Entry Twelve
RAGNAR
Where to even begin?
The Scouting patrol proved advantageous. We pinpointed the location of the Paravaci's Northernmost herd South of the column's position. They are well rested, and in good condition. Tuchuk must now alter course heading due West to reach good water. This will unfortunately add an additional long day to our travels to reach Turia. There was no choice in the matter. An extra day is better than risking all.
The Commanders were briefed upon my return and general orders issued.
The course change forced Tuchuk to take a long upgrade. Not steep, but long that will weigh heavy on the teams. Roughly halfway up the grade one of Taryn's wagons lost a wheel causing a shift in the wagon platform. There is no way of knowing exactly what transpired inside the wagon, but within moments the wagon was ablaze sending dark smoke high into the air. If none knew where Tuchuk was, they certainly do now. The wheel rolled down the grade as did several empty water barrels. Resulting damage from the rolling debris was thankfully minimal. The bosk team was freed from the wagon and aside from being singed they are well.
Tuchuk scrambled to clear an area around the burning wagon to avoid the fire spreading to other wagons. Sod was cleared to create a fire break around the wagon to also contain the fire. Out of concern the wagon could begin a backwards roll down the grade, axes and spades were put to use to create the firebreak and to render the remaining wheels inoperable. This was accomplished.
There were casualties. I have not received a detailed Healers report but such will be forthcoming as time permits. It seems Tomar was badly burned, many suffered from smoke inhalation and blistering and burns. A dozen thralls were put down by Mercilayne and others having been deemed too badly injured to waste valuable medical supplies on when needed by the free. Most injuries were superficial thankfully, and preliminary verbal reports lead me to believe no more than ten or fifteen free are under immediate Healers care for anything serious.
By the time the flames were dying down and order restored it was approaching nightfall. Tuchuk remained in place to tend the injured, inspect and repair any damage and tend the stock.
Do remember to block the wagon wheels on the grade. We do not need anymore losses.
A bakers dozen bosk and four kaiila fully tacked were brough home from my patrol... having relieved some Kataii of their burden of rounding up some of their herd stragglers. The kaiila will be given to any in need as the Scouts all agreed to forgo their usual share of spoils. The bosk will be slaughtered for food before our Tuchuk bosk. The Scouts have agreed to accept the hides of the bosk as spoils, and adding the horns, hooves, bones, and nose rings to Tuchuk stores.
My goal for the day is simple. Doublecheck the teams and wagons... make it over the grade and down the other side. We can halt on the flats and rest, eat, and recover before the push to the river. I am not thrilled with losing travel time due to the incident on the upgrade, but it is something we must accept.
It has been reported to me there is nothing left in our food stores save for our beasts, some salt, and pepper. Water is at a premium and the remaining juices have been cut with water to make them go further.
Maintain discipline and do what must be done. We will reach water soon, and will then push on to Turia for resupply. I know it will not be easy, but I am confident we will succeed.
End Report
** Again, when role play resumes we will be using daylight hours instead of night.**
