Jean-Luc & Anna Lise by A. G. Cullen

Author:A. G. Cullen [Cullen, A. G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: EBL books
Published: 2021-12-30T16:00:00+00:00

Bailén Surrender

Thirty-Two

The Escape – Summer, 1808

Appearing stunned by this news, General Vedel says nothing for a few moments, staring at Captain Bouchet. “Surrendered? How can this be? No army of the emperor has ever lost a battle. Are you certain, Captain?”

“Sir, I saw the white flag through my looking glass and saw General Dupont presenting his sword to the Spanish general.”

The shocking news sweeps through the ranks, disturbing the deep confidence of the French army. “They can’t have surrendered,” a few men shout in dismay. Other voices, now frightened, ring out everywhere.

“What will become of us?”

“What about our loot?”

“Will we be trapped in this wretched land forever?”

A few stand fast. “We must fight on!”

“Silence!” the general bellows. “We must see firsthand what is happening. We march to Bailén!”

“A rider from the valley!” a soldier calls.

A lone rider in a captain’s uniform gallops up the road. His uniform is splattered with blood, and his face covered with black soot. Sweat streaks down his brow, cutting rivulets through the grime.

“Sir! I have a dispatch from General Dupont!”

General Vedel takes the message, turning it over as he examines it, noting the imprint in the wax seal. He hesitates, seeming reluctant to read its contents.

Looking over to the disheveled captain, he breaks the seal, then looks down to read.

Several moments pass as the general stares at the note.

“This was given to you directly by General Dupont?” he asks.

“Yes, sir.”

“The general has surrendered?”

“Yes, sir.”

General Vedel again stares at the note as a hush rolls along the line of soldiers.

“Dismount!” he orders. “All company commanders are to meet with me immediately.” He points to a spot shaded by an immense boulder. “Over there.”

A messenger mounts up to deliver the general’s order, galloping alongside the long line of soldiers that stretches far into the mountain pass. Nervous murmuring becomes louder as it spreads among the thousands of soldiers along the road.

The general glances around, seemingly trying to organize his thoughts. He catches sight of Captain Bouchet. “Captain, I know you and your men are not assigned to my division, but please, join us. You must hear this news too.”

General Vedel hands his reins to one of his attachés and slowly makes his way toward a high point within the shade. His walk is heavy.

“I think the general has orders to surrender,” I whisper to Adrien.

Adrien’s eyes blaze. “I’ll never surrender as long as I have a sturdy horse and a sharp sabre!”

My stomach churns, hoping my speculation is wrong.

Within an hour, all the company commanders are gathered near General Vedel. He clutches the communiqué tightly. No sound can be heard as he stares out over the soldiers gathered to hear his commands, their expressions pained and their arms crossed.

Adrien and I are too far away to hear what the general says, but as he speaks, I see most of his commanders bowing their heads. Some go to a knee, holding their foreheads in cupped hands.

The general ends his speech by lifting his fist and shouting, “Vive la France, Vive l’empereur!” The commanders return the chant, but their voices are subdued.

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