The War of the Well
"You know, there are many myths and legends out there, about dragons, knights ,adventurers, gods and monsters. But bards seem to delight in bringing up that business about the war started over a damned horse."
"Well, they know their audience, and honest it was a bit of an embarrassment. Even if nobody outside of Firos thinks it really happened."
"Just no justice in the world."
There are few wars regarded as pointless and useless as the War of the Well. It literally was only a minor skirmish, and is perceived as a war only due to official documentation having been presented to name it as one after the fact. This was largely seen as a face-saving gesture by each of the kingdoms and their rulers so they could claim to each of their populaces there had been a war and each were the victor.
The Conflict
Prelude
During a drought, two units of Shaniran soldiers pushed into lands controlled by Firos and began to seize water sources with the intent to contain and take it back. Four forces commanded by neighboring Firosian knights approached with the intent to fight, while more Shaniran units were brought in to make it clear a war would begin if they picked a battle. After much discussion between the leaders of the kingdoms, however, an agreement was reached to split the water between the two kingdoms. However, the presence of so many armed people in the area was a recipe for trouble and would only require the slightest spark to ignite.
On the 4th day of the 6th Moon, a farmer was retrieving his allotment of water for his crops when a Firosian soldier inquired as to the price of the farmer's draft horse. After several refusals to even discuss selling, each one growing more heated, Shaniran soldiers attempted to step in and defuse the situation. However, the farmer brought out his horsewhip and pointed it at the offending Firosian with an angry denunciation - only to be shot by one of the onlookers who had been growing more nervous about the incident. Shaniran soldiers claimed it was from the Firosians, the Firosians claimed it was the Shanirans, and a battle broke out briefly before the Firosian forces took the horse and cart and fled to a nearby wooded hill.
Deployment
Battlefield
The Engagement
Outcome
Aftermath
The whole battle lasted less than an hour, but for two moons following the City of Roses was turned into a spectacle of public shaming and execution. The king of Shanir wound up endorsing peace and withdrew most of his forces as a sign of respect. The king of Firos then declared the dissolution of the 'Well Watch' as had been decided upon. Diplomats took several moons to arrange matters to prevent either of the kingdoms from looking foolish and this ended up being one of the reasons Shanir soon agreed to become a part of Firos.
Historical Significance
Legacy
Belligerents
Firosian Renegades
Led by
Strength
Casualties
Objectives
Lord Gaoun's Guard
Led by
Strength
Casualties
Objectives
Shaniran Forces
Led by
Strength
Fourth Foot: Heavy Infantry (180), Archers (30), Light Infantry (40), Officers (10)
Sixth Cavalry: Light Cavalry (40), Heavy Cavalry (10), Officers (3)
Casualties
Fourth Foot: 5 Dead, 42 Wounded
Sixth Cavalry: 4 Dead, 13 Wounded
Comments