The Marquis de Maumigny: Hero of Oiseau and Risu.

Chapter 1

August 4th, 1120 the Oiseaux border with Risu

Charles Phillippe, the Marquis de Maumigny has been tasked with building a fort on a hill a few kilometers into the uncivilized north called “Saxe Hill”. In addition to his own regiment, the 24ème Régiment d’Infanterie de Ligne, he brings along with him the 7ème Chasseurs Royaux, the 12ème Hussards, an engineering company and an artillery battery. With him, is a local translator who knows both languages by the name of Guy. There aren’t many people that speak Risuner and Oiseaux so Guy is a valuable asset for the Marquis. However, almost immediately, Guy catches Typhoid fever and is sent back home.

Determined to press on without the translator, Maumigny continues his march towards the Saxe Hill. He enters a Risuner village and is met with coldness by the locals, who are struck with fear by the appearance these foreigners in mass. Nonetheless, Maumigny reaches Saxe Hill on the 7th and begins construction of the Fort on the hills. Trees are chopped down and their logs are hauled up to the hilltop to form the foundation of the Fort. But things were about to get chaotic.

On the night of the 8th, Risuners start to attack in all directions. Firing arrows into the camp, they surprise the Oiseaux at first. However, the Chasseurs, as tasked, were ready for this and began opening fire on the Risuners from their foxholes. Soon the cannons too opened up on them and cause the Risuners to scatter. 20 men were killed or wounded for the Oiseaux, with 50 Risuners becoming casualties too. This was the first in what would be many attacks on the foreign invaders by the Risuner. A messenger sent back to Oiseaux requesting a translator was killed by Risuners as was another requesting on the 15th. The Risuners were trying their best to dislodge the Oiseaux, but their efforts were in vain, as the Oiseaux Chasseurs knew this kind of warfare all too well and it eventually got to the point where the Risuners were much more sporadic in their efforts.

Maumigny wanted a Risuner captured alive, so he could fix this clear misunderstanding, but it wouldn't be until September 2nd that his wish would be fulfill. You see, the Risuners were able to take away all their wounded before they could be captured by the Oiseaux up to this point, that was until the Night of the 2nd, where a Risuner name Commodus snuck into the camp and killed a guard. Commodus, however, was not able to escape as he was shot in the leg by a pistol and fell down on a tent spike, which unfortunately gouged his eye. He was brought under immediate medical attention and remained in the field hospital for a week, recovering from the extraction of the bullet and his eye.

When Commodus was finally healthy, he was brought before Maumigny under the threat of death. Maumigny was sitting at a table, well dressed and drinking tea. In front of him were fine sweets and confectionaries. Maumigny knew only a few words in Risuner, so he told Commodus. "Sit i explain." As Commodus watched with suspicion, the Marquis starting sketching something in front of him. It looked like some sort of bird's eye view of the world. He drew the borders. He then drew the people that had been raiding the Risuners from the south coming into risu, and colored some explosions or shit on the map. He then looked at Commodus and then drew the arrow going down into Oiseau.

Commodus was confused as the Marquis started drawing the same thing again it seemed, but this time, the marquis showed his force going into Risu to build a fort and then drew an X over other line into Risu. "Understand" said Maumigny. Commodus shook his head yes and then Maumigny continued to draw. This time he drew a Risuner and put a heart next to it. Pointing at it he smiled saying "Good." to Commodus. He then drew a Jihadi, and put an x over it, saying "bad, understand?"

Commodus replied "Yes." before Maumigny drew Commodus himself going to a village before saying "Come back, OK?". Commodus understood this and after finishing his sweets would return to the village to explain what was going on to the Risuners.

Chapter 2

Mid September, 1120, Fort Saxe

The attacks stopped starting on the night taht Commodus returned home, so Maumigny assumed that Commodus had made true on telling the Risuners. Sure enough, Commodus returned two days later with nuts as a gift to the fort. He was welcome in with full honors and was escorted to meet Maumigny, who was once again in his tent, proper as ever with confectionaries. "Hello sit." said Maumigny.

Using his artistic talent one more, he drew a scene showing both Commodus and him learning something then he points at Commodus and himself saying "Learn Speak, OK?". Commodus replied "Yes." and then he pointed to the paper as if he wanted to draw something of his own. The Marquis gave him the paper and a quill, which Commodus broke immediately. The Marquis laughed and said in his foreign tongue, "No matter, I will show you myself" He stood up and sat down next to Commodus and showed him how to use the quill and inkwell properly, Commodus then was finally able to tell the Marquis what he wanted to say when he drew a primitive picture of him at the fort before saying "Stay?" inquisitively. The Marquis smiled and said "Yes. Learn Speak me ok?"

Over the next two weeks, both of them taught each other the basics of each other's languages. Commodus was a rather fast learner, faster than even his Oiseaux Friend and was able to pick up the basics of Oiseaux conversation within 10 days. By this point, a translator had also arrived, and the two men would learn at a much better pace. Commodus would venture back to the village every night and one day in November he told the Marquis "Come with me, I want to show you home."

The Marquis entered the village and was greeted by them as an honored guest, Commodus explained to him that because he had treated him with such honour, he must return the favour. The Marquis, while personally finding the Risuner way of life distasteful, enjoyed what he saw as very friendly and kind people. While not fluent, the Marquis asked to meet the Village elder, Venturia, and he explained to her that he would like the next year to travel to the capital of Risu and meet with the elders to forge a friendship. Venturia, agreed to this proposal and offered the Marquis sex, which he respectfully declined. As winter set in, plans were made for the Marquis and a select group to head to Silvanus to meet with the High Elders of Risu themselves and explain everything to them and even perhaps sign a treaty.

Chapter 3

Spring, 1121, near Panrong

The Marquis riding a white horse with Commodus by his side was on his way to the City of Silvanus, the great capital of the Risuners. With him, came 35 Hussars, a couple translators, and guides.

"Panrong is up ahead, it will be a nice stopping point after this long march." Commodus said

"Good, a little rest would go a long way. Remind me, it was Panrong then to Pasuma before we reach Silvanus, right?"

"Correct, although when we reach Pasuma, you will need to extremely careful as that is near our great Holy Site, the Temple of Risu."

"Aye! Say do you know of these clock people that recently came out of Isolation." said Maumigny inquisitively

"Yes, quite frankly can't stand those fuckers. Some of our people love them but the way I see it, they are just causing us problems and want to turn /risu/ into their own land in time."

"Well, Oiseau is not on good terms with them either for similar reasons. Friends with a bunch of cannibal raiders."

Commodus looks spooked "Shit, well I hope my fellow Risuners can see the danger they are in. But who am I right?"

The two continue only to hear screams in the distance. Commodus hears them first and signals to Maumigny that he heards something and to halt. Both men dismount and approach a tree line that looks over a open field towards Panrong.

"FUCK! I think those «Jihadis» as you put it are attacking Panrong." said Commodus

"Well, let's waste no time then." Maumigny saddles back up "Time to give those barbarians the sword" shouting to his men "Follow me! For the Queen, for Reine!"

Commodus barely had a chance to get back into the saddle by the time the Hussars were gone. He didn't bother to keep up but kept his distance just to watch what this madman was doing, was he insane?

In the meantime, the Ghazi warriors were in the process of entering the town. A good 250 of them were on this deep raid aimed at Panrong. Their commander, Yusuf was eager to fulfill this objective and was already counting the slaves mentally. Everything on the raid was going fine until the 12ème Hussards lead by Maumigny hit them right when they least expected it.

The Ghazis panicked, where in the name of Watamelon did these infidels come from? The 12ème Hussards were brutally efficent and were soon joined by villagers wielding bows, staffs and pitchforks. Within 10 minutes, all of the Ghazis were killed, captured or fled. Yusuf himself was slain by Maumigny. Commodus watched from a distance and was amazed by the bravery and skill of these horsebound fighters. Maumigny was cheered by the local inhabitants and step down from his mount to give a word to the people of Panrong.

"Risuners. Citizens of Panrong, I am happy that we managed to come in time to remove these Barbares from your ville."

Commodus started laughing knowing that the Risuners didn't know what he was saying with his mixed language

"But I also thank you for showing great bravoure to keep your own libertés safe from these vile racaille ! Salut Risu, Salut Reinu, Salut Brotherhood!"

The crowd cheered a little but had no clue what he was saying until Commodus came and explained the words, he was saying alongside him. Then the crowd burst into pandemonium and cheered Maumigny's name. Many women threw themselves at him, but he declined each one. He would however have some wine at a local Inn with Commodus and the Village Elder Prisca.

"Thank you for saving our town, Maumigny" said Prisca.

"Duty calls, and We come to defend not only our interests but those our friends as well."

"Maumigny... you are amazing! How did you manage to win that fast." Commodus remarks

Maumigny takes a sip of wine and takes a handkerchief to wipe his lips before stating "Simple. Any Hussar of any worth would be able to do what we did. Striking them in the rear with our formation packed tightly disorganized them and gave them panic."

"What is a formation?" asks Commodus

Maumigny laughs and then goes on a 20-minute explanation about what a formation is, different type of formations and how to use them. Prisca is clearly bored out of her mind, but Commodus is great interested. As Night comes on, the two friends continue their conversation well into the night, Prisca leaving unnoticed.

Chapter 4

August, 1121, the City of Silvanus

Maumigny and company arrive at Silvanus on August 14th, the sprawling port is the largest settlement of the Risuners and the home Risu's Government.

"Ah so here she is, say you ever been here before Commodus"

"Not often, this town has been attacked repeatedly by cannibals recently as you can see by the fortifications."

"Naturally savages would prey on the helpless like that, well then let us go inside."

Maumigny and his Hussars felt like fish out of water in Silvanus, the town was nothing like what a capital should be! Where were the gardens, the fountains, the marble palaces? Such a strange land these squirrels live in. And very uncouth, brothels were on every street. But these squirrels had proven themselves to be friends, and these were their own lands after all.

Arriving at the Council Building, Commodus, the Marquis and a few diplomats entered. Inside, the council sat seated, talking rather unbecomingly but it was as expected nonetheless.

"Who is this?" an older squirrel asked "Is he bringing us nuts?"

"No, Tiberanus, this is a true friend of our people, from Oiseau" said Commodus

"Oiseau? Didn't they invade our lands last year? Just like those damn clocks, cannot trust these outsiders" said an old woman named Claudia

The Marquis takes his hat off an bows before them "I do believe an apology is in order for that incident. You see, not many Oiseaux know your language, I am still learning it myself, and our translator got sick on the way. My name is Charles Phillippe, the Marquis de Maumigny, and I come to discuss with you many things."

"Fancy man, I see, we have heard you Oiseaurs were like this."

"It's Oiseaux, Boniface."

"Ah its the same thing boy, haha. Say Maqis, what do you come to discuss" said Boniface

"Well, for one, I come to explain the situation to you. We have these Ghazis that operate out of our lands. We have been able to contain them quite marvelously in our lands but the issue is that they border your people. You see, they found it quite easy to just snake their way into your lands and then fall on us from the rear."

The Marquis is too polite to sit down without permission, and the Risuners do not understand why he is standing still.

"Thus, it was decided that I would lead a force into Risu, negotiate with the locals and build a fort. Obviously, the negotiations didn't happen given our lack of ability to speak your tongue, but I did not realize that us building a fort to guard you and us was quite the... wrong position in that regard. When your people attacked us, we had no choice but to defend ourselves and we regret killing them but alas, what would you do in such a situation."

"Not build a fort." said Drusilla "That is clearly out of line."

"Mademoiselle, with respect, I was sent on a mission to do this. When I am given a mission by the Queen, I will follow through with my word or die trying. But believe me when I say our intentions were merely to prevent the death of our own people and yours."

"But why wouldn't you send a diplomat" asks Tiberanus "We would have been able to work something out."

"To be frank with you, our Kingdom is not known for its skill diplomatically. And the matter as far as we were concerned was urgent enough to build the fort."

"Friends, no need for this to turn into an interrogation, haha, this fancy marqis clearly means no harm, he was the one who saved Panrong after all." said Boniface "But I am also curious as to why you are still standing mr. maqis? Go on and sit down with us!"

Maumigny sits down finally "My apologies, it is our custom that one does not sit until he is told he may sit down. I was not trying to be rude"

"Ah that doesn't matter much, just was quite weird seeing you stand around haha" laughs Boniface

"Magmy, is it?" says an older man named Florentius. "You mentioned earlier that you had other things to discuss besides the fort, could you tell us more?"

"Of course, Pierre, bring the gifts forward."

Pierre opens a chest filled with nuts and gems the Risuners are amazed at what they are seeing and at once go WOOWWW!!!

"This is our gift to you, as a token of remorse and friendship."

"You could buy about 50 of the best hookers in town with this" said Tiberanus

"We have no such desire, rather this comes from our Queen to your people. We wish to be your friends and fight together as brothers against the Ghazis"

"The what?" says Drusilla

"The raiders that attack you from the south."

"Ah ok, is that all?"

"Not quite, I have a few more proposals for you as well. First, we would like to construct a line of fortifications to keep these raiders out of your lands, so that both of us are safe and we can hemp them in."

"We can approve that, fuck those guys" says Boniface

"Secondly, we would like to harvest lumber for our navy from your vast forests. From my understanding, this is done where you think it is best, we do not care either way as we do not believe it is our right to ask for it as certain way."

"Ummm, what?" says Tiberanus

"He is saying that his government wants us to supply them with lumber, under conditions we think are best." says Commodus

"Right, we will pay you in nuts"

"Sounds like a good deal to us." says Tiberanus

"Finally, I would like to ask to establish an embassy here in your capital and per my good friends request, in the future train soldiers in the art of modern war in formations."

"You should have seen how these formations fucked up the towel heads guys, was fucking awesome. I fully think we should" says Commodus.

"Hmm, i don't know what a formation is but if it was what allowed you to save Panrong, sign us up for it." says Drusilla

"We can arrange that at a later date, I personally propose that Risuners work alongside us Oiseaux in our campaign against these devils in the South, and politely request personally that Commodus be the commander."

"You two fucking" askes Boniface

"Umm no, I just believe this man is the perfect one for such a role. He has learned our language and is very brave. Being my friend, I am also biased in that regard."

"Very well Fancy mr. maqis de magmy. I approve of your ideas, let us sign"

The Treaty is written down on paper Maumigny brings. He has to explain to the elders how to write with the fancy quill and ink but when done, he stamps it with the Seal of Oiseau. They are confused at what that even is but just accept that this foreigner is quite weird to them.

Maumigny shakes hands with the men, kisses the ladies' hands and leaves with Commodus and his men. The Diplomats are left behind in Silvanus. After heading to drink some wine, Commodus inquires more about tactics and the art of war. Maumigny, is rather happy to explain to his squirrel brother. It was just a year ago when these two men were enemies but now they were true brothers in arms. Commodus would get his rocks off that night with a lady while Maumigny wrote poetry in the next room. Quite the odd pair of friends, but in time these two would represent the unity of Risuners and Oiseaux.

The amusing thing that these two would find out is that they didn't have to go to Silvanus to negotiate anything, indeed they should have done it in Panrong, and this was a mistake the Marquis fixed later that year. It was quite funny in retrospect indeed.

As the Marquis sent word to the government about the deal, he asked Commodus if the construction of more forts along the border would be possible. This confused Commodus, who did not understand why forts were needed until the Marquis once again pulled out his good old map and showed why they were needed. Commodus then realized and explained that so long as the local tribes were consulted, he would be fine.

Chapter 5

September, 1122, the Risu-Oiseau Frontier

Maumigny was promoted to Brigadier General the previous winter and award the Blue Peacock medal for his actions the previous two years. He returned to Risu with 2 more infantry regiments, the rest of the 12ème Hussards, two more artillery batteries, extra engineering companies and translators. He met Commodus at his village and Commodus joined the Marquis on his march down the frontier where he explained he would start building each of the forts. Commodus still did not understand the concept of siege engineering but as far as he was concerned this was the correct path. The Jihadis had enslaved many Risuners during their raids already and despite good news from elsewhere, it seemed to him that Oiseau was the only one truly helping Risuners deal with this problem.

In Late May, the site of Fort deRussey was selected and construction on it began immediately without any problems when it was explained to the Risuners what the Oiseaux were doing. The same for Fort Auguste in July. By the time the final fort site was reached in September, word had reached Maumigny that the site was currently occupied by 500 Ghazis, who had fortified themselves on the hill a couple months earlier and were undertaking raids from it.

Maumigny had only 1,500 infantry, 250 horse and 30 guns with him at this point and attacking such a position with Risuner support was impossible. He thus tasked Commodus in trying to raise as many Risuners as possible for the coming assault while Maumigny set up a fortified camp 3 km away. For a week, Maumigny found several skirmishers against the Ghazis, with light losses for both sides before Commodus returned with 5,000 Risuners.

As the Risuners set up their own camp, Maumigny went over to inspect the Risuners himself. He didn't expect much from them, given they were not used to this kind of warfare and that the Ghazis, as expected guerilla fighters themselves, had proven to be too much for them already, but having them was better than having nothing.

He found Commodus with what seemed like 24 different commanders, trying to make a case for uniformity of command.

"Guys, we will not be successful if we do not coordinate our attacks properly"

"Bullshit, what has always worked for us will work again. Who are you to demand such things anyways?" said a Risuner Commander named Albertus

"Pardon me, Gentlemen but I am your ally, the Marquis de Maumigny" bowing "It is a pleasure."

"The maqis de magmy? Who the fuck are you!" said a risuner name Ignatius

"I am the commander of the Oiseau army camped here, we plan to launch an assault on that fort up there together. It must apologize but It is my belief that our best chance is if we attack all at once and that you place yourselves under my command, with Commodus being the overall Risuner commander."

One Risuner was particularly enraged by this state men and got up and walked to the ever-calm Marquis. "You come into our lands, and expect us to follow your orders? Hah, what a load of bullshit. We Risuners are always winning and will always be free of Tyrants like you." Spits in Maumigny's face "You fancy man with your fancy name think you can order us around like we are your army, well I say fuck you and fuck your cause. You're a coward and we don't even need your help anyways!"

He then snatches Maumigny's hat and wig and throws it to the ground and stomps on it. Maumigny keeps in nerves usually, but this crosses the line, he grabs the Squirrel by the back of its neck and lefts him up with one hand, his usually pleasant looking face is full of rage "You think I came into your lands to drink, fuck and party? Do you presume that it is my intention to end your freedom and bring ruin to your land? Non, Fils de pute!"
He throws the Risuner to the ground and squats before him. "You call me a coward, show me your scars, show me your wounds" Maumigny rips his shirt off and shows off the many scars, the Risuners still totally in shock. Maumigny starts point to each one with a different story. "This is where a Saracen Scimitar nearly hit me in the heart, this is where a musket ball got lodged into my ribs, this is where some crazy lunatic on some kind of psychodelic drove his spear and nearly left me paralyzed. SHOW ME YOUR SCARS BEFORE YOU CALL ME A COWARD!"

Putting his wig, hat and petticoat back on, the Risuners still remain shocked in silence. "You may think I am prudish, that I am a tyrant, that I am the very devil himself but let none of your say I am a coward. Keep your bloody tradition, I am not here to step upon it. Prove to me that it works, and I will personally suck each one of your small cocks." Risuners still say nothing "Well go on.. Ah fuck it, Commodus you may rejoin with me but I am keen on watching these fools get destroyed."

A Risuner finally speaks up "Well fuck you too, we will win, and I want to see the look on your face when you suck my cock your arrogant son of a bitch." the other Risuners start to laugh.

"I see we have reached an agreement. Well, I will be back with my men enjoying this display of sheer stupidity."

Maumigny returns to camp and Commodus arrives an hour later.

"Why the fuck did you do that? You just ruined our chanc-"

The Marquis sternly replies " I do not give a shit about chances when they were never going to agree to a plan in the first place.

During the night, the Marquis watches from a distance as the Risuners launch an all-out assault on the fort. With their a few magical staffs and Bows, they initially hold the upper hand, that is until the cannons opened up on them. He watches as the Risuner who spat in his face gets his head blow off by a cannon ball and watches the other one who guaranteed victory get cut down at the walls by a Scimitar.
"Shouldn't we do something, if we attack-"
"No Commodus, I have no intention of attacking while this shitshow is underway, otherwise this matter will never be solved."
"We can't just allow them to die though."
Turning to Commodus, Maumigny says "Yes we can, though I do regret it, indeed we must. Because your people will never learn until they experience this for themselves"
Commodus sighs as the attack fizzles out. 500 Risuners were killed in the unorganized assault.

The next day, Maumigny walks over to the Risuner camp to find what is left of the Tribal Army. When he enters, he finds that the Risuners are dejected and miserable. He tells one of the Risuners "I am sorry it had to be this way, but I will drive out these sons of bitches soon." Walking up to the commanders, many of them look as if they have lost all will to do anything. Albertus acknowledges him "Oh, it's you. I guess you were right. Do we have to suck your cock now."
"No need, and do not dwell on our conversation yesterday, I would like to apologize for my behavior but nonetheless we still have work to do."
"What can we do, nearly half of our men were killed, wounded or deserted last night!" said Ignatius.
"For one, we can work actually work together as allies and coordinated our attacks. I do demand that each one of you at least acknowledge that for now you are under my command"
"Yes" the commanders said.
"Fine, I am not a tyrant but a military man who understands that a disorganized independent mob has no chance against that fort or any serious enemy threat for that matter. I want Commodus to be your commander to better organize our attack together. Commodus debrief them on my plan"
Commodus explains the plan to the Risuners, who begrudgingly accept.
"It is settled then, soon I will teach you to truly win Risuners. You will always win from this day forth, understood?"
"Yes sir."
"Alright let us taste the fruits of our labour tonight."

Maumigny's plan was simple, at 1800hrs, he would start his assault on the fort from the south, using the terrain to cover his men from enemy fire and his cannons to suppress the enemy. At a certain point in the assault, he would have a trumpet sounded whence forth, the Risuners would charge up from the north.

When 1800hrs came along, Maumigny ordered his men to attack. The cannons opened fire and the Infantry rushed ahead taking cover as they moved. The Ghazis were fixating on Maumigny so much that 15 minutes later, when the trumpet was sounded, the had no idea that the Risuners were striking them from the rear. What Maumigny didn't tell Commodus was that the trumpet also sounded his own men to charge forward, and he would be the first man over the walls himself. With a mighty shout "For REINE!" the Oiseaux charged up the hill under fire and reached the battlements shortly after. Maumigny was the first over the walls and slew a man immediately with his sabre. He then shot an officer in the head with his pistol and charged at a artillery gun. With the Risuners now coming over the wall themselves, the Ghazis started to panic, and it soon turned into a a massacre. After an hour, not one Ghazi was left fighting. 150 surrendered, 100 were killed or wounded and the rest fled. Maumigny raised the Royal Flag over the fort himself with great cheers but was immediately withdraw from medical attention. The Marquis had been shot twice, stabbed thrice and slashed multiple times. But otherwise, he was fine.

Commodus went to visit him and ask him how bad his wounds were "Tis just a flesh wounded, my friend." Soon the other Risuners entered the medical tent as well, "Ah, my new friends in victory, how are you."
"Thank you for your help Maumigny! I thought everything was doomed until I saw your plan unfold. I never realized that such things were of any use!" said Ignatius.
"They are quite useful; indeed, I want to train your people in this way of war as well. Your own tactics are great in many situations, but I believe that a well drilled, musket armed Risuner Army will make you unbeatable." He coughs up some blood "Yes, don't mind me. This is rather normal in war for me haha."

Maumigny would recover after two weeks, and the new fort, christened Fort Maumigny was completed. The Marquis had succeeded in his current mission, but he knew that this was not the end for him nor his new friends. The Ghazis would be back and be back in force.

Chapter 6

May 1123, Fort Saxe

Heinrich-Pomu von Katzbach was growing unsettled at the Risuners he had been ordered to drill in Line-of-Battle tactics. The 58-year-old was a veteran officer of the Great Pomeranian War and one of quite a few drill instructors that found serve in Oiseau. He had learned Risuner over the past year but still spoke in a noticable accent that he was mocked for. He stood only at 160cm but was well built and certainly fit the bill of a Pomeranian Drill Instructor. A commanding voice, tough as nails, strict, cruel but efficient.

He had been put in charge of forming a battalion of Risuners trained in Line-of-Battle tactics by Maumigny upon his arrival in March, but was extremely disappointed with the results he was getting from the squirrels. Uniforms not being proper, regular mistakes in the drilling, talking back to commanders, and a lack of general discipline were rife amongst them. He wished he could have some of the more insubordinate ones killed for example but was told not to. By Pomu, these squirrels are unfit soldiers!

This day was like every other, all Risuners were to be on the drill grounds and in formation at 600hrs. And per usual, the orders were not being totally followed. Some men were not wearing their clothing correctly, others were holding their muskets wrong, and some even were late.

"Achtung!" Katzbach says while starting to march in front of the battalion. "I see that the usual suspects have once again failed to follow the simplest of instructions."
Katzbach walks up to a Risuner who is wearing his uniform wrong. With great anger in his voice he completely undresses the Risuner "Private, you must be the most inbred mouthbreather I have ever encountered. Did your parents drop you from your tree when you were just a babe? Did you stare into the fucking sun too long and fried your tiny brain? You donkey, you should know that your uniform is not on correctly." Calling out "Hans, take this miscreant and every other bastard that continues to fuck up and give them forty lashes."
"Ja, herr Katzbach"
Over the next hour, those who making these mistakes were flogged into front of their comrades. Katzbach had held off on doing this until now, but his patience was thin and he wanted to send a message.
"This will be the fate of all of you that fuck simple things up! You all must understand that this is how soldiery works and if you want to even dream about being able to fight off these towelheads, you must comply. I have told every one of you this numerous times, and punished those who did not listen many times as well. If these floggings do not scare this into you, I will flog you all! Understood"
"Yes sir."
"Good good"
Katzbach's drilling following this point started to go much better, indeed, no Risuner dared to mess up again this badly. They hated Katzbach but learned to respect him. The Pomeranian was a fair man and did reward them with fine sweets when they did well. By June, the first organized Risuner Infantry Battalion had been drilled and ready for combat.

Maumigny needed these men badly, as throughout the year and into the next, the Ghazis attacked sporatically along the front. A paved road was under construction behind the fort lines to allow them to be supplied easier and units were rotated out. By next June, two whole Risuner regiments were trained in line of battle tactics. The now Major-General Maumigny would need them, as the Caliphate was preparing to launch its largest attack yet in August.

Chapter 7

April 1124, Fort deRussey

News from spies in the South brought word of terror to the Risuners and Oiseaux alike. The Emir of Zakar, Abd-Muhammad, was preparing to launch an attack on Fort deRussey with 30,000 men. With scantly 13,000 men able to defend, the Marquis was put into a difficult position that was only made worse by his own decision this year to bring his wife Marie and son, Louis-Antoine on campaign with him.

He dearly missed them, having not seen them in years and called for them to come join him this year with the reinforcements that were sent. When Marie and Louis-Antoine arrived in April at Fort deRussey, the married couple passionately kissed, and the Marquis was brought to tears by seeing his son for the first time in four years. Commodus now understood why the Marquis would not accept the traditional Risuner customs. He had long wondered who the woman in the Marquis' watch was but never bothered to ask. Clearly, he had been mistaken about his friend but was still confused on why he never mentioned this to Commodus. When he asked later at dinner with the Marquis and family, the Marquis simply told him that this was such a personal matter that he could never bring it up to someone without them asking.

The Marquis and Commodus took Louis-Antoine hunting for the first time in May, where the boy shot a deer. It was a heartwarming moment for both men to see the young Oiseaux enthusiasm and natural marksmanship shown that day. Commodus taught the young boy many tricks about living off the land, while his father taught him the art of being a gentleman.

When news of the Ghazi Army reached Maumigny in July, he had to make the decision to send his wife and son to Panrong for safety. Using all the resources he could, he mustered 11,000 men together, including 2,500 Risuners trained in Line of Battle tactics and prepared to meet the Ghazis in battle on his terms. Using all of the talent Reine gave him and with the assistance of Risuner scouts, he found the perfect spot for the battle, and from this position the Ghazis would be forced to fight if they wanted their great raid to be successful.