[color=gold][h3]KARRAS[/h3][/color]
The Captain frowns. "No," He admits heavily. "We do not know the exact size of the forces in the area, though Lieutenant Maniakes reports evidence indicating the presence of as many as several bandon worth of troops." He stares you in the eye. "Don't do anything rash, Lieutenant."

//Note: Paulus Ordo is coming with you here as well.


[color=gold][h3]DELGADO[/h3][/color]
You don't make it very far before encountering Bardas and a handful of enlisteds riding hard down the road towards you — evidently your belated relief force, undoubtedly having heard the musket fire from the bridge. They rein up besides you, Bardas goggling at the sight of your injuries and bloodstained attire. "What in the seven hells happened?" He finally manages to ask, before shaking his head and gesturing for you to disregard the question. "Nevermind — Cornet Konyk will want to hear your report firsthand. Christ Almighty." He blasphemes, crossing himself. Then he turns to his command and barks out orders, and soon you are once again heading back towards the bridge.

Some twenty or so minutes later, you stand at attention in front of the Cornet, having given your full report to him. The Cornet is quite obviously distressed at the news, and the knowledge that there is likely a sizeable enemy force barely a kilometer away. He paces for a long minute before finally turning to you. "It is vital we maintain control of this bridge as per Lieutenant Karras' orders. However, he must be informed of the present state of affairs." He straightens, and stares you in the eyes. "You are to take two horses and return to Tomis immediately."


[color=gold][h3]SPEROS[/h3][/color]
All is quiet after you tie up your horse and move into position. You crouch behind a stout tree, carbine trained on the pathway you rode across just minutes before. The anticipation mounts as time passes, your heart pounding and your palms becoming sweaty. The fellow across from you fidgets incessantly, and twice he is startled and nearly fires. "Saint Michael preserve me..." You hear him mutter under his breath.

Finally, you see them. A dozen German Hussars, just as Hero said. They pick their way up the trail at a trot, calling out to each other in their barbarian tongue. "Steady...Steady..." You hear Cornet Leventis say quietly. 

Then someone fires, knocking a hussar clean from his saddle, and the whole world seems to spring into action.


[color=gold][h3]IOANNIS[/h3][/color]
The sound of musket fire interrupts whatever response the Cornet had planned to give. The noise is distant, but you quickly ascertain that it is in the direction of the bridge, where Cornet Bardas and Konyk are supposed to be camped. 

Cornet Von Nyon is quick to react, and immediately spurs his horse forwards. Perhaps, in hindsight, he is too quick — the horse is spooked, and promptly bucks him from his saddle. Von Nyon lands heavily with a [i]thud[/i]. As two of your fellows rush to calm the mare, you run to check on your officer. A quick appraisal reveals that he is out cold, having hit his head somewhere on the way down.

That means you are now in command.