Dawn broke upon the hill of Nissos, a small town some 20 miles north of Theodopolis, Michael VIII had rallied an army of around 2,000 (200 of his personal guard, the rest active military and volunteers). He rose his glass to the return of solidarity and stability in the Eskaeban realm, and enjoyed a fine toast with his most skilled generals. One of whom, Sir Aris Alanis, being the most successful Eskaeban general ever, winning over 30 battles.
Michael had paid a PMC for 15 MBTs and a few other fighting vehicles, but the tanks were no use for this operation. He gathered around his men and explained the operation:
"Today will require only the manned vehicles, it is to be a hit and run on one of the Proclusite strongholds in the south of Eskaeba. The mobile unit will enter Proclusite territory, fire a few shots at the castle guards and veer off to the left, knowing Luscaris' generals they will be itching to deal the first blow, so their guards are likely to pursue. Once this has been achieved, Alanis and I will lead the main army towards the stronghold, defeat the remaining defenders and lay siege to the castle."
"Carpe diem, my brethren."
The mobile units set off to the castle around a mile away, while Michael and Alanis began preparations for the assault. Upon reaching the castle, they fired upon a guard in the outpost with the mounted machineguns. They missed. But it was enough of a distraction to lure the guards of the castle (numbering some 700-800) to pursue the vehicles.
"Copy Michael, guards have pursued, I repeat, guards have pursued."
Michael holstered his radio in delight, and he began the charge towards the castle. Michael's air reinforcements had just arrived, and patrolled the skies for any enemy aircraft, the two bombers locked onto the castle.
Thus began the siege, the bombers unloaded their payloads onto the castle walls, while Michael and Alanis' army of around 2,000 flanked the castle guards of 800 as the vehicles veered back towards the army. It was a bloodbath, but the Michelite army one easily, without taking many casualties. They set up camp near dusk and awaited the finishing of the siege.
As the sun rose the next day, the castle walls had been reduced to pebbles by the constant bombardment by the aircraft, Luscaris' air units had been in confusion and had thus never taken off in fear of enemy interception. The army attacked and breached the castle walls, slaughtering everyone inside. They had claimed the last southern Eskaeban stronghold from the Proclusites, and now the south was firmly under Michelite control. Rebuilding efforts began immediately to make use of the fortress for themselves.
Battle of Nissos
Michelites
200 Royal Guard of Michael VIII
1,500 Military Servicemen
300 Armed volunteers or conscripts
8 Reconnaissance Vehicles
10 Mirage 2000 fighters
2 Avro Vulcan bombers
Casualties: 187 wounded, 33 killed
POWs: 0
Proclusites
760 Castle Guards
Casualties: 7 wounded, 605 dead
POWs: 0
Result: Michelite victory- Southern Eskaeba placed under Michelite control
- Castle of Nissos captured