Chapter 68: The Battle of Butuya 1
TL: Etude
For the Baylding soldiers, conscripted by their respective lords, September 3rd was an extremely tragic day.
Just a few days ago, they were diligently toiling in the fields for the livelihood of their families. Then, the steward from the lords castle arrived in the village, instructing the village head to gather all able-bodied men.
The steward picked out the more robust-looking individuals from the crowd, declaring, The despicable Aldans have kidnapped Lord Malron Ganard of Baylding. We must teach them a harsh lesson. From now on, you will fight for the glory of Baylding.
Defying the lords command meant risking execution and enslavement for ones family.
The steward instructed those selected to bring whatever weapons they could find at home and follow him to the lords castle, as the armory often lacked enough weapons for everyone.
Indeed, upon arriving at the castle, only more than half received spears, a few got wooden shields, and the rest had to fight with their farm weapons pitchforks, hoes, sickles, even sticks.
They were divided into several hundred-man squads, each led by a knight for training.
They trained on how to stand in formation, move together, and camp, with most of the time spent sparring with wooden sticks to practice close combat.
A few enthusiastic knights offered tips on fighting techniques, but many just watched for amusement. Accidental injuries due to excessive force, turning into real fights, were not uncommon.
It was entertaining to watch the peasants clumsily attack each other, always drawing laughter. As long as no one died, no one intervened.
A few days later, after hasty training, the soldiers were led by the knights to Butuya, to collect supplies and additional arms before confronting the Aldans.
Upon arrival, they found the supplies were not yet ready, forcing them to wait a few days. With insufficient barracks in Butuya, they were crammed into civilian homes.
Some unruly behavior led to frequent military-civilian conflicts until the lords men beheaded a few to restore some order.
Suddenly, orders came that the Aldans were approaching, and they had to immediately march out to battle. Butuya was in chaos, and it took several hours from noon to assemble everyone under the knights leadership to form ranks outside the city.
Once arrayed, the soldiers, under the knights whip, had just formed four squares when the Aldans appeared in their view. Seeing the enemys numbers to be only half of theirs, they felt little concern.
The commanders loudly relayed the lords orders: Retreat without orders and face hanging. Killing or capturing an Aldan soldier earns 100 copper coins, an Aldan officer a silver coin.
Strict military rules and generous rewards stirred the ranks, with many becoming eager for battle, discussing how to earn more military honors, while others silently prayed to the Lord of Light.
The Aldans stopped at a distance, and the lords decided to take the initiative. Four knights led their respective squares towards the enemy.
Decapitate for military glory!
During the march, commanders and officers shouted to boost morale, with many yelling to embolden themselves.
As they neared the Aldan forces, a white smoke suddenly arose from their front line, followed by a crackling sound, and tragedy struck
First row, fire!
At Commander Dempseys order, the first row of musketeers pulled their triggers, sending 40 deadly bullets flying towards the front line of the Baylding formation.
A wave of screams erupted as the Baylding soldiers formation, though increasingly disorganized, remained densely packed, with over three-quarters of the bullets finding their targets. Dozens of soldiers fell, some dying instantly, others writhing and yelling as they clutched their wounds.
After the initial volley, most Baylding soldiers were still in shock, continuing their advance towards the Aldan army, driven by inertia, despite their casualties.
The first row of musketeers quickly retreated to reload, and Dempsey ordered, Second row, fire! The crackling sound rang out again, and another swath of Baylding soldiers fell. Those in front finally realized the gravity of the situation. Without any visible arrows or bolts, they had suffered heavy casualties, something utterly bizarre and terrifying.
Panic began to spread among the front-line soldiers, slowing their advance. Some stared in bewilderment, trying to discern the Aldans tactics, while others tended to their fallen comrades, revealing large, bloodied wounds upon tearing open their clothes.
This slowdown caused confusion in the ranks, with those in the rear, unaware of the fronts situation, pushing forward and urging the cowards not to block the way. Curses and screams intermingled on the battlefield.
Another volley from the musketeers, accompanied by fresh screams and more soldiers falling, finally broke the front-line Baylding soldiers. They either sought cover behind others or ran to the flanks of the formation, trying to avoid becoming targets for the Aldans.
The knights commanding from the rear saw this and realized the chaos was caused by the Aldans strange weapons, understanding that those odd-looking sticks were a type of long-range weapon.
One knight grabbed a nearby soldier, You! Go inform the lords to send the archers! Then, he spurred his horse forward, whipping the panicked soldiers and shouting, Fools! They are mere weapons similar to crossbows, and youre terrified like this!
He drew his sword, holding it aloft, and bellowed, The enemy has ranged weapons; we must charge at them with full force! All units, charge on my command!
The Bayldings four squares moved towards the Aldan army in a staggered formation. The knights voice reached his fellow commanders, who gestured their agreement to follow the action.
Paul was satisfied with the first round of shooting. At this distance, the muskets were highly effective.
He instructed a messenger, Inform the artillery to scatter the rear two squares.
Then he ordered the two battalion commanders, Have your mortars fire! Prepare the pikemen for a charge; after a volley from the musketeers, charge to annihilate the front two enemy forces!
The leading Baylding square reformed and began to run forward.
But then, the Aldans six mortars also fired, their thunderous roar accompanying hundreds of shot pellets, creating a massive lethal area. The tightly packed Baylding formation was almost instantly decimated.
Facing such carnage, the survival instincts kicked in; the first square instantly collapsed, the soldiers running back without hesitation. The commanding knight was stunned, utterly shocked by the horrific scene.
The artillery positioned on nearby high ground also opened fire. At this mere hundred meters distance, no trial shots were needed. All cannons simultaneously targeted the third square.
The thunderous noise heralded another visit from the grim reaper. Eight solid iron shots carved multiple bloody paths through the formation.
The knight commanding this square was hit squarely in the waist by a cannonball, horrifying everyone as he was split in two, his fine armor proving useless.
The cannonball, after killing the knight, continued its lethal journey through the soldiers, causing blood and limbs to fly everywhere.
The third square, collapsed!
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