Further musings from the front

[Rufus]

Rufus sat exhausted in his tent. He sipped slowly on a moderate glass of wine (Clear wine but definitely not the best) and reflected on the past days.
The attempt to use tribal forces to raid into Tarsh to cut Lunar supply lines had not gone well. An impetuous advance (which at the time Rufus thought was brilliant) had meant that scouting was neglected and the army had been surprised by a Lunar ambush. The tribal levy had broken at the shock of the unforeseen attack.
Rufus, commanding the elite Mularik’s company 3rd battalion had been ordered to operate as a reserve. His force was now summoned to act as rearguard to cover the retreating levy.
The battalion expertly deployed and as a magical regiment called as one upon the power of Orlanth to protect them. Orlanth did not disappoint. Clouds of mist manifested along the battle line causing the Lunar troops to lose direction and control. As a result they hesitated and generally slowed or stopped their advance.
The forces of Boldhome were therefore able to successfully disengage and avoid being pursued.
Although the Lunars generally held back as the fog and mist enveloped them, some remained eager to pursue. One such chap, a Lunar noble no less, crashed into the front of Rufus’s battalion and being on his own, was rapidly overpowered and captured.
Rufus interrogated the fellow, a Julian van Eyzaal (said he was a cultist of Yanafal Tarnils but Orlanth obviously had the best of him), and concluded that he was a decent enough chap, though clearly fighting for the wrong side. Apparently, though of distinguished family, he was, like Rufus somewhat impoverished. Consequently, the substantial fortune from a lucrative ransom that Rufus was looking for was still beyond him. However, a small sum, sufficient to offset the cost of his new horses was agreed. Julian was delighted to be released rather than incarcerated and said that should the positions ever be reversed, then he would do his best to treat Rufus with equal courtesy. Rufus was sceptical as had heard how harshly the Lunar Empire treated their prisoners.
So, all in all, the campaign had started badly. His efforts though had been acknowledged in the commemorative battlesong, even if the song was less a glorious celebration and more a mournful dirge.
The names of the fallen were remembered – too many – but far fewer than might have been the case. Perhaps if the force had more healing magic, then such losses would have been prevented. Rufus pondered his next steps as he finished his wine.