On 10 September 1899/2009 the Rajah of Bebara arrived at Outpost #3. See Chapter 18.
Lieutenant Bracegirdle inquired about the visit. The Rajah revealed his sad story....
"During the month you name August, I was called to the top of my palace because...."
"An unexpected host appeared in the distance."
"I sent my trusted standard bearer to make inquiries even as the host continued coming forward in great, greater and even greater numbers toward Bebara."
"An officer came forward named KHAN, a giant man on a very large stallion.
"My officer asked, The Rajah of Bebara humbly inquires how his poor village might be of service."
"KHAN only said, Your Rajah will depart Bebara within two hours taking his family, palace staff, you, supplies and a few guards. Resistance is impossible -- as you can see."
"Words of protest were futile because...."
"KHAN'S host never ceased its forward movement. My officer departed to return to me."
"On they came, never hesitating, never faltering, never stopping...footmen, horsemen and canons."
"In even greater numbers they flooded the plain. My meagre guards, half armed with ancient matchlocks, swords and only a few rifles could not resist."
"And so I mounted my elephant to meet KHAN saying...."
"By what authority do you desire me to abandon my village to you."
KHAN: "By the authority you see and by command of our Supreme Leader Muljadhe. You now have only one hour to depart as explained before and save your village."
"My wife and chief counselor awaited my return."
"My few swordsmen and some villagers attended me. Within the hour we departed Bebara."
----------
Closing Remarks:
1. The next chapter (#21) will restore contemporary story time.
2. Return to see the Imperial Army closing on Bebara
3. Muljadhi, himself, may also appear.
4. Natives in grey and civilians fleeing to Outpost #3 were professionally painted by Reinforcements By Post.
5. Remarks welcome below. Click on comments. Thank you.
----------
10 comments:
If you look at the sky behind the Khan's Host, it appears to be smoke . . . possibly from towns and villages whose rulers were less sensible than Bebara's rajah.
Bill, you are exploring the medium of the "graphic novel" with wonderful photos . . . great stuff, sir.
-- Jeff
An excellent pictorial! My compliments to the artist!
I'm surprised that Khan did not massacre the whole town. They were lucky.
Fantastic. Love the building with the veranda
Bill,
Wonderful story. I look forward to the continuations in the future.
Jim
That is an impressive host of horsemen Bill, not to mention the whole. Marvelous entertainment as usual. Thank you,
Ross
Absolutely cracking stuff, sir! Once again you set the bar very high indeed, to which I hope to aspire someday. I've got some building / painting to do! You've got more trees in one photo than I do in my whole collection. :)
Also, it's obvious that Khan is a man of sublime intelligence and reason, for not destroying the village. At least, that's what I'll tell him when he comes for my town....
K.C.
Good Show!!!
Bill,
Did you use any tables to determine the success or failure of the standard bearer's meeting with the Khan?
Great Site Bill...I love the whole idea!
Now I have to build myself a troop of Bengal Lancers.
http://osborneradloff.blogspot.com/2009/09/i-have-watched-growth-of-hat-models.html
All the very best
Duncan
Post a Comment