Chapter 48: Escape Still In Doubt

Date: November 18, 1899
Location: Village Of Kota Ki-Bandahar
Situation: The Rescue Attempt Part 2
It's Elementary. Double-Clicked Images Are Best
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Continuing narration of prisoner, Lt. Colonel James Lawford, 9th Bengal Lancers.

"Chapter 47, "The Rescue Attempt Part 1, previously related how the hand of fate suddenly passed through the village carrying everyone toward new destinies. Would my cruel captivity continue or end with me unhurt or shockingly disabled? No matter. I seized the hand extended to me as...."
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"Gill's men pounded up the stairs arriving at the floor below in my Watch Tower prison. Enraged guards charged with drawn swords. The sowars barely had time to snap fire."

"The three fell - riddled by the fire. Of course I did not know this at the time. I only knew when fire ceased that heavy footsteps resumed the ascent to my floor. Whose would they be?"

 "Bracing myself I opened the door - careful to keep my manuscript in hand."

Lawford: "Gill! How..."
Gill: "No time Sir. Let's get out of here. Now Sir, if you please."

"An open window during  our descent allowed me to observe a troop of 10th Hussars cross the stream; smoke still drifting from earlier explosions."

 "The enemy saw and opened fire upon them from the distant bridge."

"The hussars ascended the bank moving in an arc toward the Watch Tower when...."

 "A third explosion occurred. This was the reason for the arc. Lt. Caddy had planted a third charge intending to draw attention away from my escape. When the charge failed to explode on time, he elected to cross the river to get on with the rescue operation. He arrived at the Watch Tower as we emerged."

Caddy: "Good to see you Sir!"
Gill: "Horses around the side, Sir."
Caddy: "Quite right Colonel. Time to dash away."

"We formed up to leave regrettably having lost Pvt. Jones (10th Hussars), one sowar also dead with two others wounded (9th Bengal Lancers)."

 "We broke into a fast trot increasing to a gallop to avoid enemy fire."

"We raced pell mell away from Kota Ki-Bandahar. There was no pursuit. Odd. The rescue operation had been a success - so far. "

THE NEXT DAY

"The next day we passed into an arid region seeing ancient ruins along the way.  Was one of them Alexandra's lost city? There was no time to stop." [From left to right: Gill, Lawford and Caddy.]

"The Column rode on."

"Several hours later a range of forested hills came more closely into view."

"We entered a vast pine forest on a small trail. The rest of our march was uneventful. A week later we arrived at Fort Grant and I reported to Major General Pettygree. He congratulated Gill and Caddy for a successful mission. I told him everything I knew. He seemed troubled by the party of Romanovs."

"What I did not know was the fate of my acquaintance Alexandra, her Uncle Villainovich and their quest to find the plundered treasure of Alexander The Great they believed is buried underneath the ruins of Alexandrapour. Was it true? Would I see her again?"
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Lt. Colonel Lawford could not then know the answers to his inquiries. Luckily I know something of their next circumstances below.

Soon after Lawford's escape, The Supreme Leader, Muljadhi, hosted another private durbar. Colonel Villainovich and Alexandra arrived dressed to the nines.

I could not hear more than a little of their conversation but....

From past experience we know Villainovich promised delivery of an object before the next campaign season to the Tug leader. Also known unless it was a ruse to fool Lt. Col. Lawford was the matter of finding and exploring Alexandrapour.

The intensity of the Guru and the demeanor of the Romanovs indicate serious matters.

We may imagine Alexandra and her Uncle conferring before departure.

Two days later they arrived at ancient ruins. Do they believe this is Alexandrapour?

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CHUCK'S CLOSING REMARKS

"I was looking forward to this game for some time. Seeing as I was the cause of Col Lawford's imprisonment, I was anxious to see how the next chapter would unfold. Bill and I had been bouncing ideas off each other about how to handle the game. I suggested trying a couple of "pulp" rulesets I've had for awhile as a bit of a diversion. We tried .45 Adventure and Where Heroes Dare. Bill liked the special attributes and flavor of the rules and suggested we use one for the rescue scenario. I agreed and chose to use Where Heroes Dare. I really enjoy .45 Adventure but didn't think it would be able to handle the number of figures Bill had in mind for this game."

"I had a few things to consider when making up forces for the game. First, Bill wanted the British to win. It didn't have to be easy for them but they were still supposed to make it off with Lawford. Second, the British were going to be heavily outnumbered. To aid the British cause, I made all the British officers "leads". In the rules this gives them three wounds, access to better abilities and 3 attacks in hand to hand. I also gave them armor. I know there weren't bulletproof vests on the Northwest Frontier so I told Bill to think of them as being extra lucky. I made all the British troopers "companions" giving them two wounds and two hand to hand attacks. I kept things pretty simple when it came to special abilities. I didn't want to slow things down with so many characters on the table."

"For the Tugs, I gave them only a couple of lead figures and two or three companions. The rest were made up of single wound supporters. The Iron Ivan yahoo group did the heavy lifting figuring out Tug stats. They already had a list of generic colonial characters and stats. It was very helpful."

"This game also allowed me to break out my new dynamite deck from the Virtual Armchair General. One of the ideas I had was for the British to set up some dynamite explosions as diversions to draw some of the guards away from the tower holding Lawford. The dynamite deck is a special deck of cards representing the fuse on a bundle of dynamite. The more cards the longer the fuse. It really added some uncertainty to the game. Ill definitely use it again."

"I was happy how the rules worked in this game. [Me too! Bill] I did forget one rule about checking for suppression whenever a group is shot at. I don't think it would have changed much. I look forward to breaking out Where Heroes Dare again. I have some freshly painted rocket troopers looking for a scrap."
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OTHER CLOSING REMARKS
1. Thank you Chuck for your involvement in everything! Mighty glad about it, I say.
2. This concludes the first person narration of Lt. Col. Lawford.
3. I'm looking forward to -- well -- let's just wait and see.
4. Your remarks are welcome as always at the word comments below.
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Chapter 47: Rescuers Arrive To Save Me!

Date: November 18, 1899
Location: Village Of Kota Ki-Bandahar
Situation: The Rescue Attempt Part 1
Sir, You May Prefer Double-Clicked Images
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Continuing narration of prisoner, Lt. Colonel James Lawford, 9th Bengal Lancers.

"May I suggest readers kindly repair to Chapter 46, "Explosion" where as Alexandra and I conversed, a tremendous explosion extraordinarily changed everything."
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"This is the nearby building exploding, soaring upwards and disintegrating - pieces cascading down a slope to a stream below."

"As we stared in bewilderment, loud voices, gunshots, horses and running footsteps added to the din. Amidst it all I strained recognizing an improbable voice at the watch tower entrance below."

Gill: " Colonel Lawford! Are you here?
Lawford: "YES! -- Upstairs. -- Gill?
Gill: "Yes Sir. Time to leave Sir!"

"Indeed it was time to go. Native voices above us shouted angrily arguing their next move. Alexandra put on her coat and hat whilst I grabbed my manuscript.

Lawford: "Alexandra! Let's go."
Alexandra: "I can't abandon my Uncle!"
Lawford: "This is your only chance....Gill will be here and....
Alexandra: "James. NO!"

"In a flash she pushed me backwards. I fell. She opened the door, slammed it shut and vanished before I could recover."

"The tempest above and below grew in intensity. My jailers above began to descend, no doubt to restrain or kill me. Footsteps below pounded up a flight of stairs followed by gun shots and bellows. Outside a whirlwind of combats swept through the area."

"I thought my life could end, my cruel captivity continue or I might escape. Maimed or intact? Vainly - stupidly - I hoped at least my manuscript could somehow get out so those who cared would learn my fate and discover something about this notorious cult."

"However, before you learn my fate and that of my rescuers, read on. I shall explain the singular events of this day as best I can - to the end - commencing with...."

"Yesterday my rescuers reconnoitered approaches to Kota Ki-Bandahar from the east and west."

"Lt. Caddy RE commanding a troop of 10th Hussars arrived before sun up hiding in the brush waiting for the moment to start the battle east of the village. The honour to do so was theirs. They placed and detonated explosives in the building mentioned earlier just across the stream."

"Whilst a mile to the west Captain Gill descended into a swale secretly posting a troop of 9th Bengal Lancers facing east within a copse. Following the explosion...."

"Gill led his troop quietly forward. Preceding him in a cunning ruse two allied natives pretending to be Tugs, rode into the village inquiring about the explosion. Almost every Tug eye still observed the destruction at the other end of the village. To enhance their curiosity, Lt. Caddy ordered the hussars to open fire with carbines there. [Not shown.] The battle was on."

"Gill's troop increased speed to a gallop detaching...."

"Four sowars to successfully engage the foe coming from the left whilst...."

"He and two other sowars dismounted taking revenge on the foe who had just dispatched his native allied horsemen. It was after this combat he shouted up to me and entered the Watch Tower. He pounded up the stairs and...."

"His party was rushed by maddened swordsmen...."

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. The amazing conclusion will be posted soon.

2. Meanwhile, please allow your imaginations to wander.

3. Remarks welcome below at the word "Comments" as always. Thank you.

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Chapter 46: Explosion!

Date: November 18, 1899

Situation:  Explosion In The Village

Location: Kota Ki-Bandahar

Double Clicked Images Are Singularly Better

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Continuing Narration of prisoner, Lt. Colonel James Lawford, 9th Bengal Lancers.

"Readers are kindly invited to review Chapter 45, Captivity, Fiends and The Angel. There I wrote about being rigorously questioned, fiendish torture and my second opportunity to converse with the intoxicating Alexandra."

"Boredom certainly was not my lot. I was a prisoner without hope of escape. So much so that my jailers allowed me a kind of parole, the benevolence of which contrasted impossibly with their ill treatment of me yesterday. The height of their kindness was contact with Alexandra."

"The remarkable events of recent days surely could not be exceeded. Yet the next hours would prove this estimation impossibly and singularly deficient. Astonishing events already in unstoppable motion were soon to overcome everyone as Alexandra and I resumed our conversation."
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Alexandra: "James. What are you writing?"
Lawford: "A journal of sorts; my capture, the journey here, the unusual nature of my captivity, your appearance and my remarks. If fate should allow me to return home...."

Alexandra: "Return home! None of us will be allowed to leave unless you tell them what they want to know. Your fidelity to duty does you credit, but who will know, care or benefit by your writings after you, my Uncle and I are murdered by this unknown cult?"

Lawford: "Duty and honour must prevail even to that end Alexandra. Not unknown. The cult of thugee was a murderous scourge in India for hundreds of years. Colonel Sleeman thought they were eradicated by his cunning pursuit, courts of justice or by conversion to more peaceful ways of life. Come to the window a moment. For example...."

"From our Watch Tower vantage point we see villagers resuming peaceful morning routines as they no doubt have done for generations. Observe several men and women casually greeting and conversing with each other. A dog walks about unconcerned. The merchant house on the right has expectantly awakened as goods are unloaded for sale. All is serene and quiet."  

Alexandra: Did you hear that James?"

Lawford: "Yes. -- Look there!"

A shocking and thunderous explosion shattered the tranquil morning. We could only gape as fire, smoke and debris rose into the air.

Then a second tortuous explosion ripped the same building further apart. 

Blasting the top upwards to careen over the adjacent hillside. In seconds it broke into pieces scattering debris down the slope to the stream below.

We saw villagers stopping all they were doing, more came outside and everyone turned toward the noise.

The Chancellor and one of his military leaders viewed the sudden destruction too. What did it portend? We would soon find out.
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CLOSING REMARKS:
1. Some explanation of thugee may be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thuggee
2. For our purposes the cult has changed from small group activity to a national movement to control all of India - as in the 1939 adventurous and thrilling motion picture Gunga Din.
3. Watch Tower scratch-built by the super talented Herb Gundt; HG Walls.
4. Other structures are from the popular Miniature Building Authority.
5. Your remarks are welcome below at the word comments.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
Respectfully yours,
Bill
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Chapter 45: Captivity, Fiends And The Angel

Date: November 17, 1899
Situation: Captivity, Fiends And The Angel
Location: Kota Ki-Bandahar
Images May Be Enlarged By Double Clicking
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Continuing Narration of prisoner, Lt. Colonel James Lawford, 9th Bengal Lancers.

The reader is kindly invited to review notes in Chapter 44, Durbar. There I described my early captivity, meeting The Supreme Leader, being questioned and impossibly renewing my acquaintance with -- Alexandra.

As I resume writing, those emotionally undulating first days are now past. However, let me go back in time for a moment reminding you how....

Desolation attending my thoughts instantly fled when Alexandra first appeared in the courtyard. In those moments my hopeless circumstances, the impossibility of escape and my unknown fate were replaced by her presence, striking beauty and conversation. After overcoming my shock, we talked....    

Alexandra: "I am just as shocked to see you. I had time to compose myself."
Lawford: "But how are you here?"
Alexandra: "When I learned my Uncle would be searching again for the missing treasure of Alexander The Great, I begged to come along. We were unpleasantly diverted here."

Lawford: "These regions are said to be endowed with several of his ruined cities."
Alexandra: "And treasure."
Lawford: "Yes but... Did you not know an insurrection by a sect previously thought extinct has erupted here? I am their prisoner; apparently on parole."

Alexandra: "I do now. Our expedition must therefore end. We are denied access to the ruins of Alexandrapor. Indeed our departure depends on you."
Lawford: "Me!"
Alexandra: "Da. When The Supreme Leader learned we had known each other in St. Petersburg, he demanded I convince you to cooperate with his inquiries. A few days ago my Uncle came to me...."

Villainovich: "Alexandra. Excuse me. May we talk?"
Alexandra: "Da Uncle."

Villainovich: "Our expedition is ruined. And there is more."
Alexandra: "Vat - Uncle?"
Villainovich: "When The Supreme Leader learned you knew his prisoner, I was asked to have you make certain inquiries."
Alexandra: "Inquiries? Lawford vill never reveal anything."

Villainovich: "But if he does not, he will be tortured and we will remain here."
Alexandra: "Uncle! This is impossible. Madness!"
Villainovich: "Da. But you must try."

Torture said she. I'd been expecting no less since the first durbar (audience) mentioned previously. Alexandra knew I could tell her and them nothing. When we parted, I was taken to an empty dirty room where the Chancellor and Guru again demanded I reveal the nature of General Pettygree's reinforcements arriving at Fort Grant. They asked more - a lot more. I revealed nothing while....

Five ruffians exercised,danced, capered and hallooed outside the room.

Ordered inside they did not quite do their worst. When the fiends finished with me I was....

Taken to my cell and thrown onto my bed. Shaken but not broken I laid painfully awake most of the night. Alone and desolate.

The next morning after rising slowly, I dressed in my tunic to hide my wounds and as protection from morning air entering by the open window. I resumed writing the narrative you are reading now when....

I heard light footsteps ascend the wooden stairs. They stopped outside my door followed by knocks and the unmistakable voice of Alexandra.

Alexandra: "Don't get up. Those brutes! NO! Stay seated darlink!"
Lawford: "Alexandra! Yes, if you don't mind I will just stay seated -- here."

Alexandra: "Good. Let me throw my hat and coat on your bed. Ve must talk."
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CLOSING REMARKS
1. Structures from Miniature Building Authority.
2. Fiends and most chaps sauntering about below Villainovich and Alexandra were loaned from the super Pulp collection of Chuck L.
3. Foundry supplied Lawford in tunic with chair and table from their British WWI Interrogator Set artfully painted by John Preece. The Darkest Africa range has a nice variety of British officers in uniform and without tunics including the chap with tea cup in sets DA91 and DA93.
4. The Chancellor is from Mutineer Miniatures.
5. The Guru was obtained from Scale Creep. Mark Severin has two packages of personalities adapted from the 1939 motion picture Gunga Din.
6. Old Glory's Realms of Terror, A Romanov Holiday GHR-2 A has the Tsar, Tsarina who became Alexandra, plus two children.
7. Other versions of Lawford and Alexandra came from Copplestone Castings. See High Adventure BC1 Armed Archaeologists and BC19 Female Archaeologists. Also see Back of Beyond BC17 Bolshevik Heroines.
8. One of Tiger Miniatures Bulgarian officers became Villainovich.
9. Your remarks are welcome -- below -- at the word Comments.
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