REPORT 3
The heat of the day shows no compassion at all.
The fighting has raged back and forth all morning and the Rider managed to disengage from the fighting to make his way to Tuchuk to give report.
The fighting has paused as both Tuchuk and Kataii tend their wounded. Water is dangerously low along the Tuchuk line and most of the remaining water has been collected and is being given to the wounded, at least those that seem they may survive.
What little food rations have been divided among the Men. Very slim pickings. Some fruit from saddlebags, dried bosk from beneath a few saddles, mostly just snacks for use during patrol periods. It will likely be gone before the fighting begins again.
Unable to scout beyond the Kataii line we have no idea how many Kataii may be there nor even if their wagons have accompanied them. We do know the Kataii sleen work to mentally defeat our forces as well as physically defeat them. They have water and are making a grand showing of pouring buckets of it over themselves and washing, drinking, in full view of our forces. RAGNAR stated aloud, "Oh what I could do if I only had my longbow and a few simple longarrows." He does not have them so that is that.
It almost seems that for every Kataii we drop from the saddle two more appear. The Kataii keep us guessing. They drag items behind them across the field so the dust rises and obscures our vision beyond them.
Tuchuk spirits are still high, though they would be much higher if they had water. Leather jerkins have been removed as have the helmets to try and avoid the heat. It helps, but casualties have risen in regards to head wounds and slicing wounds to the upper body. Our jerkins are not armor by any means, but they do offer more protection than bare skin or light shirts.
Starting with over a thousand Warriors, our number is down to just over half still in fighting condition. The rest are dead, wounded, or in the process of dying.
Our forces are now fighting from the rocky ground area having been pushed back. RAGNAR refuses to take another step backwards. In his own wordshe has said, "Here we will stand, or here we will die. Enough is enough!"
The Ubar is not happy to say the least. When last sighted he was spending some time with the casualties. The words exchanged by those able were the words of Warriors. There was not a word of fear among them, even those who knew they would die. They spoke together and they sang together.
At one point during the last attack some Warriors even threw rocks at the Kataii having no arrows or quiva left. We were able to get a few more arrows, quiva, and lances from the fallen Kataii, but not in great numbers. Venturing too far forward earns a volley of arrows. Some have tried.... some have died.
*** At this point the Rider opens his saddlebags and begins placing items given him by the Warriors. Items the Warriors wish their Women, Mothers and Fathers, Sons and Daughters to have should they fall in battle. These items are on the Ubar's wagon steps.The items range from the Tuchuk symbol cast in silver or gold.... some carved from the horn of bosk. A doll a Father was making for his Daughter with dried braided grass for the body and scraps of material for clothes. A small hand carved heart made from Bosk horn for a Woman a Warrior had eyes for. Notes for loved ones from the few who could read and write. A small pair of sandals for a Man's baby Daughter. A sleen tooth necklace from a Father to his young Son of the Sleen Breeders Clan. For a young Companion, wild flowers from the battlefield where a Young Warior paused during a break in the fighting to enjoy the beatuty in the flowers. So many things from Warrios who will retreat no further.***
