Throughout the night and into the morning, Deutsche reinforcements and supplies have been arriving at Ravensburg. Somewhere around 10’oclock, Colonel Wallenhorn’s cavalry arrived on scene and began deploying to the front. General Brieg ordered a forced march, for his division, through the night.
His first brigade, under the command of General Hollenfaüst, arrived around 1’oclock in the morning, and began entrenching to the south of General Windstar’s men. Under the moonlight and campfires, the brigade places four new cannon batteries on the hills, just south of Ravensburg. The infantry brigade remains at the ready, with a strong front; while also trying to give as many men some rest. Just before daybreak Hollenfaüst’s brigade begins preparing for the coming fight. At the same time, General Brieg’s second brigade and third brigade marches down the Teichblick Road to begin deploying to the north of the Saddle Arabian army. The fourth brigade, the Second Brigade of the East, continues making its way towards the fight. They are expected to arrive sometime mid-morning. In total, around 20,000 infantry reinforcements are arriving; in addition to the 800 cavalrymen that arrived with Wallenhorn.
Throughout the night, General Windstar ordered scouts to map the enemy positions in the city. Keeping to the shadows and alleyways, they were able to identify enemy positions along with weak points and areas of importance.
June 3rd, 7:23 am
Ravensburg, Deutschland.
General Windstar makes his way through the makeshift headquarters to meet with the other officers. Around him, his men and Wallenhorn’s men prepare for today's fight. Yesterday's fight was a tough fight, but his men prevailed. The reinforcements gave his men a much needed morale boost, after having lost almost a third of their men the day before.
Walking through the door, he makes his way into headquarters and takes a spot around a table with a map of the region printed on it. Inside the room also stands Major General Brieg smoking a pipe, brigadier General Hollenfaüst, Colonel von Schultz commander of Brieg’s second brigade, and General Trupiz, commander of Briegs third.
“Ah General Windstar, good to see you're alright.” Brieg says, noticing Windstar approaching.
“Glad to see your boys when they arrived.” He replies with a small laugh. Taking his place around the map, he points out key areas. “My scouts have mapped out the Saddler position through the night. They've created a semicircle around the harbor to protect their ships and cannons. They have at least eight batteries set on the coast. Further out, about a kilometer and a half, is their front line. They have infantry along this long road here.” He says, running his finger along the road. “Dorset avenue. Estimated strength is forty thousand.”
General Brieg steps forward clearing his throat. “We have Windstar’s men here at the city square along with about a hundred and fifty miliz. To their right is Wallenhorn. To the south, Hollenfaüst’s brigade is set up along heights, just outside of town.” Brieg turns his attention to Hollenfaüst. “General Hollenfaüst, I trust your guns are in position.”
“Oh most definitely, Sir. I'll bet my guns can hit their camps now.”
“Very good. When Laesche’s boys get here we'll have them fall in on your right. Now to the north, we have Von Schultz and Trupiz. Once the fighting starts, I want your two brigades to push into the city. Force them out into the open, preferably south.” Glancing across the map, he analyzes the positions of his men one last time. “Gentleman, these deployments are sound. The rest is in Faust’s hands.”
June 3rd, 8:30 am
Onboard the SMS könig, 3rd fleet
South Meditermarean sea, 64km southwest of the Deutschland
Pushing through the thin morning fog, the Deutsche navy’s 3rd fleet makes its way along the Saddle Arabian coast. It consists of roughly 80 ships. With the SMS König being the flagship, two Sachsen class ironclads flank her on either side, offering protection. Leading the way are six Camäleon-class gunboats. They're main objective is to block Saddler harbors from merchant and cargo ships.
So far, they've been successful in turning merchant ships around or sinking them. Inside the captain’s office, of the König, Admiral Eduard von Capelle braces himself on a table with a map of the ocean, planning the course of his fleet. He hopes to be able to reach the Horn of Saddle Arabian in a week. He is hoping to catch transport and merchant ships by surprise that are coming around the horn. There is also a Zebra colony about two days sail south east of the horn for re supplying his fleet. For now they must stay their course. His thoughts are interrupted as a lieutenant enters.
“Sir, we've spotted sails on the horizon. Three ships in total.”
“Are they our’s?” He questions.
“No, Sir, they are flying Equestrian colors.” Capelle nods in acknowledgment, before turning his gaze out a window.
“Merchant ships, most likely carrying guns and ammunition for the Saddlers. You know the drill. Turn them around or eliminate them.”
“Yes, sir.” He replies with a salute. Turning, he heads out the door. Blowing on a whistle, the crew races to battle stations. A signal is relayed to the rest of the fleet for general quarters. The sailors of the König wait in anticipation for the three Equestrian ships to approach
After about twenty minutes of waiting, five frigates and two ships of the line begin to surround the merchant ships. Producing a spyglass, Capelle makes a mental note of the vessels.
“Hmm, three ships. Two standard freighters, one steam paddle. Sails and rigging on the freighters, lightly armed and armored.” He looks up to the flags on the ships. “Definitely Equestrian ships. Wouldn't be surprised if they are named the
RMS Friendship or some bullshit.” He says with a laugh.
The frigates begin signaling to the three ships to turn back or be fired on. When they did not receive a response, one of the frigates fires a warning shot, which splashes about fifty yards short of the three ships. The two sailed freighters return fire with the few cannons onboard, all while moving on their path, hoping to run past the Deutsche ships. The frigates return fire with a full broadside from all five ships, sending shells crashing into the three ships. The three Equestrian vessels hold firm, returning with their own cannons. A lucky cannon shot sends an explosive shot into the pilot house of one of the frigates. The blast sends deadly splinters and shrapnel across the deck and into crew members.
Blow for blow, the ships continue to shell each other. After taking multiple shots, one of the Equestrian begins to lisp to the port side; as smoke begins emerging from below deck. Two shots from SMS Stein slam into the steam paddle. The first hits just above water level. The second makes a direct hit at the boilers. Thick black smoke pours out of the chimney before the entire ship detonates in an impressive fireball. The two remaining Equestrian ships seem to pause almost in shock as the paddle ship explodes. After several more blasts from the frigates, the main mast on the remaining Equestrian ship shatters into splinters, when a shell strikes the side of it. Finally the Equestrians give in and cease fire.
As the mast collapses into the water, Admiral Capelle assesses the damage from the deck of his ship. It has been a small skirmish, however even skirmishes come at a cost. The thought crosses his mind as he glances over at the destroyed pilot house on the frigate. The fleet continues on its way as lifeboats begin to deploy from the merchant ships.
June 3rd, 10:37 am
Ravensburg, Deutschland
The sounds of battle echo through the streets of Ravensburg. The southern Deutsche position began shelling the Saddler position mid morning, forcing them to make a move. Three Saddle Arabian brigades march towards the southern line. Hollenfaüst’s men are dug in behind a fence running the length of the line, with the left making a slight curve in the line. Marching through a thick green field of barley, several ranks of Saddlers begin their advance. Two ranks of Saddler infantry have already take position and return musket fire.The Deutsche batteries on the ridge begin targeting their lines
The cannons leap back as they are fired. The smell of powder and smoke fills the air. Two of the four batteries target the advancing infantry, while the other two target the enemy artillery as an attempt to draw fire.
“Load!” The captain of the second battery cries. “900 meters! Case shot, five second fuse” he glances down the line as the crews load the guns. “Ready!” He pauses for a second. “Fire!” Four blasts from the battery rock the ground beneath him.
The first lands just short of the advancing infantry, sending dirt and shrapnel into their ranks. The second explodes overhead raining iron shot down, tearing a massive hole in the line. The third slams through the ranks exploding behind them, and the fourth explodes a few feet off the ground, in the middle of a line. Despite the brutal bombardments and musket fire, the Saddlers press on; leaving the mangled bodies of their comrades behind.
Pulling out his binoculars, the captain watches the fight. He scans the battlefield for where he needs to target his battery. He holds his breath as an enemy battalion attempts to charge the Deutsche position, fortunately heavy casualties force them back.
On the Deutsche right flank, the 9th Leipzig holdfast. They are positioned behind a stone wall in front of a small farmhouse, with their sharpshooters firing from the windows of the house. The Saddlers have made several attempts to turn the defending line, trying to push the right flank in. Alas those attempts have been met with heavy casualties and failed. The Deutsche infantry however has only taken moderate head and shoulder wounds. Another volley of lead slams into the advancing infantry, causing them to break formation. Two more Saddler battalions move into position
“Battalion! Fire by rank!” One of the lieutenants orders, worried about the coming wave of enemies.
The first rank of Deutsche infantry takes aim and fires. As they reload the second rank takes aim, before letting off their wave of lead. The two Saddler battalions take aim to return fire. A cloud of smoke erupts in front of them, obscuring the view.
Smoke rises from in the city signaling that the cavalry and militia have also engaged the enemy. Colonel Von Schultz and General Trupiz’s two brigades begin their march into the city in an attempt to drive out the enemy into the open. The battle is going according to plan. All that is needed now is for General Laesche and the fourth brigade to arrive on the field.
Across the battlefield, along the Teichblick Road, the sound of fifes and drums fill the air as the fourth brigade enters the city. They move south, staying close to the edge of the city before deploying near Hollenfaüst’s right flank. General Laesche positions his men forward with the batteries on the outskirts of the city. Three battalions move forward to engage while another two hold back in reserve. Needless to say, the Saddlers were not expecting more infantry support.
General Laesche watches as two regiments slam into his brigade from a distance, his cannons positioned not too far away just in front of a small orchard. The two sides exchange blows as a Saddler battalion moves in to try and flank the left side of Laesche's front line, however his men stubbornly hold position allowing the cannons to redirect their fire.
“Colonel Willich.” He calls out, riding up to the colonel’s regiment. “Bring your men forward and move in on the right. We'll flank these bastards.”
“Yes, Sir.” Willich replies with a salute. Immediately he sets out to reposition his men. Pulling out his binoculars, General Laesche peers over towards Hollenfaüst’s position. He watches as Hollenfaüst’s men stubbornly hold their position. He takes notice as the Sadder infantry seems to break, falling back towards the city. Suddenly a bold Sadder battalion quickly pushes towards Hollenfaüst's right flank and Laesche’s left, attempting to break through the lines. They hope to turn the Deutsche lines in on itself. A massive volley from both sides of the line slams into the battalion. The battalion moves to a position of column of four, with two ranks firing on either side. Ultimately the losses are too much, forcing them to fall back.
A short break in the fighting allows the southern line to be resupplied where needed. With General Trupiz and Colonel Von Schultz’s men having marched past the Deutsche center, more Saddler troops are being forced out of the city and into the open. General Wallenhorn’s men moved south, out of the city center, to reinforce Hollenfaüst's position.
Several hours of fighting pass as Saddler forces begin to fall back to the coastline. The last remains of the enemy in the city have finally retreated after a brutal final push against General Trupiz’s men cost the Saddlers, in the city, almost half their way strength. Hollenfaüst couldn't be more relieved when he saw the fluttering colors of Deutsche infantry appearing on the field across from him. He has lost almost a quarter of his brigade in the fight. Late in the afternoon several small vessels began ferrying the enemy infantry back across the lake into Saddle Arabian lands. After the fight, they begin to gather the wounded, taking them to the makeshift hospital at city hall. Trupiz’s brigade stayed on the front watching the Saddler retreat. Just before sunset, a courier from Fort Makkah rides up with a letter to General Windstar
“General Windstar.” He addresses. “Compliments of Colonel Wetson of the 82nd
Saddler forces are in full retreat. Cavalry forces gave chase to the Saddlers for several kilometers.”
“Good.” Windstar replies. “Damn good job you boys did.” Addressing the men around him.
June 4th 7:45 am
Canterlot, Equestria
Royal Dining Hall.
Princess Celestia sat enjoying her breakfast while reading up on the events of days prior. Turning the page in the newspaper, she sees a disturbing article, causing her to freeze.
Equestrian Ship Sunk!
Reluctantly reading on, the article told of a merchant freighter that was attacked off the coast of Saddle Arabia. Just then, her sister Princess Luna walks in.
“By the look in your eyes, I see you've seen the news.” Luna states.
“This is the fifth time this week that we've lost a ship over there, and it's only Wednesday.”
“Sister why won't you allow escorts to travel with them. Dear sister, Equestria possesses one of the largest naval fleets in the world. All we use them for is hunting pirates.”
“I will not push my nation into a war.” Celesitia retorts firmly. “Especially if it's not our war.”
“Princess!” Shouts a royal telegraph officer as he stumbles into the room. Catching his breath, he delivers his message with a bow. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, message from Filydelphia naval yard. Three ships were attacked yesterday.”
“Were all three cargo ships?” Princess Luna questions.
The officer tone sours. “I'm afraid not. One of the vessels was a civilian transport. The RMS Friendship I believe. Most of the passengers didn't make it.
“Thank you, my little pony.” Celestia solemnly says. “For delivering this important information.”
After the telegraph officer leaves, Princess Luna turns to her sister. “Sister I ask you again, have the Royal Navy escort our supply ships to Saddle Arabia.
After much hesitation, Celestia finally gives her answer. “Very well. Inform Admiral Coral. Have his fleet move up to protect our ships.” She pauses for a minute, taking a sip of her tea. “I still believe that I will regret this decision later.”