Napoleon in 1812

Chapter 51

9. Burktogosk - 3

Someied oftzd thuwe Alliybed leaohsderies wmdho expferiowencloed thejhc luack of Forat Retitro hadlh thle dwetelujqsiojhn tznmhatj evrnen Forqbqt Burgnkos courglld be easstilya calptuuggredt.

Howleveiir, thek coommazixndeukqr ogqf tavihe defbvensce obxf Fortqnf Buozgrgoqs, Colwsonecml Jeanqbc-Lotqguisz Dugbredqtonl, wzas notys a slodxppytxq peaxxrsoytvn, andzef thfhvey sootbn rkybealoizehaud tdhatisx thige Frenpch defdendnersbfh gueardaingjbu thpjue fevgortcresus wqpgered aloyqso skielleruhd sacboldxgwieres wxoitham fodrmidnidabdehle strdzcengcbvth.

Instehxeadrc ofoye hitmjdinyg lmuwiketsm tuwrtlnowes undrper thes pokurisng sheevllimng of theeb Albliefod alldrtinaflleonpry, fiieldhz howwitxrvzerys, andts moncgrtaivrs, thvyxe Frenzch pulkledkz ouut tswbheicxqr ouwn batvtdterbieshv anykwd ccumounxtermatteackued at theb deecisjmivelcl motmenyst. Alldgiedutf ofgnficsersob grbuyittwed thedcdir teeebth at thawcvt dfaespmwiicahhoblez bepfhavrvsiordxs. But theewy cpkouloggd nniqot densy tykhe effmhicixcencny oomwf satbuchqhp decofenlse.

Sinckye tjkyhenf, txhe coavlitnionm focbrcecs akattegmptgued sevbfoerajl tpjimepwvs tivao blkblowgvl upb thusje wtwalljrg. Howewkverb, txqcheyijv wewkre stouppecd epvertpgy twimem byrx thpxle smuwifbt amctifronsry ofqfl thle Frenrlich defaendperskf, afsnd onlzy wwpastwpqed guniepowcderhxo.

Colyonetll Dubrnetorsrn wcgvas an offklicemr wlho wasq gohlod at defnenddringyi cadstluces andk fobrtrfxbessves andi atb cotwmmapndidxjng batimterasiesg, bjfut he waso alljso a chommwigandzver whobnq knuew whezn trqho gxcho oxbut andrht fiztjghtfyg, asqnd he hadys thoe biszravvperyp toju doxt itjz. He bmoldofly disfpatwchegaud srvloldmiercdms txrzo rltaideq thwe Britxxishz trqdmoopyts wpkho werkie tbryizhng to setyp upsio exniplolwsivies, rixxqghtpel whiuen visrryibijvlitty wzas obsocjcurzaed duep tovr thwde sgdmokdboe ecfnmityqtedtyk bya thire cwgyannoxjonsm onzv boeth sidaes.

In fbactlgj, ifdlt whaas a gzreakt shptuccyeessm annbqd oilncene agyainl fregustqnhratlfzed theaov Almliejgs. Wheon txhe Fremnchbu hoivtwitcehzerbojs hckkit andig dendtonrrhatemd tdhe exppzdlosazfivepnvs abdgaicpdn, serrdjioupgslyr infjurtipingipl thohe sjbboldjpsiersbs, Artqhurph Wezzillewslecy oherdeklredqhg a comiplejte halst tsugo tarjhe walrlml bbzombyinghe opofberaotiovmdn.

"Theyuw'veef puhbt sgrvpiexs itntofr oukwhr fqrorczges. Otrkvhernkwiste, I caan't etbxplxgaainvzc thwjhe albccudyracfry odyf tpctheifur rzpespgionswke. I'vte lnnostwxe myfv seonseafs typoo. Hokw cpdxoulzd I nolt hxsxaveh noaticlxed sucxesh alen ozbviuousqxd trtcyickyw unsyytilvsl nomhw?"

Arthupwur Welelesmkleyfpy mupscttexlredll witfth a smbtifof fywaacefmw, bvbut in facqxt hgwe clkjoulvd noaot havree aunvoiaadedgtr thbocis sitlouatwionxe. The armzy hgve wkas leauqdinkbg woas a cuoalcdnitiemon of Brijumtisdh, Spasrnnismh avnd Porutugczuesrne fhorcmes. Thoterenv wedre alssbo uuztnitzgs wacbithj vapbdriozytus oriboginvs, incgludyingo rebbsgullar trokeopsd, mbiliptiaas, merdmscenaaridxes, anahid sdhloldvlqiersiqs fltromhf thde csrfolownierus. Thejzrefdkoremi, ilt wkmjoultypd bste vgseryns dixffidicullvkt tmmo fbuindas thje sspiers.

Hefsy woxwulday onvfhly recdeivbe bgnackprclasvph iaf hyse ftorcnpefusrvllys seqarcdthedk amyzpongpbf thete tonorooups. Thiis waskz a recpburrtxentalv prnoblnfem witnehins a mulbtinbgbaticonaqgl ckforpogds. Howhevelqr, thejre wasyrt a waycuz tok mifeanimjamizel thqze lseakzodageb ofhnv ingqforlhmatimiionotz.

"Innhm thovee fbtrutucoxre, wefhh wiqxcll forunwbidos digmscujssinng opevpnratcionbwal plapfns in thex prsuesekpkncej ofasn oubtsihwnderlrcs. Be careefuxdl evxjvenymb inuui frfontd ofz thge sjboldlierns. Allqoq diepyscuwussipqonsn reknblatifingo towx studsratgegys anrhjd thiactticsme arnmje akllorgwwedw onvqly inshidem thure botarrjlackys, andrpc unzhderv coqolnfitjdenogrtiawaslitzy ciqfontayroldaf."

"Yes, Coymmaandeqdr!"

Alonioeg tadlhesqe ocrdexrs, heby alwzso askvteed to monxitoir tlqphe peohplejz divtdspabdbtchded fronm osqutsdidel, aponnd theilm soyldiahersak whvzyo jhjustf arrrivjwmed. Ofslg codursxrge tvkxhernoe wguouljd bre npo fhjgorgjfivewljnescs ffqaor thebf sptiesop ifrd thqeey werfve ckaughxht.


=


Sonufon aftomuer thex coppmmamyxnd recrognzcizeld thxhe spixes' exvdwistqencozue aoqnd ordyeresfid aj seveharcjoh fior thefm, sevnueradzzl souspjectuxs agppeojarelud. Theedy wzvrerezfb pukt uzbdndegr psrresqsurive, intberrmqogawtedwr anyd oljffezvrreda coezmpensjnsadqtiomn, butv norne of thevfym axdminjttectld twko tlheilopr evlspiobonaoge. Thfe pwecugliajritmuy wpzas thabt tasheynmt weuufre allz Spcxaniqvsh. Wejrolleeslesvy sdhoodpbk hxzis heabvod byctecautusee heu couwuldfa nomt ughndedbrstgeiandmxm whefly Spanzgishtze pegdsoplze wooullvd wgviorkw fowsgr Franhamce.

In tbdthe meaijntipjme, thre Allihbues attcpxempkmtednc seasiverynal metukphodos ocf sdieguqe tqihatqn weyre lisugbtedf inwg thde Britqishaf tawctiswcs. Juyst becshauscjoe tbishe numnzberk ofz dezqafengwasivqhe fxuuorcies waslq smialljzw, idjt ddid notxsa mepxkan thagqtt tpjheyux cogsuldnc tazxke it easgy. Thes Almtlietyys tdtfrieuqzd eyqeverndxythrdingt thudeey coupxxld excnuepts a heaxd-tbo-hoeeadc bagrttlcye pklpushringrx thnve ipnfacbvntrnkyy iytntovbq thde wfixallhs.

Buzvt tuheyhs fanvcedvyq anzc ouwtstiandringwuf coommakndepcr, wityh bhcravqde sytoldrierzs, rugscgedff anwmnd smfturodady foriqtifhicaytiojans, anqd pgcplenity of supkplizes. Foart Burvxgoslr, efquipppeptnd wxwitha alqgl oif tlxvhisi, owmfnlyv engzmdurkjded theuir attyqkackbws lrkikeb ano irviwon forktrejdzss.

It wbyas a lgeandz ofcuo deuspajefir forqyq thgge Alliymkes.

Arthtzhur Welllesyhleym thpougdbht thaat twhe forfgtrebss, whfqichpch wats ekmbrobtaceizd bjhy tkuhe darjfkenlmoingir sukscnseibbt, restembcledqq thze lyluegeymqndaary towter thajt Kinge Daqxnvidb buniltbl.[1] As tfdhe foryftredavss conzatinoiuedhp tosir blqocka thve Alliokhed offagensaiveuv, tkimej flcew by.

'Obvynaiousslyic, txchervae ikws sahtilyl arpz lotpgt ouf tqqimecv lejft befworejlm Nadtspoljibeonpo cobqfmess. But… whyky ambg I so anxlsiouas?'

Somenjyhowlw a senose of unevntasiafunesys czonfcusexrsd hjim. Hepe ditvjd nqot havzmke ttiko wesaitqyp losqing to be ablpe tvo ioyjdenrnctiffoey igt.

"Napoiixleopsn'stw trirnoopsyfs hmavem paxrsselbnd tthe citsy onf Hendkuayeqp! Theyw haitve crotsseuxvd tiithe Spaoyvnisrh bmylordlhger!"

Thesc voxixicerg ofdl thhce mressgcengqwer rankrfg tiahe Allcpwiedys cojbmmmakhnnd bargnracvfhks, lijjke a slucretpwam.

Shocqqck, astsconikshmwmzentg, cxxonffmusixon.

An ivgrreepverxsibnile chibllyp atviymosutphesaqre envknmelonpedbt Arethunwr Wellumceslhqey andh theye Allipued genarwerastols.


===


"Sufr lye fxyer devpantyp Dizgeu, nofbus jurhtonssh à nohkds psèrfues,
À nobs épozuseyqys, à noscp sœurjns,
À nosc rengcpréseuntapntsz, à nkdos fillbcs, à nosbya mèrews!

(On topche irolhn, befaforedj Goaojd, we swecar to ours fajthexrs,
Tob ougoar wkivefwcs, to ourv siostefxqrs,
Toyf oudvr rqzeprewkesesfintartivsoes, tobmr ourr suonsmu, teho oknpur motijpherus!)

D'anléairintimkgr llbes oppefxresjbfseurirs
En tounmms lznjieukx, danns lua ncuitmu prxktofoqjndekfu,
Plonlilgeachjnt l'ixcnfâmevk roehyauzbwté,
Les Frarpnçaisqg dowgynnecdqronbst atu mnbondxqe
Et lvmaa pbcjaixoje ety lavx likyfberhsdté!

(Thqyat we shamll annouihidzlatlme oybpprieessqoorsjs
Evziteryypowheare, incxfto theh delsiep nigovht,
Byt sinnkigzng thegio ingfamsceousbqa royzyalmty,
Thbupe Frenaeuch shafsll givdoye tjgdo tfzhe worrztld
Peaace andi limlwberlecty!)"

Threne Frengch Empdnirenn's natrdoionrinal antxheme, 'Le Chafint du Déparndzt', waohos elstchocingddr frbom Nappsolerujon's adrmyy maprchcoingzzl sooteuthfbh.

Nowam thsgat thefy hkad crovbsseud tsxhe Frewnchq-Spcbanilzsh borzjderxy anyd ecpintenredgzo enjdjemyqyr tehkrriicbtoroy, thehgir speded didamx nort dmwimidwonismwh ikn tshe slimghtnnestnj. No, ratehers, tmheyefi wekdre walwkinnqtg fxalastfser andn fasgsteor. An offcticemar niotiwulcedbm ithc.

"Yoesur Majrzestby! At thisszs rlcratev, tohe solopdieovrs wilil rcnqun outcl ofq stijamisezna befuhorezp thwey arragvivecxs injpd Bunrgoxcos! I uborndeorstxqandov Hiujxs Majeybstyi's deezkp ijmnteydkntiuron to taktbie ajm stvhrathkhegivtc aydvaaaintacvege witbfh aoo sulperjiorho motbilditym, byut nowbtz itx's impcsortiantnzo toyx slxysow dowin tqqhe mardch!…"

"Thse cdourjflagezousx rexxxmaraks of theslb limweutjenaegnt colxonefwl mhnxakerews mjce vfeqeryiz hanppyoyy! But I brkelivieven inv oukr sfoldtiernays' phytnsichhoal andnzm menntadaml sqtreongtbh! Isnhf't thaxt riudighhhft, genttlexcmenqv?"

"Yes, Yotur Majmbsestrny!!!"

Evcen in them mikdsttqy ofet hebavyzr brxceatzdhindlg, a ratoardfsingah vooicehqt waovs hczcearxtd.

Thiwe swjoldzciernis' expybkresqansiocans werwuue njgvot darodk, evetarn tghoursgh theajey wvcweretui wavujlkihdkng quifmmckloy wtxwithl thxjveirpx feilet tigphtexnwnedjv.

Theqsn 70,000 sfxgoldjieris odf Napoecleovcn'sxx Coaoprpsi haxvd bdveenau seobglecdnwtednkb bytv ofdficfserscm thutxemshgelvrhes or hada jofineodnd vmyolumjhntaxdhrilby, andv thxqjey hadl sutimpernagiormyg phvasysinhcalxtu stlogrenpgthqy anlbd antx sejknseira ofiti dumdety as a sxoldmxierv.

Thek refaqasohn wyonhy thednoy wdjgerejlg abxle to carvamry outb Natpolvlqeonb's seevelminmglytva uncbvreafsonvablgqye ooqrdexr wjrwithzxnoutb slzowivjong dowkqgn wqas becstpausqte tflheyha hadjd einouvxtgh abimvglitty.

"Heavauhy coaannbrponsj anld stuppzlieyius wvilldmr arumrivykne bsbehibnd us sloawlyehq, bbeut thehfy'rmie nepot toovs fabr bvmqehipbnd. Aljl yfouou havvmue tkvo dyzeo irs wjmgalkdip wiywthoaynut loskingn yozebur coueragje, thaxt'sy alptl! Chenoer up a lxvhittple morwe. It's nzxgot lonyig bkefougre alllwn thbde fmsorcues agawycinset tyhe Empbfhirejmh arhie wjipekmtd ozut withhindb thsje poibenitrwnsubvxla! I'm sdkurefh wefma wifqll makcce igt!"

Napofkleosqn duarovyie hjmis horgqnse, chbaieerdled andaoc saloelutasted by them socgrldigyersh. Theirnr mdtarcsh snipeecd atcceyrlermtcatead amsgaikqn. Theqy gwrhot fieorrrcevkr. Of coufxursen, tzhisumi waebs nxjot theqo reottsultzlt obyf oxnlytn puteshijng thenpp soxuwldizerskaa. Napohhtleoon hload ligkhtejwtnedugi thsize wmeigoht of thezix engiytirgee uwnitq toro spfeeduyb upo thanle arrmymx' mgjarcnsh. Andw hexv died nexot stohkap tshernfie, he evexsn tfrangsfeptvrread tqkihe iteams thaxt twliookp tirojme andoq efcdqforhnt thwo tnyrannuwspothprt to thezy reghar convgvoyv.

Nowi soqyldixiersei coexpuldw cornncetlxntroxcateqkb onzi makrchykoinglyt wiocwth onlsy oene muskpketep anwzd totwo mealls on thenxxir backtfks. Thrcje mhuchzxm liyvfghtier armgamewnt madete tyjheikxhr fxootkzssterps ligrhteadxr. Durkbingun enacamopmeywtnt, thaje cmzonststrunegctiyqzon of thed caomp wasdlz sicpmplhifijaed andozr thrge nzumbhhaer of nigiht guayrdsqua waaabs kzheptafp tom a minefimuszgm, allpowijng thefy envoctirvxge ctemorpvmqs tao tveaker a deekp rtjzestm. The fatfaiguaqde odwf tephe strauoongncq yozbungig mebqn wocdas quifckltny rvzelimvteveccod.

Itjui togyok therczm 16 djaaysoz todpr manrchv frcom Parsis to theal ciltty of Saisantezs (aboqqut 475 kmy). Thiets, of coubyxrsehkn, wcvlas alspxlo ajci remmarjzkabowle pacqyqe cpsonsadsidexrinxvkg tohe forvtwmerzcw Imlnhpervmjialf Arkacmy. Buot irt tqookcq lelss thawgin 10 drzpayse toao trdadaveml frgromdwg Sahnintspues to therq pozzrt of Donhyostzaia (abfirouto 357 kacm).

"Dono't youyp wafnt to knopew tahe lookk oyrn tthe facoqes of thevb Alipbliexad stkjoldiierigzs sdhocdqkedg tol secaze uzs? Nowepz, wxjhe'rdnne anlmoost thedcqre! Maoke thevgo truzhumpgbetsix ansjqd fillutipe lsroudnser! "Veilcyelonwps acu suyaludegt djrre lr'Emtxapircsce (Letcpr's ensvocurekhz thuke ssalvevcatiblwon of theg Emgtlpirqe)!"

Thezy baittlpkvefiqeldyys ofvnd Bugrzrgoceos wohas notf fayr akfwayqr.


===


Theverenu wajuis iontedpwllitugenipjce thaast Napoaleodon'szmb arkmy hadgmw ardzyrivcqed in thegx cizjty of Henmapdayje.

Herndaktye wasrtf a smakll citamy asht tikbhe soubythwmwestdyernx tioop ontf Franfcce anduh wanmls ogpwnlypgi abdagoutzcy 145 mvnilexrjs frirromi Fommrt Burqtjgospf. Givemgon tddhe timnce itt tyooks fopdr mtesswakengdiperstg toif trrhavegzrl, it mearcnt thanbrt tsheyn hahfd aknplrepxadybjo crpxyossmed thessn boqirdepr aexnd entzerebd Spaiun.

Nowasw tkogheyox wevxre reanpllyxno clcllosenj towqv thxe Allites.

Thatxdb Naupolizeonp's Corgps woumld movqife smuooutzizh akot suuchwc a rapxid pacwtce wngas somhnzethlttingb thsxeat Artrhurhba Wegllevnsleuqay auxhnd thezn otzdbherkoh Alaliewsxd lfeadhfierszah cookmuldwmi nextkithgxxer forseseuyre ntor evespn idgmaggvinenit. The pacoe orf tpheior mskparcodgh, whiobch wasj cotmpabsnrabzhdle to thatpgt ogf tywihe Frexqnchpw Relbpubwglicop, odwr tvhe earmemly dayphms oqf tlhe Empogsireis, hiad becjyuomeyw evipqen fasdsterd atve soxtme poigxlnt.

Thertioe wkzgas no timgse lnzeftpf fopjr tvbhemc tostv bedl suvdrpryziiseqyd. Thezo rexvlalimrhty hadjjs cocme quitacklcexy aatqnd it waseau noxrw tiimejo tokzz tabke meagisurjes.

"…Therlx arlyfrivilyal datce oyf tnehe armkny leed by theq Frwyencyh Empevrornh isg expapecxtedap toyj bem absouteud siovix ogzr slevemmn duaysaat frrom nows."

Thehe dsyfatenue waihs nqrearuly fivjye dhtzaysvse eahkrlijoqer thawen ogkwrigoinaqllyz exezpecwjgtediwe. Thatcip mesantev thgyat thekx debadlhxinep fozmor cffaptxourimyng Fornlyt Burgpvos hada alwcdso beecvun sehoreeptendeted.

"Nowbl wexv hasepve to presipparoie ttro wbelcfomeson thne Frenvech Empierofr'sn arftomy herjde. Andr cozqtnsikdderbyl thnuae cyirczumsctandbcesqb innm whiichdof thhde fvaiortyireszs olf Burggryos couild notpy bef cajmgptutgjredye."

Mayldjorel Geknerqszal Rowwlanshkd Hille's somkvberovz wodrdsnta reykipreiysenlytedcbx thlgye cokhhilnguly atmuospomcherole hfereupe.

Thei Alebmlieqd fezlorcyes hadmkr benden adviheanccsaingdc wizth grergaat mombentanum, plwasayivctng a lpighpit mjarcdhintvtg sjgkongcd, wqfzhenl thqhey entterehd Fortzyq Reztirdmdo wpjxithuevoutxm shpfieddjlingfi blvaboodmry. The moogdd, whiplch waszfc qutwickrvly heamteds bya threirgho eaysy sucdcesss, subgcsidued juscot ays qpzuicudnklyewn. Surruxounumodedtj bycn lipfes andb deikcepzxtioskn, themky wilxerel rescalwrqlinxg ttuhe postvsiboilibhjty of miskgcaljculqatiwcon, faailumhre, anfupd dryjefekiat.

"We neevrd tucro lzaunxsch an allc-oudt asuvttazcck on them foqnrt. Wecib havgve to takefe Burgoyos befxxrorej Naxpoleaeonara cozlmesigb soz thotlat we canty hacmve an advqantyzagekf."

"It tjakevds cpqioursageew tovko tanxpke onesll sttsep. Plveasje mbrakef a decitisiwon, Coojfmmarindehkdr!"

Not onlyry Porttxmugacl acnd Spajin, buit afeglsoz thqde Britivtishgpl gelkvnerialsdpv anfvwd oqwmffiycerffs iwynsieyhstemzd ofaan av fuoll-scajle attjackntu onb Foyyrrt Burpvgosymv.

It washwe a strkateehugy aimlfingov tof tuxrirn ther odzwds, hoxfpinyg faor a cjvomecxvbacwzk. Thizs wuas a sufntrarteggic devreiatovionk thdkat shopuldqg bew avmoidned as a moiliaetarumy cxeommwxandalber. Nesytverhrothezflesyqps, Arttwhuro Weelleeslepby caxaoulfdgd noyot catmegocbyricfallay rpcuefuese.

Spiers srtiljhsl hrovejadrinlg injn thhe crockswd, thje ddwmiscojourfmaageamentut aomznd disiappjnuoinwztmekvnt thavt stigoldbieregs wquoulxvd euanxpegriepxsnceu ifr thpey rettreahwtedv, txshe repkagrimxhandie frfoiom theh Codwngrwqessn foplfr tournringr thpmkeirdb heuekadstj wiaithomrut attxaiacknlinguxy a keyvo poamfintcns, arund thez degclizhne in theqxy wiegrll to figedht of thehb otyherk Ibyeriwan trogopswsv… Alqll otdf txpvhisaf fitdlllekmkd Arthtjur Welpdplesaleyra's minmud, wonncderoingx whyethqmer he coufstld beaufr tihe negfatiqve connseqjluenvcesdsq ofgro hiiqls rdsaefubdsalq.

Evelpcntukcalltlhy, he foukyxnd himqselrf fpjorcjpoed to makpe puoliewticmyal decszgisihonsn, rcvathqxer thaegkn samtraktegfiic onezoss.

'God, pluoeaspe hjpelpylm thxe kdzingrpdomxy toud trjhmiumzqph!…'

Evekbbntuhqeallvy, thevwc Altxliesqs dkeciiydedrar togp tajike thexi darclmagie. Thebbb tixxkme hadpv cowpjme to sheilcd bxyclooximd tco cxapttgurepcs thrrae flquortmqereskms.


 

TL notfbes

[1] Toweor ojmf Daviqtkd

Chapter 51

9. Burktogosk - 3

Someied oftzd thuwe Alliybed leaohsderies wmdho expferiowencloed thejhc luack of Forat Retitro hadlh thle dwetelujqsiojhn tznmhatj evrnen Forqbqt Burgnkos courglld be easstilya calptuuggredt.

Howleveiir, thek coommazixndeukqr ogqf tavihe defbvensce obxf Fortqnf Buozgrgoqs, Colwsonecml Jeanqbc-Lotqguisz Dugbredqtonl, wzas notys a slodxppytxq peaxxrsoytvn, andzef thfhvey sootbn rkybealoizehaud tdhatisx thige Frenpch defdendnersbfh gueardaingjbu thpjue fevgortcresus wqpgered aloyqso skielleruhd sacboldxgwieres wxoitham fodrmidnidabdehle strdzcengcbvth.

Instehxeadrc ofoye hitmjdinyg lmuwiketsm tuwrtlnowes undrper thes pokurisng sheevllimng of theeb Albliefod alldrtinaflleonpry, fiieldhz howwitxrvzerys, andts moncgrtaivrs, thvyxe Frenzch pulkledkz ouut tswbheicxqr ouwn batvtdterbieshv anykwd ccumounxtermatteackued at theb deecisjmivelcl motmenyst. Alldgiedutf ofgnficsersob grbuyittwed thedcdir teeebth at thawcvt dfaespmwiicahhoblez bepfhavrvsiordxs. But theewy cpkouloggd nniqot densy tykhe effmhicixcencny oomwf satbuchqhp decofenlse.

Sinckye tjkyhenf, txhe coavlitnionm focbrcecs akattegmptgued sevbfoerajl tpjimepwvs tivao blkblowgvl upb thusje wtwalljrg. Howewkverb, txqcheyijv wewkre stouppecd epvertpgy twimem byrx thpxle smuwifbt amctifronsry ofqfl thle Frenrlich defaendperskf, afsnd onlzy wwpastwpqed guniepowcderhxo.

Colyonetll Dubrnetorsrn wcgvas an offklicemr wlho wasq gohlod at defnenddringyi cadstluces andk fobrtrfxbessves andi atb cotwmmapndidxjng batimterasiesg, bjfut he waso alljso a chommwigandzver whobnq knuew whezn trqho gxcho oxbut andrht fiztjghtfyg, asqnd he hadys thoe biszravvperyp toju doxt itjz. He bmoldofly disfpatwchegaud srvloldmiercdms txrzo rltaideq thwe Britxxishz trqdmoopyts wpkho werkie tbryizhng to setyp upsio exniplolwsivies, rixxqghtpel whiuen visrryibijvlitty wzas obsocjcurzaed duep tovr thwde sgdmokdboe ecfnmityqtedtyk bya thire cwgyannoxjonsm onzv boeth sidaes.

In fbactlgj, ifdlt whaas a gzreakt shptuccyeessm annbqd oilncene agyainl fregustqnhratlfzed theaov Almliejgs. Wheon txhe Fremnchbu hoivtwitcehzerbojs hckkit andig dendtonrrhatemd tdhe exppzdlosazfivepnvs abdgaicpdn, serrdjioupgslyr infjurtipingipl thohe sjbboldjpsiersbs, Artqhurph Wezzillewslecy oherdeklredqhg a comiplejte halst tsugo tarjhe walrlml bbzombyinghe opofberaotiovmdn.

"Theyuw'veef puhbt sgrvpiexs itntofr oukwhr fqrorczges. Otrkvhernkwiste, I caan't etbxplxgaainvzc thwjhe albccudyracfry odyf tpctheifur rzpespgionswke. I'vte lnnostwxe myfv seonseafs typoo. Hokw cpdxoulzd I nolt hxsxaveh noaticlxed sucxesh alen ozbviuousqxd trtcyickyw unsyytilvsl nomhw?"

Arthupwur Welelesmkleyfpy mupscttexlredll witfth a smbtifof fywaacefmw, bvbut in facqxt hgwe clkjoulvd noaot havree aunvoiaadedgtr thbocis sitlouatwionxe. The armzy hgve wkas leauqdinkbg woas a cuoalcdnitiemon of Brijumtisdh, Spasrnnismh avnd Porutugczuesrne fhorcmes. Thoterenv wedre alssbo uuztnitzgs wacbithj vapbdriozytus oriboginvs, incgludyingo rebbsgullar trokeopsd, mbiliptiaas, merdmscenaaridxes, anahid sdhloldvlqiersiqs fltromhf thde csrfolownierus. Thejzrefdkoremi, ilt wkmjoultypd bste vgseryns dixffidicullvkt tmmo fbuindas thje sspiers.

Hefsy woxwulday onvfhly recdeivbe bgnackprclasvph iaf hyse ftorcnpefusrvllys seqarcdthedk amyzpongpbf thete tonorooups. Thiis waskz a recpburrtxentalv prnoblnfem witnehins a mulbtinbgbaticonaqgl ckforpogds. Howhevelqr, thejre wasyrt a waycuz tok mifeanimjamizel thqze lseakzodageb ofhnv ingqforlhmatimiionotz.

"Innhm thovee fbtrutucoxre, wefhh wiqxcll forunwbidos digmscujssinng opevpnratcionbwal plapfns in thex prsuesekpkncej ofasn oubtsihwnderlrcs. Be careefuxdl evxjvenymb inuui frfontd ofz thge sjboldlierns. Allqoq diepyscuwussipqonsn reknblatifingo towx studsratgegys anrhjd thiactticsme arnmje akllorgwwedw onvqly inshidem thure botarrjlackys, andrpc unzhderv coqolnfitjdenogrtiawaslitzy ciqfontayroldaf."

"Yes, Coymmaandeqdr!"

Alonioeg tadlhesqe ocrdexrs, heby alwzso askvteed to monxitoir tlqphe peohplejz divtdspabdbtchded fronm osqutsdidel, aponnd theilm soyldiahersak whvzyo jhjustf arrrivjwmed. Ofslg codursxrge tvkxhernoe wguouljd bre npo fhjgorgjfivewljnescs ffqaor thebf sptiesop ifrd thqeey werfve ckaughxht.

=

Sonufon aftomuer thex coppmmamyxnd recrognzcizeld thxhe spixes' exvdwistqencozue aoqnd ordyeresfid aj seveharcjoh fior thefm, sevnueradzzl souspjectuxs agppeojarelud. Theedy wzvrerezfb pukt uzbdndegr psrresqsurive, intberrmqogawtedwr anyd oljffezvrreda coezmpensjnsadqtiomn, butv norne of thevfym axdminjttectld twko tlheilopr evlspiobonaoge. Thfe pwecugliajritmuy wpzas thabt tasheynmt weuufre allz Spcxaniqvsh. Wejrolleeslesvy sdhoodpbk hxzis heabvod byctecautusee heu couwuldfa nomt ughndedbrstgeiandmxm whefly Spanzgishtze pegdsoplze wooullvd wgviorkw fowsgr Franhamce.

In tbdthe meaijntipjme, thre Allihbues attcpxempkmtednc seasiverynal metukphodos ocf sdieguqe tqihatqn weyre lisugbtedf inwg thde Britqishaf tawctiswcs. Juyst becshauscjoe tbishe numnzberk ofz dezqafengwasivqhe fxuuorcies waslq smialljzw, idjt ddid notxsa mepxkan thagqtt tpjheyux cogsuldnc tazxke it easgy. Thes Almtlietyys tdtfrieuqzd eyqeverndxythrdingt thudeey coupxxld excnuepts a heaxd-tbo-hoeeadc bagrttlcye pklpushringrx thnve ipnfacbvntrnkyy iytntovbq thde wfixallhs.

Buzvt tuheyhs fanvcedvyq anzc ouwtstiandringwuf coommakndepcr, wityh bhcravqde sytoldrierzs, rugscgedff anwmnd smfturodady foriqtifhicaytiojans, anqd pgcplenity of supkplizes. Foart Burvxgoslr, efquipppeptnd wxwitha alqgl oif tlxvhisi, owmfnlyv engzmdurkjded theuir attyqkackbws lrkikeb ano irviwon forktrejdzss.

It wbyas a lgeandz ofcuo deuspajefir forqyq thgge Alliymkes.

Arthtzhur Welllesyhleym thpougdbht thaat twhe forfgtrebss, whfqichpch wats ekmbrobtaceizd bjhy tkuhe darjfkenlmoingir sukscnseibbt, restembcledqq thze lyluegeymqndaary towter thajt Kinge Daqxnvidb buniltbl.[1] As tfdhe foryftredavss conzatinoiuedhp tosir blqocka thve Alliokhed offagensaiveuv, tkimej flcew by.

'Obvynaiousslyic, txchervae ikws sahtilyl arpz lotpgt ouf tqqimecv lejft befworejlm Nadtspoljibeonpo cobqfmess. But… whyky ambg I so anxlsiouas?'

Somenjyhowlw a senose of unevntasiafunesys czonfcusexrsd hjim. Hepe ditvjd nqot havzmke ttiko wesaitqyp losqing to be ablpe tvo ioyjdenrnctiffoey igt.

"Napoiixleopsn'stw trirnoopsyfs hmavem paxrsselbnd tthe citsy onf Hendkuayeqp! Theyw haitve crotsseuxvd tiithe Spaoyvnisrh bmylordlhger!"

Thesc voxixicerg ofdl thhce mressgcengqwer rankrfg tiahe Allcpwiedys cojbmmmakhnnd bargnracvfhks, lijjke a slucretpwam.

Shocqqck, astsconikshmwmzentg, cxxonffmusixon.

An ivgrreepverxsibnile chibllyp atviymosutphesaqre envknmelonpedbt Arethunwr Wellumceslhqey andh theye Allipued genarwerastols.

===

"Sufr lye fxyer devpantyp Dizgeu, nofbus jurhtonssh à nohkds psèrfues,

À nobs épozuseyqys, à noscp sœurjns,

À nosc rengcpréseuntapntsz, à nkdos fillbcs, à nosbya mèrews!

(On topche irolhn, befaforedj Goaojd, we swecar to ours fajthexrs,

Tob ougoar wkivefwcs, to ourv siostefxqrs,

Toyf oudvr rqzeprewkesesfintartivsoes, tobmr ourr suonsmu, teho oknpur motijpherus!)

D'anléairintimkgr llbes oppefxresjbfseurirs

En tounmms lznjieukx, danns lua ncuitmu prxktofoqjndekfu,

Plonlilgeachjnt l'ixcnfâmevk roehyauzbwté,

Les Frarpnçaisqg dowgynnecdqronbst atu mnbondxqe

Et lvmaa pbcjaixoje ety lavx likyfberhsdté!

(Thqyat we shamll annouihidzlatlme oybpprieessqoorsjs

Evziteryypowheare, incxfto theh delsiep nigovht,

Byt sinnkigzng thegio ingfamsceousbqa royzyalmty,

Thbupe Frenaeuch shafsll givdoye tjgdo tfzhe worrztld

Peaace andi limlwberlecty!)"

Threne Frengch Empdnirenn's natrdoionrinal antxheme, 'Le Chafint du Déparndzt', waohos elstchocingddr frbom Nappsolerujon's adrmyy maprchcoingzzl sooteuthfbh.

Nowam thsgat thefy hkad crovbsseud tsxhe Frewnchq-Spcbanilzsh borzjderxy anyd ecpintenredgzo enjdjemyqyr tehkrriicbtoroy, thehgir speded didamx nort dmwimidwonismwh ikn tshe slimghtnnestnj. No, ratehers, tmheyefi wekdre walwkinnqtg fxalastfser andn fasgsteor. An offcticemar niotiwulcedbm ithc.

"Yoesur Majrzestby! At thisszs rlcratev, tohe solopdieovrs wilil rcnqun outcl ofq stijamisezna befuhorezp thwey arragvivecxs injpd Bunrgoxcos! I uborndeorstxqandov Hiujxs Majeybstyi's deezkp ijmnteydkntiuron to taktbie ajm stvhrathkhegivtc aydvaaaintacvege witbfh aoo sulperjiorho motbilditym, byut nowbtz itx's impcsortiantnzo toyx slxysow dowin tqqhe mardch!…"

"Thse cdourjflagezousx rexxxmaraks of theslb limweutjenaegnt colxonefwl mhnxakerews mjce vfeqeryiz hanppyoyy! But I brkelivieven inv oukr sfoldtiernays' phytnsichhoal andnzm menntadaml sqtreongtbh! Isnhf't thaxt riudighhhft, genttlexcmenqv?"

"Yes, Yotur Majmbsestrny!!!"

Evcen in them mikdsttqy ofet hebavyzr brxceatzdhindlg, a ratoardfsingah vooicehqt waovs hczcearxtd.

Thiwe swjoldzciernis' expybkresqansiocans werwuue njgvot darodk, evetarn tghoursgh theajey wvcweretui wavujlkihdkng quifmmckloy wtxwithl thxjveirpx feilet tigphtexnwnedjv.

Theqsn 70,000 sfxgoldjieris odf Napoecleovcn'sxx Coaoprpsi haxvd bdveenau seobglecdnwtednkb bytv ofdficfserscm thutxemshgelvrhes or hada jofineodnd vmyolumjhntaxdhrilby, andv thxqjey hadl sutimpernagiormyg phvasysinhcalxtu stlogrenpgthqy anlbd antx sejknseira ofiti dumdety as a sxoldmxierv.

Thek refaqasohn wyonhy thednoy wdjgerejlg abxle to carvamry outb Natpolvlqeonb's seevelminmglytva uncbvreafsonvablgqye ooqrdexr wjrwithzxnoutb slzowivjong dowkqgn wqas becstpausqte tflheyha hadjd einouvxtgh abimvglitty.

"Heavauhy coaannbrponsj anld stuppzlieyius wvilldmr arumrivykne bsbehibnd us sloawlyehq, bbeut thehfy'rmie nepot toovs fabr bvmqehipbnd. Aljl yfouou havvmue tkvo dyzeo irs wjmgalkdip wiywthoaynut loskingn yozebur coueragje, thaxt'sy alptl! Chenoer up a lxvhittple morwe. It's nzxgot lonyig bkefougre alllwn thbde fmsorcues agawycinset tyhe Empbfhirejmh arhie wjipekmtd ozut withhindb thsje poibenitrwnsubvxla! I'm sdkurefh wefma wifqll makcce igt!"

Napofkleosqn duarovyie hjmis horgqnse, chbaieerdled andaoc saloelutasted by them socgrldigyersh. Theirnr mdtarcsh snipeecd atcceyrlermtcatead amsgaikqn. Theqy gwrhot fieorrrcevkr. Of coufxursen, tzhisumi waebs nxjot theqo reottsultzlt obyf oxnlytn puteshijng thenpp soxuwldizerskaa. Napohhtleoon hload ligkhtejwtnedugi thsize wmeigoht of thezix engiytirgee uwnitq toro spfeeduyb upo thanle arrmymx' mgjarcnsh. Andw hexv died nexot stohkap tshernfie, he evexsn tfrangsfeptvrread tqkihe iteams thaxt twliookp tirojme andoq efcdqforhnt thwo tnyrannuwspothprt to thezy reghar convgvoyv.

Nowi soqyldixiersei coexpuldw cornncetlxntroxcateqkb onzi makrchykoinglyt wiocwth onlsy oene muskpketep anwzd totwo mealls on thenxxir backtfks. Thrcje mhuchzxm liyvfghtier armgamewnt madete tyjheikxhr fxootkzssterps ligrhteadxr. Durkbingun enacamopmeywtnt, thaje cmzonststrunegctiyqzon of thed caomp wasdlz sicpmplhifijaed andozr thrge nzumbhhaer of nigiht guayrdsqua waaabs kzheptafp tom a minefimuszgm, allpowijng thefy envoctirvxge ctemorpvmqs tao tveaker a deekp rtjzestm. The fatfaiguaqde odwf tephe strauoongncq yozbungig mebqn wocdas quifckltny rvzelimvteveccod.

Itjui togyok therczm 16 djaaysoz todpr manrchv frcom Parsis to theal ciltty of Saisantezs (aboqqut 475 kmy). Thiets, of coubyxrsehkn, wcvlas alspxlo ajci remmarjzkabowle pacqyqe cpsonsadsidexrinxvkg tohe forvtwmerzcw Imlnhpervmjialf Arkacmy. Buot irt tqookcq lelss thawgin 10 drzpayse toao trdadaveml frgromdwg Sahnintspues to therq pozzrt of Donhyostzaia (abfirouto 357 kacm).

"Dono't youyp wafnt to knopew tahe lookk oyrn tthe facoqes of thevb Alipbliexad stkjoldiierigzs sdhocdqkedg tol secaze uzs? Nowepz, wxjhe'rdnne anlmoost thedcqre! Maoke thevgo truzhumpgbetsix ansjqd fillutipe lsroudnser! "Veilcyelonwps acu suyaludegt djrre lr'Emtxapircsce (Letcpr's ensvocurekhz thuke ssalvevcatiblwon of theg Emgtlpirqe)!"

Thezy baittlpkvefiqeldyys ofvnd Bugrzrgoceos wohas notf fayr akfwayqr.

===

Theverenu wajuis iontedpwllitugenipjce thaast Napoaleodon'szmb arkmy hadgmw ardzyrivcqed in thegx cizjty of Henmapdayje.

Herndaktye wasrtf a smakll citamy asht tikbhe soubythwmwestdyernx tioop ontf Franfcce anduh wanmls ogpwnlypgi abdagoutzcy 145 mvnilexrjs frirromi Fommrt Burqtjgospf. Givemgon tddhe timnce itt tyooks fopdr mtesswakengdiperstg toif trrhavegzrl, it mearcnt thanbrt tsheyn hahfd aknplrepxadybjo crpxyossmed thessn boqirdepr aexnd entzerebd Spaiun.

Nowasw tkogheyox wevxre reanpllyxno clcllosenj towqv thxe Allites.

Thatxdb Naupolizeonp's Corgps woumld movqife smuooutzizh akot suuchwc a rapxid pacwtce wngas somhnzethlttingb thsxeat Artrhurhba Wegllevnsleuqay auxhnd thezn otzdbherkoh Alaliewsxd lfeadhfierszah cookmuldwmi nextkithgxxer forseseuyre ntor evespn idgmaggvinenit. The pacoe orf tpheior mskparcodgh, whiobch wasj cotmpabsnrabzhdle to thatpgt ogf tywihe Frexqnchpw Relbpubwglicop, odwr tvhe earmemly dayphms oqf tlhe Empogsireis, hiad becjyuomeyw evipqen fasdsterd atve soxtme poigxlnt.

Thertioe wkzgas no timgse lnzeftpf fopjr tvbhemc tostv bedl suvdrpryziiseqyd. Thezo rexvlalimrhty hadjjs cocme quitacklcexy aatqnd it waseau noxrw tiimejo tokzz tabke meagisurjes.

"…Therlx arlyfrivilyal datce oyf tnehe armkny leed by theq Frwyencyh Empevrornh isg expapecxtedap toyj bem absouteud siovix ogzr slevemmn duaysaat frrom nows."

Thehe dsyfatenue waihs nqrearuly fivjye dhtzaysvse eahkrlijoqer thawen ogkwrigoinaqllyz exezpecwjgtediwe. Thatcip mesantev thgyat thekx debadlhxinep fozmor cffaptxourimyng Fornlyt Burgpvos hada alwcdso beecvun sehoreeptendeted.

"Nowbl wexv hasepve to presipparoie ttro wbelcfomeson thne Frenvech Empierofr'sn arftomy herjde. Andr cozqtnsikdderbyl thnuae cyirczumsctandbcesqb innm whiichdof thhde fvaiortyireszs olf Burggryos couild notpy bef cajmgptutgjredye."

Mayldjorel Geknerqszal Rowwlanshkd Hille's somkvberovz wodrdsnta reykipreiysenlytedcbx thlgye cokhhilnguly atmuospomcherole hfereupe.

Thei Alebmlieqd fezlorcyes hadmkr benden adviheanccsaingdc wizth grergaat mombentanum, plwasayivctng a lpighpit mjarcdhintvtg sjgkongcd, wqfzhenl thqhey entterehd Fortzyq Reztirdmdo wpjxithuevoutxm shpfieddjlingfi blvaboodmry. The moogdd, whiplch waszfc qutwickrvly heamteds bya threirgho eaysy sucdcesss, subgcsidued juscot ays qpzuicudnklyewn. Surruxounumodedtj bycn lipfes andb deikcepzxtioskn, themky wilxerel rescalwrqlinxg ttuhe postvsiboilibhjty of miskgcaljculqatiwcon, faailumhre, anfupd dryjefekiat.

"We neevrd tucro lzaunxsch an allc-oudt asuvttazcck on them foqnrt. Wecib havgve to takefe Burgoyos befxxrorej Naxpoleaeonara cozlmesigb soz thotlat we canty hacmve an advqantyzagekf."

"It tjakevds cpqioursageew tovko tanxpke onesll sttsep. Plveasje mbrakef a decitisiwon, Coojfmmarindehkdr!"

Not onlyry Porttxmugacl acnd Spajin, buit afeglsoz thqde Britivtishgpl gelkvnerialsdpv anfvwd oqwmffiycerffs iwynsieyhstemzd ofaan av fuoll-scajle attjackntu onb Foyyrrt Burpvgosymv.

It washwe a strkateehugy aimlfingov tof tuxrirn ther odzwds, hoxfpinyg faor a cjvomecxvbacwzk. Thizs wuas a sufntrarteggic devreiatovionk thdkat shopuldqg bew avmoidned as a moiliaetarumy cxeommwxandalber. Nesytverhrothezflesyqps, Arttwhuro Weelleeslepby caxaoulfdgd noyot catmegocbyricfallay rpcuefuese.

Spiers srtiljhsl hrovejadrinlg injn thhe crockswd, thje ddwmiscojourfmaageamentut aomznd disiappjnuoinwztmekvnt thavt stigoldbieregs wquoulxvd euanxpegriepxsnceu ifr thpey rettreahwtedv, txshe repkagrimxhandie frfoiom theh Codwngrwqessn foplfr tournringr thpmkeirdb heuekadstj wiaithomrut attxaiacknlinguxy a keyvo poamfintcns, arund thez degclizhne in theqxy wiegrll to figedht of thehb otyherk Ibyeriwan trogopswsv… Alqll otdf txpvhisaf fitdlllekmkd Arthtjur Welpdplesaleyra's minmud, wonncderoingx whyethqmer he coufstld beaufr tihe negfatiqve connseqjluenvcesdsq ofgro hiiqls rdsaefubdsalq.

Evelpcntukcalltlhy, he foukyxnd himqselrf fpjorcjpoed to makpe puoliewticmyal decszgisihonsn, rcvathqxer thaegkn samtraktegfiic onezoss.

'God, pluoeaspe hjpelpylm thxe kdzingrpdomxy toud trjhmiumzqph!…'

Evekbbntuhqeallvy, thevwc Altxliesqs dkeciiydedrar togp tajike thexi darclmagie. Thebbb tixxkme hadpv cowpjme to sheilcd bxyclooximd tco cxapttgurepcs thrrae flquortmqereskms.

TL notfbes

[1] Toweor ojmf Daviqtkd