forces inside the city?" Arnaad questions.

"They seem eager to rescue their general, but they're not making it through our blockade."

"What if they could?" Commander Arnaad grins, "Lift the siege, when the fools rush out of the wall to save their general, we'll crush them all."

.........

As Arnaad entered the burning city, the defenders being either scattered or dead, he grimaces. What horror had befallen the great city, but there was no time for grieving now. Turning to his captains and pointing to one, "Get your men and search the enemy camp. Find everything worth selling and send it to the new order headquarters; we need every coin we can get. The rest of you, put out the major fires in the city and set up defenses. Pay no heed of the civilians for now, as long as they stay orderly, we have bigger concerns then their troubles and wounded." As the men carry out their orders, Arnaad turns to his guard, "Find me the most promising of the knights among the ranks, I think I shall promote some commanders to commemorate this victory and reinforce our position in Antioch."