EMPIRE OF WRATH Chapter 2

 

A GENERAL PETTYGREE BATTLE STORY

EMPIRE OF WRATH

Chapter 2

Half a League To The Fort

"General, I have a dispatch from Fort Albert, Sir."

"Read it Lieutenant Baileigh?"

"Yes Sir. It says...."

"Captain Bartlett galloped his squadron the last league into Fort Albert."

"Galloped? Is that all?"

"Yes, General."

Back to Troopers Corey and Ham leading the squadron.

"Who are those infernal riders pursuing us?"

"It's Ragnar Khan's horsemen more than likely my dear Corey. Who else could they be? Anyway, we have our orders to lead our chaps into the fort."

 "To the gallop then! I hope we make it," shouted Corey. 

"We'd better or our game will be up! Look at Jack go. He's having fun," said Ham. 

"Half a league, half a league, half a league onward, all in the valley of death rode...."

"Wot's that Corey?"

"Tennyson's Charge of the Light Brigade. That's us here."

"This is no time for poetry, you witless soldier," scolded Ham. 

"Oh. Shut up will you?"

"They are closing in on our chaps," continued Ham. 

"Should we turn about and give 'em some carbine fire?," asked Corey.

"Yes, turning now on this rise of ground."

BOOM! -- SHOCKWAVE -- REVERBERATIONS

 "I'm almost unhorsed. Susan, steady girl. --- What was that blast?, asked Ham."

"The fort Gate Tower exploded," shouted Corey.

"Ragnar Khan's clever sedition, no doubt. Now we've got trouble front an' back," said Ham

"No! An explosive shell landed to the column's right. Was it a miss or....?

"Unknown. But, a welcome piece of luck," said Corey.

"And a fatal surprise for Ragnar Khan's men whether intended or not. Let's keep going forward," said Ham.

"Say, isn't that....?" asked Corey.

"It's Gupta, the water carrier from our last post," said Ham.

"Namaste Sahibs. Welcome to Fort Albert. Gupta, again at your service. Paani?"

(Nam-as-stay --- greetings...Masters) (Paani --- water)

"No time for that Gupta! Ragnar Khan's men just blew up the tower and his horsemen are behind us," bellowed Corey.

"No trouble, Sahibs. All is right. That's our cannon in the tower and the 27th Bombay Miners and Sappers just stepped through the hedge there with Captain Caddy."

A moment later a section of the 27th fired a front rank volley at the enemy riders.

Then, "2nd rank, aim. FIRE!"

"Look at 'em run! That's the ticket," yelled Corey.

Followed by a complimentary shot from the Lion Gun.

"I never doubted the outcome. --- You, Corey?"

    

"Certainly not. Our game ain't finished. Here's the Captain."

"Captain Caddy, Royal Engineers! I've never been so...."

"All in a day's work, Sir. Welcome to Fort Albert."

A final volley ended the affair.

CLOSING REMARKS

1. Also see: Chapter 1, At The Gallop

https://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2022/09/empire-of-wrath-chapter-1.html

2. Chapter 3 Fort Albert is completed. It will be posted near October 15, 2022. We look forward to seeing you return for this next exciting installment of Empire of Wrath.

3. Thank you for your interest and approbation. 

4. Meanwhile, your comments are welcome below at Post a Comment.

EMPIRE OF WRATH Chapter 1

 

A GENERAL PETTYGREE BATTLE STORY

EMPIRE OF WRATH

Introduction

My dear readers, Empire of Wrath takes place in an imagineered region of The Northwest Frontier on the Indian Sub-Continent. There I will face my most cunning, dangerous and malevolent opponent ever. You will meet him soon enough. Meanwhile, perhaps you will remember my 10th Hussar familiars as they commence this new and perilous adventure. They are en-route to take post at old abandoned Fort Albert. Let's get started with.

Chapter 1

At The Gallop

"After this long ride, will you look at that, Trooper Corey?"

"What for all love? We're flanked by pine ridges. I don't see anythi'n. Ragnar Khan could be hid'n up there with dozens of tribesmen and their cruel jezzails. Well Trooper Ham?" 

"No, you blind man. Captain Bartlett is going to finally halt the troop. Look now."

"1st Troop. Halt. --- Corey --- Ham --- come forward."

"That's torn it Corey."

"Captain Bartlett, Sir," said Ham and Corey in unison."

"Ham, Corey, you've been breathing our dust this past hour and more. It's time for clear air. Ride out to the point relieving Thornton and Crisp. Though the ground ahead is something of a savanna, keep your eyes open for trouble from anywhere. Take Jack along for good measure. He might sniff something out before you do. Then take us into Fort Albert. It's two leagues up ahead. Questions?"

"None, Cap'n." 

"Then good luck. Dismissed."

"Onward Jack! What's a savanna? All I see is flat, open and rolling ground ahead."

"You just described it, Ham. It's in the context you know. Didn't you learn anything in school?"

"Context?"

Crisp shouted out, "Troopers Corey, Ham an' good Jack too. What's the story, then?"

"Well Crisp. It's like this. The Cap'n thinks you two are skylarking. So, you are relieved. Report immediately back to the column in shame." 

"Corey, you're a liar."

Winking, "No he ain't. We'll take over from here," said Ham.

"Like the Captain said, a savanna, remarked Corey.

"And Fort Albert. I'll be mighty glad to have walls around us tonight."

"Look right, will you?"

"Boars on a rampage?"

"Scared is more like it. They're really mov'n fast. Maybe a tiger is after 'em."

"They're heading for cover in the woods. Sows, boars and wee babies," remarked Corey.

"There's why, my dear Ham. Horsemen are bearing down on the column. The lead rider has stopped and is leveling his rifle at us."

A puff of smoke and delayed report exited the Pathan's rifle. 

The bullet hurtled toward Ham and Corey.

Captain Bartlett heard the crack of the rifle, turned to see where it came from and....

Bellowed, "At the GALLOP. Follow me to the fort!"

"We've seen worse, my dear Corey."

"Sure. When?"

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Chapter 2 Half A League To The Fort is completed. It will be posted October 1st. 2022. We look forward to seeing you return at that time for the next exciting installment of Empire of Wrath.

2. Thank you for your interest and approbation. 

3. Meanwhile, your comments are welcome below at Post a Comment.

  

Gen. Pettygree's General Orders For Us

PEOPLE, PLANNING AND PLAYING

"Lt. Grandmaison, a word, if you please."

"Sah!"

"Ride back to the telegraph and send this dispatch."

"It is time to attend again to the following General Orders last posted in 1897 (2007)." 

We game with historical miniatures for fun, to understand the past and to model history in a unique way. We are diggers of facts, reflective, artists and builders seeking pleasant hours in rewarding solitude or companionably with others. Social aspects of our hobby are the most important dynamics as we seek peaceful and enjoyable moments with each other.

In 1746 fourteen year old George Washington composed 110 useful rules of behavior within Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior In Company And Conversation. “These rules were drawn from an English translation of a French book of maxims … to polish manners, keep alive the best affections of the heart, impress the obligation of moral virtues, teach how to treat others in social relations, and above all, inculcate the practice of perfect self-control.”  Consider:

#1 “Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.”

 #19 “Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters somewhat grave.”

 

#22 “Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.”

 

#49 “Use no reproachful language against anyone; neither curse nor revile.”

 

#51 “Wear not your clothes foul, ripped or dusty .…”

 

#51 “… and take heed that you approach not to any uncleanness.”

 

#65 “Speak not injurious words, neither in jest or earnest….”

 

#65 “…scoff at none although they give you occasion.”

 

#86 “In disputes, be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion and submit to the judgment of the major part, especially if they be judges of the dispute.”

 

#88 “Be not tedious in discourse.…”

 

#105 “Be not angry at table whatever happens, and if you have reason to be so, show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers….”

 

#108 “When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously & with reverence.”

 

The following additional reflections also have merit though stated in a blunt modern style. We desire gamers who are friends rather than toxic competitors, fun-loving instead of mean-spirited, agreeable as opposed to being interminably argumentative and companionable instead of being anti-social. It is also a bonus if they are able to be contributors to the cause in some way, helpful, communicative, honest, timely and will absolutely refuse to commit gross historical irregularities because rules are flawed.

NEW (15 July 2022)

When friends invite you to a game, refusing to participate because you don't like the rules is poor form.    People are more important than rules.

Apologize, accept apologies and forgive more easily.

How do you spell friendship?    T I M E

"Yes, Sah. I'll ride back immediately and rejoin the column at the Khyber Pass."

"Enjoy and treat your friends kindly while they are gifted to you and in your care."

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Maxims chosen appeared in Batailles de l'Ancien Régime 1740-1763 written by yours truly a long time ago, and worth repeating.

2. Your remarks will be welcomed.

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Happy 4th of July United States of America

GOD BLESS AMERICA

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Land that I love
Stand beside her
And guide her
Through the night with a light from above

From the mountains
To the prairies
To the oceans white with foam

God bless America
My home, sweet home

God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her
And guide her
Through the night with a light from above

From the mountains
To the prairies
To the oceans white with foam

God bless America
My home, sweet home

From the mountains
To the prairies
To the oceans white with foam

God bless America
My home, sweet home

God bless America
My home, sweet home

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

Bethlehem, Judea

Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus

"...while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." 

"...for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"

Merry Christmas

The Innkeeper made room for Jesus. Please always make room for Jesus too.

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Closing Remarks

Ignatius Holy Bible Verses: Luke 2: 6-7, 2 and 14.

Figurines: King and Country The Life of Jesus 1:30 Scale

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A GENERAL PETTYGREE SHORT STORY

Mary and General Pettygree On Expedition

Chapter 2 of 2 --- The End

Date: Late 1930s
Location: Ruins of Gortyn, Island of Crete

Circumstances: Search For the "Mythological" Labyrinth

See Chapter 1 posted July 15, 2021 here:

https://generalpettygree.blogspot.com/2021/07/nightmare-on-crete.html

PREVIOUSLY

When investigating the labyrinth entrance

at Gortyn on the Island of Crete

"Mary, on my mark fire two rounds into each of those undead skeletons. I'll put four into the beasty. Then run back to the horses and we'll gallop back to the ship."

"What are you waiting for?!"

"Ready, aim, FIRE!"

"What of Professor Basingstoke and his benefactor Sir Allan Catherwood?

"Dead surely, in the explosion. Now we must ride for our lives, Mary."

"More have been aroused. What the deuce have we awakened from hell?"

"At the gallop dear. --- Heeyahh!" 

 

"They are pursuing us. Nimble damnations they are. Don't look back Mary!"

"Yes dear. Onward to the safety of the ship. I see furious activity on deck, smoke starting from the stack and sailors going ashore at the double. The ship's horn is sounding."

And from behind....

"This way my dear."

"Right you are William. I see our rescuers."

"General, Lady Pettygree. Ride straight through to the ship. We'll see off that lot. "

"Thank you Lieutenant. Melville, isn't it?"

"Aye General. Off you go now Sir, if you please. --- Shore party, Load!"

"Ready."

"Steady. --- Let 'em come a mite closer."

"Sir!"

"Present"

"Fire!"

"Damnation. They broke through. Not a shot at point blank range dropped any of 'em!"

Back to the ship!

"Captain Braithwaite. Can you get underway, now?"

"The boilers are fired General. It will take a few minutes."

"No time then. We must make a stand here."

"Bob and Tiny. Stand to. Help Lady Pettygree aboard."

"Aye, Captink."

"Thank you Captain. Ouch! Thank you, Mr. Tiny."

"Beg'n yur pard'n, Mum."

"Up you go, m' Lady."

"Ship's Crew. Make every shot count! --- Stern battery!"

"Shoot!"

"Here the devils come lads."

Martini Henrys, revolvers, Thompson sub-machine guns, 1903 American Springfield rifles, shotguns, Mary's Luger and more poured lethal fire into the advancing horde. Parts and pieces flew off of the monsters.

"Mary, my dear."

"Yes, I know."

"Hey Mate. They're com'n aboard. Back up."

"Keep firing or we'll have to give 'em hand to hand or swim for it."

"Aim for the eyes, Mary."

"Right."

"Alright then, you infernal hideous demon."

 

"It's my sail knife you'll be feel'n. Not talk'n, eh?"

"Run!"

"Time to abandon ship. Everyone, into the water."

"Nothing stops them William."

"We're both out of ammunition."

"Just ignore it my love and look at me."

"Shouldn't we jump into the water?"

"No good Mary. Denizens are surfacing there attacking the sailors who did jump." 

"We'll be home soon."

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EPILOGUE

"Letter for you, Sir."

"Mrs. Gaytheringdust. Is Mrs. Pettygree ready for breakfast?"

"Yes Sir. Coming down now --- an' lovely as always."

"Mary. The post arrived with an extraordinary opportunity." 

"I'll be down in a flash. From whom?"

"It's from my old friend, Professor Basingstoke. He finally secured partial funding to continue his excavation from Sir Allan Catherwood. He wants us to join them because of our keen interest in antiquity."

"And surely for you to publish a story as well. Where dear?"

"The ruins at Gortyn on the Island of Crete. He believes recent clues strongly point to the hitherto thought mythological underground Labyrinth, the lair of the Minotaur. Would you consider going?"

"A profoundly disturbing dream vexed my sleep last night. Do you believe in premonitions, William?"

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CLOSING REMARKS

1. Mythologicals gathered and painted by Chuck L. (The Lucky). Ruins are mostly from pet retailer aquarium departments. The sailors are Perry Sudan 28mms. The ship was artistically scratch-built by the late Richard Houston. Civilian ship's crew are from the evocative range sculpted by Bob Murch, Pulp Figures.

2. Thank you sincerely for looking in. 

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