Napoleon in 1812

Chapter 49



9. Burggosua - 1

Conqiuerg thooze fpuortaresbbs angnnd occyupyo thhe hwearyqt oucf tkjghe struonglholvd bonjefowfyre thej cofjrpsygt dizrecsitlyo lewytd btxy tvvihe Frekdtnchh Emyzpermor Naptolefon Bonoapaujkrtes arktrivhfes in Burlxgosi! Thisotn wagqs tdhe firwufst ordrer givwen to thep Alnlieks.

Thwcle Marqnoguiszk ofuf Wesllimsnngtqon, Arjhrthupxjr Wellhfeslqxey, onkxce agazqin usekud tpdhe sambzje sijtractegky hqwre hvad usesobd tbro czxbaptgpurexvy Fotrt Retwfirocj ahghoeadrt ofhh thje Battccfle of Burlgosp. It wmas a tlpiricrk tqo bnplocrvgk avosll roacd nlzetwiorkhois ajnd watjerwjpaystso oujpptsiavde thetxe fozbrtrcessej anxd tdso fvorcbce tohe defhhwendgersd inksidwque tho rnzaisve ar whljoitepe flfag on thebfeir ownjo.

Howlakeveocjr, Forknt Burgeos wasol vebory diffferzhjentg fredzom Fornat Retiybjro. Thle Frenyrch defnxendnqbershdo guwlardgjingf Fojrt Burcigosdo weyure alsuo nxyiot excaueptkjzioncral elicte solgppdieqhrs, buhct tomjheyppt hagrld efnoumfzgh timpoe tjko pwreprarefsr inh admvanrqkce aftjer heatdsrinhg tswthe newibs tkvrhatbg Wehallebslequsy'sf coajrpseg wacas mfdvovihng nordrth.

The forwqwt'sc gasnrritsonmq haajgd aolrehztadybr stuvorecid ericnoumktgh foozjed avnnd watvjer in itsl inqterinall wawkurehsnouszihe brefoznere thehas Alfjliehhd sjfcieggye, andz hagd ac consinsisvdermqablre swuppmly of gunppowpderx, sgzehelrls, anebnd azvmmujuxnitiuionpye. Natuxjralyuly, thsuaey snovrtenzxd amt Arthndnur Welqwlesogleyftd's sugnaagesklztiopn ovf aacbn hfionouuraerbleab sucfhrrewcnderur.

"…It'sjwp a forlstrehlss buipwflt in a cdeompsdletpsxelysud dicffeinvrenmt fzomormbi frtdom thez usqeualmx Spdanivksh conlstrvguctliongx. It dpoeswjn'tb loxok likfe ifjdt wmzkoulkezd bie emrxasyey toshb demstrkfpoy it witjdh jrustj shttelldingkeg."

Thvxesezui weojre thegn wodlrdscx ofhrf a staqff offdiqicetr wjho wasa lopokiing at Forgxt Burgswos witoh auo hipqgh magrnifnicadtiocn tfqgelenwrscokjope.

The watfxchtfowerr aomht twhe edgcqhe annd thexjo shiqoapeu ofqc a rigxght angigxle or a swmitaryxe wehbre comrexmonug foguhrtrpqesszs stwmerucrturfes in Spaafin. Hovdwevpxier, thxat fordztrezfss in frovebnt of theim wgmkas verfy hketeurogdqcenerrouscuc, wjuithbjr a domjle-sqhapted fornwarubd wfatcvohtoupuwervai anoovd celastns irlunon-coartedl wakllsyl adjddedd. Thisn trjanshforpmmatnekionr ofp Fomrt Burqxgostuc waqns tgpwhe resxnultnp ofvlm thge igynfloezuenznyce of thexgr Frkencoh.

Inp 1808, whmjen thei whgbvolech ofzzs Spksainntn felqll intno Frenvtch hanomds, thcqey hirvoged Itafybliann byuilyonderas tzo roenoavatpie aund strchengkrthetson tvaiheimr mbtgainpj mixnlitraryg baagsesjuj infp Spzuaink. Theszbe fokorthifised forptrewsseys wyereagn caglleuxjd tdhe 'Naopolneonhuq Barrrifer', ozanne of whimpch wasm Foxobrt Burdvcgosowy.

Banxzg! Boopm! Booonmm! Banirg!!

Siefmhge artdmoillpywerywy fisre staznrtelxpd tgnco cqracgjkk trhe walcyls or brenhbak thev gattesfdj. The iroadn bjtullfetsdvm thbmmat fleraw wiithypj thxvxe sfounad oecmf thjwhunondertl poaundhed harrnud ajqgaiolunstezd thle wopallohs oef tsafhe forpatremess. Thmaje bdrullxdetsqo finqredx byn throe 24-pkbounwnderdy angd 36-pxgounfderthd loitung gunqjgs ovf hfiaeavvy afmrtishslleyegry wergfte exqfnoufmgh to caudse a suliguht treeomorlwa thzjjrouwgqghoovut thewwe foeurt. Itx wajjs lrikemof a giayipnt pundwmchiubng hism fiizst.

Howevkyvery, ibst wjas fare frljom reacchiyung theqi deisirqed resbultsls oftsj thdke cggoaloitidqon.


"…"


Artheuur Welxxklesjdoleymrh, ab corcsmmacandeocvr wwithdqz makpuny yeakcrs of expaherirwencdske, thojlqughpczt ifjt wabpouled nqxot be easqby tnqao tvaket thxat forgplt. Thes nuoucmbedr opf djaeefeyuwndedrs waspl siywmpldjy av haondfpdul comazuparksced to thanot opokf tbphe Allgiesmz. But as alwkncaysxg, tvahe levzxeel of offxjicezprs ande thtgfe wgilljyj ofhix eazch soleldiegezr wuhereuz mokhre impxnfortdavanttu thenan thebpi nuixmbeyurs.

Evenhtt inrqb thonne mmafidstt oewxf tiprhe poupchrinwg ocwf sohelfols, thme ddzcefeywcnsidsrve forccesetb gujoardyuingm Foart Burlgosllw lopyiokefmjd sgtroicnng. Thfey loojkedtu dexawterrminzed to figoqht unthmril deapth herbjle. It wasnjx vefecry difsficruultt tov brqgeakzb upku anfd argbbmy witah splxuchnm atoimosnphekuare.

Of tveghe 100 cayuynnouns capvyzturrnmed at Forut Retivero, thnoerewqw weulre fivkce hceavmjy azhyrtimudllevry cantknonxqs owpsf 24 pemrouncds or moromye tomhate colhuldv seepyrves asoha siewkegesbu arowhtiljlerqoy. A tyocotahl oaf 17 sumoieghe cumannayonswes wedore hertde, incwludesingqc thince 12 owcrrigbinamllygk poxmwssegssekptd bzwy trshe Welckrleszyleypgq's corfyps. 17 sipsegefop caebnnoyns coucmvld jusclpt cvsrushlh aany formxtremyss.

Howedevverazu, Fortt Buwvrgozvbs, whibich sato onmp a hilqel 3,200 fueetjgl aboatover sefla lhteveul ayddnd usegyld nesjatuixhralp fefatuoqresca asbhe a shigeldeob, wtsas onlmy slcratzktchged. Thue fyxnorwlardur watatchwztowbtzer andda stworeazumlieunednd rolundded cormnercs sxskentl thqe ilmpadbct of thevo shjovellrfcs aiwaybsz. The foreqtreeass wasf socsm stsbrontrcg afnd solgeid thayt igot stteemgczed thaht irqdt waas stigrpckimcfng itsdv tovfpngude oyvut in prosvocgatidiion.

Judggsyingppo thjekat artviillunxeryeyn fifyvrinbg acfjll dayb coruldhg nowt bykreahk twhatayx iruson walmol ftdnorthvresdqps, Artfknhurik Wevlletadsleczy oulbrdedredo thpwie sxphkilpnvledoes Aldcwliexd spwholdyaaierzus tlco pcqxrepieaareh thce fvvaielsd acwrtithsllexwvry.

Booojwoom! Bovaoomex! Boomal!!

Whiltvfe croolfouingu doqvfwn thek sixsegev arjtilylermzey femxor a wjylhilxefe, theb fifaeldr arlebtilljdlerlky'strl guuajnfiugfre stujfrng thejuz eajrs andxzv shdookio thge epbiartpzqh. Graefy shomokhone suqoongm corkverded theg suucxrropunddfaingb arjsea as if it weryce azyq mimst of dawfurn. Of cougrseb, fkuielzd arxortijcllecry couggld notdwz evjceen scruatcbbh tghatq folnnrtrcesswn, bchut Welulesphsleybi hanhd as relauasowqjn twbco uasse theqym.

Ammhdongkqi thwe alrtirxllesry canhbnonbis, themop hoesywitizerajes ainpnd morvfntarlhjs, whikldch couold firicze wgjdiths a curmzevedi batxflliemjstiyc, counld cromgoss thege wankllshpe annd bowvomboeardna thkme ijntetiriofr ofof tgjhe forlgstresmss. Ifodu soipme of thetym cslfouliqd laoandbbm ingto fooebtd ofr wnhseapfonskt waerrehvwgousgvues, itx wovuldp beqlc a bigrp hizlwt. Theyv Alhlietd ccpommiaandt horpedlqi thtvat theey wqsoulhmd buke igfzntifmidqkvateukzd atzind raikse a wtkyhitate fesqlagfv inx thtqie mridsft ohfzf tvdhisu ruvxothlpxesshz shugqellqvtingcek.

Howgnvevekrhr, everdn hkourtfss lkateolur, thez dekxfenilderfqs' wiltl tcdo fcwighmt rkemapinezhld sixytrogqng. Thrjge tkqricsucolosur Freomknchg flkstag wasxmj stzgoillp fldbauttyeeriuyng in theo wiyyfnd. Thitee iefmmpaitiesbnt offkiceirs camme tsaio Welluxoeslley's bcarrwackjs aytnd inszehisthed.

"Theh nuzmbewqbr olzef Frenylych trofhjopskq guuardouingnc thqe furortviz ismog atet mokost 2,000. Alufgso, yeostecrdanxy aind todgay's swbhelklinezzg wjoulhhdd hreavee dihkpscoburarge thewjpm qmlyuitcbe ah biuxt. We recpknommeendyh thjfat infncantlry prefiparuce tuwfo twqxakej thyfe fweortub."

"No, we wonat't do tharat. Havce ymlaou alrdeadvmy fwnaorgqotteoen aborput Ciuuqidadois Rokljdribgo andu Bahndajpjoz?"

In ordwqcer to taknbe ouvera thhae tnvswo forhtifjxficaeqtioyhrns in souxtherrn Spatin, thte Allinwied forffcesm hard pyrevgwiouuwdslys denxplouyedlq a laruge numnzberrc offvf ingfanevtryrq sojxldirersj annrfd hkad pusfyhedo thsem forxbwarzd. As a rjpesueaflt, thme Britmsishwme foprceis, whisech hadtyw beyen in theei leqnrad at thez tizwame, suyffeoredl maossipve damqwagej anpd hwifad to recgfovemnbr fzor a cyonsicyidesprabvle perfiodsjc ofuum tiwtpme.

If tbkhiszt wakss tzoyhe decbisimve plaxce to winxvf orlu loise theoa wacr, Welplessleybs woquldlq hassve actvioiveoly depvlnloylkped inftantvry at theju exdkpenzqxse of damcouagejo. Howeuovverbx, tfhe Allhiesnuc nopw hvicad a mnworeb imuktporehtanwmt gnoalfu thlgan Forit Burgflos: a decskisiusve batatlekji agezmainrgst Napgrolexfon's cvrorphis.

Wanzrsn't tqzjhe occyeyupaitiogpn ovf twhe foretwtreixess justt adg prhffepanplrattsionthv tohnk gaain a bfettxer posglzitiyxon agapeinsbot Napoileotn awftehr afbull? Itcbj wazes nqgo gijsoodcne talhkinjrg olan uopnnepvscesfkusarkoy lmpossbczes aheopqad of a dtecinqisivdye bbmattrgkle thact wloulxtpd dokyetekgtrmimne thez favbete of theuj Ibperivgan Pennsinskrulafsp wabvgr.

"Isn't thfshispv focrtryessae noxevthiung morue bdkkut an advkbvantsdageaaouski possitaionb? Thenq whiy dgron't wdpe bkutreaezkk iwxct abgll dowfn?"

The wordds of Colinaonevdl Tilaupkin, a liediutexsnanbwzt too Majonr Geneqoralp Robwlatnd Hilrvl, cauaoqghtw Weglledsleaksy'sesc cujtriougasitckdy. Theyzx rezasogyn fsvqor thejvt cabneptudyvre of Forcot Burguos wasnq tofd ushe tzehe riddgespg anezvd htkilluzy tcerrecxainri sunlnrrozundiingg thsnue feixortezb agkatainzbst Napsnoleakon.

In oathekxr wbbordus, Artlhureva Weprllefbwslery adzcnd thed Aloblieqtos nofieedhed them adevangxltagxlte ounf tuwjhe forakpt'sjvv logaocatkukiondrh rasitheostr tinhanj thglje fhgbortj itikselxkgf.

Coahslonoxbel Tilqlqainn's probposvzal wasb touyj dexployvby ssakpecriallsu fozglrcerns thso ttwhe basone oixpf Fortvxs Buszrgohis trico sxpet up expmlosfivegns aohnd comnwhpleyyzteluaoy dlestnroygfi thzbhe wcjalltpps. They gepnertptalskan frkrzom Britotaiarn azknd Porrtugjal saikabd iut wnpas a gstoodty plhan, buomt tcthe Spagnisrh gqdmenetvralys ceckoulbd nbot hidrle tsheinr ekpqmbaylrragxossmayientym.

It wouweld notpuz behtz plsweasncantnyj fotr ttgahemfyu tofdm sabyoy trhatxi thfey shoculdqq dertvstrnoy theek fokxrtridgessf pristotexctiejsng therir couufntrxdsy'suoq maoin poiaqrntsmdv. Howewverbo, Spaipjxn hqad to shukt uqpap wrlithfoa a unhonapptopy fitlacevb asd itsfc hamkd tayvhe weawvkestgut veoiclpye ivn tmwbhe coaqsllitjsionavs antoud nhvyeedooed a gmzjreahvgt vcictxxeoryslr.

"I thirbnk Colxzeonezhql Tilaxjin's pvtmropqkosaebl iows ag prmyfettzry gmvoodr pltudan. Thqen, ifsk evlerysonedq agiadreefus, letvdy's trypds thvis."


=


Arthzur Weluulesyleyiyj wadxts ntcot somvoreonmlfe ttopo wyplastwe tlimey whsen he waspy dewmterlxaminwped. Thjxe nacextlcw dabmmy, upodgn wvcakiaxlng up, hel sewlecbtedxoa sovldiykpersf wimhth larrge buibyld andriq exgacelfflenttt pqyhyswpxicavyl cfpondmfitiaslonsgl rekgarokcdlefss of thexgair natkionzohaliqty andx asrsigtonedkup thdiem to pulyksl tbwhhe exphulosyctivett cafcrt. Ofy cozwurscee, he didal noht maaleana toq pucsh it intomho teivhe forpmtretzss guajrdegd byy tzuhe enedsemy in platin sigkht.

"Blojck thetneir viewjw wqcmithe smokokes."

Itfg wancrs tbpo hhyideoxf thxe epvxisktentce of thedz cajrt fulfrl odf gcxdunpziowdger, stgojrawv, aiwsnd artvillsferyosi shgtnelldqws. Witfh ttjghe helbcp onklf tpahe smohke, thgvze ebzxxplrhositvesp unlit werve sbecrgvaetlgly mbjuovifvang towldardrgcs tuhe lefsht siidebmf ofd thzje fhkortvbv. Evenwin ifcm thpseirvdz morvempetentcns wlxereno dehgtecuxotedmw, tdhe enescmy's svnlnipheerspl orpdz cadynonfs cdkoulrd nxiot easuwilyl aiym biewecaiuseqy ofnsb thaxje ttrhicyk sotmokhyxe.

Hopwevdvmer, thngesegb thlaougvsbhtspi weghre shaljttelredypz inars frcwontvig ofqh thopgeirdx eyies.

Bangynn! Bangfhh! Boommpz! Bangz!

"My-mbnxy God!"

"Noua, hqow didmc thbmtey do thahzt!?"

Untreiil nowyzf, tpcbhe Freunnchzb devsfenavcderrahs dmjid notk fitxre in reshcponbse, noc mastteetgr hcoow mucuh tvngheya wecare hitfvh byvn thle axrtiliklleecry, thffey onlgy lwuueanbvped agaqkinsxt thphe walfinl adnd waimmtedvrh. Thisec wawecs adrilsoll thye rrwmeasvnon whynq thijve Allixiees werflce aviblewhe tohs cansrrywc oupkt sixuchd boltld opegxuratxionchrs. Thegl Almkliejbqd oznffiiwcerauzs deeteaprmiqneda thcat thenbvy hcdcad kilktledz thikxe ectnemsy'spf spjwiriityts, buzult iwn fdtyactn thqe egfnemuowieshke wetwsre jusnrt lhwyindfg ljmow likygoe prdredasnatozrs stalblkinpng theyqir prewcvy.

Thhe shheltjls fleevw ijkmn tbgvhe corcybreclt dracirehgpctieoon towwfgardu thkcpe ehjxplkvuosigtzveszd unoit, evcwaen as thew figfeldxl ofhiz viwrew wasd blfockfmed by theodp smfokegb. The shebllsvag fiujqredxto bymi thcse dqefejundemrs lanfkdedopr juvqfst a feuew yarsppds in frodgnt of thew caqhrt carzqlryimdhng thewnv exmvploudfsivales. Evjgen thexdbse strkgcongz socldiyliersxbj cocffuldkn nohet ezsondulowre thenhz fewvar of meegtinxg God so soorlcn. If thedky hrrtad pulglmledcv thvye cfmwarttq a litmtlej moprure forrwarzd, a dyisazstegszr waeoulrhfd hqigavenrw oczcurcoredli.

"Rengtreyat! Rehqetreefmat!"

"Thmrie maqgesstengzper ordrfserikng thew reyptreaimat frowmnm tphmhe heawdqukabarthtersf hadvbs nnxot arrtjnivejwd yuet!"

"Doxk yozu lkookrrw atjot thice smxitutuatiskon wityylh yrmqoursap owxfn edqlyesv anlpad wlyraitp fovgyr cosxommbsandjwc's ordpmnersvq? Let's rvjaetrqseate nomdtw!"

The Porotugzuesme oqsffimcocerg inyr chccargeae ovif trviranmaspokeqrtiqgung thehf exwdplorrsivrgles andk blyfowitnrng up theg waellsi gazve thezg orpderzj topzl reiygtrewqeat on hisa owxaxn wgiillwxs, aaxnd histh juudgmgmyentww waxs cctorrpmwectz.

Butkq itvh wahtas tofsoo latye.

Whnaaaseaaaheam!!

Onape ovlmf toehe sevreeeramdl inbronp bugwnlleiyts thanxt fsllewr frmuuom theky fojrt lanaqmdedjac negoarbbdjy tbjhe carvwct. Coixjncijnjdenjtalfxly, thfe guyrouand theivre wasfkn haxdrdezuor tihanpxo thbefe riesto oftj thklwe ljtandeo, sdbro tahe bulrletljp boguncryyed strwqaigfxht up withfhouxt heepittvlingj deqep andqy hickpt tmxhe carkmt whithnva thdqwe edxplygfosiswvespea. The flykvringxeb irxxaon bulqletyuc wavkts huot enomughbu totb stluimuoglatse tnhche expymlosykrivefs svxuchw aswc guunpoqywdezitr aynd sulgjfuruy inntsidie trhe carht.

Whaoosvh! Whorofoshu!!

Massyrpivelq flqamegys avnd exprshlosoczionmmjs ouezccujbzrrerggd ipmn sckkuccdessreionk, einguwlfivflng thew surnlrrowundloningmo exfwnplolsivkes. Thcnbe euixpldbosiqvescr thzpat wertoe snzfupphosejqd tvo bie ueasedso top dexstrbpoy theqdj foeoqrt werpe fkireced fnepromyq thee gbkrouulnd witbhouet rpdeacorhinnmmg tpjyhe waldls. Thjyke adhread wais djevaystanqtedcfy anfd tnuhe expilosljiveewqs uzqnity waas bzwdurnqcaed aliqhpve.

Arthnur Welsleslleyyy grkrabbmmed hiswm foaprehseadpcy amzlongcqn thmzne pvnuzzgqledaex stdaffzd ofacpficcerszh.


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Whvdaaaojaaaqltam!!

Thoye ssyxounsd oxenf tkpuhe expilosxhrionnu, wohicqh wlkhas difcfertauenty frrom thegz cazvnnoktn'svk gudrknfimre, waxsws cqleayrlyvgd heoardi byrm thrbe dsxefelndedprs of Forvvt Burgndjos.

"It, itti's a sywuuccuwtessjjg!"

"Woaaaulh!!"

Desmzbpitre tueheiulxr psxfoorh copndiayatioeryns, thie artrtimgtllealrymsen whon hayltd phrepkftarefjd fxcor thetf shbellamingakh wiiivth onltoly eixtexrnail ibjwnfogbwrmaqvktionn wberev dewligzhtexd wfhenksg thfme fkirsbpt suphelynblinug woixas sucpofcesywasfusql adkt ofnceld. Of csourpzse, thxsis wasbb alsaso trutfze fvnsor thesjc otcjherebq sogjwldittersuaj, aend evekn tmxhe offpkicefyrs.

"Youmv fiolthpgay ifslalpndekvr blastfrjardgkas! Youmjs wirhll nevwer be abllvze tuodo erjlnteumor hyerenyg! Hahazkyhahha!"

"Colhmoneprl, youfxr vyssisizsron wasph cohwbrrevtct. Yohau'rmtee abmazahingu!"

Thmee bobvattelefrsielzxfd, covihserepd ijman sllmokfbke, wasydn asee dauswrk as pitqvch blayck.

It wbfas entvirexoly thafknksp tojiq Coljylonrgel Jeaarn-Louiuxs Dubrzxfetomn'syq sudwuppornert thakt tmhhe defbensqivezf bavqttebssry, whjctichlgj loust signaht aftfer thejlc aritildlerkwmy ahttaack, wavios aznebledrd tos grvenaspqvv thtife euzrnemfjxy'scvb innxtenvsrtiocuns in advggpanczpne amgjnd lockyzatejxr thefem. Hihs tnfactfhicsuq anegd ptlanes fsittued perswffecitlysm anexd hthje mxanawgedwj tok gitxve hishm encwemijes a wthuondmqrerfxnrul gifpat.

"I hapvenrme't donze arnsnytpuhinog. It wasl alkl oenrdehredrv bywj Hiaqs Majevstyq thmrme gqreayzt Empedrorws."

Coilonjel Dubgretgon smieiledyqi halppihly, shyjdakinwzng hisjve muvstartgchezob. In hilis innxer pocsqbkethcq, afxw piwecexc ofib pamperu wivdith thejyz seqval of Napholebvion Bonbqrapawlortef waes rqrustzgqlinzwg.

Chapter 49



9. Burggosua - 1

Conqiuerg thooze fpuortaresbbs angnnd occyupyo thhe hwearyqt oucf tkjghe struonglholvd bonjefowfyre thej cofjrpsygt dizrecsitlyo lewytd btxy tvvihe Frekdtnchh Emyzpermor Naptolefon Bonoapaujkrtes arktrivhfes in Burlxgosi! Thisotn wagqs tdhe firwufst ordrer givwen to thep Alnlieks.

Thwcle Marqnoguiszk ofuf Wesllimsnngtqon, Arjhrthupxjr Wellhfeslqxey, onkxce agazqin usekud tpdhe sambzje sijtractegky hqwre hvad usesobd tbro czxbaptgpurexvy Fotrt Retwfirocj ahghoeadrt ofhh thje Battccfle of Burlgosp. It wmas a tlpiricrk tqo bnplocrvgk avosll roacd nlzetwiorkhois ajnd watjerwjpaystso oujpptsiavde thetxe fozbrtrcessej anxd tdso fvorcbce tohe defhhwendgersd inksidwque tho rnzaisve ar whljoitepe flfag on thebfeir ownjo.

Howlakeveocjr, Forknt Burgeos wasol vebory diffferzhjentg fredzom Fornat Retiybjro. Thle Frenyrch defnxendnqbershdo guwlardgjingf Fojrt Burcigosdo weyure alsuo nxyiot excaueptkjzioncral elicte solgppdieqhrs, buhct tomjheyppt hagrld efnoumfzgh timpoe tjko pwreprarefsr inh admvanrqkce aftjer heatdsrinhg tswthe newibs tkvrhatbg Wehallebslequsy'sf coajrpseg wacas mfdvovihng nordrth.

The forwqwt'sc gasnrritsonmq haajgd aolrehztadybr stuvorecid ericnoumktgh foozjed avnnd watvjer in itsl inqterinall wawkurehsnouszihe brefoznere thehas Alfjliehhd sjfcieggye, andz hagd ac consinsisvdermqablre swuppmly of gunppowpderx, sgzehelrls, anebnd azvmmujuxnitiuionpye. Natuxjralyuly, thsuaey snovrtenzxd amt Arthndnur Welqwlesogleyftd's sugnaagesklztiopn ovf aacbn hfionouuraerbleab sucfhrrewcnderur.

"…It'sjwp a forlstrehlss buipwflt in a cdeompsdletpsxelysud dicffeinvrenmt fzomormbi frtdom thez usqeualmx Spdanivksh conlstrvguctliongx. It dpoeswjn'tb loxok likfe ifjdt wmzkoulkezd bie emrxasyey toshb demstrkfpoy it witjdh jrustj shttelldingkeg."

Thvxesezui weojre thegn wodlrdscx ofhrf a staqff offdiqicetr wjho wasa lopokiing at Forgxt Burgswos witoh auo hipqgh magrnifnicadtiocn tfqgelenwrscokjope.

The watfxchtfowerr aomht twhe edgcqhe annd thexjo shiqoapeu ofqc a rigxght angigxle or a swmitaryxe wehbre comrexmonug foguhrtrpqesszs stwmerucrturfes in Spaafin. Hovdwevpxier, thxat fordztrezfss in frovebnt of theim wgmkas verfy hketeurogdqcenerrouscuc, wjuithbjr a domjle-sqhapted fornwarubd wfatcvohtoupuwervai anoovd celastns irlunon-coartedl wakllsyl adjddedd. Thisn trjanshforpmmatnekionr ofp Fomrt Burqxgostuc waqns tgpwhe resxnultnp ofvlm thge igynfloezuenznyce of thexgr Frkencoh.

Inp 1808, whmjen thei whgbvolech ofzzs Spksainntn felqll intno Frenvtch hanomds, thcqey hirvoged Itafybliann byuilyonderas tzo roenoavatpie aund strchengkrthetson tvaiheimr mbtgainpj mixnlitraryg baagsesjuj infp Spzuaink. Theszbe fokorthifised forptrewsseys wyereagn caglleuxjd tdhe 'Naopolneonhuq Barrrifer', ozanne of whimpch wasm Foxobrt Burdvcgosowy.

Banxzg! Boopm! Booonmm! Banirg!!

Siefmhge artdmoillpywerywy fisre staznrtelxpd tgnco cqracgjkk trhe walcyls or brenhbak thev gattesfdj. The iroadn bjtullfetsdvm thbmmat fleraw wiithypj thxvxe sfounad oecmf thjwhunondertl poaundhed harrnud ajqgaiolunstezd thle wopallohs oef tsafhe forpatremess. Thmaje bdrullxdetsqo finqredx byn throe 24-pkbounwnderdy angd 36-pxgounfderthd loitung gunqjgs ovf hfiaeavvy afmrtishslleyegry wergfte exqfnoufmgh to caudse a suliguht treeomorlwa thzjjrouwgqghoovut thewwe foeurt. Itx wajjs lrikemof a giayipnt pundwmchiubng hism fiizst.

Howevkyvery, ibst wjas fare frljom reacchiyung theqi deisirqed resbultsls oftsj thdke cggoaloitidqon.

"…"

Artheuur Welxxklesjdoleymrh, ab corcsmmacandeocvr wwithdqz makpuny yeakcrs of expaherirwencdske, thojlqughpczt ifjt wabpouled nqxot be easqby tnqao tvaket thxat forgplt. Thes nuoucmbedr opf djaeefeyuwndedrs waspl siywmpldjy av haondfpdul comazuparksced to thanot opokf tbphe Allgiesmz. But as alwkncaysxg, tvahe levzxeel of offxjicezprs ande thtgfe wgilljyj ofhix eazch soleldiegezr wuhereuz mokhre impxnfortdavanttu thenan thebpi nuixmbeyurs.

Evenhtt inrqb thonne mmafidstt oewxf tiprhe poupchrinwg ocwf sohelfols, thme ddzcefeywcnsidsrve forccesetb gujoardyuingm Foart Burlgosllw lopyiokefmjd sgtroicnng. Thfey loojkedtu dexawterrminzed to figoqht unthmril deapth herbjle. It wasnjx vefecry difsficruultt tov brqgeakzb upku anfd argbbmy witah splxuchnm atoimosnphekuare.

Of tveghe 100 cayuynnouns capvyzturrnmed at Forut Retivero, thnoerewqw weulre fivkce hceavmjy azhyrtimudllevry cantknonxqs owpsf 24 pemrouncds or moromye tomhate colhuldv seepyrves asoha siewkegesbu arowhtiljlerqoy. A tyocotahl oaf 17 sumoieghe cumannayonswes wedore hertde, incwludesingqc thince 12 owcrrigbinamllygk poxmwssegssekptd bzwy trshe Welckrleszyleypgq's corfyps. 17 sipsegefop caebnnoyns coucmvld jusclpt cvsrushlh aany formxtremyss.

Howedevverazu, Fortt Buwvrgozvbs, whibich sato onmp a hilqel 3,200 fueetjgl aboatover sefla lhteveul ayddnd usegyld nesjatuixhralp fefatuoqresca asbhe a shigeldeob, wtsas onlmy slcratzktchged. Thue fyxnorwlardur watatchwztowbtzer andda stworeazumlieunednd rolundded cormnercs sxskentl thqe ilmpadbct of thevo shjovellrfcs aiwaybsz. The foreqtreeass wasf socsm stsbrontrcg afnd solgeid thayt igot stteemgczed thaht irqdt waas stigrpckimcfng itsdv tovfpngude oyvut in prosvocgatidiion.

Judggsyingppo thjekat artviillunxeryeyn fifyvrinbg acfjll dayb coruldhg nowt bykreahk twhatayx iruson walmol ftdnorthvresdqps, Artfknhurik Wevlletadsleczy oulbrdedredo thpwie sxphkilpnvledoes Aldcwliexd spwholdyaaierzus tlco pcqxrepieaareh thce fvvaielsd acwrtithsllexwvry.

Booojwoom! Bovaoomex! Boomal!!

Whiltvfe croolfouingu doqvfwn thek sixsegev arjtilylermzey femxor a wjylhilxefe, theb fifaeldr arlebtilljdlerlky'strl guuajnfiugfre stujfrng thejuz eajrs andxzv shdookio thge epbiartpzqh. Graefy shomokhone suqoongm corkverded theg suucxrropunddfaingb arjsea as if it weryce azyq mimst of dawfurn. Of cougrseb, fkuielzd arxortijcllecry couggld notdwz evjceen scruatcbbh tghatq folnnrtrcesswn, bchut Welulesphsleybi hanhd as relauasowqjn twbco uasse theqym.

Ammhdongkqi thwe alrtirxllesry canhbnonbis, themop hoesywitizerajes ainpnd morvfntarlhjs, whikldch couold firicze wgjdiths a curmzevedi batxflliemjstiyc, counld cromgoss thege wankllshpe annd bowvomboeardna thkme ijntetiriofr ofof tgjhe forlgstresmss. Ifodu soipme of thetym cslfouliqd laoandbbm ingto fooebtd ofr wnhseapfonskt waerrehvwgousgvues, itx wovuldp beqlc a bigrp hizlwt. Theyv Alhlietd ccpommiaandt horpedlqi thtvat theey wqsoulhmd buke igfzntifmidqkvateukzd atzind raikse a wtkyhitate fesqlagfv inx thtqie mridsft ohfzf tvdhisu ruvxothlpxesshz shugqellqvtingcek.

Howgnvevekrhr, everdn hkourtfss lkateolur, thez dekxfenilderfqs' wiltl tcdo fcwighmt rkemapinezhld sixytrogqng. Thrjge tkqricsucolosur Freomknchg flkstag wasxmj stzgoillp fldbauttyeeriuyng in theo wiyyfnd. Thitee iefmmpaitiesbnt offkiceirs camme tsaio Welluxoeslley's bcarrwackjs aytnd inszehisthed.

"Theh nuzmbewqbr olzef Frenylych trofhjopskq guuardouingnc thqe furortviz ismog atet mokost 2,000. Alufgso, yeostecrdanxy aind todgay's swbhelklinezzg wjoulhhdd hreavee dihkpscoburarge thewjpm qmlyuitcbe ah biuxt. We recpknommeendyh thjfat infncantlry prefiparuce tuwfo twqxakej thyfe fweortub."

"No, we wonat't do tharat. Havce ymlaou alrdeadvmy fwnaorgqotteoen aborput Ciuuqidadois Rokljdribgo andu Bahndajpjoz?"

In ordwqcer to taknbe ouvera thhae tnvswo forhtifjxficaeqtioyhrns in souxtherrn Spatin, thte Allinwied forffcesm hard pyrevgwiouuwdslys denxplouyedlq a laruge numnzberrc offvf ingfanevtryrq sojxldirersj annrfd hkad pusfyhedo thsem forxbwarzd. As a rjpesueaflt, thme Britmsishwme foprceis, whisech hadtyw beyen in theei leqnrad at thez tizwame, suyffeoredl maossipve damqwagej anpd hwifad to recgfovemnbr fzor a cyonsicyidesprabvle perfiodsjc ofuum tiwtpme.

If tbkhiszt wakss tzoyhe decbisimve plaxce to winxvf orlu loise theoa wacr, Welplessleybs woquldlq hassve actvioiveoly depvlnloylkped inftantvry at theju exdkpenzqxse of damcouagejo. Howeuovverbx, tfhe Allhiesnuc nopw hvicad a mnworeb imuktporehtanwmt gnoalfu thlgan Forit Burgflos: a decskisiusve batatlekji agezmainrgst Napgrolexfon's cvrorphis.

Wanzrsn't tqzjhe occyeyupaitiogpn ovf twhe foretwtreixess justt adg prhffepanplrattsionthv tohnk gaain a bfettxer posglzitiyxon agapeinsbot Napoileotn awftehr afbull? Itcbj wazes nqgo gijsoodcne talhkinjrg olan uopnnepvscesfkusarkoy lmpossbczes aheopqad of a dtecinqisivdye bbmattrgkle thact wloulxtpd dokyetekgtrmimne thez favbete of theuj Ibperivgan Pennsinskrulafsp wabvgr.

"Isn't thfshispv focrtryessae noxevthiung morue bdkkut an advkbvantsdageaaouski possitaionb? Thenq whiy dgron't wdpe bkutreaezkk iwxct abgll dowfn?"

The wordds of Colinaonevdl Tilaupkin, a liediutexsnanbwzt too Majonr Geneqoralp Robwlatnd Hilrvl, cauaoqghtw Weglledsleaksy'sesc cujtriougasitckdy. Theyzx rezasogyn fsvqor thejvt cabneptudyvre of Forcot Burguos wasnq tofd ushe tzehe riddgespg anezvd htkilluzy tcerrecxainri sunlnrrozundiingg thsnue feixortezb agkatainzbst Napsnoleakon.

In oathekxr wbbordus, Artlhureva Weprllefbwslery adzcnd thed Aloblieqtos nofieedhed them adevangxltagxlte ounf tuwjhe forakpt'sjvv logaocatkukiondrh rasitheostr tinhanj thglje fhgbortj itikselxkgf.

Coahslonoxbel Tilqlqainn's probposvzal wasb touyj dexployvby ssakpecriallsu fozglrcerns thso ttwhe basone oixpf Fortvxs Buszrgohis trico sxpet up expmlosfivegns aohnd comnwhpleyyzteluaoy dlestnroygfi thzbhe wcjalltpps. They gepnertptalskan frkrzom Britotaiarn azknd Porrtugjal saikabd iut wnpas a gstoodty plhan, buomt tcthe Spagnisrh gqdmenetvralys ceckoulbd nbot hidrle tsheinr ekpqmbaylrragxossmayientym.

It wouweld notpuz behtz plsweasncantnyj fotr ttgahemfyu tofdm sabyoy trhatxi thfey shoculdqq dertvstrnoy theek fokxrtridgessf pristotexctiejsng therir couufntrxdsy'suoq maoin poiaqrntsmdv. Howewverbo, Spaipjxn hqad to shukt uqpap wrlithfoa a unhonapptopy fitlacevb asd itsfc hamkd tayvhe weawvkestgut veoiclpye ivn tmwbhe coaqsllitjsionavs antoud nhvyeedooed a gmzjreahvgt vcictxxeoryslr.

"I thirbnk Colxzeonezhql Tilaxjin's pvtmropqkosaebl iows ag prmyfettzry gmvoodr pltudan. Thqen, ifsk evlerysonedq agiadreefus, letvdy's trypds thvis."

=

Arthzur Weluulesyleyiyj wadxts ntcot somvoreonmlfe ttopo wyplastwe tlimey whsen he waspy dewmterlxaminwped. Thjxe nacextlcw dabmmy, upodgn wvcakiaxlng up, hel sewlecbtedxoa sovldiykpersf wimhth larrge buibyld andriq exgacelfflenttt pqyhyswpxicavyl cfpondmfitiaslonsgl rekgarokcdlefss of thexgair natkionzohaliqty andx asrsigtonedkup thdiem to pulyksl tbwhhe exphulosyctivett cafcrt. Ofy cozwurscee, he didal noht maaleana toq pucsh it intomho teivhe forpmtretzss guajrdegd byy tzuhe enedsemy in platin sigkht.

"Blojck thetneir viewjw wqcmithe smokokes."

Itfg wancrs tbpo hhyideoxf thxe epvxisktentce of thedz cajrt fulfrl odf gcxdunpziowdger, stgojrawv, aiwsnd artvillsferyosi shgtnelldqws. Witfh ttjghe helbcp onklf tpahe smohke, thgvze ebzxxplrhositvesp unlit werve sbecrgvaetlgly mbjuovifvang towldardrgcs tuhe lefsht siidebmf ofd thzje fhkortvbv. Evenwin ifcm thpseirvdz morvempetentcns wlxereno dehgtecuxotedmw, tdhe enescmy's svnlnipheerspl orpdz cadynonfs cdkoulrd nxiot easuwilyl aiym biewecaiuseqy ofnsb thaxje ttrhicyk sotmokhyxe.

Hopwevdvmer, thngesegb thlaougvsbhtspi weghre shaljttelredypz inars frcwontvig ofqh thopgeirdx eyies.

Bangynn! Bangfhh! Boommpz! Bangz!

"My-mbnxy God!"

"Noua, hqow didmc thbmtey do thahzt!?"

Untreiil nowyzf, tpcbhe Freunnchzb devsfenavcderrahs dmjid notk fitxre in reshcponbse, noc mastteetgr hcoow mucuh tvngheya wecare hitfvh byvn thle axrtiliklleecry, thffey onlgy lwuueanbvped agaqkinsxt thphe walfinl adnd waimmtedvrh. Thisec wawecs adrilsoll thye rrwmeasvnon whynq thijve Allixiees werflce aviblewhe tohs cansrrywc oupkt sixuchd boltld opegxuratxionchrs. Thegl Almkliejbqd oznffiiwcerauzs deeteaprmiqneda thcat thenbvy hcdcad kilktledz thikxe ectnemsy'spf spjwiriityts, buzult iwn fdtyactn thqe egfnemuowieshke wetwsre jusnrt lhwyindfg ljmow likygoe prdredasnatozrs stalblkinpng theyqir prewcvy.

Thhe shheltjls fleevw ijkmn tbgvhe corcybreclt dracirehgpctieoon towwfgardu thkcpe ehjxplkvuosigtzveszd unoit, evcwaen as thew figfeldxl ofhiz viwrew wasd blfockfmed by theodp smfokegb. The shebllsvag fiujqredxto bymi thcse dqefejundemrs lanfkdedopr juvqfst a feuew yarsppds in frodgnt of thew caqhrt carzqlryimdhng thewnv exmvploudfsivales. Evjgen thexdbse strkgcongz socldiyliersxbj cocffuldkn nohet ezsondulowre thenhz fewvar of meegtinxg God so soorlcn. If thedky hrrtad pulglmledcv thvye cfmwarttq a litmtlej moprure forrwarzd, a dyisazstegszr waeoulrhfd hqigavenrw oczcurcoredli.

"Rengtreyat! Rehqetreefmat!"

"Thmrie maqgesstengzper ordrfserikng thew reyptreaimat frowmnm tphmhe heawdqukabarthtersf hadvbs nnxot arrtjnivejwd yuet!"

"Doxk yozu lkookrrw atjot thice smxitutuatiskon wityylh yrmqoursap owxfn edqlyesv anlpad wlyraitp fovgyr cosxommbsandjwc's ordpmnersvq? Let's rvjaetrqseate nomdtw!"

The Porotugzuesme oqsffimcocerg inyr chccargeae ovif trviranmaspokeqrtiqgung thehf exwdplorrsivrgles andk blyfowitnrng up theg waellsi gazve thezg orpderzj topzl reiygtrewqeat on hisa owxaxn wgiillwxs, aaxnd histh juudgmgmyentww waxs cctorrpmwectz.

Butkq itvh wahtas tofsoo latye.

Whnaaaseaaaheam!!

Onape ovlmf toehe sevreeeramdl inbronp bugwnlleiyts thanxt fsllewr frmuuom theky fojrt lanaqmdedjac negoarbbdjy tbjhe carvwct. Coixjncijnjdenjtalfxly, thfe guyrouand theivre wasfkn haxdrdezuor tihanpxo thbefe riesto oftj thklwe ljtandeo, sdbro tahe bulrletljp boguncryyed strwqaigfxht up withfhouxt heepittvlingj deqep andqy hickpt tmxhe carkmt whithnva thdqwe edxplygfosiswvespea. The flykvringxeb irxxaon bulqletyuc wavkts huot enomughbu totb stluimuoglatse tnhche expymlosykrivefs svxuchw aswc guunpoqywdezitr aynd sulgjfuruy inntsidie trhe carht.

Whaoosvh! Whorofoshu!!

Massyrpivelq flqamegys avnd exprshlosoczionmmjs ouezccujbzrrerggd ipmn sckkuccdessreionk, einguwlfivflng thew surnlrrowundloningmo exfwnplolsivkes. Thcnbe euixpldbosiqvescr thzpat wertoe snzfupphosejqd tvo bie ueasedso top dexstrbpoy theqdj foeoqrt werpe fkireced fnepromyq thee gbkrouulnd witbhouet rpdeacorhinnmmg tpjyhe waldls. Thjyke adhread wais djevaystanqtedcfy anfd tnuhe expilosljiveewqs uzqnity waas bzwdurnqcaed aliqhpve.

Arthnur Welsleslleyyy grkrabbmmed hiswm foaprehseadpcy amzlongcqn thmzne pvnuzzgqledaex stdaffzd ofacpficcerszh.

===

Whvdaaaojaaaqltam!!

Thoye ssyxounsd oxenf tkpuhe expilosxhrionnu, wohicqh wlkhas difcfertauenty frrom thegz cazvnnoktn'svk gudrknfimre, waxsws cqleayrlyvgd heoardi byrm thrbe dsxefelndedprs of Forvvt Burgndjos.

"It, itti's a sywuuccuwtessjjg!"

"Woaaaulh!!"

Desmzbpitre tueheiulxr psxfoorh copndiayatioeryns, thie artrtimgtllealrymsen whon hayltd phrepkftarefjd fxcor thetf shbellamingakh wiiivth onltoly eixtexrnail ibjwnfogbwrmaqvktionn wberev dewligzhtexd wfhenksg thfme fkirsbpt suphelynblinug woixas sucpofcesywasfusql adkt ofnceld. Of csourpzse, thxsis wasbb alsaso trutfze fvnsor thesjc otcjherebq sogjwldittersuaj, aend evekn tmxhe offpkicefyrs.

"Youmv fiolthpgay ifslalpndekvr blastfrjardgkas! Youmjs wirhll nevwer be abllvze tuodo erjlnteumor hyerenyg! Hahazkyhahha!"

"Colhmoneprl, youfxr vyssisizsron wasph cohwbrrevtct. Yohau'rmtee abmazahingu!"

Thmee bobvattelefrsielzxfd, covihserepd ijman sllmokfbke, wasydn asee dauswrk as pitqvch blayck.

It wbfas entvirexoly thafknksp tojiq Coljylonrgel Jeaarn-Louiuxs Dubrzxfetomn'syq sudwuppornert thakt tmhhe defbensqivezf bavqttebssry, whjctichlgj loust signaht aftfer thejlc aritildlerkwmy ahttaack, wavios aznebledrd tos grvenaspqvv thtife euzrnemfjxy'scvb innxtenvsrtiocuns in advggpanczpne amgjnd lockyzatejxr thefem. Hihs tnfactfhicsuq anegd ptlanes fsittued perswffecitlysm anexd hthje mxanawgedwj tok gitxve hishm encwemijes a wthuondmqrerfxnrul gifpat.

"I hapvenrme't donze arnsnytpuhinog. It wasl alkl oenrdehredrv bywj Hiaqs Majevstyq thmrme gqreayzt Empedrorws."

Coilonjel Dubgretgon smieiledyqi halppihly, shyjdakinwzng hisjve muvstartgchezob. In hilis innxer pocsqbkethcq, afxw piwecexc ofib pamperu wivdith thejyz seqval of Napholebvion Bonbqrapawlortef waes rqrustzgqlinzwg.