Luc raised a brow at the King’s reply to Alexander’s question, as he’d heard of Goblins from his own world’s fairy tails though those creatures were likely of a different appearance than the ones he knew of. “Goblins? I must admit your Highness, I can’t say that I’ve ever faced such creatures. What do these Goblins look like?” Luc Inquired, as he slipped his cavalry gloves back on.

Mountainhelm seemed to frown before shifting his view towards one of the wall murals that adorned the throne room. “As much as it pains me to admit, Goblins are a pesky bunch that is very much akin to the Orcs you’ve fought in the plains, Colonel.” Turning to face Luc, “But these green-skinned foes are smaller, faster, and fearless. No matter what sort of countermeasures we use, they just keep coming, and no matter how many we defeat, they still keep pushing.” As the Dwarven King went on, he returned to his throne, his rough, calloused hands gently gliding over the marble armrests. “I lost my closest friend to these creatures, as well as some of my finest warriors.”

Luc and Alexander frowned. They knew the pain of losing friends to the chaos of war, but given what they knew of this world, he imagined that Mountainhelm’s warriors didn’t suffer an honourable death. It was at this moment that Calondra walked up, mustering up the confidence of her race.

“Dear Mountainhelm, I’d like to offer my Squadron up to aid in hunting down these Goblins.”

Luc’s eyes went wide for a moment as he and Alexander both looked at her astounded by her audacity. But, before they could say anything, the great Dwarf spoke first, his mighty smile returning his handsome aged features once again.

“HA! You’ve got some brave officers, Colonel Demoulin.”

Nodding slowly as he kept his eyes on his Elven Captain, “Mhm… indeed, but I’m afraid our dear Captain here doesn’t have either the experience or training to face any foe in a confined space.” He replied slowly.

Calondra’s face quickly went red with embarrassment as she suddenly realised her mistake. Despite her wanting to help the Dwarven people with their problem, she knew all too well that her own squadron –like herself- were woefully under-equipped and not yet fully trained for anything other than combat in the plains. She slowly hung her head feeling a little sheepish.

Despite his annoyance with the new Captain though, Luc couldn’t stay upset with her and instead shot her a small smile before turning his attention back on the Old King. It seemed to do the trick, given how the Elf seemed to return to normal.

“However, as both a show of good faith and our wish to establish a military alliance with your Kingdom your Highness, we’d be more than happy to deal with your pest problem,” Luc said, reaffirming Calondra’s earlier statement. “Furthermore we’ll be doing so with a squadron armed with carbines.”

The King grinned, knowing full well that Luc was only doing this to get on his good side; it was working. Indeed, if there was one thing the old Dwarf wanted more than aid, it was to see these Carbines in action. Luc was readily able to discern this as well given how often Mountainhelm glanced up and at his own weapon that was slung around his shoulder.

Sitting back down upon his throne, the Dwarven King seemed almost beaming with excitement and joy. Luc chalked it up to the fact he was going to get not only new weapons but a new ally strong enough to give them peace of mind.

“Perfect! I suppose you’ll be sending off a rider then?”

Luc nodded. “Mhm, that we shall.”

Mountainhelm’s smile seemed to only grow more as he clapped his mighty hands together, creating an echo throughout the room. “HA! Perfect in that case, allow me to offer you and your soldiers food, drink, and pleasant conversation until they arrive. You’ll get a taste of true booze too, and not that swill you likely drink back at the Elven forest…” Pausing, the King looked towards Calondra, “No offence.”

Calondra merely smiled and shook her head, “None taken your Highness.”

“Bah, please, call me by my name.” He waved his hand, dismissively at the title.

Calondra bowed her head, “As you wish Mountainhelm.” She replied warmly.

Alexander soon coughed into his hands, “Right, well, I’ll go and round up a troop to ride out and get the First Squadron.”

Luc nodded, “Sounds good. They’re likely to have returned not that long ago, so they should be prepared to sortie.” He agreed before shifting his attention back on the Dwarf, “In the meantime, we’d be honoured to accept your offer Mountainhelm.”

As the young blonde-haired Colonel accepted the offer, the great Dwarf rose to his feet and motioned for the group to follow. “Come then! Off to the Great Hall for drink and food!”

---

After a few hours of conversation and discussion, both the King and Luc had gotten to better know one another, and over a few drinks, Luc had come to learn just how happy Mountainhelm was to work with them. Though, their conversation was soon cut short by the return of Alexander and the Commander of the First Squadron, Captain Daniel Lefranc.

Daniel, much like Luc, was a 28-year-old man, although unlike Luc, he was a man who had come from nothing to become the man he was today; which is to say the very idea of a straight-laced officer of Horse. Standing just under six feet, he seemed to appear somewhat rough in overall appearance, showing how he was not the type of man one would like to meet in a dark alley when judging purely off his looks, but he was a man whom all within the Regiment trusted.

Standing up, Luc gave a warm smile and wave to the two Cavalrymen as they approached. As they both came up, Daniel snapped off a crisp salute with his right hand while his left remained on his side, holding his helmet which remained tucked underneath.

“Captain Daniel Lefranc of the First Squadron, reporting as requested, Sir!”

As professional as always, thought Luc who returned the salute before waving him and Alexander at ease. “It’s good to see you, Captain, and welcome back, Sergeant.”

Both men gave a small nod, with Daniel being the first to open his mouth to speak. “Thank you, Sir.”

“Mhm, right, well…” Nodding his head, Luc turned and motioned his hand towards the Dwarven King. “Captain Lefranc, I have the pleasure of introducing you to his Royal Highness, King Thadran Mountainhelm.”

Walking up to meet the new face, Mountainhelm gave a full toothed smile to the raven-haired Captain. “Pleasure to meet you, Captain!”

Bowing his head in both respect and greeting, Lefranc replied, “No, the pleasure is all mine, your Highness.”

Waving his hand once again, “Please, no need to call me such. Just Mountainhelm or Thadran will do Captain.”

“Of course, my apologies.” He replied, looking down at the short, barrel-chested old King, before turning to face Luc. “The First await your orders sir, and we’ve brought extra ammunition. Given what the Sergeant Major has told me, it seems as though we’d need it.”

Luc nodded his head after taking a sip from his cup, “Good… though if worse comes to worst, we have Calondra’s squadron who can back us up with arrow if needed.”

The man snorted, “Forgive my ignorance, Sir, doubt their primitive weapons will do much to aid us in the tunnels. I’d much rather rely on the aim and skill of my men.”

Frowning slightly, Luc didn’t have much of a reply, and neither did the Mountainhelm given how his own warriors were slaughtered using such weapons. “Right… well… that’ll be all Captain. Return to your men, and have them ready to join us at the tunnel entrance. A guide will take you there once you’re all ready.”

Snapping off another salute, “Sir!” Daniel backed up before about facing and leaving the three men.

“I must apologise for his behaviour… he’s really not a bad man, he’s just a little… well… opinionated when it comes to this world’s technological level.” Luc apologised, which had Alexander frown some knowing how he couldn’t do anything to help his friend and superior officer in this matter.

If what the Daniel said bothered the Dwarven King, he made no show of it though, “Bah! It’s fine, it’s fine! Besides, that’s what our alliance is going to change, no?”

Luc’s smile returned, “Indeed.”

Shortly after finishing their drinks, the trio regrouped with Calondra and the officers of her Squadron before moving on to meet with the First. Their trip proved to be rather quick, given how the King and his troop of bodyguard knew the area better than anyone else in the area. And upon their arrival, Luc spotted Daniel, and the First Squadron come marching into view.

“Are the men ready, Captain?” Luc asked as he walked up to join Daniel and the other officers of the First.

Daniel and his officers quickly snapped off a well-disciplined salute that had Luc seem to forget his rank for a second before he did the same. “They are sir. As I said earlier, they just required your orders.”

“I see… well, I hope they’re prepared for a day worth of fighting.”

“They are.”

Coughing a bit, “Right… well, see to you men. I’ll join you at the front in a moment, I just have to let the King know he’s to stay with Calondra’s Squadron until such time that the First needs reinforcing. Sound good?”

Daniel didn’t bother to reply with words, but rather just a nod, “Men, head to your troops and begin carrying out your orders. Every man should prepare for ranged and close-range fire. Given what our guide has told us…”

Luc stood to listen to Lefranc’s briefing for a moment before he moved to talk to the King and Calondra.

“Your Mountainhelm, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you of the dangers you’re going to face within, as you know what it is we’re about to face better than any of my men, so, you’ll know that I’d like it if you and your guard could remain with Calondra. You’ll take up positions in the centre just behind us, while Calondra’s squadron takes up the rear to protect the flank. Should the Goblin’s breach through us, you can expect some heavy fighting…”

Raising his hand up to silence Luc, “No need to worry about me, Colonel! I’ve seen my fair share of fighting and know how best to protect myself when push comes to shove. You focus on your men while I focus on my own.”

Nodding, Luc felt a fair bit more relaxed overall as he turned to look up at Alexander who was already doing his final checks with his carbine. “Sergeant, let’s go.” Looking over at the King and his Elven Captain, he gave them a small smile, “Good luck.”

Calondra gave him a warm smile before snapping off a Salute, “We’ll not let you down, Colonel!”

Try as he might though, Luc couldn’t help but worry about the Elven Squadron, as they were untested in combat as a unit, and despite them being in charge of watching the rear, there was always a fear that the enemy might have secret tunnels that could be used to sneak around them. Either way, he had a lot to worry about right now, but he did his best to stow away his worries and instead harness them to help keep him on the wires edge of readiness.

As he walked up to the front of the Squadron to join Alexander and Daniel, he gave both men a nod before giving the order to advance. “Cuirassiers! At the march!”

--

The Cuirassiers marched through the tunnels uncontested, with only the light of the wall torches to keep their path lit. With the sound of their boots being the only sound to echo through the tremendous empty halls of the tunnel, the mood seemed to shift to one of apprehension. Luc peered over his shoulder, his blue eyes quick to spot the nervous expressions on each of his soldiers face. Even the normally straight laced professional that was Alexander seemed to give off the look of worry as his eyes darted towards all the darkest corners. Indeed, it was this time that made it the most challenging for the young Colonel, and it would be this time that would truly test his ability to lead the men of the 14th.

Then, just a few hundred meters ahead of them, the sound of tiny metal hitting the stone flooring echoed down towards them; the sound seemingly amplified by the anxiety felt by all. Yet, despite the tension that gripped them all, the Squadron halted and began to prepare.

“The first rank kneels, the second rank prepare for a volley, the third rank prepare to lay down suppressing fire, and the fourth rank watch the ceiling,” Luc ordered promptly, not wasting a second to get his men in position.

Almost immediately after his order was made, the tightly packed rows of Cuirassiers began to do as ordered, with the sound of breech loaded rifles being prime to fire. Daniel and Alexander both readied their own carbines, both the officer and Senior NCO began to take a crouched stance. Standing just at the side was Luc, his own carbine still remaining slung around his shoulder. Despite his wish to join in the firing, he had to be the one to give the order to fire, and be the first one to meet the enemy in melee should they draw too close. Slowly, he began to wrap the braid of the straight-bladed cavalry sabre around his right hand and wrist, ensuring that he couldn’t lose it should the fighting get heavy. And while his hands were protected by the thick leather of his gloves, the sound of his hand tightly gripping the hilt of his blade could be heard, reminding him to calm himself. Gently he rested his left hand over his right to stop the shaking that slowly began to take him. He had to be brave here… these men looked to him as their senior officer, and if he backed down now, the whole squadron would likely crumble and fall apart, and any chance for an alliance with the Dwarven people would be lost.

With eyes now once more focused on the squadron, he gave another order to further prepare his men. “First rank draw swords, should they get in close I want you to drop your carbines and prepare to receive infantry.” Given how they had no bayonets for their carbines, it made sense for them to cast aside their carbines and instead focus on using their sabres as they were by far more proficient with them then a bayonet.

Many of those in the front seemingly let out small relieved sighs of relief as they gently rested their blades at their sides, ready to pick them up at a moments notice.

Seeing his men ready for battle was more than enough to help calm him, as his shaking hand was now steady, bolstered by the confidence now shown in the faces of the First Squadron. Then, just as they were in formation, a loud bellowing screech came from down the tunnel to their front, cause Luc to flinch as the sound had him rocked momentarily. But, just as he regained composure, what he came to see gave him quite the fright.

Out from the shadows cast by the flames above, came the twisted figures of their goblin foes. Their oily green skin protected by a mismatched ensemble of armour that looked disproportionate to their small physical appearance. In their long boney fingered hands they held an assortment of weapons ranging from blunted objects to crude metal points fashioned into something of a blade. In the sea of growing goblins, one could make out the appearance of those unique goblins and hobgoblins that wore bits and pieces of Dwarven armour; likely taken from the bodies of their victims. The sight of these foul creatures had all the Cuirassiers grimace with a mixture of disgust and horror, more so as they dragged out tall wooden planks with what appeared to have captive dwarven soldiers and elven women tied to.

“Meat shields…” Uttered one of the men, forcing Luc to shoot him a glare.

“Indeed.” Turning back to face the goblins, a frown soon overtook his face. “Doesn’t matter… trust your aim, men! Aim past them, and pick the tallest in their ranks. If they’re anything like the Orcs we fought, they’re likely to lose all sense of order and break. If not… try your best to take as many of the little bastards down as possible before we meet them with the steel of blades.”

Alexander chimed in, “You heard the Colonel! Eyes front, aim low… real low. Smack the first fucker you see come into your sights with a bullet to the skull. Let them know to fear us, boys!”

No sooner had the words echoed through the formation were the men smiling, the heavy tension which had seemingly held a tight noose around them was now gone as each man began to take aim with a renewed vigour.

“Alright, first rank, if you’d, please!” Luc called out, and just in time as the Goblins began to make their advance down the 100-foot wide hall.

One second. Two seconds. Three seconds. CRACK!

The sound of thunder ripped through the air as the kneeling first rank opened fire. Then, after them, the second opened fire the sound of their carbines, adding to the loud boom that bounced around the walls of the vast tunnel system. On the opposite end, the goblins stumbled, collapsed, and fell upon one another as many of their own were rendered into bloody heaps on the stone floor. Yet they did not stop, no, much to the chagrin of Luc.

Bringing his sword down and resting it against his right shoulder, Luc gave a new order, “Fire at will men! Remember to breath, pick your targets, and fire at your own pace!” He barked, trying to talk over the sound of gunfire.

If there was any time that showed the real power and deadly effectiveness of the breach loaded feature, it was now. Shot after shot, Goblin after Goblin, the enemy formation began to dwindle and shrink into a pool of blood with the oily green of their corpses seemingly floating above like a swamp. As the smoke began to linger and float to the top of the hall, the scene before the Cuirassiers became clear. The entire army of goblins had been slain, wounded, or turned into a quivering mess as fear overcame them. Seeing this as a chance, Luc brought his sword out and pointed it forward.

“Captain Lafranc, have the First Squadron advance at the fire ready, with the third rank blades drawn!”

Daniel didn’t need to be told twice as he stood up and moved to the front of the formation alongside the Cornet holding the colours. “First Squadron! On me! Advance at the walk!” He started, slinging his carbine over his shoulder before pulling free his sabre, “March!”

The First limbered forward in a slow march to keep in formation. As they came upon the dead and dying Goblins, the First began to march over them with the third and fourth lines using their swords to finish off any of the dying and wounded. Upon coming to the ‘Meat Shields,’ the men were quick to pass them back, leaving them to be handled by Calondra and her Squadron, while they were free to focus on eradicating any other threat that might rear their ugly head. This continued all the way through the rest of the mine and tunnel network, as the Cuirassiers made short work of any and all goblins that they came across, while the Elven Cuirassiers began to liberate any of those enslaved and held captive by the creatures… the whole process lasting well up to Thirty hours. After nearly thirty hours of fighting, the Cuirassiers finally came to the end of the tunnels, guided by the liberated Dwarves who led them towards the source of all the trouble. At the end of the tunnel system, they converged and ended at a single point, and it was at this point that the Goblins had managed to set up a small settlement from where they launched their attacks. With a majority of their army dead, the Goblins quickly retreated within their little city, protected by a wall of thin metal and wood. In response, the Cuirassiers began to lay siege by surrounding the small walled settlement.

“I take it this point was meant to be a hub of some sort?” Daniel asked while looking at the map they had drawn up during their advance.

Nodding, Mountainhelm replied, “Aye, that it was.” Turning to take an offered cup of tea as Luc came walking up, handing him and Daniel a cup. “Thank you, Colonel.” Taking a sip, the King pulled back in astonishment, “Wow, what is this stuff? Tea you called it?”

Luc nodded, “Yes, Earl Grey. It’s quite popular where we’re from.” Looking down at the map then up at the settlement, “But, you’ll excuse me if I don’t divulge any more than that at this time, given our current circumstance.” He added.

Mountainhelm beamed Luc a grin, “Aye! Right, you are Colonel, right you are.” He replied, “We initially intended this point to be built up to be a hub of sorts. Once we managed to set up the bulk of our miners and craftsmen here, we were going to start turning the area into a city. After that, just keep digging up and through until we come to create a new exit.”

Luc and the other officers surrounding the table all acknowledged the detail. “Well… hopefully, for you and your people, such plans can still continue after we’re done here.” Luc added warmly.

Mountainhelm smiled as he lowered his head. “Aye… that would be nice, but I highly doubt there will be many of my people who would dare to come down these blooded halls…” Frowning now, he looked to his people who had been liberated, “Not after all that they had already suffered.”

Luc glanced up at the King, “Mhm, you may be right… that is unless they’re properly defended. I’m sure after what you’ve witnessed this day, you’d agree that having properly trained and equipped soldiers guarding your people will do a fair bit better at motivating the people.”

The King shot him a glare before his frown broke out into a great mighty laugh, his warm and boisterous personality returned once more. “AYE! That it would Colonel Demoulin! That it would!” As his laughter died down, he looked up at Luc, “I suppose that means your willing to offer your soldiers to guard our tunnels then Colonel?”

Luc shook his head, “No, rather, you’ll have your own. As we’ve promised, we’ll give you the means to develop the weapons you need to defend yourselves and ensure that all are equal in our alliance.” Shooting him a laugh, “It’s only fair after all.”

Mountainhelm didn’t know how to reply, he was caught completely blindsided. His head swivelled towards the Cuirassier officers and NCO’s to see if they shared in his shock, but to his surprise they all just kept their gazes locked on the map, seemingly unaffected by their Commanding Officer’s statement. With a small shrug of his shoulders, he admitted defeat on this front.

“Haha! Well, such a deal will aid my people, no doubt about that. And in return, we’ll repay your trust in us tenfold, Demoulin!” Mountainhelm announced proudly.

Luc looked down at him and smiled, “And we’ll be thankful for any and all aid you can render to us in getting the supplies we need and the means to forge said weapons and tools.”

“You’ll get them all, of that I promise you! After all you and your people have done here this day, you’ve more than earned all that, if not more.”

Luc raised his hand, “We only need what we requested, I’m sure your people will need more aid to recover all that they lost in these tunnels.”

The King shook his head, “Be that as it may, I’m sure a great many of those you helped save this day will want to give something back to those who gave them a second chance at life.”

Suddenly a cough from Daniel brought the diplomatic conversation to an end as he spoke up, “Excuse me, I hate to be the one say this, but I think it’d benefit us all if we can wrap this Goblin business up sooner rather than later.”

Luc nodded, “You’re right Captain. Sorry your Highness, but we’ll have to continue our talks for when we take the settlement.”

“Aye. So what do you planned then?”

Luc examined the map then peered up at the walls, “For starters, we plan to open a hole in their wall. Given how thin they appear, I doubt it’ll be hard. We have a few grenades on us, which we can use to create a sizable hole to give us a breach. Once we breach their walls, we’ll advance through with Calondra’s Squadron providing covering fire via their bows. Given the height of the ceiling, it should be doable.”

Calondra was practically beaming with excitement when she heard her part in the plan, “Don’t worry Sir, we’ll keep you safe! About time we got a chance to show these Goblins what we Elves are made of!” She stated proudly.

Luc shot her a smile, “Indeed you will, Captain. Indeed you will.” Turning towards Lafranc now, “Meanwhile we’ll advance and form a circle on the other side, allowing the Dwarves to come in via the rear and join in the melee. We’re not likely to be able to use our carbines once we’re in, so have the men keep their sabres out and their carbines ready to fire a single round.”

It was then that Alexander chimed in, “If I may Sir if you allow it, I’d like to take a handful of men with me once inside and find a vantage point. From there, we can start picking them off before they have a chance to fully mobilise a response.”

“Lafranc?”

Daniel just nodded, giving the Sergeant Major the green light to take some of his men.

“Thank you, Sirs. If I may be excused from the briefing to go grab some men?”

“Of course, Sergeant Major, we’ll see you later once we take clear the town,” Luc replied, before turning to face the rest of those gathered he opened his mouth to speak once more, “If no one has any questions, you may return to your men. We’ll start the assault in three hours.”

“Sir!” Everyone replied before splitting up, leaving Luc alone to his thoughts.