Unification War (7)
About a week after sealing off the capital bridge. As I worried about whether to send in another spy to gauge the internal situation, a defector appeared from the Nicomedia side.
A man who introduced himself as Hansen. He reported that Nicomedia was suffering from a severe water shortage, with supplies to civilians tightly controlled. Even the soldiers hadn't had water for days. It was essentially on the verge of falling.
But we needed to verify the source of this intelligence.
"From our investigation, both the defectors Hansen and Adelius appear trustworthy. Especially this Hansen..."
Hansen, who had fought alongside me on the Bulgarian front in the past. It wasn't definitive proof of his reliability, but it was better than no connection at all. Most of my current troops had shared life-and-death struggles with me since the Bulgarian War. Meaning there were likely men under my command who knew him. Information on him would be easy to obtain.
"We'll cross-verify it."
I nodded at the adjutant's report. Just then, a scout approached and began his briefing.
"Your Majesty. Observing the enemies on the walls, even when they spotted our forces, few could aim their arrows properly."
Firing a bow requires significant strength and focus. Hitting a mounted scout moving at speed demands even more. We couldn't confirm dehydration for certain, but their morale was clearly shattered.
"Reward Hansen and Adelius generously for their valuable intelligence."
I planned to bestow lavish prizes on the two as an example. Generous rewards for defectors would encourage more to come over.
With cross-verification complete, it was time to end this.
"This seems like the perfect moment to attack, Your Majesty." Chaur's advice.
I turned to him. "How are our supply lines holding?"
"Still comfortable for now. But any longer, and the extended fronts will cause issues."
Our forces held three fronts: Angelos against the nobles, Ioannis in a war of attrition with Georgia, and me assaulting Optimatoi. Multiple fronts naturally strained logistics.
"Then we strike now."
Reducing fronts by one would solve supplies. Nicomedia looked ripe for the taking—conquest and logistics in one stroke.
As we prepared, donning my armor, a clever idea sparked.
"They're desperate for water..."
A childhood movie flashed in my mind: a stranded U.S. squad in the desert capturing a German regiment. They feigned abundant water to lure an attack, then crushed the dehydrated foe.
I could adapt that.
"Rig barrels on the supply wagons, fill them with water, and dump it out in front of the enemy."
It might seem wasteful, but it signaled our plenty while testing their thirst. No reason not to.
I briefed Chaur and the adjutants; they agreed. The water wagons were ready swiftly. Laden heavy, they drew fire risk, but the enemy's archers barely reacted—too weak.
We reached the walls. I ordered an adjutant to taunt them.
"Behold, you dull-witted soldiers of Nicomedia! While you gasp under the sun without a drop, we bathe in excess!"
Our troops deliberately doused their heads. The silent foes stirred.
"That precious water..."
"Just pouring it on their heads?"
Like parched dogs, panting. Mesmerized by the adjutant's voice.
"Surrender now, and His Merciful Majesty will spare your lives—and quench your thirst with this very water."
Not just mercy, but water too. Enemies lowered weapons. Even officers dropped arms, raising white flags.
"Open the gates!"
"Drop your weapons and surrender!"
Gates creaked open. Disarmed soldiers rushed the wagons, civilians trailing. The city emptied; the Dux of Optimatoi and his command surrendered wholesale.
"Nicomedia taken without a single casualty."
Perfect victory. Now, join Angelos and crush the nobles.
"Hold them! Don't let the enemy through!"
Angelos bellowed, sword raised. At his command, Halvar's Viking warriors surged forward.
"Tighten ranks!"
"Form up here!"
Varangians who favored skirmishes now clustered defensively. The reason: relentless enemy arrow barrages to cover their landing. Spread thin meant more losses, so they minimized exposure in dense formation.
"When do Lord Himerios's ships arrive?"
"They've left the docks—any moment now!"
The adjutant's shout. Angelos ground his teeth.
"No choice. Hold as long as we can!"
Fleets from a mere pier—not a proper harbor—delayed loading arms and supplies.
"Commander! Enemy's landing on the northeast coast!"
"Which direction exactly?"
"Northeast shoreline!"
Angelos had scouted terrain post-landing. He recalled the northeast as ideal for debarkation.
"Deploy fifty Turkopolis cavalry. Advance diagonally to intercept!"
Arrows flew straight; oblique moves dodged most.
"Yes, sir!"
The cavalry charged. Screams echoed from the northeast.
"Arghhh!"
"Gah!"
Enemies fell under focused lances. Effective, but far more nobles landed.
"Counterattack! Form square and push—the cavalry can't touch us!"
Despite losses, swelling numbers let nobles form phalanxes swiftly. Once set, cavalry damage waned. Angelos signaled retreat.
"Cavalry, fall back! Fall back!"
Adjutants relayed. Riders withdrew.
Shiiiing!
"Gurk!"
"Arrows! Watch the arrows!"
Volleys from anchored enemy ships targeted the retreat. Riders dropped, but most returned intact.
"Sir, they're focusing on the northeast. Planning a mass landing there."
With some already ashore, concentrating there was logical. But Angelos lacked a sure counter. More troops could plug it, but not enough—and it left the interior exposed.
"Fall back! Everyone to the high ground!"
Strategic withdrawal: abandon the beach, fortify hills for a second line.
Troops grabbed gear and climbed. As field commander, Angelos stayed last, confirming all safe before ascending.
A new tent rose. He received casualty reports.
"...Total around 120 losses."
Heavier than hoped. Navy's delay forced it.
"A real port, and we'd have countered in time..."
Angelos didn't hide regret. But necessity demanded defense plans.
"Erect barricades on the heights, spears to block climbers."
Optimal: assaulting uphill was near impossible.
"The enemy knows our tactics, sir. The nobles will pour in forces to breach anyway."
Angelos nodded. "Call the hill line First Defense. Build a log wall behind for Second. Our goal: endure."
His face resolute, he eyed his adjutants.
"Until His Majesty arrives."