Henri awoke from the banging on the door that echoed throughout the narrow valley. He was relieved for he had been plagued by nightmares of the previous two days. Rousing from his bed he shivered from the cold air, noting that the fireplace that had been burning the night before had ended up a pile of smoldering ashes. Looking towards the front he was greeted not by the morning sunny rays but the blasted fog that had troubled him the previous day.

The smell of pine smoke crept up the valley and towards his cabin as the sounds of an army in camp echoed towards the sky. He wiped the sweat that had accumulated from his dreams of previous battles and death. He let out a tired sigh which prompted one of the privates to come forward with a cup of hot coffee.

Drinking the dark and bitter brew Henri felt his body tingle as it awoke with a shock. The sound of horse hooves beating into the dirt alerted him. However, the thick fog shrouded the visitor. The notably familiar mustache had calmed Henri for a bit. A tired salute greeted Henri as Charles came into view. Henri nodded and tilted his own mug towards a private who brought Charles another cup as well. “Thank you, son” Charles said as he sipped on the morning brew. He shuddered as he sipped on the cup. Letting out a cough he spoke “I cannot understand how you can enjoy this stuff.”

Henri chuckled but Charles stopped him before he could speak. “I got bad news, General. I came from divisional headquarters. It looks like the rest of the corps isn’t faring to well. Apparently, 3rd and 5th divisions on our extreme left had been shattered in a night attack. The remnants had retreated here but General Eclaire who based his headquarters is missing. So, the corps is dissolved until further notice and the divisional commanders are to create a new plan.”

Henri stood there staring at Charles. The coffee that was about to pour into his mouth poured onto the dirt at his feet. Charles stared as Henri’s jaw opened almost like a fish caught out of water. Before he could speak Henri walked towards the cabin alerting Charles. Upon entering Charles saw Henri pulling maps out of the trunk unfurling some and throwing them when it didn’t meet his needs. Until finally he found it and opened it.

When Charles leaned over, he had to squint in the dim light of the cabin, however, he noted it was a map of the republic. He watched as Henri traced his finger along the Baron River and towards the location in where the shattered divisions should have been. Then it hit him as Henri spoke. “The imperials have cut us off from Aubsberg. They are surrounded.” Gripping the paper Charles saw Henri run out and towards the small knot of horses that were tied to a fence. Racing along with him he mounted his horse and rode off.

Henri gripped the reins as he rode. The rough leather cutting into his ungloved hand. He looked around him, but in the thick fog, the trees looked more like spikes than known landmarks. He stopped turning in his saddle realizing that the rest of his retinue had been left behind. Waiting for a moment he rode to Charles inquiring where General York was. “He was somewhere near the 6th brigade. Sir...” Henri gritted his teeth hissing a cure. “Damn fox.”

He spurred his horse into the gallop once more riding through the fog. Passing many regimental camps even passing the dragoons of Major Lauder. The major who was a top his horse joined Henri as he rode. “General, where are you going on this fine morning?” Harry watched as the general kept riding. Like a madman on a journey to hell. He rode towards Charles. “Sir, what’s going on?” Charles just stared a head. “You’ll see son, just follow along.”

Harry gritted as he pulled on the reins hard. Even with the gloves it felt tight. He preferred it this way actually. At least he knew his hands still felt something. It must have been a habit since the skirmish yesterday. He followed along as the general kicked up dust. The fog breaking into a light mist that turned the dirt road into a slush of mud. He heard Charles shout something but it was swallowed by the ever-increasing rain fall.

The group arrived at the divisional headquarters a moment later. Harry watched as they caught up to the general running towards the doors. The sentries standing musket ready to stop him. However, letting him pass when they realize who it was. Reaching the fence line Harry and Charles dismounted and waited beneath the shade of a strong pine tree. The smell of autumn rain mixing with the smell of pine sap.

Henri entered the cabin building to be greeted by General Martin of the 6th brigade with General York who was none too pleased with the dripping intruder. “General Dubois, I do not appreciate the intrusion.” Henri stared at the red headed general. His brow furrowed in annoyance and a pain that began to shoot up his leg. ‘Damnit,’ he cursed himself. “General York. I have to inform you about a growing development.”

The General folded his arm. “General Dubois, you may be a man of some intelligence, but it seems you are quick to your emotions. I can guess where you heard the news. I also assume the reason you are here is to inform me of some grand plan.” Henri almost leapt at the opening but was bashed back by General York’s bluntness. “I am already making a plan you dolt. Did you assume I would just sit on my bottom and let the enemy take Aubsberg and flank us.” Henri felt the heat in his face rise up at the inclination.

Then as if broken from his stupor realized that there were four other generals sitting in the room one of who was General Wilcox who sucked in air through a clay pipe. The smell of rich tobacco permeated the room. He raised his pipe as if he had the same argument with York not too long ago. York spoke once again. “You are the sixth one to propose a solution” he then turned a hand to General Martin. “He is the fifth. So, I suggest you sit and wait till I get to hear your brilliant plan.”

Henri began walking towards the chairs. However, the sounds of his boots squelching had brought him back to his senses. The jacket and trousers he wore were completely soaked with water. General Wilcox who stared at him looked towards a soldier. “If you would be so kind my good man. A towel for the general. Also, a cup of coffee for him and his retinue. I fear they might need the stimulant.” Henri raised an eyebrow before thanking him and the soldier for the towel.

Sitting in the chair he saw some of the proposals they had planned. Wilcox seeing him leaned over. “You know Dubois, General Fontaine barged in on General Abbadie. The devil himself scolded him in the same manner.” Henri turned to the other generals who nodded with a smile. General Abbadie looked away ashamed at the reminder. “So don’t think that York doesn’t care about it. He’ll hear us out and then we’ll discuss and improve the plan.” Henri nodded feeling his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Henri sat overhearing the parts of General Martin’s plan. “We would retreat back towards the capital...” Henri had to hold back his cough. ‘Retreat he heard. The coward. My ad hoc brigade held the line.’ General York slammed his fist into the table which caused General Martin to jump. “General Martin, am I hearing some cowardice behavior?” Martin straightened his back and swallowed the immediate fear. “No, sir. I was advocating for a regrouping.” York stared at him, his emerald eyes peering into Martin’s soul.

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“I shall not be hearing anymore. Martin sit. Dubois come here. Now.” General York stared at Henri those threatening eyes staring at him again. A chill finding its way to his spine. He walked towards the table the floorboard creaking each step. He felt the eyes of his fellow generals following his every step. He unfolded his map pointing at the location of the shattered division. “I am sure you are aware, but the imperials are advancing towards the city of Aubsberg. I recommend we attack the imperials in the rear.” York stopped Henri staring at the map “what about here. We are expecting an imperial attack any moment.”

Henri paused for a moment. “We have the 6th division that is on our right to take this position. They were originally acting as a reserve force for us. So, I propose that they take our defensive position. While we do that, we begin sending our reserves of the 6th, 5th, and 4th to lead the vanguard. While the 7th and 2nd brigades will follow. The 1st and 3rd will make our rearguard in order to wait for the division to replace them.”

Henri noticed General York staring at the map. His eyes following the road that went towards Aubsberg. Henri noted that every time he saw Aubsberg he noticed that York’s hands tightened, his knuckled turning white. York’s eyes usually empty softened when he stared at the map. “Continue” he demanded. “I believe General, Wilcox, Martin, and Fontaine could quickly get their brigades into place and attack the enemy as they are forming up. While General Abbadie and myself could quickly follow suit.” Henri looked into York’s eyes, his back straightened and his head high. York called the other generals to gather around the map. “What do you guys' think.” Which prompted them to stand and waltz over. The scraping of boot heels on the wooden floor caused Henri’s head to jerk towards them.

General Wilcox took another puff from his pipe. General Fontaine, Martin, and Abbadie leaned over, General York opened a small drawer, the wood creaking as he pulled the drawer revealing a series of pips and markers. Placing them on the map. Henri got a bigger picture of the world around him. General Martin picked up a marker and thumbed it on his gloved hand. General York had a palm hand opened towards him asking for it back. Upon placing the last piece on the map, he took a seat. Scanning the room, he observed the faces of each general noting some of who had wily looks, he noted that Martin’s eyes frantically searched the map, and Wilcox had simply taken to standing closer to Henri.

Henri turned his head noting that Wilcox had a twinkle of amusement beaming in his eyes. As he took another long puff of his pipe the smoke rose slowly. “Dubois, it may seem feasible to do what you propose, but the 6th's new divisional commander is to say the least. Connected to some interesting people.” Henri stared coldly at Wilcox who continued to smile and puff on his pipe. Martin chimed in stammering a response, his posture bent in a semi bow. “I think it best to divide the division for now. Leaving the 6th, 1st, and 3rd here to make a proper defense, Since the 6th division had encountered some... logistical problems. Henri turned looking downwards towards Martin “logistical problems?”

General York snorted at those words. “Logistical problems” he thought. “Desertion due to beatings, lack of pay, and the worse of the rumors selling of the men. The sixth division stood not as a ready force to assist the Army of the Barron, but instead to undercut it at any angle.” Henri looked towards General York who noticeably had a vein popping from his forehead in some sort of anger. He looked away when those green eyes flashed at him.

General Abbadie took a piece from the table. “I could have my brigade advance now in attack column. The march would take a day at best, but we would arrive in the rear of the imperials.” He thumbed at the piece between his palm. Henri noted that Abbadie with a look of worry and excitement plucked at his black bushy beard. The act reminded him of Charles. “You worry that you won’t be able to act with the rest of the brigade?” Henri quipped. Abbadie turned his head, his eyes glowing at the thought. “Your right, I would not want my brigade to be blunted or overwhelmed by the imperials.”

Henri quietly nodded his head realizing that vague threats of cowardice doesn’t work on Abbadie. Wilcox taking another puff from his pipe leaned in and picked up his brigade piece. “How about Dubois’ brigade and I lead the vanguard. I know his men are tired but this short rest could get them going again.” Henri stared at his brigade. His men held the first and lost the second day. Their morale was low. However, when their home city is going to besieged then maybe. “Appeal to the men’s desire to protect their home?” Henri said. Wilcox pointed the end of his pipe towards Henri. “Exactly. Most of the regiments in your brigade and mine are from Aubsberg. No way are the men going to abandon their families to be taken by the imperials.”

Henri nodded along. That was a strong incentive. Most of the troops within his makeshift brigade were from Aubsberg. He thought of Francis and himself whose families remained within the city. Possibly this was a good idea. Henri knew he wanted to go now. “That would be perfect. Maybe a well-crafted speech?” Wilcox tapped his pipe on his palm. “Exactly.”

General York who stood behind his brigade commanders observed them with those keen emerald eyes. He thought about Dubois’ plan. He liked it. He was thrilled by it. In fact, he wanted to lead the vanguard himself. Not to take the credit from his underlings but instead to see his wife. He saw Henri staring at him earlier reading him. Trying to gauge his demeanor. He hated that. However, he saw the hint of disgust within Henri when he was being congratulated by the other more political officers.

“Maybe” York thought “this would give him the chance to promote a fellow officer to assist him as his second. He disliked Martin for his passive behavior, but he hated him more for his close ties with Major General Philip Renard of the sixth division.” He remembered a time where he was rather close to General Renard. However, in the opening phases of the Imperial counterattack. It was Renard who failed to assist him. His division was blunted at the Barron River crossing cutting off his flank maneuver to defend General Eclaire’s push.

Henri turned his gaze upon the general. His emerald green eyes staring at the paper. “He’s probably imagining or at least strategizing how to proceed from here.” York noticed Henri’s gaze “I think we should do just that general Dubois. However, I would like Wilcox to lead the vanguard, while you follow close behind. The rest of the division will advance after being relieved by the 6th. Whenever that will be.”

Henri beamed with pride. His eyes were illuminated as Wilcox approached him with a gloved hand. “Pleasure to be working with you Dubois.” Henri reciprocated the greeting a smile positively beaming. At that moment the sound of rain subsided. Wilcox looked towards general York to request to be relieved to plan further on the march and with his assent the two men left.

Upon leaving the cabin. Henri had noted that the surrounding area that once was blanketed with fog had cleared away. To reveal a stunning sight of the forest and the valley’s surroundings. “It seemed fortune smiles upon his Dubois. The goddess must want us to move as soon as possible” Wilcox said as he took a deep puff of his pipe.

“I will need your division to meet here, Dubois.” Henri turned to see Wilcox staring into the valley. “I’ll have them up shortly.” Wilcox smiled rummaging through his coat pockets. “Take this as a memento to a start of a future relationship.” Henri looked at the gift which shimmered in the light of the growing sun. The sleek metal along with inlets of copper was cleaned. It was a collapsable telescope. “Got it from the capital. Better than that beet up binocular.” Wilcox smiled at Henri. Who began to fumble into his coat looking for something. Until he rummaged towards his flask. It was a simple leather design. He checked the contents of which were the liquor from Scott’s bottle. “This is a vintage 1792 I.C malt whiskey from Aubsberg. Hope you like it.” Wilcox unlatched the cap and took a sniff. “It's perfect. Here’s to prosperity and death to the imperials.”