Chapter 29: Denmark
VVD0D95
Banned
Chapter 29: Denmark
October, 1610
Christian read the letter from Enevold Kruse, the Governor General of Norway and snarled. Those damned Swedes were acting out again! Didn’t they realise that their place was not as an independent Kingdom but as a constituent part of the wider Danish Empire?! And even if he had to recognise them as an independent Kingdom, they could at least have the decency to respect treaties!
He threw the letter on the table in disgust and said. “I want a solution to those damned idiots in the north.”
His Chancellor, Jacob Ulfeldt immediately replied. “There is one proper solution that could be had, Sire.”
Christian looked at the man. “Go on.”
“We could tighten the embargo on Swedish vessels and trade, and we could also encourage our allies not to trade with them. If we drain their coffers they won’t be able to go on with their ridiculous scheme.” Ulfeldt said.
Christian considered this then snorted. “That would take far too long, I need a solution now!” Otherwise, the merchants and the people of Norway would be after him.
Jens Juel spoke then. “There is always a more aggressive approach that could be taken, Sire.”
“You mean war?” Christian asked intrigued. He liked Juel, the man had the brashness of youth combined with the sense of old age and wisdom.
“Yes, Sire.” Juel replied. “Sweden’s army is weak. Yes, it isn’t as weak as it once was, but it is still weak. If we can draw them into a conflict on our terms, we could beat them.”
Christian wheeled around to look at General Beck, the man he had tasked with handling military affairs. “Is this true, General?”
The General was an old man, having served under Christian’s father, and even Christian’s grandfather if the myths were true. He spoke slowly almost as if his wits were deserting him as he spoke. “I believe, Sire, that the possibility is there. But I would urge extreme caution.”
“Extreme caution?” Christian asked. He disliked such words, they usually meant something was not good.
“Yes, Sire.” Beck said. “We may march off to war, and we may win, but it will be costly, in both money and in lives.”
Christian looked at Beck and then at Ulfeldt. “We have the money do we not?”
“We do, Sire, but…” Ulfeldt began before Christian cut him off.
“Then I want a plan drawn up.” Christian said. “We will draw them into our territory, into terrain where our army is comfortable and then we will destroy them.”
“It would be good to force them to their knees as well, Sire.” Juel said.
“I agree.” Christian replied. “We must also link Scania and Norway together more conclusively.” He didn’t want to give the Swedes breathing room there for if he did, who knew what would happen.
“I would also advise on going for a naval assault.” Juel said.
“Sweden doesn’t have a good enough navy to make that worthwhile.” Beck said.
“Still, it would be better that they didn’t have a navy at all.” Juel replied.
“He’s right.” Christian said, looking at Beck. “Make sure that happens.”
“Sire.” Beck said.
Christian then looked at Ulfeldt. “Now we need to make sure those Kingdoms nearest us, or who have ties with us either support us or remain neutral.”
“I believe this would be a good time to press King Sigismund to take Swedish Estonia, Sire.” Ulfeldt said.
“I think that would be most wise, Sire. Get the Swedes fighting on two fronts, really overstretch them.” Juel said.
“We will have to give the Poles something.” Beck pointed out. “They might ask for assistance in Russia.”
“They won’t.” Ulfeldt said confidently. “Russia is their own park; they don’t want any assistance there.”
Beck still looked uncomfortable but he complied. Christian felt a thrill of excitement run through him then. “Now, how many men can we muster in time for the campaign season and do we have enough to provision them with for a long war?” He didn’t want there to be a long war, but who knew how long it might take?
“In a straight confrontation with the Swedes, we outnumber them by 1000 troops.” Beck said. “However, the quality of those troops must be improved before they are sent out to fight.”
“So, train them then.” Christian barked. He would not have his enthusiasm for the campaign against Sweden dimmed. “We will have the best prepared army that has ever been fielded and we will destroy Sweden.” He could see it now, King Charles of Sweden humbled and his prisoner. It would be glorious.
“Very well, Sire.” Beck replied quietly.
Christian nodded then turned to Ulfeldt. “Speak with the English ambassador, inform him that we will require England’s good will for the duration of the war. We will lower tariffs and offer up an opportunity for those wishing to fight to fight.” That would hopefully relieve the burden that his brother-in-law had, of having so many young men wanting to fight, and being prevented from doing so.
“Sire.” Ulfeldt replied.
“And send word to the resistance within Estonia. Tell them that we will increase our payments to them if they assist us in greater scope.” Christian said. What that scope would be, he would let Ulfeldt decide.
“Sire.” Ulfeldt replied.
Christian nodded; he felt the urge to go for a drink. He took a breath and asked. “Is there aught else?”
Ulfeldt shook his head. “No, Sire.”
Christian rose, prompting the others to rise as well. “Very well then. You are all dismissed.” He pushed his chair back and walked to the door, nodding to the guards as they opened it and allowed him to leave. He strode down the corridor, turning right, then left, then right again, another set of doors were opened for him and he strode to the bench. A serving girl appeared and poured him a cup of wine. He took it and downed it. She poured another one, and he downed that one as well.
He looked at the girl and smiled. “I have quite the thirst, a battle thirst.”
