Post

Region: Arkonos

Dhorvas civil war: Fate of the Bay
Development post

Reflections in Silence

Ganai enjoyed the quiet before a major action. It was a moment of reflection on what they had done so far, and what they were intending to do. In the quiet, everything in his mind seemed to be laid bare for him. Mistakes, errors, solutions and plans for the future. He could see numerous scenarios unfolding each moment, almost in unison with the beating of his heart that was the only sound in the empty council chamber.

Much had changed. He knew some had questioned his decision to wait, to reorganize first, before setting out with ambitions. Ganai, however, was patient. The attempt against both he and his guest from Ryeongse had shown him that they had needed to focus on internal concerns first, less they become a festering problem later. He had initiated a purge and completely restructured both their military forces and even civilian life in Qalan. Niban had followed his instruction, implementing many of the same changes across the strait in Oyunai. The Tong had been influential in many of his changes.

Now the Tong were gone. Their departure was another reason many questioned his choice to wait, to bide their time. The Tong themselves had declared their goals complete, their task finished. Many lamented their departure, or more specifically the power that their presence had instilled. Ganai was less worried. The Tong had been right, their presence was no longer necessary. The Tong may be gone, but their lessons remained.

Ganai had benefited from their presence in many ways. With the aid of their fleet, they had captured many vessels of Borhai’s in the Bantry Bay. Vessels that were now part of Ganai’s own fleet. He had placed the dsen Ko Chul-Hae in command of this new fleet. This had been another reason for Ganai’s delay, to allow time for dsen commander to have their fleet amply prepared. It was one thing to acquire ships but an entirely different one to have capable forces for utilizing them.

While the fleet prepared, Ganai had set about restructuring their system of governance. He maintained the council, but it was reduced. Ganai understood now from observing the Tong that that had been a failing of Dhorvas. Too many voices with too many agendas of their own. It no longer surprised him that the Khurum had failed to maintain itself without one of the original founders at its head. Ganai now envisioned a more centralized system, a more unified purpose. He knew many of the bands and other groups would resist the idea. His fellow khemakh were accustomed to the Band system that had long been all they knew. The dsen, meanwhile, were still stuck in petty rivalries between their great cities. These divisions would have to end and be replaced by something stronger.

He would dissolve the bands outright for a start. A stable system required loyalty toward a single head, not divided loyalties to many. The dsen cities would present a harder problem to solve. Ganai considered that encouraging movement within the populations might help, both with the dsen and his fellow khemakh. With many people of different backgrounds, they would be less likely to rally as a united, rebellious force. Regional governors would be more preoccupied with maintaining order in their areas than with larger ambitions.

The silence of the chamber was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps. Ganai lamented its passing. He glanced toward the entryway to see Hun Syeon arrive. The dsen gave a salute, striking his chest with his closed right fist. He was dressed in his prefered tunic of red with gold trim beneath his lamellar armor. His curved horns were adorned with paint and small metal bands of gold. He held his almost bowl-like helm at his left side.

“We are ready,” said Syeon.

Ganai rose from his seat on the dias. He paused to look over the map that covered its wood surface. One could forget how fractured and divided Dhorvas was when looking at the map. There was much yet to be done, and it was time to begin.

***
Ganai reached the docks as the last few ships began to disembark, making his way to the vessel that he would be sailing on. He intended to see this battle through personally, though much of it would be delegated to Ko Chul-Hae. Shrada was there waiting for them as Syeon and he arrived.

“Ko Chul-Hae has already departed with the main force.” she said. She turned as she spoke, giving the usual salute.

“Very good.” replied Ganai. “Then let us not wait any longer.” He gestured forward and the three boarded. They made their way toward the stern as the crew began their well practiced work. Many of them were local dsen who had been mere fishermen before. They knew their way in the water. Now they were drilled and trained for sailing larger vessels and warfare on the water. They would soon find out the fruits of all their hard work.

“Finally,” said Syeon beside Ganai. The dsen was gazing out toward the horizon of the Bay. A number of ships in the fleet that had already set their course were still visible.

“Did you doubt this day would come?” asked Shrada.

“I admit, I was beginning to wonder,” said Syeon. He spared a sideways glance at Ganai.

Ganai smirked. He had to admit that seeing the fleet sailing before them stirred the anticipation and the eagerness in him as well. “Patience bears its rewards, as we will soon find.”

The others nodded in response and the three watched the fleet ahead of them, each awaiting the battle to come with eager anticipation.

Broken Peace in Fuyuan

Borhai watched the clouds meander across the sky. A couple were darker than the rest and he wondered if it would rain on them while they enjoyed a moment respite. He lowered his eyes back down to the game of Gurshavel he was playing. His opponent was still deliberating their move.

Tan Huo was deep in thought, brushing his long, groomed beard, which was beginning to show strains of white amongst the thick black that matched his fur. The older monsu was one of Borhai’s advisors since he captured the island for Dhorvas. He had also become a close friend and the two often played gurshavel or other games as they discussed anything from strategy and administration to the best way to enjoy coffee, such as they did at that very moment. It was a fleeting enjoyment as their reserves of such luxuries were limited these days. Something Borhai hoped to rectify soon.

“It’s time to make a move,” said Borhai.

“Are you referring to me or to your ambitions?”, asked Huo without looking up from the board.

Borhai let a small chuckle escape. His eyes flashed toward the clouds again. The threat of rain seemed to have gone. “The Tong are gone.”

“Are they?”

“Their forces have left. Their ships no longer command the Bay. Ganai now stands alone.”

Huo was quiet. After a moment he reached forth, pushing one of his jachi, or spearman, pieces forward, taking one of Borhai’s morkharva, or mounted archers. “The Tong are more than their forces. The direct threat may be gone, but they will have left their impression.”

Borhai considered this. They had heard little out of Qalan since the Tong had left. They did not truly know what was going on there. Did it matter? He could not remain in Fuyuan. He had lost too many ships and needed to act, and act soon. He had hoped to expect support from Oghal and the Mergen, but news had told how they were bogged down in a war with the other Dhorva bands for supremacy. Oghal had even resorted to hiring mercenaries; elves from the far south. There would be no help from her.

“Either way, we cannot wait any longer. We need to secure the Bay, then we can move to assist Oghal on the mainland.” Borhai said as he leaned forward to move his mage and remove one of Huo’s spearmen.

Huo looked up at Borhai and was about to speak when the air began to echo with the sound of drums. It took a moment for Borhai to clearly hear the particular rhythm. Once the message begame clear his eyes widened. Both of them rose at once and began to make their way with a quick pace. Their game would have to wait. A new game seemed to be beginning.

***

Borhai arrived atop the battlements, dressed now in his armor of bronze lamellar plates atop an azure tunic that contrasted with his green scales. Huo was beside him, as was the alati human, Iodas. The human’s long, black hair was bound and his face painted with symbols of the alati. His armor was of simple leather. Two more khemakh officers approached; a male named Dhunan and a female named Cota. The two gray-scales saluted as they reached Borhai.

“What is the situation?” asked Cota.

“Aside from being attacked?” asked Iodas. Cota glared at the human.

“Khadan is leading our ships to counter Ganai’s fleet,” said Huo. The monsu did not look toward heer but kept his eyes out over the water as their own ships moved to meet the enemy.

“Then it is Ganai?” asked Dhunan.

Dhunan sounded almost relieved and it made Borhai feel a tinge of irritation stir in his stomach. Now was not a time for underestimating the enemy at their door. Huo must have felt the same as he turned to chastise the officer.

“It is too soon to feel relieved. They have us caught off guard, and their fleet may match our own.”

“But Khadan leads ours. Does Ganai have a shipmaster as capable?”

“We will know soon.”

“Enough” said Borhai. He turned toward the others gathered. “Dhunan, Cota, I want you to prepare our forces here for any land assault Ganai’s forces may attempt. I have already sent Hyo-Rin toward the north of the island to rally the soldiers there. You will support her.” he said, referring to the female dsen officer he had dispatched already. The two khemakh saluted and did not question the orders before quickly moving to carry them out.

“We would have had more warning if he had chosen to land on the north of the island.” remarked Iodas.

“Yes, it seems he chose to simply sail further into the bay and come straight for Fuyuan.” said Huo.

“Which means he has nowhere to retreat but back across the bay.” said Borhai.
That understanding did little to reassure him. First they needed to turn Ganai’s fleet back. The first ships of his own fleet were nearing the enemy now and he could hear drums across the waves, both Khadan’s own and those of Ganai’s forces. The fate of the Bay might well be decided this day.

Battle of the Bay

Ko Chul-Hae watched from the bow of his ship as the opposing ships scrambled to meet them in any form of defense. The tall dsen was an imposing presence even on his own ship, with his long horns arching upward which helped give him the impression of being a giant among the rest of his sailors. His armor was light to allow him speed when boarding other vessels, and he intended to board many today.

Ko had been a bandit before, a raider who targeted ships bearing luxuries into the ports within the bay. That had changed after he was captured near Qalan. He had been prepared to face his death then, but fate had had other plans. Ganai had sought to use his naval experience and made him a commander in his growing fleet, a fleet that Ko now commanded. He intended to make good use of it.

He had sailed his fleet further out into the bay to curve around toward the city of Fuyuan, bypassing the rest of the island where they likely had expected them to arrive. His own ships were spread out forming a long crescent on the water, seeking to contain their foe within and pin them against their own port. Keeping their ships together would make them easier to board.

“They think they can make a stand against us.” Ko shouted out to those on his ship. “Let’s send their corpses below with their ships!” A cheer erupted from those around. Ko shouted orders and he felt the ship shift beneath him as they were carried out, leading them straight for their enemy. “Archers ready!” he commanded.

As they closed the distance, Ko raised his axe high, signaling their archers to draw. When they were close enough to see their counterparts on the decks of their ships, Ko dropped his axe and a flurry of arrows released, carrying death to their destination. Some of the arrows had been lit, aiming to set the enemy ships ablaze. They struck home in a large vessel not far to the port of where Ko stood and his men cheered as the fire began to spread.

A shout from near Ko warned him and the rest of the arrows being sent towards them. Ko raised a small shield and knelt, trying to limit the target his large personage made. The patter of arrows striking into wood echoed around him, mixed with the occasional cry of pain as some were struck. Once the volley had passed he stood and surveyed the toll. Four men were down. Acceptable. Ko gave a defiant shout and the sailors followed. At his orders the ship turned to port, bringing itself near the side of the enemy ship and Ko prepared to board.

***

Khadan shouted for the fires to be put out before they could spread. The shouts of the wounded mingled with those carrying orders or trying to put out the flames. It all seemed to silence with a thunderous crack and their foe rammed into their ship, sending several falling off their feet. Khadan braced himself against the tremor as the two ships met. “Boarders!”, he shouted, rallying his soldiers to the defense.

The enemy soon appeared, climbing over the rails. They were led by a monster of a dsen whose horns seem to reach toward the sky. They weld a great poleaxe. One of the humans in Khadan’s crew bravely, but foolishly charged the giant foe and was quickly cleaved aside, the axe carving into their shoulder and tearing them away as the wind sweeps through the grass.

The battle between ships then descended into a melee as one crew fought to defend their ship like one would a piece of land. Similar battles were occurring all around them as ships engaged and became entangled in shipboard combat or perished from the flames or rams of their adversaries. Khadan rushed another khemakh as they were surmounting the rail, crashing into them with his shoulder and sending them backward over into the turbulent water below. Another gave a roar as they noticed him and attacked, thrusting with a short sword. Khadan knocked the lunge away with his own then brought his sword up, slashing their throat. His enemy grasped their own neck as the blood flowed free and tumbled to the deck.

Khadan etched his way in blood as he crossed the fracas on the deck until he reached the dsen commander. The dsen seemed to find him as he did, and swung his axe, cleaving away another crewman in his path toward Khadan. Khadan struck first, ducking low and swinging his sword for the dsen’s legs, hoping to topple the monster. His blade met only the shaft of his foe’s axe as they used it to block his strike. Khadan barely managed to back away as the dsen then charged forward like a bull, attempting to knock him off balance.

The dsen swung his great axe down toward Khadan, but he was faster. He darted to the side and swung his own strike, hitting the dsen across the back. Khadan sought to continue his assault but then he felt the ship lurch heavily as another vessel struck it. His sword arm staggered in its attack and the dsen deflected it again with the shaft of his axe before grabbing Khadan’s arm. Khadan felt himself yanked forward before being struck by the metal bar of his rival’s weapon. He felt himself tumble backward from the blow and hit the deck. His gaze centered long enough to see the axe plunge down into his chest. The deafening roar of the dsen was the last he heard.

***

Borhai watched the battle unfold on the water and the dread seemed to grow within him as the time passed. At first he had thought their response had been quick enough. It was soon apparent, however, that Ganai’s fleet had them outflanked on either side. First ships seemed to come alight like beacons here and there. Then the ramming began and their own fleet was pushed in against each other. The fighting was fierce, and to Khadan’s credit, they destroyed a number of their enemy. In the end, it was for naught.
The battle had lasted mere hours. Those ships not burning or splintered in the waves retreated and Ganai’s entered the port. Borhai had seen enough and took leave from his spot along the wall of the fort.

“Where are you going?” asked Huo as the monsu hurried after him.

“They will be landing soon. They have the bay, but the island will be another fight.” Borhai replied, forcing a confidence in his tone he did not feel.

Offering a Future

Borhai was giving commands and rallying soldiers for the defense on land when Cota found him. The human Iodas and the monsu Huo were with him. She gave a salute and waited for him to finish or notice her. The tension was manifest in the air as people rushed toward their assignments. The fortress within Fuyuan was strong, they could hold out for a time.

“Yes?” Borhai finally asked her, noting her silent presence.

“They have landed.” she said.

“That is all? Of course they have landed, there is nothing to stop them landing now.”

“No, just one ship has landed. The rest seem to be holding in the bay.”

"One?" asked Iodas. "What can they do with a single ship worth of soldiers?"

Borhai looked at her with a peculiar expression. One ship? Why had they not landed in force? Borhai could not guess at their purpose. He looked out toward the bay and sure enough, the majority of Ganai’s fleet remained stationary, holding their position.

“Show me where.” Borhai said, turning back to Cota. There was a reason for their behavior, and he needed to know what it was.

Cota led him from the fort and along a path that led just beyond the city and toward a beach that was past the port itself. Iodas had joined them while Huo remained behind to organize the expected defense. There just in the water beyond was a lone ship but it was what was on the beach itself that captured Borhai’s attention. A small table and wooden stools had been set out. A pole stood by, hoisting a pure azure flag, a sign of truce or seeking negotiations among the Khemakh of Dhorvas. On one of the stools sat a lone figure, a khemakh. Two others, a dsen and a khemakh stood back a number of paces.

It was a bizarre sight to Borhai. He began to step forward when Cota reached out to stop him.

“It has to be a trap!” she warned.

“To achieve what? They have control of the water, only a siege remains and they can hold it longer than we can. No, there is some other purpose.” he added and then stepped forth, making his way toward the strange collection on the beach. Cota and Iodas followed behind.

“Ah, I am pleased you came.” said the seated khemakh who then rose, giving a salute. Borhai slowly returned it.

“Ganai, I assume?”

“You assume correctly.” Ganai said.

Borhai shifted his gaze toward the others and Ganai spoke without looking. “They are here out of concern for me. They will not interrupt us. Please, join me, would you?”

Borhai gave a nod to Cota and Iodas behind him and they stood their ground there. He took his seat opposite Ganai. The table was more accurately a crate. On its surface was a board set for gurshavel. The pieces were already laid out.

“Do you play?” asked Ganai.

Borhai nodded.

“Excellent”, continued Ganai. “You may have the first move.” he offered, gesturing to Borhai.

Borhai watched Ganai for a few moments, wondering what his counterpart was aiming for. He reached forth and shifted a jachi forward one space. Ganai responded by shifting one of his own. Borhai moved one of his morkharva next. They continued their game, trading off and taking pieces, before Borhai spoke up again. “Why are we playing this game now?”

“We have been playing this game for some time now.” replied Ganai. “Simply on a much larger board. I thought it might be more enjoyable face to face.”

“That game is over.”

“Is it?” asked Ganai.

Of course it is. thought Borhai. Nothing had gone the way it was supposed to have gone. Once more Borhai was reminded of the fragile nature of plans. He had long ago planned to be in control of the Bay by now, and on the mainland assisting Oghal as they vied with the other warlords for control. Instead he was defeated, playing gurshavel on a beach with the one who had beaten him, someone who he had once thought little about other than being a commander of a backwater. “You have me in an unwinnable position.”
“Against me, perhaps, but that hardly means the game is over.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, to be blunt, you could submit. Though defeated here, you are a capable commander. You were responsible for many of the military innovations as Dhorvas was united in the unifying wars. I would hate to see your potentiel end here.”

Borhai chuckled and shook his head. “You would like that, wouldn’t you?”

“I would.”, was all Ganai said in reply. He moved another of his pieces and then looked to Borhai quietly, seemingly waiting for another response.

Borhai obliged as he reached out and shifted another of his own pieces, placing a jachi in striking range of Ganai’s daichiva, or mage. “Just give up? I still hold Fuyuan. You might take it from me yet, but would I not be a coward to yield?”

“I would say too many capable people have perished before their time from worrying about being seen as a coward.”, replied Ganai. When Borhai did not reply he continued. “Look at the pieces of this game. Each has a purpose, but they are not an equal purpose. You have my daichiva if I leave it as is, but its movement is greater than the jachi, so it can easily escape that fate, able to strike again another turn. It would not be cowardice but strategy. What is served fighting when you know you will lose, even die? Whereas, if you live, you might rise again yet. Perhaps not as you originally envisioned, but there are too many ambitions in the world for them all to come true. But you might have a grand purpose if you survive to fight another day.”

Ganai then shifted his other daichiva and took Borhai’s jachi. “The jachi has a smaller purpose. While it can take pieces, ultimately it is there to act as regulars, even to be sacrificed, if necessary. To put it harshly, it is expendable, and it will never achieve what the daichiva or even the morkharva can. Its purpose ends as small as it began.”

A moment passed between them and Ganai gave a small, exasperated sigh. “You are right, Borhai, you could hold Fuyuan out a bit longer, and then I would take it from you, and you would die. And what will it have achieved? Your honor? Little comfort to the dead. If you die here, it will be as a mere stone that is washed away by the great wave of change I intend to bring. A jachi. All that you have been, and all that you might be, will wash away. Do not be a jachi, Borhai. Be more than that, and that is precisely what I am offering you the chance to be. It will not be offered again.”

Borhai listened quietly. His mind was weaving around the thoughts Ganai’s words had created in his mind. They made a certain sense to him. He looked out toward the water, past the ship Ganai had landed on to the fleet further out, and toward the horizon. He then turned to gaze back toward where Cota and Iodas still stood vigilant, and to Fuyuan and the people who were preparing to fight with him, even if they knew the cause was hopeless. At last he looked back to their little game of gurshavel. Nothing had gone the way it was supposed to have gone, but maybe that did not need to be the way it ended.

Rolais, Uyuti, Aelythium, Riddenheim, and 2 othersEskeland, and Grafax

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