Battle of Fort Volks

## Preparation

With the aid of Bargainheim, Regis captured mercenaries from Fort Volks. After questioning taking and questioning the mercenary prisoners from Fort Volks, Regis completed a rather trustworthy map of the fort.

Regis made requests to buy 30 large cannons which are also mobile medium sized cannons. Because there were only 8 cannons in Fort Sierck. After estimation, including possibility of breakdowns, this amount was necessary. He used the Beilschmidt House's to fund this venture, given it was the empire's budget anyway. However, it was covered up through the accounting books.

2000 of Fort Sierck's soldiers would be taking part in the campaign, the other 1000 will stay behind to hold the fort. They formed an alliance with the most influential nation among the barbarians, Bargainheim, so their target was no other than the Germania Federation. In other words, there should be no reason for them to leave so many troops in defense. Regis hadn't figured out the true intentions of the 2nd prince Latreille. If the goal was to just weaken the regiment, Sierck Fort would be safe. But, if he was plotting Altina's fall, or going after her life, the timeline for the attack might have been leaked to the enemy. The enemy might even make a run for Sierck Fort after they proceeded with their campaign. The regiment would be finished if their base got taken. There might be the possibility of the campaign group being attacked from behind too. The thousand men left behind would also act as the reserves forces if the main force was pressed into a desperate situation.

According to the records, 2000 men was the smallest expeditionary force sent to attack Fort Volks. The wagons might be transporting 30 cannons, but that's only on the same level as the 4th expedition.

If there wasn't anyone with the ability to command in the fort, the troops might surrender on their own in the event of enemy attacks. Compared to the numbers in the fort, who will take command was more important, hence, Evrard was to stay behind. Regis planned to let Eric stay too, but Eric insisted on protecting Regis, so Regis had to let him join the expedition group. Altina's left hand was still injured, so it was great for the main force to have a reliable knight.

## Battle

February 12th, 851, 300 cavalry, 600 artillery troops, 1100 infantry, a total of 2000 men of the Beilschmidt Border Regiment set out from Fort Sierck.

### Day 1

The regiment began their attack from the south, positioning their cannons in the forest. Fort Volks was filled with tension and excitement. Many of the soldiers were boastful and arrogant because of the Fort's solid record, but the strength of the Belgarian Empire was renowned.

The imperial army could be seen right outside the forest. They were 42Ar (3km) away from the outer walls off the fort. That place was just out of range of the fort's cannons. The regiment prepared medium sized cannons. The range was said to be 28Ar (2km). Both parties couldn't hit each other from this range.

With their cannons, it was hard the the duchy to scout them. The men on the observation deck were increased to be wary of night raids. Also, scouts were sent to Fort Sierck periodically. In case the regiment was an advance party sent to stall for time while they plan a massive reinforcement.

#### Tunneling

They encountered rocks hard enough to deform shovels while digging the tunnel. Small amount of explosives were slotted into the rock crevices to blow it up in such instances. And they also did piling work to build pillars to strengthen the tunnel. All these construction works were noisy. Regis fired the cannons nonstop to use the cannon explosions as cover for the construction works.

Professionals were hired for the task, and were fostered into shifts, working all hours of the day. The crates disguised as food were actually tools used for tunnel construction, since they didn't plan for a long campaign from the very beginning. The excavated soil was hidden in giant tents, and then disposed farther away in the night.

### Day 3

The cannon fired nonstop throughout the night and day. They couldn't hit their targets, but the explosions could still be heard. Some of the troops reported insomnia and feeling ill. There were also concerns that the tremors might cause the mines to collapse.

Zechmeister proposed attacking, given the regiment were just 2000 strong to their 4000. He believed they would definitely emerge victorious on an open plain battle. Weingartner rejected the idea given Jerome's past exploits.

The shelling continued through the night.

### Day 4

That morning, the Green Bronze Knights moved out. The cavalry charged through the cannon fire and survived the shots of the muskets. Zechmeister led the 500 green bronze knights and closed in on the imperial army. They were about 10Ar (715m) from the annoying cannons. The Black Knight appeared, with 300 horsemen.

Zechmeister was defeated by Jerome and the Green Bronze Knights retreated in a panic.

Altina ordered the bombardment to cease, to honor Zechmeister.

### Day 7

The fort's chief of staff reported at noon. The reinforcements from the capital would arrive tomorrow morning, they would then be able to repel the enemies.

There have been no casualties, but a lot of the men complained they couldn't sleep because of the cannons. There was a line before the infirmary.

One officer believed the soldiers had the illusion of hearing sounds besides cannon fire. Several of the troops residing on the first level seemed to be hearing things. He thought it was the impact from the bombardment. Weingartner gave orders to gather the men, because he realized the enemy was coming in through the armory.

#### Infiltration

After seven days of labor they were finally prepared to blast through their floor with dynamite. A pit was be dug right under it so the collapsed earth wouldn't clog up the tunnel. According to the blueprints, blasting the floor of the armory would be fine. But their ammunition cache seemed to be in a room further down. That meant the ammunition cache was right next door. Any error in the measurement would make the entire Fort and the 4000 people in there go up in smoke. The work team and breaching team would be caught in the explosion too.

After they obtained the armory the battle would be won. After all, a well prepared soldier in full armor on the first day would only carry a sword by the 7th. Because, it is hard to go about your day in full armor. Not to mention their sleep deprivation. It was the same for the regiment, however, they were doing better because of our ear plugs. To prevent the sneak attack of the enemy, they had been drilled on how to convey messages to everyone in an emergency. If the armory was suppressed, the enemy wouldn't have access to their armor and pikes. They couldn't use their pikes in the mines too, but they had the advantage with their shields and armor. Most importantly, the enemy would definitely be in disarray.

The next step was dividing into the team holding the enemy back, the team to suppress the main gate and the team to take the cannons. After wresting away control of the cannons and the main gate, the imperial army could charge right in. The enemy had the advantage in numbers, but considering the preparedness and morale, they would manage somehow. If they gained control of the cannons, it would be the empire's victory. If they succeeded in their attack, they would raise the flag. The rest of their units would move in, and it would be over.

If they couldn't raise the flag. Then the mission would be a failure, they would retreat, and hope things would be settled with just Regis's court martial. Altina insisted on joining in the infiltration. It's admirable for the commanders to want to lead from the front, but that would be dependent on the battle plan. The infiltration team would be isolated if the plan failed.

Team 1 was to fend off the enemy troops, Team 2 to take the cannons, Team 3 to capture the main gate. Team 4 would provide aid if any of the other teams face any problems. With 30 members in each team, including the reserves in team 6, there were 180 members in the infiltration group. Regis and Altina were apart of team 4.

The work team lit the fuse and the ceiling exploded. Altina gave the order to attack. This was the first instance in history of Belgarian soldiers stepping inside Fort Volks. Under the cover of black gunpowder smoke and dust, the imperial army formed ranks with short spears.

Altina defeated Weingartner.

10 men were to stay behind men, 2 would pass the message "we have captured the enemy commander" and the rest to protect the princess.

When Regis reached the cannons, Altina and the troops had completed the capture. The artillery soldiers made no attempt to resist, raising their hands in surrender at a corner. Altina then waved the flag.

With Jerome taking the lead, the black knights charged over. The main gate opened at this moment. The invincible history of Fort Volks of Varden Duchy was ended.