CHAPTER V RAGNAR KHAN'S SURPRISE

CHAPTER V

SEPTEMBER 19, 1898

AN IMAGINEERED SUDAN CAMPAIGN

RAGNAR KHAN'S SURPRISE

See previous Chapter IV here:

Campaigns of General William Augustus Pettygree: CHAPTER IV RAGNAR KHAN

Several Days Ago

A half day's ride in front of the Advance Guard.

The 10th Hussars have passed several Semar River fords to their right when Lt. Colonel Preece rode in front of the column, turned about, raised his right arm and ordered, "Regiment, HAL-ALT. Senior officers to me."

"Gentlemen, this obviously unwelcome news must be reported to Colonel Sinclair at once." 

"Last evening's storm has put the river in flood," said Preece.

"It's a torrent, Sir," added Major Faraday.

"Look! There's a poor chap thundering past hanging onto a tree," said Correspondent Pearson. "No way to save him! Oh, he's gone now."

"We'll bivouac here until the column arrives. Meanwhile, send two volunteers to report circumstances to Colonel Sinclair," ordered the Colonel.

Captain Sachs commanding the second squadron said, "Colonel I have just the two men for this duty. Troopers Ham and Corey. Seasoned veterans, Sir, with initiative and pluck."

"Very good Captain. Let me write a note for them."

"Well, mate, here we are chosen for a special duty again," said Trooper Ham.

"Naturally," offered Corey as nonchalantly as possible. "It was good o' the Colonel to let us read the note, too."

"You know why, don't you? This is dangerous country. If one of us does not get through to Colonel Sinclair, the other of us must do so. Did you memorize it?, asked Ham."

"Oh course, I did! It went, 'Colonel Sinclair, the Semar is in flood totally impassable. The Army won't be able to cross anytime soon, signed Your Obt. Servant, Lt. Col. Preece.'

"That's obedient Corey, not ohbit," jibbed Ham.

SEPTEMBER 19, 1898

RAGNAR KHAN'S MOUNTAIN STRONGHOLD

Majordomo Edan Zarneigahdan and Koolahm sought to politely engage Ragnar Khan.

"Your Excellency. Would you consider stopping for a moment, if you please," asked Zarneigahdan.

"Sire, news has arrived saying the Semar flood has abruptly subsided. Though I do not claim to be a military man, the Imperial Army arrived a day ago across the river may find it propitious to cross."

Koolahm could not look at his master's pending anger.

"I seeeee'," said Ragnar Khan. "I will ascend the Main Gate Tower to observe what is happening for myself. Summon all leaders to assemble their warriors on the plain without delay!"

THE MAIN GATE TOWER

The gun captain had already commenced firing as Ragnar Khan arrived. It was a dangerous initiative without orders, but he took the chance anyway.

"Your excellency, I humbly apologize for firing without orders but look for yourself what is happening," begged the Captain.

"Imperial troops are marching to cross the Semar."

"Others have crossed or are in the river. The water returned to its former shallow depth. Unexpectedly!"

"Our picket line cannot stop them even with the best will."

"Some have commenced firing."

"Continue firing your cannon Captain," ordered Ragnar Khan. You have done well."

Then the cannon in a neighboring tower also began firing as the Army arrived. 

CLOSING REMARKS

Good driving and good luck, Sirs when we meet to play the game between Ragnar Khan's forces and Colonel Sinclair's Advance Guard! 

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CHAPTER IV RAGNAR KHAN

 CHAPTER IV

EIGHT MONTHS AGO

JANUARY 15, 1898

AN IMAGINEERED SUDAN CAMPAIGN

DIPLOMATS AND RAGNAR KHAN

See previous Chapter III here:

Campaigns of General William Augustus Pettygree: CHAPTER III REPORTING IN

Left to right: Colonel Washburn, Lord Ashcroft, Brigadier Gerard (ret.)

and two members of Ragnar Khan's Household

 "Welcome Gentle mens to His Excellency Ragnar Khan's Mountain Home. We hope your journey was not intolerable. My name is Edan Zarneigahdan, Majordomo here."

"Quite good traveling, Sir," said Ashcroft as Washburn and Gerard concurred with, "Lovely country and a here-here." "When may we expect to meet the Khan?"

"Oh, very soon but may I impertinently inquire about your desires first?"

"Colonel Washburn has a single page memorandum outlining the interests of my Government," said Ashcroft."

"Superb. Koolahm and I will leave you now and announce to The Ragnar Khan you are here ready to meet. Place your memorandum on the grand table. If you will excuse me.... Oh, please remain standing. Protocol, you see."

One hour later.

"I dare say," remarked Gerard.

"Washburn added, "Quite so."

Forty minutes more.

"Pure and cool Samar lemon wahtar', Sir?"

Before Washburn could say, may I have a sandwich too, the Majordomo returned saying, "His Excellency The Ragnar Khan is about to appear. Turn to face the door...."

Gerard quietly exclaimed to his party, "A reddish mist is arising out of nothing. What kind of mysticism is this?"

"More likely a mania," whispered Ashcroft. 

Then darkness overcame the room.

 

Zarneigahdan ordered, "Silence."

And suddenly....

"Behold, His Excellency The Ragnar Khan, exalted ruler and owner of all lands, waters and peoples between the...."

Ashcroft's thoughts interrupted listening to the rest of Khan's claims, thinking, "Is he a showman or just mad?"

The Khan opened with, "I am honoured, Gentlemen. Welcome. I have this past hour read your document now before me and conferred with my Prime Minister to my right. Let us speak about it as we walk."

Washburn, whispered to Gerard, "No refreshments first?"

Gerard replied as quietly as he could, "I guess not."

"Lord Ashcroft, am I to understand your government requests free passage on the Samar River to your enclaves?"

That is the request, Your Excellency," answered Ashcoft.

Gerard added, "And we have machinery to offer to increase excavation of profitable minerals in your hill region. A mutual benefit, surely?"

"And your flotilla of gunboats to guard the right of way and transport of minerals too?, stated Ragnar Khan. "Unfortunate."

"A prudent precaution given the unrest in your southern region," offered Washburn. 

"You will have my answer within the next hour. Meanwhile, there are refreshments along the back wall. Colonel Washburn, your sandwich is there," stated Khan.

"Very kind, Your Excellency," prattled Washburn, amazed at Khan's hearing.

"I shall leave you now."

As the Khan walked away, Ashcroft silently wondered, "Will we have a smoke and light display again?" But there were no theatrics this time.

He reappeared seventy minutes later.

Colonel Washburn, Lord Ashcroft and Brigadier Gerard, after consultation with my Prime Minister, we agree your proposal is premature. It is rejected. Your stay here is now at an end. Before the sun reaches its zenith, you are required to leave. Return to your gunboat on the Samar. My decision is firm and irrevocable. 

"Gentle mens', added Zarneigahdan, "Should you remain within our territory at sunrise, I cannot promise for your safety - given the unrest you mentioned."

"Look at the Majordomo's eyes, will you. Is he in a trance,?" asked Gerard.

"We barely have time to change into riding uniforms," stated Ashcroft. 

"You have time enough," said Ragnar Khan.

"We are grateful for your timely decision. Good day to you then, Your Excellency," replied Ashcroft.

Later.

"I salute you, Your Excellency," said Gerard. "Now, Sirs, let us ride and be quick about it."

"I dare say," stated Washburn and Gerard added an intemperate "Quite so."

 

THE NEXT MORNING

HM Gunboat Zanzibar was fired upon by Ragnar Khan. Captain Crisp (upper right) ordered the guns to be manned and reply.

One of four explosive rounds impacted the aft deck knocking out the gun crew. The concussion also bowled over the aft upper deck Browning crew causing the Captain and Lord Ashcroft to hit the deck. Then the bombardment ceased. Had Ragnar Khan made his point to leave the area?

No! Up from the ground rose a horde of warriors charging toward the boat. 

Captain Crisp bellowed, "Repel boarders!"

The Browning crew remanned its piece sending a deadly shower into the foe as some climbed through and atop vegetation along the riverbank amidships.

A nearby bluejacket hallooed to no one in particular, "Mates, I got one." Captain Crisp did not hear him through the din and because Chief Bedford had just delivered gut-punching news. "Sir, we've run aground. Zanzibar is dead in the water, in the mud most likely. We tried to reverse the engine. No good, Cap'n!"

Then Ragnar Khan's warriors swarmed onto the bow.

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CHAPTER III REPORTING IN

 

 CHAPTER III

SEPTEMBER 09, 1898

AN IMAGINEERED SUDAN CAMPAIGN

REPORTING IN ABOUT

THE SEMAR RIVER SCOUT

For Chapter II see:

Campaigns of General William Augustus Pettygree: CHAPTER II WE'VE GOT TO REPORT BACK

Left to right: Lieutenant Bellinger. ADC Grandmaison and Lieutenant Leighton approach the headquarters of Colonel Sinclair's Advance Guard Camp.

"Leighton," said Grandmaison.

"Sah'!"

"Ride on ahead, presenting my compliments to Colonel Sinclair saying we have important news about Ragnar Khan."

"Yes Sah!"

"Giddyup Joanna," coaxed Bellinger.

Upon arrival....

Sergeant of the Guard, Stuart ordered, "Halt! What business have ye, Sir?"

"Important news for Colonel Sinclair about Ragnar Khan," stated Bellinger.

"Sir, the Colonel is away on an inspection, but you are in luck because...."

"The commanding General has just arrived and is heading our way."

"Seargeant, thank you. You may stand down. I will speak with Lieutenant Leighton," stated General Pettygree.

"Aye, Sir, I will," remarked Sergeant Stuart.

"Welcome back Lieutenant Leighton. You look well and I see your scouting party is coming in," said General Pettygree.

"I am well General. We had a few disputes with Ragnar Khan's warriors but came through intact. Your ADC Grandmaison has all the details for you, Sir."

"Well done. By the way, have you met Major Kingsley of Skinner's Horse?"

"No, Sir," said Leighton. "Your lancers performed prodigiously well under fire, Major." 

"Good to meet you and glad to hear it, Lieutenant," as Grandmaison rode in. 

"I'm glad you are back Captain Grandmaison." 

"Yes, thank you, Sir. We have interesting news from the scout."

"Well done. We'll ride to Sinclair's headquarters. You can brief me there."

"Will Colonel Sinclair be present?" inquired Leighton.

"No. He will return tomorrow. Ah, here we are...."

A few minutes later they entered Colonel Sinclair's field headquarters for the briefing.

CLOSING REMARKS

1. The following images show the five fords across the Semar River discovered by the reconnaissance scout for players involved in the game. These are what you will be fording to get at Ragnar Khan's Army.

EASTERNMOST FORD

With Ragnar Khan's distant Mountain Stronghold

FORD SLIGHTLY WEST OF THE PREVIOUS FORD

CENTRAL FORD

THE FORD TO THE LEFT OF THE PREVIOUS ONE

WESTERNMOST FORD PROTECTED BY AN OBSERVATION POST

See Chapter I for more detail

2. This image of Major Kingsley reviewing his returned lancers did not fit well into....

the storyline of this chapter. Here they are anyway because they look marvelous.

3. Return soon for Chapter IV Ragnar Khan.

4. Comments welcome.

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