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 had passed several Semar River fords to their right when Lt. Colonel Preece rode in front of the column, turned about, raised his right arm ordering, "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," exclaimed 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 commander.

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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