Bärlauch Wiese Forest, Austria, 16th Juli 1563
'Pink Rain' that was what Shizade Alauddin thought as he witnessed cherry blossoms sway through the air. A cherry tree in the middle of the Austrian woods was quite a rare sight, with that in mind and the ever darkening sky Shizade Alauddin decided to make camp.
"Halt march, we rest here for the night. Set up camp and get some rest." Alauddin, turning the horse underneath him, addressed the convoy behind him.
A line of 35.000 personnel stretched throughout the dirt path, rows and rows of infantry faced forward with a stoic expression. From above their red cloth uniform coupled with silver metallic armor created the scenery of a giant red serpent moving through the lush green forest. Discipline was evident, as although they wore clothes decorated with dust and dirt not a single complaint was heard from them. With the command delivered the tired soldiers started forming groups of ten and began constructing the campsite.
Alauddin dismounted from his horse and gave the stead to his aide, after taking his tent and a pair of stakes Alauddin started erecting the tent near the cherry tree he saw.
"Shizade, let me assist you." Approaching him was his aide Zainuddin.
"Thank you Zain, do help with the stakes"
As the sky began to return to the night's embrace, Alauddin and Zain finished building their tent.
"Zain, after you take a rest tie my horse near this tent, after that gather the officer's at a campfire. Call me when you have gathered them" Alauddin said as he walked towards the cherry tree.
"As you wish, Shizade." Zain replied with his on his chest as he bowed a little.
Jumping on top of a branch Alauddin picked a couple of ripe cherries, laying down he marveled the starry night sky. Alauddin's thoughts started to wander while relishing in the sweet refreshing taste of cherries plus the hypnotizing scenery of the night sky.
'Oh god almighty, shield my father and brothers from the blade of the enemies. Grant them your strength to stand against the raging tide. When the time comes for one of us to meet you , then call for us while we spread your teachings.'
"Shizade, i apologize for breaking your thoughts however the officers have gathered and are waiting for your presence."
"There is nothing to apologize for Zain, I was just resting for a bit. Now lead me to the fire and join us there." Jumping down from the tree Alauddin replied to Zain
Zain led Alauddin to a nearby campfire, a cauldron was placed on top of the fire. Boiling ezogelin soup was inside, on the ground several plates were spread. On them there was a beautiful Kiymali Pide and Lahmacun with some herbs on top. An enchanting aroma spread from the food, causing both Zain and Alauddin to move faster.
“Good evening officers, I invited all of you here to discuss tomorrow's events. But before we start let us dine on the delicious food.” Sitting down on a carpet Alauddin took a plate and bowl then started eating a bit of everything.
“Shizade, with our current speed we will arrive by tomorrow, around sunset.” A Miralay officer reported after finishing his food.
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“I see, how about our soldiers, how are they faring?” Alauddin replied while putting down his plate.
“They are well rested and are in high spirits. Their faith is also high, some of them are taking their time to pray while we are talking right now.” A Muavin Başçavuş officer replied
“Praise god, With our soldiers mentality tomorrow's battle will, if god wills it be ours.” Alauddin said with a solemn expression. “However, do not take our enemies lightly. Although the Habsburgs are outnumbered, Vienna has prepared its defenses since the first siege attempt. Although such preparations can be overpowered we will have to stretch the siege duration, giving the rest of Europe a window of time to reinforce Vienna.”
“Shizade I apologize for cutting you mid sentence, however this afternoon while we were setting up camp a messenger from the sultan arrived. The sultan informs you to hasten the troops and reach Vienna before sunset tomorrow. The Polish Lithuanian have sent an army of 30.000 heavy cavalry to assist Viena, the army is led personally by Sigismund II.” A Çavuş officer cut Alauddin mid sentence.
“Your apology is accepted.” Alauddin nodded towards the Çavuş officer. “ It seems that Eorope has acted faster than I thought. Tomorrow, the moment dawn breaks we will resume our march to Vienna…
Alauddin continued his discussion with the various officers for a few hours. After cleaning up Alauddin walked back to his tent alone, where he spent the night slumbering.
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Outskirts of Brno, Moravia
The city of Brno was sleeping when the earth started to tremble, the city guards on night duty feeling the sensation scrambling to the top of its walls, looks of nervousness and fear were written on their faces. From the vibrations they can tell an army was approaching, one that must be huge to cause the ground to tremble. As the trembling started to grow more intense a group of people climbed up the city walls.
“What happened? Why is the ground trembling, is there an army approaching?” A man wearing elegant attire questioned the guards.
“I milord sire, it seems that an army is inbound however due to no illumination we cannot tell whether they are an ally or foe” The Guard captain replied to the city lord.
“Blasted, the Ottomans are besieging Vienna as we speak and yet here another unknown army appeared.” The city lord cursed as he kicked a nearby pebble.
As they waited atop the city walls, columns and columns of cavalry appeared on the horizon, marching steadily they stopped just out of range projectiles. The cavalry began to dismount then started setting up camp. Two silhouettes from the cavalry didn't dismount but head towards the city gates.
“Greetings, we are the envoys of his majesty Sigismund II. In respect to your suzerain Holy Roman Empire Ferdinand I we will refrain from taking the city. However in return you must provide all your provisions and accommodate his majesty's army during our stay. Lord of Brno do you accept?” One of the envoys shouted from below the walls.
The city lord gritted his mouth, the humiliation from the envoys were clear as it could. However the opposite side was from a powerful neighboring kingdom, he could not do anything. So he heaved and responded.
“It is an honor to accommodate Emperor Sigismunds army, the best of our provisions will be handed to you. If I may inquire, what is your purpose in these lands?”
“His majesty seeks to destroy the invading south, those Ottomans have encroached upon Vienna for a third time. They must be crushed once and for all or lest Vienna falls.” The envoy replied, then without another word turned around and returned to his camp.
Brno’s city lord let out a sigh, shaking his head as he returned to his mansion in the center of the city. Now he knew who the army belonged to he could head back and continue his disrupted slumber.
Hey it's me, well there are a few things i want to deliver so...
- First and foremost this novel is something I made up based on my comprehension of the Ottoman Turks. The Siege of Vienna was a critical moment of history, so I wanted to experiment with what would happen if I made an alternate timeline.
- Second, due to my schedule I can at most upload once a week and sometimes I would have to be absent for nearly a whole month.
- Third, criticism and suggestions are welcome. Though please keep stuff civil.
- Fourth, for illustrations and stuff I can ask someone, though it might take time and might not be too good. Well, that's all. See ya maybe next week