The Siege of Acholm - Summer 546 A.I.
Acholm - jewel of the Östron realms, economic powerhouse of the east, and the Mercurian Empire’s largest town - that is, until its fanatical overlord declared his withdrawal from the Empire. Home to over 120,000 people, it held great economic, military, religious, and political sway. That many people also means great diversity: The fishermen in the north, farmers of the south, miners of Grestanhlith, traders of the western docks, and the religious elite across the river. The war had never had unanimous support, and neither did Mark’s religious rule. Minor revolts, acts of vandalism, and acts of violence between various groups boiled over into a full rebellion as the forces of Östlond marched on the town in 546 A.I.
The Halig Frecan had taken numerous losses over the past 2 years of war. The rebellions of various militias (most notably Grestanhlith) lead to a tremendous reduction in soldiers as well. With the economy and treasury of Östlæd in ruins, the professional soldiers of the Halig Frecan were abandoning the ranks in droves.
The Östronweard of Östlond experienced similar issues. Reductions in forces were mandatory considering the treasury limitations after multiple years of war, as well as the greater eastern empire recession impacting the realm. Many militia remained, as enthusiasm for their war effort was at an all time high.
The Östfleots of the Östron realms had their final battle in the weeks leading up to the invasion of Acholm. Several hundred boats on both sides ended that day at the bottom of Acholm harbor. No acts of heroism or unexpected events occurred - only the simple destruction of ships and lives. Östlond’s naval force was nearly equal to that of Östlæd’s, however, with more and more Imperial forces showing up with warships, the fleets of Mark II simply had few options but to surrender or sink. Many chose to sink. A blockade of Acholm harbor formed with the mutiny and surrender of the rest of the Östlæd Östfleot.
Before the heat of the summer peaked, Ealdorman Cerdic Accynnafon moved to invade the town. Forces traveled from Furenspring, Lyrnfirth, Cerdicesleag, Merscafen, and by sea. The Halig Frecan had constructed many fortifications blocking streets and fields, built dozens of watchtowers, constructed TNT traps, firework rocket ambushes, and massive hidden pike structures. Invading was not going to be easy.
Cerdic’s personal contingent moved into the village from the south east. His intention was to capture his brother personally. The walled monastery proved difficult to siege, however, several large ballistas made short work of the front gate - it was not designed with such massive weapons of war in mind. After a thorough search of the monastery, it was clear Mark II was not holed up in the compound.
A counter attack of heavy Acholm knights in the south was followed by others to the east and southwest. Each additional surge proved to be weaker, with some units failing after 2-3 attempts. Cerdic’s company was forced into retreating from the monastery temporarily by one such counter attack.
Panic arose in some of the southern companies as a group of soldiers from Merscafen - coming from the Lynfrith road to the east. Afraid of an ambush to the rear, some heavy knights and pikemen reinforced the rear lines. A banner for House Accynnafon was seen in the distance. Word was sent to Cerdic.
“Which of my brothers leads your company? Cerdic shouted at the group of 400 or so men.
“It is me, Lydær. I have come to surrender my garrison to your service, and to turn myself over to your custody”- Lydær had made this decision some weeks earlier, after deciding to take the forces of Merscafen deep into the swamp, rather than reinforce Mark’s forces in Acholm. “I am relieved you have chosen this path, brother. I am afraid though that you cannot be let free for the time being. Your assistance to our treasonous brother will be judged by a court of the Thanes. Fare thee well for now, brother.” With that, Cerdic sent Lydær to the forest prisons of Wiccaweald - a far better treatment than he received in Merscafen.
With Cerdic’s attention returned to the battle, he signalled for longships equipped with ballistas to be sent down the river, in order to pave the way for a direct assault on the Östur. Word soon reached his ear of a great fight breaking out in Grestanhlith, and that Thane was leading a militia of men and women against the Halig Frecan. This provided an alternate route into the town, and the capture of several towers in the heart of Acholm’s farmland.
Something Cerdic did not anticipate occurred at this time. Members of the Halig Frecan were pulling out of the western and northern areas, and were forming a great caravan of troops headed east towards Beorcfeld. Cerdic realized at this time that Mark II never intended to hold on to the city, but to cause as many casualties as possible in a retreat likely to Frithengest.
Thousand of traps and explosives were tripped or found as they made their way to the Östur. The roads were utter chaos, with a great many rocks, spikes, and other debris left purposely buried. Many docks were set on fire, fences broken, and storehouses exploded. Bridges across the Wheat River were destroyed in the retreat of the Halig Frecan. Fanatical militias set up a minor defense force inside the monastery, successfully causing many unfortunate deaths.
The Östur was found empty of people, but not of things. Mark II had left in a hurry - an entire library, great stores of food and ale, many weapons, and even secret plans were left in the tower. Cerdic entered the tower for the first time since the Thanesmoot of 539 A.I. - 7 years. He sent for his wife and children after the roads and docks were rebuilt in the following weeks, and proclaimed Acholm the new capital of the realm of Östlond.
The trials of his brother Lydær, the masters and brothers of the Order, and many Knights would be soon to come.
_________________ Ealdorman Cerdic Beoden Accynnafon of Östlond Runner Up of the Glas Claddach Boat Building Competition Minister of Justice
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