Burning Eastern Europe VI

The Russian Army's firepower was denser than the Poles', and their shooting was more accurate as well.

By the time their Infantry Line had advanced to within forty-odd paces of the breastwork east of Zagazke Village, several gaps had already opened in the Polish Army's position.

The Polish soldiers sent up as reinforcements from the rear were gradually dwindling as well.

In the bell tower not far away, a Polish Army Captain lowered his Telescope and said anxiously to Lieutenant Colonel Lubinska, who was commanding Zagazke Village's defenses, "Regiment Commander, at this rate of casualties, if we don't send in the reserves now, there may be... a collapse."

Lieutenant Colonel Lubinska's brow furrowed tightly.

He knew his staff officer was right. But those three hundred soldiers were the last force he had in hand.

Today was only the first day of the war.

If the reserves were spent as well, he would have no choice but to abandon Zagazke Village. Yet his mission was to hold this place for three days.

General Kościuszko had said that they had to drag the Russian Army into the rhythm of a siege battle before the operation plan behind them could be carried out.

Lubinska drew a deep breath and said in a grave voice, "I... believe in them."

The Russian Army's fire grew fiercer and fiercer. In barely more than ten minutes, the narrow lines shielding the village's northern and southern sides had reached a position just over thirty paces from the Polish Army's defenses.

"Don't be afraid!" Drasowicz's voice was already hoarse, yet he still shouted, "Our homeland is behind us!"

He had remembered those words from a speech by the Bar Confederation last month.

He had heard a great deal that day, but those were the only words he remembered.

Yes,