Falco
was worried. The Empire was under Siege and Karl Franz had taken several of his generals with him on a diplomatic mission to Bretonnia and
Ulthuan. As the Peace Keeper, he now faced two threats: A large intrusion in the
North and at Kermeta, a city in the East, that was besieged by a large
invasion force. His Relieve Force consisting of reserve troops of Talabheim,
Nuln and Middenheim was large enough to face both threats, however one at the
time. If he chose to do this it would mean the rest of the Empire was for grabs
for the other invading force. Consulting the few experienced leaders he had
under his command, he came up with a bold plan: A contingent of the Relieve
Force was to reinforce the troops of Kermeta while the bulk of his troops were
to take on the threat in the North. The troops assigned to Kermeta had only one
objective: delay the progress of the enemies long enough for Falco and the rest
of the Relieve Force to defeat the Nothern Intruders and then assault the
besiegers from behind...
Falco asked who volunteered to take command of the Contingent for Kermeta. He cleared out that accepting this assignment was in fact suicide and that he could not order anyone to do this. In return, the volunteer could pick his own contingent of 100 men strong and 2 war machines... As nobody seemed to accept a young officer stepped into Falco's tent. He was one of the 2 young officers that stood guard before the tent. 'Sir, if you let me, I will lead the contingent!' Falco and his commanders were surprised by this request. 'What is your name, lad?', Falco asked. 'Kurtz von Stoff, Captain of the garrisons of Talabheim, Sir!' 'You know what this assignment means?''Yes Sir. I couldn't help overhearing your conversation, gentlemen. My apologies for this...' Falco smiled. He recognized himself in this young Captain. 'I asked a volunteer. As it seems you're the only one... you may choose your men! You have 2 days to look into these maps of the environment and to go on your mission.'
Kurtz examined the maps carefully.
The first men he had already send forward: they were Huntsmen of Middenheim.
They were experts in exploring enemy territory and setting booby traps. In doing
so, they could slow down the advance of the enemie. Kurtz knew that the bulk of
his force were going to be his own Talabheim infantry troops supported by some
militia detachments. He relied on the reliability of Nulner blackpowder weapons
and Warmachines to support his men... A couple of Knights of the White Wolf were
to act as a small, fast and hardhitting strikeforce... All Kurtz requested was
that two wizards would join his expedition in stead of an extra military officer...
With the assignment of Lou Minus, an older wizard, and
El'Ectr
Abel, a foreigner,
this request was granted.
And thus, on that sunday in July, Falco saw a small but determined force head for Kermeta...
