The Last Eagle
- Thread starter King of Rome
- Start date
Its a very interesting thread! I like the fact that you are not explicit about the date or circumstances and instead let the reader work them out for himself.
Its interesting to see the Prince Imperial dying - often it is assumed that away from the somewhat dank conditions he was raised in, in Austria, he would be fine, but of course why should we assume this, especially in the era in which this is set? Being of a weak constitution perhaps (he may or may not have been) he could be susceptible, or just die - sadly it was not uncommon, and even happens today with sudden onset diseases such as meningitus.
The scrapping of the System is interesting, and probably overdue by this point. It certainly isn't worth going to war with Russia over, as Napoleon realises.
I like the imagery of the painting, not as good as David, but almost but a bleaker, harsher message.
The currency is fun, especially reading about it at this stage in current affairs. I agree with the emperor that Euroleon is a bit of a crap name! It has a good idea within it, but as a whole lacks something.
The only part I did not entirely understand from this, was what war was being prosecuted at the start of the chapter? I'm assuming that the Peninsular War cannot STILL be going on, so presumably this is an on-going civil war, or a re-eruption of tensions bursting into war...
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Its interesting to see the Prince Imperial dying - often it is assumed that away from the somewhat dank conditions he was raised in, in Austria, he would be fine, but of course why should we assume this, especially in the era in which this is set? Being of a weak constitution perhaps (he may or may not have been) he could be susceptible, or just die - sadly it was not uncommon, and even happens today with sudden onset diseases such as meningitus.
The scrapping of the System is interesting, and probably overdue by this point. It certainly isn't worth going to war with Russia over, as Napoleon realises.
I like the imagery of the painting, not as good as David, but almost but a bleaker, harsher message.
The currency is fun, especially reading about it at this stage in current affairs. I agree with the emperor that Euroleon is a bit of a crap name! It has a good idea within it, but as a whole lacks something.
The only part I did not entirely understand from this, was what war was being prosecuted at the start of the chapter? I'm assuming that the Peninsular War cannot STILL be going on, so presumably this is an on-going civil war, or a re-eruption of tensions bursting into war...
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Thank you, PulkitNahata! And to Mr. Grey Wolf:
You do raise good points I completely forgot to mention, sorry bout that. I wanted for these 'prologue-ish' posts to be somewhat hard to follow, as they just set the scene for the main part of the tl, and as you mention, do leave some imagining up to the reader. However, I may have gone a tad overboard, and I do need to clarify:
1) The time line starts roughly in 1812, so yes, the Peninsular War is still raging.
2) I did go back and edit all the posts, however, no new storyline changes were made. I typed all those posts without Microsoft Word, so I had a plethora of spelling and grammar mistakes. Hopefully it will be easier to read now.
And, if anyone has any suggestions, feel free to let me know. I have basic outline in my head as to what I want to happen, but I'm open to any changes. Thank you, Grey Wolf!
You do raise good points I completely forgot to mention, sorry bout that. I wanted for these 'prologue-ish' posts to be somewhat hard to follow, as they just set the scene for the main part of the tl, and as you mention, do leave some imagining up to the reader. However, I may have gone a tad overboard, and I do need to clarify:
1) The time line starts roughly in 1812, so yes, the Peninsular War is still raging.
2) I did go back and edit all the posts, however, no new storyline changes were made. I typed all those posts without Microsoft Word, so I had a plethora of spelling and grammar mistakes. Hopefully it will be easier to read now.
And, if anyone has any suggestions, feel free to let me know. I have basic outline in my head as to what I want to happen, but I'm open to any changes. Thank you, Grey Wolf!
Lycaon pictus
Donor
It seems like Napoleon's brothers and marshals are turning into his Diadochi. This will be exciting.
WELLESLEY
“Right so.” Alexander Gordon turned to go converse with General Picton when Wellington held his hand up.
“Hold a moment. Have our reserve artillery fire upon Massena’s centre. I think this battle is coming to a head. The French lines appear to be faltering.” Wellesley raised the spyglass to confirm his observation.
Gordon reigned his horse over so that he could get a better view. “Perhaps it is a ruse, sir?”
“Our cannon shall decide that.” Arthur snapped back. He was not ordering a full-out charge for godsakes.
“Of course.”
Wellington sighed, “Forgive my impatience, Alexander. This is an important engagement, and we must seize this city. Have our reserve fire upon his centre, and commit Picton to Tourcoing. We will cut Massena into two, and then roll up his army. The road to Paris will be open to us.” God, give me the will and strength to avenge all those who fell in Spain. “This is our moment, Alexander, godspeed.” He raised the spyglass and watched his plan come together…
X-X
SCOTT
Scott wiped the sweat off his brow and turned to Allen, his spotter. “How far away?”“He’ll be in range soon… five… four… three… two… one… I think he’s in range.” Allen put the spyglass down. “What do you think, Bruce?”
The newly promoted corporal squinted, “Remind me why we can’t just mosey on up and shoot this frenchie in the face?” He spit and turned to Scott, “I think he’s killable, sir.”
The captain gently applied pressure on the trigger, as he lined up the metal sight with the rider. Mershan was a capable cavalry commander, and a devil of a man to find. At the Battle of Etia, Mershan had thought to have been killed, but apparently had eluded capture and was now on his way to link up with a corps commander, one General Baun.
It was thanks to Baun that Lord Beresford was having trouble knocking Marmont off his shaky throne. Portugal had been split in half thanks to Marmont’s bitter defense, opposing Beresford every step of the way. And Marmont would not be able to hold his own if it were not for the bumbling Baun and his ‘Army of Gascony.’ Though, the Portuguese seemed somewhat split on their opinion of the tyrant- There was a yell, and Mershan came to a halt. A gunshot rang out, and then Scott heard whole line of riflemen opened fire. The target hit the ground as a spring of blood erupted from his chest. Scott did not have time to celebrate his kill; to his left his men were skirmishing with some unknown assailant. “Captain! French to our flank! I see more on the way!”
“Damnit.” Scott bolted up and tossed the rifle to Rodrigo. “Everyone, fall back! Where the hell did they come from?” The captain turned to the city where Mershan was headed. “Rodrigo, what city is that?”
“That is Vigo, it’s a Spanish city sir.”
“It’ll have to do.”
X-X
An excerpt from a letter, Napoleon II to his wife:
… If I have learned one thing, it is, in this life there are no absolutes. I am portrayed as a tyrant by some- a symbol of freedom to others. The truth is probably somewhere in between. There is no evil. And there is no good. There is but a mix and all humans are in it- a purgatorial sense of morality. Who among us can claim to be the hero and who the villain? Does this sound too harsh? Too absolute? You must forgive me, my love; I bear the weight of so many on my back, and the pressure sometimes gets to my head. I wonder how my father and Prince Beauharnais could bear it themselves. There is just so much…
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Comments on 1st page of the thread
LOL "...did you light the grenade?" "No sir"
I assume the understatement is that the junior assumed that the senior would do so himself!
I do not think that Napoleon would call Ney "Ney". They are old comrades, friends, Ney is a Marshal and entitled to a certain respect, and tho I doubt Napoleon would bother using his noble title, I think he would either use Ney's first name, his rank or a familiar greeting such as friend etc
I've realised from these updates that my assumption that we were talking about the putative Napoleon II dying when he did in OTL is completely wrong. Given the ongoing wars on all fronts, I am inclined to think this is 1815, the King of Rome a small child and now Napoleon dead. What succession laws remain in force? Is Eugene still in the line of succession?
I can't see enough of the people who matter following Davout, unless he used the army to take Paris by France and institutes a military dictatorship. Then it would be civil war, and a long and bloody one. Davout is probably too canny to rush into that, and may well not have ambitions to rule anyway, merely to remain in control of what he has. He would therefore back the most powerful claimant, even if that claimant is a child whose power lies not in himself but in his lineage and in his ability to get all other claimants to accept it.
I do not think, however, that a single Regent is going to be allowed. In fact, one consisting of a triumvirate of Eugene, Davout and Jerome probably seems the best.
This is very much like a 3rd or 4th century Roman political crisis, and the players are going to be looking as much to the long game as the short. Someone like Murat is not going to throw away his kingdom and his position within France by pushing too early for something he is in no position to achieve. If he truly wants it, now is the position to begin to lay down careful and detailed plans and to make alliances. Until Napoleon died, the whole idea was preposterous, now with him dead and his son a sickly child it becomes a reality, but not one that is immediately possible.
OK, interesting you have Eugene and Massena in Paris, Soult seems to have gone over to the royalists and Davout continues to be a wild card, presumably in command of the majority of the Grand Armee, which without the Russian campaign is going to have massively more veterans in it. I can see Davout desiring to retain an independent position, both so as to be able to deal for his own fortunes, and in case the uncalled for does happen, but I honestly cannot see him realistically thinking he can seize the purple. People admire his skills and revere him as a commander, but very few people actually like him, and many more dislike him, whilst still acknowledging his genius.
Ah now, I really REALLY like this!
One forgets how much of a devious bastard Davout is. But I knew he would be loyal to Napoleon's legacy - let us just hope the King of Rome lives long enough for it to be worthwhile!
Wow, the next chapter is one hell of a jump. If you don't mind me saying so, having some sort of brief Parisienne scene with an acclamation of the Emperor would have broken it up so it wouldn't seem so...shocking
I'm intrigued - have the Poles turned traitor, and if they did, did they do so as a satellite of Saxony or did they ditch Saxony and ally themselves with Russia?
I can certainly see Poniatowski remaining in French service, believing that the current Polish elite have destroyed his cause, and determined to restore it with French arms. It probably works best if the Poles in Warsaw threw off the Saxons and aligned themselves with Russia freely - after all, all previous examples of this course of action has ended disastrously for the Polish nation!
One question that comes to mind is does the Regent have the power to create new Marshals? I think some are definitely needed, and I think that the general consensus would be that Eugene as Regent could do this, whilst being tragically ironic that he himself, who always deserved to be one, cannot now be so elevated because he can hardly elevate himself. But the late Napoleonic elevations of OTL and those which could be seen as likely/imminent of the best of the senior generals would serve to provide an additional boost of loyalty for Davout-Eugene's army here.
Haha! Now I love the Austrians arriving to support France! Never forget that the Habsburgs always saw Napoleon II as one of their own - he was as much a Habsburg prince as a Bonaparte, and in this situation Vienna is going to be looking at him as an emperor who is a scion of the Habsburgs. Austria CAN gain a lot by aligning voluntarily with France, including retrocession of lost lands, and new gains made at the expense of their new joint enemies. And as for the battle, I could certainly see Karl being able to defeat the best that either Russia or Prussia could put into the field.
Don't worry about forgetting Bernadotte - I truly believe he would be happy to be forgotten if he has made the wrong choice, and would be looking for a quick and easy way out
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
LOL "...did you light the grenade?" "No sir"
I assume the understatement is that the junior assumed that the senior would do so himself!
I do not think that Napoleon would call Ney "Ney". They are old comrades, friends, Ney is a Marshal and entitled to a certain respect, and tho I doubt Napoleon would bother using his noble title, I think he would either use Ney's first name, his rank or a familiar greeting such as friend etc
I think everyone, certainly anyone making the report would know who Blucher is - he's like 80 and been around for ever. There's no mystery in his identity
No. You either have King Joachim or Marshal Murat, or if you do want to convey the duality it would be something like "His Majesty, Marshal Murat"
I've realised from these updates that my assumption that we were talking about the putative Napoleon II dying when he did in OTL is completely wrong. Given the ongoing wars on all fronts, I am inclined to think this is 1815, the King of Rome a small child and now Napoleon dead. What succession laws remain in force? Is Eugene still in the line of succession?
I can't see enough of the people who matter following Davout, unless he used the army to take Paris by France and institutes a military dictatorship. Then it would be civil war, and a long and bloody one. Davout is probably too canny to rush into that, and may well not have ambitions to rule anyway, merely to remain in control of what he has. He would therefore back the most powerful claimant, even if that claimant is a child whose power lies not in himself but in his lineage and in his ability to get all other claimants to accept it.
I do not think, however, that a single Regent is going to be allowed. In fact, one consisting of a triumvirate of Eugene, Davout and Jerome probably seems the best.
This is very much like a 3rd or 4th century Roman political crisis, and the players are going to be looking as much to the long game as the short. Someone like Murat is not going to throw away his kingdom and his position within France by pushing too early for something he is in no position to achieve. If he truly wants it, now is the position to begin to lay down careful and detailed plans and to make alliances. Until Napoleon died, the whole idea was preposterous, now with him dead and his son a sickly child it becomes a reality, but not one that is immediately possible.
OK, interesting you have Eugene and Massena in Paris, Soult seems to have gone over to the royalists and Davout continues to be a wild card, presumably in command of the majority of the Grand Armee, which without the Russian campaign is going to have massively more veterans in it. I can see Davout desiring to retain an independent position, both so as to be able to deal for his own fortunes, and in case the uncalled for does happen, but I honestly cannot see him realistically thinking he can seize the purple. People admire his skills and revere him as a commander, but very few people actually like him, and many more dislike him, whilst still acknowledging his genius.
Propaganda surely, considering what democracy is like in Britain at this time, and it would be recognised as such by commanders in the field, but at the same time they would recognise that the fact of London saying it provided them with ammunition to use against the senates and to inspire new fire within the guerillas.
Again the title of king would be for his first name, but you could combine it as per with Murat, some such as "King X (forgotten what Marmont's first name is), Marshal Marmont" or "His Majesty, Marshal Marmont" which whilst difficult would be acceptable since it combines titles from two different polities and it could be argued his lesser title from a greater polity is the more important
Ah now, I really REALLY like this!
One forgets how much of a devious bastard Davout is. But I knew he would be loyal to Napoleon's legacy - let us just hope the King of Rome lives long enough for it to be worthwhile!
Wow, the next chapter is one hell of a jump. If you don't mind me saying so, having some sort of brief Parisienne scene with an acclamation of the Emperor would have broken it up so it wouldn't seem so...shocking
I'm intrigued - have the Poles turned traitor, and if they did, did they do so as a satellite of Saxony or did they ditch Saxony and ally themselves with Russia?
I can certainly see Poniatowski remaining in French service, believing that the current Polish elite have destroyed his cause, and determined to restore it with French arms. It probably works best if the Poles in Warsaw threw off the Saxons and aligned themselves with Russia freely - after all, all previous examples of this course of action has ended disastrously for the Polish nation!
One question that comes to mind is does the Regent have the power to create new Marshals? I think some are definitely needed, and I think that the general consensus would be that Eugene as Regent could do this, whilst being tragically ironic that he himself, who always deserved to be one, cannot now be so elevated because he can hardly elevate himself. But the late Napoleonic elevations of OTL and those which could be seen as likely/imminent of the best of the senior generals would serve to provide an additional boost of loyalty for Davout-Eugene's army here.
Haha! Now I love the Austrians arriving to support France! Never forget that the Habsburgs always saw Napoleon II as one of their own - he was as much a Habsburg prince as a Bonaparte, and in this situation Vienna is going to be looking at him as an emperor who is a scion of the Habsburgs. Austria CAN gain a lot by aligning voluntarily with France, including retrocession of lost lands, and new gains made at the expense of their new joint enemies. And as for the battle, I could certainly see Karl being able to defeat the best that either Russia or Prussia could put into the field.
Don't worry about forgetting Bernadotte - I truly believe he would be happy to be forgotten if he has made the wrong choice, and would be looking for a quick and easy way out
Best Regards
Grey Wolf
Well, despite they were on the verge of collapse, the French even if divided were still quite stong respect to the coalition states... after all, the devasting Russian campaign never happened...
I bet on a survival of the Napoleonic system, but with the various nations de facto indipendent from Paris, and divided between the Napoleonids. IMO Italy will become a Republic or a monarchy under Murat, Germany united under Girolamo's Westfalia except for Prussia or a Republic too (maybe if Girolamo became emperor...), Portugal and Spain maybe united by the king of the first ( if Joseph become emperor), Poland survived and later ate Prussia with Germany.
Naturally, these are my personal opinions...
I bet on a survival of the Napoleonic system, but with the various nations de facto indipendent from Paris, and divided between the Napoleonids. IMO Italy will become a Republic or a monarchy under Murat, Germany united under Girolamo's Westfalia except for Prussia or a Republic too (maybe if Girolamo became emperor...), Portugal and Spain maybe united by the king of the first ( if Joseph become emperor), Poland survived and later ate Prussia with Germany.
Naturally, these are my personal opinions...
[FONT="]Alright Mr. Grey Wolf, I’ll make the necessary changes when I post later. Appreciate the critique![/FONT]
[FONT="]Thank you wolf brother! And I like your opinons, ryu. [/FONT]
[FONT="]X-X[/FONT]
[FONT="]Here are some quotes on Napoleon that I find interesting. (I personally agree with Rude.)[/FONT]
[FONT="]“Napoleon lent his name to an epoch because he symbolized reason enthroned, because he was the philosopher-prince who gave to the dominant aspiration of the age its most typical, most resolute, and most triumphant expression. “ –Geoffrey Bruun in Europe and the French Imperium, 1799-1814. [/FONT]
[FONT="]“The idea of sovereignty, freed from all restraints, and transferred to the people*, had at last given birth to the first modern dictatorship…” –Alfred Cobban in Dictatorship- Its History and Theory.[/FONT]
[FONT="]“Napoleon was indeed a military despot, but he did not destroy the work of the Revolution; in a sense, in a wider European context, he rounded off its work.” –George Rude in Perspectives on the European Past.[/FONT]
[FONT="]*Napoleon used a plebiscite on four separate occasions, in 1800 (for consensus on the Constitution of year VIII), to become consul in 1802, emperor in 1804, and for the Charter Act of 1815.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Thank you wolf brother! And I like your opinons, ryu. [/FONT]
[FONT="]X-X[/FONT]
[FONT="]Here are some quotes on Napoleon that I find interesting. (I personally agree with Rude.)[/FONT]
[FONT="]“Napoleon lent his name to an epoch because he symbolized reason enthroned, because he was the philosopher-prince who gave to the dominant aspiration of the age its most typical, most resolute, and most triumphant expression. “ –Geoffrey Bruun in Europe and the French Imperium, 1799-1814. [/FONT]
[FONT="]“The idea of sovereignty, freed from all restraints, and transferred to the people*, had at last given birth to the first modern dictatorship…” –Alfred Cobban in Dictatorship- Its History and Theory.[/FONT]
[FONT="]“Napoleon was indeed a military despot, but he did not destroy the work of the Revolution; in a sense, in a wider European context, he rounded off its work.” –George Rude in Perspectives on the European Past.[/FONT]
[FONT="]*Napoleon used a plebiscite on four separate occasions, in 1800 (for consensus on the Constitution of year VIII), to become consul in 1802, emperor in 1804, and for the Charter Act of 1815.[/FONT]
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EUGENE
Time was of the essence, and the Austrians had to get into the fight.
A man, elegantly dressed upon a fine white horse, removed his hat at the sight of Eugene. The regent assumed this man was Prince Schwarzenburg. “Hail!” He shouted, riding up. The prince’s horse-guards drew their sabers, but their commander waved them down.
“Hail. You are the Eugene?” His accent was terribly heavy.
“Ah yes! It is good to meet you, Prince Schwarzenburg!”
The guards around the prince started laughing, and the man himself smiled. As Eugene pulled up, he furrowed his brow, “Is something wrong?”
The prince nodded, “Yes there is.” His face suddenly became very serious, and his guards encircled the regent.
His heart sunk. It was all a ploy to get Eugene to come over! Davout had insisted he bring some of Murat’s horse with him, but he had to be the fool and say ‘speed was of the essence, Davout.’ Damnit! What a regent he was. He could only hope one of the marshals would realize the deception and pull out to defend France, and that the Prince Imperial would survive the ensuing war.
“I am not Schwarzenburg. I am Colonel Willet Dietmar.” The man said.
“So… that is the thing that is wrong?” Eugene asked, less unsure of his fate.
“Yes, that is it.” The colonel looked at him oddly, “I will escort you to the Prince though. I have to say, riding the battlefield without a guard is quite daring. Accept my own. Come now.” The colonel began to ride, and the regent obliged, grateful that he was spared from his fantasy captors.
The group traveled quickly to a small tent, which was immaculately clean and unmolested for a battlefield. The colonel and his men dismounted and approached it, so the regent did likewise. Guards stepped out, but the colonel waved them down and then waved the regent in.“You will not win this battle.” The voice of a man in an elaborate white uniform greeted him as he entered. Eugene stared, this man was obviously Schwarzenburg. The prince was relaxing in a chair, as his generals seemed to be locked in a debate.
“Excuse me?”
“You are the Regent of France? Then you will not win this battle.” He rose and silenced the generals. “You’re forces are now shaped like so,” the prince said as he traced a ‘J’ on the map. “The Prussians batter the weaker part of your army,” he said tapping on the curved part of the ‘J’, “while the Russians are pushing back. The Anglo-Swedish army under your former Bernadotte is on its way to link up with the Prussians- if you do not break then you will surely fall when they arrive. This is fact.”
Beauharnais frowned. “You Austrians are confusing me more and more. Why have joined our conflict to only sit idly by then claim defeat before the battle is fought? Explain yourself, Prince Schwarzenburg!”
The prince raised an eyebrow but did not otherwise react. He let a long uncomfortable silence go by, “It is unwise to berate an ally.”
“For all I know, this could be a ploy.”
“Well, regent, you seem to be very open to vocalizing your concerns. You think us to be trying to deceive you?” The prince narrowed his eyes.
“You did a good job with the Russians. “
The prince clenched his fist, and a couple of the generals in the room stiffened. “Why you little-“
“Schwarzenburg, what’s this? Are you are harassing our comrade here?” Another man dressed in a more plain uniform strode into the room, with a smile on his face. His demeanor seemed to cut the tension like a knife. He bowed to Eugene when he stopped in the middle of the tent, “It is good to meet you, Regent Beauharnais. I am Archduke Louis, brother to the Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia and Hungary, Francis I.”
“Good to see you, archduke.” Eugene felt like he was far more amicable than his peer.
“Now, Prince Schwarzenburg, we have our orders. It is time to throw our hat into the fray.” Louis turned to Eugene again, “Go, lead your army. I take it you wish us to engage the Russians so you can allocate your men to the northern front? It shall be done, with posthaste. I will seek you out if there is a major development with us. In the event there is a disaster, we are to meet at Cassel.”
“That… sounds fantastic! Yes, thank you! I will do just that. Push the Russians into the Elbe for me!” Eugene practically skipped out of the tent.
“But of course!”
X-X
SCHWARZENBURG
“You told him he was going to lose?” Louis said, the familiar rage returning to him. Schwarzenburg gritted his teeth but said nothing.“God damnit. Ready the men, we’ll keep Tolly occupied.” Louis began to walk out of the room.
“Sir, I-“
Louis turned, his eyes held burning passion, “Shut up godamnit and do as you are told for once! Now engage the Russians!”
X-X
A letter written by Napoleon II after the Clesay Rebellion, to his mother:
How to explain what I feel about the rebellion? A plethora of regret assaults me when I think about it; I’ll do my best to try and explain. I feel sorrow that my citizens have died, and they felt like the only way to have their voice heard was through violence; it should not be so. I abhor the fact I had to use soldiers on my people- I hate myself for this! To think I am more important than the lives of others- it is detestable to such a degree… But, there is another feeling, deeper and stronger than the sorrow and regret. This is the reason why I write to you now, in this briefest of discourses. It is Wrath. Pure anger. If I could, I would have crushed them with my own fist and wipe their acts from history. I would take their bodies and hang them from posts all along the road to Bordeaux. I would flood the Seine with their blood- dear God! Do you see, mother? Why do I feel like this? …
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ALBRECHT
“Two more!”
An explosion, screaming, then dirt and blood.
“One more!”
Another explosion- the earth seemed to be tearing itself it apart. Albert peaked over the tiny dirt ditch and saw the linemen. Maybe it was the distance and Axel’s imagination, but they seemed just as frightened as he was. “That’s the last of it for now! Let’s take the fight to them- show them your mettle! Over the earthworks! To Dresden!” The captain’s voice waivered in the middle, but Axel dismissed it. They were all feeling the same thing.
The soldier stuck his head out, and not seeing incoming artillery fire, summoned up whatever courage had not run down his pant leg earlier when the batteries opened fire. “Charge!” Axel found himself yelling.
Where did that come from?
Axel and his fellow Swedes bolted across the field. He did not stop to look in either direction, but out of his peripheral he saw red and grey uniforms charging on either side. This was the charge that was intended to break the French lines; Axel gulped.
The man did not stop- he felt like he would never stop. When he reached the French lines, by the grace of God, he almost did not realize he slammed his bayonet down on the riflemen’s head. It was almost like a dream when he was shot in the chest, but returned the favor to the man’s head. He almost did not know his own body grabbed the fallen officer’s sword, and slice the arms off of the other soldier. He slaughtered in a dream-like state.
When he realized he was in the center of the carnage, he stopped, and looked around. They were in the outskirts of Dresden he guessed, and the French were falling back. Had they won?
“Axel! We have to fall back!”
“What?” he asked, turning to look as five or six of his comrades ran past him.
“Goddamn Frenchies wanted us to come in the city. It’s a trap!” The man yelled.
Though Axel had not considered it, the allies had caused the French to fall back fairly quickly. Why was it that no one on the general staff saw this coming?
“Come on! We have to go!”
Axel started to move his feet. He bounded for the edge of Dresden. The bloodlust faded...
This is really awesome so far. You don't see many Napoleonic timelines on the board, and even less where L'Empereur wins in some manner, so this is a real treat. What I really like about this though is the focus on Napoleon's Marshals, who are sadly lacking in most timelines, which is a shame, since they were arguably more important to his Empire then anything else. I love the cameos by Poniatowski and Ney, who were always my favorite Marshals, and would love to see more of them.
Also, great job on the parts with Napoleon Numero Dos. It hints towards dark tidings in the future for France, but with some hope. Can't wait for more.
Also, great job on the parts with Napoleon Numero Dos. It hints towards dark tidings in the future for France, but with some hope. Can't wait for more.
THE IMPERIAL FRENCH HQ, DRESDEN
Davout and Ney toasted. “By God, I thought that I would not get to see the fight! When they realized our men were hiding, and that we ordered the Imperial Guard forward, I do not think a man among them decided it was worth it to die.” Ney said, after downing the glass. Poniatwoski performed sabrage and filled both their glasses before chugging the bottle himself.
The Iron Marshal swirled his second glass and then put it down on the war table. “The plan was perfectly executed. The Swedes and British are racing to the sea, and the Prussians are fortifying Brandenburg. Excellent job.” He nodded at the Polish Marshal. The other man was already grabbing another champagne bottle, and bowed with a slight hindrance to his balance. “But we must focus on the Russians, the battle is not quite over.”
“Do not worry Davout,” The regent strode into the room with a boyish grin on his face, “Poniatwoski, why don’t you open a few bottles of champagne for us?” Everyone turned to see the Polish marshal holding one empty bottle, and was in the process of emptying another. He finished it, then dropped them both, “Of course, for the prince!” He kicked open another crate and began to raid it.
“What do you mean?” Davout asked, as Marshal Murat and King Jerome entered.
“I think that Murat should regale you.” Eugene said, as he turned to see where his champagne was.
“Gladly, mon regent.” Murat said, stepping into the center of the room. Davout and Ney sighed, knowing full well what was about to happen. Officers and soldiers began to filter into the room, and men were peaking in the house from outside. “So, as you know dear marechal, I was battering the Russian lines when you were ordered to advance your lines. I, unaware of the plan, thought you would be pushing them to the river, so I rode right for the it where I encountered the reserves. My adjutant said to me:
‘We should withdraw, King Joachim, there are far too many.’
However, I knew better and replied, ‘We shall defeat the force here, then bring the fight to the Russian rear.’ We did just that. The crème of the Russian crop was there, fighting us with ferocity and valor not before displayed by the Russian hordes. Well, this struggle lasted longer than I anticipated, and when we were finally done cleansing the banks of the Elbe of Russians, I spyed a fleeting figure. This mounted figure- more like a bear than a man- seemed to be heading for where the reserves had been, so I surmised they were a ranking general seeking to ensure the retreat route was secure. I captured the officer and lo and behold, it was none other than-“ Murat turned and swept his arm.
Tsar Alexander, flanked by soldiers on either side. He was obviously ruffled, but the man still held himself well.
“My god!” Ney said, dropping his glass.
“The battle is truly won.” Davout said, taking a sip.
“Yes, and the tsar will be accompanying us back to France. In good faith of course.” Eugene said, holding up a bottle of champagne that Poniatwoski had drunken from earlier. It was bone dry.
“We won’t be pursuing the Swedes?” Ney asked, keeping an eye on Alexander.
Beauharnais shook his head, “No, Berthier is a miracle worker, but supplying an army this large far away from home is very expensive. Jerome, Poniatwoski, Nansouty, and Davout will pursue the Prussians and bring them to heel. We are heading home.” There was a loud cheer outside, Poniatwoski raised a bottle, and all the men in the room were smiling or laughing, save one.
Tsar Alexander smirked, “Think you have won?” His question was lost in the merriment that erupted in the French camp.
X-X
Thank you Mr. Sanity!
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Awesome. Thank you King of Rome for, whether by my intention or yours, putting Ney and Poniatowski in this latest part. Seeing the Tsar was a huge surprise. I also love how dramatic you make Murat, it's perfectly like how he really was. As usual, I can't wait for your next part. There's still so many loose threads the Empire has to deal with, the Prussians, whether the Austrians will continue to be loyal, and the ever-threatening British.
Oh, and Bernadette too. Guy's a total scumbag. I just finished a book on Napoleon's marshals, and the arrogant Gascon actually thought he could become King of France once the coalition defeated Napoleon. After his own Swedish troops fired on French soldiers at Leipzig and Dresden. Yeah, I'm serious.
Oh, and Bernadette too. Guy's a total scumbag. I just finished a book on Napoleon's marshals, and the arrogant Gascon actually thought he could become King of France once the coalition defeated Napoleon. After his own Swedish troops fired on French soldiers at Leipzig and Dresden. Yeah, I'm serious.
Thanks!
Would you mind telling me what book that is? I might try and find it the next time im at B&N.
And I have to say, I basically admire all of Napoleon's marshals, even Bernadotte and Soult in their own little way. They were capable generals, just not as cool as the other ones- to me at least.
Would you mind telling me what book that is? I might try and find it the next time im at B&N.
And I have to say, I basically admire all of Napoleon's marshals, even Bernadotte and Soult in their own little way. They were capable generals, just not as cool as the other ones- to me at least.
Great updates hopefully this battle will finally mean peace for Europe 
D as if)
Just wondering how is the french war effort at home? Also how is the french economy doing under the british blockade?
D as if)Just wondering how is the french war effort at home? Also how is the french economy doing under the british blockade?
Shoot, you must have post a second after I did.
Well, I do want to try and bring things together before we jump ahead a bit.Though, All the posts so far have been like the intro, setting the scene for the main part, which I hope to be the reign of Napoleon II onwards. However, if that part sucks/is uninteresting, i'll re-focus on the immediate post-napoleon part.
Well, I do want to try and bring things together before we jump ahead a bit.Though, All the posts so far have been like the intro, setting the scene for the main part, which I hope to be the reign of Napoleon II onwards. However, if that part sucks/is uninteresting, i'll re-focus on the immediate post-napoleon part.
The book is called Napoleon's Marshals, by R.F Delderfield. I got it along with Marshal Ney, The Bravest of the Brave on my birthday.
Great books, both of them.Soult was a pretty cool guy, competent at the very least. Massena intrigues me as well, what with being a cantankerous old smuggler, Bessieres devoted, Bertheir a bit creepily attached to L'Empereur (He was called the Emperor's Wife for a reason), Grouchy's underrated, and MacDanold's a nice guy. The rest of the marshals I'm either apathetic or at least appreciative of their skills.
Very nice, thank you.
I always admired Desaix (I am a huge fan of the last stand/final charge), LaSalle (excellent cav man, probably better than Murat even), Lannes (he was a pygmy but became a giant), Davout (The Original 'Iron' commander((no offense Wellington fans))), Poniatwoski (POLAND!), Murat (Psh, it's Murat), and Ney (loyal dude). Berthier is... hmm..., Besseiers will be in here a tad later, and Massena was very colorful and a good commander. I have had very limited info on all these men, however. (And a few werent techincally marshals but should of/ would of been)
And I must admit, I am not to educated about their opposing generals, perhaps besides Archduke Charles, Blucher, and Wellington.
I always admired Desaix (I am a huge fan of the last stand/final charge), LaSalle (excellent cav man, probably better than Murat even), Lannes (he was a pygmy but became a giant), Davout (The Original 'Iron' commander((no offense Wellington fans))), Poniatwoski (POLAND!), Murat (Psh, it's Murat), and Ney (loyal dude). Berthier is... hmm..., Besseiers will be in here a tad later, and Massena was very colorful and a good commander. I have had very limited info on all these men, however. (And a few werent techincally marshals but should of/ would of been)
And I must admit, I am not to educated about their opposing generals, perhaps besides Archduke Charles, Blucher, and Wellington.