There was indeed much more than The 1st Oralu was telling. They confronted a vastly superior force of Kataii, Turian Rarius that are allegedly outlaws from Turia as not standing down from the prior war, and Mercenaries.
When Ubar finishes recovering, perhaps he can shed more light on this Turian situation. However, as it presently stands we are not at war with Turia, but it would be foolish not to be alert and ready should Turia have a differing view of the situation.
Tuchuk has recovered all its dead and wounded from the field, and still there are Warriors about who have not reported to have wounds tended. It is doubtful this is entirely by choice. Many we so spent after battle, it was about all they could do to return to the column before going down for rest. Mercilayne, Taryn, Izee, and the Ubara tended as many as were known with wounds. The 1st again occupied the platform and beneath Dragonslair, where the Ubara spent her time repairing their damaged bodies. She did not awaken any that were sleeping unless blood was seen pooling anywhere around them.
Taryn, Izee, and Gheeta worked the med wagons, and Lancer did assist as well as chanz and other healing slaves and volunteers.
Prepare food for the 1st and when they awaken, see they are fed well. It is hoped the column will be able to move again by nightfall, crossing the battlefield and heading on towards Turia.
The figures I have thus far... the butcher's bill of the battle so to speak, is The 1st Oralu is down to 487 Warriors still fit for duty... 235 under medical care for wounds sustained in battle, and the remainder are being processed through the morgue wagon. There were no Warriors missing in action.
The body count from the field of the enemy is 2, 786 and counting. No prisoners were taken. The majority have been beheaded and their heads placed upon lances and spears as a warning to all who pass by to beware of Tuchuk and The 1st Oralu. As a side note, the majority of their mounts were also slain. 300 kaiila were recovered and spared for Tuchuk use. Every tharlarion in sight was slain. All kaiila tack and gear has been gathered for Tuchuk use.
The field has been deemed secure, so the gathering of weapons and other assorted items of value may begin. Any item discovered as belonging to The 1st will be turned in. Weapons will be checked and used to re-arm. All other items are looked upon as finders keepers.
Roan, Lilac, Roan's horde of Girls, Wapike, Shylina, and any others volunteering, have been grading and tending to wounded mounts. All slain mounts will be dispersed among the meat eating stock of the column to fill their bellies. Any mounts that can not be healed, will be mercifully put down before being fed to other meat eating stock. The kaiila served their Riders nobly regardless of which side of the conflict they belonged to.
I hold no doubt those of The 1st still fit for duty will once again ride advanced point ahead of the column. For them, it is now a matter of pride. Their facing the enemy in battle alone is now understood to have been a matter of honor and unfinished business. Both have been satisfied.
Those not even of The 1st during the war still ride beneath its standard, and as such, they had the history and integrity of The 1st to uphold. They did their duty to their Oralu and to Tuchuk.
As those of The 1st say, "We may die, but The 1st lives on."
Temujin
