1444, Byzantium Resurrects

Chapter 229 Blood and Fire

South of the town of Klerach, at the Danube ferry.

The pontoon bridge had been built long ago, and Mahmoud's elite vanguard had all crossed the river, landed on the south bank of the Danube, and rushed south.

After lunch, the sky became even gloomier, the northeast wind was howling, and heavy snow was falling.

The infantry's crossing of the river had been going on for several hours. The soldiers who first arrived at the south bank of the river began to cook and warm themselves around the campfire.

It is not an easy task for tens of thousands of troops to cross the river. The second pontoon bridge has been built. There are shadows of people on the river and the army is moving continuously.

Vlad III was responsible for leading the second wave of soldiers. At this time, he was still staying on the north bank, wearing a black leather robe, riding a tall horse, loudly giving orders to cross the river and maintain order.

"Grand Duke, the weather is getting cold again. How about we stop for a moment and let the soldiers eat first?"

The adjutant rode up to him and asked in a low voice.

Vlad III raised his eyebrows.

"Why? Back in the Ottoman army, the Wallachian soldiers survived even colder weather. Now it's just snowing and the rivers haven't frozen yet. You can't even stand this?"

Having said that, he pondered for a moment and whispered instructions to his adjutant.

"Winter warm clothing is limited. For the sake of victory in the war, I have to equip the frontline cavalry with fur clothing."

"Let the army cross the river as soon as possible. Once they reach the south bank, they should immediately start a fire and cook. If they delay for a while, the weather will become even colder, and then we will really not be able to fight."

"It's warm in the south, and we'll have an easier time as we go."

The adjutant nodded and passed on Vlad III's order.

Hearing that they could eat after arriving at the south bank, the soldiers became more energetic and their steps became much lighter.

"We can no longer hide our actions here. Is there any disturbance around?"

Vlad III asked.

"Grand Duke, we did find several groups of people. Maybe they are travelers passing by, or maybe not."

Vlad III nodded.

"Let them go. Mahmud's cavalry is already halfway there. It's too late for them."

"But, Grand Duke, why do we have to launch a surprise attack in such a cold season? The soldiers are quite complaining."

"There is nothing we can do about it. We must delay the attack on Varna for as long as possible to wear down the Greek emperor's military strength and morale."

Vlad III had a sinister look in his eyes.

"We northerners are not used to winter, let alone those southerners. Their fighting capacity will be even lower."

"Of course, this is not the most important reason."

Vlad III steered the horse and stamped the ground with its hooves.

"Did you find it?"

"what happened?"

The adjutant was a little confused.

"You usually train in the mountains, so you may not be familiar with the environment here."

"The lower reaches of the Danube are gentle, and the land around the riverbank is very moist and soft, with swamps forming in some places."

"There are many tributaries on the road from here to Varna, and the land near these tributaries is more or less the same."

"If we march in the fall, our marching speed will be greatly limited. Cavalry are delicate and cannot cross swamps and wetlands."

"In winter, the land here is frozen hard, which is suitable for cavalry charges."

The adjutant also stepped on the ground beneath his feet and nodded sincerely.

Vlad III looked to the south. The soldiers who had crossed the Danube began to cook. Wisps of smoke floated in the dark sky.

"Let's prepare to cross the river. The soldiers are in good spirits and spirits. We should all be able to cross in a few hours."

"Let's all be patient. It will only take a few days. It won't be too long."

"We understand."

The adjutant nodded.

"Tell the soldiers, after we defeat the Greek emperor's army, I will take them to the south to spend the winter. There is no cold wind or heavy snow in the south, only food, fine wine and money."

Vlad III dismounted, threw the reins to his adjutant, and walked towards the pontoon bridge.

The pontoon bridge was made of civilian boats and could be used by soldiers. However, horses could easily capsize on the bridge and could only be transported to the south bank by boat.

For this reason, only after the first wave of cavalry crossed the river was Vlad III able to spare enough boats to build a second pontoon bridge.

Just as he was about to board the pontoon bridge, several reconnaissance cavalry came galloping from the east and knelt in front of Vlad III.

Vlad III read the fear and anxiety in the cavalrymen's eyes, and his heart sank slightly.

"what happened?"

"East...on the river in the east, there are more than a dozen strangely shaped sailboats rushing towards us at high speed!"

……

On the wide river, longboats hoisted their sails, and heavy snow fell, drifting on the Cossacks' hot faces.

The sky was gloomy. The soldiers on the pontoon bridge held torches and formed a long dragon. The river flowed slowly and sparkled.

On the leading long ship, Timur Tash stood quietly at the bow, his black eyes reflecting the firelight, as if burning with flames.

"Brave Cossacks, your Highness has ordered us to sail at top speed and destroy the Turkic pontoon bridge, so that they can't take care of each other!"

He turned and looked at the Cossacks behind him.

"Are your swords, bows and crossbows ready?"

"I am ready, my lord."

The Cossack answered.

"Is the kerosene can ready?"

"Everything is ready!"

the Cossacks shouted.

"So, you guys, are you ready?"

"Serve Your Highness!"

The Cossack shouted wildly, ripped open his clothes, and clouds of mist rose from his body, floating in the wind and snow.

"Very good, I thank you on behalf of His Highness!"

Timur Tash looked at this group of brave and sturdy Cossack men and nodded slightly.

"The enemy has no water power, so they are definitely no match for us!"

"We want to let these Turks and Wallachians know that true northern heroes and grassland warriors are never afraid of the baptism of wind and snow. The stronger the wind and snow, the stronger we will be!"

"kill!"

The Cossacks raised their swords and their roars shook the earth and sky.

"In that case, raise your highness's banner and let them have a taste of our might!"

The longship hoisted Justinian's princely flag, a crimson double-headed eagle burning with blood and fire.

The crimson eagle flag, with blood and fire, fluttered in the cold wind.

The Cossacks, full of passion, rushed towards the pontoon bridge in the wind and snow.

……

On the south bank of the Danube, more than 2,000 elite Cossack cavalry were galloping, the horses exhaling hot air and snorting.

The sky gradually darkened, the wind and snow grew stronger, a thin layer of snow accumulated on the ground, and the horses' hooves trampled on the dry mud, dull and powerful, as if a heavy hammer was hitting a steel ingot.

Flames and thick smoke rose from the surface of the river in the east, and the sounds of shouting and breaking wood came from far away. The first pontoon bridge had been destroyed by the fleet, and Timur Tash was rushing towards the second pontoon bridge.

The pontoon bridge broke, and the soldiers who had no time to evacuate fell into the icy river, screaming in panic and struggling.

The soldiers on the south and north banks stared in amazement at what was happening. They watched the soldiers who were still full of energy a second ago fall into the river, and die in the blink of an eye.

"Well done, Timur Tash!"

Justinian led his army to a hilltop and looked at the river from afar.

"Your Highness, there aren't too many soldiers on the south bank. I estimate they won't exceed six thousand."

Brahmu rode up to Justinian and whispered.

"They are mostly infantrymen who have just crossed the river and don't even have a camp, let alone trenches and chevaux de frise to deal with cavalry. They are definitely no match for us." Justinian raised the corners of his mouth, his eyes flickering.

"Let the Cossacks change horses. Leave the riding horses here. Get on the strongest horses and pick up the sharpest scimitars!"

The Cossacks sprang into action, leaving their exhausted mounts behind and mounting their strong and capable warhorses.

"Everyone, line up and start drinking!"

Two thousand Cossacks quickly formed four attack fronts, each consisting of several hundred Cossacks, presenting a sharp prism.

The Cossack drew a bottle of strong liquor from his saddle, gulped it down, and roared with delight.

The steam was rising, the saber was raised forward, there was a blazing fire in the eyes and a sincere heart.

Bloodthirsty, violent, reckless, and brave.

Justinian rode forward, drew his scimitar, and collided with the sabers in the hands of the Cossacks, making a clanging sound.

"Cossacks, there are the camps of the Turks and Wallachians ahead. They are small and weak, but they still occupy a lot of wealth and a lot of pasture. What do you think we should do?"

"kill!"

The Cossack roared.

"very good."

Justinian nodded slightly.

"Go, my warriors, go fight for me, go win glory, go bring blood and fire to my enemies!"

"Raise my flag, follow me, and kill them!"

Justinian raised his scimitar high, took the lead, and rushed straight to the east.

The Cossack cavalry held high the double-headed eagle flag of blood and fire, followed Justinian, roaring in the wind and walking on the snow.

The massive cavalry soon attracted the attention of the soldiers on the south bank. They looked at the flags fluttering in the wind in shock, their eyes filled with despair and sorrow.

"Come out of the barracks! Form a line! Form a line!"

The commander shouted loudly, but the soldiers were like clay sculptures and did not move.

"Quickly form a formation! Get ready to meet the enemy!"

The commander was furious and chopped off several heads.

The soldiers woke up as if from a dream and took action, throwing away their bowls and frantically looking for weapons and putting on equipment.

When the Cossacks rushed to them, the soldiers had not yet organized an effective defense. The few scattered lines of defense were obviously unable to stop the Cossack cavalry who were rushing faster and faster. The soldiers clenched their weapons and closed their eyes in despair.

The front line collapsed at the first charge, scimitars lifted heads, horses' hooves crushed flesh and blood, but the Cossacks continued to charge backwards without slowing down.

The several hastily assembled military formations in the rear were unable to pose any obstacle to the brave and warlike Cossacks. The soldiers were demoralized, collapsed at the first blow, and fled in panic.

After defeating several military formations in succession, the Cossacks finally encountered a strong opponent.

The Turkic soldiers in front were dressed in bright armor, neat military appearance, complete weapons, wearing turbans and red and green uniforms. Some of them held scimitars and bows and arrows, while others aimed their guns.

They stood proudly in the cold wind, exuding a mature and tough temperament, which was out of tune with the conscripted infantry around them.

bang bang bang-

Gunshots rang out in the cold wind, smoke spread, horses neighed, and the Cossack at the front fell to the ground in pain.

"It's the Janissaries!"

Justinian recognized this powerful infantry and gritted his teeth.

"There aren't that many of them! With such a scattered organization, most of the Janissaries are probably on the other side of the river!"

"In the snow and wind, the gunpowder will get soaked, which is our advantage!"

"Go ahead! Kill them!"

The Cossack cavalry quickly took action, dividing into several attack fronts, encircling and intercepting the Janissary Corps in all directions, looking for their weaknesses, pouncing on them from time to time and tearing them apart, gradually wearing down their fighting spirit.

They deliberately drove the Janissaries toward the river, just as wolves on the grassland drive sheep onto the cliffs.

As time passed, the Janissaries were exhausted and out of breath. Even though they were elite, their disadvantage in numbers and types of troops was insurmountable. They staggered towards the river, formed their battle formation, and prepared to make a final stand.

"Surrender without killing!"

Justinian shouted in Turkish.

There was no response. The Janissaries stood shoulder to shoulder, back to back, firmly in the wind and snow.

"Charge! Kill them!"

Justinian waved his hand helplessly, and the Cossacks began their final charge.

The two armies soon engaged in a melee. The Janissaries were more sophisticated and well-trained, but the Cossack cavalry had the advantage in numbers and were more brave and reckless, and were more adaptable to the cold winter and snow.

The Cossacks had been aroused by alcohol and blood and became violent. They roared loudly and rushed into the Janissary army regardless of anything, exchanging injuries for injuries. Even if they were pulled off their horses and covered with wounds, they would still swing their sabers fiercely until they finally died.

The battle lasted until dark, and the 800 Janissary Guards who crossed the river first were wiped out, pledging loyalty to their Sultan until the last moment of their lives.

When the last Janissary fell into the icy river, the victorious Cossacks cheered. Justinian looked at the corpses scattered all over the ground, breathed a sigh of relief, found the body of the Janissary commander, and cut off his head.

There were still some remnant soldiers in the barracks. They were forced by the officers to take up arms, but they did not dare to rush towards the enemy. They staggered and were in a dilemma.

Justinian, covered in blood, threw the head of the Janissary commander onto the open ground.

The fear in the eyes of the remaining soldiers almost became tangible. Looking at the devil-like Cossack cavalry, they finally could not suppress the panic in their hearts and began to flee in all directions despite the officers' dissuasion.

"Your Highness, do you want to chase me?"

Brahmu walked up to Justinian, limping and obviously seriously injured.

"No, we are already doing pretty good."

Justinian forced a smile.

"Two thousand versus five thousand, no matter how you look at it, it can be called a big victory."

"Your Highness, if the Janissary Corps had not been so stubborn, we would not have lost so many men and would not have been delayed for so long."

"How many people were lost?"

Justinian looked at Brahmu.

"More than 400, most of them were caused by the Janissaries."

Justinian nodded, his expression a little heavy.

"Write down their names and collect their belongings. Remember to give them to their relatives when we return."

"A portion of the spoils of war this time will be set aside for compensation for soldiers who died in the battle."

Brahm gave a few instructions to the Cossack beside him, opened a bottle of wine, and gulped down a few mouthfuls.

After thinking for a moment, he handed the bottle to Justinian.

Justinian took the bottle but did not drink it. Instead, he poured the liquor on the wound on his left arm, gritted his teeth, tore off a piece of cloth, and slowly bandaged it.

"The Turkic stewpot is still hot, let the Cossacks eat."

Justinian said, pointing to the dark sky.

"On such a cold winter night, if the enemy soldiers were to get separated, I'm afraid not many would survive."

"Wait until dawn tomorrow, and we'll take the Bulgarian vassal army and go out for another sweep."

Brahmu nodded and ordered the Cossacks to settle down, pick up the bodies and clean up the battlefield.

The flames on the river gradually dissipated, the two pontoon bridges were completely destroyed, the longboat arrived at the ferry, and Timur Tash led his soldiers to Justinian.

"Your Highness, congratulations on another great victory."

Justinian smiled and patted his side, and Timur Tash sat down obediently.

"Let's not waste any more time. Bring down all the wine and meat. The battle is not over yet. Rest well and wait for tomorrow's attack."

The Cossacks ended the battle, collected the bodies of their comrades, and buried them in a foreign land.

Some of the defeated soldiers began to gather together, threw down their weapons, and quietly walked aside, waiting for the judgment of the victor.

They knew very well that the dark snowy night was filled with murderous intent, and only by surrendering could they retain a glimmer of hope.

The Cossacks' low elegy sounded slowly in the cold winter night, echoing on the land burning with blood and fire, and floating in the sky filled with wind and snow.

The priests accompanying the army walked among the corpses, pressing the cross against their chests, and praying for the departed souls, wishing they could ascend to heaven.

The north wind was still howling, the Danube was flowing quietly, the Cossacks' elegy was echoing, and the soldiers on the north bank were stunned, not knowing where to go.

(End of this chapter)