A GENERAL PETTYGREE BATTLE STORY
EMPIRE OF WRATH
Chapter 6
PROCESSION
Ragnar Khan's Horde is assembled for review and imminent march to engage the Imperials.
Red Sash Horsemen fanatically salute him with flourishing swords and rejoicing.
Count Colonel Villainovich's contingent remained respectful.
Each band cheered approval as Khan processed.
Suddenly his Great Guns added explosive praise as well.
"See Khan The Magnificent within his elite Household Horse, Jezzail and Swords men!," shouted the Red Sash Commander to his men.
"Yes, it is I. Are your Red Sashes ready to do my will?"
"We are ready my Khan!"
Soon the Green, Orange and Grey Sashes would cast their eyes in turn on their leader showering him with obedient cheers, praise and jezzail fire. Then all marched ....
INTO THE PASS
For a fortnight.
"Your Excellency. Omens portend success!"
"As witnessed by the Blood Red Moon sign at midnight."
"I knew of its coming and so I'm counting on you Utman of Khel to speedily deliver the foe into my hands...."
"In an explosion of violence."
"Behold. I can and will. We will deliver them unto you."
"Good. --- Very gooood."
DAYS LATER
AT FORT ALBERT'S PICQUET LINE
"Another day wait'n for the indolent Ragnar Khan, eh Sgt. Davies?"
"Corey, was you in the Zulu War back in 79?"
"No Sergeant."
"Well, had you been there, you'd know motivated tribesmen can be...."
"Look Sergeant Sab! Gupta see the enemy!"
"Aye. Here they come and straight at us!, said Ham."
"Those are Khan's Green Sashes," said the Sergeant.
"Swords and jezzails but no horsemen so far," said Ham.
"Is that Ragnar Khan leading the foe?," asked Corey.
"I dunno, said Davies. "I've never seen him though I hear he rides a jumbo mostly."
"Oh that tears it. They've seen us," shouted Corey.
"Time to go troopers. C'mon Gupta. Hurry, no dawdling now," shouted Sergeant Davies.
"Coming Sab," said Gupta.
CLOSING REMARKS
1. Previous chapters in sequence:
Chapter 1: At The Gallop
Chapter 2: Half A League to the Fort
Chapter 3: Fort Albert
Chapter 4: Ragnar Khan
Chapter 5: General Pettygree
2. The General's next chapter is planned for late April 2023. What will be the fate of Fort Albert? Come back and see.
3. Meanwhile he welcomes your remarks and sentiments at Comments below.
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