by Griff Hosker
I was now the gambler and I made my play. “It is for your ears only, sir.”
The other two looked outraged but my old commander merely nodded, “I thought as much.” The door opened and a servant brought a decanter with two glasses. “Thank you Philippe. You gentlemen may leave us.”
The captain became almost incandescent with anger. “I protest sir! How do we know he is not an assassin?”
“Major did you search him before throwing him in the dungeon?”
“Yes sir.”
“Has he any weapons?”
“Well, no sir, but he has his hands.”
The argument was so feeble that Bessières burst out laughing. “I will be quite safe.”
They left but I knew that they would be hovering outside the door. The Marshal poured us a glass each and held his up. “Salut! To fallen comrades.”
“To fallen comrades.” I did not know who he was drinking to but I had many friends from the 17th Chasseurs in mind as I drank my wine.
“Well Robbie, I never thought to see you again. To be truthful I thought you were dead.”
“Thought or hoped?”
“That is unfair, I always liked you.”
“Then why was I abandoned in Egypt?”
“Orders, surely, you of all people understand that.”
“I suppose so and it is now in the past.”
“But you have committed a crime.”
“Hougon?”
“Of course.”
“It was a duel.”
“Duels are illegal but his friends claimed murder, made all the more believable by your flight.”
“I was alone and the only ones who remained were his friends. I would have had to kill them all and then I would have been guilty of a crime.”
He sipped his wine. “I suppose so. Tell me what happened to you?”
I took a deep breath; this was the story fabricated in Colonel Selkirk’s dining room. “I hid out in Alexandria; I had some money. When the British came I fled into the desert. I don’t know where I was heading but I had to get away from our enemies.” My words were all carefully chosen. The colonel had told me the right words said more than their surface meaning. “I was close to death and then I was saved by a Scotsman, Sir Hew Dalrymple. He heard my story and took me under his wing. He nursed me back to health and took me back to England.”
“I see and this name that you use, the Italian one?”
“That is also true. I discovered that relatives of my mother had gone to Sicily. I met one in London and I changed my name.” I shrugged, “I went into partnership with them.”
“And where did you get the money from?”
“I said that this English General had taken an interest in me and he loaned me the money.”
That surprised him. “Really?”
I nodded. “I have paid him back!”
I could see that Bessières was intrigued now, “How?”
“I speculated with some of the family money in America and made a success with my investments.”
He smiled, “Now I understand the American connection. In fact, I understand everything save for the most important one. Why are you here?”
“Patriotism. England is still at war with France and I can help you to defeat it. I wish to serve France as I once did.”
He nodded and sipped his wine. Suddenly he said, “This man with you. He is English is he not?”
“He is an American. I saved his life in New York and he became my servant. He is loyal but not too clever.”
He smiled, “We gathered that. And what is this vital information you have for me? This news that will ensure that the Emperor Napoleon conquers Britain?”
I recognised the sarcasm in his voice. “You and I know, Marshal Bessières, that it is with the leaders that men win wars. General Dalrymple is the kind of General that can win wars. He is the British Napoleon.” I had never met the man but Colonel Selkirk had assured me that he was one of the most incompetent generals Britain had; and they had many. This was the first of the disinformation I was to seed my conversations with.
“I have heard the name but not of him.”
This was like fishing. The trout was nibbling the bait. I just had to be patient. If I moved too soon it would flee. I sipped the wine, “The wine is quite pleasant.”
He was distracted, “Hmn, oh yes. It is one of the Emperor’s favourites.” He looked up at me. “You are close to this man?”
To help the lie I pictured Sir John, the Knight of St. John who had, indeed, taken me under his wing. “He regards me as the son he never had.”
“You realise the reason my people were so suspicious was because a British warship was seen in the Rhine about the time you arrived.”
“I know. That is the reason my captain abandoned me. We were chased into the fog and he threw us off before we could be caught. The ship spotted us leaving Dover and followed us.”
“They do not trust you Robbie.”
“I can do nothing about that but in truth I care not. Do you trust me?”
“Of course. I know that you believe in France and will die for France.”
As I spoke my next words I really meant them. “Of course. I will do anything for my country, for France!” I believed it but Bonaparte was not France and I would give my life to be rid of him.
He smiled, “I knew that. I am pleased that you are with us once more.” He spread his arms, “However, We will need to prove to these people that you are a friend. You will need to come with us on campaign.”
I nodded, “That is fine but if I am away too long then Sir Hew might become suspicious.”
“I understand but three months or so would be acceptable would it not? And if we asked you to perform services for us as you did before then that, too, would be acceptable?”
This was like the razor; this was a test. “Of course.” I smiled, “We will be returned our weapons and our clothes?” I sniffed, “These are a little pungent.”
He smiled and wagged an admonishing finger at me, “You are a rascal Robbie but I have missed you. You make life interesting.” He stood and went to the door. As I had expected the officers and sergeant were hovering close to it. There was distinct disappointment on their faces as he said, “This officer and his servant are now free. Their weapons and their clothes can be returned to them. Major, arrange some accommodation for them. They will be accompanying us east.”
They were, however, soldiers and they all snapped to attention. “Sir!”
The major could barely conceal the contempt in his face, “See to it, sergeant!”
As the sergeant led me away I had no doubt that the room we would be given would be little better than the cellar we had occupied. It mattered not. The marshal had accepted my story. We were not out of danger but the most dangerous test had been passed.
After Sharp had been fetched and our belongings we were taken to a tent which was close to the tents of the sergeants. They were taking no chances. There were two cots and two rather thin blankets. The sergeant grinned as he said, “I am in the next tent and I am a light sleeper.”
I smiled back, “Good, for if it gets cold in the night I know that you will be ready to bring me another blanket.” I received a contemptuous look from the veteran. He had been deceived by our fine clothes. He thought that I was an effete young man. I, too, was an old campaigner.
We left the river the next day and moved with Bessières and his escort along the road which led to the east. The sergeant had ensured we had the sorriest pair of horses that were available. He and two tough looking troopers rode directly behind us. I did not mind. The Marshal rode next to me and talked as we rode. It was still an interrogation but a gentler one than that meted out by the colonel.
“How important is this General who took such an interest in you?”
“He is likely to be given command soon of another force.”
Bessières flashed me a searching look. “The British are planning another invasion? Where wil
l it be this time?”
Colonel Selkirk was a wily old bird and he knew that I would be likely to be asked such questions. I was prepared. “You know that they sent forces to Pomerania last year?” He nodded. “That and the Low Countries are easy to reach and they have their navy of course.”
He seemed relieved by my answer. ”We still have enough forces in the Low Countries and Pomerania is close enough to our friends in Prussia and so we have little to fear there.”
I had gleaned my first piece of information. Since the expulsion of the Hanoverian forces to England Prussia was free to expand west. I suspected some collusion between Bonaparte and the Prussians.
“What kind of man is this Dalrymple? Is he a cavalryman like you or an artilleryman like the Emperor?”
“Neither. He was a colonel of foot.”
Again he was relieved, “Good. The British had good soldiers once but as their colonies showed they could be defeated by skirmishers. Your cavalry, well Robbie, you know how much better our men are. But I believe it is the artillery which will determine the outcome of this conflict. We have the finest guns and the finest gunners. We have more guns that the rest of the nations put together.” He nodded. “I am pleased that we have met again for you have put my mind at rest.” He slowed to look at my face. “We will see the Emperor next week. I am sure he will be interested to speak with you too.”
So I would get to meet the Emperor. I wondered how he would have changed. It had been some years since we had spoken. He deserted soon after the debacle of Egypt. I knew that I had changed. I was bigger, stronger and quicker with my weapons. I liked to think that I had also developed my mind. A few years ago I would have happily tried to kill the monster responsible for the deaths of so many of my friends but now I could calculate. I could devise the best means to defeat my enemy.
I enjoyed the ride east. I was travelling through unfamiliar lands and I always enjoyed that. The weather was not as bad as it might have been and we were spared both snow and rain. We were prepared for the icy blasts of eastern wind. We gradually edged south east as we headed for Bavaria. It was a perfect place from which to invade Austria and the both the Bavarians and the other German people were glad to see someone who would stand up to the Austrian giant. Austria had always been something of a bully and the tiny German nations looked to Bonaparte like a saviour. I wondered if they knew just what Bonaparte was like.
We were quartered in the barracks close to the palace. At least we were not in tents. Our guards were still as suspicious of us as ever but that did not worry me. If we had to flee then I knew we could affect an escape.
We had been there for a week when the Emperor arrived. He travelled in a carriage escorted by his new Chasseurs à Cheval of the Guard and some exotically dressed Mamelukes I remembered from Egypt. He was ever the showman. We watched his arrival from the door of the barracks. The sergeant’s beady eyes never left us. Once he had entered the palace Sharp and I retired to the warmth of the fire. Sergeant Sharp had an excited look upon his face.
“Why so excited, Alan?”
“I have never seen an Emperor before.”
I shook my head and laughed. “He is just a soldier like you or I but he has given himself the title of Emperor.”
Sharp looked confused, “But he rules an Empire!”
“He rules France, parts of Italy and he has these Germans who look to him for protection. Wait until you have met him and then judge.”
“Will I be meeting him?”
“Probably. He will certainly want to see me and I think he will use you. Be careful around the Emperor; he is not an honest man like Bessières. He has little English and so he will speak in French. Keep your eyes and ears open.”
We were left to cool our heels for a whole day before we were summoned into the Emperor’s presence. I took it as a compliment that he did not bother to dress for me. He was in his overalls and, as usual, working. When we had been in Milan I had only seen him sleep for the briefest of times. Whatever else he was he was a hard worker. The Guards were left outside the door but Jean-Baptiste was present and I think the Emperor felt safe.
He looked up from his papers, pen poised mid air. He waved it in front of my face. “Robbie, such a naughty boy! I ought to have you shot for what you did!”
I gave a little half bow, “I did what I had to and what honour demanded. I could not refuse the duel.”
“Some said it was murder.”
I looked him directly in the eye. “Why would I need to murder him?”
“You are right, Robbie, you are a killer. I am just pleased that you are a killer for France once more. Please sit.” He suddenly seemed to notice Sergeant Sharp. “And who is this?”
“He is my batman.” He looked confused, “Military servant. I saved his life in America and now he serves me. Sir Hew thought I ought to have a servant.”
“Ah, this General Dalrymple. I have heard of him but Fouché did not think he was important.”
“He is the rising star. Who would have predicted when we served together in Italy, that a captain of artillery would become an Emperor?”
Anger flashed briefly across his face and I saw Bessières frown. Then he smiled. “You do enjoy taking risks; I am pleased you have not changed for we have a service to demand of you before you return to England and gather information.” He looked at the map pinned to the wall. “If that little island thinks I have finished with it then they are wrong. I shall conquer it in good time.” He looked at Sharp who had remained impassive throughout. “Can we trust this one?”
“He speaks little French sir but as I saved his life he is completely loyal to me.”
“Perhaps I should keep him here as surety of your return.”
I shrugged, “You know me, Emperor, if I chose to flee, I would not wait or worry about one American servant.”
He gave me a shrewd look, “One thing I learned about you Robbie is that you are loyal to your friends. It is a weakness but you are right. If you do not return after this mission then I know that you are a traitor and you will be executed when I reach England.” There was a cold assurance about his words and I had no doubt that he meant every one of them. He went to the map and gestured me forwards. “I need you to do what you did for me as a soldier. I want you to scout the land and the armies from here in Strasbourg, along the Danube to Vienna. I need more than numbers. You are a clever soldier and a good judge of military matters. What are the defences like? What are the qualities and weakness of the commanders? It is fortunate that you came back into my service. I have soldiers who could do what you do but the fact that you speak German, English and Italian and you are a civilian means that you have more chance of passing unnoticed. Jean-Baptiste.”
Bessières came forward. He handed me a leather case. When I opened it I saw that there were gold coins within and a document enabling me to pass through French lands. I saw that it was in the name of Alpini and identified me as an Italian businessman. Bessières had been busy. He gave me a sad look. “You have just one month to return with the required information.”
I looked at him with a shocked expression, “But it is over five hundred miles and it is winter.”
Bonaparte laughed, “Are you becoming soft, Robbie? I can remember when you laughed at such journeys. You will do it and you will return here.”
“Not on those nags we have been riding.”
Bessières smiled, “No, of course not. We have four horses for you to use and they are the finest we have.”
The Emperor gave a wave of his hand, “Go!”
And so we left Strasbourg in the service of the Emperor of France.
Chapter 4
I knew, as we left Strasbourg, that the hardest part of the journey would be the first fifty miles or so. We would be under close scrutiny as we would still be close to the border. I decided to head north towards the fortress of Ulm. We could then approach Vienna from the north west and be less likely to attract attention. It also meant we might be able to tra
vel down the Danube which would mean our horses might be less damaged and we could travel further. I had calculated that we only had half a dozen days to examine the defences; the rest would be spent in travelling.
The border itself was a vague affair. There was no one place where one crossed and showed one’s papers. The land was disputed and did not really belong to either of the main nations. There were small German principalities dotted all over this part of the world. In a more peaceful time travellers could come and go as they pleased.
I knew that the French had patrols along all of the roads and I assumed that the Austrians would have the same. The best time to cross this indeterminate area would be late at night. Hopefully we would find somewhere in Austria where we could stay and then resume our journey.
The horses were excellent beasts. I recognised the quality immediately. They moved instantly and responded to all of our commands without hesitation. That might make life much easier later on. We left the city and took a smaller side road towards the east. The weather helped us as the rain had arrived and was driving from the east. It would carry any noise towards us and prevent an enemy hearing us approach.
We had travelled ten miles before we hit trouble. As we rounded a bend between a tree lined section of the road we suddenly found a barrier and muskets trained upon us. There was little point in fighting and we would soon have been caught had we fled. I slowly raised my arms and nodded at Sergeant Sharp to do the same. It was hard to make out faces in the dark and even harder to detect the colour of the uniform but the muskets were unmistakeable. I was just pleased that they had not fired first and asked questions later.
When I heard the command to advance, I almost cheered; it was in French. “I am a French officer and we are under the orders of Marshal Bessières.”
Wisely they did not take us at our word but allowed us to close with the barrier. Six troopers appeared on either side and I saw that they were Dragoons from the 15th Regiment. The sergeant was a grizzled old veteran and he kept his men’s guns trained upon us.
“Dismount and show me your papers.”