Chasseur à Cheval (Napoleonic Horseman Book 1)

by Griff Hosker

  Jean waited for a few moments and then shouted, “Go!”

  The attack, when it came, was swift and furious. A dozen muskets appeared from the pine forest and fired at the position we had been in when Jean shouted his order.

  He balls mainly missed but I heard a couple ping off the chests on the pack horses at the rear. Jean shouted, “Stop!” We all reined in and stopped. “Fire!” I suspect the Regent had no idea what was going on but the four of us were looking were the smoke was coming from and we all fired at the smoke. Jean’s orders were for the four of us and when he shouted, “Second weapon!” we knew what he meant. We aimed our pistols at the forest as the ten men rushed at us, assuming we had fired everything. I aimed at a small fellow who was trying to dodge and weave. When he was ten yards from me I fired and his face disappeared. I holstered my gun and drew my sword. I charged the men coming at me. I saw three others hit and knew that the others would be doing as I did and charging. Our attackers did not expect that. I took the head from one murderer with a sideways slice of my sword. It was over ridiculously quickly. The four survivors fled into the forest.

  I turned my horse and trotted back. The Regent was safe. One of the horses with the chests had been struck and was kicking violently. “Michael and Tiny ride into the forest, they must have had more horses bring back at least one. Robbie, deal with the horse.”

  I took it as a compliment that Jean knew I would be able to handle the dying horse. I took my knife and slit the ropes holding the chest. They fell to the ground. I put my left arm around the horse’s neck and said, “Sssh, sssh,” I began to hum a tune and as she calmed, I slit her throat. I had learned the lesson of shooting a horse in a strange land. The brave beast just slid to the ground dead. Her fate had been sealed by the attack and the assassins who put three musket balls into her.

  Tiny and Michael soon returned with two horses. “Another one of the killers died as he fled. They will remember this encounter.”

  As we packed the chests on to the horses the Regent began to clap his hands together. “I can see why the general picked you for this mission. You are soldiers of which France can be proud.”

  Chapter 14

  We left the dead where they lay and headed towards Vienna. We had learned our lesson. When we reached the first inn I said to Jean, “My mother told me of the old kings of Scotland how they would have one of their bodyguards sleep behind the door. It is how they got their name, Chamberlains. I think that we should do that. We are all used to sleeping on the floor and it guarantees that no one surprises us.”

  The Regent was against it but the other three thought it was a good idea as we would no longer need each of us to lose two hours sleep a night. It made the next five days much easier. By the time we reached the fabulous city of Vienna we had all had more rest and were prepared for whatever treachery our enemies could throw at us.

  We were all warier when we were welcomed into the Imperial Palace. The last one we had stayed in had almost cost the Regent his life. The Austrians seemed regimented and had strict systems in place. Tiny and Charles were not in the stables but they were far removed from us in the servant’s quarters. As before, Jean and I had a room adjacent to the Regent. We were not greeted by anyone important but a diplomat who grovelled obsequiously and explained that we would meet our negotiator the next day. I think the Regent was a little nonplussed by this rudeness. It was not the way things were done in a civilised country. It was not a quiet dinner that night but a full blown banquet. The Emperor was not there but the room was filled with aristocrats and military uniforms. Jean and I watched from the side. It was, however, an illuminating experience.

  We watched the politics of the dining table. It was quite obvious who was opposed to the peace with France, even though it was supposed to be a secret. They sat together and cast the most evil glances in the direction of the Regent and those who sat close to him. That number appeared to be a very small number and I wondered just how Bonaparte would achieve his ends. It seemed to me that there were few people who countenanced peace. The Regent did not appear to be bothered by all the apparent hostility. He smiled at all and was gracious even to those who were being rude to him.

  When we were safely ensconced in our room Jean asked him about the dinner. “How did you suffer the insults?”

  “It was simple. The Austrians have been beaten soundly by your Napoleon Bonaparte. They may have held the other generals but Bonaparte has beaten them. The days of the Austrian Empire are over and they cannot see it. That thought helped me. And, as I said to you, this is my country’s freedom. Men have died to make their country free. What are a few insults?”

  We kept the same arrangements as on the road. The first night I slept behind the door with a loaded pistol. It was a peaceful night.

  The next day we were summoned to a room in the west wing of the palace. There was no-one in the room and it was laid for five people. Jean and I stood, as we always stood, by the wall and Antonio waited patiently.

  The door opened and a military man stepped in. He had with him a young aide and no-one else. Count Philipp von Cobenzl had eyes that bored into you. He was a very clever man and far better educated than most of the generals we had seen the previous night. He wore a military uniform as did all the Austrians we met but he was not a belligerent man. He was a thinker. The Emperor thought highly of him which explained why the meeting was talking place. After they had introduced themselves he sat down. He suddenly held up his hand. “Would not the two French soldiers be better placed here at the table and then they can report back to their general more accurately what has taken place?”

  I had no idea what to do or say. The Regent turned round, smiled and beckoned with his arm. “Come and join us.”

  Count Philipp von Cobenzl smiled and spread his arms. “I am not a devious man and I prefer transparency. My aide and I are fluent in French so we will use that language it will make life simpler.”

  The negotiations looked to have been started by letters for there was little disagreement. The Treaty of Leoben had already been signed by General Bonaparte and ended hostilities. From the discussion of the two men there was much agreement already. We were witness to the final details and the lure that Bonaparte used to get his way.

  “You have already given away or lost the Austrian Netherlands and Lombardy. The general does not wish your Empire to disappear. The Turks are still an enemy to us all; your Empire is a buffer against those religious fanatics. To make this treaty more palatable he proposes that you gain the Venetian provinces of Istria and Dalmatia.”

  The count looked both surprised and pleased at that. “That is generous. What will Venice have to say about that?”

  “Nothing, as the general will convert the rest into the Venetian Republic.”

  “You mean like the Ligurian Republic, a French puppet?”

  “I think that General Bonaparte sees it more as a state benevolently protected by the brave French Army.”

  “And I presume he can deliver this?”

  “When I leave here, Count von Cobenzl I will be going with these gentlemen to Venice to inform them of their fate and to warn them of the dangers of opposing it.” He paused, “Austria would be keen to gain the territories and to use force to acquire them?” Von Cobenzl nodded. This was the first we had heard of this additional journey but we both kept impassive faces.

  The Austrian smiled his approval. “We will, of course, need written assurances of the general’s intentions. They will be kept secret but…”

  “Quite.” The Regent reached into his bag and took out three letters. He held them tantalizingly over the table.

  “And we would need letters which approved the formal handing over of Lombardy and the Austrian Netherlands to the French Republic.”

  “Of course.” Count von Cobenzl held out his hand and the aide handed him two letters. The two men exchanged the precious documents.

  With that over there was an air of calm around the table. Count von Cobenzl h
eld his hands open, “I understand you experienced certain dangers along the road?”

  “We had a little trouble in the Governor’s Residence in Graz but my keen eared young friend here helped us to snuff that out.”

  “And there was an attack in the forests north of Graz too?”

  “Yes ten or so fellows attacked us.” He dismissed the action as though it was minor. “We dealt with it.”

  Count von Cobenzl’s face creased into a frown. “I could give you an escort of horsemen if you wish.”

  “No, Count von Cobenzl, it is kind of you but that would merely draw more attention to me and my companions. The general is keen for all of this to remain secret. Besides we will not be passing through Graz. The road to Venice takes us in a different direction.”

  “Yes I am afraid the Governor of Graz is of the hawk side of the fence and he is keen to pursue the war against the peasants of France.”

  Antonio leaned across the table, “And when did the Governor last fight in a war?”

  The Austrian smiled, “I believed he served as an aide to a general for while when he was quite young.”

  The Regent smiled and said to the aide, “If I were you, young man, I would get some experience of war sooner rather than later.”

  The aide blushed but I could see that he took no offence. The count asked, “If you do not mind me saying so, one of your companions looks even younger than my aide. When will he experience war?”

  “This young man has been at war for three years and is now a lieutenant. He has met and defeated your men in the Netherlands and Italy.”

  Count von Cobenzl looked at me with steely eyes, “I apologise young man. You look too young to have done so much.”

  “I never went to military school sir but you learn more from the back of a horse in a battle than you will ever learn in a classroom.”

  The count looked at his aide, “There Joseph, there is a model for you.”

  “Yes uncle and I would love to fight.”

  The Regent said, “Well good luck, but I hope you never have the misfortune to fight these men and their comrades. They have that rare combination, skill and more than their fair share of good luck!”

  We left the palace and Vienna quietly. As we travelled through the beautiful city over the magnificent Danube I regretted the fact that we had not had time to explore it. It certainly rivalled Paris and I could see the power that had been Austria. I was not so sure that it was equipped to deal with the new, faster warfare. I had not seen any evidence of either soldiers or generals who could stand up to the likes of Bonaparte and Massena.

  As we rode south I wondered about this visit to Venice. Nothing had been said before we left in April. Yet the Regent seemed to have planned it all along. I know that we were only soldiers and would not be consulted but it showed a lack of trust certainly. When we reached the outskirts of the city the Regent asked to be taken to the Doge’s Palace. As they appeared to know who he was they acceded to his request. Tiny and Charles were sent to find accommodation. We did not expect to be given rooms in the palace, this was an unexpected visit.

  We were taken to an ante chamber where we cooled our heels for a long four hours. Eventually we were taken in and met by an official. He had a secretary to take notes. He looked rather bored with our visit already and we had only just arrived.

  Antonio was, as we had learned, a master at diplomacy, he smiled. “I would have expected to see one of the Council of Ten. The news I bring is important.”

  The official gave a self important smile. “San Marino is a valued ally but the Council have more pressing matters to deal with.”

  “Ah I see. San Marino is too insignificant to be worthy of their attention. I quite understand. However had you asked me my business and my purpose, I would have told you that I was here as an envoy of the French Government and General Napoleon Bonaparte in particular.”

  The man’s whole demeanour changed. He raced from the room but spoke quietly to the guards whose attitude and stance changed to one of suspicion and caution. Within a short space of time five powdered and bewigged men walked in. They took their seats. One of them pointed a heavily ringed finger at Antonio. “I am Carlo Abruzzi and I speak for the Doge and the council on this matter. Why does the Regent of San Marino side with the French aggressor?”

  The Regent smiled. “Not a very good start to discussions, however I will overlook the rudeness and lack of diplomatic language. I have just returned from Vienna and I have to tell you that the French and the Austrians have reached an agreement.”

  “About what?”

  “About the future of Venice.”

  “What about its future?”

  “It hasn’t got one!”

  “Guards, arrest these men and throw them in the New Prison!”

  Even as the four guards with halberds moved from the door I was on my feet and had my sword at the throat of Carlo Abruzzi. Jean had drawn his pistols to cover the armed guards. They looked at the two guns and I suspect their barrels looked to be as big as cannons. Venice had not been to war for many years. The guards were overweight and lacked experience. The Regent held his hands up for restraint but continued to smile and talk in a quiet voice. “As you can see my young companions do not wish that to happen.” He shrugged, “To be frank nor do I. Let me finish what I was about to say before I was so rudely interrupted. Even as we speak General Napoleon Bonaparte is heading for Venice from Mantua. He may even be in the outskirts already. Now this army of the French has defeated every Austrian army sent to defeat it. Will your,” he pointed at the halberdiers, “antiquated army be able to stand against them? I think not.” He pensively tapped a finger against his chin. “Perhaps an ally will come to your aid, Austria perhaps? But no, they are quite happy to stand and watch.”

  The council members were all white with shock. It matched their wigs. Signor Abruzzi blustered, “This is outrageous. You cannot do this.”

  “The point, gentlemen, is that I am not doing this. I am merely the diplomatic envoy of the man who is. As far as I can see you can do little. Venice is a beautiful city. Would you have its buildings destroyed by French cannon? I have seen them at work and they are deadly.” He turned to me, “You may lower your sword. I would not have our host have an accident.” I lowered my weapon but I did not sheathe it and I kept watch on the four guards. I had no doubt that if they attempted anything I could easily disarm them. A halberd is no use in a confined space.

  “If you wish you can send a rider towards Mantua to confirm my words. I was sent here to avoid needless deaths and destruction.”

  The members of the council remained silent. I could see the internal debate but none had the power to take a decision.”

  “You have my word that you will not become part of France. The general has assured me that the model of Genoa and the Netherlands will be the one he chooses. There will be a republic run by the people.” He smiled, “It will function much as it does now.”

  A silence fell in the room. “We will have to discuss this with the full council.”

  “Of course. If you could send in some refreshments we have had a long journey and…”

  The looks on their faces was one of pure hatred but twenty minutes after they had left food and drink was brought in. The two footmen who brought in the food placed it on the table.

  “Excellent and, before you leave gentlemen, would you be so good as to taste each plate of food and jug of wine?” Although he smiled it was a thin lipped smile and he gave a subtle nod to Jean and his guns. The two men looked at each other and did as he asked. When they had tasted everything the Regent said, “Now you may go.”

  Jean placed his pistols on the table while he ate. I did the same with my sword. The Regent ate for a while and then said. “An impetuous gesture, Roberto, but an effective one. You are fast with that blade. When this is over there will always be a place for you in San Marino, should you tire of this life. You and your friend will be more than welcome for you are quite res
ourceful.” My mouth full I shook my head. “Ah well. Your general is a lucky man to have such servants.”

  It was getting on for dark when the council members returned. They looked defeated. “You are correct. What terms does the general offer?”

  “No terms. Unconditional surrender.”

  There was a collective gasp from the Venetians. “But that is unreasonable.”

  “Were you not listening before? The Venetian Republic will remain but its organisation and boundaries will be set by General Bonaparte. You are in his hands. You now know the size of the army which faces you. You know you have no friends and therefore no help. You have no choice.”

  In a resigned voice Abruzzi said, “What do we do then?”

  “Tonight you lower all of your flags and tomorrow morning you open your gates. I will send one of my servants to ask the general not to open fire. You will give a pass to my man to allow him free passage.”

  “But we have agreed.”

  “And how does the general know this? He does not. He will come here to destroy your city unless I send him word that peace has been agreed. I will send a servant. We, of course will need accommodation. There are rooms here?”

  “You wish to stay here?”

  “Why not? We are civilised men. This is not war it is diplomacy. The wounds we suffer are less life threatening I have found.”

  As rooms were found and a pass secured, Antonio turned to me. “You will ride to the general.”

  “What about your safety?”

  “Send Cesar and Michael to me that will be more than adequate.” He gestured at the guards. “Do you think they will pose a problem?”

  “No.” I grinned at Jean, “Enjoy the food!”

  Tiny and Charles were waiting at the entrance to the palace. “Where are our horses?”

  “We found an inn and stables close to the Rialto Bridge. What is going on? After we arrived it was as though a wasp’s nest had been broken. There were men racing all over.”