The Day of Reckoning
“Conclusion of Trilogy”
(Transylvania, Samurai and The day of Reckoning)
The Kingdom of France on 7 December 1552
His name was Range. He said he came to France to stop the juggernaut known as Japan. The manner in which he explained how he would accomplish that feat seemed impossible, if not laughable...but, that was then.
In 1552, if you were a logical individual to complete such a task you would have chosen Great Britain, or Castile as a vehicle to stop Japan. Instead, he chose to use the tiny and insignificant kingdom of France to do his bidding. At first glance of a world map you would have to strain to even find France’s borders...until you took note of the mainland British provinces that nearly surrounded France. It was almost picture perfect, as if Great Britain were a warm and loving mother tenderly holding her child "France" in a loving embrace.
As for France, King Henri II immediately welcomed Range’s assistance with open arms. Even though he thought Range’s quests were ludicrous, the monarch was happy to have him on his side.
King Henri II
Already, by this point, both Great Britain and Castile had denied to assist Range in his quest. The way King Edward VI of Britain and Charles I of Castile saw things they liked the way the world was shaping up as their successes were unbelievable.
King Edward VI
“Japan,” said King Edward VI, “is no threat. They are children, and if they get out of line they shall be dealt with harshly; until then let fate dictate their future.”
Even with King Henri of France behind him, Range had a few obstacles in his way that had to be dealt with before he could even think of confronting Japan. The next might not be as impossible as his initial task before his arrival in France, but it would be a very difficult task for him to complete and still have enough time to complete the task of dismantling Japan.
That next obstacle was Great Britain. By 1552, Britain had virtually wiped France from the map. Their forces strung out about France were more than five times the strength of France, and France had very little manpower in reserve. Of course, Britain could very easily increase the odds as large forces were poised on the southern coast of England ready to spring across the channel on a moment’s notice.
So, an important challenge for Range was for him to make France a vestige of remarkable military power...exceeding that of England. Before he could even think of taking on Japan he would have to drive the English completely out of Mainland France; and, make that island nation and every European nation fear the French...so much so that no one would dare take them on.
Upon completion of those tasks Range would set off to convert the Japanese empire back to what they were in 1399...just a nation of islands. If all goes well he would have just eighty years to destroy Japan’s chances of taking over the world.
The year was 1552. It has been said Range has made a pledge that he will be ready to begin dismantling Japan by 1740, or he’d die trying.
Eugene Collache
My name is Eugene Collache. I’ve come to bring the latter to fruition in payment for his sin of snuffing out the existence of someone I shall forever hold in very high esteem.
My quest came into being a few months before Range’s arrival in Paris. He said that the tide had to be turned against Japan, or otherwise Japan would eventually rule the world. Thus, his first act had been to kill Rangemura.
The Killing of Rangemura:
9 Jun 1552
This is my account of the morning Rangemura went out to face his fate alone.
The morning after our great victory against Manchu, I awoke to the sad realization that this was the day that it was foretold Rangemura would meet his end. As I stepped from my tent, fully dressed, I witnessed Rangemura boldly emerging from his tent. He was dressed for battle.
“This is the day, Matuso,” Rangemura said in confidence. “The day... I face my fate.”
Rangemura then climbed up on his gallant steed to address all of us that had gathered. He told us not to follow. Urging Victory, his white mare, he proceeded to follow the path to the stream that was nearby.
While the others respected Rangemura’s request, bowing their heads in honor of the great Samurai, I soon began to follow Rangemura. I did not understand how disrespectful I had been until later. But, for that moment the consequences for my actions did not matter. I had to see what was about to happen. We had all been informed of what had been troubling Rangemura...now, first hand I was to see the one that would end my leader’s life.
I moved through some brush that led to the stream. I knew from the edge of the brush I would be able to clearly see what would take place.
Rangemura rode Victory toward the bank of the stream. On the other side was his enemy. Strange, but if my eyes were not deceiving me, I began to believe that they were one in the same.
“That’s far enough,” said Range the assailant, in a voice that was not alike that of Rangemura. “Stop right there. I think you know why I’m here.”
“I hope I did not keep you waiting,” said Rangemura, “Tell me what wrong have I done.”
“You know why I’ve come.”
Rangemura’s next words were strangely stated. But, I would learn his meaning shortly. He said, “I was warned of your coming. Each day...your presence grew ever stronger within my dreams. But, it is strange that you would come so near to me knowing what would happen if we touched.”
Neither man hedged, it was apparent that somehow they knew each other. Then, it became clear of how well they did know each other with Range’s next chosen words, “A concern of mine has always been one day I’m going meet myself coming in a door...and poof that’s the end of the two of us.”
Rangemura resolve was set. The time had come for action. “Maybe I can bring an
end to that concern Range with the destruction of the both us.” With that
Rangemura urged his white steed to charge into the stream heading straight for
Range.
This Range, not fazed in the least by Rangemura’s action, slowly raised his bow carefully taking aim as he would only be able to get off one arrow before my leader would be upon him.
It was over in less than a moment. Of course, the killing of Rangemura would not end Japan’s rise to prominence. Japan still had the provinces that Rangemura had gained and we had a new leader in Mahakala.
“Conclusion of Trilogy”
(Transylvania, Samurai and The day of Reckoning)
The Kingdom of France on 7 December 1552
His name was Range. He said he came to France to stop the juggernaut known as Japan. The manner in which he explained how he would accomplish that feat seemed impossible, if not laughable...but, that was then.
In 1552, if you were a logical individual to complete such a task you would have chosen Great Britain, or Castile as a vehicle to stop Japan. Instead, he chose to use the tiny and insignificant kingdom of France to do his bidding. At first glance of a world map you would have to strain to even find France’s borders...until you took note of the mainland British provinces that nearly surrounded France. It was almost picture perfect, as if Great Britain were a warm and loving mother tenderly holding her child "France" in a loving embrace.
As for France, King Henri II immediately welcomed Range’s assistance with open arms. Even though he thought Range’s quests were ludicrous, the monarch was happy to have him on his side.
King Henri II
Already, by this point, both Great Britain and Castile had denied to assist Range in his quest. The way King Edward VI of Britain and Charles I of Castile saw things they liked the way the world was shaping up as their successes were unbelievable.
King Edward VI
“Japan,” said King Edward VI, “is no threat. They are children, and if they get out of line they shall be dealt with harshly; until then let fate dictate their future.”
Even with King Henri of France behind him, Range had a few obstacles in his way that had to be dealt with before he could even think of confronting Japan. The next might not be as impossible as his initial task before his arrival in France, but it would be a very difficult task for him to complete and still have enough time to complete the task of dismantling Japan.
That next obstacle was Great Britain. By 1552, Britain had virtually wiped France from the map. Their forces strung out about France were more than five times the strength of France, and France had very little manpower in reserve. Of course, Britain could very easily increase the odds as large forces were poised on the southern coast of England ready to spring across the channel on a moment’s notice.
So, an important challenge for Range was for him to make France a vestige of remarkable military power...exceeding that of England. Before he could even think of taking on Japan he would have to drive the English completely out of Mainland France; and, make that island nation and every European nation fear the French...so much so that no one would dare take them on.
Upon completion of those tasks Range would set off to convert the Japanese empire back to what they were in 1399...just a nation of islands. If all goes well he would have just eighty years to destroy Japan’s chances of taking over the world.
The year was 1552. It has been said Range has made a pledge that he will be ready to begin dismantling Japan by 1740, or he’d die trying.
Eugene Collache
My name is Eugene Collache. I’ve come to bring the latter to fruition in payment for his sin of snuffing out the existence of someone I shall forever hold in very high esteem.
My quest came into being a few months before Range’s arrival in Paris. He said that the tide had to be turned against Japan, or otherwise Japan would eventually rule the world. Thus, his first act had been to kill Rangemura.
The Killing of Rangemura:
9 Jun 1552
This is my account of the morning Rangemura went out to face his fate alone.
The morning after our great victory against Manchu, I awoke to the sad realization that this was the day that it was foretold Rangemura would meet his end. As I stepped from my tent, fully dressed, I witnessed Rangemura boldly emerging from his tent. He was dressed for battle.
“This is the day, Matuso,” Rangemura said in confidence. “The day... I face my fate.”
Rangemura then climbed up on his gallant steed to address all of us that had gathered. He told us not to follow. Urging Victory, his white mare, he proceeded to follow the path to the stream that was nearby.
While the others respected Rangemura’s request, bowing their heads in honor of the great Samurai, I soon began to follow Rangemura. I did not understand how disrespectful I had been until later. But, for that moment the consequences for my actions did not matter. I had to see what was about to happen. We had all been informed of what had been troubling Rangemura...now, first hand I was to see the one that would end my leader’s life.
I moved through some brush that led to the stream. I knew from the edge of the brush I would be able to clearly see what would take place.
Rangemura rode Victory toward the bank of the stream. On the other side was his enemy. Strange, but if my eyes were not deceiving me, I began to believe that they were one in the same.
“That’s far enough,” said Range the assailant, in a voice that was not alike that of Rangemura. “Stop right there. I think you know why I’m here.”
“I hope I did not keep you waiting,” said Rangemura, “Tell me what wrong have I done.”
“You know why I’ve come.”
Rangemura’s next words were strangely stated. But, I would learn his meaning shortly. He said, “I was warned of your coming. Each day...your presence grew ever stronger within my dreams. But, it is strange that you would come so near to me knowing what would happen if we touched.”
Neither man hedged, it was apparent that somehow they knew each other. Then, it became clear of how well they did know each other with Range’s next chosen words, “A concern of mine has always been one day I’m going meet myself coming in a door...and poof that’s the end of the two of us.”
Rangemura resolve was set. The time had come for action. “Maybe I can bring an
end to that concern Range with the destruction of the both us.” With that
Rangemura urged his white steed to charge into the stream heading straight for
Range.
This Range, not fazed in the least by Rangemura’s action, slowly raised his bow carefully taking aim as he would only be able to get off one arrow before my leader would be upon him.
It was over in less than a moment. Of course, the killing of Rangemura would not end Japan’s rise to prominence. Japan still had the provinces that Rangemura had gained and we had a new leader in Mahakala.
Last edited:
