《Dynast's Resurgence》 Cherry Blossoms B?rlauch 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.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°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 Ba??avu? 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 ?avu? officer cut Alauddin mid sentence. ¡°Your apology is accepted.¡± Alauddin nodded towards the ?avu? 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. --:-:-:-:-:--:-:-:-:-:-- 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 Can A City Kneel Beybar opened the flap of the commander¡¯s tent, walking out the ringing of steel and the shout¡¯s of men resounded throughout the area. With a haste Beybar walked towards four soldiers wearing a distinct uniform compared to the others. Crimson red cloth adorned their bodies, over the cloth a vest of leather and metal decorated the torso. For headware they wore a B?rk that reached the shoulders, the armor they wore was decorated carefully with words of faith or geometrical shapes. ¡°My yolda?lar we have been assigned to transport the new weapons to the enemy''s flank. There we shall start an assault after a signal is given. Any questions?¡± Beybar stood in front of the four, addressing them one by one. ¡°We have none sir, At your command sir¡± The four replied in uniform. Turning around Beybar headed towards the makeshift stable nearby. Guarding the stable were two squads of regular soldiers, the two officers in charge walked forward and questioned Beybar¡¯s. ¡°Halt, show your letter of permission.¡± One of the two spoke to Beybars after both of them gave a salute. Without a word he saluted back, Beybar took a scroll from inside his vest. After reading the scroll for a brief moment the officer on the right nodded and ordered his subordinate¡¯s. ¡°May you have success in your endeavor my brother, be on guard at all times for you will be too far for us back in camp to help.¡± The officer on the left encouraged Beybar and gave him a pat on the shoulder. ¡°God bless you brother, your advice is kept in mind.¡± Nodding, Beybar accepted the advice. Not long after, five horses strolled out the stable. Taking the reins of a brown stallion, Beybar mounted the horse, his four subordinates following suit. Buckling the horse they headed east of camp, there lay the weaponry. Tents of soldiers littered the area in uniform patterns. Every here and there ration and medical shelters stood in accommodation for the soldiers. Galloping in a steady pace the five strolled through a cleared up area, from afar a building stood in disharmony to the surrounding structures. In front of the building two horses packed with bags were stationed outside, by their side stood a supply officer. ¡°Are you Birindji ferik Beybar?¡± With a salute the man inquired. ¡°Correct, i have come as ordered, are these the items?¡± Saluting atop the horse Beybar replied. ¡°Indeed, be careful however these are heavy explosives. Once detonated, anyone in range will be decimated.¡± Handing over the reins the officer cautioned Beybar. Accepting the reins, Beybar passed them onto his subordinates. Nodding to the supply officer Beybar went off, heading out of camp. Passing by the commander''s tent and the camp''s outpost they left the settlement. A line of thousands of soldiers clashing with each other greeted them. Crimson red uniforms clashed with white uniforms, through the amount of white uniforms outnumbered the crimson, they were being pushed back. The Habsburg garrison forces were clashing with the Ottoman vanguard, in a hope of repelling the attackers the garrison had decided to make a sorty. Though from the situation it seemed that the sorty had been a failure and now the Habsburgs are locked in a struggle with the Ottomans, far away from their defenses.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Galloping on the green plains Beybar and his company maneuvered around the two clashing forces. Keeping a far enough distance between them, they traveled along the edge of an austrian woodland. Shortly, they arrived at the rear flank of the Habsburg forces. Dismounting Beybar and his comrades started setting up the new weapon, it was a modified version of a cannon. It was a mortar, with the capability of firing explosives and the ability to be dismantled and assembled again these weapons opened a whole new field of warfare. --:-:-:-:-:--:-:-:-:-:-- As the battle below intensified, the sun reached its zenith bathing those below it with its light. It was in this instant the sound of a horn resounded throughout the battlefield, Simultaneously from eight directions streaks of black dots moved through the sky forming a parabolic line, upon reaching their peak these black dots turned downwards to the earth heading straight to the center of the Habsburg army. Upon touching the height of a human from the earth¡¯s surface, these black dots exploded forming circles of devastation. Anyone unfortunate enough to be inside them were dissipated into nothingness, those outside the circle didn¡¯t escape its horrors. Those that wore cloth uniforms experienced flames, meanwhile those with metallic armor in a close enough radius experienced the feeling of steel melting. Screams and panic spread the battlefield, the Habsburgs started breaking ranks and fled. In response volleys and volleys of mortar shells fell upon them, dirt flew through the air forming a cloud of dust. Confusion soon plagued the Habsburg foot infantry, then in tandem one by one they kneeled, crying out their surrender. The rain of mortar shells soon halted, leaving a wasteland of craters and kneeling soldiers. Without a delay the Ottomans started taking those that surrendered captive and treating the injured. Beybar and his squad returned to camp after the sky started turning red, they had scouted around making sure that none of those that fled formed a big group. Upon entering the gate they were greeted with cheers and salutes. Smiles decorated every soldier''s face in the camp, today''s battle had not been as costly as those before. Although they themselves didn¡¯t fear death, witnessing a fellow soldier''s death was disheartening. --:-:-:-:-:--:-:-:-:-:-- Outskirts of Brno, Moravia In the city''s outskirts a camp filled with thousands of inhabitants bustled with activity. In the center of all this bustle existed an area of quiet and peace, here a luxurious tent stood. Inside this tent sat a man wearing imperial regalia on top of his throne. ¡°Your majesty, reports of the clash between the Ottomans and the Habsburgs have come in.¡± Kneeling on the carpet a knight wearing his coat of arms spoke to the man. ¡°What happened? Why did the Ottomans and Habsburgs clash outside of Vienna¡¯s walls?¡± The man, known as Sigmund II, questioned the knight. ¡°The commander of Vienna¡¯s defense led by the Count of Salm decided to make a sorty on the Ottomans north of Vienna. It seems that the count was aiming to defeat a portion of the Ottomans that was cut off from the rest due to the Danube river. The results however were different than the expectations, though caught unguard and outnumbered the Ottomans managed to form a firm resistance pushing the Habsburg defenders back. The crux of the battle was when the Ottomans utilized a new weapon to cause chaos in the opponent''s ranks.¡± ¡°A new weapon huh? Describe it to me.¡± Interested Sigmund II inquired ¡°From the intelligence we gained, black dots appeared above the sky. Forming a parabolic line and then falling straight into Habsburgian lines exploding into flames.¡± ¡°From the sound of it they have advanced in cannonry, though that matters not. With our swift and flexible cavalry we can outmaneuver whatever they try to throw at us. Alright you are dismissed, call the chef to bring some food and wine.¡± Waving his hand Sigmund II dismissed the kneeling knight. ¡°As you command your majesty.¡± The knight spoke while rising from his position. Leaving the emperor alone, the knight left in a swift and silent manner. Not long after two servants came in bringing along with them a few trays filled with food spreading an appetizing aroma. Safavid Anticipations North east of the Zagros mountains, a few miles off the Caspian shores stood a city. The city was named Qazvin, center of the Safavid Empire this city splendored with wealth. Its streets bustling with visitors from all over the world, one could spot Arabic merchants, Chinese explorers, and Austrian guests talking to each other. Discussing various matters, sometimes fights would break out due to their origins. However no sooner would guards arrive and stop before escalating further. This was a price to pay, to possess a wealthy city one would have to face the problems that came with it. Though it seemed the ruler had no qualms about this, as in the center of the city stood a magnificent palace. Its walls were built with the best marbles the world could offer, these walls were decorated with murals. Depictions of glorious events the empire experienced. Navigating through the palace would be a difficult task, as its many hallways winded here and there. Creating a complex system where only the experienced knew how to navigate through it. These hallways led to rooms, rooms where even the poorest of them had something a four star hotel would possess. It was an architectural marvel, the water system worked perfectly even though no nearby pumps were present. Water fountains would still work even though no pumps were placed, its gardens were perfectly irrigated even with no one to water them. In one of these gardens a group of people circled around a table. A man wearing beautifully embroidered silk clothes sat on a chair, on his side a woman wearing a veil covering her face accompanied him. In front of them a few men wearing black and yellow robes sat with respectful expressions. ¡° Shah Tahmasp I, we, your loyal viziers have something to report.¡± One of them, a man wearing a yellow outer robe with a one undershirt spoke out. ¡°Grand Vizier Ma¡¯sum speak what you have to say.¡± The man, known as Shah Tahmasp I responded. ¡°My Shah, yesterday in the middle of the cold night a few envoys sent by Ferdinand I arrived at our gates. They came informing us that our enemy in the west, the Ottomans, have started a spring campaign against the Habsburgs.¡± Grand Vizier Ma¡¯sum reported. ¡°To make the Habsburgs send an envoy to us, the Ottomans must have shown up stronger than they expected.¡± Tahmasp I chuckled in amusement, listening to his Grand Vizier talking. ¡°Indeed, although the news is outdated due to the long distance, it seems that before heading to Vienna the Ottomans had taken every inch of territory the Habsburg held in Hungary.¡± Ma¡¯sum nodded in agreement to the Shah. ¡°That much? It has only been 2 months since March and they took all of Hungary.¡± The Shah no longer laughed as he started taking matters seriously. ¡°I also did not believe their words, however the envoys insisted and kept on telling the same thing.¡± Shaking his head, Ma¡¯sum continued. ¡°After taking Hungary the Ottoman main host immediately headed to Vienna, taking account of time the envoys took to travel here, it has been 12 days since the siege started. Meanwhile another army led by Sultan Suleiman''s son, Shizade Ya¡¯kub cleaned up the remaining cities before joining his father on the 10th day¡± Grand Vizier stopped a bit to catch his breath before continuing on. ¡°Not long after, from Belgrade another of sons, Shizade Alauddin, started marching to Vienna with a fresh batch of soldiers. There are rumors that this army is equipped with weapons similar to arquebuses.¡± ¡°Suleiman must have put a lot of his time and wealth into this campaign. Tell me, how many troops do they possess?¡± Shah Tahmasp I feeling a bit agitated questioned ¡°Padishah, though we do not know the specifics of their armies, the Habsburg envoy came with some information of their numbers.¡± This time a man wearing black robes responded, continuing he saidUnauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°From the information the envoys gave us, Sultan Suleiman led an army of 80.000. His son Shizade Ya¡¯kub led an army that split into two, each of them comprising around 20.000. As for Shizade Alauddin they are not sure, though to equip an army with arquebuses the most they can have is around 10.000.¡± Confidently the man conveyed the estimated numbers the Ottoman rallied. ¡°So in total they invested 130.000 soldiers to the cause, such a large number means that Suleiman aims to wrestle Austria and most likely Croatia away from Europe. It seems that after defeating us at Chaldiran they assume we won''t be of threat any time soon.¡± A sneer appeared on Tahmasp I face, he did not like the feeling of being underestimated. ¡°Padishah, for the Ottomans to rally such a force they must have had to pull some soldiers at the borders. Weakening their defenses, we must take advantage of this opportunity and take back what was stolen from us.¡± The woman beside Shah Tahmasp I advised him. ¡°Padishah, I also agree with Nafsah Khanum. Such a large force could not have come from nowhere.¡± The Grand Vizier Ma¡¯sum supported the woman. ¡°No, not yet. Though they have placed their military in the campaign a portion of them are still at the borders, well rested and equipped. We will wait until they have exhausted more resources into the campaign before making our move.¡¯ Tahmasp I refused and spoke what he had in mind. ¡°I see, the Shah is wise. Then shall we start our preparations for this incoming war?¡± The Grand Vizier inquired. ¡°Correct, Grand Vizier, you are responsible for the logistics and ammunition. Nafsah Khanum you take responsibility over the recruitment, and Vizier Nu¡¯man prepare¡­¡± Giving out a series of orders, Tahmasp I delegated a few tasks to his subordinates. ¡°Alright, this meeting is concluded. Finish your assignments by the end of September, we will start our campaign in the mid of Autumn.¡± Standing up Tahmasp I nodded to his subordinates before walking away with Nafsah Khanum at his side. Leaving the garden they started walking through the halls of the palace. Nafsah leaned forward inquiring about a suspicion she had. ¡°Shah, may I ask of something¡± Hesitating a bit, she decided to ask the man. ¡°What is it, Nafsah?¡± ¡°When the Ottomans gained victory over us at Chaldiran, our empire was on the brink of collapse. The effects are still present till today even with our current efforts, and the populace are still in fear of the Ottomans. Is there something I have no knowledge on that gives you confidence in a 5 month preparation?¡± Cautiously she questioned the Shah¡¯s decision. ¡°You don''t have to be so cautious my child, though, you have to keep a front when present in formal settings. When it''s just between you and me you can keep your guard down.¡± Chuckling Shah Tahmasp I reassured Nafsah. ¡°In truth during our previous war with the Ottomans not all our troops were defeated and scattered at the battle. At the time I was at Gorgon amassing an army to continue fighting the Ottomans as I did not expect such a devastating defeat. Then things continued as they did. Ismail I was defeated then I took the throne calming the chaos that arises from our defeat.¡± Pausing for a bit, Shah Tahmasp I watched two cats play fighting at the edge of a fountain. ¡°To answer your question, since I did not use any military force to calm down the chaos, I decided to keep them a secret. Something that was quite easy during such a chaotic situation.¡± ¡°I see, a 40.000 large army invading their borders is more than enough to make the leftover Ottoman armies experience a defeat.¡± Nodding her head Nafsah could finally understand the confidence behind the Shah. Right as she finished speaking, one of the two cats jumped backwards in an attempt to avoid the other cat''s attack. Unfortunately behind it was the fountain filled with water, with a splash the cat fell into the water. Panicking it tried to swim, but to no avail as slowly it started to drown. The other cat watching it¡¯s brethren downing looked around for help. Meowing it looked at the two creatures closest to it. Unable to resist the pleading look on the cat, Nafsah started running to the fountain then without hesitation plunged her hands into the water. A pair of delicate hands plunged into the water, clasped around the cat''s body. Pulling it out of the water, Nafsah took a piece of cloth from her attire and wrapped it around the shivering cat. With care she dried the cat¡¯s soaking body before pulling it into her embrace, trying to warm it. ¡°It seems that you have something else to take care of, go ahead and take care of the cat. You can leave me alone.¡± Smiling Shah Tahmasp I who witnessed the unfolding events gave Nafsah permission to leave his side. ¡°Thank you Padishah, I will be with you again tomorrow morning. In the meantime I will take care of these pore furballs.¡± Nafsah thanked the Shah.